| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Refers to letters received from Mr Allen Howe of the Geological Service and a German gentleman complaining about the lack of headstones on German graves in British cemeteries in Belgium. The latter had been passed onto General Carbonelle to discuss with the German officials in Brussels. A letter had been sent to the enquirer explaining the funding position of the headstones.
A report had been received from Field Marshall Sir George Milne of his recent visit to Salonika.
A report was presented covering the unveiling of the Cross of Sacrifice in Windhoek in South-West Africa Mandated Territory. The service had included parties of German ex-servicemen and German Boy Scouts. A wreath was also laid on the grave of the local German forces commander.
Arrangements for the unveiling of the Arras and Somme memorials. It was reported that H.R.H. The Prince of Wales had consented to unveil the Somme memorial along with the President of France, on May 16th. Other arrangements were discussed.
With regards to the Arras memorial, it was recognised that as it was the only memorial to missing Airmen on the Western Front, the Air Force, under Lord Trenchard, should take the leading part in the ceremony. The Admiralty would also be consulted as members of the Royal Naval Air Service were also commemorated on the memorial.
Anglo-French Cemetery At Thiepval
Discussion about the wording to be engraved on the Cross of Sacrifice. A suggestion was made by Mr Kipling, but he was now not content with the wording. Mr Kipling and the Vice-Chairman would reconsider the wording following the discussion at this meeting.
Cemetery Registers
Mentions that since the last meeting, two Cemetery Registers containing particulars of 611 cemeteries had been published. The total number of Registers now published contained 1,037,879 names.
Report Of The 206th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Mentions the Commission was continuing exchange relief due to the depreciation of the pound. The Vice-Chairman sought the approval to make decisions about the purchase of foreign currencies for six or twelve months ahead. Some members felt a stronger motion was necessary. The attention of the meeting was drawn to the subject of Income Tax covered in the Finance Committee’s minutes.
Staff Of The Commission
A number of terminations of employment were recorded. That of Captain Touzel, Horticultural Officer in the Soissons Area, and Captain Perrott, one of the Commission’s officers in Belgium, were noted with regret.
The Vice-Chairman reported on continued efforts to reduce staff numbers. The Vice-Chairman would be seeking the advice of Sir George Macdonoch and Mr Trumble on the possibility of reducing the number of senior officers in France. Currently Colonel Higginson and Major Ingpen both occupied roles in France.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
Thomas Trumble, Esq., C.M.G., C.B.E. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
V.G. Housden, 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.
Lieut.-General Sir George Macdonogh, G.B.E., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., in the chair
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., M.P.
There were also present:
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
Lieut.-Colonel Sir Frederic Kenyon, G.B.E., K.C.B.
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.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |