The Story Behind the Grave Janette Swales recently reached out to me with a heartfelt request. She shared photos of her great-grandmother's brother, Private James William Palmer. He tragically lost his life on the 27th of November, 1922, while serving with the Norfolk Regiment in Iraq. His final resting place is the RAF Hinaidi Peace Cemetery, now known as the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery. Janette was eager to know if I had any photographs of James Palmer's grave. She also wanted to learn more about the circumstances surrounding his death. Unfortunately, I couldn't provide answers to either of her questions. However, I was able to show her where his grave is located in a wide-angle photograph of the cemetery taken back in 1933. A Glimpse into the Past Janette also provided me with a photograph of the original headstone, which I have included below. It's a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served. For a more detailed account and additional photographs, please click on this link to the OLD BURIAL & HEADSTONE PHOTOS page on this website. The Importance of Remembering It's vital to remember the stories of individuals like Private James William Palmer. Each soldier has a unique tale that contributes to the broader narrative of our history. By sharing these stories, we honor their sacrifices and keep their memories alive. The Role of War Cemeteries War cemeteries serve as solemn reminders of the cost of conflict. They are places of reflection and remembrance. The RAF Hinaidi Peace Cemetery is no exception. It holds the memories of many brave service members who gave their lives in service to their country. Preserving History As we delve into the past, it's essential to advocate for the preservation of these sites. They are not just graves; they are historical landmarks that tell the stories of bravery and sacrifice. Efforts to restore and maintain these cemeteries ensure that future generations can learn about and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Research Assistance If you're seeking information about British military personnel, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide free research assistance to anyone interested in uncovering the stories of their ancestors. Whether you're a military historian or a family member looking to connect with your past, I’m dedicated to helping you find the information you need. Conclusion In closing, I want to express my gratitude to Janette for sharing her family's story with me. It’s a reminder of the personal connections we have to our history. Each photograph, each grave, tells a story worth remembering. Let’s continue to honor these brave souls and ensure their legacies live on. --- If you have any questions or need assistance with your research, feel free to reach out. Together, we can keep the memories of our heroes alive.

I have just added to my website high resolution photographs of the Memorial at the RAF Habbaniya War Cemetery in Iraq, erected to honour the 106 men of the Royal Air Force Iraq Levies who lost their lives 'between the World Wars' during the periods of unrest in Iraq. I have split the memorial into five photographs, the first of them added below. Click HERE to see all of the photographs as well as the names of every man honoured on the memorial. Iraq Levies Memorial at RAF Habbaniya RAF Iraq Levies Memorial at RAF Habbaniya - enlargement

A recent query required me to identify the servicemen who were buried at the RAF Cemetery in Baghdad 'between the two World Wars'. The cemetery, now called the Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery but originally named the RAF Hinaidi Peace Cemetery, is the final resting place of three hundred airmen, soldiers and seamen of the British forces including a number of civilians working for the Royal Air Force, who died in the service of their country in the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties. The attached diagram may be of interest to others. In summary, 15 officers and NCOs of the British Army who were attached to the RAF Iraq Levies , died between December 1921 and January 1931 in Iraq and were buried at Ma'Asker (short name "Rasheed"). Out of the 300 burials, 24 men of the six RAF Armoured Car Companies and HQ died between June 1922 and May 1935 and were buried at Ma'Asker. For more details see also the page on this website that provides a breakdown of burials by service type (including those of the Armoured Car Companies and those attached to the RAF Iraq Levies. Ma'Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, Baghdad, highlighting Armoured Car Company and Attached to RAF Levies Deaths - 1921 to 1935

This page shows photographs of every headstone in Plot 6 of the Habbaniya Military Cemetery Plot 6 Headstones - Habbaniyah War Cemetery This page provides a photograph of each of the thirty-nine (39) new headstones in Plot 6 of the Habbaniya War Cemetery. The photographs appear in Row and Grave sequence but can also be accessed directly by clicking on the name of the person of interest by via the cemetery diagram page. Due to an oversight back in 2018 / 2019 when the Habbaniyah War Cemetery was completely restored, a new headstone was not made for Norwegian sailor Oskar Kristiansen, who died on the 26th March 1945 (Plot 6 Row C Grave 1). Consequently Kristiansen's grave is currently unmarked. As at January 2024, the CWGC on behalf of the Norwegian Graves Commission will make a new headstone and install it at Habbaniyah. In the meantime I have attached an image of Kristiansen's original and almost illegible headstone at the end of this section as well as a corrected image that shows the wording of the original inscription. I have also marked the position of Kristiansen's grave on the background image of Plot 6 (not visible if you are viewing this website using a mobile phone). See also the NEWS story on Oskar Kristiansen. The background image for this page (visible on all devices except mobile 'phones) is a wide-angle photograph taken of Plot 6 at Habbaniyah.Click HERE to see a copy of this photo. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Anchor 4 Anchor 5 Anchor 6 Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Anchor 9 Anchor 10 PLOT 1 HEADSTONES Anchor 11

This page shows photographs of every headstone in Plot 3 of the Habbaniya Military Cemetery Plot 3 Headstones - Habbaniyah War Cemetery This page shows photographs of the thirty-nine (39) headstones in Plot 3 of the Habbaniyah War Cemetery. Note that the CWGC plan of Habbaniyah Cemetery indicates there are only 38 burials in total, with 10 burials in Row A, whereas in fact there are 11 (with James Peters, the son of E F Peters, buried next to his father in Grave 1A). The photographs appear below in Row and Grave sequence but can also be accessed directly by clicking on the name of the person of interest by via the cemetery diagram page. The background image for this page (visible on all devices except mobile 'phones) is a wide-angle photograph taken of Plot 3 at Habbaniyah. Click HERE to see a copy of this photo. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Anchor 4 Anchor 5 Anchor 6 Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Anchor 9 Anchor 10 PLOT 4 HEADSTONES Anchor 11 A

This page shows photographs of all seventy three headstones in Plot 5 of the Habbaniya Military Cemetery. This is the only website where you will find photos of the headstones Plot 5 Headstones - Habbaniyah War Cemetery This page contains photographs of the seventy-three (73) headstones in Plot 5 of the Habbaniyah War Cemetery. The photographs appear below in Row and Grave sequence but can also be accessed directly by clicking on the name of the person of interest by via the cemetery diagram page. The background image for this page (visible on all devices except mobile 'phones) is a wide-angle photograph taken of Plot 5 at Habbaniyah. Click HERE to see a copy of this photo. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Anchor 4 Anchor 5 Anchor 6 Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Anchor 9 Anchor 10 Anchor 11 Anchor 12 Anchor 13 Anchor 14 Anchor 15 Anchor 16 Anchor 17 Anchor 18 Anchor 19 PLOT 6 HEADSTONES Anchor 20