§ 34. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the London Irish Rifles were raised in the year 1859; and whether, in the event of casualties occurring, the battalion will in future be referred to as the London Irish Regiment and not as the London Regiment?
§ Mr. TENNANTI regret—I might say I greatly regret—that, in answering a supplementary question put to me on the 28th April, I should have misstated the position of the London Irish Rifles. The Noble Lord is quite right. The London Irish Rifles have a long period of gallant service and there is now a battalion at the front. I can assure him that, in the event of casualties, the words "London Irish Rifles" will appear in the Press announcements. Indeed, I am informed that, in the case of those casualties which have already occurred, the announcement has not been limited to the words "18th Battalion London Regiment."
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWill the right hon. Gentleman say why the other day, when it was officially mentioned that an Irish 957 Regiment was in a gallant charge, the name of the regiment was not given?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt has not been the custom when an announcement is made to name every regiment. When all behave so gallantly it has not always been considered desirable to single out any individual.
§ Mr. MOONEYIs the light hon. Gentleman also aware that the first Volunteer who won the Victoria Cross in the South African War was a rifleman of the London Irish?
§ Mr. TENNANTI was not aware of that fact, but if it is as the hon. Gentleman says, it is only in accordance with what one would expect.