About Kohima War Cemetery
Kohima War Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery located on Garrison Hill in Kohima, Nagaland. It commemorates 1,420 Commonwealth soldiers who died during the Battle of Kohima in April-June 1944 during World War II. Set on terraced slopes where the battle was fought, it is known for its well-maintained gardens, stone memorial, and the famous Kohima Epitaph engraved on the memorial.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a terraced hillside cemetery with neatly aligned grave markers, manicured lawns, seasonal flowers and cherry trees, and stone stairways connecting levels. At the top is the memorial to 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers who were cremated, and at the bottom is the area marking the former tennis court of the Deputy Commissioner's bungalow where intense fighting occurred. The site offers quiet pathways, information panels, and panoramic views over Kohima town.
Key highlights
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1,420 Commonwealth burials of World War II from the Battle of Kohima
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Famous Kohima Epitaph: 'When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today'
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Located on Garrison Hill on the site of the former Deputy Commissioner's bungalow tennis court
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Memorial to 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers cremated in accordance with their faith
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Terraced design with manicured gardens, cherry blossoms and panoramic views of Kohima
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Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
History of Kohima War Cemetery
Established to commemorate soldiers who died in the Battle of Kohima from 4 April to 22 June 1944, part of the Burma Campaign of World War II. The cemetery is built on the slopes of Garrison Hill where Commonwealth forces defended the area. It contains 1,420 burials and a cremation memorial for 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers. The battle is regarded as a significant engagement in the region during World War II.
Culture & Context
Serves as a place of remembrance for Commonwealth service personnel and is a site for annual remembrance services. The Kohima Epitaph has become a widely recognized memorial inscription. The cemetery is an important historical and educational site for visitors to Nagaland.