Cherkov Naval Cemetery

[mordac]

Hi Terry:

While reading 'CSEF: Canada's Soldiers In Siberia 1918-1919' by J.E. Skuce, a question regarding fatal casualties has come up: Do the graves of service men from the CSEF, 1/9 Hampshire and 25 Middlesex Regiments fall under the domain of the CWGC? These men are buried in the Cherkov Naval Cemetery in Vladivostok. The authors claims they don't fall under the "aegis" of the CWGC, yet they're listed on the CWGC web site.

Thanks.

Garth

[Terry Denham]

Yes they certainly do.

All Commonwealth servicemen who died of any cause anywhere up to and including 31.08.21 are their responsibility to record and to care for their graves (other than private graves in the home countries).

When was the book written? What the authors possibly mean is that, during the Soviet era, it was impossible for CWGC to maintain these graves and they were effectively abandoned. The names of all Commonwealth casualties in the USSR were engraved on a new memorial at Brookwood, Surrey, UK - the Brookwood (Russia) Memorial (both wars).

However, with the collapse of the USSR and restoration of 'normal' relations with Russia, CWGC has returned to the country and reclaimed most of the graves so that they are now cared for in the normal way. Only a few graves remain lost but the Brookwood (Russia) Memorial remains so that their names have proper commemoration.

By the way - The correct title of the cemetery is Churkin Russian Naval Cemetery.

[mordac]

Hi Terry:

Thanks for confirming these graves fall under the domain of the CWGC.

The book was written in 1990 and the USSR dissolved in 1991. What a difference one year makes.

One more question if I may, a monument to the CSEF dead was erected and dictated on May 12, 1919. It's located in the Churkin Russian Naval Cemetery. Is the CWGC or the Canadian government responsible for the upkeep of this memorial.

As always, thanks for your help.

Garth

[Terry Denham]

Garth

The memorial to which you refer is the Vladivostok Memorial and it is one of CWGC's official memorials to the missing. It remains in their care.

It was raised by the Canadian government originally and it bears twenty-two names - oddly only three of them are Canadian - the rest are British. Most of these men are not actually 'missing' but are buried elsewhere in Siberia where their graves are unmaintainable.

[mordac]

Hi Terry:

Thanks for the follow up answer. The author states of the 19 CSEF members who died, 14 are buried at the Cherkov Russian Naval Cemetery, 4 at sea and 1 in Hong Kong.

Garth