§ Captain SHEEHANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieutenant-Colonel MonteagleBrowne, D.S.O., served for thirty-two months continuously at the front during the present War; that he rose rapidly from the rank of captain and adjutant to that of battalion commander; that every step in his promotion was given as a reward for efficient and most meritorious. service; that he several times temporarily commanded a brigade in the trenches in the absence of the brigadier-general, the last time being only a few weeks before he was adversely reported upon; that he was twice recommended for promotion to the rank of brigadier-general; that for over two years, and particularly whilst serving with the 16th (Irish) Division, he was repeatedly reported on for his efficiency, bravery, perseverance, and fertility of resource; and that he was rewarded the Distinguished Service Order, the Order of Danilo, and several times mentioned in dispatches for his handling of the three battalions of the Munsters which he, owing to his special capacity for quick training and leadership, was selected to, command, two of them being mentioned by the Commander-in-Chief in France for their conspicuous gallantry; whether he is aware that all these distinctions and special mentions for himself and his battalions were secured by the express recommendations and reports of his brigadier-general, his divisional general, right up to the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, and that the War Office was perfectly satisfied that he and the battalions under his command were justly and fully entitled to all these honours and awards; and whether, in view of this record of brave and devoted service, this officer's ease will be reconsidered, so that he may be honourably restored to the service of his country and that he may be allowed to continue to serve her as he is anxious to do?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would refer my hon and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject to my hon and gallant Friend the Member for Ludlow 1661W on the 20 th instant, to which I have nothing to add. I am afraid I can hold out no hope of the case being reconsidered.