| Content Note | Topics discussed:
At the request of the High Commissioner for New Zealand, wording relating to the Endowment Fund in the previous minutes was amended. Apologies for absence were received from Lord Hailsham. A Letter from Lord Crewe was presented acknowledging the message of thanks he had received for his time as Chairman. The Prince of Wales wrote to thank the Commission for the copy of the Endowment Fund Agreement.
Reports had been received of events in France and Belgium, attracting coverage from 'The Times.' Notably, over 300 spontaneous ceremonies were held in British cemeteries in France, along with events in Cairo, Jerusalem, Brookwood, and at the Mercantile Marine Memorial in London.
Report Of The 204th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
In line with the reduction in salaries for Civil Servants, the Commission lowered staff salaries, excluding those abroad due to the depreciation of the Pound Sterling. Gardener caretakers earning under £400 would be paid in local currency, costing the Commission between £23,000 and £54,000 annually, depending on exchange rates. To address uncertainties with these rates and ensure fair wages for workers, the situation would be monitored. No action would be taken for staff earning over £400 per year. After discussion, it was agreed that the Finance Committee should have the authority to act swiftly without needing further approval from the Commission. Additionally, the Staff Committee would be invited to France and Belgium to assess the cost of living and provide recommendations to the Commission.
Report Of The 203rd Meeting Of The Finance Committee
The Commission paid £9,000 annually for two floors in Sanctuary Buildings. Due to staff reductions, occupying one floor would now cost £4,100 per year. A search for new office spaces identified 32 Grosvenor Gardens as a suitable option at £1,500 annually with a £4,000 premium. The landowner, the Duke of Westminster, agreed to a reduced rent of £850 per year for the first two years, increasing to £1,250 thereafter. Including lighting, heating, and cleaning, the total cost would be £2,350 annually. The meeting approved these arrangements.
Report Of The 13th Meeting Of The Staff Committee
It had been suggested that staff earning over £500 a year should travel by second class when proceeding on leave, instead of first class, to make savings for the Commission. This would have to be approved by the Finance Committee.
Membership Of Committees
The Vice-Chairman reminded the meeting of the importance of the various Mixed Committees. Some vacancies had arisen and names were suggested for replacements. Vacancies on the Staff Committee and the Finance Committee were also discussed, and it was agreed that Mr Spens would join both.
It was agreed that Mr Lawson would be able to sign official documents from the Commission in place of the late Mr Gosling.
Anglo-French Cemetery At Thiepval
The Vice-Chairman reported on his recent visit to Paris, where matters relating to the unveiling ceremony were discussed. The French Authorities had made a suggestion that a joint cemetery should be created there, with French and British graves lying side by side. The Commission approved the suggestion and asked for a letter be sent to the French Authorities supporting the idea.
Maintenance Of Privately Marked Graves In The United Kingdom
The High Commissioner for Australia requested that the Commission maintain the grave of an Australian soldier, who is interred alongside his father in the UK. The meeting addressed this issue, noting that there were around 25,000 graves marked by private memorials and maintained by families, which contain the bodies of soldiers. The Commission's responsibility in such cases was discussed, revealing that the Charter does encompass these situations. Of approximately 95,000 graves in the UK, 25,000 have private headstones, with the Commission currently maintaining about 8,000. A committee is already reviewing this matter, and it was agreed to await their report.
Position Regarding Firms That Lay Wreaths
After a complaint from Canada, the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Sir Thomas Wilford (who was absent), requested a discussion about companies providing wreath-laying and photography services for relatives. While some wreaths were laid by the British Legion and ex-servicemen, others came from unidentified firms. The Commission could not regulate these activities due to open access to cemeteries and memorials. Although a list of approved companies existed, its effectiveness depended on individuals contacting the Commission, which often did not occur. Mr. Knowles agreed to consult with the High Commissioner, and the issue would be revisited at the next Commission meeting.
Transference Of Ownership of Grave
The formal transfer to the Commission of Private E. H. Nottage’s grave in Walthamstow was agreed.
Gilroes Cemetery, Leicester
The formal transfer of graves to the Commission was agreed.
Staff Of The Commission
The terminations of the appointments of W.H. Cowlishaw, Capt. F.E. Boaz and Mr W.J. McKay were approved.
Cemetery and Memorial Registers
A further 5,691 entries had been published, bringing the total to 1,000,313.
Although the construction was completed, it was decided to invite Sir Frederic Kenyon to continue his work for the Commission.
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)
The Hon. G.H. Ferguson, K.C. (High Commissioner for Canada)
Thomas Trumble, Esq., C.M.G., C.B.E. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
C. Knowles, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
R. Webster, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
J.L. Murphy, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Newfoundland)
Rudyard Kipling, Esq.
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
There were also present:
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C., (Canada)
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S., (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, O.B.E. (Director of Records)
Major H. Le M. Fellowes
Captain H.P.R. Foster
Captain E.J. King, M.C.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq.
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrrell, Esq. |