20th Century

The exhibition, entitled Remembered, is being held 3-21 November, at the Gateway Education and Arts Centre in Shrewsbury.

The exhibition includes 20 photographs by the award-winning photographer Brian Harris.

Exhibition curator Julie Summers explained: "The photographs focus on cemeteries constructed after the First World War in France, Belium, Italy and Gallipoli. 

"There is a photograph of Ors Communal Cemetery where poet Wilfred Owen is buried and there is a close up shot of his headstone. 

Cemetery where Wilfred Owen is buried (pic: CWGC)

"Of the sixty men buried in that cemetery all but five of them died on the same day - 4 November 1918. In this tragic statistic is summed up the pity of that dreadful war."

The photographs belong to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which is also celebrating its 90th anniversary.

The CWGC cares for the headstones and memorials belonging to the one million servicemen who died in World War I.

"There are 23,000 burial locations in 150 countries, some 13,000 are in the United Kingdom," according to author and historian, Julie Summers.

"Often their graves are in far flung places that their relatives would never visit... but each is reverently cared for by the Commission's gardeners, architects and support staff," she added.

Bedford Hse cemetery, Belgium (Pic: Brian Harris)

Exhibition curator Julie Summers is also giving an illustrated talk at the Gateway Centre on 13 November, on her book, Remembered, which highlights the importance of the work of the Commission.

She said: "It is very important for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to have a presence in towns such as Shrewsbury as it serves as a reminder to people that the dead and commemorated of the two world wars are not forgotten."

The exhibition is free. For further information about 90 Years On events contact: Pengwern Books on 01743 232236 or Caroline Thewles on 01743 353424