§ Mr. JOYCEasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been called to the case of a soldier, named Denis Murphy, a private in the Royal Munster Fusiliers, Regimental No. 4,176, who during the late South African War, on the 6th July, 1900, in the advance on the town of Bethlehem, volunteered to cut down a wire entanglement which offered great obstruction to the advance of the troops; that Murphy succeeded in his mission, but then fell badly wounded; had any communication ever been made to the War Office as to Murphy's action; would the officer of his company be written to in connection with this case; and, if the statement of Murphy's bravery was correct, what action would be taken by the War Office in this case?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)There is no record of the incident mentioned in the question. Additions to pension for gallant conduct are only given for cases officially brought to notice at the time of occurrence.
§ Mr. JOYCEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the officer who commanded the company on that day has Been communicated with?
§ Mr. HALDANEI will make inquiry, but there has been no communication to us.
§ Mr. JOYCEDid the right hon. Gentleman make any communication to him? Has the right hon. Gentleman had a letter from me?
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWould the failure of an officer to report, or an official of a Department to report and take cognisance of such an act prevent the man from receiving proper recognition?
§ Mr. HALDANEI have already stated that additions to pension for gallant conduct are only given for cases officially brought to notice at the time of the occurrences.
§ Mr. JOYCEHas the right hon. Gentleman got a copy of the officer's letter to Murphy which I sent to him?
§ Mr. HALDANENo, I have not.