79. Colonel MILDMAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Territorial Force War Medal is being withheld from certain officers and men of the l/5th Devoirs who volunteered for service overseas considerably before 20th September, 1914, the limiting date prescribed, on the plea that they did not sign Army Form E 624 before 20th October, 1914; and whether, seeing that on this later date they and their battalion were already actually on their way overseas on the transport "Nevasa," in consequence of their having volunteered at the earliest stage of the War (no previous opportunity of signing the above-named Army Form having been afforded by the authorities), he will arrange that they shall not be deprived of the medal due to them in the intention of the military authorities?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir R. Sanders)No, Sir; I am not aware of the circumstances alleged. General instructions in the contrary sense were given some time ago. It is possible, however, that some applicants for the medal are ineligible on other grounds, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me further particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will look into them and see that any misunderstanding is cleared up.