| Content Note | Topics discussed:
First meeting with HRH the Duke of York as President. Apologies for absence.
Announcements of the deaths of German ambassador (Herr von Hoesch) and former Chief Commissioner in Ypres (M. Vandenbraambussche). Mention that the Sounding of the Last Post at the Menin Gate to be permanent following endowment by Surrey British Legion.
Departure of Sir John McLaran from Australia House and Sir John Coleridge from the Commission.
Report of Australian ships and other pilgrimages to Gallipoli. Ceremonies held in Egypt (German and British), Warrington (Anzac), Cannock Chase and Vevey.
Mention that the Iraq War Graves Agreement now passed.
Proposed Conference in Italy
Despite Italian authorities being satisfied with arrangements for cemetery maintenance, General Cei, (Italian Commissioner for Honouring the Fallen in War), proposed an international conference to discuss the matter. Objectives not clear. Count Memmo Secretary of the Anglo-Italian Mixed Committed) visited London to discuss, and returned to Rome to make further enquiries.
251st Meeting of the Finance Committee
Appointment of Assistant Architect for Villers-Bretonneux memorial. Appointment of General Sir Herbert Hart to succeed Colonel Hughes. Recommendation to continue exchange relief for Commission staff in France and Belgium.
Anglo-German-French Committee
Meeting in London proposed for following month. Delegates to be received by HM The King.
Chairman’s visit to France and Belgium reported. Unveiling of tablet in Arras Cathedral. First visit by Chairman since the war.
Cemeteries in Macedonia
Proposal to bring the Salonika office under the control of the Commission in London when the Eastern District HA moves from Cairo to Jerusalem. Proposed to take advice from the Foreign Office.
Recovery of bodies in France and Belgium
About 10% identifiable. 50,000 found since the war ended. Commission caring for these extra graves without exceeding estimate. Mostly found by scrap metal searchers.
Complaints received about British Cemetery in Stahnsdorf, Berlin. Site in pine wood caused difficulties. Agreed cemetery should be as well-kept as others. Removal of trees was likely solution.
Thanks expressed to the Duke of York for his attendance.
Attendees:
His Royal Highness the Duke of York, K.G., K.T., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O. (President)
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman. In the Chair)
Major-General Sir John Coleridge, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
The Hon. Vincent Massey (High Commissioner for Canada)
The Right Hon. Earle Page, M.P.
The Hon. Sir James Parr, G.C.M.G. (High Commissioner for New Zealand)
The Hon. C.T. te Water (High Commissioner for South Africa)
The Hon. Sir Edgar Bowring (Representing the Dominion of Newfoundland)
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.
J. J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
Also present:
Rear Admiral Sir Basil Brooke, K.C.V.O. (In attendance on H.R.H. The Duke of York)
Lieut.-Colonel G. P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Canada)
Colonel Sir George W. Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
V.C. Duffy, Esq., M.V.O. (Australia)
G.W. Klerck, Esq., (South Africa)
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)
Lieut.-Colonel E.H. Jarvis
Captain R. Haworth, O.B.E.
F. C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrell Esq., M.B.E.
B. S. Conyngham Greene, Esq.
O. Holt, Esq. |