§ 37. Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War the age and previous searchlight experience of the officer who was appointed to command a Surrey Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Regiment on which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has been informed, in April, 1940; what period had elapsed since this officer had been employed actively; and also how his age compared with the officer whom he superseded?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Captain Margesson)The officer in question, an able and experienced gunner officer, was 59 years of age at the time of his appointment. Six years had elapsed since his last active employment, and he was six years older than his predecessor. Lack of practical experience in searchlights, however, showed that, in spite of his many admirable qualities, the officer should not have been appointed to this particular post, and he was in fact relieved of his command after a tenure of two months.