TNAG-2552-FCO40-3727-Commonwealth-War-Graves-Commission-in-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 26

Rimini Gurkha War Cemetery, Italy

The headstones are two feet eight inches in height; at the top of each is engraved the national emblem or the service or regimental badge, followed by the rank, name, unit, date of death, age and, usually, a religious emblem; and at the foot, in many cases, an inscription chosen by relatives. In some cemeteries, notably on the Gallipoli peninsula, in Macedonia and in the Far East and the Pacific, where there is a risk of earth movement, stone or bronze plaques on low pedestals are used instead of headstones.

Climate permitting, the headstones stand in narrow borders, where floribunda roses and small perennials grow, in a setting of lawn, trees and shrubs. Two monuments are common to the cemeteries: the Cross of Sacrifice, set usually upon an octagonal base and bearing a bronze sword upon its shaft; and, in the larger cemeteries, the Stone of Remembrance, upon which are carved the words from the Book of Ecclesiasticus: THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE.

The men and women whose graves are unknown or whose remains were cremated are commemorated on memorials ranging from small tablets bearing a few names to great monuments bearing many thousands.

In many of the foreign countries in which the Commission operates, its work is protected by a series of international agreements which recognise the Commission as the authority responsible for the care of the graves and memorials. The governments of these and many other countries have acquired the land occupied by the cemeteries and have generously granted its perpetual use to the Commission.

In presenting this report of its work during the year, the Commission wishes to express its gratitude for the practical assistance and support it has received from central and local governments, diplomatic and consular representatives, ex-service organisations, other official and unofficial bodies and private individuals all over the world. Such assistance, in one form or another, is given to the Commission throughout the 140 countries in which there are Commonwealth war graves. Without it, the traditional standards established 70 years ago could not be maintained.

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