Upgrade to our Casualty Database

We are currently undertaking a digital project to introduce an upgraded, replacement Casualty Database. This system holds the details for all casualties and cemeteries in our care, including the digital copies of associated historic records. This means that it is the source for the casualty and cemetery search function on our website.

Over the summer of 2025, as part of the final stage of the project, all data will be transferred from our old systems onto a new cloud-based solution. This process will start in mid-June and is expected to be completed by the start of September.

During this time, we will not be able to amend any of our casualty or cemetery data – which means that casualty and cemetery information on our website will not be updated over this period.

Director of Commemorations, Rich Hills said:

‘The Commission’s Commemorations Department is responsible for maintaining the casualty records of over 1.7 million individuals from both the First and Second World Wars. This information forms the basis of our Casualty Database and provides the CWGC with the essential information required to correctly commemorate each of these individuals in perpetuity, and in a manner befitting their sacrifice. 

This significant database replacement project has taken over 12 months; on completion, it will update and harmonise currently separate user systems into one entity. The new system will facilitate easier access for our teams as well as streamlining some processes, and removing the risks associated with aging hardware.

A short period of disruption (where data cannot be amended) is necessary to ensure the effective transfer and integrity of our extensive records and all casualty data. The new database should be fully operational by the end of September 2025.  

We sincerely appreciate the patience of all our partners, supporters, and research colleagues whilst this important work is completed.' 

FAQs

Can I still submit an Identification / Non-Commemoration / Grave-Found case?

Yes, you can. Our dedicated online web forms remain available on our website, so new submissions will be logged and processed as per usual. 

Will my case still be progressed?

Yes. All casework strands - Identifications / Non-Comms / Grave Founds - will continue operating over the change period, working alongside our Member Governments and Area Teams. 

However, any changes to information about individual casualties will not be reflected on our Casualty Database until after September. 

In practice, this means that a casualty previously commemorated on a Memorial to the Missing or listed in a Book of Remembrance will not have an updated burial location featured on their Database listing until after September. Likewise, any casualties accepted for commemoration will not feature on the Casualty Database until the new system has gone live. 

How will this freeze period impact upon ceremonies?

Details of upcoming ceremonies will continue to be published via our News pages, incorporating details about reburial or rededication events. As explained in the answer above, any changes to a casualty's burial location will not be reflected on the specific casualty webpage so we request that all members of the public utilise the News pages for the most up-to-date information about ceremonies. 

Please also keep in mind that the ordering of new headstones will be limited during this period.

Can I still submit a Record Amendment?

You can, although it is important to be aware that these will not be actioned on the Casualty Database for some considerable time. Once the new system is live, Commission staff will be prioritising a number of amendment queries already on its books. 

Who should I contact if I have another question about the system upgrade?

Please submit your enquiry directly to our Customer Service Team.