The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Previously known as the Imperial War Graves Commission, the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission was set up in 1917 Cloister of the Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede, Surrey to honour those who died during the First World War.

It pays tribute to the 1,700,000 men and women who served in the Commonwealth forces and who made the ultimate sacrifice during the two World Wars. Just over 935,000 of those have identified burials but nearly 760,000 are only commemorated by name on memorials. British War Cemetery, Ranville, France

Today the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for the preservation of the 2500 war cemeteries, plots and memorials that have been constructed in around 150 countries. France, with nearly 575,000, has the largest number of war graves and memorials while Cote d’Ivoire in Africa has perhaps the most poignant with just six graves –
all unidentified. British War Cemetery, Macedonia, Northern Greece (with low-profile earthquake-proof headstones).

To this day the remains of about twenty Commonwealth servicemen are found each year reminding all of us of the cost of war. In most cases identification is not possible – they remain “known unto God”.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission also seeks to educate on the importance of Remembrance.

Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website