§ 27. Brigadier - General Sir OWEN THOMASasked the Secretary for War if he will state the number of African 1807 natives enrolled in the Carrier Corps during the East African campaign and the number of these natives who died during the campaign; if an inquiry was held into the cause of the number of deaths; and, of so, whether the Report of such inquiry-is available?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no figures showing the total number of African natives enrolled in the Carrier Corps during the East African campaign. The largest number on the strength at any one time was about 137,000. From the beginning of operations up to the end of October, 1917, the deaths from disease or accident amongst "Followers" were: Indian, 243; East African, 28,830; South African, 1,214; West African, 793; Seychelles, 246. I have no figures of deaths subsequent to October, 1917, but I understand the death rate showed a falling off from January, 1918. I have no knowledge of any inquiry into the cause of the number of deaths.