| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Mentions having made an invitation of Mr Baldwin to replace Rudyard Kipling it was agreed that he would have little time to devote to the Commission, so invitation issued to Edmund Blunden to serve. Mr Blunden accepted and was formally appointed to the Commission. Letter of thanks received from Mrs Kipling.
References the King’s decision to have the Duke of York succeed him as President of the Commission which was discussed and agreed.
Reports of ceremonies and tributes for the late King received from France.
Mentions meeting of the Anglo-German-French Committee planned for early June. Major Chettle shortly to visit Berlin. No publicity given to the meeting unless agreed by all parties.
Anglo-Italian Mixed Committee
Resolution to resolve the difficulty with filling the posts on the Committee it was to be proposed that the Italians fill the vacant positions in the same way as the British were, rather than from specific offices.
Mentions, although not invited, a representative of the Commission attended the commemorative service at the German graves (of Zeppelin airmen) in Potters Bar. Hope expressed that there would be an invitation in the future.
Refers to £25 allocated to provide a flag or banner in the Warrior’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey. Mr Blunden asked for an inscription on accompanying plaque.
Move of Eastern Area Headquarters from Cairo to Jerusalem announced.
Letter of thanks received from Sydney University for help the Commission gave.
Report of 249th meeting of the Finance Committee
Among routine matters, the subject of the replacement of brick walls in cemeteries was discussed. It was reported that the original work and materials were the best available at the time so this expenditure was justified.
Delegation of financial powers to the Vice-Chairman
As in former years, a resolution was passed delegating financial powers to the Vice-Chairman which set out powers and financial limits.
Discovery and reburial of bodies in France and Belgium
Mentions the number of bodies found in France and Belgium was reported on, which was considerably smaller than the figure for 1934. Most were found by metal-searchers.
Villers-Bretonneux Memorial
The designs for the Villers-Bretonneux memorial were presented to the meeting by Colonel Robinson. Mr Lutyens’ design had been approved by the Australian Government. The Commission’s only interest was in the recording of the names of the missing and contributing the cost of their engraving.
Liverpool (St James’s) Cemetery
Fate of ten War Graves scattered throughout the Liverpool (St. James’s) Cemetery was discussed. Plan to turn the cemetery into a public space. None of the graves was owned by the Commission. Agreed to resist the proposal.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman. In the Chair)
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)
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.
Lieut.-General Sir Harry Knox, K.C.B., D.S.O.
Also present:
Colonel Sir George W. Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
Edmund Blunden, Esq., M.C.
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)
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrell Esq., M.B.E.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq.
O. Holt, Esq. |