HC Deb 21 September 1943 vol 392 c4
6. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to make a statement regarding the case in which a serious casualty occurred to an officer, of whose name and number he has been informed, between 13th and r6th May, 1943, at Sfax, resulting in fractures of legs, patella, ribs and chest and other injuries, but, by War Office letter dated 8th July, 1943, under reference P/94638/3 (A.G.8.o), the officer's mother was informed that there was no reason to think her son was other than safe and well?

Sir J. Grigg

I am informed that this officer was injured as a result of a motor accident on the night of 13th to 14th May. Injuries which are not battle casualties are only reported by cable to this country if the officer is notified as seriously or dangerously ill. The medical authorities in charge of this case decided that his condition did not warrant his being notified as dangerously or seriously ill and this would explain why the War Office did not know of his injuries when his mother inquired in June.

Mr. Hogg

Could not my right hon. Friend represent to the medical authorities that a person who has fractured his legs, patella, ribs and chest and has other injuries might be considered to be seriously ill?

Sir J. Grigg

I am in communication with the Middle East about this particular case. There are some conflicts of evidence, and it has some not very satisfactory features about it.

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