HC Deb 13 November 1918 vol 110 cc2650-1
2. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the question of a grant of a special decoration in recognition of the heroic achievements of the 6th (Poona) Division of the Indian Army in Mesopotamia from the time of the occupation of Busrah in November, 1914, up to the time of the battle of Ctesiphon and the subsequent siege of Kut-el-Amarah?

Mr. MONTAGU

I share my hon. and gallant Friend's appreciation of the admirable work of the 6th (Poona) Division in Mesopotamia. But, as he is no doubt aware, the grant of a special decoration to a division or regiment would not be in accordance with the present practice of the British Army, and the moment is hardly convenient for raising a discussion about such an innovation, nor am I the right person to initiate it.