Caerphilly MP Wayne David has called for the graves of the constituency’s war dead to be recognised.
The Labour MP and Shadow Defence Minister has met with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to discuss the recognition of war graves across the country – and particularly within the Rhymney Valley.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for maintaining and commemorating the graves of war dead from across the Commonwealth.
There are 151 war graves in the Caerphilly parliamentary constituency, with a large number being found in the cemeteries of Penyrheol and St Martin’s in Caerphilly, as well as in St Catwg’s Church in Gelligaer.
Mr David is planning on approaching Caerphilly County Borough Council and the churches of St Martin’s and St Catwg’s to see whether a Commonwealth war graves sign can be displayed at the sites.
Mr David said: “I was extremely impressed by the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. In the year commemorating the end of World War I, it is especially important to recognise the sacrifice of those who defended our country.”
He added: “The commission will install and maintain the signs and I very much hope that the local authority and the churches will agree with me that it is important to publicly recognise those who paid the ultimate price during the two world wars.”
Earlier this month, a remembrance service was held for forgotten soldier Haydn Carlyle Phillips, whose grave in St Catwg’s Churchyard was recently restored to commemorate his sacrifice in World War I.