HC Deb 22 May 1868 vol 192 c712
MR. O'REILLY

said, he wished to give one word of explanation to make his Question intelligible. It appeared that retired Captains in the Army were not allowed to wear their uniform at Court, but if they had medals they must either wear them over their Court-dress or leave them at home. He would, therefore, beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether there would be any objection to put those Officers who had retired from the Army as Captains on the same footing as regards uniform as those who had retired as Field Officers?

SIR JOHN PAKINGTON

replied, that the rule on the subject was not quite so extensive as the hon. Gentleman seemed to suppose. With regard to retired Captains, he might remark that their number was very large, and their names did not appear in the Army List. It would be very inconvenient, therefore, that there should be any general extension of their privileges; but he would take into consideration how far it might be desirable to recommend to Her Majesty that under certain conditions, as regards length of service and possession of honours, the rule might be relaxed.