§ 19. Mr. PERCYasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to issue a medal or badge to those troops, a large portion of whom were volunteers, who served during the War but whose services did not extend beyond the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs I have already stated, the question of the award of a medal for service at home during the War will receive further consideration as soon as the preparation and issue of the War Medal is more advanced. I can, however, make no promise of a favourable decision at this stage.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the War Office cannot give a medal—and I quite appreciate the difficulty in regard to that—cannot it give a parchment certificate or some other form of recognition to these men—largely old soldiers, who came back to the Army and did all the training but got none of the glory and honour?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will consider that. There are enormous numbers of the people who in one way or another rendered most valuable service to the country, and they would probably all claim the parchment certificate.
§ Major NALLWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of issuing no more medals until he has dealt with the case of the territorials who served abroad?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir. I have already said that the claims of men who served at the front must have priority over all others.