§ 26. Captain Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War why certain units of the 6th Airborne Division have been deprived of airborne pay and of the right to wear red berets.
§ Mr. LawsonOfficers and men are entitled to draw airborne pay and to wear the red beret only when they are serving with an airborne unit. Recently a large number of officers and men were posted away from the 6th Airborne Division before it left for the Middle East, owing to the fact that they were due for early demobilisation. They have accordingly been posted to other units of the regiment or corps to which they belong, and in some cases these are not airborne units.
§ Captain SwinglerIs the Minister aware of the great dissatisfaction which these postings just prior to demobilisation cause among men who have fought in all the major battles?
§ Mr. LawsonYes, Sir, it is always a very difficult and moving matter when units are being broken up, and particularly has it been the case with this Airborne Division, but I do not see what we can do about it.