HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 c548
38. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions have been issued giving commanding officers arbitrary powers to reduce their officers to their substantive ranks?

Captain Margesson

A commanding officer has complete discretion to order any officer under his command holding acting or temporary rank (except his second in command) to revert to his war substantive rank if he wishes to promote an officer whom he consider more suitable for the appointment.