British Cemetery

Hours: The British Cemetery on Ocracoke Island serves as a memorial to four British Royal Navy sailors who lost their lives in 1942 when their ship, the HMT Bedfordshire, was attacked by a German U-boat. The remains of these men were found washed ashore, and the local community provided a small plot of land for their burial, which is now permanently leased to the British Commonwealth. Each year, a memorial ceremony is held at the cemetery, with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, British Royal Navy, and Canadian forces, honoring the sacrifice of these men who died defending American shores. The cemetery is a solemn and touching reminder of the historical events that unfolded during World War II, and visitors are encouraged to visit and pay their respects to the fallen sailors.

1. Ocracoke, North Carolina