The central focus of many cemeteries is the Cross of Sacrifice, designed by Blomfield to represent the faith of the majority, which ranges in height between 4.5m and 9m depending on the size of the cemetery.
Where there are more than 1,000 burials, the cemetery will contain a Stone of Remembrance, designed by Lutyens to represent those of all faiths and none, 3.5m long x 1.5m high with three steps leading up to it.
The cemeteries contain headstones of a standard pattern, usually set in perfectly straight rows.
At the top of each headstone is engraved the national emblem or the service or regimental badge, followed by the rank, name, unit, date of death, age and the appropriate religious emblem. At the foot of the headstone there is, in many cases, an inscription chosen by the relatives.
The overwhelming mass of the fabric is natural stone, although there are large areas of brickwork, cast and wrought iron, cast bronze, joinery, stainless steel and concrete.
Whilst the structures were built to rigorous specifications using the best standards and techniques of the time, some of those principles are now considered to be flawed. When such flaws combine with the attrition of climate and pollution of almost 90 years, maintenance and conservation become vital and ever growing tasks.
