Welcome to Commonwealth War Graves’ new Belgian volunteers programme

On the 28th of October, we proudly expanded our volunteer community into Belgium by welcoming four new volunteers to an introductory evening at the Ieper Visitor Centre. 

Join Commonwealth War Graves Marking Communications Coordinator Nele Bille for an introduction to this exciting new Belgium volunteering and outreach programme.

Commonwealth War Graves Volunteers in Belgium

The welcoming of new volunteers to Ieper marks a significant milestone for Commonwealth War Graves.

Image: The Ieper volunteers in training

Building on the success of our UK-based volunteer programmes, we are extending the opportunity for individuals passionate about Commonwealth War Graves’ mission to engage with our supporters and history enthusiasts from around the world. 

How? By volunteering with us at our Visitor Centre opposite the iconic Menin Gate Memorial in Ieper, Belgium.

Representing Commonwealth War Graves in Ieper

Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, united by their shared interest in history, the work of Commonwealth War Graves and a desire to contribute to the remembrance of those who served in the First World War. 

One volunteer remarked, "I've always been moved by the stories of the men commemorated here. Being able to share that with visitors is a privilege."

An induction evening held on October 28 2024 allowed our volunteers to meet one another and the staff, as well as to complete training sessions designed to prepare them for their roles. 

They began volunteering just in time for the Remembrance period, welcoming countless visitors who travelled to pay their respects.

Their contributions made a tangible impact, offering insights into the CWGC’s work and creating a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere in the shop and tearoom area. 

Image: Visitors exploring the Commonwealth War Graves Visitor Centre in Ieper

Visitors frequently commented on the warm and engaging presence of the volunteers, which greatly enhanced their experience.

During this busy period, the volunteers played an instrumental role in the sale of wreaths and limited-edition Menin Gate Lion statuettes, which proved incredibly popular with visitors. 

Their enthusiasm and knowledge made the purchasing experience special, with some visitors remarking they would treasure the statuettes as a piece of history.

Another highlight was the book signing by Hungarian photographer Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy, who presented his stunning work, In the Centennial Footsteps of the Great War. The volunteers helped guide guests and shared their own passion for history, fostering a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event.

One particularly touching moment came when a visitor shared how her grandfather had fought in the area, and a volunteer was able to guide her to find his name on the Menin Gate Memorial.

Moments like these highlight the importance of the work our volunteers do in making history personal and accessible, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Meet the Commonwealth War Graves Belgian volunteers

We spoke to three of our new Belgian volunteers, Youri, Johan, and Tim, to learn more about their motivations and their time so far volunteering for Commonwealth War Graves.

Youri Van MIegroet

Image: Youri, left, with one of the Ieper Visitor Centre team

“My name is Youri Van Miegroet, originally from Zele in East Flanders, but love brought me to Ypres in the 1990s. I am the father of Aron and Yade and husband of Annelies.

"I chose to volunteer with Commonwealth War Graves as it fits perfectly with my interest and commitment to honour the lasting memory of the ultimate sacrifice soldiers from all corners of the world made for our freedom.

“To connect visitors from all over the world with their families who fought here, listening to their stories, why they did it, what they did, the whole journey they went through to finally arrive at the Visitor Centre and receive that ultimate extra information or location from their family member, is so beautiful.

“In 2014, I committed to the wonderful Coming World Remember Me project. I was a Volunteer there until 2019 (until the end of the project). 

“After that, I started working as a Ceremonial Assistant at the Last Post Association. Where I am still an active volunteer to this day. It was therefore a small step for me to apply to volunteer within the CWGC. A perfect fit with what I do every day under the Menin Gate.

“It is a wonderful experience to listen to people and then make them happy with a printout and some explanation of where their relative has their final resting place.

“I think I am one of the few who has a Tattoo of the Menin Gate on his arm. I also designed and built the Menin Gate in miniature in Lego, which is on display in the visitor centre for now!”

Johan De Jonghe

Image: Belgian volunteer Johan De Jonghe 

“My name is Johan De Jonghe. I living in Passchendaele, with my wife Els and our son Jesse. 

“Professionally, I’ve always worked in the textile sector as a weaving technician, but for the last nine years I have been working as an independent battlefield and museum guide too.”

“I am Secretary of the Genootschap Passchendaele Society 1917 (GPS1917vzw ), a non-profit organisation that commemorates the First World War and offers support via volunteers to various partners who help commemorate the war, such as help in museums, organising events and commemorations, guide circle, and so on. For the Society, I am responsible for the volunteers.

“I also volunteer at the knowledge centre of the Passchendaele Museum where I do research for the Passchendaele Archives, looking up data on fallen soldiers in the Westhoek.”

“Commonwealth War Graves is an organisation that is also committed to researching and commemorating the fallen, something that is also close to my heart. That way as a volunteer, I can help visitors and pilgrims search for the story of their fallen relatives.

“I have been involved as a volunteer guide during CWGC War Graves Week for a few years now, and now in the visitor centre. I have noticed that the people (staff, other volunteers) are people who do their job with passion. 

“That alone is of great value and support to a visitor coming from anywhere in the world.

“I grew up as a young lad on the Passchendaele battlefields, learning to find leads and relics with my dad, gradually getting interested in WW1. 
After my marriage, we settled close to Tyne Cot Cemetery, which we regularly visit on a walk and 

“I asked myself the question about the graves and the names: who is this man, what's his story? and that's how we got into the searches.

“The visitors who came in each have their own story of why they are in the area and, notably, many of them bring their story emotionally, even to tears. 
I am happy to be part of that passionate group of people.

“Apart from this, one of my biggest honours was helping to put up the Christmas tree together with Hannes and Marleen!”

Tim Van Acker

Image: Commonwealth War Graves volunteer Tim Van Acker

“My name is Tim Van Acker. I am 44 years old and from Kuurne.

“I volunteered because I have been following the Commonwealth War Graves on social media for a few years now, and see what wonderful work they do on the many global sites they are responsible for. 

“Commonwealth War Graves also looks after the legacy of fallen soldiers. That inspired me and when I saw the call on Facebook to volunteer, I did not hesitate for a second.

“20 years ago, on a chilly and misty morning, I passed Tyne Cot cemetery. I was immediately intrigued by the thousands of headstones. It grabbed me by the throat, so to speak. I returned to my car feeling heavy and wanting to learn more about the First World War. 

“The internet was not as accessible then as it is now, and in the library, I found books about the war, but rarely the stories about the soldier behind the grave. 

“Then when the internet improved, I started to delve more into the stories surrounding the many battles, but especially behind the soldier lying in the grave. I still do this to this day, which often reflects tragedy, but also heroic deeds.

“It is gratifying that people come to visit us with their questions and stories at the Ieper Visitor Centre. 

“We always listen to them and find that they definitely appreciate it. The same applies when they listen to explanations or stories from us. We learn from them, they learn from us.”

Visit Commonwealth War Graves’ Ieper Visitor Centre 

Our new Ieper visitor centre stands at the heart of commemoration in Belgium directly across from the Menin Gate. It forms the perfect starting point when visiting the WW1 battlefields and the cemeteries and memorials when those who fell are today commemorated. Our multi-language team are on hand. You can:

• Discover more about our cemeteries and memorials in Ieper and the work of our teams in Belgium and around the world
• Purchase souvenirs from our gift shop. All proceeds are directly invested in our educational and outreach projects worldwide  
• Purchase your biodegradable wreath – we can even keep it safe for you until the Last Post
• Undertake research on the CWGC database – you can discover if we commemorate your relative or let us assist you with a research project and help find the graves you’re looking for
• Join a guided tour of the Menin Gate - learn more about the iconic memorial and discover some of the stories of the Commonwealth casualties commemorated there