Question 1

Can you visit the Commonwealth War Graves in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Yes for the most part. Some of the sites have caretakers and they will let you in. Most live locally and will see a foreigner hanging round and "magically" appear. Habbaniya is in an active military base and his hard (not impossible) to gain access. Sites like Basra Memorial and Basra Cemetery are open and accessible to anyone at any time as they are without gates.

Question 2

Are Commonwealth War Graves in Iraq maintained?

Accepted Answer

Only 2 very small cemeteries at Kut and Habbaniya have been renovated over the last 30 years. Some headstones at Baghdad have been replaced but it's in a sad state. With 3% of total commonwealth casualties in Iraq and a disproportionate number of uncommemorated especially Indian Army the CWGC should be spending at a minimum GBP2.5m annually in Iraq - or GBP72m over the last 30 years in today's money. They have spent less than 1% of that and the lack of maintenance and investment shows.

Question 3

How many Commonwealth soldiers are buried in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Over 50,000 died in WWI/WWII, Basra Memorial commemorates 40,000+ missing. Around 3,000 of these are WW2 plus there are those who lost their lives in the interwar years including the Arab revolt immediately after WW1. The true number is unlikely to ever be known as many Indian Army casualties were not properly recorded - Basra Indian Forces and Amara Indian Forces cemetery account for most of these but the records simply don't exist.

Question 4

What was the Mesopotamian Campaign?

Accepted Answer

During WW1 a British led force fought against the Ottomans to secure the oil fields.

Question 5

Is photography allowed at Iraq war cemeteries?

Accepted Answer

Yes although sites like Habbaniya are sensitive due to the fact it's in an active military base. Drones are illegal in Iraq and need special permits.

Question 6

Is Iraq safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Our advice is join the various social media groups focussed on Tourism to Iraq and make your own mind up. There are a growing list of tourists visiting Iraq - young, old, solo, groups, from the US, UK and many other countries around the world. Some are on organised trips - a 70 year old Brit recently finished his 6 week solo trip around Iraq which included hitchhiking. If you have a question feel free to reach out.

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