| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Approval, signing and amendment of the 370th Commission meeting minutes:
a) Placing of wreaths at Portsmouth Naval Memorial
b) Visit of the French President to Bayeux War Cemetery.
Unveiling of the Plymouth Naval Memorial 1939-1945 Extension
Brief account of the unveiling of Plymouth Naval Memorial 1939-1945 Extension by H.R.H. Princess Margaret and reading of letter received from her Private Secretary.
Death of Sir Frederick Doige
Refers to the death of Sir Frederick Doige, who as High Commissioner for New Zealand, had been a Member of the Commission since he assumed office in September 1951.
Retirement of Dr Geyer
Refers to the retirement of Dr Geyer as a Member of the Commission.
Retirement of Lord Wigram
Refers to the retirement of Lord Wigram.
Birthday Honours
G.C.B. awarded to General Sir Cameron Nicholson, K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., Adjutant-General to the Forces.
M.B.E. awarded to Mr N.J.L. Jansz, the Honorary Secretary to the Commission’s Ceylon Agency. C.B.E. awarded to Mr W.J. Chalmers, Assistant Secretary.
M.B.E. awarded to Mr E.F.J. Goad, Horticultural Officer in the French District, and to Mr J.A. Maisey, District Inspector and Horticultural Officer, Anzac Agency.
B.E.M. had been awarded to Mr S.G. Haley, Head Gardener, North-West European District, and Mr J. Patience, Head Gardener, French District.
D-Day ceremonies in Normandy
Brief mention of other D-Day ceremonies that took place in June 1954 at Commission cemeteries in Normandy.
Visit by General Mark Clark to Beach Head War Cemetery
Refers to visit by General Mark Clark to Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, on 30 May (American Memorial Day).
Report of the 415th Finance Committee meeting
Item 1 referred to the letting of the contract of the Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill.
Item 3 referred to five additional appointments to the Permanent Maintenance Staff.
Item 14 concerned repairs to be carried out at the Commission's London office.
Item 17 recommended expenditure on Social Welfare in the French, North West European and Southern European Districts and in the Anzac Agency.
Appointment of a Trustee to the Imperial War Graves Commission Endowment Fund
Refers to the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, G.C.B., D.S.O. as a Trustee of the Commission’s Endowment Fund.
Membership of the Finance Committee
Refers to the appointment of General Sir John T. Crocker, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. as a member of the Finance Committee.
Vice-Chairmanship of the Commission
Farewell and tributes to Admiral Sir Martin Dunbar-Nasmith, V.C., K.C.B., D.L. who was retiring from his position as Vice-Chairman.
Second meeting of the Commonwealth-French Joint Committee
Brief account of the second meeting of the Commonwealth-French Joint Committee.
Painting of gates, memorials and other iron work at cemeteries and memorials
Discussion regarding the painting of gates, memorials and other iron work at cemeteries and memorials, including Anzio War Cemetery, Rome War Cemetery and Brookwood Military Cemetery, with resolution that the colour of gates and other ironwork be left to the discretion of the Chief Architect and Artistic Adviser, due regard being given to the precedent followed in the country in question and to the conditions of the area in which the cemetery is located.
Examination of sketch design by P.E. Cornu, A.R.I.B.A. for London Cemetery Extension, High Wood, Longueval, France.
Flag staffs at Saiwan Bay War Cemetery and Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong
Mention that flagstaffs would be retained after permanent construction is completed at Saiwan Bay War Cemetery and Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.
General notes
Mention that the Commission took note of the paper submitted.
Date of next meeting scheduled for Thursday 15 July 1954 at 11:00am.
ATTENDEES:
The Rt. Hon. Antony Head, C.B.E., M.C., M.P. (Secretary of State for War and Chairman of the Commission in the Chair)
Admiral Sir Martin Dunbar-Nasmith, V.C., K.C.B., D.L. (Vice-Chairman in the Chair)
The Rt. Hon. Sir David Eccles, K.C.V.O. (Minister of Works)
Frederic Hudd, Esq., C.B.E. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
W.H. Bunning, Esq. M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
W. Wynne Mason, Esq., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
C.H. Torrance, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
P.N. Haksar, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for India)
Captain M. Jan (Representing the High Commissioner for Pakistan)
D.K. Malone, Esq., M.B.E. (Representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies)
General Sir Robert Gordon-Finlayson, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, G.C.B., D.S.O.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Richard Hopkins, G.C.B.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick Spens, O.B.E.,Q.C., M.P.
George Sylvester, Esq., M.P.
General Sir John T. Crocker, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.
General Sir Cameron Nicholson, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.
ADVISERS:
Sir Edward Maufe, Esq., R.A., F.R.I.B.A. (Chief Architect and Artistic Adviser)
SECRETARY:
F. Higginson, Esq., C.B., C.M.G.
Also in attendance:
A.B. Moore, Esq. (Ministry of Works)
W.J. Chalmers, Esq., C.B.E. (Assistant Secretary)
Major-General J.F.D. Steedman, C.B.E., M.C (Director of Works)
H.L. Simmons, Esq. LL.B (Legal Adviser)
O.D. Holt, Esq., (Principal, Secretarial Branch) |