§ 12. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been arrived at for the granting of military distinctions, such as the D.S.O., D.C.M., and Military Cross, posthumously, in the same way that the V.C. is now granted; whether he is aware that it is the practice in France to grant such distinctions posthumously; and whether it will be possible to announce a decision at an early date?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe generals in chief command in the various theatres of war were asked for an opinion. The last of the replies has just been received. Speaking generally, their opinion is that while 285 the principle may be sound, though they do not all go even so far, yet it would be impossible to introduce it in the middle of a war without injustice and inequalities. From the outset, when commanders were told that posthumous awards could not be made, recommendations have been confined to the living. There have been so many changes in commands of all grades, that these recommendations could not now be reviewed, nor could the events on which recommendations are based be recalled in sufficient detail.
§ Colonel YATEConsidering that it is better late than never, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this question?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think if my hon. and gallant Friend reads the answer I have given, he will see that the matter has been sympathetically considered, but there is reason to think that we could not make this change without inflicting very serious injustice upon a great many people.