Commonwealth War Graves

🪧New addition to Freetown Memorial unveiled commemorating members of the Sierra Leone Carrier Corps “This memorial gives renewed meaning to the Commission’s founding promise: that every life lost in service during the First and Second World Wars should be commemorated equally, by name and forever. In Sierra Leone, it helps share an important chapter of the country’s past, restoring recognition to the men of the Sierra Leone Carrier Corps, whose contribution was overlooked for too long, ensuring they are no longer hidden in the margins of history. Working with a West African and international design team, we have created a striking contemporary glass form set upon the original memorial - a powerful new symbol of commemoration that catches the light by day and shines above Freetown on days of national significance, standing as a lasting legacy to service and sacrifice.” Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE 📷 Lansana Mansaray/Leopold Belanger/CWGC

We were honoured to welcome Remembrance events at our sites across the globe, bringing people together to remember the war dead we commemorate. See our website for more photos of events from across the world 🔗

A thoughtful reflection from our former Guide, Isa, who explores why visits to memorials and battlefields remain such a powerful way to connect young people with the history of conflict and remembrance. Drawing on her experience at the Thiepval Memorial, Isa explains how places of commemoration help bring history to life and ensure the stories of the fallen continue to be shared. Read her blog on our website 🔗

Over a century after his death at Passchendaele, Sergeant Thomas Smith of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps has been formally identified and rededicated at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. Once buried as an unknown soldier, new research has restored his name to his final resting place, ensuring he is commemorated in perpetuity. Read more on our website 🔗 📷 Eric Compernolle BEM

Born in Kolkata and serving with the Royal Flying Corps, Lieutenant Indra Lal Roy DFC became India's first flying ace at age just 19, shooting down ten enemy aircraft in just thirteen days over the skies of France before being killed in action on 22 July 1918. This Remembrance, we reflect on his extraordinary legacy. Read his story on For Evermore at the link below.