§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the 44th 539 (Essex Regiment) captured a French eagle at Busaco in 1810; that the regiment were permitted to wear the badge on their undress uniform up to 1899; that application has been made since that date for permission to wear the eagle on their appointments and accoutrements; and whether, taking into consideration the conduct of the Essex Regiment in South Africa, and that the question has been under consideration for two years and a half, he can now state the determination of the War Office on the subject.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe War Office records would appear to show that the Essex Regiment captured a French eagle at Salamanca, not at Busaco. If the regiment wear the badge on their undress uniform, they did so without the anthority of the Commander-in-Chief. The application was made and refused in 1899. It has only recently been revived. There has, therefore, been no delay.
§ MAJOR RASCHHow many more years will the War Office take to make up its mind?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe hon. and gallant Member could not have heard my answer. I said that application was made and refused. Hence the War Office did make up its mind at once. But the application has now been renewed, and I will consider whether there ought to be any change in the matter.