2017 will mark the Centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele, one of the bloodiest battles of World War One. Officially known as the Third Battle of Ypres, Passchendaele was fought from 31st July to 6th November 1917 in the West Flanders region of Northern Belgium. The British lost an estimated 275,000 servicemen and the Germans suffered losses of 220,000.
Events will be held in Belgium to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle and the four years of war on the Ypres salient. As part of the commemorations, I am very pleased to draw attention to a fascinating opportunity for the young people of Kenilworth and Southam with The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
The CWGC is an intergovernmental organisation whose function is to mark, record and maintain the graves and places of commemoration of military service members who died in the two World Wars. The Commission has launched a programme of centenary internships and is looking for enthusiastic 18-25 year olds to be trained to work as paid guides, spending four months in France and Belgium at historic sites such as the Tyne Cot Cemetery in Ypres and Thiepval on the Somme. The successful interns will welcome and guide visitors during the commemorative events held over the course of the summer, in addition to undertaking research to help offer an understanding of the First World War from the perspective of those of the same age who fought.
Supported by Government, the scheme will be funded by a £600,000 LIBOR grant and expects to employ 40 interns on the Western Front. Internships are an exciting opportunity for young people, providing new experience and skills with lasting impact. This programme provides a prodigious opportunity for individuals interested in the First World War to gain a real insight into the workings of the CWGC and to play an active role in the commemorations which will be valued by future employers. I am sure participation will have a lasting impact on the successful applicants.
Full details about the internship programme can be found on the CWGC Blog.