War Graves Week

War Graves Week 2024 takes place from 11 to 19 May.

Established by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in 2021, War Graves Week celebrates the work of the CWGC.

About the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s mission is to ensure those who died in service, or as a result of conflict, are commemorated.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1917, the CWGC works on behalf of the Governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom to commemorate the 1.7 million men and women from the Commonwealth who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

The organisation cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries and territories.

On 10 November 2023, after more than 50 years as President of the CWGC, HRH The Duke of Kent handed over the role to HRH The Princess Royal. On the same day, HM King Charles III became Patron of the CWGC, the first in the organisation’s history.

Events during War Graves Week

The organisation has arranged many events for War Graves Week 2024, including tours of CWGC sites across the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and other sites across the world. Tours are available to book by individuals, or schools and other organisations.

The CWGC has also organised further events and opportunities to learn more about their work.

The CWGC website allows users to discover nearby Commonwealth war graves and memorials. These are searchable by country and region, or by using location services on a mobile phone.

The War Memorials Trust

The War Memorials Trust is separate to the CWGC. It is a charity that “works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK.” The charity provides support and information on memorials, including maintenance, repair and grants.