HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 92 c622W
Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received an application for the temporary release from the Army of Private Edward Saunders, No. 3271, 5th Company, Welsh Guards; whether a birth certificate was forwarded to the War Office showing that this lad was only sixteen years of age last January; whether the application that he should be released until he is eighteen years of age has been refused; and, if so, on what ground?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The instructions now in force do not permit of a soldier being discharged or released from the Colours on the ground that he is under age. Such cases are transferred to certain home service units until they attain the age of nineteen. Saunders' parents have been informed that his discharge could not be granted.