A Guide’s Guide to the Somme: The Cross of Sacrifice

In the first of our Guide’s Guides series, we turn over to our amazing Guides to share what they’ve learned during their time with us.

First up is Cameron Ward who is educating us on one of the most iconic elements of CWGC Cemeteries: The Cross of Sacrifice.

I Think You Should know About the Cross of Sacrifice

The Cross of Sacrifice is a feature you will see frequently in cemeteries on the Somme.

Image: An iconic Cross of Sacrifice

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission wished to have something in their sites that would reflect the faith of the majority of soldiers buried in the cemetery. With its Christian cross shape, the Cross of Sacrifice does just that.

Each cross is usually made of a white Portland stone, but they can sometimes be made of granite or other stone varieties. The Cross comes in four sizes, which range from 4.4 metres tall to just over 9 metres tall.

The range in sizes allows for the Cross to proportionally fit in with the various sizes of cemeteries around the world. On the Cross sits a sword which is designed so that the cross guard matches perfectly where the shaft and arms of the cross meet.

Historically, the is made of bronze, but recently more sustainable materials have been used in some climates.

Although the cross is a Christian symbol, the Cross of Sacrifice is specially designed so that it can be symbolic to soldiers and visitors of all faiths and religions.

According to Fabian Ware, the founder of the CWGC: “To some, it is a Christian cross; to others, the stone is irrelevant and the sword itself is the cross; and to others, the artwork symbolises those who sacrificed themselves to the sword.”

The Story of Sir Reginald Blomfield

Image: Sir Reginald Blomfield 

Sir Reginald Blomfield was one of the principal architects for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

He was the architect that designed the Menin Gate in Belgium, but he is also the person who designed the Cross of Sacrifice.

He was not the only architect to submit designs for the Cross of Sacrifice. Other principal architects like Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker both submitted their own designs.

However, having seen their Gothic and Medieval interpretations, Blomfield felt the Commission should do away with those sentiments. In his memoirs he said:

"What I wanted to do in designing this cross was to make it as abstract and impersonal as I could, to free it from association with any particular style, and, above all, to keep clear of any of the sentimentalities of Gothic. This was a man’s war too terrible for any fripperies, and I hoped to get within range of the infinite in this symbol of the ideals of those who had gone out to die."

It is Blomfield’s design that was chosen and is now seen in cemeteries all across the globe.

Check Out These Details of the cross of sacrifice…

• The Sword - Blomfield took design inspiration from what he had around him. The design for the sword is actually drawn from a sword that Blomfield hung in his home in Rye, East Sussex. You can see the original sword in the local museum in Rye!
• The Base - The base of the Cross of Sacrifice is octagonal in shape. This allows the Cross to suit cemeteries with both squared and curved walls. The base also gives visitors a place to sit when they are in the cemetery.
• The Lines - The lines on the shaft of the Cross are tapered, meaning they curve slightly. This is an optical correction technique known as ‘entasis’ which ensures the Cross looks proportional from a distance.

My Connection to the Cross of Sacrifice…

Image: CWGF Guide Cameron Ward

I grew up near Rye, the home of Reginald Blomfield. I find it fascinating to think that the sword in the Cross of Sacrifice, seen by so many people for over a century, is copied from a sword that is still on display today. I have always loved learning about the Great War and pursued this passion at University where I found out about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

I was part of the CWGC Guide Programme in 2022, leading tours in cemeteries in France. I loved being able to spread the knowledge of Rye’s connection to the CWGC’s commemoration across the globe. 

Learn more about our Guides

The CWGF Guides Programme is our way of giving young history enthusiasts the chance to get out in the field to discover and share the stories of our war dead.

They become the eyes and ears of the Commission and Foundation on the ground at key sites in France and Belgium.

Visit our Guides page to learn more.