HC Deb 15 April 1913 vol 51 cc1795-6
14. Mr. HUNT

asked whether in view of the fact that Irish soldiers are allowed to wear the shamrock on St. Patrick's day, he can say whether English soldiers are allowed to wear the rose on St. George's day?

Colonel SEELY

Under paragraph 1692 King's Regulations special emblems may be worn on the head-dress on anniversaries provided authority has been obtained. The Northumberland Fusiliers are permitted to wear the rose on St. George's day. No other regiments have asked for permission to do so.

Mr. HUNT

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether English soldiers have leave from him to wear the rose on St. George's day?

Colonel SEELY

I have already said that we have received no applications from regiments for permission to wear the rose on St. George's Day, except in the case of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who, for a long time, have made a practice of wearing it with the full consent of the War Office.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is it not a fact that every Irish soldier knows on what date St. Patrick's Day falls, but not even the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division knows on what date St. George's Day falls?

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

Will the right, hon. Gentleman say in what form permission is given, whether it is in the Orders, or is it given to individuals?

Colonel SEELY

Of course, if permission was asked for, it would be for the regiment as a whole, but no case has arisen in recent years.

Sir J. D. REES

Would Welsh Regiments be given leave to wear the daffodil?