HC Deb 07 November 1916 vol 87 c30
41. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the recent Army Order authorises the posthumous award of military honours such as the D.S.O., D.C.M., Military Cross, and others to officers and soldiers who performed acts of gallantry but died in the performance of such acts, or whether such Order merely relates to cases where an officer or a man has been actually awarded such an honour but dies before he has received the insignia of that honour; and whether he will shortly be in a position to announce the decision of the War Office on the general question of awarding honours posthumously?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The second of the two alternative interpretations of the recent Army Order referred to by my hon. and learned Friend is correct, and not the first. I cannot yet say when the decision referred to in the second part of the question will be announced.

Mr. BUTCHER

Is there any Committee sitting now on this question of giving posthumous honours?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

There is a Committee sitting on, at any rate, one part of this question, and I hope to be able to make an announcement as soon as they report.