HC Deb 29 July 1952 vol 504 cc1235-6
1. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a German, Herbert Kosemund, served for two years in the British Army as Private Edmunds; whether he has now been discharged; how much back pay he has claimed; and whether this claim has been approved and the money paid.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Antony Head)

This man was enlisted as Private Edmonds at Liverpool on 10th November, 1950, on a Regular Army engagement of 12 years. It is now clear that on attestation he gave false information of his name, nationality, country, place of birth, and the age and nationality of his parents. This was found out on 7th September last year. He has made no claim for arrears of pay.

Mr. Driberg

Without knowing any more about this case than the right hon. Gentleman has just told us, may I ask him whether he can give the House a few more particulars about this rather surprising case? Was the man a good soldier, for example?

Mr. Head

I think that this man did perfectly adequate service. He made no claim for arrears of pay because I think he was aware that, by and large, from the fact that he was not subsequently brought to trial he was reasonably leniently treated.