HC Deb 04 November 1919 vol 120 cc1304-6
34. Mr. J. JONES

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can recommend the granting of some recognition for the men who first went to France in 1916 and, through no fault of their own, have not been recognised in the issuing of medals and decorations?

Mr. CHURCHILL

All military personnel who entered a theatre of war on duty are eligible to receive the British War Medal, and, if they actually served on the establishment of a unit in a theatre of war, within specified periods, the Victory Medal also.

Mr. JON ES

Is there not a large number of these men who are old soldiers who rejoined, and who, because they were behind the lines got no recognition?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Everybody who left either this country or any of the Dominions for any theatre of war, India being included for that purpose as a theatre of war, will receive a War Medal.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is it not possible that many of these men who joined up at the beginning of the War as instructors and otherwise, and who never were called upon to leave the country, have never received any recognition at all, and is it not possible to recognise them?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is a matter which has not yet been finally decided, but I would point out that giving a War Medal to people who did not go to the War in any shape or form depreciates the value of the honour. I am advised that it would cost approximately £480,000, and involve the employment of a large clerical staff for many months.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Were decorations given in some cases to officers who did not go to the War?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That may be so, but the question is as to whether the War Medal should be confined to those who actually went to the War.

35. Mr. JONES

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can see his way clear to recommend that all ex-Service men who were re-attested and served from 1914 to 1919 be given permission to wear the General Service Ribbon?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There is no riband officially termed "the General Service Riband." The riband of the British War Medal and of the Victory Medal may be worn by all those eligible to receive those medals. I will send the hon. Member copies of the relevant Army Orders.

Viscount CURZON

Does that answer apply to the Naval Division?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not think that the answer to question 35 can possibly apply to the Naval Division. The War Office has considered the matter, and the Royal Naval Division is entitled to the same medals as are given to any other division of the British Army serving In the same way