12. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of commissions in the Regular Army which, during the six months ended 30th September, 1919, have been given to men who served during the late War and who have not passed through Woolwhich or Sandhurst; what is the number which have gone to Woolwich and Sandhurst as cadets; and whether, in view of the value of the training and experience which has been gained by those who took part in the War, and the importance of securing employment for those who have no other occupation and who wish to take up the Army as a career, he will arrange for ex-Service men to be given a preference in granting further commissions?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer is rather too long to read, and, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
The following is the statement referred to:
The following permanent commissions in the Regular Army have been given during the period stated:
The grant of permanent Regular commissions to non-Regular officers was, with the exception stated, suspended on the declaration of the Armistice, and, though the question has received very close attention, no definite policy can be laid down until the future organisation and strength of the after-war Army is determined.
- To men who served during the late War, and who have not passed through Woolwich or Sandhurst.
- Four commissions have been given from the ranks.
- Commissions in these cases have been approved, but, owing to the individuals having been prisoners of war, appointment was delayed until the circumstances of capture were proved satisfactory.
- Four commissions have been awarded to non-Regular officers. Of these, two who were recommended some time before the Armistice were wounded before "Gazette" action could be carried out, and it was necessary to delay appointment until they were passed fit by medical board. The other two cases were prisoners of war, whose appointment was delayed until the circumstances of capture were proved satisfactory.
- Three commissions have also been awarded in the Household Cavalry. These are special nominations.
The following commissions have been awarded to cadets:
The valuable training of the many officers not holding permanent commissions in the Regular Army who have been registered for such commissions is fully realised, but, as stated in my written reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Abing-don on 27th October last, of the officers at 221 present serving in the Regular Army 4,500 at the lowest estimate are surplus to establishments.
- (a) From the Royal Military Academy 70
- (b) From the Royal Military College … 159 These numbers represent approximately 25 per cent, less than the output from these establishments prior to the War.
It will be seen, therefore, that at this stage it is not possible to foreshadow what number, if any, of further permanent commissions can be awarded, though it is most probable that the necessity will arise for granting a certain number of Regular commissions in Technical Services, such as the Tank Corps, Machine Gun Corps, Royal Army Ordnance Department, and technical Royal Engineer Services.