Remembrance Day: Search War Graves By Name

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Post on Nov 10, 2024

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Remembering the Fallen: How to Search War Graves by Name

Remembrance Day, observed on November 11th, is a time for reflection and honoring those who fought and died in wars. It's a poignant moment to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by countless soldiers and their families. For many, this also means seeking out the resting places of loved ones lost in conflict.

Fortunately, several resources exist to help you locate war graves by name and pay your respects.

1. Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC):

• Website:
• Scope: The CWGC manages the graves of over 1.7 million Commonwealth soldiers who died in World War I and World War II.
• Search Options: Their website offers a comprehensive search feature allowing you to find war graves using:
  • Name: Enter the full name of the soldier.
  • Service Number: If known, this can help pinpoint the individual quickly.
  • Unit: Specify the regiment or unit the soldier belonged to.
  • Location: Search by country or cemetery.
• Results: The search results provide detailed information about the soldier's service, burial location, and a photo of their headstone.

2. The American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC):

• Website:
• Scope: The ABMC manages American military cemeteries and memorials worldwide, honoring those who died in conflicts since World War I.
• Search Options: Their website offers:
  • Casualty Search: Search by name and conflict.
  • Cemetery Locator: Locate cemeteries by country and region.
• Results: The search results display details about the soldier's service and burial information.

3. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA):

• Website:
• Scope: NARA holds vast records related to American military service, including casualty lists and burial records.
• Search Options: While NARA doesn't have a dedicated war grave search, their website offers a wide range of records that can be helpful in finding burial information.
  • Military Personnel Files: You may be able to find information about the soldier's service and death.
  • Casualty Lists: These lists provide information about soldiers who died in specific conflicts.

4. The Canadian Virtual War Memorial:

• Website:
• Scope: This online memorial honors Canadian soldiers who served in World War I and World War II.
• Search Options: The website allows you to search by name, unit, and other criteria.
• Results: The search results provide details about the soldier's service, a photo, and information about their burial location.

Tips for successful searching:

• Accuracy is key: Use the full name, service number, and other details you know to ensure accuracy in your search.
• Be patient: Some records may be difficult to locate. Consider different spelling variations and alternative names.
• Contact the relevant organization: If you are unable to find information online, you can contact the appropriate organization directly for assistance.

Remembering those who gave their lives:

Finding a war grave is more than just a historical search. It's a powerful act of remembrance, a way to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This Remembrance Day, take the time to pay your respects to the fallen and their families. The resources available make it easier than ever to connect with the past and find peace in remembering.