Latest news with #CWGC
Daily Record
3 days ago
- 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."
The Guardian
04-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Britons largely unaware of Black and Asian contribution to WW2 effort, research shows
The British public is largely unaware of the contribution made by soldiers from Commonwealth countries such as Jamaica and Kenya to the second world war, research has found, as campaigners say greater recognition of the diversity of those who fought against fascism will strengthen national unity. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, a FocalData poll for the thinktank British Future, which works to highlight integration, found 'there is a strong public appetite' for greater awareness and teaching in schools of the diversity of the war effort – but a lack of knowledge about the contribution of Black and Asian personnel. The research found 86% of respondents agreed 'all those who thought for Britain in the world wars, regardless of where they came from' should be commemorated and 77% felt remembering the 'shared wartime history' of British and Commonwealth troops could help build cohesion in today's 'multi-ethnic society'. But only 24% of respondents were aware troops from Jamaica and Kenya fought for Britain, while only 34% were aware of Muslim soldiers' contributions and only 43% knew about the service of Sikh personnel. The findings of the poll, from a representative sample of 1079 adults, come as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) urges people to reflect on the 'loss of so many from across the globe' this VE Day, which marks the official surrender of Nazi Germany. Canadian soldier Pte Clarence Alvin Trimm, 21, born to Guyanese parents in Montreal, is among those CWGC is commemorating this year. He first tried to enlist at 15, growing a moustache to look older, and was fatally wounded in Germany just two weeks before VE Day, having taken part in the liberation of the Netherlands. British Future describes the western allied forces as 'remarkably diverse, including Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims from the 2.5 million-strong Indian army', alongside 1 million personnel from Africa and tens of thousands from the Caribbean, with crucial involvement in significant battles, intelligence and medical aid. Last month, 10 second world war veterans, including former UK, Indian and US personnel, urged the public, in an open letter released by the Together coalition, backed by public figures including former athlete and servicewoman Kelly Holmes and former chief scout and SAS trooper Bear Grylls, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the 'danger of authoritarianism and fascism' and 'how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, races and nations to prevail'. Before a 7 May webinar on the importance of remembering second world war Commonwealth troops, British Future director, Sunder Katwala, said: 'Getting that right can help broaden our national story and forge a more shared sense of identity. 'We should step up efforts to raise awareness ... Nearly half of us (45%) don't know about the Indian army's role in WW2, when we're talking about 2.5 million (people). Moments like VE Day 80 are an opportunity for their stories to be heard.' The Department for Communities and the Department for Education have been approached for comment.
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
ANZAC Day service takes place in Glasgow Western Necropolis
The event was organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Committee and took place Glasgow Western Necropolis at around 5am. ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga to commemorate all of those who died while fighting for their country, particularly during World War I. It is observed on April 25 each year and the CWGC ensures those who were part of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps who are buried in the Necropolis are remembered. There is a small section of Australians buried in the cemetery from World War I and the memorial ensures they continued to be remembered for their sacrifice during the Great War. Fortunate to attend ANZAC Day service in Glasgow Western Necropolis this morning organised by @CWGC colleague @SeharSardar4 grateful for work done by operational staff especially @Iaincraig9 who regularly maintains the areas to a excellent standard. — Iain Anderson (@IainGAnderson) April 25, 2025 Sehar Sardar, who organised the event, said: 'It was a pleasure being able to organise the ANZAC Service again! 'Thanks to all attendees as well as those who supported.'
