Get to know CWGF Trustee Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL for Trustees’ Week

Did you know it’s Trustees’ Week? Discover more about CWGF Trustees with Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL.

Trustees’ Week

Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL

Image: Major General Alastair Bruce at the Scottish launch of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation 

Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL has been a Trustee of the CWGF since it was formed in 2017. 

Alastair was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards in 1980. During his time as a platoon commander, he saw active service on peacekeeping operations in Northern Ireland and later in the Falklands War of 1982. Alastair recently finished his term as Governor of Edinburgh Castle, a position he held since 2019. 

He is National Event Commentator for Sky News and ABC News in America.

Alastair has worked, as historical adviser, on many drama productions such as Downton Abbey, The Young Victoria, The Greatest Showman, The King’s Speech, Belgravia and The English Game. 

We recently chatted with Alastair to learn more about his role and why he chose to support our charity.

Hi Alastair. Thank you for talking to us. Why did you choose to become a trustee for the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, and what does this role mean to you personally?

Soldiers I served with lie in Commonwealth War Graves: I have always wanted to serve the Commission, so, when Admiral Sir Tim Laurence asked me to be a Founder Trustee for the Foundation, I leapt at the opportunity. 

What do you think makes the work of the CWGF so important, especially in preserving the memory of those who gave their lives in the World Wars?

It provides the perfect means for those moved by the cemeteries and memorials to become personally engaged in their worth and meaning.

Can you share a particular moment or story from your time as a trustee that has stayed with you?

Undoubtedly, my best times as a Trustee have been engaging with our Guides. 

Each one takes youthful enthusiasm back to the battlefields and, whatever they gain from the experience, they advocate their own collision with war, their own imaginative purpose to commemorate and their own way of conveying the wrath, pathos and burden of conflict’s cost.

What are some of the biggest challenges the Foundation faces in its mission, and how can the public help support these efforts?

The challenge for any charity is the same, money! 

But the rewards that springs from being a part of the Foundation’s work is to inform, educate and engage new generations. 

If anyone we educate plays a part in preventing war during their lifetime, the value of our work will be incalculable.

What message would you like to share with people as we honour the fallen this Remembrance Day?

Choose the name of a Fallen researched by the Foundation: when the two minutes silence comes, think on this person, their life and their loss.

Thank you for speaking with us Alastair and thank you for your work as a CWGF Trustee.

What are charity Trustees?

Trustees are volunteers who lead charities and decide on their direction and how they are run. You may have also heard of a board of trustees or board members.

Trustees essentially oversee the charity, making sure its work is in line with its mission statement, its resources are being managed correctly and in compliance with relevant legislation, and accountable 

Many people become charity trustees to support causes they passionately believe in. In our case, Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Trustees firmly believe in our work in education and spreading the word on the work of Commonwealth War Graves and the stories of those in our care.

What is Trustees’ Week?

Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK, including those who volunteer their time with the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.

Who are the CWGF Trustees?

Our Trustees are:

• Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE
• Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE VR DL
• The Rt Hon. The Lord Beamish
• Sir Adrian Montague CBE
• Captain Jay Singh-Sohal VR
• Julian Evans
• Gerald Allison
• Christopher Walsh

Thank you all for the time, commitment and effort you bring to your charities to help them thrive!

How can you support our work?

We’re passionate about preserving the memories of the Commonwealth’s war dead and interacting with young people to keep their stories alive. 

Our projects help us in our core mission while becoming equipped with real-life skills to aid their personal development.

Through donations or membership, we rely on your generosity to support our work. 

Did you know:

• £10 could buy three hi-visibility vests to keep Eyes On, Hands On volunteers safe
• £25 could provide a welcome pack for one of Eyes On, Hands On volunteers to get them started in their role in helping us care for sites around the UK
• £40 could enable us to send one of our volunteer speakers to deliver an inspiring talk to a school or youth group
• £100 could contribute to the training of CWGC Guides so they are best able to welcome visitors, share the incredible stories of those we commemorate, and assist visitors on their journey of remembrance

Please support the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation today.