Ben M'sik European Cemetery

• Country Morocco
• Total identified casualties 38 Find these casualties
• Identified casualties from Second World War
• GPS Coordinates Latitude: 33.57474, Longitude: -7.57856

Location information

This is a very large civilian cemetery. It is approximately 6 kilometres from Casablanca town centre and lies between the main road to Marrakech and the road known as Oulad Zianc. It is best reached by taxi. The Commission plot is located amongst the other nationalities military plots. It is found on the right handside at the far end of the main road coming from the Cemetery entrance. Isolated Grave of Chief Steward H K V NIELSEN: To reach this grave one walks up the main alley to the circular intersection, turn left there and walk 12 paces. The grave is then found 17 metres from the road and at right angles to the left.

Visiting information

ARRIVAL

Routes to the cemetery are signposted.

PARKING

There is no parking outside the cemetery.

There are long, wide concrete paths around the large cemetery, it is possible to drive into the cemetery and park off to the side of the internal paths in the area being visited.

ACCESS. LAYOUT AND MAIN ENTRANCE

The Military Cemetery (European Cemetery) is on the right side of the cemetery near to the main entrance.

The main entrance has a stone archway with tall double, metal gates. This is the only access point into the cemetery.

The military plot is rectangular and long; the ground is flat, with a wide asphalt road running the length of the plot.

There is a strip of brick paving between the asphalt road, and a low kerb up to the plot. There is a small gravel pathway leading to the central stone block and dedication panel.

There are no seating areas or benches in the cemetery.

There is no Register Box at the cemetery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There have been attacks on visitors reported in the vicinity of the cemetery, visitors are advised to take care and not to carry any valuable items with them when visiting the cemetery.

The French speaking gardener is on site in the cemetery between 0900 to 1700 hrs Monday to Friday.

The caretaker is not available between 1230 to 1430 hrs but remains on the site if visitors should require assistance.

History information

American troops landed at Casablanca at the beginning of the Allied campaign in north-west Africa.

Ben M'Sik European Cemetery contains 38 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. The Commonwealth plot also contains two war graves of other nationalities and seven non-war burials. Among the latter is the grave of Field Marshall Sir Claude Auchinleck who held a number of commands during the Second World War. He died in 1981 at the age of 96, and is buried alongside Galley Boy Raymond Steed, who at 14 years of age was the youngest known Commonwealth casualty of the Second World War.