| Content Note | Topics discussed:
The cancellation of the unveiling of the Arras and Thiepval memorials due to the assassination of the French President was discussed. The Prince of Wales had been kept informed and approved. Individual letters to disappointed relatives would be sent explaining that there would have been no official French representation. Revised date would await a reply from the French.
Following requests, a number of crosses from unknown soldier’s graves were available and sent to churches or branches of the British Legion. The Commission couldn’t necessarily deal with all such requests but would do to the best of their endeavours.
The delays with the delivery of tablets to Gallipoli had now been resolved.
Report Of The 209th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Final settlement of Contractors claims now agreed and approved by the Treasury. Discussion of the contribution to the Hertford British Hospital in Paris. This hospital was the preferred location for the treatment of staff. Up to the present this was free of charge, but the Commission now was contributing to costs for the patients’ keep.
Reports Of The 14th And 15th Meetings Of The Staff Committee
The rules for summary dismissal, discharge with notice or loss of grade were presented for discussion. Although the rules were complex, the principle was straightforward. These would be implemented on a civilian rather than a military basis. Also reported was the removal of the 10/- per week allowance if staff in France and Belgium were on sick leave and at home.
Maintenance Of British Graves In Zeebrugge Churchyard
For the first time, the “German War Graves Commission” had asked to look after the British graves as an act of reciprocity for the care taken by the IWGC for German graves in British cemeteries. They had taken over the care from the Belgian “Nos Tombes” organisation. Concern was expressed over the permanency of the German Commission and standard of maintenance. Relatives would be consulted, but there was unlikely to be a consensus. Various aspects of this delicate case were discussed. Agreed that the Vice-Chairman would consult the Admiralty for their views.
Final items discussed were terminations of staff appointments and one cemetery and memorial register.
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)
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)
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
General Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd, K.C.B., K.C.M.G
W.P. Spens, Esq., O.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)
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)
Major H. Le M. Fellowes
Captain H.P.R. Foster
Captain E.J. King, M.C.
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq.
F. Tyrrell, Esq. |