HC Deb 02 May 1901 vol 93 c403
MR. DILLON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state who was in supreme command of the British forces at Paardeberg Drift on the 18th February, 1900.

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

I have already stated to the House that General Kelly Kenny was in supreme command at Paardeberg. Lord Kitchener was present, and as chief of Lord Roberts's Staff made suggestions to General Kelly Kenny, and no doubt assisted in the control of the action.

MR. DILLON

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is that in General Colvile's recently discovered despatch it is stated by him that he received his orders during the engagement direct from General Kitchener?

MR. BRODRICK

That bears out my statement that Lord Kitchener assisted in the control of the action.