War grave talks and tours in Isle of Man to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day

A free cemetery tour helping people to discover the heritage on the Isle of Man has been launched by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to mark the 80^th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

The tour will take place in Douglas Borough Cemetery on Monday 23 June at 6.30pm. People can now book tickets online.

People can book online here: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/cwgc-tours-2025-douglas-cemetery-isle-of-man-tickets-1345109281069

The tour is also listed online here: https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/events-tours-and-talks/

Elsewhere in these Isles, tours have operated during the CWGC’s annual War Graves Week, from May 2^nd to 11^th, and continuing over the summer in towns and cities through England, Scotland, and Wales – and for the first time this year, the Isle of Man.

The launch also coincides with the 80^th anniversary of VE Day on May 8^th, and VJ Day on August 15^th.

The tour at Douglas will give people the chance to discover the remarkable stories of the men and women of the Commonwealth forces that died in the First and Second World Wars who are buried and commemorated in the Isle of Man.

This is an initiative aimed at encouraging people from the Isle of Man to come together and discover the world war heritage on our doorstep – learning about the stories of those commemorated by the CWGC in Douglas and the skills, dedication and expertise of those CWGC staff and volunteers who work to keep their memory alive.

This year is a significant year for commemoration, with the 80^th anniversaries of VE Day in May and VJ Day in August.

In addition to the local tours, a series of interactive mobile exhibitions will be taking place across the UK, as part of the CWGC’s For Evermore Tour. People are encouraged to connect with the history of the Second World War and to share their own stories of the fallen. Visitors will also get the chance to see the CWGC’s Torch for Peace, which symbolises the eternal flame of commemoration – but this is not planned to visit the Isle of Man.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Director of Education, Engagement and Volunteering, Simon Bendry, said: “This year marks a special and unique year with the 80^th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.”

“We are incredibly excited for people to come out and join one of our tours or exhibitions over the coming weeks, and to share their stories of the fallen so we can keep telling them for generations to come.”

To find out more and book a tour, visit www.cwgc.org

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is a global leader in commemoration. Founded by Royal Charter in 1917, we work on behalf of the Governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom to commemorate the 1.7 million men and women from the Commonwealth who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
• We believe that remembering individuals who have died in conflicts is of universal, perpetual relevance, and that reflecting on their deaths is of continuing and paramount importance for us all.
• The cemeteries, memorials, graves, landscapes, and records in our care will be found at 23,000 locations and in more than 150 countries and territories. They are both the practical means of our commemoration of the fallen and vehicles for discovery, inspiration, and engagement.
• We believe that each one of those we commemorate were people like us, with their own ambitions, hopes, and dreams.  It is our duty and privilege to care for their graves and memorials and through our charitable Foundation, keep their stories alive.