§ 80. Mr. HINDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War the reasons why the 12th Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 62nd Training Reserve Battalion, was changed into the 53rd Cheshire Regiment; whether he is aware that this change has caused dissatisfaction to the Welsh officers and soldiers attached to the division, which is comprised of only 12 per cent. Cheshire men; and whether it is contemplated to draft any further Welsh Territorial regiments to other units?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThis battalion is a young soldiers' battalion, specially organised to receive young soldiers of eighteen years and one month. Three young soldiers' battalions were formed in the Fourth District, and were affiliated to regiments, this one being affiliated to the Cheshire Regiment, and the other two to the Welsh regiment and the South Wales Borderers. This battalion was formed from a Training Reserve Battalion, which ceased to have any connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers as long ago as September, 1916. It is not posted to a division, and the latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.