HC Deb 04 July 1902 vol 110 c819
MR. YERBURGH (Chester)

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the reported death of Grounds, of H. M. S. "Terrible," and, if he has no information upon the matter, whether the Admiralty will inquire by cable: and whether he will state the regulations with regard to the supplying of information of the deaths of officers and men on foreign stations.

(Answer.) A letter from the commanding officer of H. M. S. "Terrible," at Hong Kong, reporting the death of Walter Grounds, petty officer first class, on the 2nd June from cholera, was received at the Admiralty yesterday, and his friends were immediately communicated with. The same intelligence had previously been obtained by telegram at the request of the friends of the deceased, and at their expense. Under the King's Regulations commanding officers are required to report to the Admiralty without loss of time all deaths occurring in the ships under their command, informing the relatives at the same time. In the case of an officer the news is reported to the Admiralty by telegraph, in order that his successor may be appointed. Telegrams inquiring on behalf of friends as to the state of health of either officers or men on foreign stations are not sent except at the expense of those desirous of obtaining the information. The arrangements made in time of war for the communication of all casualties stand on a different basis.—(Admiralty.)