§ 56. Major Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for War whether any efforts were made to ascertain the views of serving and demobilised combatant officers and men who fought on any front from 1914–15 on the decision of the War Office to grant the 1914–15 Medal to the Young Men's Christian Association workers; and if he is aware that some of those workers who have received the 1914–15 Medal were afterwards found to be conscientious objectors to combatant military service?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)With regard to the first part of the question, the award of both the 1914 Star and the 1914–15 Star to certain personnel of the Young Men's Christian Association who fulfilled specified conditions in the theatre of war was decided upon by the Army Council after full consideration. With regard to the 366 second part of the question, the Star was awarded in respect of service rendered during a prescribed period.
§ Earl WINTERTONAre we to understand that persons who were afterwards found to be conscientious objectors received the 1914–15 Medal and are put on the same basis as those who did combatant service in France and Italy?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir; the medal is given in respect of certain definite services, and if those services have been rendered the holding at a later date of particular opinions does not deprive the recipient of the right to the medal. That can only be done by a Civil Court for certain definite offences.
§ Captain W. BENNIs it not a fact that many of these Young Men's Christian Association workers and conscientious objectors actually served in the firing line as stretcher bearers and in other capacities?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe 1914–15 Star and Rosette are only awarded to people who actually came under the fire of the enemy.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre not the circumstances referred to here exceptional?
§ Earl WINTERTONHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted any associations of ex-soldiers and sailors on this subject? Is he aware there is widespread dissatisfaction among combatant officers and men of both Services throughout the country at this astounding decision?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe decision was taken by the Army Council, which had among its members officers who were engaged in all these operations. I cannot believe myself, there can be any widespread indignation because there can only be a very few cases—possibly a score at the outset—and I do not feel justified in altering the general rule governing the distribution on account of these few cases.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHow many of these men were killed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not carry that in my head.