After a visit to the archives last week I came across an interesting order in relation to 'Burials'. Issued to the 27th Armoured Brigade ahead of Operation Overlord, section 29 lists the conditions for the burial of the dead.

1. Burial site for those killed on beaches and in assembly areas will be reserved by Beach Sub area immediately inland of beaches.

Two examples of these areas that spring to mind is one a hundred yards to the east of Montgomery's statue on Rue de la Mer, Colleville-Montgomery. The other close to Canada House in Bernieres. The men buried there would be moved at a later date during grave concentrations.

2. Units may arrange temporary cemeteries in case of need, but isolated site are to be avoided. Whenever possible enquiry should be made of the nearest formation H.Q with a view to use of a site already established.

An isolated site can be seen here on June 7th. Trooper Barton, 1st East Riding Yeomanry had been killed in action on D-Day. The crew returned to the tank the next day, sadly they had to cut him into two with a knife to remove him. Harrowing but the reality of what the men faced.