Speaker - Commonwealth War Graves Commission

RCBB listened to a most interesting and informative talk this week, given by Fiona Smith from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.  Fiona outlined the work done by the Commission from its inception in 1917, right up to the present day, when it honours the 1.7 million casualties of both world wars, and those from more present day hostilities, maintaining the cemeteries both at home and around the world in over 23,000 locations. 

Items of note included the fact that the shape of the headstones caused much friction and debate, as well as ensuring that every one of the fallen was treated equally.  Rudyard Kipling wrote many of the epitaphs on memorials, and Edward Lutyens was the designer of the Cross of Sacrifice.  And still, after all this time, around 50 bodies are discovered where they fell on the battlefields each year.

A poignant but uplifting talk gave all the members a great perspective on the work undertaken by the Commission.