Neighbours have been invited to share their stories of soldiers who were lost during the First and Second World Wars in Reading and beyond. 

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has recently set up an initiative to tell the stories of individuals whose lives were shaped by the two conflicts. 

Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire is inviting her constituents to support the CWGC's For Evermore initiative following a visit to the graveyard of St Michael's Church in Tilehurst.

During the visit, she viewed war graves of soldiers from the Tilehurst area and also soldiers from the former British Imperial colonies who were buried there after passing away due to injuries sustained during combat or training. 

The push for people to add to the For Evermore free online resource comes ahead of Remembrance Sunday on November 10.

Olivia said: ‘I recently visited St Michael’s Churchyard in Tilehurst with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to hear about the incredibly important work that they do to preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two world wars.

‘But in many cases, we don’t know very much about those who are buried in Tilehurst, Purley, Pangbourne, Theale and elsewhere across Reading West and Mid Berkshire. 

"Telling the stories of those who are commemorated is so important which is why the CWGC story bank, For Evermore is such a fantastic resource and I would encourage residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire to discover and add their own stories."

You can find the For Evermore resource online.