SOLDIERS' GRAVES

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18, 22 July 1919, Page 7

SOLDIERS' GRAVES

WORK OF THE COMMISSION.

,(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, 29th May.

The number of soldiers' graves now identified and registered in France and Belgium is 373,351.

The. number of other burials reported is 154,823. In many of these cases the burials took place under such conditions that subsequently the graves were never found, and in others all markings have been destroyed by shell fire. -During the last month; however,. 2125 suoh graves haye been identified and registered, and it is hoped a. considerable number more will be traced. .

The staff of photographers was greatly reduced by demobilisation, and, on this account, as well as owing to the shortage of motor-cars, the work of photography has been much hampered. . Steps. are, however, being taken to obtain the services of additional photographers, but some considerable time must necessarily elapse before all requests for photographs can tie met. In the forward areas the concentration of isolated graves is in progress, and whilst this work is being done, it is necessary to close the localities. The work has already been hindered by difficulties arising from demobilisation, and from the lack of transport, but special steps have been taken to provide the necessary requirements, so that more rapid progress may be made. The Secretary of the ■ War Office announces that the present situation does not permit of a general permission being given to visit graves. Hitherto permits have'only been given in very special cases, as, for instance, when relatives are returning to Australia or Canada. Besides, the difficulties of travelling in France and Belgium aro very great, and there is little, ac^ commodation.for travellers.