HC Deb 15 June 1920 vol 130 cc1063-4
28. Mr. PRESTON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier who has been demobilised in 1920 and has been granted a protection certificate (soldier not remaining with the colours) can be ordered to rejoin on the ground that he was demobilised in error; and under what legal authority can a demobilised soldier be called up to-day?

Mr. CHURCHILL

A soldier who has been demobilised in error and who has colour service to complete may, under existing instructions, be recalled to the colours for the purpose of completing his term of engagement.

Mr. PRESTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question and state under what authority a demobilised man can be called up?

Mr. CHURCHILL

He is held by his original attestation.

Colonel PENRY WILLIAMS

May I ask whether a soldier is not given a protection certificate when he is demobilised?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If that were issued in error, it would be no cover to a man who originally attested for 7 years with the colours and 5 years with the Reserve as a soldier of the Regular Army.

Colonel WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that the certificate issued by the military authorities is valueless?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, I do not think that would be the assumption, but there were millions of men, who served under the provisions of the Military Service Acts, who have been demobilised. They are entirely covered by the protection certificate, but men who engaged in the Regular Army but were demobilised in error are still covered by their original engagement.

Colonel WILLIAMS

But does not the right hon. Gentleman think that if the Army authorities have made a mistake they should stand by the mistake?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, I think ow duty is to endeavour to repair our mistakes, and, as far as possible, carry on as if they had not occurred.

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