War Graves Week tours launched across the North East

Running from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 24, the national campaign invites people to explore the personal histories behind Commonwealth war graves through free guided tours.

Elizabeth Smith, public engagement coordinator at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said: “War Graves Week is an opportunity for people to see familiar places in a new light.

“Across the North East of England, there are stories of courage, loss and resilience that are part of the community’s history yet often go unnoticed in everyday life.

“We are encouraging everyone to explore local CWGC sites in the area and share their own stories to connect the North East to our shared global history.”

In the North East, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) maintains thousands of graves belonging to individuals who served in both world wars.

Some of those individuals came from the region, while others were from across the Commonwealth.

In Tynemouth Cemetery, visitors will find the graves of 26 men from HMS Patia, a ship sunk off the Northumberland coast during an air attack in April 1941.

Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate is the final resting place of Sergeant Joseph Raymond Pollon of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who died in a training accident at just 17-years-old, only weeks after arriving in Britain.

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During War Graves Week, free tours will be held at Preston Cemetery in Tynemouth, Linthorpe Cemetery in Middlesbrough, Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate, and Ripon Cemetery.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit these sites, attend an event, or share their own stories online.

More information and event details can be found at www.cwgc.org/war-graves-week.