MP encourages Southport residents to learn about local war dead

29th November 2018

Southport MP Damien Moore is urging constituents to learn more about their community’s connection to the First and Second World War by engaging with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) sites on their doorstep.

CWGC looks after the graves and memorials to the 1.7 million Commonwealth men and women who died serving in the two World Wars. More than 306,000 of those who gave their lives are commemorated on British soil, including 170,000 burials and Damien Moore and the Commission are encouraging local residents to keep their stories alive.

A simple search on the Commission’s website (www.cwgc.org) can reveal just how many of those who died in the conflicts found their final resting place in Southport. There are for example 97 WW1 and 69 WW2 Commonwealth Graves in Duke Street Cemetary. Anyone can support the Commission’s work to remember the war dead by joining as a supporter of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and help to fund educational outreach work to engage the next generation.

Southport MP Damien Moore said: “Almost every family in the country has a story or connection that links them personally to the First and Second World Wars but not everyone knows about those who are commemorated in their home town. It’s astounding to think that wherever you go in the UK you are rarely far away from a poignant reminder of the sacrifice given by the generations before us and Southport is no exception.

“I would encourage those who live and work in Southport to search on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s website and learn more about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars. You never know, you may even make a connection to your own family history that had been forgotten. I’m proud to support the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation’s work to ensure the next generation continues to learn about those who died in two World Wars and keep their memory alive.”