UNENDING VIGIL: The History of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

by Philip Longworth

One million, one hundred thousand men and women lost their lives in the service of the British Empire during the First World War; in the Second, another six hundred thousand from all parts of the Commonwealth made the same sacrifice.

The First World War, which began as a war between professional armies, was very soon to be fought by millions of ordinary citizens turned soldier. Those who died could no longer be "shovelled into a hole...and so forgotten" as had happened, to Thakeray's indignation, at Waterloo, and in May 1917 a new organization, the Imperial War Graves Commission, was founded to provide permanent care for their graves and commemoration for the missing.

The Unending Vigil tells the story of the Commission - of its beginnings on the western Front, and of its work since then, laboring worldwide, often against the odds to turn scenes of desolation and horror into places of peace and haunting beauty

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

Reviews

[Geicodave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive, very detailed, history of the Commonwealth (formerly Imperial) War Graves Commission. If you are not aware of the Commission or its work, I recommend that you first take a look at its official website or read another book regarding the commemoration of war dead. Two books spring to mind: "Missing Soldiers" and "The Missing of the Somme." If you start with this book you will soon find yourself losing the forest in the trees and will most likely put it aside.

P. S. Another good book to start with is "Empires of the Dead." There's also "Bodies of War."

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and how it came to be what it is today, then this is a must read! 🙏🏻

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up a copy of this book at the Menin Gate. It is a surprisingly well-written, engaging, and inspiring story of the heroic efforts taken by a small group of devoted Individuals to build the cemeteries and memorials for WWI and WWII. A great read for those interested in military history, but also for those interested in organizational structure and leadership — and ultimately, a story worth reading to reflect on what we owe those who sacrificed their lives in the worst wars in human history.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s taken me almost two years to read this book. It might be the definitive history of the Imperial/Commonwealth War Graves Commission but you have to have some interest in the subject to persevere.
Worth the effort.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book detailing the work of the CWGC. It's amazing that they were already negotiating with the French and Belgian governments for land for the cemeteries whilst in the middle of the war. Their achievements are stunning.