§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if it can be stated what medal the Volunteer Service Companies now proceeding to South Africa will receive. Will the service of those troops be ante-dated in conformity with the dates and the effigy on the medals already issued to the troops, or will a fresh medal be struck; if so, in view of the uncertainty existing, will all dates be omitted?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)The only medal given for service during the present war in South Africa is that referred to in Army Order 94 of 1901. There is no date on the medal. Her late Majesty Queen Victoria gave the order that a medal should be struck to commemorate the military operations in South Africa, and, consequently, the effigy is that of the late Queen. His Majesty the King was graciously pleased to confirm the order given by Her late Majesty.