HC Deb 17 March 1925 vol 181 cc2048-9
30. Mr. EVERARD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will sanction the award of battle honours to the Leicestershire Yeomanry for the period from March, 1918. until the Armistice, when the squadrons of that regiment were attached to the three cavalry regiments then comprising the 3rd Cavalry Brigade?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I greatly regret that I cannot depart from the decision, which was arrived at by the Army Council after careful and sympathetic consideration, that the Leicestershire Yeomanry are not eligible for the award of battle honours in respect of the period in question. During this period the Leicestershire Yeomanry and other Yeomanry regiments wore absorbed as reinforcements in the Cavalry Corps, and did not take part in any engagements as individual units. Their application could not be granted without reopening one of the main principles on which battle honours have been awarded.

Mr. EVERARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the regiment of Life Guards went out as a composite regiment and received battle honours at the beginning of the War?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I am aware of that, but that does not state the whole case, and I am afraid I cannot argue at Question Time.

Captain WATERHOUSE

Is it not a fact that the Leicestershire Yeomanry were brigaded as a unit in the same cavalry brigade for nearly three years?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

For all the time the Leicestershire Yeomanry were fighting as a separate unit they have received battle honours. The period in question was that period during which their individual members were absorbed in another cavalry regiment.