| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Two amendments to previous minutes were agreed, including one from Colonel Vanier concerning the Canadian National Memorial.
Resolution thanking Mr Trumble for his service on the Anglo-French Mixed Committee.
Report of the death of Monsieur Oscar Velghe, former Anglo-Belgian Committee member.
British honours were awarded to local officials involved in the Thiepval Memorial unveiling.
Major Chettle noted poor signage at the Scottish Divisional Memorial near Buzancy, though the Commission not responsible; Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd suggested contacting the 15th Division.
Following parliamentary questions, firms using the Royal Coat of Arms for wreath-laying (including Cockerells) have ceased doing so, though publicity was limited.
Dates for flying British and French flags at Thiepval Memorial were discussed.
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Germany agreed to maintain British graves in Zeebrugge.
A proposed multinational dedication ceremony at the Anglo-German cemetery in Mons was struck out but negotiations were approved.
Colonel Hughes proposed—and it was agreed—that letters of thanks be sent to supporters in the Middle East.
Report Of the 214th Meeting of the Finance Committee
The extension of Exchange Relief had been discussed by the Finance Committee. The Committee had felt that it was now time to level the rates of pay between Belgium and France. A new Committee was proposed to consult with the men themselves. Also discussed was the placing of a new contract for headstones in France.
High Wycombe Cemetery
Formal resolution to sign the grant to permit burials by the Commission.
Appointment Of Secretary-General To The Anglo-French Mixed Committee
Mentions that Major Ingpen’s replacement was discussed with Intendant Vincensini, and it was agreed that the Secretary-General should be based in London, with the Deputy in Arras. The meeting approved the appointments of Major Chettle as Secretary-General and Lieutenant-General F. Higginson as Deputy Secretary-General.
Offer Of Prizes To Gardeners In France
Several members of the public had suggested a fund be established to provide prizes to the gardeners whose cemeteries were most satisfactorily maintained. The issue had been passed to the Royal Horticultural Society, and although there was a generally positive feeling about his it was agreed to postpone a decision until a reply from the R.H.S. had been received.
Endowment Fund
The audited accounts were presented. Mentions the United Kingdom Government committed to annual payments of £300,000 until reaching £5 million, with all Dominion Governments—except South Africa—having paid their share. South Africa increased its contribution to cover additional graves. Completion of funding was expected to take around eight years, prompting some concern over the extended payment timeline.
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It was pointed out that it was only for the current financial year that the UK Government would pay just £100,000 instead of £300,000. A question was raised as to whether this might happen again, and it was stated that it would have to be discussed with the Dominion Gevernments and that this discussion would happen via the Commission. It was stated that it would be dangerous for this to become a regular occurrence.
United Kingdom Graves: Proposed Supplemental Charter:
Discussion over concerns regarding maintenance of graves in the UK, including potential widespread requests to replace private headstones with Commission ones. While Mr Spens proposed a Charter to halt further grave registrations, the Vice-Chairman was cautious. A Committee was established to review the issue and report back.
Employment Of Maintenance Staff:
Reported upcoming departure of fifteen clerks not part of the Commission’s permanent staff. These were some of the best clerks the Commission had had, and the Vice-Chairman was able to report that they would be found permanent pensionable employment in the Civil Service.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Colonel W.W. Chitty, C.M.G., C.I.E. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
The Right Hon. Stanley M. Bruce, C.H., M.C. (Australian Minister in London)
V.G. Housden, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
General Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd, K.C.B., K.C.M.G
W.P. Spens, Esq., C.B.E., K.C.
There were also present:
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
Colonel V.A.H. Sturdee, D.S.O., O.B.E., (Australia)
Lieut.-Colonel Sir Frederic Kenyon, G.B.E., K.C.B.
Lieut.-Colonel C.P. Oswald, O.B.E. (Assistant Secretary, Finance)
Lieut.-Colonel E.H. Jarvis (Deputy Director of Works)
Major H.F. Chettle, C.M.G., O.B.E. (Director of Records)
Captain E.J. King, M.C.
Major H. Le M. Fellowes
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |