HC Deb 16 December 1919 vol 123 cc221-2
32. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of men serving in His Majesty's forces in June, 1914. and the number serving to-day?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The numbers serving on 1st August, 1914, exclusive of the military wing of the Royal Flying Co[...]pe, was 238,644. The numbers serving on 1st December, 1919, who are comparable with the above figure is about 229,000. This figure excludes all demobilisable personnel, men who volunteered for one year's service and special enlistments for one year. The two latter classes become time-expired during the next three months. The total number of personnel serving with the Forces on 1st December, including all classes, was approximately 485,000.