Why I Became a Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guide: James’ Story

We’re sat down with a CWGF Guide to find out a little bit more about them. This time, it’s the turn of James Lynch who has been working at the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Why I wanted to become a CWGF Guide

Image: James, far left, with his fellow guides at the Thiepval memorial, France

Hi James. Thanks for chatting with us. So, why did you want to work for the CWGC?

Image: CWGF Guide James Lynch

I applied to be a Centenary Intern in 2018 but was unable to take part due to personal circumstances. When the opportunity to be a Guide came up, I knew that I just had to apply!

Growing up, I helped my grandad on trips to the Somme, Flodden Road Barracks, and Lambeth Archives, while he researched the 21st London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles).

Interestingly, my first assignment for the CWGC was to research Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, near High Wood.

My interest in history comes from him, and it’s my ambition to similarly inspire young people.

I actually live in Northern Ireland, which has made me acutely aware that a strong narrative is needed to ensure that remembrance remains relevant, inclusive, and that the dead are remembered equally. I believe in tolerance through education. 

Inspired by the work of the Somme Association, Conlig, I hope to contribute towards Irish reconciliation by telling the story of local soldiers from unionist and nationalist backgrounds who fell in the Great War.

Brilliant. Moving on to you, do you have a personal connection to Commonwealth War Graves sites?

Like most people across the British Isles, the CWGC commemorates several family members. I have visited the Menin Gate and the Chatham Naval Memorials as well as Gwalia and the Rhodes War Cemeteries. Recently, I found out that one of the eleven Commonwealth soldiers buried in Zwevegem Communal Cemetery is also a relative. I would like to visit in the future.

A few years ago, my grandmother shared with me a letter addressed to her grandmother, Agnes Bennetto, from a Lance Corporal E. E. Bolton. Ernest Edward Bolton was the Stretcher Bearer who had found her husband, Garnet, dressed his wounds, and carried him two miles to the rear of the firing line where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Garnet’s grave marker was later lost during the German Spring Offensive, and his name now appears on the Menin Gate.

I am grateful to Corporal Bolton for writing. In his letter, he touchingly laid out the hopes and fears of an ordinary soldier, anxious to return home to his wife and son, Freddy. Tragically, Bolton was killed two months later. It will be truly moving to visit him at Oak Dump Cemetery.

That’s really interesting, thanks, James. Moving to the Guides Programme, what are you looking forward to the most?

I am most looking forward to the interaction with visitors to the Thiepval Memorial and helping friends discover their own personal connections to CWGC sites and the Somme. Every day will be different and I’m sure that this will be an emotional and unforgettable experience.

Also, as a budding German speaker, I welcome the opportunity to partner with the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgraeberfuersorge and raise awareness about German War Graves. 

“Together for Peace” is a motto that I intend to reflect on while working as a CWGC guide!

Great! So, what were you doing before?

I am not a student. Although, previously, I did study in Maastricht, Freiburg, and Belfast. 
I’ve been working in office jobs doing marketing, market research and sales. 

These roles have been pretty underwhelming, and I’ve struggled finding motivation in bonuses or job titles. 

It’ll be a change to be passionate about work and to contribute to the public good every day!

I plan to use the Guide experience to talk to local groups from Ards and North Down about the fallen. This’ll involve continued work with the CWGC and the Somme Association, as well as local historians, councillors, and veterans’ groups, to encourage group visits to CWGC sites.

And finally, do you have any particularly interesting or unusual hobbies?

Well, I annoy my partner playing instruments, e.g., whistles, flutes, and saxophone. So, I’m considering taking this interest further and taking part in local seisiúns or even joining a band. 

I’m keen on home-brew beer, growing my own vegetables, and actually gardening generally. I’ve also been a member of Ulster Wildlife for a while and am passionate about biodiversity. 

Not to do a bit for the Northern Ireland Tourism but I’m really lucky to live in North Down.

I’m active in local politics, which I hope makes me a well-intentioned busybody. I’m also considering becoming an Ulster Folk Museum volunteer too, keeping traditional skills alive.

Otherwise, I was an England Golf Squad member and as a youngster played at county level.

I also enjoy cooking, so France is really exciting. At least the other CWGC Guides won’t starve!

Want to support James and the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides? Donate Today

The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides Programme gives young history lovers an opportunity to work for Commonwealth War Graves in France and Belgium.

They welcome visitors, share the incredible stories of those commemorated by Commonwealth War Graves, and help assist our guests on their journey of remembrance at important sites like Thiepval in Northern France and Tyne Cot, Belgium.

We’re passionate about preserving the memories of the Commonwealth’s war dead and interacting with young people to keep their stories alive. Our Guides help us in our core mission while becoming equipped with real-life skills to aid their personal development.

Our Guides Programme relies on your generosity. 

£100 could pay to fully train one of our Guides ready for their experience of working abroad so they are best able to welcome visitors, share the incredible stories of those we commemorate, and help assist visitors on their journey of remembrance

Please donate to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation today.