§ Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War in what particulars do the regulations governing promotion to fill vacancies in the rank of regimental lieutenant-colonel in the Regular Army differ from those for promotion to field rank; on whose recommendation are they made; and whose is the responsibility?
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§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs I informed my hon. and gallant Friend on the 7th instant, promotion to field rank in the Regular Army is made either by time promotion or to fill a vacancy in an establishment; in either case the senior officer of the rank below is promoted, provided he is duly recommended by his superiors as being in every way fitted for promotion. Promotion to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Regular Army is made to fill a vacancy in an establishment and on the recommendation of the selection board. The responsibility rests with the Secretary of State.
§ Captain C. CRAIGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieutenant L. C. Russell received his commission as second lieutenant on 7th January, 1915; that he was immediately given command of a company; promoted to the rank of lieutenant in September, 1915, and was given temporary rank of captain; that owing to injuries received in a riding accident he had to return to England in September, 1915; that on recovery he commanded a company in England from January to May, 1916; that in May, 1916, he returned to the front and received command of a company in the 2nd Royal Fusiliers; that in the battle of the Somme he was given a special command, on which occasion he was wounded and taken prisoner; that after seventeen months' imprisonment he escaped; that on his return to England he was recommended for promotion; that having failed to obtain promotion in his own regiment he obtained employment in the Royal Air Force, since which he has been twice recommended for promotion by his squadron-commanders and once by his brigadier; that he was refused permission to return to the front on the ground that he had been a prisoner of war; that now he remains a lieutenant and is in a worse position professionally and financially than he was in two and a half years ago; whether he can explain why this officer, who had the misfortune to be wounded and taken prisoner, has been treated in this manner; and whether he will arrange that he will forthwith he promoted to the rank to which his services entitle him, with the pay and allowances from the date on which he received command of a company at the front?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. and gallant Friend is misinformed. Temporary Lieutenant Russell relinquished the temporary rank of captain in August, 1915,3216W when he ceased to be employed with a Regular battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, Promotion in the Infantry is governed by seniority, and Lieutenant Russell's turn had not arrived when he voluntarily transferred to the Royal Air Force.