German War Cemetery

Attraction
The only war cemetery in Australia dedicated to German civilians and POWs
German War Cemetery
German War Cemetery
Gallery showing 3 of 3 images

About

The German War Cemetery, Tatura, is historically significant as the first foreign war cemetery to be established in Australia and as one of five war cemeteries established by the Australian War Graves Commission in Victoria after the end of World War II. It provided for the reburial of German internees and Prisoners of War who died whilst detained in Australia during World War I and II. Bodies were exhumed from cemeteries throughout Australia and reinterred at this cemetery which is located in close proximity to the largest group of World War II internment camps constructed in Australia.

It contains the graves of 191 World War I and 59 World War II internees, including 11 Prisoners of War. Headstones and plaques are arranged in rows around the perimeter, with the original World War II section located at the front and the World War I section located at the rear. Each grave is marked by a bronze plaque with the deceased's name and date of death, the Iron Cross signifying the grave of a Prisoner of War and the Latin Cross that of a civilian internee. It is the only war cemetery in Australia dedicated to German civilians and Prisoners of War.

Hours

Closed now

Daily: 08:00–18:30

Facilities and visitor features

4 features
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)

Reviews & Ratings

Nick Beatnik

Nick Beatnik

Google review

Tatura is on the land of Yorta Yorta traditional owners. This yard was established in 1876. It is a large well kept yard on flat land, with graded paths, so it will not present much difficulty for people with limited mobility. Parking is on the street out front and available inside the yard. There is seating, shade, rubbish bins, water and toilet facilities. Historical graves are well kept and readable, it looks like they have been cleaned recently. The cemetery is still in use today, with a lawn section for cremated remains. Next to the general cemetery is a separate section designated the Tatura German War Cemetery. There is a Heritage Council notice that says it was the first foreign war cemetery in Australia. It was officially consecrated in 1958 and contains the remains of 250 Germans who died in Australia during the two 'world wars'. There are 239 civilian internees who were detained in camps for being German, and 11 prisoners of war. Remains were brought from other cemeteries around the country to be reburied here.

Where you'll be

153 Winter Road

Tatura VIC 3616