Northwest of England PEC project with UCLan Students

A fantastic opportunity arose for Commonwealth War Graves in the Northwest of England to develop a project with three second-year undergraduate History students at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in 2023.

Commonwealth War Graves and UCLan

This was the first year this project was undertaken.

Liz Marsland the Public engagement coordinator (PEC) for Commonwealth War Graves in the Northwest developed this project together with Billy Frank (Senior Lecturer and Course Leader BA (Hons) History UCLan). 

The students were to complete this project as part of their second-semester project for their BA (Hons) degree.

The students were tasked with developing and delivering CWGC tours at Preston New Hall Lane Cemetery to coincide with War Graves Week (WGW). This required them to research Commonwealth War Graves casualty stories, and produce, promote, and deliver tours. 

The tours were a great success and not only produced vital research information for the CWGC story bank, but also highlighted the work of the CWGC in the Preston area. The students also showcased this project with a fantastic presentations evening at the end of WGW.

The students each wrote a short paragraph about their experiences:

“When we were told we'd have the opportunity to work alongside the Commonwealth War Graves Commission I felt excited at the chance to put our research skills to work for an essential part of the commemorative world.

"Although our research was broad from the outset, and we found ourselves trawling through Ancestry and local archives, that sense of accomplishment seeing everything fall together nicely was unparalleled.

"I've volunteered with several charitable organisations before, but I've never had such a hold on how a project turns. To coordinate our efforts and lead the project from start to finish with most of our own autonomy has been an accomplishment I will never forget.

"Seeing so many smiling faces and answering varied questions on the day really hammered home the importance of the CWGC and its essential role in keeping memories alive for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"I sincerely hope I can work with the CWGC again to both uncover more of those amazing stories and to further that proud mission statement of making sure our servicemen and servicewomen are never forgotten”. - Kai 

“It has been an honour to uncover multiple different stories about the soldiers buried in the New Hall Lane cemetery, whether they were local to Preston or even from other countries within the Commonwealth.

"Being able to bring these stories to the locals who came on these tours did create the sense of local pride especially when talking about Private William Young who was awarded the Victoria Cross and the Preston Pals Battalion. 

"I would like to say thank you to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank the lecturers at the University of Central Lancashire for the help and support they provided during this project.“ - Adam

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time researching, creating, and conducting the tours for War Graves Week. Not only has it been beneficial in developing my skills as a history student, but it has also allowed for my personal skills to grow - such as my confidence in public speaking. 

Whilst at first a little daunting, seeing the project come together and being able to share our findings with the community has been incredible.

I am very proud to have been able to contribute to the wonderful work the Commonwealth War Graves Commission provides and will treasure my experience.” - Erica

Support the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation

Keeping the memories of our war dead alive and spreading our shared is history is at the core of what we do at the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation.

Why not become a CWGF member? For just £36 a year, you can help us tell their stories while enjoying some big benefits.

Thank you for everyone here at the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.