HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 c1104
10. Mr. Norman Bower

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in the case of those men who are killed while engaged in Army exercises in which live ammunition is used, he will consider changing the classification of the cause of death from accidental to something more appropriate to the circumstances of the cases, such as killed on active service.

Sir J. Grigg

The term "killed" is used, generally speaking, to designate deaths which occur in action against the enemy. All deaths which occur in the course of Army exercises are designated as "died." These include deaths which may unfortunately occur from causes such as drowning or a fall from a height, not connected with the question whether live ammunition is being used or not. I do not think therefore that the introduction of any such distinction as that suggested in the Question would be justified. But if a soldier is killed from any cause while engaged in training in this country, it is a case of death on active service.

Mr. Bower

Is it not a fact that where live ammunition is used a certain number of fatalities must be anticipated? Therefore, surely the word "accidental" is not really appropriate for cases such as these?

Sir J. Grigg

I had hoped that my answer indicated perfectly clearly that the word "accidental" was not used in published lists.