Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel Bay
Set against the sweeping cliffs of Cape St Blaize, the Mossel Bay War Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to local men and women who served in the great conflicts of the twentieth century. © 
Close up showing details of the Mossel Bay War Memorial in Cape St. Blaize. © Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel Bay
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Cape St Blaize, the Mossel Bay War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the town’s enduring connection to global conflict. Overlooking the restless sweep of the Indian Ocean, the memorial occupies one of the most striking viewpoints along the Garden Route, lending both beauty and solemnity to a place created to honour local men and women who served in the major conflicts of the twentieth century. Its position is no coincidence; here, where the coastline feels vast and unbroken, visitors are encouraged to pause, reflect, and appreciate the sacrifices that shaped the peaceful South Africa of the post-1945 era.
The memorial primarily commemorates those who served in the First World War (1914–1918) and the Second World War (1939–1945), with additional plaques acknowledging later service by South Africans. Many of the names inscribed belonged to fishermen, railway workers, and young men who had scarcely travelled beyond the Western Cape before being swept into distant battles in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Their inclusion here serves as a powerful reminder that even small coastal towns felt the reverberations of these global conflicts. The memorial’s understated design - simple, dignified, and contemplative - ensures the focus remains firmly on the people it honours rather than on architectural embellishment.
What lends the Mossel Bay War Memorial particular resonance is the way it anchors local memory within a broader historical arc. Mossel Bay has long been a place of passage, tied to maritime history since the arrival of Portuguese explorers in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The addition of the war memorial in the mid-twentieth century continues this theme, linking the town not only to centuries of seafaring heritage but to the tides of international war that shaped the world between 1914 and 1945. The striking contrast between the serene ocean horizon and the gravity of the memorial underscores the fragility of peace and the human cost required to secure it.
Today, the site is a cherished stop for travellers exploring the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse, dating from 1864, and the scenic coastal path that winds along the cliffs. The memorial’s well-kept surroundings and panoramic views give it the feel of a lookout as much as a place of remembrance. Yet for those who linger, its deeper significance becomes clear: this is a quietly moving landmark that invites reflection on community, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of war on even the most idyllic coastal towns. In a destination celebrated for its natural beauty, the Mossel Bay War Memorial adds heartfelt historical depth, enriching every visit to this evocative corner of the Cape.
Accommodation Near Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel Bay
Argyle B2
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
0.8km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BayArgyle B2 provides 6-sleeper self catering apartment accommodation in Mossel Bay and is within walking distance of the Point, the harbour, tidal pool, several restaurants, coffee shops and flea markets. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Argyle B1
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
0.8km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BayArgyle B1 provides 8-sleeper self catering apartment accommodation in Mossel Bay, Garden Route, Western Cape. This north-facing apartment is located in Mossel Bay, halfway between the historic Point Village and the eastern end of the Mossel Bay harbour. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
King Cenric flat no 1
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
0.8km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BayKing Cenric flat no1 offers self catering accommodation in Mossel Bay in the Garden Route, Western Cape. This north facing three bedroom self catering apartment on the ground floor boasts stunning sea views. Only a 10 metre lawn between apartment and sea. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
51 on High
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
0.9km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel Bay51 on High is a modern 4 bedroom self catering house in Mossel Bay with expansive views of the harbour and a 5-10 minute walk to restaurants, bars and the Point. Featuring a jacuzzi, braai area and plenty outdoor seating. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Santos Beach Flat no.26
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
2.3km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BaySantos Beach Flat No 26 offers self catering beachfront accommodation in in Mossel Bay Town, Garden Route, Western Cape. Situated right in front of the famous Santos Beach, in the coastal town of Mossel Bay. Activities right on your doorstep includes... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
84 Estoril Villas
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
5.5km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BayEstoril Villas (security complex), modern, self-catering apartment at the popular Diaz Strand, Mossel Bay. This six sleeper is a mere 200m from the beach. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Diaz Beach Apartment
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
5.6km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BayDiaz Beach Apartment offers self catering accommodation in Mossel Bay in the Garden Route, Western Cape. Diaz Beach Apartment is an absolute beachfront 3 bedroom self-catering apartment with amazing views over the ocean and Mossel Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
55 Vista Bonita
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay
5.6km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel Bay55 Vista Bonita is a 2 bedroom,1 bathroom, beachfront self-catering apartment with direct access to the beach and views over the ocean and Mossel Bay. direct access to the beach and superb views over the ocean as well as Mossel Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
La Palma Villa C12
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mossel Bay
5.6km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BayLa Palma Villa C12 is a self catering apartment in Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay in the Garden Route. This self catering accommodation is located in a secure complex. There is an elevator in the apartment block as well as full access control and security... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sea Breeze 65
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay
5.7km from Mossel Bay War Memorial - Cape St. Blaize Mossel BaySea Breeze 65 is a self-catering apartment in a security complex located in Diaz Strand in Mossel Bay in the Garden Route. It is a short walk across the road to the beach. (Sleeps 5 in 2 bedrooms). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Linkside (1.46km)
- Mossel Bay (1.62km)
- Mossel Bay Area (2.32km)
- Die Bakke (2.47km)
- De Nova (2.92km)
- Mossel Bay Golf Estate (3.16km)
- Santos Bay, Mossel Bay (3.49km)
- Fairview, Mossel Bay (4.25km)
- Heiderand (4.82km)
- Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay (5.57km)
- Die Voor Bay, Mossel Bay (6.13km)
- Bayview, Mossel Bay (6.93km)
- Pinnacle Point (7.28km)
- Hartenbos, Mossel Bay (7.32km)
- Aalwyndal (9.07km)
- Cape St. Blaize - Mossel Bay (0.02km)
- Oystercatcher Trail - Gouritzmond to Mossel Bay, Garden Route (0.07km)
- Tidal Pool and Blougat (Blue Hole) - Mossel Bay, Western Cape (0.09km)
- Mossel Bay Zipline - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (0.14km)
- Cape St Blaize Cave - Mossel Bay (0.14km)
- Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse Complex - Mossel Bay (0.20km)
- The Goods Shed Indoor Flea Market - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (1.08km)
- Cape St Blaize Hiking Trail - Mossel Bay (1.26km)
- Shark Cage Diving - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (1.37km)
- Mossel Bay Harbour - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (1.38km)
- Romonza Boat Trips - Mossel Bay Harbour (1.56km)
- Ethno Botanical Garden and Braille Trail - Mossel Bay (1.69km)
- Bartholomeu Dias Museum - Mossel Bay, Western Cape (1.73km)
- Post Office Tree - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (1.77km)
- Old Power Station Building - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (2.16km)
- The Santos Pavilion E - Mossel Bay, Western Cape (2.35km)
- Bay View Hospital - Mossel Bay (2.70km)
- Mossel Bay Golf Club - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (2.74km)
- Mossel Bay Hospital - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (2.98km)
- Seal Island - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (5.17km)
- Langeberg Mall - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (6.56km)
- Garden Route Casino and Spa - Mossel Bay (6.75km)
- Point of Human Origins - Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay (7.16km)
- Pinnacle Point Golf Course - Mossel Bay, Garden Route (7.57km)
- Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - nr Mossel Bay (15.62km)
