History Extra podcast Burying the enemy: commemorating the world wars' fallen foes
Sep 7, 2025
Tim Grady, a Professor of Modern European History and author, delves into the poignant topic of how Britain and Germany managed enemy burials during the World Wars. He discusses the emotional impact of these practices on families and national memory. Grady highlights the complexities of burial customs, shifts in public sentiment towards enemy graves, and the efforts of local communities in fostering reconciliation. Through shared histories and respectful remembrance, he illustrates how perceptions change over time, emphasizing our common humanity even in death.
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Different Causes Across Wars
- Tim Grady explains causes of enemy deaths differed: air combat dominated WWII while POW camp deaths were significant in WWI.
- Influenza, accidents and camp conditions drove many WWI deaths among captured soldiers.
Practicality And Law Shaped Burials
- Practical and legal needs shaped treatment of enemy dead, including sanitation and Hague/Geneva obligations.
- Treatment varied from dignified POW funerals to careless mass disposal in late-war Nazi Germany.
Burials Used As Diplomatic Signals
- Both sides used respectful treatment of enemy dead as propaganda to secure reciprocal care for their own casualties.
- Public funerals and press coverage proved national honour and urged similar treatment abroad.
