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Cambridge American Cemetery

About Cambridge American Cemetery

Overview

The Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial site in England, 30.5 acres in total, was donated by the University of Cambridge.

It lies on a slope with the west and south sides framed by woodland. The cemetery contains the remains of 3,811 of our war dead; 5,127 names are recorded on the Walls of the Missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Most died in the Battle of the Atlantic or in the strategic air bombardment of northwest Europe.

From the flagpole platform near the main entrance, the great mall with its reflecting pools stretches eastward. It is from the mall that the wide, sweeping curve of the burial area across the lawn is best appreciated. Along the south side are the Walls of the Missing, and at the far end is the memorial with a chapel, two huge military maps, stained glass windows bearing the state seals and military decorations, and a mosaic ceiling memorial honoring the dead of our air forces.

A new, 4,000-square-foot visitor center opened in May 2014. Through interpretive exhibits that incorporate personal stories, photographs, films, and interactive displays, visitors will gain a better understanding of this critical campaign that contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during World War II.

2023- Access Statement for Cambridge American Cemetery

 

Dedicated

1956

Location

United Kingdom

Acres

30.5

Burials

3811

Missing in Action

5127

Getting There

Cambridge American Cemetery is situated three miles west of the university city of Cambridge, England.

A new, 4,000-square-foot visitor center opened in May 2014. Through interpretive exhibits that incorporate personal stories, photographs, films, and interactive displays, visitors will gain a better understanding of this critical campaign that contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. Interactive displays in the visitor center include the Battle of the Atlantic and Americans in Great Britain.

Accessibility Statement

Directions

The cemetery and visitor center are open to the public daily and on the majority of host country public holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cemetery is closed on December 25 and January 1. The cemetery, visitor center and car park are fully wheelchair-accessible. All visitor services at the cemetery are free.

Admission is FREE and does not require booking in advance.
Madingley Road
Coton
Cambridge CB23 7PH
United Kingdom

Travel north from London on the motorway M11. Leave at junction 13 and turn left onto road A1303. From the north-west (Peterborough) on A14 stay in lane for A1307. Leave dual carriageway and at the first roundabout turn right and stay on A1307. After the next roundabout turn left to Madingley. Drive through village, straight across the next roundabout. Carry on to final roundabout and turn left onto A1303. From the east on the A14. Stay in lane for A428. Leave road at Hardwick junction; cross A428 and re-join eastbound. Take exit for A1303.

Cambridge may be reached by train from the King’s Cross and Liverpool Street stations. Travel time is about one hour.

London is about 60 miles from the cemetery and is served by Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Within a 30 minute drive of the cemetery are two other international airports – Stansted and Luton.

Taxis are available at the Cambridge rail station. And the No. 4 service bus and the City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off bus also stop and pick up directly at the cemetery gates.

Hotels are available in Cambridge.

Background

After preventing a German invasion in 1940, the United Kingdom became the center of Allied offensive operations in Europe. The arrival of American forces—by sea, air, and ground—transformed Britain into a vital staging ground for the war.

The Eighth Air Force, based in Britain, carried out strategic bombing missions that severely weakened German war power. Meanwhile, Allied forces launched campaigns from the UK into North Africa, Sicily, and Italy before preparing for the massive D-Day invasion in 1944.

By the time of the Normandy landings, 1.6 million American troops were stationed in Britain, with 1.2 million joining the battle on the continent within three months. More than 3 million Americans passed through the British Isles during the war, forging lasting bonds between the two nations.

The Cambridge American Cemetery stands as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made and the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the UK.

Accessibility Statement

Cambridge History Map
Cambridge History Map

Timeline

  • Before December 1941:

    • American merchant seamen supported Britain in the Battle of the Atlantic.
    • Volunteer American Eagle Squadrons joined the Royal Air Force (RAF), fighting in the skies over Britain.
  • December 1941: The U.S. entered World War II, leading to a massive influx of American air, ground, and naval forces into Britain.

  • August 1942 – May 1945: The Eighth Air Force, based in Britain, launched strategic bombing campaigns against German targets across Europe.

  • November 1942: 75% of the American troops stationed in Britain were deployed to North Africa as part of the Allied invasion.

  • 1943: U.S. forces took part in campaigns to liberate North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, influencing troop deployments.

  • Mid-1943: The Allied decision to launch a cross-Channel invasion of Normandy in 1944 led to a renewed buildup of U.S. forces in Britain—nicknamed the “Friendly Invasion.”

  • June 6, 1944 (D-Day): 1.6 million American troops were stationed in Britain.

  • Within three months of D-Day: 1.2 million U.S. troops were deployed into battle on the European continent.

  • 1942–1945: Over 3 million Americans passed through the British Isles during World War II, forming strong bonds with their British allies.

Burial Search

More than 200,000 fallen service members are honored at an ABMC site. Search the burial database.

Vintage Poster

Vintage posters convey the beauty, tranquility, and solemnity of the place as a sign of respect for those who fought so that we can live free today.

A vintage poster was created by French artist DOZ for all ABMC cemeteries and five monuments and memorials to mark ABMC’s centennial. Inspired by the famous photographers from the 1950’s who made a point of capturing joyful, light hearted moments of life, these posters represent the most symbolic and iconic elements of each site.

At this time, we are not offering printed versions of the posters, but the high-resolution printing file for each poster is available here for personal use. Please note that the posters are copyrighted and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes. Please contact ABMC Public Affairs at publicaffairs@abmc.gov with any questions.

NEWS & EVENTS

Featured Event

Before you visit

Etiquette, FAQs, and other trip planning resources

Etiquette

Please remember that ABMC cemeteries are sacred burial grounds, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We ask that you conduct yourself with the utmost respect and solemnity during your visit. Kindly refrain from any behavior that might disturb the peace and dignity of this hallowed place. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Trip Planning Resources

Photos

Contact Us

Cambridge American Cemetery
Madingley Road
Coton
Cambridge CB23 7PH
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1954 210 350