Pune: Australian Consul General Pays Tribute at Kirkee War Cemetery Ahead of Anzac Day
Pune, 22nd April 2024: In a poignant commemoration ahead of Anzac Day, Paul Murphy, Australia’s Consul General in Mumbai, paid a solemn visit to the Kirkee War Cemetery in Pune. Sharing a photo on social media, Murphy expressed his privilege in honoring the Australian servicemen laid to rest at this historic site.
The Kirkee War Cemetery holds deep significance as a final resting place for 1,668 Commonwealth soldiers, alongside 1 Polish and 1 American burial from the Second World War. In addition, the cemetery also accommodates 629 First World War servicemen whose graves were relocated from Sewri Cemetery in Mumbai to Kirkee in 1962. This move was undertaken to ensure the perpetual care of these distinguished graves, marking their enduring contribution and sacrifice.
Established to receive war graves from western and central parts of India during the Second World War, the Kirkee War Cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied forces in the region. Consul General Murphy’s visit underscores the ongoing importance of honoring and remembering the brave individuals who fought and gave their lives for peace and freedom.
