The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Prestwick Rotarians were treated to a great illustrated talk from Ken Nairn on behalf of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission which is made up of the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.

Ken started off speaking about the Napoleonic wars, but seamlessly progressed to the Great War 1914 -1918. Casualties amounted to 1.5m after the battle of The Somme. There are 23,000 Commonwealth war graves in the UK.

Plenty to maintain, from a host of gardeners, tending 'the silent cities of the dead', Ken went on to discuss the Second World War, including the important role played by Prestwick Airport in the delivery of aircraft from America and Canada, with 38,000 landings at Prestwick Airport.

Rotarian Nigel Lawrie gave Ken a robust vote of thanks for a very interesting, well-researched, presentation. Ken will definitely be welcome back to give us part 2, including the war involvement of the commandoes.

Picture shows Ken in full flow.