| Content Note | Topics discussed:
As Sir Fabian Ware was now in Australia, Sir George Macdonogh took the Chair. Report of Mr Lawson’s visit to France where he had presented the OBE to the Head Gardeners at Lijssenthoek and the Somme Memorial (Messrs Gordon and Opie respectively). Lord Provost of Glasgow had given a grant for the cleaning of the Crosses of Sacrifice in Glasgow prior to future Armistice Days. Captain McIndoe gave a lecture to Toc H in Scotland which created much interest in the Commission’s work. The American War Graves Registration Service was to be wound up and transferred to the American War Memorial Committee. The French Minister of Pensions, Monsieur Rivollet had visited several sites on the Somme recently. Many Armistice Day ceremonies had been held, including a visit by Commission gardeners to London, but reports had not yet been received. In Sir Fabian Ware’s absence, General Smuts made the Armistice Day broadcast. Sir George Macdonogh had thanked the General. Major Chettle reported on his visit to lay a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe on the grave of the French Unknown Warrior. Letters had been exchanged following the assassinations of Monsieur Barthou and the King of Yugoslavia.
Report Of The 235th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Mention that Mr Eric Speed of the Treasury would now attend the Committee meetings. Money was being given to assist Major Menzies return to the UK for medical treatment. Also, funding approved for new motor transport for Mr Hector Andrew. The Belgian Crisis Tax would likely cause more expenditure.
Appointment of New Member To The Education Committee
Mention that Mr Peck of the Scottish Education Department had agreed to serve on the Education Committee, and this was approved.
Dominion and Unit Battle Memorials
Refers to proposal in 1921 by the French Government for the transfer of all such sites to the French Government to avoid any complications or problems, and to avoid the irregularity of parts of France owned by another person or country. The French Government would then grant perpetual use and enjoyment of the sites to the original owners. Mr Housden raised the problem of the New Zealand Memorial at Longeuval caused by changes to the Cadastral plans. Negotiations about Longueval were ongoing. Colonel Vanier pointed out a misleading comment which suggested they would be dealt with in the same way as the Cemeteries (i.e. the perpetual use would be vested in the Commission) whereas the document suggested it could be with the Commission or the Governments. Wording removed from the file copy of the paper.
Transfer of Memorial Sites To The Belgian Government
Refers to a similar situation which existed in Belgium as in France. Report that progress was being made, but a difficulty funding the 50th Division monument at Wieltje was possibly solved by the Officer Commanding the 50th Division making the £20 payment each year, with his successors made to be morally responsible. Sir Cecil Romer thought this unsatisfactory, but the Chairman felt there was no real alternative.
Discovery And Reburial Of Bodies In France And Belgium
Mentions that, with a reduction in the work of metal-searching, the number of bodies found in France and Belgium had reduced, with just 40 discovered in the previous 9 weeks.
Albert Edward Holcomb - Superannuation Policies
Report on the Gardener-Caretaker, Albert Edward Holcomb and subsequent agreement to transfer the superannuation policy to his wife, Mrs Maria Holcomb.
Attendees:
Lieut.-General Sir George Macdonogh, G.B.E., K.C.B., K.C.M.G. (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)
V.G. Housden, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
Rudyard Kipling, Esq.
General Sir Cecil Romer, K.C.B., K.B.M., C.M.G.
There were also present:
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
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
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrrell, Esq.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq.
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