New appointment at Commonwealth War Graves Commission

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has appointed Claire Horton CBE, formerly chief executive of the Battersea animal rescue charity, as its new director general

Claire Horton becomes responsible for leading CWGC as it moves into its second century of operations, helping the commission to continue to meet its core maintenance and conservation commitments, and helping to welcome and educate the next generation about its important work.

CWGC cares for the war graves and memorials that commemorate the 1.7 million Commonwealth World War dead. It operates at over 23,000 locations, in more than 150 countries and territories around the world.

Reflecting on her appointment, Claire said: ‘I’m deeply honoured to be joining CWGC at such an important time in its history. With key priorities around raising awareness and extending our reach to wider audiences including the next generation; as well as the ongoing vital conservation work of our historic, world-wide estate and playing our part in working in an environmentally sustainable way, there’s much to do.

‘One of our most important ongoing priorities remains our commitment to identifying any gaps in our commemorations and to see what can be done to restore their names to be remembered forever alongside their comrades.’

Claire will join CWGC at the end of January 2021.