WI members learnt about how the gardens of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission were established and the principle of equality that was at its heart.

Roses and well-tended gardens, looked after by 850 gardeners around the world, mark the courage and sacrifice of the 1.7 million Commonwealth men and women who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Graeme MacPherson, a volunteer speaker from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, shared this story of ‘Gardening the World’ at the WI’s March 2022 meeting.

The Commission maintains 23,000 sites worldwide, with 700 hectares of land in almost every climatic zone. The grass, where grown, is green with borders clearly cut, and there is planting around the headstones. In 1992, a special patio red rose called ‘Remembrance’ was planted in many of its sites.

The idea of the commission was started by Sir Fabian Ware, a journalist who had served in the British Red Cross. He wanted to improve the recording of those who had died in the world wars, especially the common soldier, so that they would not be lost or forgotten. The graves were not to be divided by class, rank or religion, and every headstone was to be regarded equally. The Commission began in 1917 as a revolutionary idea.

Fabian wanted the grave sites, many of which are on the site of medical facilities on the western front, to look nice rather than the places of mud they had become. He consulted the Kew Botanical Gardens. Today the sites are full of colour and are visited by millions to remember the sacrifice of many.

Fishbourne Evening WI full programme

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