CWGC Cemetery: DEDEAGATCH BRITISH CEMETERY

Visiting Information

The cemetery gates are locked and a key is available from the Municipality.

Local Information

The cemetery is in the town of Alexandroupolis (formerly Dedeagatch) and is on the north eastern shore of the Aegean sea, close to the border with Turkey. Follow the main coastal road into the centre of the town and turn left at the junction with 14th May Street (14is Maiou St), which is part of a one way system. After about 600 metres, just past the school on the left side, turn left again into Kavyri Street. The cemetery is on the left hand side, adjacent to a childrens play park.

Historical Information

Dedeagatch (now Alexandroupolis) belonged to Turkey until 1913, and to Bulgaria from 1913 to 1919. It was bombarded by an Allied squadron in October 1915 and was occupied by Commonwealth forces in October 1918. No 31 Casualty Clearing Station was posted in the town until the end of the year. The cemetery was used from October to December 1918 and after the Armistice, 18 graves were brought in from other cemeteries, 13 of them from Kavalla Anglo-French Cemetery. Kavalla was a port of call for hospital ships in November 1918. The cemetery now contains 64 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. There are also two Second World War burials and 16 burials of other nationalities, mostly Serbian civilians.