§ 19. Captain W. BENNasked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether swords form part of the uniform of Air Force officers; and, if so, why they are required?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA sword forms part of the full dress uniform of Royal Air Force officers. Swords have always been worn by officers of the fighting services in this and other countries, as part of the recognised insignia of their rank.
§ Mr. LAMBERTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman as a great military genius whether the sword has not become an obsolete weapon?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLEven the civil officials of the Government Departments 1871 and Ministers on ceremonial occasions are entitled to wear swords.
§ Mr. LAMBERTAre the civilians who wear swords expected to fight?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe wearing of a sword implies no obligation to use it.
§ Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be much better to differentiate—the Air Service being a separate service—between the Air Service and the older services in which swords are needed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe matter was very carefully considered and it was thought that the wearing of the sword was a symbol which was desirable.