CWGC makes tentative return to Aleppo

For the first time in almost seven years the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has been able to undertake maintenance work at Aleppo War Cemetery in Syria.

Recent conflicts had made it unsafe to operate in the country since 2013 and local contractors were under strict instructions not to put themselves at risk.

However, as the situation on the ground has become more stable, CWGC has been able to monitor the state of the cemetery.

Last week the Commission’s local contractors were able to regain access safely and clear away overgrowth and damaged trees, partially restoring the site.

Early inspection shows that all headstones are present, though some repair work to the wider cemetery will be needed.

David Bennett, CWGC’s regional manager for the Middle East, said: “First and foremost we are delighted to know that our local contacts in Aleppo are safe and well. Understandably the recent conflict in Syria has not made it possible to maintain our war cemeteries here.

“Aside from overgrown horticulture we were relieved to learn most of the cemetery had been unaffected and all the headstones appear in a relatively good condition. We are very much at the early stages and will continue to monitor the situation before taking further action.”

Aleppo War Cemetery contains more than 200 British and Commonwealth burials from the First and Second World Wars, as well as 12 Greeks and one Czech. A memorial to 127 Indian soldiers who were buried elsewhere in city also sits within the cemetery.