HC Deb 19 June 1918 vol 107 cc317-8
2. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state when it is proposed to sanction the issue of the Indian Frontier Medal to the troops at Peshawar and elsewhere who took part in the operations on the North-West Frontier of India in the early years of this War?

Mr. MONTAGU

With the concurrence of the War Office, it has been decided to deal with the operations mentioned in the question as part of the great War. As the troops engaged will be eligible for any war medal that may be issued, the issue of the Frontier Medal would not be appropriate.

Colonel YATE

Considering that there are large quantities of this medal in stock in India, is there any reason why these people should not be given the medal to which they are entitled for that campaign?

Mr. MONTAGU

The hon. and gallant Gentleman would not suggest that they should be entitled to two medals for the campaign? It was considered better to treat this as part of the operations of the world war in which we are engaged rather than as a separate campaign.

Colonel YATE

Is there any reason why they should not be entitled to two medals—I see none?