Exploring what Remembrance means to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation team

This Remembrance, we spoke to some more members of the CWGF team to discover what commemoration means to them and how that informs our charity’s important work.

Remembrance and the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation

What Remembrance means to Kirsty Biggar

Kirsty is the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation’s Interim Trust and Corporate Fundraising Officer. Kirsty has kindly shared a few thoughts on remembrance and the casualties in our care. Over to Kirsty!

“For me, Remembrance is about gratitude for the sacrifices that ordinary people made during extraordinary times by simply choosing to do the right thing; their sacrifices form the fabric of our modern society and the democratic freedoms we all enjoy today.

“I recently came across the story of Pilot Officer Donald Stewart Hegan, who served in the RAF Volunteer Reserve. Born in 1916, Donald was educated at Oxford University and a keen sportsman before joining Courtalds Ltd in the research laboratory. 

“Despite being in a 'reserved occupation' and therefore exempt from military service, Donald volunteered and enlisted with the RAF on 11th August 1941 but was killed on active service on 31st October 1942, aged just 25. Just one example of how an ordinary man made an extraordinary sacrifice by doing the right thing. 

“I am honoured to be surrounded by such incredibly knowledgeable colleagues and I have learned so much from them already. 

“Everyone speaks of the importance of remembrance and commemoration with such passion and conviction, and there is a shared determination to keep the stories of the fallen Commonwealth men and women, alive.”

What Remembrance means to Lesley GrAves

Image: Gunner Ronald Arthur Douglas Graves (photo courtesy of Lesley Graves)

Lesley Graves is one of our fantastic Admin Volunteers, helping with the smooth day-to-day running of our charity. Here’s what remembrance means to Lesley, including a family connection to the World Wars.

“I didn’t know much about my family members who served in a war.

“My husband has family members who served and survived except for his Uncle, Ronald Arthur Douglas Graves (known as Roy) Gunner, Service Number 930266 in the Royal Artillery who was part of the evacuation of Dunkirk but sadly he is one of many who did not make it.

“He is buried in Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France. The actual date of his death is unknown as he was last seen on 25 May and found dead on 28 May 1940. He was aged 24 years old.

“It is hard to comprehend what suffering Uncle Roy went through. Questions that come to mind ‘was he alone when he died’, ‘how was he injured and how badly’, and ‘how long before he passed away’? These questions we will never know the answers to.

“Although my husband and I did not know Uncle Roy it was so moving when we managed to travel to see his grave in France.

“It was a very moving visit to the Hazebrouck site and we also visited the site in Dunkirk. To see all the names of the war dead at Dunkirk was hard to comprehend. Such a vast number of names. All who left families behind to fight for freedom. It was certainly an eye-opener. I did not realise before the visit how many names there are. And that was just at Dunkirk and Hazebrouck.

“I often say to my husband that his Uncle Roy’s grave is being cared for by CWGC. And being that it is in another country we are truly grateful.

“So, for me, remembrance is being silent, taking time out. Not just on Remembrance Day or at The Festival of Remembrance. It’s about taking time out throughout the year.”

What Remembrance means to Alison Jackson

Image: Edgar Richardson (photo courtesy of Alison Jackson)

And last, but no means least, is Alison Jackson. Like Lesley, Alison is an Admin Volunteer and has put together some thoughts on remembrance and commemoration.

“The Royal British Legion, which marked its centenary in 2021, describes remembrance as an act which ‘honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life.  We unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth’.

"After World War One, the striking red poppy against the desolate landscape of the former Flander battlefields was seen as a symbol of hope, remembrance, and peace in the future.  

“The first anniversary of the end to hostilities on 11 November 1919, was declared Armistice Day by King George V and a two-minute silence was observed.  

“After World War Two, in order to memorialise both wars, the main commemoration was moved to Remembrance Sunday (the closest Sunday to 11 November).

“So, what does it mean to me?  

“Having a lifelong interest in history, I replaced a lost World War One memorial at my children’s local primary school.  I remember those forty names on the board even though I didn’t know them.  I’m not a native of Berkshire, but they belonged to that school and should be remembered.  

“I also recently discovered a very old photograph of a distant relative.  I discovered that he had died in October 1916 in one of the battles of the Somme.  

“The photo shows my relative, Edgar Richardson, in the uniform of a firefighter.  I have since traced his life story and feel privileged that although I didn’t know him, I have honoured his memory and he will not be forgotten.  

“It’s even more poignant to me, as 106 years after the photo was taken in 1914, my son, also joined the fire service and as part of their ceremonial team, will march through the Menin Gate on the 11 November.”

Help the Foundation Tell Every Story FOr Evermore In this time of remembrance 

Remembrance is at the core of what we do at the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.

Keeping the stories and memories of the Commonwealth’s war dead is our mission. 

As we think about remembrance and commemoration at this time of year, please consider donating to the Foundation or becoming a member to support our work. 

Thank you.