About the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars will never be forgotten. We care for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations, in more than 150 countries. Our values and aims, laid out in 1917, are as relevant now as they were 100 years ago.
In this video Edward Toms, now 96-years-old, who was badly wounded in the battle but returned in 1954 to take part in the opening ceremony for the El Alamein Cemetery and Memorial, speaks about the horrors he witnessed and the work of the Commission.
Troops from many nations fought side by side in the deserts of North Africa at the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942. Ahead of tomorrow’s commemoration at El Alamein War Cemetery marking the 75th anniversary of the battle, here are the stories of some of those who lost their lives.
Colour footage of the building of El Alamein Memorial has recently been discovered in the CWGC archive. The footage is now part of a display about the Commission’s work in Egypt at the El Alamein Museum, which has undergone a complete renovation to mark the battle’s 75th anniversary, thanks to a collaborative effort between many nations, with the encouragement of President Sisi. Here is a sneak peek of the footage.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ACTIVITIEs
Horticulture & Works
From the start, architects worked closely with the Commission's horticultural staff to produce designs suited to the variety of climates and terrains of our cemeteries.
Public Engagement
Our Community Teams work with schools and local groups to raise the profile of the Commission’s work using innovative ways to involve the public.
Our Apps
The Commission has created helpful resources for all ages such as mobile apps for if you are planning a trip to one of our cemeteries or memorials.
Explore History & Archives
The World Wars
The First and Second World Wars were global conflicts which caused the deaths of millions of men and women and shaped our world.
CWGC Archive
For practical purposes, the archive collection has been split into two sections: The Commission Archive and The Casualty Archive.
SUPPORT US
You can show your support for our work by joining the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF) Supporters scheme or by making a donation.
DONATE
For a donation of £30 a year you can join our global network. Your money goes straight to funding our education and community engagement programmes.
CWGF supporters
The Supporters scheme lets people interested in our work show their support, keep in touch with what we are doing and help us tell the stories of those we commemorate.