HC Deb 07 August 1879 vol 249 cc391-2
SIR ARTHUR HAYTER

asked the Secretary of State for War, What truth there is in the following statement of the "Lancet," copied into the "Army and Navy Gazette" of the 26th ult. respecting the return march of the 10th Hussars beyond the Indus, viz.:— The 10th Hussars, who, it will he remembered, lost fifty men in crossing the Cabul River at night some four months ago, have again been unfortunate, and head the list of cholera casual- ties—at Fort Balley, the second march from Gundarnak, they reported fifteen deaths from cholera; fourteen more fatal cases occurred at Dakka, and six at Bosawul; whether, while suffering from cholera, the 10th Hussars were hurried on by forced marches to reach the Indus, before the bridge broke down on the 22nd of June; whether any order for forced marches was given while the regiment was suffering from cholera, either by the Viceroy or his military advisers; and, whether such order would under the circumstances be approved by him?

COLONEL STANLEY

Sir, I have very little information on this subject. The only official information I can trace is a letter from the officer commanding the 10th Hussars, in which he states that unusually large drafts were required, and that recruiting would have to be carried on vigorously; and, in connection with that, reference is made to the regiment having passed through a country where a good deal of cholera has prevailed. That is the only reference I can find. I have no means of knowing whether the facts stated in the Question are correct; and as to the latter part of the Question, whether an order for forced marches would have been approved by me, that is a matter on which I must suspend my judgment, as it would very much depend on the circumstances of the case.

SIR ARTHUR HAYTER

asked, Whether the Secretary of State for War would grant a Return of the strength of all the regiments at the time of their advance on Ali Musjid, and at the time of their falling back to get beyond the Indus—a return which would of course include the casualties in the 10th Hussars; and, whether he would inquire of the Viceroy why the regiment was hurried on when suffering from cholera?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Sir, I believe the real reason why the regiment was hurried forward was, because it was attacked with cholera, and because it was desirable to move it as quickly as possible out of the district where cholera prevailed, and that it had no reference to the breaking down of the bridge, which could not have been anticipated.

SIR ARTHUR HAYTER

Were there forced marches?

MR. E. STANHOPE

I am afraid I cannot answer that Question.