Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II American military cemetery in Cambridgeshire, about 7 km (4.3 mi) north-west of central Cambridge. It lies between the villages of Coton and Madingley, which is why locals often call it simply the Madingley cemetery. It holds the graves of 3,811 American war dead, and the walls of its memorial carry the names of a further 5,127 service members who went missing during the war.

What is this place?

The cemetery covers 30.5 acres (12.3 ha) of gently sloping ground. It was dedicated in 1956 and is one of 26 overseas military cemeteries run by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The grounds are kept like a park, with broad lawns, clipped hedges and rows of white marble crosses and Stars of David.

Many of those buried here served in the air forces and navy, and the countryside around Cambridge hosted numerous airfields during the war. The cemetery is therefore tied closely to the story of the bomber campaign launched from eastern England.

How is the site laid out?

The grounds form a quarter circle. The entrance, visitor centre and flagpole stand at the narrow tip. As you enter, the Walls of the Missing, the reflecting pool and the memorial chapel come into view on your right. The walls bear the names of soldiers, airmen and sailors whose remains were never recovered. A bronze rosette beside a name shows that the person was later identified.

The visitor centre sits to the left, along a short path. Inside you will find photographs, interactive films from the war years and memorabilia from the period. It makes a good first stop, because it explains why so many Americans were in Britain and what role the eastern counties played.

Practical information

• Admission: free, no booking required. All visitor services are free of charge.
• Opening hours: daily 9:00 to 17:00, closed on 25 December and 1 January. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing.
• Staff: a staff member is on duty during opening hours to answer questions and help relatives find graves and memorial sites.
• Accessibility: the cemetery, visitor centre and car park are fully wheelchair accessible.
• Getting there: from London take the M11 north, leave at junction 13 and turn left onto the A1303. The cemetery is on Madingley Road in Coton.

Frequently asked questions

How many people are buried at Cambridge American Cemetery?

There are 3,811 American war dead buried here. A further 5,127 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. Entry and all visitor services are free.

When was the cemetery dedicated?

In 1956.

Who manages the cemetery?

The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), which looks after 26 overseas military cemeteries.

How long should I plan for a visit?

A quiet walk around the grounds, the chapel, the Walls of the Missing and the visitor centre exhibition usually takes one to two hours.

Why visit?

The Madingley cemetery combines the calm of the English countryside with the weight of history. It is a place for reflection and a key stop for anyone interested in aviation history and the Second World War. It is easy to reach from Cambridge, so you can pair it with a visit to the university city and nearby villages. Keep your voice low and show respect: this is the resting place of thousands of young people who died far from home.