HC Deb 16 March 1916 vol 80 c2239
112. Sir ARTHUR MARKHAM

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of over 3,000,000 men now serving in the Army, he will see that commissions are only given to men who have seen service in the field; whether commissions are still being given to public school boys; what is the minimum age at which commissions are now granted; whether, in view that compulsory service now prevails in this country, he will see that all boys serve in the ranks before they receive commissions; and whether this practice is invariably followed in the French Army?

Mr. TENNANT

With certain exceptions, all candidates for commissions must serve, or have served, in the ranks. For the combatant branches other than the Household Cavalry, Foot Guards, and Army Service Corps, the minimum age is eighteen and a half years. As regards the last part of the question, all boys desirous of commissions in the French Army must pass through the ranks, serve at the front, and may then be recommended by their commanding officers for the rank of aspirant. They are then sent to an Officers' Training School for several months, and, if successful in an examination, are duly gazetted to commissions in the French Army.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Are no commissions granted by the War Office until eighteen and a half years?

Mr. TENNANT

I said other than Cavalry regiments-yes.

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