THE AIR SERVICE IN GALLIPOLI. (Hansard, 22 March 1916)

THE MARQUESS OF SLIGO
My Lords, I rise to ask whether His Majesty's Government intend to publish in full the Despatches of Admiral de Robeck connected with the recent Gallipoli Expedition, including those portions dealing with the Royal Naval Air Service; and, if so, when.

§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
My Lords, the proceedings of the Royal Naval Air Service in Gallipoli were incidental to the naval and military operations and no separate Despatch in regard to them has been received or was to be 466 expected. I should wish, however, to take the opportunity of referring briefly to the work of the Royal Naval Air Service in Gallipoli. It is possibly not generally known that all air work throughout the Dardanelles Expedition fell on the Royal Naval Air Service. The military wing of the Royal Flying Corps was not represented, except in the person of Wing-Captain Sykes, who was lent to command the naval units. In the face of great and peculiar difficulties the Air Service carried out its varied duties much to the satisfaction both of the naval and military authorities. Publicity has been given to two or three special incidents where air pilots greatly distinguished themselves; but, in addition to this, the work of spotting and photographing was being constantly carried out with much skill and gallantry and gave most valuable results. The noble Marquess will find, on referring to the honours granted in the Gazette of March 14, that this work has not gone without recognition. I might, perhaps, add that in a recent letter the Vice-Admiral Commanding characterises the work of the Royal Naval Air Service in that area as having been admirable.

THE MARQUESS OF SLIGO
I assume that it is considered inadvisable to publish the Despatches in full

§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
As a matter of fact, I do not believe there are any separate Despatches as such—at any rate no separate Despatches will be published.

THE MARQUESS OF SLIGO
Would it be possible to publish those portions that refer to individuals? It would appear from the Gazette which was issued on the 14th instant that a certain number of officers and men have been specially mentioned for distinguished, meritorious, or skilful service, or even gallant conduct; and it would be gratifying to their relations and friends if such reference as is made to the officers and men concerned could be published.

§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
One set has been published from Sir Ian Hamilton, as my noble friend is aware. There will, I understand, be another set of Despatches published later, and no doubt due mention will be made of the work of the Air Service on that occasion.