IN commemoration of the centenary of the start of World War One, West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox laid a wreath at the graves of ten airmen killed in the Second World War at Buckland Monachorum last Thursday. Around 1,700,000 men and women of the forces of the Commonwealth died in the two world wars and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations in 153 countries. More than half of the 23,000 locations are to be found in the UK, commemorating approximately 300,000 war dead — 66 of these sites sit within Torridge and West Devon. Many of the graves are of men and women who died at home following wounding or sickness overseas. In other cases, graves will mark the death of men and women on active service, while serving on land, at sea or in the air. Mr Cox said: 'These brave men were killed fighting for our country and it was an honour to lay a wreath on their graves in commemoration of this significant anniversary. 'As part of the centenary I would encourage all within Torridge and West Devon to visit the sites and show their support for those who fought so bravely.'