§ 73. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the Secretary of State for War how many batteries of the Royal Artillery have been mentioned in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns; and, in view of the reticence about artillery units in the North African campaign, if he will say why the Royal Artillery is treated differently from other units of the Army and ships of the Navy.
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Arthur Henderson)As my right hon. Friend said in an answer to my hon. and gallant Friend on 8th June, he is anxious that units should be mentioned whenever such a mention is consistent with the security of the troops concerned. But the Army Commander in the theatre where the units are operating must in each case be the judge of this. The mention of the name of an Infantry Regiment does not disclose the identity of the battalion concerned whereas the number of a Field Regiment or Battery of the Royal Artillery immediately identifies the unit. The Royal Artillery can as a rule be mentioned only as a Corps although from time to time it is possible for the Army Commander to make exceptions. The 11th (H.A.C.) was mentioned in Sicily but no other units of the Royal Artillery have so far been mentioned as having taken part in the operations in Sicily and Italy.
§ Colonel HeneageWill the hon. and learned Gentleman promise to keep an eye on the question, having in view the extreme reticence about artillery units, which has dated from the time of the Duke of Wellington?
§ Mr. HendersonI should be quite willing to have further inquiries made of General Alexander whether it is possible to extend the list, but that is as far as I can take the matter.