Sir H. COWANasked the Secretary of State for War whether it was provided by Army Order No. 3, of 5th May, 1919, that recommendations for awards, promotions, or distinctions for officers and men who distinguished themselves early in the War, and subsequently underwent prolonged captivity, might be submitted, with proper corroboration, to the War Office; whether such recommendations have been submitted and how many awards have been made in such cases; and, if no such awards have been made, when will they be announced?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Army Order to which my hon. Friend refers is wider than he suggests, as it covers—
- (a) Services in action prior to the 15th November, 19I7;
- (b) Gallant conduct in escaping or at tempting to escape from captivity;
- (c) Valuable services whilst in captivity.
A very large number of recommendations have been received under these categories, and they are now being dealt with by a specially appointed Committee. It is expected that the work of this Committee will be finished shortly, and that a considerable number of awards will in due- 1155W course be approved by His Majesty and gazetted. Much work still remains to be done in the matter, and it is difficult to forecast a date with any certainty, but it is hoped that the awards will be gazetted before the end of the year, possibly about the 20th December.