HC Deb 04 April 1944 vol 398 cc1816-7W
Mr. R. Davies

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to state the total casualties among British forces since the outbreak of war.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Following is a tabular statement giving the

War Casualties
Casualties to all ranks of British Empire forces during the first four years of war.
(Excluding deaths from natural causes.)
United Kingdom* Canada. Australia. New Zealand. South Africa. India†. Colonies Total British Empire.
Killed‡ 120,958 9,209 12,298 5,622 3,107 5,912 1,635 158,741
Missing 29,469 2,745 11,887 884 279 17,810 15,130 78,204
Wounded 93,622 3,383 29,393 11,315 6,473 13,230 1,803 159,219
Prisoners of War 143,947 4,360 20,760 7,896 13,966 72,848§ 7,218 270,995
Total 387,996 19,697 74,338 25,717 23,825 109,800 25,786 667,159
* Including Overseas personnel serving in these forces, in particular from Newfoundland and Southern Rhodesia.
† Including casualties to the Hong Kong and Singapore Royal Artillery.
‡ Including died of wounds or injuries.
§ Including 58,221 officers and other ranks missing but presumed to be prisoners of war.
Note:—(a)The casualty figures are net, i.e., they exclude missing personnel who subsequently rejoined, and repatriated prisoners of war.
(b) Prisoners of war include Service internees in neutral countries.

Casualties to Merchant Seamen on British Ships During the First Four Years of War.

Deaths (including deaths presumed in missing ships) 26,317
Internees 3,997
Total 30,314

Note.—These figures include nationals of the Dominions, India, and the Colonies serving on British registered ships, but do not include any losses that may have been sustained in ships registered outside the United Kingdom.

Civilian Casualties in the United Kingdom During the First Four Years of War.
Killed 49,730
Injured and detained in hospital 59,371
Total 109,101

Note.—These figures exclude casualties at sea.