HC Deb 21 June 1895 vol 34 cc1658-9
MR. ARTHUR JEFFREYS

I beg to ask the Secretary for War whether his attention has been drawn to the deaths from sunstroke of two soldiers at Aldershot last week; whether, on Saturday 8th June, companies of regulars and volunteers had to march from Weybridge to Bisley, a distance of 12 miles, under a burning sun, in consequence of which several men were invalided; what was the extent and nature of the medical aid obtainable on the ground on the 8th June, and what, if any, provision had been made for the relief of any sufferers amongst the 700 or 800 men engaged in the firing competition on that day; and whether, in future these long marches during the heat of the day will be discontinued except in cases of necessity?

* MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Yes, Sir, my attention has been drawn to this melancholy occurence. There was a rifle competition at Bisley on Saturday, June 8, and under the terms of the competition, competitors had to march 11 miles, but there was no compulsion to do so beyond emulation. This is not a long march, and there does not appear to be any reason to interfere with the conditions of a voluntary competition on account of this most regret-able incident. Ample medical aid was at hand, and, as a matter of fact, was afforded by the medical officer of the Guards, from the adjacent Guards camp at Pirbright. ["Hear, hear."]

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON (Manchester, E.)

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the men were not marching in forage caps which afforded no protection against the sun.

* MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

My attention was not drawn to this fact, but the opinion among military men is that this was not an excessive march.

* MR. ARTHUR JEFFREYS

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he was aware that the comrades of the deceased men had to go some distance in order to obtain medical assistance?

* MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

This was a voluntary competitive march, and, therefore, it was not to be expected that a medical man should accompany the men on the march. There was abundant medical aid available and in close proximity.

* MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES

wished to call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the advisability of giving to the soldiers a more reasonable head-gear than the absurd forage cap which they were at present.

* MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

We have taken, away from the British soldier my native Glengarry. Perhaps it is owing to that that this melancholy event occurred.