Lt Gen Sir Bill Rollo KCB CBE takes role as Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

We are pleased to welcome Lt Gen Sir Bill Rollo as the new Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Sir Bill takes on the position after the departure of Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, KCVO, CB, ADC(P) who joined the Commission in 2011 and took over as VC on 1 July 2016.

Sir Bill became a Commissioner in 2013, and has lead its Centenary Committee and Audit and Finance Committees. He is a former Army officer, initially commissioned into the Blues and Royals in 1977. He has held many senior appointments within the Military including Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel & Training) and Adjutant General, following a series of operational commands in the Balkans and Iraq, and has also served as a Non-Executive Director and as a Trustee for a number of charities.

Sir Bill says “I feel deeply privileged to take over the role of Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and I look forward enormously to working with our committed team of staff across the world to ensure that our war dead will never be forgotten. During the First World War commemorative period the Commission has developed new ways to engage with the public, perpetuating the memory of our fallen and highlighting the care and commitment we bring to our work. Working alongside the CWGC Executive team and my fellow Commissioners, we will continue to develop the Commissions role.”

Sir Bill formally took over the role of Vice Chairman on 1 July 2019. Director General Victoria Wallace says “I am delighted to welcome Sir Bill to role as Vice Chairman. He brings with him not just an extraordinary knowledge of military service, but also a real passion for the work we do and supporting our teams across the world. I would also like to thank Sir Tim Laurence sincerely for his commitment, support and guidance over the last eight years and in particular over the important First World War Centenary period.”