HC Deb 16 November 1914 vol 68 cc208-9
88. Mr. THOMAS

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that old non-commissioned officers, on being urged to rejoin the Colours, were promised the rank previously held by them, and in a large number of cases such promise has not been fulfilled; and whether he will take steps to see that such a promise is carried out?

92. Mr. FALLE

asked if any of the National Reserve non-commissioned officers who rejoined the Army at the call of duty are still serving as privates or in ranks lower than the rank they held on leaving the Service; and, if so, if it is proposed to promote the men so serving to their old rank, and when?

Mr. TENNANT

If the hon. Members will give details of any cases in which the undertakings in reference to resumption of previous rank have not been carried out, I shall be very glad to have them investigated. As regards the question of the hon. Member for Portsmouth, I am unable to say how many ex-non-commissioned officers National Reservists who have rejoined the Army are still serving as privates, but, in view of the demand for competent non-commissioned officers I cannot think that any good man desiring promotion is still serving in that rank.

Mr. FALLE

Does this also apply to Territorial non-commissioned officers?

Mr. TENNANT

No. I am referring to the New Army.