Restoring Commonwealth War Graves in the Middle East for Remembrance

Tri-service colleagues who are based in the Middle East have together restored 12 Commonwealth War Graves in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of Remembrance.

The personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force completed the headstone restoration project within four weeks using their specialist military planning and engineering skills.

The restoration has been completed in time for a Remembrance Parade that will be held in the country to commemorate the lives of Servicemen and women who have lost their lives in conflict.

British service personnel restoring the graves.

Among those working on the restoration project is 906 Expeditionary Air Wing Detachment Warrant Officer, WO Thomas:

A member of the RAF Regiment cleans a grave after completing the restoration.

“It has been fantastic to work on this project with the team we’ve had here, everybody has worked hard to get this project off the ground. With the upcoming Remembrance Parade, the timing of this project is significant and been a nice opportunity to get involved with the wider local community.”

906 Expeditionary Air Wing are currently deployed in UAE, which is one of four Expeditionary Air Wings (EAWs) as part of 83 Expeditionary Air Group. 906 EAW supports the delivery of defence objectives across the broader Middle East through its contribution to Op SHADER and Op KIPION.

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Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy personnel deployed on operations in the Middle East have undertaken a joint project to restore 12 Commonwealth War Graves in the United Arab Emirates.

Undertaking this project in addition to their primary roles supporting frontline military operations in the Middle East has been really rewarding for Officer Commanding of the UK Specialist Team Royal Engineers (ME), Major Brown.

Restoring the graves of the 12 service personnel will not only serve to pay respect for those who died in the line of duty for our country but will also serve as a focal point for future remembrance events in the UAE.

Commander Stuttard from the Defence Section, British Embassy wishes to thank ‘the team at 906 Expeditionary Air Wing, Royal Air Force and UK Specialist Team Royal Engineers (ME), British Army, who have really leant into this project, on behalf of the CWGC and the UK Defence team in the UAE.’

This Remembrance we will remember them.

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