Basra Memorial, Military memorial in Az Zubayr, Iraq.
The Basra Memorial is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintained site in Az Zubayr honoring military personnel who died during operations in Mesopotamia between 1914 and 1921. It displays 68 panels with names of 40,682 Commonwealth soldiers who perished in the Mesopotamian Campaign.
The memorial was designed by architect Edward Prioleau Warren and opened on March 27, 1929, honoring those who fell in conflict. It came as a response to the substantial losses during military campaigns in the region from 1914 through 1921.
British soldiers appear individually named in inscriptions, while around 30,000 Indian troops are honored collectively without personal recognition. This difference in how people are remembered reveals much about the divisions of that era.
Visiting requires advance arrangements due to regional security considerations, and travelers should verify current conditions before making plans. It is helpful to check locally about accessibility and any restrictions that may apply.
Five Victoria Cross recipients are commemorated at this location, including Sergeant David Finlay and Private James Henry Fynn. These highly decorated soldiers rank among the most honored fighters named here.
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