HC Deb 09 May 1918 vol 105 cc2332-3
88. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the casualties suffered by the North Staffordshire Regiment on 21st March, the first day of the German offensive; whether this regiment had been sent to occupy a portion of the line recently taken over from the French; and, if so, can he state whether this operation was undertaken on the advice of General Sir William Robertson and Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig?

Mr. MACPHERSON

My hon. Friend is correct in stating that a North Staffordshire battalion suffered severe casualties in the fighting of 21st March. I cannot answer the remaining parts of the question.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Has inquiry been made as to the general circumstances that led to this catastrophe?

Mr. MACPHERSON

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer answered a question on that point the other day. I have nothing to add.