| Content Note | Topics discussed:
The Vice-Chairman thanked those who had carried on the Commission’s work during his recent trip. In particular gratitude was expressed to Sir George Macdonogh. Recipients of awards in the New Year’s Honours List include the Adjutant-General, Mr. Shephard and Mr. Reid Dick.
Report given on the unveiling of the memorial in Accra, Gold Coast. The wording on the memorial in Haidar Pasha to those buried in South Russia was discussed. Australian Government to fund and erect a memorial stone in the Jerusalem Military Cemetery to commemorate AIF operations in Palestine and Syria. Proposal to move the 15th Scottish Divisional Memorial at Buzancy to Buzancy Military Cemetery. It was noted that this was the only Memorial in France erected by the French Government to a British Division.
Resolution of appreciation to Captain John Scott Parker (Chief Horticultural Office) on his retirement. Mr Lawson reported on his visit to Cemeteries in France. Two gardeners’ sons admitted to the Gordon Boys’ Home to be trained in carpentry and engineering.
Anglo-Palestine Mixed Committee had discussed concentration of Italian graves into the Jerusalem War Cemetery, and the registration of Turkish POW sites.
The Iraq War Graves Committee discussed marking of graves in Basra, acquisition of Indian graves and the reconstitution of the Iraq Committee.
Set of photos prepared for Area Inspectors presented.
The Vice-Chairman reported on his trip to Australia and New Zealand. [Sir Fabian Ware supplied a detailed report on his five-week tour which was later incorporated into the minutes. This included visits made on the outward and return sailings, reports on talks made and people met, together with his view of how the Commission’s work was seen.]
Report Of The 237th Meeting of the Finance Committee
Minutes signed with further discussion of Item 6: Expenditure. The forecast of £295,000 did not allow for the construction of the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial nor a £3,300 shortfall due to currency fluctuations. Also discussed was the cost of aligning Commission staff with Civil Service terms and conditions, and the cost of preservation of headstones. Cost reduction by not filling gardener vacancies would result in a reduction in the standard of work. Item 6 approved.
37th Divisional Memorial – Transfer Of Stock
Mentions the stock transfer to fund the maintenance of the 37th Division Memorial at Monchy-le-Preux approved.
Pennycomequick Cemetery
Mentions the transfer of land in Pennycomequick Cemetery, Plymouth, was approved.
7th Meeting Of The Education Committee
Mentions that there was nothing controversial as it simply dealt with matters of detail. The report was adopted.
Marking Of Bulgarian Graves In Macedonian Cemeteries
Mentions that the Commission approved designs for Bulgarian graves in Macedonian cemeteries.
Visitors’ Books
Review of returned, full, visitors books showed the number of visitors from around the world, and the appreciation of the Commission’s work.
Discovery And Reburial Of Bodies In France And Belgium
Mentions that many bodies were still being found, and more were found during the period under review than in the corresponding period in the previous year. It was suggested at present there were no indications that bodies would not continue to be found for a long time to come.
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)
V.C. Duffy, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
V.G. Housden, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
H. Worthington, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
The Hon. Sir Edgar Bowring, K.C.M.G. (Representing the Government of Newfoundland)
Lieut.-General Sir George Macdonogh, G.B.E., K.C.B., K.C.M.G. (in the Chair)
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., 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 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)
Mr F. Tyrrell, Esq.
Mr B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |