Saint-Desir-de-Lisieux War Cemetery

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598 graves: 569 British, 16 Canadian, 6 Australian, 1 New Zealander, 5 South African, 1 American

The entrance is side-ways on and opens on to large lawns. The Cross of Sacrifice is aligned with the central alley. Beyond is a small octagonal kiosk, the only visitors' room. Over a low trimmed-hedge on three sides are views of the surrounding fields, distant countryside and the neighbouring German cemetery. Inside the hedgerow bordering the road are trees and flowering shrubs. Facing the Cross, apple-trees line the central alley and clumps of Lavender mark each row of headstones. From Spring time to Summer, perennial plants and rose-trees in flower give each tomb a burst of colour.

The site was first used by the Germans in the Battle of Normandy. Later, the British buried their dead here by the side of the German cemetery. These soldiers lost their lives during the German retreat to the Seine. A few soldiers of the First World War have been transferred here.

In spite of its proximity to the road, the R.N. 13, this little cemetery in the heart of the Pays d'Auge is a pleasant place to wander into on fine days.

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