Crane tells the forgotten story of how one man's vision lead to the buidling of the first world war cemeteries. Fabian Ware joined the Red Cross in 1914, working on the frontline in France, where he was horrified by the casual disposal of bodies. His determination to record the identity and position of the dead led to the establishement of a Graves Registration Commission, and inspired a flood of public support from many of the leading figures of the day.Before WWI, little provision was made for the burial of the war dead. Soldiers were often unceremoniously dumped in a mass grave; officers shipped home for burial. The great cemeteries of WWI came about as a result of the efforts of one inspired visionary. In 1914, Fabian Ware joined the Red Cross, working on the frontline in France. Horrified by the hasty burials, he recorded the identity and position of the graves. His work was officially recognised, with a Graves Registration Commission being set up. As reports of their work became public, the Commission was flooded with letters from grieving relatives around the world.
Samuel Johnson prize 2013 shortlist
