§ Major NALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether the rules under which ex-officers with war service may obtain commissions in the Regular Army are now definitely laid down; whether he is aware that the future careers of a large number of eligible candidates who are still awaiting information are being prejudiced by the delay; and what steps he can take to supplement his statement of 21st June last?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSome 300 regular commissions in the infantry and cavalry are new being offered. All officers of240W the Special Reserve, Territorial Force, New Armies, Royal Naval Division and Overseas Contingents were eligible for consideration, and this eligibility was not affected by the fact that an officer had been demobilised. Fitness for General Service and service of not less than 6 months in a theatre of war prior to 11th November, 1918, were necessary conditions, and the age limits imposed were—Second-Lieutenants to be under 25; Lieutenants under 30; Captains under 35.
Candidates have been selected solely on their war records, and to ensure a fair and impartial selection, a system of marking candidates was adopted.
Thus, for example, 5 marks a month were given for service overseas, I mark a month for service at home. 250 marks were given for each 6 months in command of a battalion or quivalent formation in a theatre of war, 125 marks for each similar period of command in a garrison or at home. 250 marks were given for a Victoria Cross, and proportionate marks to other decorations, bars carrying the same marks as the original award. 15 marks were given for each wound stripe.
Qualified candidates have been marked on this system, and those with the highest marks are now being invited to accept regular commissions.
Selected candidates will be credited, for purposes of seniority, with all their previous commissioned service between 4th August, 1914, and 11th November, 1918, less the following periods:—
- (a) 9 months, if commissioned before 30th August, 1916;
- (b) 10 months, if commissioned between 30th August, 1916, and 22nd January, 1917;
- (c) 11 months, if commissioned between 23rd January, 1917, and 3rd May, 1917;
- (d) 12 months, if commissioned after 3rd May, 1917.
This ante-date must not, however, be earlier than the date on which the officer attained the age of 19 years.
With the exception of those referred to below, candidates will be commissioned as subalterns, and will be placed in Regiments according to their seniority as Second-Lieutenants which will be reckoned as above. In cases where such seniority entitles them to the rank [...] Lieutenant, they will be given that rank 241W Non-regular officers with three or more years' service in a theatre of war, who have commanded unite in the field as Lieutenant-Colonels (acting or temporary) for a continuous period of not less than 6 months or an aggregate of not less than 9 months, or have held an appointment carrying with it the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel (acting or temporary) for the above-mentioned periods, will be given commissions as Captains, and will be placed in those Regiments in which their seniority as Second-Lieutenants, when reckoned as above, would entitle them to that rank.
Service towards pension will be calculated in accordance with the existing regulations under the Royal Warrant.