§ Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will review 954W the case of the Company Sergeant-Major George Edward Dransfield, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who, for gallant conduct in the field, was recommended for the distinguished conduct medal, and duly posted by the brigadier-general of the brigade as having been awarded it, but his relatives have only received the military medal; and will he give instructions for the issue of the distinguished conduct medal in its place?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSCompany Sergeant-Major Dranfield was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal by his commanding officer and the recommendation was endorsed by the Brigade Commander; but as the services in respect of which the recommendation was made did not, in the opinion of the Corps Commander, attain to the requisite standard for the Distinguished Conduct Medal the latter granted an immediate award of the Military Medal instead. This award was approved by the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, and was duly published in Routine Orders and in the "London Gazette." The statement on the unofficial certificate issued by the Brigade Commander that Company Sergeant-Major Dranfield had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal is therefore incorrect, and as the services of this non-commissioned officer have been duly considered and recognised by the form of reward considered appropriate by the responsible Commander in the Field, the award cannot now be altered.