Five ways we share the stories of the fallen at the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation

Sharing the stories of the Commonwealth’s war dead  

Why do we share their stories? 

Nearly two million men and women from around the Commonwealth are commemorated by Commonwealth War Graves. 

We owe so much to those who fell during these conflicts. These men and women gave their lives in sacrifice during the World Wars. Their courage and sacrifice made during these terrible conflicts can never be forgotten. 

The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation’s core mission is to share and celebrate the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but also share the stories of those it commemorates. 

Inspiring and informing younger generations is especially important to us. The vast majority of the casualties of both World Wars were young people. It can be hard to imagine their experiences, but we share them in the hope that such devastating wars are never fought again. 

How do we share their stories? 

Volunteer speakers 

Engaging with the public is at the core of what we do at the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation. 

Our volunteer speakers are a corps of enthusiastic volunteers that go out and about, sharing our work and the Commission’s work with the general public. 

How? By visiting organisations around the country to host talks, workshops, and seminars. 

Our volunteer speakers regularly visit schools, colleges, universities, businesses, faith groups, rotary clubs, scout/guide groups and many other organisations. 

They are given a series of set topics to elaborate and speak on, one of which covers nearby war graves and personal stories of the fallen. 

If you’re a history lover and would like to know more or get involved as a volunteer speaker, make sure you visit the Volunteers page to find the latest opportunities. 

Guides 

We’ve spoken lots about the amazing Commonwealth War Graves Guides, but we can’t talk about them enough! 

The Guides Programme gives young history enthusiasts the opportunity get out in the field at some of the Commission’s most iconic French and Belgian sites. 

While there, they become Commonwealth War Graves’ focal point, greeting guests, guiding them around the sites, and of course, sharing the stories of casualties. 

Guides also write highly informative blogs, make videos, and share content detailing their experiences, what they’ve learned, and more interesting history of the men and women Commonwealth War Graves commemorate.  

Head over to our blog to read our Guide’s Guides to find more deeply interesting casualty information! 

Events 

We host exciting events each year. 

Our events give us the opportunity to come together with our supporters and an audience of history lovers. Together, we can embrace our shared history and engage in some communal remembrance too. 

For instance, our special Evening at Brookwood event in May 2022 attracted nearly 400 families. Our amazing musical acts, including the Sandhurst Military Wives Choir and folk trio Harp & a Monkey, sang songs that made us think deeply about the casualties of the World Wars. 

Brookwood Military Cemetery is the largest cemetery of its kind in the UK. At the event, volunteers led tour groups around the cemetery to share the stories of some of the casualties buried there. 

Our Christmas Carol Service also draws on similar remembrance themes. With readings and songs from very special guests million-selling singer Barbara Dickson OBE and esteemed children’s author Michael Morpurgo, attendees were inspired and informed on the sacrifice of the war dead of the Commonwealth. 

We have much more planned in the future so please make sure you come back when we have more updates to share with you! 

Virtual Challenges 

Our virtual challenges help us raise money, help our participants get some exercise, and help tell inspirational stories of Commonwealth casualties. 

2022’s challenge, Walking our War Graves: Normandy, invited participants to cover 95 kilometres on an interactive journey through Normandy. 

The virtual route started at Ranville War Cemetery in Normandy, France, covering battlefields and CWGC cemeteries and memorials along the path taken by Allied troops during the 1944 Normandy Campaign. 

Along the way, our virtual challengers were invited to learn more about the war cemeteries and memorials the route took them to as well as the casualties commemorated within each. 

Our virtual challenges are a great way to learn more about the men and women commemorated by Commonwealth War Graves and a great way to get out and enjoy some good exercise! 

Bespoke virtual tours 

Did you know we also offer bespoke virtual tours?  

With our partners Battle Guide Virtual Tours, we can create a tailored experience that’s entirely focused on your individual needs. 

If you had a relative and want to walk in their footsteps, this is the ideal way to do it.  

Some of the World Wars’ most important battlefields can sometimes be difficult to access. A virtual tour takes you there from the comfort of your own home. 

These virtual tours can also be powerful educational tools for organisations looking to take a deep dive into former members' wartime history. 

Contact our team at supporters@CWGC.org to learn more. 

Help us tell their stories by supporting the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation 

Our important work in commemorating those who fell can’t be done without your support. 

We rely on your generous support to keep going. 

Please consider donating today if you’d like to help us tell their stories. 

Alternatively, why not become a CWGF member? Membership brings you some great benefits, including the chance to share your personal casualty stories in our magazine, the CWGF Chronicle, or in our members’ blog area.  

Membership costs just £36 a year so please consider joining us today.