HC Deb 15 November 1916 vol 87 cc777-8
48. Sir R. COOPER

asked the Secretary of State for War if Colonel Hirsch, of the firm of Hirsch, Loubser, and Company, came to this country as officer in command of a draft of South African troops, and is about to be employed on the Western front; is this officer of German extraction; was he detailed for duty in British East Africa as commanding officer of a regiment; and, if so, why was he relieved of his command?

Mr. FORSTER

I understand that this officer came over recently with a strong recommendation from General Botha, on whose staff he has served. He is now attached to the Staff in France. I have no information as to the latter part of the question.