Apparently every Five years there is a Commonwealth-German-French joint committee meeting and Field Day held in Berlin. I received an invitation to attend the German Foreign office for a get together and a short presentaion for all the guests. The function was held on the 7th, top floor of the building which had superb views of the Television Tower at Alexander Platz and the old St Nicholas church and quarter. (Photo attached) The building was origionally constructed in the late 1920's and was the Central German Bank. After the war it was the home of the DDR Leadership until the wall came down. A new building was put up in front and now the Foreign Ministry is in two seperate buildings surrounded by extensive security measures and Police. (Picture shows the new part at the front) I was not able to take photos inside, only at the venue which was part of their International Club. The main event took place today when the guests were taken by coach to various Commission sites around Berlin. I only had time to attend the early morning session at Heerstraße, but was amazed at just how much work is required to maintain the excellent standards of the cemeteries. I manage to take some photographs in the light rain that was falling during the short Memorial service and wreath laying. We were shown the men at work, re-engraving, re-aligning the headstones and many other jobs including tree climbing and rescue. I hope that those interested in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission enjoy the photographs as much as I enjoyed learning and seeing the Commission in action. Regards Tom
Many many thanks Tom, quite moving seeing those German chaps take so much time and care re-engraving those headstones. Cheers Andy
Hi Tom, Was there myself 2 years ago took some photos of the place and of course some Headstone's... Cheers Tom
Many thanks to all for the kind words. Yes, I appear to get some good invitations and will of course provide comments and photographs of further events of interest to the forum. I do not know if eagle eyed members of the furum spotted that one of the headstones being re engraved was that of a war correspondent. This is one of three I believe which I photographed in the past for Geoff in Australia. With regards to the Tree surgeons, they are recruited by the commission as gardeners and are trained up when required. They are a very specialist team and I believe are used at all the sites throughout Western Europe. Regards Tom
Tom Nice to see the one chap working on the stone of a Canadian Airman. Might have even been on of my lads. Well done. Great to have such an opportunity. Kudos for this post. cheers, phil
I have just returned from the Cemetery and after I had taken headstone photos for a forum member I took these of some typical maintainance work thet is always being carried out at one site or other. You have to admire the various skills required to keep these magnificent cemeteries up to the standard expected by the commission. Coming up to November's Remembrance day and so the steps were being realigned due to earth movements. Regards Tom
Tom Thank you for your excellent portrayl of the CWGC staff doing there daily jobs, the behind the scenes is often not seen and appreciated, as always Tom super photo's
