| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Condolences submitted on the death of King George V: Letters submitted, and responses received recorded.
Chair spoke on the death of Rudyard Kipling: Long serving Commissioner and personal friend. Now only two original Commissioners remain. In the form of a eulogy, the
Chair recounted his last meeting with Mr Kipling. Other stories recounted. Lieut-Col Vanier and Mr Lawson also gave a tribute. Resolution recording their sense of loss was agreed by the Commissioners present.
In connection with the death of King George V, condolences received from a number of overseas agencies, including the German Volksbund. Other manifestations of sympathy from France (services held in cemeteries) and Belgium (service at the Menin Gate attended by over 500 people, including the Mayor and members of the town council).
In connection with the death of Mr Kipling, a ceremony was held at the Loos Memorial.
Nomination of Charles Holden, one of the Principal Architects of the Commission, for the Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Number of visitors signing the visitors’ books in France and Belgium during December 1935 was 5959 and during January 1936 was 659. Corresponding totals for December and January 1934-1935 were 646 and 502.
Plaques to the Million Dead of the Empire sent to Australia and New Zealand had been favourably received.
Appointment to fill vacancy caused by Mr Kipling’s death was discussed.
Report of the 248th meeting of the Finance Committee was presented. Favourable rate of exchange agreed w4ith the Germans to reduce cost of headstones at the Stahnsdorf Cemetery in Berlin.
Report of 10th meeting of the Education Committee was presented. Report included bus fares for attendees at the Eton School, and a grant to staff.
Anglo-German-French Mixed Committee. Appointments and formalities discussed.
Anglo-Italian Mixed Committee. Approval of appointment of Lord Cavan.
Anglo-Iraq Committee. Appointment of Col. J. C. Ward.
Grave transfer from the Commission to the family members of Boy A. H. Tratt.
Major Chettle reported an increase in bodies found over the previous year.
Pensions. Discussions as to whether gardeners in France and Belgium could receive UK state pensions. Commission already offered a Superannuation Scheme to staff. Proposal to allow the gardeners to receive the National Pension Scheme. However, this was limited to a maximum of five years service. Proposal for the three members of the House of Commons who were also Commissioners would approach the Minister of Health for further information.
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., M.V.O. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
S.R. Skinner, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
G.W. Klerk, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
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.
Also present:
Colonel Sir George W. Badgerow, CMG., CVO., MD., FRCS.
Lieut.-Colonel C. P. Oswald, C.M.G., 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
Mr F.C. Sillar
Mr F. Tyrell, M.B.E.
Mr B.S. Conyngham Greene
Mr O. Holt |