Consider the soldiers of Comines. They are resting eternally within these grounds. This is the Cimetière de Comines. This cemetery reflects Comines’ history. It is a place of remembrance. The Cimetière de Comines actually consists of two cemeteries. They are the Cimetière Nord and the Cimetière Sud.
The Cimetière Nord holds many grand tombs. These belong to the families of Comines’ ribbon makers. The Cimetière Sud features a monument. It honors the children of Sainte-Marguerite. These children sacrificed themselves for their country. A small monument marks their sacrifice. It is topped with a “poilu” helmet.
The town of Comines suffered during both World Wars. German troops occupied it. Many civilians and soldiers became victims. Today, the town preserves military heritage. This heritage includes French and German memorials. They stand as witnesses to the town’s darkest hours.
One can find war memorials at the Cimetière Nord. There is a French monument to honor those who died in the Franco-Prussian War. It reads, “To the memory of the children of Comines who died for the Fatherland”. A German monument also stands in the Cimetière Nord. It commemorates German victims of World War I.
The Cimetière Sud also has a French war memorial. It honors the children of the Sainte-Marguerite district. They also died for their country. These three French monuments honor victims. They commemorate those from Comines who died in later conflicts. These include decolonization conflicts of the 20th century.
Five British soldiers from World War II are buried in the northern cemetery. One is unidentified. Private Leonard Oscar Hall died on May 25, 1940. He was 22. Fusilier Paul Scrutton died on June 1, 1940. He was 20. Private Leonard Symonds also died on May 25, 1940. He was 22. Private Ronald Arthur Thomas died on May 25, 1940. He was 20 years old.
The Cimetière Sud opened in 1865. Sylvie Dumortier donated land to the town. Her husband was Henri Cardon. She stipulated that it be used as a cemetery. It was to serve the parish of Sainte Marguerite. You can find the family plot in A2.
The cemeteries are open daily. From April 1 to November 2, the hours are 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. From November 3 to March 31, the hours are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The main entrance on Rue des Arts provides wheelchair access.
The Cimetière de Comines is more than a burial ground. It is a place of history. It is a place of remembrance. It reflects the sacrifices of Comines’ people.