HC Deb 17 February 1958 vol 582 cc860-2
Colonel R. H. Glyn

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make about the raid on Blandford Camp.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Christopher Soames)

Soon after one o'clock yesterday morning a party of men armed with revolvers entered Blandford Camp, in Dorset. They forced their way into the armoury guard room at revolver point and tied up the armoury guard. At the same time, two sentries outside the armoury were attacked. They resisted and one of them was shot. I am glad to say his injuries do not seem to be serious.

The raiders were disturbed by two other soldiers returning to camp, one of whom was injured by a blow on the head. By then, the main guard was aroused and the party of raiders made off without attempting to force the armoury itself. An immediate inquiry into the incident is being held.

Colonel Glyn

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his statement, may I ask him whether he is aware that none of the young men concerned has been in the Army more than a few weeks? Would he not agree that, in the circumstances, they displayed a courage and determination which is worthy of great praise, and that their comrades and relatives are entitled to be very proud of these young citizen soldiers, as I feel sure hon. Members of this House are proud of them?

Mr. Soames

Yes, Sir. The two sentries who were attacked, and who resisted, were recruits of only a few weeks' service. It was undoubtedly owing to their action that the alarm was raised and the raid was thwarted, and all credit is due to them.

Mr. Shinwell

As, since the right hon. Gentleman became Secretary of State of War, I understand that this is the first battle in which he has been engaged, may I ask him whether he regards it as a success for the War Office?

Mr. Soames

The raid was not a success. The armoury was not broken into.

Mr. M. Stewart

While concurring entirely in what the hon. and gallant Member opposite said about the actions of the soldiers, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would not agree that, after all, five men broke into this camp and succeeded in overpowering ten of the guard? Is it not rather remarkable? What sort of inquiries is the right hon. Gentleman making?

Mr. Soames

There will be a full inquiry—a board of inquiry—into it. These men were armed with revolvers. The soldiers had rifles, but they are not loaded for guards of this character. All sorts of incidents might happen from time to time if they were. The men succeeded in overpowering the soldiers, but the raid was not a success.