§ 8. Mr. HOHLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Albert Edward French, No. 234666, who was killed on His Majesty's torpedo-boat "The Mary Rose," was recommended for a decoration, or would have received one had he survived; if so, will it be granted to his widow; and, if not, will the Admiralty take steps to secure that awards that would have been made had the man survived should be granted to their widows or next-of-kin?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe conduct of all the officers and men of His Majesty's ship 881 "The Mary Rose" throughout the action with German light cruisers on the 17th October, 1917, was considered to have been in accordance with the highest traditions of the Service.
As I stated in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport on the 12th March, and as I have stated on other occasions, the only award for gallantry in action which can be made posthumously is the Victoria Cross, and the action of Able Seaman French in laying and firing a torpedo as the German light cruisers passed is not considered to reach the high standard for which the Victoria Cross is awarded.
§ Mr. HOHLERWill the right hon. Gentleman bring the Regulations of the Admiralty into accord in regard to this matter with those of the Army?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs far as I know, they are.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not the case that there is a great deal of difference between them?
§ Mr. MACNAMARAAs regards posthumous honours, the only one in both Services, I thought, is the V.C. But I will inquire further on the point.