| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Thanks were expressed by the Chair on his return to work following his illness. Letters of thanks to the Commission received from Lord Tyrrell, Sir George Clerk and the organisers of the South African pilgrimage. Report on ceremonies in France and Belgium including in Reims, Shorncliffe and Arras.
Dr Desch and Mr Howe to tour Cemeteries in France to report on their condition. Sir Edgar Bowring to return to the Committee representing Newfoundland despite the office of High Commissioner being abolished. Colonel Oswald to attend meetings of the Anglo-Greek and Anglo-Egyptian Committees in the Vice-Chairman’s place.
Financial Provision To Meet Additional Cost Of Foreign Currencies
Discussion of the Endowment Fund which was established to ensure adequate annual income to maintain the cemeteries and memorials. Change to the exchange rate with the French Franc from 125 to the pound to 80 to the pound was causing problems. United Kingdom Government would make up the loss for the coming year; decision about the Dominion contributions unclear. A worse case was a reduction in Commission staff by 30 to 50%. Dominion representatives to consult with their governments.
233rd Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Mentions that work to the Portsmouth Naval Memorial and the Cemetery at Asmara in Iraq were discussed.
22nd And 23rd Staff Committee Meeting
Discussion regarding wages of staff in Belgium, with warning that an appeal to the Ministry of Labour might result in a reduction in pay as much as an increase.
6th Meeting Of The Education Committee
Mentions that there had been 16 approved claims for grants.
Committee On War Graves In The United Kingdom
The report of this Committee was presented. Sir Frederic Kenyon pointed out the Commission’s responsibility for these graves was clear, but the cost of maintenance would be hard to estimate. The Commission would not however need to look for graves, nor maintain private memorials. If necessary standard headstones would be erected. Horticultural standard discussed but mentioned that unofficial bodies such as the Women’s Institute could be involved.
German Graves In The United Kingdom
A design for the 487 graves of German civilian internees who are buried in the United Kingdom was proposed, but it was agreed that if the German authorities preferred the alternative, this would be implemented with no further discussion.
German Graves In Egypt
Mentions that the Committee agreed to the German request for headstones like those in France are allowed on German graves in Egypt. Costs to be paid for from German funds.
Staff Of The Commission
Staff changes were discussed, including the promotion of Mr B.S.C. Greene and the resignation of Mr E.J. King (Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chairman).
Bedford House Cemetery, Zillebeke
Approval of the design of the enlargement of Bedford House Cemetery, Zillebeke, which had been necessitated by the discovery of bodies on the old battlefields.
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)
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
J.G. McLaren, Esq., C.M.G. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
C. Knowles, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
G.W. Klerck, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
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.
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
F.T. Sprange, Esq., (Australia)
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)
F.C. Sillar
F. Tyrrell
B.S. Conyngham Greene
|