HC Deb 02 May 1944 vol 399 cc1180-1
22. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of soldiers on being wounded on service are regraded or reduced in rank; and will he take steps to end this reduction?

Sir J. Grigg

I regret that the proportion cannot be ascertained without considerable research. A soldier who is wounded in action while holding paid acting rank retains such rank for three months or until posted for duty in a lower rank, whichever is the earlier. I am considering the introduction of a new rule whereby the period of retention of acting rank will count towards its conversion to war substantive rank, which in many cases will result in its being retained for the remainder of the soldier's war service.