§ 6. Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Territorial Infantry battalions which have suffered heavy losses at the front are to be filled up in future by drafts from their own second units, or whether a new scheme of amalgamating two depleted regiments into one is under consideration?
§ Mr. TENNANTI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the written answer I gave to a similar question to the hon. Member for East Herts, on the 28th instant. The system of amalgamation was a temporary administrative expedient pending the arrival of reinforcements. It is not anticipated that there will be any renewal of the system.
§ Mr. SANDERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some Territorial reserve battalions men volunteered for foreign service on the understanding that they would be sent out altogether, as a unit, and that, in spite of such understanding they have been sent out as drafts to other battalions. Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent that?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe question addressed to me by the hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite referred to units at the front, and is different to the question put to me by he hon. and learned Gentleman. In regard to the utilisation of reserves for reinforcement at the front, I am bound to state that I think the really fine characteristic of our men is that they are willing to take up service in whatever capacity is most desired, and most wanted. I hope the hon. and learned Gentleman will use his great influence to try to keep that spirit going amongst recruits.