HC Deb 27 April 1917 vol 92 cc2737-8W
Mr. JOWETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Musician A. Child, of the West Kent Regiment, now in Wandsworth Prison, enlisted on the 18th March, 1904, for twelve years, to be extended to thirteen years in the event of war, which period expired on the 18th March, 1917; whether Child asked then for his discharge and was refused; whether he is aware that Child became a conscientious objector to killing his fellow men in 1908, but felt his oath of allegiance was binding in the sight of God until he had fulfilled his period of enlistment; whether he is aware that Child refused to obey orders on the 18th March, when his time had expired and was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment, one year remitted, by district court-martial for insubordination; and whether, in the circumstances, he will direct the Central Tribunal to examine into the case of this man, with a view to his release to work under the Home Office Committee?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No record of any court-martial on this man has been received. The case would appear to be one which has been dealt with under the Army Order of 25th May last year, and his appearance before the Central Tribunal would therefore be a matter of routine.

Forward to