Commonwealth War Graves Commission

The Commonwealth Cemeteries and Memorials

The War in Italy 1943-45
On 10 July 1943, with the campaign in North Africa successfully concluded, a combined Allied force of Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily. By 3 September they were on the Italian mainland. The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn. Progress through southern Italy was rapid but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position, the Gustav Line, which stretched across the country from coast to coast. By the end of the year there had been a breakthrough in the east but initial attempts to breach the line in the west were unsuccessful. In January 1944 troops landed behind the German lines at Anzio met fierce opposition and there was no breakthrough until 18 May when the town and Monastery Hill of Cassino were taken. The Allies now advanced on Rome, entering the city on 4 June. As the well ordered German withdrawal continued, successive stands were made on a series of defensive positions, the Trasimene, Arno and Gothic Lines. An Allied offensive mounted on 10 September breached the Gothic Line, but the advance stalled on the mountainous spine of Italy except on the Adriatic coast where the front was advanced to Ravenna. Little further progress was made that winter and with the land campaign in north-west Europe making increased demands on Allied resources, the offensive in Italy was not renewed until 9 April 1945. After a weeks heavy fighting, the German front broke. Allied troops entered Bologna and by late April the bulk of the German forces were effectively trapped against the south bank of the River Po. On the 25th, when the Allies crossed the Po, there were popular uprisings in the cities of northern Italy and partisans seized control from many German garrisons. On 2 May the German forces in Italy surrendered.
Assisi War Cemetery

in Italy

The Commonwealth lost almost 50,000 dead in Italy in the Second World War, most of whom lie buried in 37 war cemeteries. Almost 1,500 Indian servicemen whose remains were cremated are commemorated on memorials in three cemeteries and over 4,000 soldiers whose graves are not known are remembered by name on the Cassino Memorial. Missing sailors and airmen are commemorated on memorials at their home ports and on the Air Forces Memorial at Malta.

Syracuse War Cemetery, Sicily

Syracuse War Cemetery, Sicily (1,059 burials) Most of those buried in this cemetery died on 10 July 1941, when Commonwealth forces landed on Sicily, or in the early stages of the campaign that followed. Many were men of the airborne force killed when gale force winds blew their gliders wide of their objectives or into the sea. The cemetery lies 3 km west of Syracuse. Turn left at the end of the Catania Syracuse autostrada and the cemetery is on the left after about 5 km.

Agira Canadian War Cemetery, Sicily (490 burials) Agira was taken by the 1st Canadian Division on 28 July 1943. This site was chosen in September for the burial of all Canadians who had been killed in the Sicily campaign. Leave the A19, Catania-Palermo, at Catenanuova. Follow signs to Regalbuto, then Agira. The cemetery is signposted about 12 km beyond Regalbuto.

Catania War Cemetery, Sicily (2,135 burials) contains burials from the later stages of the campaign in Sicily, including many who died in the heavy fighting just short of Catania and the battle for the Simeto river bridgehead. The cemetery is 7 km south-west of Catania. From the airport, follow the tangenziale towards the A19, direction Palermo. The cemetery is signposted just before reaching the A19.

Bari War Cemetery (2,128 burials) Bari was the Army Group HQ for the early stages of the Italian campaign and continued to be a supply base and hospital centre until the end of the war. The cemetery contains garrison and hospital burials, and others brought in from a wide area of south-east Italy. In 1981, 85 First World War graves were moved here from Brindisi. Leave the A14, Taranto-Ancona, at Bari North, direction Brindisi, then take the tangenziale heading south. At exit 13B, follow the SS100 towards Taranto, leaving the road at Triggiano. At the junction, turn left towards Carbonara. The cemetery is on the right after 1.5 km.

Salerno War Cemetery (1,846 burials) Allied forces landed at Salerno on 8-9 September 1943 establishing a bridgehead where fierce fighting continued for some days. This cemetery contains the graves of many who died here and others brought in later from a wide area of south-west Italy. Leave the A3 from Salerno at the Battipaglia exit. Turn back towards Salerno on the SS18 coast road. Signs for the cemetery, which is on the north side of the road, should be seen after passing through Bellizzi.

Naples War Cemetery (1,202 burials) From late 1943 to the end of the war military hospitals were based in Naples from which many of the burials in this cemetery were made. Other graves were brought in later from small cemeteries in the area. After the last toll booth on the A1, Rome-Naples, follow signs for the airport. Pass the end of the airport approach road and turn right at the next T-junction. The cemetery is on the main road after about 4 km.

Caserta War Cemetery (768 burials) The Royal Palace at Caserta served as headquarters for the Allied armies for most of the Italian campaign and there was a military hospital in the town from December 1943 until September 1945 from which some of the burials in this cemetery were made. Others died as prisoners of war before the Allied invasion and there are a few burials from the October 1943 fighting on the nearby River Volturno. Leave the A1, Rome-Naples, at Caserta North. At the first set of traffic lights, turn left and continue east along the main street for about 1.8 km. Just before an Army barracks, and well before the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), take the small left turn and proceed to the T-junction. Turn right and carry on under the bridge to the main crossroads where there is a CWGC signpost. Turn left and continue to the roundabout at the end of the road where there is a large communal cemetery on the far side. Turn right into the car park. Caserta War Cemetery is at the far end of the communal cemetery.

Minturno War Cemetery (2,049 burials) lies close to the western end of the 1943-44 German winter defensive position, the Gustav Line, and the burials it contains are mainly those of men lost in the heavy fighting to cross the Garigliano river in January 1945. The cemetery lies several kilometres south of the town on the SS7 road to Naples. Leave the A1 at Cassino then turn right onto the S630, direction Ausonia, Formia, Minturno. At about 30 km the road passes under a flyover. Turn left towards Scauri and Naples. After about 6 km, turn right to Marina di Minturno (Garigliano) where the cemetery is situated.

Sangro River War Cemetery (2,617 burials) The Adriatic sector of the front saw fierce fighting in November and December 1943 as the Allies attempted to breach the eastern end of the Gustav Line. Many of those who died in the fighting and in the critical months that followed lie buried in this

Sangro River War Cemetery

cemetery, which also contains a cremation memorial commemorating more than 500 Indian servicemen who died fighting in this sector. Leave the A14, Taranto-Ancona, at Val di Sangro. After about 2.5 km turn right onto the SS16, Pescara-Vasto road. Look out for the sharp right turn up to cemetery after a little less than 2 km.

Moro River Canadian War Cemetery (1,615 burials) The 1st Canadian Division crossed the Moro river against stiff opposition on 6 December 1943 and captured Ortona on the 28th after a week of bitter street fighting; in December alone the Division suffered more than 500 fatal battle casualties. From Rome, take the A25, Rome-Pescara, branching onto the A14 and leaving it at Ortona. The approach road to the cemetery from the main Adriatic coast road (SS16) passes under an arch forming part of the little church of San Donato.

Anzio War Cemetery (1,056 burials) In an attempt to break the Gustav Line in the west Allied troops were landed behind the German lines on 22 January 1944 where they met fierce opposition. The site for this cemetery was chosen just after the landings and the burials here date from the period immediately following. As the Allied force established itself, further burials were made in Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio
Anzio War Cemetery

(2,315 burials), which lay close to a casualty clearing station. Many burials were made direct from the battlefield and after the Allied breakout in May, further graves were brought in from the surrounding countryside. Leave the SS148, Rome-Latina, at the S207, direction Anzio. Beach Head Cemetery lies 5 km north of the town on the S207 and CWGC signs are visible 150 metres from the cemetery. There is a small parking area at the main entrance. Anzio War Cemetery also lies just off the S207, 1 km north of town.

Cassino War Cemetery

Leave the A1, Rome-Naples, at Cassino. The cemetery and memorial are clearly signposted from here. Cassino War Cemetery (4,271 burials) Cassino saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Italian campaign, the town itself and the dominating Monastery Hill proving the most stubborn obstacles encountered in the advance towards Rome. The site for the cemetery was selected in January 1944, but it could not be used until after the Germans had withdrawn. The Cassino Memorial which stands within the cemetery commemorates more than 4,000 men who died in the fighting all over Italy and who have no known grave.

Rome War Cemetery (426 burials) Rome was taken on 3 June as the German withdrawal continued. The cemetery was started shortly afterwards and was used mainly for burials from the occupying garrison, but a few graves were brought in from the surrounding country, and some soldiers and airmen who died as prisoners of war in Rome are also buried here.
Rome War Cemetery

The cemetery is close to the Piramide Metro station, on the Via Zabaglia, Monte Testaccio. Note: Access to the cemetery is restricted. For up-to-date information contact the Commissions office in Rome.

Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Orte, direction Viterbo. After 30 km turn right on to the SS2 for Siena. 7 km south of Bolsena the entrance to the cemetery, which is on the eastern side of Lake Bolsena just west of the SS2, can be clearly seen from the main road.

Orvieto War Cemetery (190 burials) was established as a battlefield cemetery in the middle of June 1944 during the heavy fighting north of Rome. The burials, with only one exception, date from the period 14 June - 4 July 1944. Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Orvieto. Take the S71 Perugia road. At the fork just beyond the River Paglia, bear right along the road to Todi. After 40 metres, turn down the country lane on the right. After just over 1 km the cemetery will be seen in a depression in the hills on the left; access is by a farm track.

Assisi War Cemetery (945 burials) Many of the burials in this cemetery date from June and July 1944, as the Germans attempted to stop the Allied advance north of Rome. Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Orte, taking the SS3 to Perugia following signs for Assisi. Take the road to Rivotorto and at a crossroads, from which a church is visible, turn left. The cemetery is about 500 metres down this road.

Bolsena War Cemetery

Bolsena War Cemetery (597 burials) In June 1944 the Germans made their first stand north of Rome at Bolsena. The cemetery was begun in November and graves were brought in from the battlefields between Bolsena, Orvieto and, later, from the Island of Elba. Foiano della Chiana War Cemetery (256 burials) Early in July 1944 there was heavy fighting in the Chiana valley where the Germans made their last stand before Arezzo and the Arno. This is a battlefield cemetery and was later increased by

graves brought in from the surrounding area. Most of the burials date from the first two weeks of July 1944. Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Val di Chiana-Betolle. From Foiano della Chiana carry on in the direction of Arezzo looking out for the CWGC sign to the right. The cemetery lies in the fields about 50 metres down a lane.

the point from which the attack on the German Gothic Line defences in the Apennines was launched. The cemetery was begun in November 1944 for burials from the hospitals established in and around Florence but most of those buried here died fighting in this area from July to September 1944.

Arezzo War Cemetery (1,266 burials) The German stand in front of Arezzo led to fierce fighting before the town was taken on 16 July. The cemetery was begun in November and graves were brought into it from the surrounding area. Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Arezzo. Before reaching the town turn right to Ponte a Chiani and follow signs to Indicatore. On reaching the S69, beyond Indicatore, turn left towards Montevarchi and the cemetery is on the left after 1 km.
Florence War Cemetery

Florence War Cemetery (1,632 burials) Florence, which was taken by the Allied forces on 13 August 1944, was the centre of the Arno line and

Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Firenze South and continue over the River Arno to the first set of traffic lights. Turn right onto the SS67, direction Forli, and continue for 3 km to Girone. The cemetery, which is signposted, is on the right.

Castiglione South African Cemetery

Castiglione South African Cemetery (502 burials) was started in November 1944 by the 6th South African Armoured Division, which entered Castiglione at the end of September and stayed in the area until the following April. Many of the burials were made direct from the battlefields of the Apennines where, during that winter, South African troops held positions north of Castiglione. Castiglione is in mountainous country about 60 km north of Florence. Leave the A1 at the Roncobilaccio exit heading for Castiglione. The cemetery is beside the road on the right entering the town.

Ancona War Cemetery (1,019) Ancona was taken on 18 July 1944 and served as the main supply port for the attack on the Gothic Line and for the final break through the following spring at Argenta. This cemetery reflects the Allied progress up the Adriatic coast in August and September and contains graves brought in from a wide area extending from Pescara, 80 km to the south, to Pesaro, over 48 km north of Ancona.
Ancona War Cemetery

Leave the A14, Taranto-Ancona-Bologna, at Ancona South and take the SS16 towards Ancona. After about 3 km (via Pietro Filonze) turn right passing in front of the wholesale fruit market and under a railway line. At the next junction turn left. The cemetery is several kilometres along this road, on the left, just after a petrol station, on the Strada di Passo Varano.

Leave the A14, Bologna-Ancona, at either Cattolica or Pesaro, taking the SS16 east from Cattolica or west from Pesaro. The cemetery is about 1.5 km south of the SS16, midway between Pesaro and Riccione.

Montecchio War Cemetery (582 burials) Montecchio was near the eastern end of the Gothic Line with the anti-tank ditch of the defensive system running through the valley immediately below the cemetery. The village was practically razed to the ground for defence during the war and much damage was done in the surrounding country. The cemetery was begun by the Canadian Corps in the autumn of 1944 and a further plot was added later for graves brought in from the surrounding country. Take the SS423 from Pesaro to Urbino, following the signs for Montecchio. The cemetery is on the right just before entering the town.

Coriano Ridge War Cemetery (1,939 burials) Coriano Ridge was the last important obstacle blocking the Allied advance in the Adriatic sector in the autumn of 1944. Its capture was the key to Rimini and eventually to the River Po. German airborne troops and tank squadrons resisted all attacks between 4 and 12 September 1944 when the Eighth Army renewed its attack. This attack took the Ridge, but marked the beginning of a week of the heaviest fighting since Cassino in May, with the Eighth Army losing daily some 150 killed. The cemetery was made in April 1945 from graves brought in from the surrounding battlefields. The cemetery is 3.5 km west of Riccione, a seaside resort on the Adriatic coast. Turn off the SS16, the main Rimini-Riccione road, about 1 km north-west of Riccione towards Coriano. Follow the CWGC signpost to a T-junction and turn left. The cemetery is on the right a little way along this road.

Gradara War Cemetery (1,191 burials) contains the graves of those killed during the advance from Ancona to Rimini, which broke the German Gothic Line, and in the heavy fighting around Rimini, taken by the Allies on 21 September 1944.

Rimini Gurkha War Cemetery (618 burials) There was severe fighting near Rimini in the autumn of 1944 in which the 4th and 10th Indian

Meldola War Cemetery (145 burials) Meldola was taken on 30 October 1944 and in the ensuing month the 46th and 4th Divisions advanced to the River Lamone. This was originally a battlefield cemetery of the 46th Division. All burials date from the last week of October and November 1944. The cemetery lies south of the SS9, BolognaRimini, 10 km south of Ronco, half-way between Forl and Forimpopoli.
Forli Indian War Cemetery

Divisions had an important share. The town fell on 21 September 1944 but the line was very little advanced during the following winter. The cemetery also contains a cremation memorial commemorating more than 170 Indian servicemen who died fighting in this sector. Leave the A14, Bologna-Ancona, at San Marino, Rimini South, heading towards San Marino. The cemetery is 4km down this road on the right.

Forli War Cemetery (738 burials) The cemetery was begun soon after the Eighth Army took Forl in November 1944 and graves were brought into it from the surrounding battlefields. Many of the dead lost their lives in the heavy fighting between Rimini and Ravenna, in appalling weather, in October December 1944. From the SS9 to the west of Forl take the SS67 to Florence. After 3-4 km there is a signpost pointing left to Vecchiazzano where the cemetery is located.

Cesena War Cemetery (775 burials) was made in November from burials brought in from the battlefields. Most had died in September November 1944 during the advance from Rimini to Forli and beyond, across one flooded river after another, in atrocious autumn weather. Leave the A14, Bologna-Ancona, at Cesena. Follow this road for about 4 km to a roundabout. Turn left and then take the second road on the right. After 500 metres, turn left into a parking area and take a little road leading to the cemetery main entrance.

Forli Indian War Cemetery (496 burials) The 10th Indian Division came into the line in the Adriatic sector south of Cesena at the beginning of October 1944. The cemetery also contains a cremation memorial commemorating nearly 800 Indian servicemen who died fighting in the sector. Leave the A14, Bologna-Ancona, at Forl. Follow the road into the town for about 3 km. The cemetery is on the left, opposite the communal cemetery.

Rimini Gurkha War Cemetery

Ravenna War Cemetery (955 burials) Ravenna was taken at the beginning of December 1944 by the Canadian Corps, which went on to clear the area between Ravenna and the Comacchio lagoon before being moved to north-west Europe in February 1945. The burials in this cemetery, many of them Canadian, reflect the fighting for the Senio Line and the period of relative quiet during the first three months of 1945. In 1974, 33 First World War burials were brought into the cemetery from Gradisca. The cemetery lies on a communal road 1 km south of the SS16 from Ravenna to Ferrara near the village of Piangipane. The turning from the main road is at the 143 km stone, 12 km west of Ravenna, and is marked with a CWGC signpost and a road sign marked 'Piangipane 4 km'. Continue along the minor road to the next CWGC sign. The cemetery is on the left.

burial of those who died in the static fighting before the Allied advance was renewed in April 1945. Leave the A14, Bologna-Ancona, at Faenza. The cemetery lies 1.5 km south-east of Faenza and is approached by a secondary road which branches off the S9, the main Bologna-Forl road, just east of the town.

Villanova Canadian War Cemetery (212 burials) On the night of 10/11 December 1944 the 5th Canadian Armoured Division succeeded in establishing a bridgehead over the River Lamone, west of which there was heavy fighting in the following days when attempts were made to cross the three canals that run from Faenza to the sea. Many of those who died are buried in this cemetery. Others were killed in the advance to the final line held by the Canadians on the River Senio before they left Italy. Leave the A14, Bologna-Ancona, at Ravenna. Turn left along the SS16 towards Ferrara and at 7.5 km, at the village of Mezzano, turn left to Villanova, about 4 km.

Santerno Valley War Cemetery

Santerno Valley War Cemetery (287 burials) The cemetery was started during the fighting in the Apennines towards the end of 1944. Burials from the surrounding region were brought in later. Leave the A1, Rome-Milan, at Roncobilaccio, direction Futa-Fiorenzuola, then Imola. The cemetery, which is approximately 13 km further on, will be seen on top of the hill on the right.

Faenza War Cemetery (1,152 burials) The cemetery was made in the winter of 1944 for the

Bologna War Cemetery (184 burials) Bologna became the Allies first major objective in the spring of 1945 and was taken on 21 April. Opened as a garrison cemetery in June 1945, burials were later brought into it from the surrounding area. The cemetery lies in the suburb of San Lazzaro (Parco dei Cedri). It stands on the north side of the SS9, between Bologna and Forl, at Via Dozza, about 5 km south-east of the town and about 200 metres before the road crosses over the River Savena.

Leave the A13, Bologna-Padua, at Padua South, then head north to Vicenza to the SS11. Alternatively, take the A4, exiting at Padua West, then head south to the SS11, then west to Vicenza. The SS11 in Padua is the Via Chiesanuova. About 2 km from the town centre, turn right onto the Via della Biscia. The cemetery is along this road on the right.

Argenta Gap War Cemetery (625 burials) marks the final stages of the hard fighting in Italy in the spring of 1945 and contains, among others, the graves of many of the Commandos engaged in the amphibious operations on the shores of the Comacchio lagoon early in April 1945. Argenta is on the SS16 connecting Ravenna with Ferrara. Approaching the cemetery from the south, bear right just before reaching Argenta and proceed down the Strada di Circonvallazione, passing the railway station on the right. Take the second turning to the right and, after crossing the railway, carry on to a fork and again bear right. The turning to the cemetery is on the left, a little further on, near a farm. Approaching the cemetery from the north, turn sharp left off the main road at the first crossroads on the edge of the town and then take the third turning to the left which will lead to the railway crossing mentioned above.

Udine War Cemetery (414 burials) Udine was entered on 1 May 1945. Burials in this cemetery include casualties from the last few days of the war in Italy, prisoner-of-war and air force casualties, later garrison burials and some made from the general hospital which was at Udine for several months from May 1945. Take the SS13 from Udine towards Tarviso. At 5.5km turn left, opposite the turning to the village of Adegliacco. The cemetery is a short distance down this road and is visible from the SS13.

Milan War Cemetery (414 burials) Milan, already liberated by partisans, was entered by the US 4th Army on 2 May 1945, the day of the German surrender in Italy. Most of the graves in Milan War Cemetery were those of prisoners-of-war or airmen and were brought in from the surrounding area after the war. Take the tangenziale west, skirting Milan, from the A1, A4 or A7. Exit following the blue signs for Milano, SS11. Carry on towards Milan passing the Grand Hotel Brun. Turn sharp left following the CWGC signs. The cemetery lies in a large park approximately 0.5 km along on the right. From the city centre head west following signs for the San Siro football Stadium. The road which runs past the stadium has local authority signs for Milan War Cemetery.

Padua War Cemetery (513 burials) lies in the zone of the Allied breakthrough in the spring of 1945 when, despite some resistance, the town was captured by Indian troops.

The War in Italy 1915-18

Commonwealth Cemeteries and Memorials in Italy In May 1915 Italy entered the First World War on the Allied side and began fighting a fierce campaign, principally on its northern frontier, against Austro-Hungarian and German forces. Both sides suffered badly in the demanding mountainous terrain as the campaign quickly settled into the stagnation of trench warfare. Three divisions of Commonwealth forces supported their Italian allies from 1917 and held important sections of the front line, playing a significant role in repulsing a heavy Austrian attack on the Asiago Sector in June 1918. Thereafter activity was limited to aggressive raids upon the opposing trenches until the Battle of Vittorio Veneto in late October when the river Piave was crossed. The subsequent Allied advance was rapid and on 4 November an armistice was signed ending the war in Italy. Almost 4,000 Commonwealth servicemen died in Italy during the First World War. Five Commonwealth cemeteries in close proximity on the Asiago Plateau mark the Commonwealth contribution to the campaign in northern Italy. They are permanently open, though rarely accessible from November to May because of deep snow. To reach Asiago, head north from Vicenza on the A31. At the end of the autostrada (Piovene Rocchette) take the S349.

Barenthal Military Cemetery

Barenthal Military Cemetery (125 burials) Take the road to Bassano from the old railway station in Asiago. After 2.5 km turn right following signs for Sacella di Granezza. Take the first left after 300 metres, then right after 100 metres more. The cemetery is on the left after 1.8 km.

Granezza British Cemetery (142 burials) Take the left fork 700 metres beyond Barenthal Military Cemetery and continue for 2.5 km. Access to the cemetery is by a narrow footpath. Cavalletto British Cemetery (100 burials) Continue 400 metres beyond Granezza British Cemetery, turn right, and continue for 2.6 km. The cemetery is in open countryside down the hill from the Rifugio Verdefonte. Access is very difficult; the ground underfoot is uneven and visitors are advised to proceed with extreme caution.

Other cemeteries relating to the fighting in northern Italy are: Tezze British Cemetery (356 burials) The village of Tezze was captured by the Austrians in the summer of 1917 and was not recovered until the Battle of Vittorio Veneto. Buried in the cemetery are some of those who died on the north-east side of the river Piave during the battle. Tezze is 8 km east of Susegana, a town on the S13 some 24 km north of Treviso. The cemetery lies about 270 metres south of the village. Giavera British Cemetery (417 burials) contains the graves of men who died in defending the River Piave from December 1917 to March 1918, and those who fell to the west of the river when it was crossed. The cemetery also contains the Giavera Memorial on which are commemorated 150 Commonwealth servicemen who died in Italy in 1917-18 and whose place of burial is unknown. Giavera is 12 km east of Montebelluna and 14 km west of Conegliano on the S248, the road that connects the two places. The cemetery is 500 metres north-west of the town close to the church. Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery Extension (439 burials) Between April 1918 and February 1919 those who died from wounds or disease in the 9th, 24th and 39th Casualty Clearing Stations were buried either here or at Dueville Communal Cemetery Extension (134 burials). Further graves were brought into these cemeteries from other burial grounds in the area after the war. Dueville is 12 km north of Vicenza on the A31. Leave the piazza in the centre of Dueville and head north

Magnaboshi British Cemetery

Boscon British Cemetery (166 burials) Leave Asiago on the S349 towards Cesuna. 3 km from Cesuna turn right onto a rough track, open to vehicles in summer months and part of the cross country ski track in winter. The cemetery is 1.8 km from the main road in Boscon Wood. Magnaboshi British Cemetery (183 burials) From the tourist office in Cesuna, head south for about 2km to the chapel of S. Antonio (which has a red roof). Behind the chapel, a footpath leads to the cemetery, about 100 metres.

towards Montecchio. At the traffic lights turn left onto Via Fosca. The cemetery is 100 metres on the left opposite the communal cemetery. Montecchio Precalcino is 4 km north of Dueville. A CWGC signpost will be seen on arriving in the village. The Commonwealth presence in Italy during the First World War was not limited to the fighting on the northern front. From the summer of 1917 until late 1918 the Mediterranean lines of Communication for the British Salonika Force ran the length of the country from Taranto in the southeast to Turin in the north-west. A number of Italian towns housed camps, depots and military hospitals and war graves plots were made in many local communal cemeteries and churchyards. Some of the most significant are: Bordighera British Cemetery (72 burials), used from November 1917 to January 1919, mostly by the two general hospitals posted in the town. Exit the A10 at Bordighera and follow the signs for San Remo along the coast road. Pass a small marina on the right and take the second left, following CWGC signs. The cemetery, which has its own entrance and is permanently open, is 350 metres on the left, within Bordighera Main Communal Cemetery, in Via Al Cimitero. Savona Town Cemetery (85 burials) On 4 May 1917, the Hired Transport "Transylvania", en-route to Salonika, was sunk by torpedo a few kilometres south of Savona. Of the 398 military dead from the vessel, 82 are buried in the Commonwealth plot in the town cemetery and the names of a further 274 are inscribed on a screen wall there.

Exit the A10 at Savona Vado. Follow the signs to Quiliano, which is immediately right, and the communal cemetery is signposted. Continue on foot toward the rear of the town cemetery and, at the large cross in the centre, turn left, then right. Pass through an entrance way in a wall and follow the path. The CWGC plot is on the right.

Savona Town Cemetery

Staglieno Cemetery (352 burials) Genoa was a Commonwealth base with the 11th General and 38th and 51st Stationary Hospitals posted to the city. Exit the A12 at Genova East and after the tollgate carry on through a little tunnel. Keep left and after two sets of traffic-lights turn left along the river Bisagno. After a bridge on the right, the big communal cemetery is visible from the road where parking is available. Walk through the large entrance gate into the communal cemetery and follow the road straight ahead. Signs for the Commonwealth cemetery will be seen on the right after about 300 metres.

Arquata Scrivia Communal Cemetery Extension (94 burials) From 1917 to 1919 there was a communication HQ, a base supply depot, a camp and hospital for prisoners of war, and two stationary hospitals at Arquata Scrivia. Exit the A7 at Arquata - Vignole and follow the signs to Arquata Scrivia. Proceed straight ahead after the stop sign and follow the road as it veers right. The cemetery is signposted on the right. Cremona Town Cemetery (83 burials), was used by the towns stationary hospital between January 1918 and February 1919. Exit the A21 at Cremona. Follow the signs for Cremona Centro or Stazione. Pass the main railway station, keeping it to your right, then turn right under the railway lines. Follow the cemetery signs to the right down a tree lined road for approximately 1 km. Park outside the Italian communal cemetery and walk to the CWGC plot which is in the back left hand corner. Taranto Town Cemetery Extension (449 burials) Taranto was used as a Royal Naval base immediately after the Italian declaration of war, but became particularly important in the summer of 1917 when the Mediterranean Lines of Communication were established originating at Taranto. The Town Cemetery was used for Commonwealth burials from June 1915 to April 1919 but in January 1918 a military extension was opened and the 102 Commonwealth burials in the town cemetery were removed there after the war. Leave the A14, Bologna-Taranto, and take the S57 into Taranto from the direction of Bari, passing the large industrial complex on the left. Follow the sign to Grottaglia and then the signs to Tamburi Cimitero (Cimitero San Brunone). The CWGC extension can be found on the one-way road just past the communal cemetery.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for marking and maintaining the graves of 1.7 million members of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars, for building and maintaining memorials to the dead whose graves are unknown and for keeping records and registers of these burials and commemorations found in most countries throughout the world. Enquiries about the location of individual burials and commemorations may be directed to the office below or to the search by surname database at the Commissions web site at www.cwgc.org

For further information contact: Commonwealth War Graves Commission 2 Marlow Road Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 7DX United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1628 507200 Fax: +44 (0) 1628 771208 E-mail: casualty.enq@cwgc.org The cemeteries and memorials in Italy are maintained by the Commissions own staff under the direction of the Western Mediterranean Office in Rome: Western Mediterranean Area Commonwealth War Graves Commission Viale F T Marinetti No 221 00143 Rome Italy Tel: +39 (0) 6 5099911 Fax: +39 (0) 6 50524593 E-mail: wmaoffice@cwgc.org

Cassino War Cemetery