HC Deb 27 June 1916 vol 83 cc732-3
92. Mr. C. WASON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the precedent set up at the instance of Queen Victoria, when a medal was struck to commemorate the loss of the "Drummond Castle," he will consider whether it would be appropriate to issue a medal to commemorate the loss of the "Hampshire" and the tragic death of Lord Kitchener?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

I have inquired into the case of the "Drummond Castle," and find that this is not a precedent for the proposal made by my hon. Friend. The medal approved by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria was given, not to commemorate the loss of the vessel, but as a token of gratitude to French fishermen for the services they rendered on the occasion of the wreck. It is not proposed to adopt the suggestion made in the question.

93. Sir R. COOPER

asked whether the sea on the West Coast of the Orkneys was swept for mines previous to the passage of the "Hampshire"; and, if so, what time elapsed between the sweeping of the sea for mines at the spot where the "Hampshire" sank and the accident to the vessel?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I think my hon. Friend will see, on reflection, that it is clearly impossible in naval interests to make any statement about the precautions taken by the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Fleet, for the protection of the ships in his command.

94. Sir R. COOPER

asked where the inquiry into the loss of the "Hampshire" took place; and who conducted the inquiry?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The inquiry was held at a naval base under the presidency of a captain of the Royal Navy.