Graves Registration in World War II
Graves Registration in World War II played a crucial and somber role in managing the deceased soldiers and civilians on the battlefield. This function was essential for both logistical and humanitarian reasons. Here is a description of the role of Graves Registration during that period:
- Recovery of Deceased Personnel: Graves Registration units were responsible for locating and recovering the bodies of deceased military personnel and, in some cases, civilians. This involved searching battlefields, hospitals, and other locations where casualties occurred.
- Identification and Documentation: Once bodies were recovered, meticulous efforts were made to identify the deceased. Personal belongings, dog tags, and any available documentation were used to establish the identity of the fallen. In cases where identification was not immediately possible, detailed records were kept for future reference.
- Temporary Burial: In the midst of active combat, Graves Registration units often conducted temporary burials. These makeshift graves were marked, and records were maintained to facilitate later exhumation and reburial in permanent cemeteries.
- Preservation of Personal Effects: Personal effects of the deceased, such as letters, photographs, and personal items, were collected and carefully preserved. These items were later returned to the families of the fallen.
- Coordination with Allies: Graves Registration units often collaborated with the military forces of Allied nations to ensure that the deceased from various countries were treated with dignity and respect. This cooperation helped in the proper handling of casualties.
- Communication with Families: Graves Registration personnel communicated with the families of the deceased to provide information about the status and location of their loved ones. This communication was conducted with sensitivity and empathy.
- Reburial in Permanent Cemeteries: After the war, a massive effort was made to exhume and reinter the deceased in permanent military cemeteries. These cemeteries were established in regions where significant battles had taken place, and they continue to serve as a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives in World War II.
- Record Keeping: Meticulous records were maintained throughout the process, including details about the location of temporary and permanent burials, the identities of the deceased, and any relevant information about their service and circumstances of death.
Graves Registration in World War II was a vital function and a large logistical organization in the accounting of America's fallen heroes.