HC Deb 16 August 1894 vol 28 cc1224-5
MR. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention, has been called to the voluntary and gallant services of the 1st Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry Regiment during the plague at Hong Kong; if no less than 400 soldiers were employed in the cleaning work in the plague-stricken parts of that town, and the removal of the refuse and filth from the dwellings owing to the natives refusing to work; if one of the officers of that regiment, Captain Vesey, and many of the soldiers were attacked by the plague, and the former succumbed to that terrible disease, sacrificing his life to save the rest of the inhabitants from the plague; and whether any steps have been taken, or are practical, to recognise the gallant services of the 1st Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry (late 58th Regiment) performed during the continuance of the plague in Hong Kong?

* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

(who replied) said: The Secretary of State explained to the House on July 3 the circumstances which rendered necessary the use of troops in the manner referred to by the hon. Member. Eight officers and over 300 men of the Shropshire Light Infantry and detachments of the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers volunteered to assist the Civil Authorities at Hong Kong in cleansing and disinfecting houses in which cases of plague had occurred. Of these volunteers one officer (Captain Vesey) and five men were attacked by the plague, and I regret to say that Captain Vesey and one of the men died. The Commander-in-Chief's appreciation of the gallant services of these men who volunteered for this duty has already been conveyed to the General Officer commanding. A copy of a Despatch has been received through the Colonial Office from the Governor of Hong Kong expressing his appreciation of the valuable assistance he has received in this crisis from the naval and military forces. I am sure that the House and the country generally will join in admiration of this fresh instance of the gallantry and devotion which always characterise Her Majesty's soldiers and sailors.