Information:
The Fajara
War Cemetery,
on Kairaba Avenue (Pipeline Road), has well manicured
lawns and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission. During World War 2, The Gambia, along with
other British colonies in West Africa, was used as a
landing and take-off site for aircraft flying to towards
the North African and Middle East battle fronts. Bathurst
was also used as a naval base. Sea vessels headed for
the Far East, and India via South Africa used the port
at Banjul.
There are 199 identified (4 unidentified) casualties
of war, predominantly West African, but also Canadian,
British and other nationalities, are interred here,
their graves aligned in straight rows between well trimmed
shrubs. A RWAFF Memorial Tablet also stands here in
tribute to the 33 Gambians who served in the Royal West
African Frontier Forces who died whilst serving in West
Africa and whose graves are unknown or cannot be properly
maintained. There are also 10 non-war service burials
and 3 war graves of other nationalities.
Directions:
If you are coming by taxi, the Fajara War Cemetery is
in Fajara M Section, on Kairaba
Avenue, about 200 metres from the traffic lights
on Bertil Harding Highway. It is almost opposite the
Sankung Sillah Building.
Opening Hours:
It is open every day between 6am to 6pm. Wheelchair
access available.
Contact Address:
Africa & Asia Pacific Area:
Commonwealth
War Graves
Commission
2 Marlow Road
Maidenhead
Berkshire SL6 7DX
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 634221
Fax: +44 (0) 1628 771643
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