Shorncliffe Military Cemetery

Shorncliffe Military Cemetery sits in a hollow on the hillside above Sandgate in Kent, in south-east England, looking out over Hythe Bay. Closely tied to the nearby Shorncliffe Camp for more than 150 years, it is a quiet, well-kept place of remembrance and one of the most significant Canadian war cemeteries in England.

How did the cemetery begin?

It was established in the 1850s to bury soldiers based at Shorncliffe Camp and their family members. The first recorded burial dates from August 1856. Over the following decades it served the garrison, and today its graves from different eras form a record of military life on this stretch of coast.

Who is buried here?

The largest group comes from the First World War: 471 burials, more than 300 of them Canadian. Canadian training units and hospitals were based in the area, and many of those buried here died in air raids on Shorncliffe. The Second World War accounts for 81 graves, including an unidentified British soldier from 1940, an American pilot and a Polish soldier.

People of other nationalities are also commemorated, among them China, South Africa, the United States, Australia and Portugal. A screen wall recalls 18 Belgians who were first buried in a mausoleum that has since been demolished. You will also find the graves of two British service personnel who died during operations in Afghanistan, and the resting place of John Doohan, a Victoria Cross recipient (1853-1940).

Canada Day at Shorncliffe

In 1917, Edward Palmer, founder and editor of the local newspaper the Hythe Reporter, proposed inviting local dignitaries and schoolchildren to a service honouring the Canadians buried here. Since then the service has been held every 1 July, Canada Day, apart from the years of the Second World War. Children traditionally lay flowers at the graves.

Practical tips for visitors

• The cemetery is on the hill above Sandgate in the Folkestone and Hythe district, so it combines well with a walk around the village and the seafront.
• It is an active place of remembrance, so visitors are expected to be quiet and respectful.
• The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) runs free guided tours here; one took place on 17 September 2025 and another is listed for 16 September 2026. Advance booking is required.
• For details of individual burials, consult the CWGC database.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cemetery open to visitors? Yes, it is a place of remembrance that visitors can enter, provided they keep the peace and show respect. Check current arrangements before you go.

How many Canadians are buried here? More than 300 of the 471 First World War burials are Canadian, mostly soldiers linked to nearby training camps and hospitals.

When is the annual ceremony? On 1 July, Canada Day. The tradition began in 1917 and was interrupted only during the Second World War.

Are there Second World War graves? Yes, 81 of them, including a Polish soldier and an American pilot.

Can I visit with a guide? The CWGC offers free tours on selected dates, with advance booking.

Shorncliffe Military Cemetery is a short but moving stop for anyone interested in military history, the links between Canada and Britain, or the story of the Kent coast. People from many countries and eras are remembered in one small space, and the yearly ceremony shows that their memory is still alive in the local community. Allow at least an hour to walk slowly along the rows of graves and read the inscriptions.