WAR GRAVES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 73, 28 March 1933, Page 7

WAR GRAVES

WORK OF COMMISSION

THE ANNUAL REPORT

(From "The Post's" Representative.) LONDON, February 16. In the annual report of the Imperial War Graves Commission Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, in an introduction, records the completion'of the constructional stage of the Commission's work. "The Commission," writes Sir Fabian, "are conscious of feelings, of profound gratitude for the forbearance and sympathy shown them by the relatives of the dead, and for tho support and encouragement given them not only by tho Governments of the Empire, not only by the Governments of the great and small Powers which fought at our side, but by innumerable organisations and individuals to whom they have appealed for^ assistance as to those most competent to advise and help them. "In concentrating now on the hardly less difficult and exacting labour involved in the maintenance of these memorials and cemeteries, in many lands differing in government, religion', and civilisation,' and in physical and climatic, conditions, the Commission feels secure in the support which has been built up to ensure the future. For during the 15 years that they have beea at work there has been developed a stronger international organisation than has ever before existed. ■ All Governments of the British Commonwealth hayo for the first time joined together in an active partnership, founded not on defence of competing interests, not merely on negative' freedom from the dominating control of the senior member, but on e. positive realisation, which has increased, with growing confidence month by month as they have met in council, that each partner can contribute to the solution of common difficulties, experience, and knowledge of affairs unequalled in their extent, their variety, and their cumulative power."

Altogether (states the report), 672,000 headstones have now been sent out to the cemeteries abroad, and all but 2000 of these have been erected; 1500 headstones are in course of preparation, chiefly for the graves of those whoso remains have recently been tound on the battlefields. Tho report gives tho names of the 86 memorials throughout the world to the missmg, recording the sacrifices made by tho Empire during the war. The Eton Memorial School at Yprcs continued to bo of great benefit to the children of employees who live in the area. Of the 92 children who attended, vo are children of Commission employees and those of men who have now loft tho Commission's service. The transport facilities provided by the Commission are a great boon to the tamihcs who live beyond walking distance from tho school. The Commission s school at Arras has now 27 ouoila on its roll. *

Up to the end of tho year under review, 52,100 headstones had been erected in over 8000 cemeteries and churchyards in the United Kingdom, and this work is still proceeding. The 323 Crosses of Sacrifice erected by the Commission in cemeteries in the United Kingdom are being increasingly used :is focal points for Armistice Day services.

During the year, tho cash payments of the Commission amounted to £368,606. The participating Governments contributed a further sum of £343,500 towards tho Endowment Fund of £5,000.000 for the permanent maintenance of the graves and memorials in the Commission's charge.

The International cable news appearing In this Issue Is published by arrangement with the Australian Press. Association and the "Sun," "Herald," News Office, Limited.