Latest news with #CWGC
BBC News
14-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Missing World War One Dorsetshire soldier's grave identified
The grave of a missing World War One soldier has been identified in Ernest Cecil Blencowe of the Dorsetshire Regiment died in February 1916 trying to get control of The Bluff, an area of raised ground near the Ypres-Comines canal which was fought over extensively during the body was not recovered, but remains originally found in June 1921 and reburied at Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, have now been identified as those of Capt Blencowe.A rededication service, where the unmarked grave was marked, was held on Wednesday, and was attended by two of Capt Blencowe's great grandchildren. Capt Blencowe joined the army at the outbreak of was attached to 6th battalion the Dorsetshire Regiment and arrived in France in July he died, he was listed on the Menin Gate Memorial to the June 1921, the remains of an unknown British officer bearing buttons and badges of the Dorsetshire Regiment were found, but further identification proved research has revealed the un-named officer to be Capt Blencowe. 'A tremendous privilege' The rededication service, organised by the Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), was led by Padre John Blencowe's headstone was replaced, and will be cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).Sean Phillips from the CWGC said it was "a tremendous privilege"."For evermore, visitors to Bedford House Cemetery will be able to pay their respects to Captain Blencowe at his final place of rest," he Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: "In rededicating his grave we have reunited his mortal remains with his names, in the presence of his family, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Commonwealth war graves in Ayrshire tidied up by volunteer
Commonwealth war graves in Mauchline Cemetery had been taken over by a crop of daisies which are believed to have been planted by a well-intentioned member of the public Commonwealth war graves in Ayrshire have been tidied up by a community volunteer. Four graves at Mauchline Cemetery have been brought back life after an unruly crop of daisies took hold. A volunteer from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) got to work recently to remove the flowers which are believed to have been planted by a well-intentioned member of the public. Although the CWGC welcomes a number of non-permanent acts of remembrance at gravesides such as fresh flowers and wreaths, they ask that nothing permanent be added as "it impacts our ability to maintain the graves and headstone borders". Commemorated by the graves are Rifleman Lindsay Maxwell, Lieutenant Reginald John Coombes, Able Seaman Lewis MacDonald of the Canadian Merchant Navy and Polish soldier Wladyslaw Dawidowski. The four men each served during World War 2 and died in service between 1941 and 1946. Rifleman Maxwell, a member of 13th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), died February 20, 1941. His age is unknown. Able Seaman MacDonald was assigned to the SS St Malo of the Canadian Merchant Navy and died aged 24 on June 22, 1941. Lieutenant Coombes, Pioneer Corps, died aged 53 on June 22, 1943. Szeregowiec (Polish for Private) Dawidowski was on of many Polish soldiers who were stationed in Scotland during the war and died aged 21 on April 1, 1946. He is one of two Polish soldiers buried in Mauchline along with Porucznik (Polish for Lieutenant) Karol Dilling, A spokesperson for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission said: "We're grateful for this being brought to our attention. It shows people care about what we do and why we do it, in caring for graves of the fallen. "We inspected the cemetery last week and pruned some of the plant life. No further action is planned from us." Mauchline Cemetery is cared for by East Ayrshire Council but the memorial headstones and the war graves are maintained by the CWGC.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Commonwealth Stone erected in Hartwood Cemetery to remember World War One soldier
Thanks to the dedication of the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, Patrick Tierney's service and sacrifice have finally been recognised. In a moving moment of remembrance and reconnection, the volunteers of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery came together today to honour a World War One soldier who had long been forgotten. Thanks to the dedication of the Friends of Hartwood Paupers Cemetery, the persistence of Rhona Barr and the compassionate efforts of Scott Cumming and Sehar Sardar from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), Patrick Tierney's service and sacrifice have finally been recognised. A 90kg granite headstone now stands proudly in the cemetery, bearing his name—a lasting tribute to a life once lost to history but now permanently etched in memory. 'Today was one of those rare moments that truly touch the soul,' said one of the volunteers from Friends of Hartwood. 'Though Patrick's journey ended long ago, this moment felt like the beginning of a new chapter, one of remembrance, reconnection, and the rediscovery of family.' Patrick Tierney, believed to have lived out his final days within Hartwood Asylum, was previously buried without recognition in a paupers grave. The installation of his headstone marks not just a correction of historical oversight but a restoration of dignity and honour. In a powerful turn of fate, members of Patrick's family, previously unaware of their ancestor's story, will travel from Ireland to Hartwood this August for a special commemorative service being arranged by Sehar Sardar of the CWGC. This emotional reunion will see Patrick Tierney finally acknowledged not only by the wider public, but by his own descendants. 'He is no longer forgotten. He is home in our hearts,' said the Friends group, reflecting on the journey that began with the discovery of one of their own family's descendants, Private Robbie MacDonald, Royal Scots, who was laid to rest in Villers Station Cemetery, France. The upcoming August service will be open to the public, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks. The community is invited to attend and bear witness as one family, and one village, bringing a once forgotten hero out from the cold.
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Chris Evans MP on CWGC appointment and importance of remembrance
For those who are not familiar with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the organisation was founded more than 100 years ago in 1917 to commemorate the fallen during the First World War. Since then, it has expanded to include the more than 1.7 million men and women from across the commonwealth who died during the two world wars. The CWGC has a global impact. It works on behalf of the governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India and South Africa in its mission. Some of the most important activities of the CWGC are to mark, record, and maintain military graves and sites of commemoration across the commonwealth. In total, it looks after more than 12,000 sites across at least 150 countries and territories. The reason I am so honoured by this appointment is because of how important it is we remember the fallen over the two world wars, across the Commonwealth. In Caerphilly, Penyrheol cemetery alone contains 19 war graves from the First World War, and 28 from the Second World War. There are many others. Only recently we came together to remember and commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, holding a two minute silence in respect and reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The events that were held across the country and locally demonstrate the strength of our commitment to honouring and remembering our war dead. War is a terrible thing, and we can only truly appreciate that by diligently reminding ourselves of the almost unbearable costs of conflict. It is also important that we ensure our children and young people learn and understand the sacrifices their forebears made for them, to ensure the freedoms we all enjoy to this day. The CWGC runs many educational projects including a virtual Wall of Remembrance, and regular live talks hosted online on many different topics. They also hold events and talks that explore the important contributions made by commonwealth forces in the two world wars, including in the Far East as part of the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. I am looking forward to working as a Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner over the coming years, and I feel the profound sense of duty that it brings. I would encourage everyone to visit the CWGC website to find out more about its important work, and how to support it. The website can be found at: Chris Evans is MP for Caerphilly.
South Wales Argus
14-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly MP Chris Evans is Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner
Mr Evans visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) headquarters in Maidenhead on May 13 to receive his warrant of appointment. The warrant was signed by the King. He was joined by the Tom Tugendhat MP, who was also appointed a commissioner. The CWGC, which has been around for more than 100 years, works on behalf of the governments of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, and South Africa. Its main aim is to commemorate the 1.7 million men and women from the Commonwealth who died in the two world wars. Mr Evans said: "I am greatly honoured to have been appointed by His Majesty, The King, to become a Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner. "It is vital that we always remember and commemorate the many men and women across the Commonwealth, and across Wales, who sadly died during the First and Second World Wars. "Future generations need to know and recognise the sacrifices that were made for the many freedoms we enjoy today. "I look forward to supporting the global work of the CWGC over the coming years to the very best of my abilities."
