§ Mr. IRVINGasked the Secretary of State for War, referring to his previous answer on this question, whether he will reconsider the granting of the 1914–15 Star to the personnel of the 11th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, notwithstanding Army Order 20, of 1919, having regard to the fact that this battalion was actively engaged with the enemy in the Ægean Sea prior to the expiration of the period in respect of which the decoration is granted—namely, on the.29th December, 1915?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs the hon. Member was informed on the 19th November, this battalion did not disembark in a theatre of war until a date subsequent to 31st December, 1915, which is the closing date qualifying for the "1914–15 Star." The1272W Star is not a reward for gallantry, but is a token that its recipients served within specified localities during a certain period. If the ship conveying this battalion was subjected to a hostile attack by a submarine during its voyage this would not qualify the men for the award of the Star I am, however, informed that no official report can be traced that the ship was fired at or was engaged with a hostile submarine. I can assure the hon. Member that the case of this regiment has been carefully considered, but, as I have explained, the men are not eligible under the conditions governing the award of the Star, and I regret that no exception can be made.