Jerusalem British War Cemetery facts for kids
The Jerusalem British War Cemetery is a special place in Jerusalem, Israel. It's a cemetery for soldiers from the British Commonwealth who bravely fought and died in World War I. This cemetery helps us remember their sacrifice.
Where is the Cemetery?
This important cemetery is found on a hill called Mount Scopus. It's right next to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem campus. It's also about 4.5 kilometers (about 2.8 miles) north of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Who is Buried Here?
The Jerusalem War Cemetery holds the graves of 2,515 soldiers from the Commonwealth. This includes about 100 soldiers whose names are not known. These soldiers came from many different countries that were part of the British Commonwealth. Besides the United Kingdom, there are soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, India, Egypt, South Africa, and the British West Indies. You can also find a small number of German and Turkish soldiers buried here.
The Jerusalem Memorial
Inside the cemetery, there's also a special monument called the Jerusalem Memorial. This memorial remembers 3,300 Commonwealth soldiers who died during World War I in Egypt and Palestine. These soldiers have no known grave, so the memorial serves as their resting place of honor.
The memorial was designed by an architect named John James Burnet. The sculptures were made by Gilbert Bayes. It was officially opened on May 7, 1927, by Lord Allenby. He was the British commander in charge of the Middle East during the war. The memorial also has a chapel inside it.
Images for kids
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Entrance to the Jerusalem British Military Cemetery
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Cross in center of Cemetery
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Chapel of Jerusalem British Military Cemetery
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Dedication to Missing Soldiers
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Entrance to chapel of Jerusalem British Military Cemetery
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View of Old City of Jerusalem from cemetery
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View of Western half of cemetery
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Looking East in Jerusalem British Military Cemetery
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Graves of Jewish Commonwealth Dead
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Grave of a Turkish soldier
