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Johannesburg (West Park) Cemetery

  • Country South Africa
  • Total identified casualties 637 Find these casualties
  • Region Gauteng
  • Identified casualties from Second World War
  • GPS Coordinates Latitude: -26.15926, Longitude: 27.9943

Please note

There is the potential for attacks in the vicinity of the cemetery. All visitors are strongly advised to take care and not carry valuables or leave them on display in vehicles. Please be aware that there is a private security company manning the entrance. Parking is available on the side of the road, near the CWGC plot. There are steps leading to the Cross of Sacrifice and a wall within the plot.

Location information

Johannesburg (West Park) Cemetery is located 10 kilometres north-west of Johannesburg. From the N1 take DF Malan Drive in the direction of Johannesburg. The entrance to the cemetery is located 6.5 kilometres on the right. A sign indicates the route to the military plot. The Cremation Memorial is situated in the military plot directly behind the Cross of Sacrifice.

Visiting information

This large cemetery is still in daily use and is open between 07.00 and 17.00 daily. There is no problem in locating the military plot, but it is advisable to consult the Secretary, CWGC South African Office - Tel and Fax: (27) 12 663 7285 E-Mail: saoffice@cwgc.org - or the cemetery office about the position of the scattered graves. There is the potential for attacks in the vicinity of the cemetery. All visitors are strongly advised to take care and not carry valuables or leave them on display in vehicles.

History information

During the Second World War, there was a large military wing in the Johannesburg General Hospital and military hospitals at Baragwanath and Cottesloe. The Baragwanath hospital handled a large number of casualties sent from the Middle East. Flying training under the Empire Air Training Scheme was conducted on a considerable scale from the Baragwanath airfield. Further to the south-west at Lenz was the largest ammunition depot in South Africa.

Johannesburg (West Park) Cemetery contains 617 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. There are also 21 war graves of other nationalities and seven non-war burials in the Commission's care.

The Johannesburg (West Park) Cremation memorial commemorates 69 servicemen and women who were cremated in Braamfontein Cemetery in Johannesburg during the Second World War.