Have you noticed the rows of dark metal crosses? These mark the Cimetière militaire allemand de Wervicq-Sud. It is a place of somber reflection. Here lie soldiers who died in the First World War.
The Cimetière militaire allemand de Wervicq-Sud holds over 2,500 souls. Specifically, 2,498 German soldiers and 8 Austro-Hungarian soldiers rest here. This cemetery is located in the Nord department. It is in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The cemetery sits in the countryside. It is about 3 km south of Wervicq-Sud.
Originally, the cemetery was in the park of the Château Blanc. In 1919, the Dalle-Dumont family bought the château. They moved the cemetery in May 1921. It was moved to the foot of the hill. Graves from temporary cemeteries were also moved here.
Around 500 soldiers buried here died in the First Battle of Ypres. This battle took place in October and November 1914. Many trees were planted during the interwar period to give shade to the fallen. In 1974, the wooden tombs were replaced. They were replaced with metal crosses. The crosses bear the names and dates of the dead.
The Cimetière militaire allemand de Wervicq-Sud is a large rectangle. It measures 230 meters long and 120 meters wide. This makes it over 2 hectares in size. Thirty-six graves are anonymous. Thirteen graves belong to soldiers of the Jewish faith.
A German monument was erected in 1915. It stands in the park of the Château Dalle-Dumont. The monument shows a nurse tending to a man in bed. During the Great War, the occupiers set up a cemetery. It was next to the Lazarett. The Lazarett was in the château. Wounded soldiers were treated there. They were injured in the sector near Ypres.
The Cimetière militaire allemand de Wervicq-Sud is a reminder of war’s cost. It is a place to remember those who died far from home. Take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice. Consider the impact of war on individuals and nations. Let us hope for a more peaceful future.