| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Welcome to Adjutant General Sir Cecil Romer. Updates on Sir George Macdonogh and Mr Lawson. Various letters received from relatives. Letter of thanks from the Chief of the American Graves Services in Paris for the Commission’s assistance to parties of “Gold Star Mothers”. Letter of thanks sent to General Harington, Commander-in-Chief at Aldershot, for his efforts in combating fires threatening CWGC cemeteries in the area. All registers for UK graves now published, with suggestion made that this information should be passed to regional press for publication. Removal of graves in the Cameroons and re-burial with military honours in Duala described. Proposed official pilgrimage to Gallipoli dependant on the new Ambassador at Constantinople discussing the matter with the Turkish Government. The Commission looking into necessity of re-inscribing the Flemish text at Tyne Cot Cemetery. Other small points of interest mentioned. Report of visit by the Secretary of State (Lord Hailsham) to France. Other ceremonies at Dieppe and Mont St. Quentin. Report by Major Beavis on his recent visit. Number of visitors signing the Visitors’ Books in France and Belgium during July and August was 19,987 and 36,197 respectively. Following an approach from the American Graves Service, a Commission horticultural officer was to be seconded to the Americans. Colonel Oswald had been able to buy French Francs at a favourable rate which should allow the estimate for the next six months to be met.
Report Of The 224th (Special) Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Meeting called to discuss recent correspondence from gardeners in Belgium who were to have their pay reduced by 1/11th (still leaving them higher than in France). Signatories of the letter received to be informed that it would not be possible to change this reduction in pay. Mr Spens reported on his recent visit where he felt most men didn’t feel an injustice had been done.
Employment Of The Sons Of Gardener-Caretakers
With fewer ex-war veterans able to work as gardeners the question of replacements was discussed. Ex-servicemen was one possibility. If employment extended to sons and grandsons of original gardeners, it could result in gardeners who were Belgian or French, possibly not speaking English. Need for replacements was pressing. Possible solution to have the sons come to England and join the Army with the probability of employment after they leave the Army.
Meetings Of Anglo-Belgian And Anglo-Italian Mixed Committees
Mention that these were planned for the autumn.
Arrangements For Maintenance In Kenya And Tanganyika
Proposals for maintenance of graves and monuments in Kenya and Tanganyika agreed.
Progress Of Headstone Replacements In Iraq
Mention that the proposals for replacing headstones in Amara, Baghdad, and Basra were explained in the paper before the meeting.
Australian Memorial At Port Said
Mention that he Commission formally agreed to take over the maintenance of the Australian memorial at Port Said.
Canadian Graves In Buxton Cemetery
Resolution that the Commission formally agreed to accept stock transfer relating to the Canadian graves in Buxton Cemetery.
Staff Of The Commission
Appointments:
Captain G.W. Winter (Registration Officer, France)
Dr N. Roberts (Medical Officer, Central European District)
Terminations:
Captain J.R. Pitman (Registration Officer, France)
J. McM Kerr (School Teacher, Arras)
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Colonel G.L. Pepys, C.B., D.S.O. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
E.P. Luke, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
Major L.E. Beavis, D.S.O. (Representing the Australian Minister in London)
G.W. Klerck, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
W. Hutchings, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Newfoundland)
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
Captain Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
W.P. Spens, Esq., C.B.E., K.C., M.P.
General Sir Cecil Romer, K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G.
There were also present:
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 H.P.R. Foster
Captain E.J. King, M.C.
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |