§ 61. Mr. GEORGE GREENWOODasked whether it is possible to give any assurance, having regard to the number of very young officers who are now receiving commissions, that such officers will not be sent on active service until they have reached at least nineteen years of age, or, in the alternative, have had at least six months' training with battalions at Home?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo definite instructions have been issued. The local commanders are relied upon to decide whether a young officer is or is not fit to proceed on active service. In forming this decision he would have regard to the natural qualities of leadership and command, the technical knowledge possessed by the officer, his physical and mental development as well as his age. Although there is at present a great demand for officers it is believed that no commanding officer would send to the front any young officer who was unequal to the strain.
§ Mr. HUGH LAWCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is proposed that boys leaving the Royal Military College at the age of eighteen years should be trained with Home battalions before being sent on active service?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, I cannot say.
§ Mr. J. WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman take particular notice that he should not merely because of these questions prevent a young officer going to the front if he wishes to do so?
§ Mr. TENNANTOh, yes.