Commonwealth War Graves Commission backs Associations' call for war grave status for Lancastria
The Commissioner for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Alan Meale MP has written to the Veterans Minister urging him to designate Lancastria an official war grave.
In the letter, which was copied by Mr Meale to the Lancastria Association of Scotland the Commissioner makes plain his support for designation of the wreck under the Protection of Military Remains Act and adds "I write to add my support for such a move".
Responding on behalf of the Association Mark Hirst said:
"This is a significant development and one which we warmly welcome. If the Commissioner for Commonwealth War Graves Commission backs this combined with the overwhelming political support, support of the wider public, support from former senior military personnel as well as the relatives and survivors it is difficult to see how the British government can resist.
"The ball is firmly with the MoD and I look forward to them responding positively."
