The Only British Territory in North Carolina Holds 4 Sailors Who Died Protecting American Shores

Ocracoke Island’s British Cemetery in North Carolina

Just off the beaten path on Ocracoke Island sits a peculiar plot that belongs completely to Great Britain.

You won’t need your passport to visit, but you will need to catch a ferry to this remote island where four Royal Navy sailors have been resting since 1942.

Here’s why this small plot of land deserves a spot on your North Carolina travel list.

A British Ship Sunk by a German U-boat

The story begins in May 1942 when the HMT Bedfordshire was hunting German U-boats off the Outer Banks. The ship was torpedoed by U-558 on May 11, and all 37 crew members died.

Four sailors’ bodies washed up on Ocracoke Island. Local residents buried them with respect, creating what we now know as the British Cemetery.

This Tiny Plot is Legally British Territory

What makes this cemetery special is that it’s legally British soil. The North Carolina State Property Office gave a forever lease for this tiny 2,290-square-foot plot in 1976.

It’s probably the smallest Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in the world. This arrangement means these sailors rest on British soil even though they’re thousands of miles from home, showing the strong bond between the US and UK.

The Memorial Ceremony Happens Every May

Each May, people gather for a ceremony that has become an island tradition. In 2025, it happens on May 10, marking 83 years since the Bedfordshire sank.

Representatives from British and American navies attend, along with locals and Ocracoke School students. The ceremony includes both national anthems, wreath-laying, readings, a 21-gun salute, and bagpipes to honor the fallen.

Two Named Sailors and Two Unknown Rest Here

The cemetery holds four sailors from the British and Canadian Royal Navies. Only two were identified: Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Cunningham and Stanley Craig. They were part of the 37-person crew who died when their ship sank.

The marker reads “In memory of these British sailors, to whom the King and country owe a debt beyond payment.” A fifth sailor washed up on Hatteras Island and is buried there.

The Cemetery Design Mixes British and American Elements

The design blends British military tradition with coastal elements. A white picket fence surrounds the plot, and both the Union Jack and American flag fly overhead.

At the center stands a simple but dignified stone marker. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the grounds, with help from locals.

Maritime touches like ropes and anchors connect it to its naval history, while native plants tie it to the Outer Banks.

Torpedo Junction Was Once the Deadliest Waters

These sailors were casualties in what historians call “The Battle of the Atlantic.” Early in 1942, German U-boats ran “Operation Drumbeat,” attacking ships along the East Coast.

The waters off North Carolina became so dangerous they were nicknamed “Torpedo Junction.” Britain sent trawlers like the Bedfordshire to help American forces protect shipping lanes, showing the teamwork that would eventually win the war.

The Coast Guard and Locals Keep it Beautiful

The U.S. Coast Guard officially maintains the cemetery for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Local residents have also helped care for it since 1942.

The Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board has funded improvements to protect against flooding and erosion. This community effort shows how much the island respects the sailors who died protecting American shores.

Authors and Poets Draw Inspiration Here

Over the years, the cemetery has inspired many writers and poets. It appears in Pat Conroy’s novel “Beach Music” and several documentaries.

Local author Ellen Fulcher Cloud wrote about it in “Ocracoke Lighthouse and the Old Salts,” saving the stories of islanders who found the sailors’ bodies. The site continues to inspire creative works about coastal North Carolina.

Hurricanes Have Never Destroyed the Graves

Despite Ocracoke’s hurricane risk, the cemetery has survived many big storms, including Dorian (2019) and Isabel (2003). Though flooding sometimes affects the grounds, the grave markers stay largely intact.

After major storms, officials from both countries check the site. This toughness mirrors the memorial’s importance as a symbol of sacrifice and friendship that stands the test of time.

The Cemetery is Small but Easy to Find

You’ll find it at the end of British Cemetery Road near the heart of Ocracoke Village, about a quarter-mile from Silver Lake Harbor. It’s tucked between houses and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Most people are surprised by how small it is—just 0.05 acres—but the intimate size makes it more moving. There’s no dedicated parking, but you can easily find spots nearby in the village.

Visit These Attractions Near the Cemetery

When you visit the cemetery, you’re close to several great attractions. In 2025, time your visit around events like the Scallywag 5K/10K/Half Marathon (April 26-27), Earth Day Weekend (April 11-13), or the cemetery ceremony (May 10).

The Ocracoke Lighthouse stands just a short walk away. Check out the Ocracoke Island Museum to learn about maritime history, grab food at Howard’s Pub or Dajio, or enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Ferry Information and Visiting Tips

The British Cemetery is open year-round with no entry fee, though donations through the Ocracoke Foundation are welcome. Be respectful when visiting, as this is a memorial site.

Photos are allowed, but don’t sit on or touch the monuments. The best time to visit is April through October when ferry service runs more often.

To reach Ocracoke in 2025, take one of three ferry routes: Hatteras (free vehicle ferry at the north end or the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry May 13-September 15), Swan Quarter (paid, to Silver Lake), or Cedar Island (paid, to Silver Lake).

Book ferry reservations up to 90 days ahead, especially during summer.