Khadki is a northern suburb of Pune. During the British Era, the area was known as Kirkee. It is here that a huge war cemetery is located, right alongside a bustling street.
Kirkee War Cemetery holds the graves of 1,668 soldiers from World War II. Their graves were gathered here from western and central parts of India where their permanent maintenance could not be assured. Additionally, in 1962, the graves of 629 soldiers from World War I were shifted here from Mumbai’s Sewri Christian Cemetery.
They have been commemorated by name on the Kirkee Memorial, which stands within the cemetery. The memorial also commemorates around 200 soldiers of East and West African origin who laid down their lives in the non-operational zones in India during World War II.
At the other end of the cemetery stands the Cross of Sacrifice, which is present in Commonwealth war cemeteries which contain 40 or more graves. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Surrounded by beautiful trees, the war cemetery has been impeccably maintained. It takes visitors back in time.
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