| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Death of Mr Warre Cornish, of the Education Committee reported. Alteration to design of German graves in the United Kingdom approved. Reports of ceremonies in Ypres attended by R.A.F. cadets and Lady Haig. King of the Belgians visit to Ypres, including new Belfry and the Eton Memorial School. Ceremonies in France around 14th July, in Arras and on the Somme. Due to the cost of maintenance, the 7th Division’s wooden cross at Mametz was taken down, burnt and the ashes scattered on the Somme. Mentions that good relations with the French was down to Colonel Higginson and Major Chettle. Crosses from the Fields of Remembrance to be burnt and the ashes scattered in Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Reports on events at the Eton Memorial School and the Arras branch of the British Legion were given, including a horticultural show where Commission gardeners from all over (including one from St. Quentin) came to enter exhibits. The Challenge Cup was won by one of the Head Gardeners of the Delville Wood Group. A report was presented about one gardener’s son who was attending the Duke of York’s school with assistance of the Adjutant-General. Other reports from organisations who had visited the battlefields. Proposal for memorial in the Jerusalem War Cemetery to the 2/4th Hampshire Regiment now dropped in favour of a memorial in the Cathedral. Thanks expressed by Major Beavis following his recent visit. Proposal for Miss Pennethorne to join the education committee, possibly with another person from Scotland to replace Mr Warre Cornish.
Vice Chairman’s visit to Australia and New Zealand
Despite reservations due to his health, the Vice Chairman accepted the invitation to travel in late September. Previously arranged visit to South Africa would take place later. He would visit and speak in the chief capitals of both countries. Also to attend the unveiling of the Melbourne shrine. Despite the Charter forbidding a deputy, it was agreed that Sir George Macdonogh would chair meetings while the Vice Chairman was away.
Report Of The 234th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Report on the proposed overhauling of the Portsmouth Naval Memorial and discussion of the erection of headstones on German graves in Belgium.
Representation Of Newfoundland
The Newfoundland Government had appointed Sir Edgar Bowring to continue to serve as their representative on the Commission.
Graves In The United Kingdom
Resolutions passed following the recent report from the United Kingdom Graves Committee.
Suggested Circulation Of Photographs Of Cemeteries And Memorials
To help widen knowledge of the Commission’s work it was agreed to investigate the costs of producing photographs of cemeteries and memorials for various exhibitions, talks, etc. along the lines of those organised by the Preservation of Rural England, and the “Times” newspaper.
Staff Regulations
The Staff Regulations were presented for discussion. Amongst other points, question of contractual leave allowance was discussed – whether a definite amount of leave was granted, or whether it was just a privilege and not a right. Pointed out the leave allowances were significantly more generous than in Australia and New Zealand. Regulations approved subject to changed discussed.
Discovery And Reburial Of Bodies In France And Belgium
References an apparent decrease in the number of bodies discovered, attributable to the season of the year, with crops covering the ground. Mentions ongoing activities of French search parties.
Dedeagatch British Cemetery
Building plans which slightly affected the Dedeagatch Cemetery in Salonika were approved.
Italian Graves In Palestine
A request to relocate four Italian graves into the Jerusalem War Cemetery were discussed, but the request was declined as it was felt it would create and unwelcome precedent.
Westminster Electric Supply Corporation
Resolution was passed to make arrangements with the Westminster Electric Supply Corporation which would save the Commission £45 per annum.
On behalf of the members, Colonel Vanier wished Sir Fabian War bon voyage and a successful trip to Australia and New Zealand. The Vice-Chairman thanked the members and promised to present the Commission’s work to the people he met.
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)
Major L.E. Beavis, D.S.O. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
V.G. Housden, 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.
W.P. Spens, Esq., O.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 C.P. Oswald, O.B.E. (Assistant Secretary, Finance)
Lieut.-Colonel H.F. Robinson, C.M.G. (Director of Works)
Lieut.-Colonel F. Higginson
Captain H.P.R. Foster
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrrell, Esq.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq.
|