§ 19. Sir J. Smedley Crookeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ex-service men, aged up to 50, who were invited to re-enlist and were told that it would be for home service only, but who, on joining, were sent with the British Expeditionary Force to France on the outbreak of war, are now complaining of being misled; that some of these old soldiers have now been sent back owing to illness and are in hospitals waiting medical boards, and how and when are they to be compensated for the non-fulfilment of the War Office undertaking?
§ Mr. StanleyIf my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any such cases, I will have them investigated.
§ 24. Mr. T. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Supplementary Reservists in the Royal Army Pay Corps who were called up at the outbreak of war are being sent overseas, irrespective of their age or whether they are married or single, whilst regular members of the unit, many of whom are young and single, are remaining at home; whether he is also aware that many of the men who enlisted in the Supplementary Reserve did so on the understanding that they would not be called upon to serve overseas; and whether he will have inquiries made into this complaint?
§ Mr. StanleySupplementary Reservists of the Royal Army Pay Corps are liable on mobilisation to serve in any part of the world, and this liability is made clear in the declaration signed on enlistment. I am not aware of any enlistments on a contrary understanding. The regular soldiers of the corps who remain at home are mainly either experienced clerks on whom the expansion of pay offices is being built up, or inexperienced clerks and learners.