The Commonwealth War Graves Commission & the First World War

Gateways Event

Friday 26 February 2016, 10:00 - 15:00

Organised by Gateways to the First World War

Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, 1921. Image reproduced with permission of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

In 1914, Sir Fabian Ware, the commander of a mobile unit of the Red Cross on the Western Front, felt driven to find a way to ensure that the final resting places of the dead of the Great War would not be lost forever. He and his unit began recording and caring for all the graves they could find. By 1915, their work was given official recognition by the War Office and incorporated into the British Army and in 1917 the Imperial War Graves Commission was established by Royal Charter.

Today, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (renamed in the 1960s) continues to commemorate the dead of both world wars, building and maintaining cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations in 154 countries. During the centenary period the Commission has played a leading role in many remembrance activities.

This study day will explore key themes and developments in the history of the CWGC over the last century and will feature talks from Dr Glyn Prysor (Chief Historian, CWGC), Professor Mark Connelly and Tim Fox-Godden (University of Kent).

This event is free and open to all.

Doors open at 9.30am.

Book your place here.