| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Approval of the minutes of the 194th Commission meeting.
Death of Lord Allenby reported. Condolences expressed to his widow. General Wilson welcomed to his first meeting.
Reports of visits by H.M.A.S “Sydney” and “Australia” to Gallipoli and by S.S. “Lancastria” to Gallipoli and Salonika.
Notification of Iraq War Graves Agreement now in force.
Mentions a bugle stamped 9.R.B. found at a point north of Monchy-le-Preux discovered and presented to the Rifle Brigade Museum.
Reports on ceremonies held at Brookwood and Cannock Chase Cemeteries.
Report of a visit to Cologne Southern Cemetery and the German Military Cemetery by members of the Leeds branch of the British Legion.
Report of a ceremony at La Couture Cemetery on the anniversary of the Battle of the Lys organised by the Portuguese with attendees from France, Belgium, Poland and Czechoslovakia.
Report on the disturbances in Palestine affecting work around the Jerusalem Military Cemetery. One effect could be the reduction in the cost of the land.
Mentions the death of Mrs Sarah A. Smith of the British War Graves Association of Leeds was reported and condolences sent.
252nd Meeting of the Finance Committee
Germans agreed to removal of pine trees at Stahnsdorf Cemetery. Work started on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Severance payment for Colonel Hughes, who was leaving the Commission, was discussed and agreed.
Anglo-German-French Mixed Committee
Recent meeting had proved very successful with complete co-operation. Gratitude expressed to H.M. the King for his interest and involvement. Thanks were expressed to the Commission’s staff involved and also to Général Vincensini.
The Vice-Chairman's Visit To Germany
Vice-Chairman reported on recent visit to Germany and Holland for meetings and cemetery visits. His report would be made available in due course.
St James's Cemetery, Liverpool
Proposals from Liverpool Corporation for the transform the St. James’s Cemetery to a park were discussed. Following a meeting with the Corporation, the Commission proposed accepting their offer of replacing the headstones with stone ‘markers’. Costs to be met by the Corporation. Exhumation not deemed practicable.
Anglo-Belgian Mixed Committee: Appointment of new members
Re-appointments to the Anglo-Belgian Mixed Committee agreed.
Discovery and reburial of bodies in France and Belgium
Rewards of 10 Francs paid to individuals finding a body in France or Belgium was discussed, and it was mentioned that this was the same amount paid as for French bodies. Members of the Etat-Civil were not eligible for the 10 Francs. All attempts to identify were made, but this only amounted to 10% of bodies found. All identifications had to be certain beyond doubt.
Recruitment of Gardener-Caretakers
No more ex-service men from the war could now be recruited to be gardener-caretakers. Some now recruited from post-war ex-service men. Some children of the original gardeners were considered but as they had non-British mothers it might not commend itself. Shortage of staff necessitated need to widen the search. Agreed that an ‘adequate’ knowledge of English would suffice. Noted they would have to retain their British nationality to remain in post.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice- Chairman. In the Chair)
Major-General R.C. Wilson, C.B., D.S.O., M.C. (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)
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.
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
W.P. Spens, Esq., O.B.E., K.C., M.P.
Also present:
Lieut.-Colonel A.F. Rawson Lumby, C.I.E., O.B.E., (India)
Colonel Sir George W. Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada) |