§ 21. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a London Scottish regiment has been formed and that a London Welsh regiment is being formed; and whether the Army Council can see their way to raise a London Irish regiment, with the same qualifications as regards 706 antecedents as officers and men of the London Scottish and London Welsh?
§ Mr. TENNANTA London Irish Regiment already exists and is at present serving with the Expeditionary Force. It is the 18th (County of London) Battalion, the London Regiment, known as the London Irish Rifles. The Noble Lord will find this battalion in column 1597 of the April Army List.
§ Mr. MOONEYMay I ask why, when any casualties occur in the ranks of the London Scottish, which is a battalion of the London Regiment, the words "London Scottish" are added, while when any casualties occur among the London Irish the battalion is not referred to as the London Irish; and why cannot the same treatment be given to both battalions?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe fact is that the London Scottish is a very old Territorial Regiment. The London Irish are a new battalion of the New Army—I think I am right in saying that—and part of the London Regiment; and they have hitherto been unable, for some reason I am wholly unable to explain, to establish the same title as the London Scottish, and I should say that was rather fortuitous.
§ Mr. MOONEYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that long before this unfortunate War started, in the official Army List published by the War Office this battalion of the London Regiment has always been referred to and has been in existence for years?