Frederick Martin of Bucquoy was, in many ways, a typical War Graves gardener. He served in the First World War, made a life in France, and dedicated himself to caring for the dead.

But there is one extraordinary thing about him: a rare personnel file that survives in the archives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It contains Fred's own account of his failed attempt to evacuate from France in 1940 and his internment at the hands of the Nazis.

War Graves Gardeners, Episode 1: Frederick Martin

by Caitlin DeAngelis

with thanks to Jamie Trotter, Andy Lock, and Fiona Hopkins