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A resolution recording the contribution of Sir Henry Maddocks, who had recently died, was passed by the meeting. A resolution was also passed to record the gratitude of the Commission to General Sir Walter Braithwaite who had stepped down as Adjutant-General.
Parliamentary visit to France and Belgium
It was reported that the visit to Cemeteries in France and Belgium by members of Parliament had been a great success. Several side-trips had been made taking members to places outside the main itinerary. The report of the delegates had been published in Hansard. Reported that the staff had enjoyed the visit as much as the Parliamentary party. Mr Lawson had attended in lieu of the Vice-Chairman who had been ill. Mr Lawson presented an O.B.E. to Mr Prince, a Commission gardener.
Unveiling of the Ploegsteert Memorial
Lord Stanley had represented the Commission at the unveiling of the Ploegsteert Memorial. There were also representatives from the British Army and High Commissioners for the Dominions. An unveiling took place in the British Church at Ypres and regiments were represented at both ceremonies. The service held by the Rev. H.C. Blackburne, D.S.O., M.C. was praised.
A ceremony at the United States portion of Brookwood cemetery had taken place. Wreaths were laid on both the American and British monuments.
Alleged disinterment of bodies
The Vice-Chairman reported that following extensive investigations by the Commission and the Belgian Authorities, there was little evidence to support the claims made in the ‘Sunday Express’. There had been no disturbance to graves noted; the Belgian Police had found no evidence of such traffic at the ports and the man mentioned in the newspaper had disappeared from his address before the police visited.
The following was struck-through as if redacted: Mr Kipling suggested that the story related to an incident reported on 10 years previously which had might have been taken up again and elaborated. The ‘scurrilous’ letters from Captain Chanter, critical of the Commission, was raised again. The Treasury Solicitor’s Office had recommended no action be taken at present.
British Legion laying of poppies on Armistice Day
The Commission agreed to assist the British Legion in their proposed placement of poppies on graves, which had been discussed at an earlier meeting, but only as far as suggesting the British Legion posted the boxes of poppies to the specific Cemeteries, and then they would be placed on the graves.
The Vice-Chairman had received a favourable report on the state of Indian graves in France from Colonel Penton of the Adjutant-General’s Department in India.
Lord Stanley and Sir Thomas Wilford were to meet to discuss the Egyptian agreement.
The Vice-Chairman reported that there was some confusion about the unveiling of the statue of Lord Haig at Montreuil. He repeated that the Commission’s input was minor, and having considered abandoning the related service at Étaples he had decided to proceed as planned. The Commission would make the travelling arrangements for any members attending.
Appointment Of Mr Lawson
The Commission agreed to the appointment of Mr J.J. Lawson, M.P. to both the Staff and Finance Committees.
Anglo-Egyptian War Cemeteries Executive Committee
Following the resignation of Brigadier-General from this committee, it was approved that Sir Henry Barker should be appointed in his place. It was noted that as Sir Henry lived in Egypt and it would be of great use to have a member living locally.
Cemetery And Memorial Registers
It was reported that ten Registers had been published since the last meeting. In total, 971,189 names had been published.
Terminations
The resignations of R.J. Brown, Clerk of Works, France and A.J. Gorham, Draughtsman, France were approved.
Sir Thomas Wilford thanked the Vice-Chairman for a letter relating to Codford Cemetery.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
The Hon. Sir Thomas Wilford, K.C.M.G., K.C. (High Commissioner for New Zealand)
Rudyard Kipling, Esq.
Lieut.-General Sir George Macdonogh, G.B.E., K.C.B., K.C.M.G.
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
There were also present:
Lieut.-Colonel Sir Frederic Kenyon, G.B.E., K.C.B.
Major G.C. Arthur, D.S.O., (Canada)
Lieut.-Colonel C.P. Oswald, O.B.E. (Assistant Secretary, Finance)
Lieut.-Colonel H.F. Robinson, C.M.G. (Director of Works)
Major H.F. Chettle, C.M.G., O.B.E., (Director of Records)
Captain E.J. King, M.C. |