The Road to Peace is Paved with Headstones: An Introduction to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The 2024-25 AAAHS talks programme began on 19th September 2024 with an insightful and sobering talk by CWGC speaker Dick Richards.
Founded in 1915 by Sir Fabian Ware, CWGC began its work to record the names, dates, and locations of the fallen in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances, determined that instead of mass graves, each individual would be commemorated by name.
Design of the cemetaries involved famous horticulturists, writers and architects such as Gertrude Jekyll, Rudyard Kipling and Edwin Lutyens. The first cemetery was opened just a year before the outbreak of WW2.
The CWGC Archive is available to use online: www.cwgc.org
Abstract:
As we commemorate the many anniversaries of The Great War and The Second World War there has been much focus on remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This talk highlights the role played by those far-sighted men and women who established an organisation, now known as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, so that remembrance of their sacrifice will endure in perpetuity. We will look at the architectural and physical characteristics of the cemeteries and memorials as well as the underlying principles that govern their design. In addition, we will have an introduction to the Commission’s presence in Oxfordshire and the Abingdon area.
Dick Richards in the last 8 years has become a Volunteer with the Commission and as an approved CWGC Speaker delivers talks to local community groups: history societies, schools and youth groups. Also, Dick is a guide at his local CWGC cemetery at Botley in Oxford. He is delighted to spread the story of this extraordinary organisation.
The photos show Dick delivering the talk for AAAHS, Botley Cemetery, and Dick speaking at a cemetery tour.
