Ranville war cemetery
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Ranville – A British War Cemetery in Normandy

Ranville cemetery in Normandy is the final resting place of predominantly British soldiers killed in the Battle of Normandy. Many of the fallen were from the British 6th Airborne Division who attacked Pegasus bridge on D-Day at nearby Benouville.

Ranville war cemetery

Ranville is situated 10km north east of Caen and was the first village to be liberated on D-Day. This part of the conflict was covered by the Sword Beach sector.

The Cemetery

There are 2563 graves in Ranville cemetery. 2152 are British, 76 Candian, 3 New Zealand, 1 Australian, 5 French, 1 Polish, 1 Belgian, 322 German and 2 unidentified nationalities. As with other war cemeteries, it is very well maintained.

Ranville cemetery

The Churchyard

In the adjacent churchyard there are 47 British graves and one unknown British soldier. You can find these graves as you go through the main gate to the church. If you then turn right, they’re set against the stone wall surrounding the churchyard.

Ranville war cemetery
Ranville cemetery

Ranville cemetery is on rue du Comte Louis de Rohan Chabot. However, there isn’t much parking at the cemetery. There are a few spaces in front of the churchyard and a few at the post office (La Poste) just opposite. Otherwise, there is a hall near to the Mairie (the town hall) and you may find parking spaces there.

Ranville war cemetery

How To Find A Grave

As you go through the gate and stone archway, you’ll see the cemetery register which is kept in an open safe. There’s a plan of the plots and a list of all the soldiers and reference numbers for the graves.

I visited the war cemetery on a beautifully sunny February day. For the majority of the time I was the only person there apart from the gardeners and maintenance staff. Below is the grave and register entry for Jack Robinson who was just 19 when he was killed in action on 26th June 1944.

Ranville war cemetery

If you’d like to find a grave, you can do so on this website.

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