Hooge Crater Cemetery — Attraction in Ypres

Something about this cemetery moved me greatly, maybe more than Tyne Cot. It is very somber and so quiet except for the odd bit of bird song. If you visit here then go and spend some time on the bench under a small tree on the right hand edge about halfway down. I found it very emotional and moving. What really struck me here was the very high percentage and concentration of headstones with simply the line "A soldier of the great war known unto God". No name, no regiment, no country. It is a small but powerfull reminder of the cost of war. EVERY school child should be bought to Pashendale and shown Tyne Cot, Hooge Crator and the Menin Gate but also one of the German cemeteries and memorials like Langemark and drum into these kids heads that this is the only thing that comes from war! Advice It is more powerful to walk this cemetery by yourself away from your group or family etc. Take your time to wonder where you feel drawn. NOTEI strongly advise you to take a small wooden British Legion cross with you as I guarantee you will feel drawn to and want lay one at a chosen grave. Take a pen and write a message, note, or prayer on the back that will be known only to you. (They do sell them over the road at the restaurant/shop or you can pick one up in Ypres from the RBL shop just down from the Menin Gate if you forget or if you...

This is the headstone of Private P. Bugden VC of the Australian Imperial Forces. Private Budgen died saving wounded soldiers, and his grave is close to the site, Hooge Crater. The cemetery contains close to 6,000 soldiers. It's worth visiting what remains of the battlefield over the road from...

Incredible cemetery to honor the lives of 600,000 soldiers, it’s beautiful but haunting but worth visiting if you’re interesting in war history and the site immaculately maintained and very pleasant. Really opens your eyes to how different...