Silently standing on Avenue General de Lattre de Tassigny, Mazargues War Cemetery holds stories of sacrifice. It is located in the southern suburb of Mazargues in Marseille. This is a place where nearly 1,742 war casualties are commemorated.
Marseille served as a crucial base. Indian troops were stationed here during the First World War. The Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, British troops, and Labour units all operated through this busy port. Consequently, several town cemeteries became resting places for Commonwealth forces who died in Marseille.
Initially, four cemeteries were used. St. Pierre Cemetery saw the cremation of Hindu soldiers and labourers. Le Canet Old Cemetery and Le Canet New Cemetery became burial grounds for Indian, Egyptian, and Chinese labourers. Mazargues Cemetery was used less during the war. However, it later expanded to consolidate remains from other cemeteries, including Port St. Louis-du-Rhone Communal Cemetery.
Within Mazargues War Cemetery lie 1,487 casualties from World War I and 267 from World War II. A memorial at the rear commemorates 205 Indian soldiers. They were cremated according to their faith. Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood unveiled this Mazargues Indian Memorial in July 1925.
Eight members of the Egyptian Labour Corps are also remembered here. They were originally buried in Le Canet New Communal Cemetery. Sadly their graves were later lost. Their names are inscribed on a stone tablet. It is on the left-hand wall of this war cemetery.
Consider the story of Labourer Mahmoud Mahomed Ahmed. He was part of the Egyptian Labour Corps. He died on October 10, 1917. Ahmed was executed for mutiny. The incident occurred at Camp Fournier near Marseille. Men of Unit 71 protested against extended contracts. Religious animosity fueled the conflict. Ahmed struck an officer. He was subsequently court-martialed and convicted.
Look closer at individual stories etched in stone. Royden James Ainsworth, a Private of the 26th Australian Infantry, died on August 10, 1916. He was the son of James and Delia Ainsworth.
Captain Horace Morgan Baker of the Australian Field Artillery died on April 11, 1916. He was 39 years old. Joseph Benedict Crabbe, a Serjeant in the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade, died on April 17, 1916.
Sapper Harry Kenneth Gow of the Royal Engineers died on May 4, 1917. He was only 19. His headstone bears the inscription: “Gone From Us But Not Forgotten Never Shall His Memory Fade.”
Lieutenant Claude Hume Lyne of the 12th Australian Infantry died on April 7, 1916. He was 31. His headstone reads: “Loved Husband Of Helena & Father Of Jack & Claire Deeply Regretted.”
Third Engineer John Whyte of the S.S. “Gena” died on May 24, 1916. He was 24. His headstone says: “On Whose Soul Sweet Jesus Have Mercy R.I.P.”
Mazargues War Cemetery also holds the remains of those who fell in the Second World War. Private Robert Charles Anderson of the 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion died on September 13, 1944. He was 25. His headstone bears the inscription: “My Times Are In Thy Hand.”
Sergeant Joseph Belanger of the same battalion died on September 16, 1944. He was 25. His headstone reads: “May His Soul, Through The Mercy Of God, Rest In Peace. Amen.”
Mazargues War Cemetery stands as a testament. It is a reminder of the global participation and personal sacrifices made during times of war. As you leave this place, remember the names, the stories, and the enduring cost of conflict.