HC Deb 01 July 1947 vol 439 cc1121-2
19. Mr. Gilzean

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds he assumes No. 7266513 Private T. F. Dryden, R.A.M.C., to be a deserter.

Mr. Bellenger

As my hon. Friend has been informed, Private Dryden's disappearance was the subject of a court of inquiry, which declared him illegally absent. It is provided in the Army Act that if the soldier does not afterwards surrender, or is not apprehended, such a declaration shall have the legal effect of conviction by court martial of desertion

Mr. Gilzean

Does not my right hon. Friend think that there is a possibility that something happened to this young man who was in North Africa for over three years, first under General Wavell and then under General Montgomery, and who went through Alamein, right through Africa, and then to Sicily, and who was a first-class orderly, a good soldier, and who had a good reputation? What is the basis for the assumption that he deserted?

Mr. Bellenger

If I had the slightest doubt that this soldier disappeared for any other reason than that given by the court of inquiry, I should have overruled the court but, unfortunately, I have some evidence to show that his disappearance was wilful.

74. Mr. A. Edward Davies

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give a reply on the case of 4914811 Private R. E. Mitchell, submitted to him on 16th April, and now being dealt with under his reference F299/E/EP.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. John Freeman)

The court of inquiry ordered to investigate this case was delayed owing to difficulty in obtaining witnesses from outlying stations in Burma. I hope to receive a report shortly, however, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have seen it.

Mr. Davies

Since this case has been in hand for some 12 months, would not the Minister agree that it ought to have been disposed of before; and will he give an undertaking that the matter will be cleared up during the next few days?

Mr. Freeman

Of course, I cannot give such an undertaking, because I am waiting for something the arrival of which I can take no further steps to hasten. As soon as I have it I will communicate with my hon. Friend.