HC Deb 17 March 1884 vol 286 cc33-4
MR. TOMLINSON

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he has any reason to apprehend that there is any foundation for the following statement in The Daily Telegraph, as made by their reporter at the late battle:— I again noticed the poor quality of the steel wrought into cutlasses and bayonets fur the soldier. If those weapons touched a bone they bent like hoop-iron, without piercing the body of the Arabs; and, whether he will request General Graham to make a report on the subject?

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the statement of an eye-witness of the battle of Tamai, to the following effect:— I noticed the poor quality of the steel wrought into cutlasses and bayonets for the soldiers. If these Weapons touched a bone, they bent like hoop-iron, without piercing the body of the Arabs. Their spears and swords, sharp as razors, cut, as I saw scores of them through bone, sinew, and every obstacle, without turning the edge of the weapon; and, whether he will ensure, by inquiry and experiment, that any additional troops that may be sent to Egypt from this country shall be equipped with the best quality of arms?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Sir, in reply to these Questions, I can only say that the present pattern of bayonet is believed to afford a thoroughly serviceable weapon. General Graham has, however, been asked to report upon those with his force, and to send home for examination specimens of any which may have been found faulty.