Club Meeting

6 February 2020 The Commonwealth War Graves Commission – Megan Kelleher

The Commission honours the 1.7 million men and women who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars, at more than 23 000 locations in more than 150 countries and territories. Almost 12 000 people are buried at their largest cemetery at Tyne Cot in Belgium and 4 buried at Okracoke Island, their smallest, with ages ranging from 14 to 67 from WW1. There are 6 member governments supporting the Commission: UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India.  The impact of religious beliefs was outlined and the influence of Rudyard Kipling as an adviser, following the death in action of his son John. The qualifying dates: FWW: 040814 to 310821 and SWW: 030939 to 311247.  One example of local memorial ceremonies is the Last Post Ceremony at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, where the “Last Post” has been played nightly since 1928. The person who unveiled the Memorial in 1927, Field Marshall Plumer, aptly highlighted the impact of the memorial when he said “He is not missing; he is here”.

Megan was most enthusiastic about her subject which she studied at University then followed on into a part-time position with the Commission. She enjoys studying the topic so much, she is completing a PhD on UK-based war graves!

Restoration work was explained - an example was given of the work being done on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in France. This is expected to be completed sometime in 2021.

Much detail was given about different types of headstones – an example being those pertaining to conflicts outside the two main wars (MOD Headstones from the postwar period) which have sloping shoulders instead of straight along the top edge.

The procedure regarding liaising with families was discussed particularly over construction of their headstones and the wording to be used, with a number of interesting anecdotes described.

An excellent talk by a youthful yet experienced speaker, which was apparent as she fielded questions about Deserters, conflict zones and naval casualties.        CC/AR