§ 79. Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for War whether Private John Cowan Brown, of C Company, 15th Royal Scots, was reported missing on 9th April, 1918; whether it has now been ascertained that at that time, or shortly afterwards, he was a prisoner of war in Germany; and whether he can state what efforts have been made to trace Private Brown, and with what result?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLPrivate J. C. Brown was originally reported missing during the period 9th-16th April, 1918. The British Military Mission, Berlin, have now reported that he died on 8th April, 1918, and was buried by the Germans at Etaing. There is no evidence, however, to show whether he was killed in action or whether he died of wounds immediately after capture.
§ 80. Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for War whether Lieut. H. D. Blackburn, 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, attached Royal Flying Corps, was reported missing on 5th April, 1917; whether it has now been ascertained that he was then or soon after a prisoner of war in Germany; and whether he can state what efforts have been made to trace Lieut. Blackburn, and with what result?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLLieut. Blackburn was reported missing on the 5th April, 1917, and his name was included in the next list sent to Germany for circulation 2013 in all camps and hospitals. The information was subsequently received from Lieut. Blackburn's observer, who was captured by the Germans on the occasion in question, to the effect that Lieut. Blackburn was killed on the date mentioned. The evidence was verified, and death was accepted for official purposes as having occurred on the 5th April, 1917. I am informed that there is no report of Lieut. Blackburn having been a prisoner of war in Germany.
§ Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think the time has now arrived when he might lay on the Table a full list of the names of all those who are known now to have been prisoners of war in Germany at the time they were reported dead or missing, with a full statement of where they died and when, in order to allay the anxiety of their relatives in this country?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will consider that matter, and if it is thought convenient, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will move for a Return. If it is convenient, I will not oppose the Motion.