AN MP is urging residents to learn more about the district’s war history through researching graves and memorials in the area.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale is promoting the use of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database to find the area’s connections with the First and Second World War.

The commission looks after the graves and memorials of 1.7 million Commonwealth men and women who have died on active service.

A search on the commission’s website can reveal the final resting place of those who died.

Mr Whittingdale said: “Almost every family in the country has a story or connection that links them personally to the First and Second World Wars, but not everyone knows about those who are commemorated in their home town.

“It’s astounding to think that wherever you go in the UK, you are rarely far away from a poignant reminder of the sacrifice given by the generations before us and Maldon is no exception.

“I would encourage those who live and work in Maldon to search on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s website and learn more about those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“You never know, you may even make a connection to your own family history that had been forgotten.

“I’m proud to support the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation’s work to ensure the next generation continues to learn about those who died in two world wars and keep their memory alive.”

To increase awareness of the war dead buried and commemorated in the UK, the commission will be installing signs outside thousands of churchyards, cemeteries and burial grounds.

The signs highlight where there is a Commonwealth war grave and more than 3,500 have been installed across the UK so far.

Commission historian Max Dutton added: “It is always touching to see a local community engage with the stories of the war dead commemorated in their area.

Some of the projects on which towns and villages have embarked show that our joint commitment to remember them will continue.

“Whether it’s helping a child to find out more about their home town for a school project or seeking to create a new way to engage with your area’s history, learning more about the war dead looked after by us is a great way to further understand your home town and remember their sacrifice.”

For more information about hosting a project connected to a burial site, contact volunteers@cwgc.org.

To request a sign, email signs@cwgc.org. For more details, visit cwgc.org.