HC Deb 19 March 1919 vol 113 cc2080-1
32. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men serving with the Colours whose Colour service was not completed at the signing of the Armistice?

Mr.CHURCHILL

The total number of men with Colour service incomplete at the signing of the Armistice was 99,500. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 of these were non-effective so far as further useful military service is concerned. The number also included about 30,000 warrant officers and N.C.O's. At the present time the number has fallen to 89,000 approximately, including 20,000 non-effective and 21,000 due for discharge within twelve months, leaving 48,000 with one or more year's Colour service to complete, of whom 17,000 are warrant officers and N.C.O's. and 31,000 are privates.

Colonel YATE

May I ask if the Colour service is reckoned as seven, eight or twelve years?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It depends upon their service. Those serving on the basis of seven years would require a prolongation of one year. Others have already finished their twelve years and are continuing in the Service for a pension of twenty-one years. The periods are various.

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