A newsletter from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Welcome to the CWGC’s latest newsletter.

Durban Stellawood Storm Repairs • A different kind of Valentine • European visitor centres reopened • Join the CWGF

Our work to restore Durban Stellawood Cemetery following storm damage has been completed by our team in South Africa. The team used the opportunity to make several important conservation and changes to the site. They used their specialist knowledge of Horticulture to implement a sustainable planting scheme full of indigenous plant and tree species appropriate for the local climate at Durban.

The works also included the installation of a borehole water supply and water irrigation system.

This, in combination with a drought resistant, indigenous horticultural planting scheme, will provide a sustainable, self sufficient water supply that will reduce the use of local municipality potable water, a precious resource for the local area.

Read more on the CWGC website

A different kind of Valentine

At this time of year thoughts for many turn towards a specific day in the middle of the month – Valentine’s Day. But did you know that there is a World War Two tank which carries the name Valentine? Scott Smith uncovers the story of this vehicle and some of the service personnel who served in them and are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

CWGC European visitor centres reopenedFollowing our usual winter closures, our European visitor centres are ready to welcome you back to our sites. Both The CWGC Experience in Beaurains, France, and the Ieper Information Centre in Belgium are open. Both centres are great places to learn more about our work in Europe and around the world as well as discovering more information about our sites in France and Belgium.

Join the CWGF

Through education and outreach to arts and heritage projects, the CWGF (Commonwealth War Graves Foundation) engages people around the world to help keep the stories of the fallen alive. By Joining the CWGF you help our programme of activity whilst benefitting from exclusive membership offers.

Become a member today!