§ 81. Mr. CLOUGHasked how many men who joined the Army in 1916 are still serving with the Colours in Western Europe; and what is the probable date by which these men will be released?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe information asked for in the first part of my hon. Friend's question is not readily available, and it would involve a considerable amount of labour to obtain the figures. As regards the latter part, all men who voluntarily joined the Colours before 1st July, 1916, and are serving in Western Europe were ordered to be sent for demobilisation by the 1st November, 1919, provided they had not signed on for further service.
All men who voluntarily joined the Colours after the 1st July, 1916, and have not signed on for further service, have been ordered to be sent for demobilisation by the 1st February, 1920; but, under arrangements that have been made, it is hoped that it will be possible to demobilise all such men who are serving in Western Europe by the end of the year. The deciding factor is the actual date of joining, and not the date of attestation.
All conscripts who joined the Colours before the end of 1916, and have not signed on for further service, have been ordered to be sent for demobilisation by the 1st March, 1920.