Beneath these weathered stones lie stories. Stories whisper from the Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud. It is a place of rest and remembrance in Casablanca. This cemetery holds history. It is a reminder of lives lived and sacrifices made.
The Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud is a large civilian cemetery. It sits about six kilometers from Casablanca’s heart. To reach it, take the main road toward Marrakech. Look for the road called Oulad Zianc. A taxi is often the best way to get here.
Within the Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud lies a Commonwealth plot. Here rest 38 soldiers from the Second World War. There are also two war graves of other nationalities. Seven non-war burials are here as well.
One notable grave belongs to Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck. He commanded troops during World War II. He died in 1981 at 96. Auchinleck rests beside Galley Boy Raymond Steed. Steed was only 14. He was the second youngest known Commonwealth casualty of the war.
The Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud has graves of Canadian soldiers too. Edouard Baudry is among them. He was a war correspondent for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Baudry died on January 22, 1943. His headstone reads “Tombé Au Champ D’Honneur Pour Sa Patrie Native Et Sa Patrie Adoptive.” This translates to “Fallen on the field of honor for his native and adoptive homeland.”
Irwin James Clark is another Canadian. He was a Flight Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Clark died on August 22, 1943. Thomas Hugh Currie also rests here. He was a Warrant Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Currie died on November 8, 1942 at 23. His headstone says “He Died For King And Country. Greatly Missed By His Loving Wife Cherry.”
Also buried here is George Raymond Grant. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Alexander Currie McCrady is another. He was a Flying Officer. Kenneth Dean Rawson rests here too. He was a Sergeant with the Royal Canadian Air Force. His headstone includes the verse “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes Unto The Hills, From Whence Cometh My Help Psalm CXXI.”
The Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud is open daily. Its gates welcome visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. A French-speaking caretaker is usually present. Note that the caretaker takes a break. This is from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. He remains on-site if you need assistance.
Visiting the Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud offers a moment to reflect. Remember those who sacrificed. Note that there have been reports of attacks. Take care and avoid carrying valuables.
The Cimetière De Ben M’sick-Sud stands as a testament. It is a testament to history and remembrance. It connects us to the past. The stories here echo through time. They remind us of courage and sacrifice. They urge us to remember. They are not forgotten.