The Battles of Kohima and Imphal
Visitors to the CWGC’s Kohima War Cemetery in north-eastern India might be surprised when they reach the heart of the cemetery and find a tennis court. This unusual memorial is carefully maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission staff in memory of those who fought and died at Kohima in 1944.
They could not have known it at the time but the holding of this tennis court would be a turning point of the war against the Japanese. The survivors erected their own memorial in the cemetery. It bears a memorable inscription - a challenge to future generations:
‘When you go home, tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow, we gave our today’
Go on a virtual pilgrImage
Kohima War Cemetery is one of the most striking CWGC cemeteries anywhere in the world.
Located on the hill side, the panoramic views from the cemetery itself offer incredible insight into the challenges of the battle, and the recreation of the famous tennis court places visitors right on the epicentre some of the most brutal fighting of the war.
There are 1420 Commonwealth burials of the second world war within the cemetery as well as 917 names of Hindu and Sikh soldiers, who’s remains were cremated in accordance with their faith, recorded on The Kohima Cremation Memorial.
Go on a virtual tour of the cemetery during a visit or from the comfort of your own home.
Access the Kohima virtual tour via the Memory Anchor app, available on IOS and Android.
Download FREE app for iOS Download FREE app for Android
SHARE THE STORIES OF KOHIMA AND IMPHAL
Find out more about some of the people involved in these pivotal moments in the Burma Campaign. Visit For Evermore: Stories of the Fallen, our online commemorative resource to read and share their fascinating stories.
All images © IWM unless otherwise indicated.