§ Colonel McCALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in conformity with the increased award of the 1914 ribbon, and in view of the original intention to specially reward those who fought in France and Belgium in the first three months of the War, he will consult the then Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force with a view to the addition of a clasp or other distinctive mark for those who actually took part in the campaign east of a definite geographical line?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe creation of a distinction such as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend has been carefully considered, but has been found to be impracticable.
§ Colonel McCALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the altered conditions of the award of the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, and Distinguished Conduct Medal, which came into force on 1st August this year, some distinctive mark will be added either to the ribbons or to the clasps which attach the ribbons of such of these decorations as are awarded after that date; and whether those who received awards before that 3219W date may be permitted to submit claims to have their decorations similarly altered?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. and gallant Friend's proposal was fully considered by a committee composed mainly of officers serving in France, and was not recommended.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government will take steps to publish in a collected form the citation of the gallant actions for which officers and men have won decorations on all fronts during the War?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot say whether the authorities concerned will be able eventually to compile such a record, but it certainly could not be undertaken at the present moment. As my Noble Friend may be aware, several unofficial publications have already been issued.
§ Mr. MACMASTERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that medals and decorations have been awarded to those soldiers who participated in the first battle of Mons and in the retreat therefrom, he will consider the question of granting medals and decorations to the soldiers who drove the enemy from Mons and captured its fortifications on the 10th and 11th instant?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would remind my hon. and learned Friend that medals and decorations were not, in fact, issued for the first battle of Mons and for the retreat therefrom. The "1914 Star" was granted in recognition of services rendered during the earlier phase of the War, namely, between 5th August, 1914, and midnight, 22/23rd November, 1914. There is no further intention of granting commemorative medals for special incidents of the War.
§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a pension of 6d. per day is awarded to soldiers discharged with pension who have gained the Distinguished Conduct Medal; if he is aware that if the Distinguished Conduct Medal is won the second time a clasp is given instead without any award of pension in respect of the additional clasp; if he is aware that if the holder of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was discharged without a pension he would receive a gratuity of £20 for the 3220W Distinguished Conduct Medal and £20 for every additional clasp; and if he will see that a pension is paid for the clasp?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid I am unable to adopt this suggestion.