World War II was the deadliest military conflict in history. An estimated total of 70–85 million deaths were caused by the conflict, representing about 3% of the estimated global population of 2.3 billion in 1940. The war to end all wars it was said, but that wasn't to be.

Since 1948, the end of WW2, the men and women of the British Armed Services have taken part in more than 50 operations and conflicts around the world, often working as part of the United Nations, NATO or other coalitions. Over 16,000 names are recorded on the memorial including those who have been killed whilst on duty, died in operational theatre or were targeted by terrorists. New names are added to these walls every year.

We don't seem to learn from history, and, unfortunately conflicts continue throughout the world today.