| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Mr Jordan welcomed as New Zealand’s representative on the Commission, and departure of Colonel Hughes announced, who was returning to Australia.
Press report of King’s visit to Gallipoli, including cemeteries was reported. Sligo Town Council in Ireland consented to the badges of British Regiments to appear on headstones in their area. Now only County Clare remained objecting to this. Appreciation to be made to the Canadian Government for the reception to Commission staff during the recent Canadian Pilgrimage. Visitors included Sir Robert Borden, one of the founders of the Commission, Colonel Higginson, and Colonel Osborne. Gift of flowers from the Mayor of Rouen for each Canadian grave at St. Sever.
Report on the annual scattering of ashes from the Empire Fields of Remembrance which had been carried out at Tyne Cot Cemetery. Other ceremonies reported on were several groups to the Menin Gate and by other Associations to other cemeteries and memorials. The Commission was represented at the fête and review at the garrison in Arras.
Reports on visit to the Western Front by Colonel Smith from New Zealand. Report on graves in Jelgava (formerly Mitau) was given. Account of wreath-laying ceremonies at Australian and Turkish memorials at Anzac.
Status of French graves in Palestine, Commonwealth graves in Nyasaland and visits to German graves in British cemeteries in France was reported. Italians had accepted suggested modifications to the Anglo-Italian Agreement. Vice-Chairman to visit Italy soon to arrange a meeting of the Committee.
Report of the 254th meeting of the Finance Committee
Tablets in Commission cemeteries in Germany stating who paid for their upkeep; success of training scheme for gardeners.
Report of 12th meeting of the Education Committee
Covering educational grants for children of Commission’s staff in France.
Stone of Remembrance in Suez Cemetery
The Stone had to be built up in sections, but this, as well as poor foundations meant it was sinking. Removal suggested but fear this would set a precedence. Proposed replacement with monolith (instead of polylith) and improving foundations.
Acquisition of the site of Taveta Military Cemetery
Commission reaffirmed that the deed of grant covers the whole cemetery, not just the individual plots.
Discovery and reburial of bodies in France and Belgium
From July 4th to August 22nd, 25 bodies had been found. Now 40,000 more graves in charge of the Commission than at the end of the First World War.
Cemetery and memorial registers
Updates to registers discussed, and discussed, including sale of registers to Governments and individuals using Serre Road No. 2 cemetery as an example. Five cemeteries were kept open for burials, and registers would not be issued until they were closed. High cost of import duty on English books discussed.
Proposed War Graves Agreements with Egypt and Turkey
Following signing of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of Alliance Commission was keen to assure the rights it had when Egypt was a Protectorate. Egyptian authorities ready to do so, and resolution passed to pursue the matter. Proposal to include Egyptian members on the Anglo-Egyptian Committee (just British at the moment) was discussed. Canadian and South African representatives asked to be able to discuss with their governments first. Following the Montreux Conference and the King’s visit to Gallipoli it was expressed that the Commission should quickly establish a committee with the Turkish authorities to benefit from the favourable mood. The Canadian and South African representatives would consult with their governments, but General Macdonogh stressed the urgency of the situation.
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)
W.J. Jordan, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
G.W. Klerck, 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.
Also present:
Colonel Sir George W. Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
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.
O. Holt, Esq. |