Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides

Become a CWGF Guide in 2026 - Applications now closed

This is an extraordinary chance to live and work on the Somme battlefields, sharing the stories of those who fought and died 110 years ago.

The Battle of the Somme, one of the most significant and poignant moments of the First World War. Our guides will play an essential role in helping visitors understand the stories, landscapes and legacy of this battle. 

For those selected, 2026 offers a truly unique experience: the opportunity to live and work on the Somme throughout this important commemorative year.

Who are the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation guides?

Our Guides are young people with a passion for history. 

They welcome visitors, share the incredible stories of those commemorated by Commonwealth War Graves, and help assist our guests on their journey of remembrance.

As well as their on-the-ground duties, our Guides are also enrolled on a programme of social visits and experiences to enrich their personal development. Through extensive training and support, we help our Guides with everything they need to know about working abroad.

Our Guides also share their experiences through blogs and videos shared on our website and social media channels. They provide a fantastic insight into what it’s like to work for Commonwealth War Graves.

As a Guide, you will:

• Engage daily with visitors from across the world
• Deliver interpretive talks and help people understand the human stories behind the headstones
• Support remembrance activities and CWGF initiatives
• Build deep knowledge of the sites, landscapes and communities of the Somme
• Become part of a dedicated, passionate team committed to honouring the fallen

At the end of their time with us, we also encourage our Guides to join the Guides Alumni Network.

The Network allows them to keep up with their fellow Guides, form lasting relationships, and help us create a unique group of young ambassadors enthusiastic about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Foundation.

Where are Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Guides based? 

For 2026, our Guides will be based at one of our iconic storied sites: The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.

This year will be a very special time to work at one of the most affecting memorials we care for. Over 70,000 officers and enlisted men with no known war grave are commemorated on its monumental stone panels; a testament to the scale of loss suffered on the Somme battlefields in 1916.

Our Guides will play a vital role in bringing the stories of these servicemen to life, helping them become more than just a name on a memorial

The Guides also give talks and tours of the CWGC Visitors Centre in Beaurains, France.

This year will be a special time to work at 

Talks & Tours

The Guides host and lead daily tours at both Thiepval.

They’ll be on hand to answer all your questions about these two sites, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and help you find names or graves of the fallen at these incredible sites.

Guided tours of The CWGC Visitor Centre in Beaurains are also given by our Guides. The tours are given in English, and no booking or fee is required.

How can you become a CWGF Guide?

Applications will open soon. For updates:

• Keep an eye on CWGC social media channels
• Check our recruitment webpage regularly for updates