HC Deb 21 March 1945 vol 409 c791
21. Mr. Doland

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether men in their 45th year and over, serving in the R.A.F. on the ground staff on the European Continent are liable to be sent to the Eastern theatre of war.

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

Subject to the requirements of the Service, the answer is, "No, Sir," except in the case of officers or noncommissioned officers of the rank of Sergeant and above for whom the maximum age for posting to the Far East is 50. Regular officers and other officers who volunteer, may be posted above the age of 50. Service in North-West Europe counts against any subsequent tour of duty in the Far East unless, before proceeding to that theatre, the officer or air-man has a period of home service lasting six months or more.