Commonwealth War Graves Commission launch campaign in Sunderland

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the 300,000 victims of war buried in the UK.

Information boards will be put up at cemeteries across the country, including many where the CWGC believes residents are unaware servicemen and women are buried on their doorstep.

The first 100 cemeteries in the project will be in the North-East.

The campaign was unveiled at Bishopwearmouth Cemetery, in Sunderland, by Former Defence Minister and CWGC commissioner Kevan Jones, the Labour MP for North Durham, Stephen Liversage, the regional CWGC supervisor, and Harry Trueman, the deputy leader of Sunderland City Council.

Mr Jones said: “Men and women from all over North- East England died serving their country in both world wars, and the immense sacrifice which they made should never be forgotten.

“This programme of new information boards, coming as the Commonwealth prepares for Armistice Day, will help inform new generations of the proud history of their forefathers.”

CWGC’s UK director, Barry Murphy, said: “At over 12,000 sites in the UK, we tend the graves of those killed in the two world wars.

“Through these new information boards, we hope to educate and remind people that they do not necessarily need to travel abroad to see war graves, with most British towns and villages having war graves within their own local cemeteries or churchyards.”

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said: “We are honoured that Sunderland has been chosen to help lead this national project, given our proud tradition of supporting our military and promoting remembrance of their sacrifice.”

Bishopwearmouth Cemetery is the third biggest cemetery in England, covering 89 acres. It includes a major war graves section, with a large memorial cross and the graves of 416 world war victims.

The CWGC commemorates 1.7 million men and women in 153 countries. The group’s website is at cwgc.org