HC Deb 23 December 1915 vol 77 cc605-6
67. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked what are the total casualties in killed, wounded, missing, and sick in the Dardanelles Expedition?

Mr. TENNANT

The casualties in the Dardanelles to the 11th December, including the Naval Division, were:—

Officers. Other Ranks.
Killed (including died from wounds and died) 1,609 23,670
Wounded 2,969 72,222
Missing 337 12,114
Totals 4,915 108,006
Grand Total 112,921
Sick admitted to hospital 25th April to 11th December 96,683

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is there any hope that the sickness will be a decreasing quantity?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, I think there is every reason to entertain that hope.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in regard to the missing how long the War Office allows before the men, who are marked as missing, are counted as dead?

Mr. TENNANT

I think when there is no other intimation at all, one has to give a very long time, but in many cases, as the House is no doubt aware, unofficial reports come from brother officers, or brother soldiers, and in those cases from four to five months would be about the time which is taken to give a certificate of death.

Sir C. HENRY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in regard to the returns of casualties from France, whether those who are invalided home sick are included among the wounded?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir, they are not included among the wounded.