§ 11. Mr. RENDALLasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether Frederick Ashley, late stoker 1st class, on., s.s. 109461, His Majesty's ship "Edgar," Devonport division, was discharged on 18th January last and was informed that his gratuity, after nine years and three months' service, would be paid him in one month; whether repeated letters to the Admiralty bring only the reply that nothing is known of him; and when will this gratuity be paid?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAshley's war gratuity has now been paid. The delay in the issue of this award arose from the fact that the report of the man's dispersal did not reach the Admiralty. Two communications were received from Ashley, but in neither did he give his official number, the ship from which he was demobilised, or even his full name. Consequently, after endeavours had been made to identify him, the letters had to be returned to him for further particulars.