HC Deb 15 June 1910 vol 17 cc1431-2W
Mr. HOHLER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Charles A. Bryant, of 21, Molesworth Street, Lewisham, enlisted in the Royal Artillery on 3rd January, 1887, at Woolwich, No. 59,025, and was posted to the 3rd Battery, 1st Brigade, London Division, of the Royal Artillery, and on 4th August, 1894, was transferred to the Army Reserve, having served in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, and Jamaica; that Charles A. Bryant re-enlisted on 20th August, 1896, in the Queen's Royal Lancers, No. 3,964, without disclosing the fact of his previous enlistment, and saw service in India and South Africa, and was discharged on 19th August, 1908, having attained the rank of sergeant, and gained the Queen's South African medal, and clasps for Belmont, Paardeburg, Modder River, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittenburg, and Kimberley, and the King's South African medals and clasps; that his discharge stated that his character was exemplary, no offences during the last eleven years, very steady, and trustworthy; that Sergeant Bryant is now in distressed circumstances; and whether he will inquire into the case with a view, having regard to Bryant's exemplary service, to granting him the pension to which he would have been entitled had he disclosed his previous service, or to take such steps as the circumstances of the case admit?

Mr. HALDANE

The Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital are investigating this man's claim to pension, and the result will be communicated direct to the hon. Member.