Commonwealth War Graves Commission marks D-Day 70th anniversary

Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemeteries in Normandy are expected to welcome thousands of veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

The organisation, based in Maidenhead, has completed a huge restoration programme which has included replacing more than 8,000 headstones.

Its cemeteries and memorials both abroad and in Portsmouth will be hosting commemorative events today and tomorrow as people gather to remember those who died during the invasion in the Second World War in 1944.

CWGC vice chairman, Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French, who will officially represent the CWGC at a number of events across Normandy, said: "Ensuing our cemeteries and memorials were ready for the many pilgrims to Normandy was a big challenge but the work was completed on time.

"It is an honour for us to help commemorate these historic events and to welcome so many returning veterans and their families to our sites."

Interactive information panels have been installed by the commission at Bayeux, Ranville and Beny-sur-Mer War cemeteries, which feature information about the site and a QR code, which, when scanned with a smartphone, provides access to further information including the personal stories of some of the casualties buried or commemorated there.

Click here to visit the commission's website.

The Advertiser and Express now have a World War One centenary webpage. Click here to view it.