Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF Volunteer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

This historic event was the result of nearly two years of planning and collaboration, making it a momentous occasion for both the cadets and the CWGC.

The idea of involving youth groups in the EOHO programme began with a conversation between the County Engagement Officer at HSY ACF and the Victoria Cross Trust nearly two years ago. The partnership between the two organisations initially led to two successful volunteering sessions in Doncaster and Sheffield, where cadets assisted with the mapping and recording the condition of Commonwealth war graves.

In response to these early successes, the CWGC made a significant change to their national policy, allowing under-18s to officially participate in the EOHO programme. This decision paved the way for HSY ACF to become the first youth group in the UK to be formally recognised as EOHO Volunteers.

Before embarking on their first official volunteering session, Captain Vicki Brooks and Staff Sergeant Instructor Rebecca Montgomery, who had completed their own training with the CWGC, were ready to lead the charge. With their training complete, the county was assigned three cemeteries to begin the vital work checking the condition of fallen heroes.

The cadets gathered early on 2nd November, brimming with enthusiasm and ready for the task at hand. Six cadets from Endcliffe Detachment, along with their project leads, packed the bus with buckets, jerry cans, scrubbing brushes, and all the necessary equipment for a day of cleaning and inspecting the war graves. The team then set off for their assigned cemeteries in Rotherham and Penistone, eager to get started.

Upon arrival at the first cemetery, the volunteers immediately began their important work: inspecting the headstones for damage, checking that the inscriptions were legible, and carefully cleaning the Commonwealth war graves that needed. For those graves that featured private memorials for fallen soldiers, the cadets showed extra care by removing fallen leaves from the gravesides, as a mark of respect and to ensure the graves were presented in the best possible condition.

Throughout the day, the group visited three cemeteries, checking and recording the condition of 39 graves across the locations. Each grave was thoroughly assessed, with attention paid to any maintenance or repairs needed and carefully recorded with the information being fed back to the CWCG. This meticulous work ensures that the memory of the fallen soldiers is preserved and that their resting places are treated with the utmost respect.

The project doesn’t end with the conclusion of the first session. The cadets will continue their work throughout the year, with plans to revisit the graves in the spring to check on their condition. In addition to the physical work, the cadets will be dedicating time to research the stories of the fallen soldiers, ensuring that the histories of these heroes are remembered and shared with future generations.

The project will be a rolling project, and over the coming years cadets who are engaging in the Duke of Edinburgh Award will be able to participate in the project as part of their volunteering section. Each one will have contributed to the preservation of not just the graves, but also the rich histories of those who gave their lives for their country. Through their efforts, the legacy of the fallen soldiers will continue to live on, honoured by the young volunteers who have dedicated themselves to keeping their stories alive.

The partnership between HSY ACF and the CWGC is just beginning, and there are plans to expand the project in the future. This pioneering collaboration demonstrates the power of youth engagement in preserving history, while also instilling values of respect, responsibility, and community service among young people.

As the first official EOHO Volunteers in the UK, the cadets of Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF have set an inspiring example for others to follow. Their dedication to ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten is a testament to their character and commitment to honouring those who have come before them.

Detachment Commander, Endcliffe Detachment SSI Rebecca Montgomery said: “It really restores your faith in humankind when you see teenagers caring enough to spend their valuable spare time cleaning the headstones of someone they don’t even know. I am incredibly humbled by my cadets efforts today and look forward to hearing what they find out in the research project.”

Assistant Commandant and Head of Engagement for HSY ACF Maj John Lomas said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us as a County to work with the CWGC as volunteers in our own right after partnering with the Victoria Cross Trust previously. I am extremely proud that the team lead by Captain Brooks’ vision got this project off the ground after two years of proving the concept works and we are leading the way for ALL youth groups in the UK. Hopefully they will look to follow in our footsteps and help keep their names alive.”

For more information about the EOHO programme and the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, please visit Volunteer for Us | Maintaining War Graves | CWGC

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