HC Deb 14 November 1951 vol 493 cc955-6
9. Mr. T. Driberg

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement on the recent work and present and future functions of 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines; and whether men who have been serving in this unit since it first arrived in the Korean theatre are now being relieved.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Following the evacuation of the First Marine Division (U.S. Marine Corps) from Hungnam after the Chosin Reservoir Battle, 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, was stationed in Japan for some time while the battle casualties were replaced and the unit was reformed. In April, the Commando returned to Korea and since then has carried out a number of small scale amphibious raids on the East Coast of Korea with the object of disrupting enemy communications. The manner in which 41 Commando is employed is the responsibility of the appropriate commander on the spot.

A programme of replacements has been in operation for some months, and it is expected that all the original members of 41 Commando will have been repatriated by the end of February. 1952.

I am sure the House will wish me to pay a tribute to the gallant achievements of this Commando.

Mr. Driberg

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that among the casualties nearly a year ago were a number of men taken prisoner, and will he bear sympathetically in mind the position of the families of these men, as the position is rather anomalous, since no official communication has been established?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, Sir. I should be very glad to do that.