On This Day, 28 February 1917

Birmingham Mail

Wednesday 28 February 1917

GRAVEDIGGING AT NIGHT

UNUSUAL SCENE AT BIRMINGHAM CEMETERIES

The shortage of labour at the Birmingham cemeteries has led to a remarkable state of affairs. Not only have funerals had to be delayed by a day or so, but the work of preparing the graves has had to be done at night. This has necessitated the use of flares, and the Estates Committee, which has under its control the public cemeteries in the city, has had to obtain a special permit for such lights to be used. It is now hoped that the difficult period has been passed, and that with the advent of better weather, longer days, and the lessened death rate which is expected in milder weather, the pressure at the cemeteries may decrease.

The undertakers, too, are feeling the effects of reduced staffs, and on occasions it has been found necessary for the coffins to be taken to the cemetery a day in advance of the funeral, and placed within the screen at the chapel until the time of interment.