The Cairo War Memorial Cemetery is located in the Old Cairo cemetery area of Cairo. Whilst only a short distance from the centre of Cairo (about 5 kilometres), there are a number of other cemeteries in this area, and it is recommended that prospective visitors identify the location of the cemetery clearly on their maps, and check this with drivers or guides before setting off. Access through the main gate is via Al Seka Al Hadid (as it appears on recent maps), parallel to the nearby train line and just off the larger road of Salah Salem. However, even when standing directly outside, the cemetery is easy to miss as the wall and gates blend in easily with the general style of cemeteries in this area.
Upon passing through the gates of the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, visitors will be met by what appears to be a dual-style of cemetery. On their right hand side (southern side) are the common styles of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves; and on the left hand side (northern side) there are different styles of civilian graves. This cemetery was originally part of the civilian New British Protestant Cemetery but parts of this were ceded to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 1920. They are now all contained within the large Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery walls, but two areas remain divided into different plots.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission recommends contacting their local office in Cairo before visiting this cemetery in order to ensure that the Head Gardener can open the cemetery gates for visitors - Tel: 00 202 2290 1247
Image: Cairo War Memorial Cemetery.
Creator: Christopher Karykides