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.

GAZA IRAQ

CWGC War Cemeteries in Gaza

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

18 November 2024

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

18 November 2024

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

15 November 2024

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

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

MA’ASKER AL RACHID (BAGHDAD), Iraq – CWGC MANAGE ON BEHALF OF MOD

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY, Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

ALWIYA INDIAN WAR CEMETERY (BAGHDAD), Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

KUT WAR CEMETERY (AL KUT), Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

BASRA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

BASRA INDIAN FORCES CEMETERY, Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq

15 November 2024

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.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/

AMARA (LEFT BANK) INDIAN WAR CEMETERY, Iraq

15 November 2024

Current condition of cemeteries and types of damage
Unable to renovate due to security situation.

Contact
www.cwgc.org/contact-us/