CWGC Vice Chairman tours Greece sites ahead of exciting new phase of projects and development

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Vice Chairman Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CB CBE has recently undertaken a tour of CWGC’s Greek sites as the Commission looks to new in-country projects.

Accompanied by Deputy Director Central and Southern Europe Area Django Maekelberg, and Regional Manager Eleni Kakkava, Peter met with CWGC staff, to see the impact of their work in our Greek cemeteries and memorials. 

Their tireless efforts ensure these sites are kept to our high standards as fitting places for the commemoration of the Commonwealth’s war dead.

The Vice Chairman also visited several museums and sites of historical interest pertaining to the World Wars, including the Museum of Macedonian Struggle, the Historical Museum of Crete, and the Maritime Museum of Crete.

The visit took in commemorative sites either handled by agencies or outside the scope of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, including Heraklion Cemetery and the German Maleme Cemetery.

Future developments

One of the key events in Greece will be the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete with ceremonies to mark the occasion at Suda Bay War Cemetery in May 2026.

A major development of horticultural renovations to Phaleron War Cemetery will also be undertaken in the coming years, in line with our sustainability commitments as well as improving the visitor experience.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will also be investigating ways to enhance the visitor experience at Suda Bay War Cemetery and Doiran Militar Cemetery and Memorial in our effort to share the stories and memories of those we commemorate.

At Suda Bay, plans are underway to build a Visitors Centre while the original hiking path connecting Doiran Military Cemetery and the Doiran Memorial will be reopened.

Additionally, CWGC will be taking a holistic approach to refresh the horticultural features at Salonika (Lambet Road) Military Cemetery.

Please return to our website for more updates on these projects in the future.  

The CWGC in Greece

Commonwealth War Graves Commission 35 cemeteries and Memorials in Greece are scattered across the mainland and the islands. 

Northern Greece cemeteries are predominantly First World War from the Salonica Front Campaign and the Gallipoli Campaign. 

Southern Greece cemeteries, including the islands, are mainly from the Second World War. Suda Bay from the Battle of Crete and Phaleron War Cemetery, our largest Greek cemetery, are particularly notable sites. 

Together, these sites commemorate more than 18,000 Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives in the two World Wars.