Lest We Forget: Commemoration & care of WW1 dead buried in the UK

Image: Newark Courtesy of the CWGC

This talk will provide an overview of the commemoration and care experienced by First World War dead buried in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on the work of the Imperial (later known as Commonwealth) War Graves Commission. Founded in 1917, the organisation now known as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is arguably the first organisation of its kind. Today, it operates in over 150 countries and territories worldwide with sites at more than 23,000 locations. While many individuals will be familiar with its work overseas at sites in France and Belgium, the work undertaken by the Commission in the United Kingdom has been unrepresented in public memory; this is in spite of the second highest number of commemorations by the Commission globally being found here, with more than 300,000 war dead remembered in Britain at over 10,000 locations. The talk seeks to redress this gap.

You don't have to be a Member of The Western Front Association to attend our meetings as all are equally welcome. Do come along and enjoy a friendly atmosphere and the good company of fellow enthusiasts.