Ben Soppitt is leading a personal campaign to restore neglected Commonwealth war graves in Iraq, where his grandfather is buried, highlighting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s delayed efforts due to security concerns. His initiative brings renewed attention to the forgotten sacrifices of over 50,000 soldiers from UK and Commonwealth nations.
Ben Soppitt, a British citizen, has embarked on a mission to honor the memory of Commonwealth soldiers interred in Iraq, with a focus on Basra War Cemetery. His grandfather, Gunner Joseph Soppitt, died in 1941 and rests in an unmarked grave, fueling Ben’s determination to secure proper commemoration for all who perished. This personal connection drives his advocacy, as he believes the current state of the graves dishonors those who gave their lives.
The cemeteries in Iraq, including Basra, have deteriorated significantly since the CWGC withdrew in the 1990s for safety reasons. Today, these sites are often repurposed by locals for activities like football or waste disposal, presenting a stark contrast to the meticulously maintained war graves across Europe. The neglect is widespread, with similar conditions reported at other CWGC locations in Iraq, such as Mosul, where little remains of the original memorials.
Historically, more than 50,000 soldiers from the UK and Commonwealth lost their lives in Iraq during both World Wars, the majority during the Mesopotamian Campaign in World War One. Many of the casualties were Indian nationals, and their commemoration has been unequal, with British personnel individually named on memorials while Indian ranks are listed only by unit and number. This disparity has drawn criticism, with Ben arguing that it perpetuates historical injustices and fails to fully honor all sacrifices.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has acknowledged the need for restoration and outlined plans to address the issues, including rectifying the inequality in commemoration. However, progress has been slow, primarily due to ongoing security challenges in Iraq, where the UK Foreign Office advises against travel. The CWGC emphasizes that determining the right time for full-scale work involves complex judgments about safety, but it remains committed to its duties.
Over the past two weeks, Ben Soppitt has visited multiple CWGC sites across Iraq, documenting their conditions on social media to raise awareness. His findings, such as the near-total loss of memorials in Mosul, have amplified calls for action and drawn parallels to earlier concerns raised by figures like Baroness Emma Nicholson in 2007. Ben’s campaign has garnered public attention, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for accountability.
The issue extends beyond mere maintenance, touching on themes of historical redress and the moral obligation to honor all soldiers equitably. Ben contends that restoring the graves is essential to correct past oversights, particularly for Indian casualties who have been marginalized. His efforts resonate with broader discussions about remembrance and the lasting impacts of conflict on communities and families.
For Ben, the campaign is deeply personal; he aims to see the graves restored in his lifetime to prevent passing the responsibility to his sons. His resolve highlights the enduring significance of war commemoration and the importance of preserving history for future generations. As Remembrance Sunday approaches, his small service in Iraq stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that must not be forgotten.
