Remains of a memorial grave smashed by ISIS (Image: NC)
Today Iraq remains a major site for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but years of conflict, from Sadaam Hussein to Islamic State, mean many are near ruin. Now, after years of planning, efforts to restore them to their former glory are underway. A shipment of new headstones has arrived in Basra, and the first refurbishments are set to begin. Other than the UK, Iraq is surpassed only by France, Belgium and India in the number of Commonwealth graves. Most of the 54,000 who perished there will be remembered only by their names, ranks and service number carved on headstones or memorial plaques. But some are more famous. They include Capt George Stuart Henderson, commander of 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, whose company was attacked in July 1920 near the town of Hillah by forces supporting the Iraq uprising against British rule.
Despite an ambush by overwhelming forces, he led several bayonet charges before he died of his wounds. His final words were: "I'm done now, don't let them beat you."
Henderson, who received a Military Cross on the battlefields in Ypres, in Belgium, and two Distinguished Service Orders, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.
More than 130 Manchesters died the same day and they are also remembered on the Basra memorial.
For almost three decades, however, the valiant effort by the CWGC to ensure such sacrifices were never forgotten has been hampered by conflict.
From disruptions of the first Gulf War, to the sectarian fighting after the fall of dictator Saddam Hussein, and then the emergence of the caliphate established by Islamic State, each decade has presented an increasingly dangerous environment.
Staff begin restoration of a grave in Habbanyah, Iraq (Image: NC)
Many cemeteries, such as the one in Mosul, lay
