The Anzio War Cemetery, Anzio , Italy

The site for this cemetery was selected not long after the landings at Anzio and the burials here date from the period immediately following the landings.

Anzio War Cemetery contains 1,056 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.

Walking through here I was struck by the young ages of the men killed in war - average age probably around 20/21 - a tragic waste of young lives and sadness brought to many familes - but, without their bravery, the world would be a different place today.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE SHALL REMEMBER.

Anzio 22 January - 3 June 1944

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side.

Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east.

Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until May.

More information here > Commonwealth War Cemeteries <


The cemetery was designed by Louis de Soissons.