27 January 2025
History lover? Here’s why you should become a Commonwealth War Graves Guide
The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guide Programme returns in 2025. Here’s why, if you love history, you should apply!
Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides
What is the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides Programme?
Are you a young person with a passion for history? Then the CWGF Guides Programme is for you
The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides Programme is one of our cornerstone projects.
Every year, we give young history enthusiasts the opportunity to work with us at some of the most visited Commonwealth War Graves sites in France and Belgium.
They greet visitors, help them research their family history, and share the stories of those commemorated by Commonwealth War Graves.
The Guides programme helps us fulfil our core mission: sharing the stories of the 1.7 million men and women in Commonwealth War Graves’ care and connecting with future generations to ensure their memories are never forgotten.
But the Guides programme is more than just aiding Commonwealth War Graves. It’s about empowering young people with practical skills and real-world experience to help them on their personal journeys.
Why I Became a Guide: James’ Story
When the opportunity to be a Guide came up, I knew that I just had to apply!
Growing up, I helped my grandad on trips to the Somme, Flodden Road Barracks, and Lambeth Archives, while he researched the 21st London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles).
Interestingly, my first assignment for the CWGC was to research Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, near High Wood, near where grandad served.
My interest in history comes from him, and it’s my ambition to similarly inspire young people.
Why I Became a Guide: Annabel’s Story
I wanted to work for Commonwealth War Graves as a result of my strong interest in history, in particular, the First World War.
I knew that working for the organisation would provide me with an excellent opportunity to continue to learn about the First World War, with a particular chance to learn more about, and research, the soldiers who were casualties of the conflict.
I am sure that the skills I acquired will be invaluable and help me during my time at the Commonwealth War Graves and in my future.
Why I Became a Guide: Cole’s Story
I was chuffed to be spending this summer working with Commonwealth War Graves!
I applied to work as a Guide to gain experience in actively engaging and communicating the past to members of the public and helping them comprehend a difficult period of history.
This way I helped our visitors see the individual stories behind the gravestones and the human beings within the old black-and-white photographs.
Why I Became a Guide: Beth’s Story
Being a Guide has been a really unique opportunity and has allowed me to continue learning more about the Great War and especially the soldiers of the war.
I’ve enjoyed history as a subject since primary school and gained a specific interest in the First World War after visiting battlefields in Belgium and France when I was 16 with my secondary school.
Alongside my interest in the war, I'm also interested in Native studies, especially the Indigenous peoples of Canada/Turtle Island.
5 reasons to become a Commonwealth War Graves Guide
Get practical experience
Our Guides are trained in public speaking and engaging with visitors at some of the most iconic Commonwealth War Graves sites in the world. We see a huge increase in their confidence that will go on to greatly aid them in whatever they pursue after their time with us is over.
Guides are also trained on historical research principles, as well as encouraged to share their experiences and research with us via blogs and videos.
It’s part of our remit to help our Guides gain real-world skills to help them in later life after working with us. It’s enriching for both us and them to see our Guides flourish into confident young people and ambassadors for Commonwealth War Graves.
Enhance your CV
Commonwealth War Graves is the global leader in commemoration and one of the most respected organisations in the world.
Many of our Guides join us from university or higher education; others have previously served in the Armed Forces and are exploring their post-military career options; others simply have a passion for the history of the World Wars and want to try their hand at something new.
With the skills gained in your time as a Guide, plus the name of one of the most august institutions in heritage and worldwide commemoration, your CV will be enhanced.
Work at some of the most famous Commonwealth War Graves sites in the World
Previous Guides have worked with us at the magnificent Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme in Northern France and the moving Bayeux War Cemetery in Normandy.
These are some of the most visited and beloved Commonwealth War Graves sites in the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from across the globe annually.
Over 72,000 Commonwealth servicemen with no known grave are commemorated on Thiepval’s monumental name panels in stark testament to the brutal fighting that characterised the Western Front.
Bayeux War Cemetery is the Second World War cemetery in France. Here, more than 4,000 casualties of D-Day and the subsequent Normandy campaign are commemorated here, over 300 of which are unidentified.
But these men were more than just names on a headstone or an inscription on a name panel. They were real people: sons; brothers; cousins; loved ones. All have their own story to tell.
Working at sites like this, as well as others across the Western Front, you’ll be helping keep the memories of those commemorated here alive so their sacrifices and stories are preserved for generations to come.
Share your passion for history
All our Guides have a passion for history and a desire to share it with like-minded individuals. Visitors to Commonwealth War Graves sites are often history enthusiasts themselves, or interested in learning more about family members in our care.
If the World Wars are one of your areas of interest, consider applying to become a Guide.
You’ll have the chance to engage with our teams out in France and Belgium, history lovers from around the world, and of course your fellow Guides to share and build your passion for the past.
It’s fun!
As well as all the brilliant opportunities for personal growth being a Guide offers, it’s also a fun way to spend your summer!
You get to spend a summer in some beautiful countryside alongside your fellow Guides with plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in some of France and Belgium’s most picturesque cities while engaging with your passion for all things historical.
What’s not to like?
Stay tuned for application updates
We are still fine-tuning the details of this year’s Guides Programme. Stay tuned for more updates and how to apply.
How can you support the Commonwealth War Graves Guides Programme?
The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides Programme gives young history lovers an opportunity to work for Commonwealth War Graves in France and Belgium.
They welcome visitors, share the incredible stories of those commemorated by Commonwealth War Graves, and help assist our guests on their journey of remembrance at important sites like Thiepval in Northern France and Tyne Cot, Belgium.
We’re passionate about preserving the memories of the Commonwealth’s war dead and interacting with young people to keep their stories alive. Our Guides help us in our core mission while becoming equipped with real-life skills to aid their personal development.
Our Guides Programme relies on your generosity.
£100 could pay to fully train one of our Guides ready for their experience of working abroad so they are best able to welcome visitors, share the incredible stories of those we commemorate, and help assist visitors on their journey of remembrance.
Please donate to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation today to keep projects like this going.
Donate Online Now
By donating to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, you are helping us to keep the stories of the brave servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars alive. Can you help us ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten?
Your donation enables us to continue sharing the inspiring stories of those like Ensign Violette Szabo, a brave SOE operative and spy who was executed in Ravensbrück concentration camp and posthumously awarded the George Cross. Violette is commemorated at our Brookwood Memorial.