British WW2 graves in France given new life

From Mailonline:

Gravestones of 8,329 British and Canadian soldiers who died liberating France will be replaced in time for 70th anniversary of D-Day

• Several stones of fallen British and Canadian soldiers need replacing
• Distinctive white stones not replaced since the end of World War II
• More than 8,300 graves will get new stones in time for D-Day anniversary

By Peter Allen

The gravestones of thousands of British and Canadian soldiers who died liberating France from Nazi rule are to be replaced in time for the 70th anniversary of D-day, it was announced yesterday.

A total 8,329 of the white limestone monuments are in need of repairing or to be replaced as some are in such poor condition is is impossible to read the soldier's name.

It follows President Francois Hollande inviting The Queen to be the centre of commemorations which takes place next year. 

[...]

But their distinctive white limestone headstones have not been replaced since the end of the Second World War – leaving many in poor condition. 

William Moody, of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), said: ‘Often it's impossible to read what's written on them - like the name of the soldier, the regiment's insignia, the date of death, his age and his religion.’...

Much more here.

 Lest we forget.