Our sites in challenging locations
CWGC cares for 23,000 locations in over 150 countries. Sadly, some of our sites are located in conflict zones presenting a considerable challenge to the safety of our team members and maintenance. We try to compile reports and updates on their condition when the situation on the ground allows. Read our current status updates below.
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CWGC War Cemeteries in Gaza
An example of past conflict damage to Gaza War Cemetery.
As a result of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, both Gaza War Cemetery and Deir El Balah War Cemetery have suffered extensive damage.
GAZA WAR CEMETERY, Gaza
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
As a result of the ongoing conflict this cemetery has suffered extensive damage in the following areas:
Boundary walls, the staff house and base site and the Canadian Section. Approx 10% of the headstones in the site are damaged. Memorials with reported damage are the 54th (East Anglian) Division Memorial, the Hindu Section, Indian UN Memorial, the Turkish section and the Muslim section.
Current challenges
It is unlikely we will be able to enter Gaza for some time and are not able to protect the sites from further damage.
FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.
FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes south west of Ashkelon, South of the Route 35 and west of Route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be'er Sheva, west of Be'er Sheva, North of Route 211.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
Deir El Balah War Cemetery, Gaza
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
As a result of the ongoing conflict this cemetery has suffered extensive damage in the following areas: Boundary walls/bushes/trees, the staff base site. Approx 10% of the headstones in the site are damaged. Memorials with reported damage are the Hindu Memorial, the Sikh Memorial and the Muslim Memorial.
Current challenges
It is unlikely we will be able to enter Gaza for some time and are not able to protect the sites from futher damage.
FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.
FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes south west of Ashkelon, South of the Route 35 and west of Route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be'er Sheva, west of Be'er Sheva, North of Route 211.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
Earlier in 2024, the CWGC evacuated members of the Gaza team and their immediate families to Egypt, where they are now working until it is safe to return.
The CWGC will do everything within its power to restore the cemeteries when the moment arises, as the reconstruction of the wider community begins.
CWGC Cemeteries and MemorialS in Iraq
There are more than 54,000 Commonwealth war casualties buried or commemorate at 19 locations in Iraq.
This represents almost 3% of the total casualties in the Commission’s care worldwide. Only in France, the United Kingdom, Belgium and India does the CWGC have a larger commitment.
Maintenance first became difficult during the Iran-Iraq war, but subsequent conflict and the security situation on the ground, enforced the Commission’s absence for many years. The lack of regular maintenance during this period and the harsh climate (rather than vandalism) impacted on standards.
However, progress is possible in Iraq and has been made.
Any restorative work will take account of the recommendations of the non-commemoration report, as several sites, for example the Basra Memorial, do not physically include the names of the Indian dead, although CWGC holds these details centrally in digital form.
In the absence of a full restorative programme, and given the restrictions on travel, alternative arrangements for commemoration have been implemented and a two volume Roll of Honour listing all casualties buried and commemorated in Iraq has been produced.
These volumes are on display at the Commission's Head Office in Maidenhead and are available for the public to view.
The current status of our sites in Iraq are as follows:
HABBANIYA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
The site was previously inside an Iraqi Military Base but is now outside after the perimeter was moved. Successful restoration project in 2020, site remains in very good condition.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
MOSUL WAR CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
In 2023 a project was completed to clear the site of debris, renovate the boundary wall and gatehouse. There are minimal risks due to the recent boundary improvements.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
MA’ASKER AL RACHID (BAGHDAD), Iraq – CWGC MANAGE ON BEHALF OF MOD
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
In 2021 with MoD approval a boundary wall and gate were constructed to protect the site. Prior to this the site had been destroyed and was being used as a vehicle thoroughfare. Drainage and encroachment are an issue on the site.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Site survey completed in 2024 highlighting issues at the site. Perimeter fence and wall need surveying and likely significant repairs. A large number of headstones for Northgate already engraved and in storage in Italy for when security situation allows. The site has had minimal maintenance and many sections of the boundary are vulnerable. New signage installed during 2024.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
ALWIYA INDIAN WAR CEMETERY (BAGHDAD), Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Site has been cleared of debris and secured. No current risks as the site is visited and the boundary is secure.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
KUT WAR CEMETERY (AL KUT), Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Site was rebuilt in 2012. Surveyed in 2018. Cleared of debris – new perimeter fence installed. Old memorial wall still in place. Boundary wall was removed. The concrete beams and bases which hold the headstones are suffering in places with salt ingress, but the headstones are in good condition.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
BASRA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Site surveyed in 2018. Site cleared of debris – new perimeter fence installed. Old memorial wall (no panels) still in place. The site is used regularly by locals, and will need renovation and landscaping when security situation allows.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
BASRA INDIAN FORCES CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Site surveyed in 2018. Small site with existing Indian memorials still in place. The boundary is secure; however, the local population do access the site for recreational use.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
2017 protective boundary was installed and surveyed in 2018. Structure itself in relatively stable condition. Located outside city in a relatively vulnerable quarry area. The concrete barrier has protected the structure from the impact of quarry works. New signage installed in 2024.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Site has been cleared of debris, new pump house installed and the old memorial wall (with panels) still in place. Unable to renovate due to security situation.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
AMARA (LEFT BANK) INDIAN WAR CEMETERY, Iraq
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Unable to renovate due to security situation.
Current challenges
Contractor in place to monitor.
FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to KRI.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Lebanon
BEIRUT 1914-18 AND 1939-45 CEMETERIES, LEBANON
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
The cemeteries are currently unaffected by the ongoing conflict.
Under very difficult conditions the contractor continues to maintain the cemeteries which are in good condition regarding both horticulture and structures.
Current challenges
A contractor is managing the cemetery.
There is good and constant communication with the contractor.
The cemeteries have been a target of theft and vandalism mainly to steal copper wires and metal materials.
The electricity and water availability are limited thus making the operations difficult to carry out.
There are current limitations on supplies and an increase in material prices.
FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
SIDON War CEMETERY, LEBANON
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
As a result of the current conflict, the cemetery is in fair condition since the gardener had to leave for H&S reasons and it wasn’t maintained for almost two months. The base site is damaged and dangerous from bombing and from aircraft flying low. The horticulture has been rectified, and it is manageable. The agreed ceasefire between the different sides allowed the gardener to go back to work and rectify the horticulture as much as possible. A survey was carried out on the base site by a structural engineer and the outcome has been recorded on K2.
Current challenges
There is a gardener member of staff managing the cemetery.
There is good and constant communication with the gardener.
It is unclear and uncertain if the ceasefire will endure.
The cemeteries have been a target of theft and vandalism mainly to steal copper wires and metal materials.
The electricity and water availability are limited thus making the operations difficult to carry out.
There are current limitations on supplies and an increase in material prices.
FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
TRIPOLI NAVAL War CEMETERY, LEBANON
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
As a result of the current conflict, the cemetery is in good condition and the contractor continues with the cemetery maintenance. The base site requires repairs such as painting, sanitary repairs and accessories and the wall has some defects. The horticulture is currently in good condition and manageable. A survey is planned to be carried out on the base site, by a structural engineer.
Current challenges
A contractor is managing the cemetery.
There is good and constant communication with the contractor.
The cemetery is located in the north of Lebanon close to the Syrian border and it is considered volatile and dangerous.
The electricity and water availability are limited thus making the operations difficult to carry out.
There are current limitations of supplies and increase in material prices.
FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Libya
We are currently waiting for an update on the current status of our cemeteries and Memorials in Libya.
FCDO advises against all travel to Libya.
CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Somalia
We are currently waiting for an update on the current status of our cemeteries and Memorials in Somalia.
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Somalia.
CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Sudan
We are currently waiting for an update on the current status of our cemeteries and Memorials in Sudan.
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Sudan.
CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Syria
The Commonwealth war dead of the two world wars and eighteen of other nationalities are buried or commemorated in the Syrian Arab Republic, in Aleppo War Cemetery and Damascus Commonwealth Cemetery.
There are no CWGC permanent staff in Syria, maintenance is delivered by a local contractor who has carried out work for the Commission since April 2013. Operations have remained largely unaffected during the conflict and both cemeteries continue to be well-maintained despite the circumstances.
FCDO advises against all travel to Syria.
ALEPPO WAR CEMETERY, Syria
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
As a result of the ongoing conflict, the situation has become worse, and the city of Aleppo has fallen under the anti-government opposition party. The future of the cemetery is uncertain but currently the cemetery is in good condition, it has not been affected, and the contractor continues with the cemetery maintenance. The base site requires repairs such as painting, sanitary repairs and accessories and the wall has some defects. The horticulture is currently in good condition except for the turf, but it is manageable unless the situation escalates to a worse scenario.
Current challenges
A contractor is managing the cemetery. There is good communication with the contractor.
The cemetery is located in the north of Syria, close to the Turkish border and it is considered a very volatile and dangerous region. The current embargo imposed by the western countries to the whole of Syria does not allow for imports of machinery, spare parts and materials. Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria, as all British Embassy services in Damascus are suspended
FCDO advises against all travel to Syria
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
DAMASCUS War CEMETERY, Syria
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
There is an ongoing conflict in Syria, though the situation in Damascus remains stable. The future of the cemetery is uncertain due to the ongoing war and the embargo. However, at present, the cemetery is in good condition and has not been significantly affected. The contractor is continuing with regular maintenance, ensuring the horticulture, base site, and other structures remain well-maintained. These areas are currently manageable, unless the situation escalates to a more severe scenario.
Current challenges
A contractor is managing the cemetery. There is good communication with the contractor.
The current embargo imposed by Western countries on Syria prevents the import of machinery, spare parts, and materials. Additionally, consular support from the British government is unavailable within Syria, as all British Embassy services in Damascus have been suspended.
FCDO advises against all travel to Syria.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
CWGC Cemeteries and Memorials in Yemen
MAALA CEMETERY, YEMEN
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
The cemetery is currently affected by the ongoing conflict.
The cemetery has been mostly destroyed.
The majority of grave markers have been destroyed during 2014 & 2015 and require replacements. The current security situation does not allow this to be carried out or any other operation.
The cemetery is located in a very volatile and dangerous area.
Current challenges
We recruit an honorary supervisor and have a caretaker/watchman.
All communication to our staff is via the honorary supervisor.
There are difficulties in managing the site and the operations as a whole. Inspections are not possible to be carried out due to the continuing civil unrest.
We rely on the British Embassy for cemetery updates and information.
The cemetery requires full restoration.
The Honorary Supervisor and the members of staff have been advised that visits to the cemetery are to cease due to the volatile and unsafe situation.
It is uncertain when we will be able to be fully operational in Yemen.
FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/
SILENT VALLEY CEMETERY, YEMEN
20 January 2025
Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
The cemetery is currently not affected to that extend as the Maala cemetery by the ongoing conflict.
The cemetery is in a fair condition despite the civil unrest and the lack of maintenance for the past few years.
Current challenges
We recruit an honorary supervisor and have a caretaker/watchman.
All communication to our staff is via the honorary supervisor.
There are difficulties in managing the site and the operations as a whole. Inspections are not possible to be carried out due to the continuing civil unrest.
We rely on the British Embassy for cemetery updates and information.
The cemetery requires restoration mainly on the building/base site, some graves and boundary walls.
The Honorary Supervisor and the members of staff have been advised that visits to the cemetery are to cease due to the volatile and unsafe situation.
It is uncertain when we will be able to be fully operational in Yemen.
FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen.
Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/