§ 28. Lieutenant-Colonel ROYDSasked the Secretary of State for War if it is intended, with the object of advancing younger officers of proved merit and experience, to give accelerated promotion to all officers. Regular and otherwise, who have successfully commanded battalions overseas?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAccelerated promotion can only be given as vacancies occur, but the claims of the officers referred to will be given every consideration. Large numbers of these officers have received brevet promotion.
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSTo facilitate this process, will the right hon. Gentleman consider shortening the period of qualifying service for a pension so as to enable less suitable officers to retire at an earlier date?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLUndoubtedly certain extra facilities—emergency facilities—should be offered to officers of senior rank to retire from the Army in order to clear the way for the necessary promotions that should follow from the War. I am giving the matter my attention.