TROOPSHIPS (ACCOMMODATION) (Hansard, 3 December 1945)

§ Mr. Lawson

This incident arose from an unfortunate sequence of events and was not entirely due to the conditions on board the "Johan de Witt." It originated with about 1,900 men who had expected to return to C.M.F. by air after 28 days leave in this country. When their leave expired they reported to Tibenham and Glatton Transit Camps, which serve the C.M.F. air service. Owing to adverse flying conditions aircraft were able to leave on only two days out of the first 21 days in November, and 1,900 men were held for varying periods up to 21 days—the majority for less than 10 days. During this time the men were necessarily kept standing by in the hope that the aircraft could take off. They were given as much freedom as is possible when men are at short notice to fly. Cinema and E.N.S.A. shows were provided, with the 2065W usual canteen amenities, but the men naturally became restless with the repeated cancellation of flying, and certain minor annoyances, such as the slow service of meals, owing to the unusual numbers to be dealt with.

To ease the situation, and to the general relief of the troops, arrangements were made at short notice to send them in the "Johan de Witt." They were moved to Southampton by special train on 23rd November, after a substantial hot meal, and with a haversack ration. The actual number sent for embarkation was 1,895, as against a permitted capacity of 1,917 under the usual rules. After embarkation and a meal of cold meat and tea the ship was inspected and no complaints were received. A hot meal was served at 6 p.m. which may have left something to be desired both as to quality and quantity. The canteen was open from 6.30 to 9 p.m. and a cinema show was put on. At 10 p.m. some men left the ship complaining of the accommodation and food. A conference was held at once by the various authorities to investigate the complaints. It was agreed that the accommodation was adequate and the menu for future meals most satisfactory. The troops were advised to re-embark but did not do so, a few more leaving the ship. 594 were left behind, and have since been returned overland to C.M.F., involving the delay of other troops. No further incident occurred and from then onwards the behaviour of the troops concerned is reported on as completely satisfactory.

Hon. Members will realise that accommodation on ships is at present on an austerity basis and must be so for the time being if we are to maintain the maximum flow of repatriation and leave. But there is nothing to show that the accommodation on the Johann de Witt was inadequate or below standard and indeed on other recent voyages the ship has carried more men with no complaint whatever. I realise that these men had been through an unfortunate experience in being kept waiting about at the camps, probably in rather uncomfortable conditions, and for this reason I have judged it proper not to take disciplinary measures on this particular occasion.