HC Deb 18 March 1901 vol 91 cc219-20
MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the insinuation of cowardice made against the officer in command of the post at Helvetia captured by the Boers on the 31st December, when that officer was severely wounded in the fight; and whether, in consequence of the distress caused to the relatives of the officer by these insinuations, he will state the facts relating to that surrender.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

As a general court-martial will be held on the officer in command at Helvetia as soon as he is reported fit, I am not in a position to make any statement of facts in reply to the question.

MR. LAMBERT

Is it not the case that this officer was severely wounded before the surrender took place?

MR. BRODRICK

I have no doubt it was so, but I must not go into the facts.