§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)To ask the Secretary of State for War, will he state why troops who served in South Africa for eighteen months previous to 1902 receive no medal, while those who were serving in South Africa on 1st January 1902, with the same period of service, receive one.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) My hon. and gallant friend evidently refers to the second South African War Medal, known as the King's Medal. As I have already explained to the House, it was desired to recognise specially the services of those who remained in South Africa to the close of the war, and consequently service between the 1st January and 1st June, 1902, was held to be essential in order to secure this 1551 medal. All soldiers who served in South Africa between the 11th October, 1899, and 31st May, 1902, are eligible for the Queen's Medal.