Basra Cremation Memorial

• Country Iraq
• Total identified casualties 1032 Find these casualties
• Identified casualties from Second World War
• GPS Coordinates Latitude: 30.52916, Longitude: 47.82005

Location information

The Basra Indian Forces Cemetery lies on a side road about 300 yards off the main road from Basra town to Shatt-al-Arab, which is on the civil airport at Maqil, half way between the two. The Basra Cremation Memorial is situated in the cemetery, at the end of an avenue beyond the 1914-18 Hindu Memorial.

Visiting information

NOTE: Whilst the current climate of political instability persists it is extremely challenging for the Commission to manage or maintain its cemeteries and memorials located within Iraq. Alternative arrangements for commemoration have therefore 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 Commission continues to monitor the situation in Iraq and once the political climate has improved to an acceptable level the Commission will commence a major rehabilitation project for its cemeteries and commemorations.

Before considering a visit to Iraq the Commission strongly recommends that you check the advice given by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on the travel section of their website:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/

History information

During the Second World War Basra was the scene of fighting from 2 - 7 May 1941 when Iraqi forces were driven from the town, which then became a base for Commonwealth forces. The Basra Cremation Memorial, which stands within Basra Indian Forces Cemetery, commemorates 1,032 soldiers of the army of undivided India who died in Iraq and Iran during the Second World War. Their remains were cremated in accordance with their faith. The cemetery in which the memorial stands contains burials of both wars. Directly opposite the Indian Forces Cemetery is Basra War Cemetery, again containing burials of both wars, and the Basra (Tanooma Chinese) Memorial.