Commonwealth War Graves Commission Tour of Rutherglen Cemetery

In the week of Remembrance Day 2021, we were joined by Sehar Sardar and Murray Shaw of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission who took us on a tour of graves in Rutherglen Cemetery which are looked after by the CWGC.

Above, Sehar Sardar pictured at the start of our tour, next to the Cross of Sacrifice. Designed in 1918 by Sir Reginald Blomfield, these crosses are placed in Commonwealth War Cemeteries. The base is inscribed with words chosen by Rudyard Kipling.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for war graves and memorials at 23,000 locations, in more than 150 countries. Sehar is the CWGC's Public Engagement Coordinator for Scotland South & West. Assisted on the day by her colleague Murray Shaw, Sehar told us of the work undertaken by the organisation, and took us to the Commonwealth war graves in the cemetery. We were told the stories of the men of the armed forces buried there, most of whom were killed in the Great War. We were joined on the tour by friends from Rutherglen Heritage Centre.

The group found the day a very interesting, informative and emotional experience, and we are very grateful to Sehar and Murray for their visit.

More photos....

At the grave of L.Cpl. D. White, Royal Army Service Corps, died 3rd. January 1919, aged 32..

At the grave of Gunner G. Ruthven, Royal Garrison Artillery, died 7th. October 1918, aged 25.

At the grave of Lieut. John Taylor, MC, 3rd. Batt. Royal Scots, died 20th. September 1916, aged 22.

At the grave of Leading Seaman J. Dowdles, RNVR, Anson Battalion, RND, died 17th. June 1921, aged 25.

At the grave of Rifleman A B Crouth, Royal Irish Rifles, died 9th. April 1919, aged 19.

To find out more about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visit their website here.

Carrick McDonald

10th. November 2021