| Content Note | Topics covered:
Circulation of minutes of the last Commission meeting with one slight amendment.
Comments from the Chairman about the work of the Commission for the Second World War.
Mention of a letter received from Mr Lawson sent in response from a letter from the Chairman urging him to continue his membership of the Commission.
Mentions the Chairman had been asked whether he could find somebody of the same type as Mr. Lawson, with Trade Union connections. He had spoken to the Chief Whip in the House, who had suggested the name of a very able Derbyshire miner, and as soon as he had confirmation he would write to the Vice-Chairman. Resolution concerning the retirement of the Rt. Hon. J.J. Lawson, M.P. from the Membership of the Commission.
Review of Recent Events
Refers to the rejection of personal inscription requested by the father of Lance Corporal W.W. O’Shaughnessy, R.E., who was buried in Syracuse British Cemetery, Sicily.
The Use of Malta Stone
Refers to the paper laid before Members, noting strong feeling in favour of using Malta stone but that it was more costly than some other materials. Resolution for stone to be used, on grounds of public sentiment, and for the matter to be referred to the Finance Committee.
Report of the 331st Meeting of the Finance Committee
Adoption of the report of the finance committee, referring to:
Item 8, which noted considerable increase in the administrative expenditure in the different areas had been approved.
Item 10, which was the result of the work of a very influential Committee which the Commission had sent out, to Italy, under the Chairmanship of Admiral Sir Martin Dunbar-Nasmith. The Committee had submitted a valuable report and had made certain suggestions, which had gone to the Finance Committee. A fully qualified accounting 0fficer (Major Angus) was being appointed immediately.
Item 11, which referred to the completion of staff of the Anzac Agency.
Graves in Germany
Discussion in relation to correspondence in the Press, particularly the Times and Daily Telegraph, with regard to the maintenance and condition of British graves in Germany. Mentions that before the Second World War, there had been discussions with the Anglo-German-French Committee and the three Graves Services, in case of hostilities, had agreed they would do their best to see that the graves were respected. Specific quotes from letter in the Times on 13 December and from letter in Daily Telegraph on 14 December discussed.
Approval In Principle Of Sketch Designs For Cemetery Construction
Discussion regarding the approval of sketch designs for cemetery construction, with comments about each design and suggestions. Resolution that:
(i) That the Commission approve in principle the following sketch designs prepared by the Principal Architects:
By Mr. Edward Maufe, A.R.A., for:
Stratford-on-Avon
Dover (St.James)
Folkestone New
Margate
Maidstone
Reading
and Halton Cemeteries.
By Mr. J. Hubert Worthington, O.B.E., A.R.A., for:
Beja War
Thibar Seminary
Medjez-el-Bab
Sfax
and Oued-Zarga Cemeteries.
By the Senior Architect on the staff Mr. G.Vey, F.R.I.B.A.:
Kitale Military Cemetery.
(ii) That the said sketch designs be referred to the Finance Committee to consider and report on the cost and method of construction. The designs for Florence (Arrow Route) and Naples War Cemeteries would be referred back to Sir Frederic Kenyon.
Battle Exploit Memorial: 50th (Northumbrian) Division
Resolution for the approval of the recommendation of the Battle Exploits Committee concerning the 50th (Northumbrian) Division memorial at Bayeux to commemorate the Division’s achievements in the landing on D-Day and subsequent fighting in Normandy.
Resignations: Assignment of Commission’s Policy
Albert Edgar Piper (Horticultural Superintended), Stanley Louis George Jackson, and John Thomas Wilmot (Gardener Caretaker).
Mention that the family (of Lieut. C.W. Renton in Streatham Park Cemetery) wished to purchase his grave. The paper would be deferred to a later date.
Mention that the next Meeting would be held at 11 o’clock on Thursday 16 January 1947.
Attendees:
The Rt. Hon. F.J. Bellenger, M.P. (Secretary of State for War, Chairman)
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G., LL.D. (Vice-Chairman)
J.P. Sigvaldason , Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
V.C. Duffy, Esq. , M.V.O. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
C. Knowles, Esq., C.B.E. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
I.T. Meyer, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
Colonel W.P. Rendell, C.B.E. (Representing the Government of Newfoundland)
Sir Samuel Runganadhan (High Commissioner for India)
General Sir Robert Gordon-Finlayson, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
Admiral Sir Martin Dunbar-Nasmith, V.C., K.C.B.
Colonel Sir John Shute, C.M.G., D.S.O., J.P.
There were also present:-
Lieut.-Colonel Sir Herbert Ellissen, C.B.E. (Adviser on Post-War Organisation and Reconstruction)
Sir William Halcrow, M. lnst., C.E. (Honorary Consulting Engineer)
G. Savage, Esq. (Colonial Office)
Brigadier A.W. Holbrook, C.B.E., M.C. (Director of Graves Registration and Enquiries, War Office)
Brigadier F. Higginson, C.M.G. (Controller)
Lieut.-Colonel H.F. CHETTLE, C.M.G., O.B.E. (Assistant Secretary, Records)
F.C. Sillar, Esq., C.B.E. (Assistant Secretary, Finance)
Lieut.-Colonel R.W. Bateman, M. lnst., C.E. (Director of Works)
Brigadier J.K. McNair, C.B.E.
Major F. Tyrrell, M.B.E.
P.R. Trevelyan-Thomson, Esq. |