HC Deb 09 December 1919 vol 122 c1108
32. Major KELLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing there are a few returned soldiers in institutions in this country who have lost their memories, he could see his way to have their photographs published in some of the leading papers, in the hope that their relatives may recognise them?

Mr. CHURCHILL

As I have already explained, experience has shown that identification by photographs, especially when reproduced in the Press, is most unreliable, and the suggestion made in the hon. and gallant Member's question is not considered practicable or desirable. Anyone who wishes can send to the War Office a photograph of a missing soldier relative for comparison with those of the men unidentified owing to mental trouble. As stated in answer to a question on Monday of last week, there are three such cases at present.