Remarkable headstone relocation project completed in Kent

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Skilled Maintenance Craftsmen in Kent completed an unusual headstone relocation project in Gillingham, Kent towards the end of 2024.

Originally CWGC commemorated 20 servicemen at Grange Road Cemetery in Gillingham in Kent.

However, in 1971 the local authority took the decision to close the cemetery as it was full and it was turned into park. 

At the time the Commission decided to move the point of commemoration for these servicemen to the nearby Woodlands Cemetery where a large number of First and Second World Wars casualties were already commemorated.

Previous CWGC Vice Chairman Sir Bill Rollo suggested returning the headstones to their original location during a UK tour a few years ago. 

Working with the local authority, space was given to the Commission in Grange Road Park. The headstones were returned to their original location at the tail end of 2024.

The project has garnered considerable local interest and support. 

A huge congratulations to CWGC Regional Operations Coordinator South East Kevin Barnes who led the project, as well as the Skilled Maintenance Teams for their diligence and incredible work on this project.