§ 23. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the widow of Corporal Thomas Edgar Flowitt, of the First Cameron Highlanders, was only informed on 26th May, 1941, that her husband was wounded on 32nd May, 1940, and died of wounds on 10th June last year?
§ Captain MargessonCorporal Flowitt's wife was informed by the War Office on 3rd June, 1940, that her husband had been wounded on 22nd May. She received a further notification on 30th July, 1940, that he had been posted missing. A postcard was subsequently received by her from her husband which showed that he had been taken prisoner. No further information about this soldier was received in this country until the receipt of a telegram last month from the International Red Cross Committee at Geneva to the effect that he had died as a prisoner of war on 10th June, 1940. The contents of this telegram were immediately passed on to the soldier's widow. I much regret this unfortunate delay in notifying Mrs. Flowitt of her husband's death as a prisoner of war, but my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it was due to circumstances outside my control and that all information in the possession of the War Office was communicated to her as soon as it was received.
§ Sir A. KnoxWho is primarily responsible for the ascertainment of casualties? Is it the casualty department of the War Office or the Red Cross? Surely it is possible within less than one year to find out a matter of this sort?
§ Captain MargessonIt is often difficult to get information in this country about prisoners of war, and we have to rely upon the International Red Cross to give the information.
§ Sir A. KnoxWould it not be better if we had a British representative in Geneva to help things along?