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.
The Commission is inviting people around the world to take part in its global remembrance event on 11 November, in memory of our fallen heroes.
On 12 October 1917, the New Zealand Division’s involvement in the Third Battle of Ypres, later known as Passchendaele, led to heavy causalities – a date which has become to be known as the darkest day in its military history. This week, New Zealand commemorations marking the centenary of Passchendaele have taken place at the CWGC’s Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial and Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium.
An appeal for relatives is a search to locate the next of kin for soldiers who fell in war. Could you be connected to any of these individuals?
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.