Commonwealth Memorial of the Missing Bayeux

The Memorial of the Missing was designed by architect P.D. Hepworth, known for his work for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The memorial was unveiled on 5 June 1955 by the Duke of Gloucester.

It is constructed in white Portland stone and reflects classical design, with a roof upheld by four stately columns. It is set at the heart of a green lawn and is flanked by beds of low-growing laurestinus. It faces the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Bayeux, which lies across the road.

In adjacent shelters, are large panels with engravings of the names of 1,808 missing soldiers : 1,537 British, 270 Canadians and 1 South-African. They are grouped by regiment and nationality. Among the names are 189 men of the 43rd Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment who died aboard the MV Derrycunihy. On 23 July 1944, while anchored off Ouistreham near Sword Beach, the ship struck a submerged German mine at 08:00, tearing through the hull. It remains the greatest British loss of life off the Normandy beaches.

These soldiers have no known grave. Their body has never been found or is buried under one of the many headsones with the text "Known unto God".

A free translation of the text on the memorial "Nos a Gulielmo victi victoris patriam liberavimus" is "We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror's native land". this points to Willem the Conqueror who invaded England in 1066 and was crowned to Willem the 1st.

The wheelchair access is on the left-hand side.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Barry van Veen