HC Deb 21 October 1918 vol 110 cc449-50W
Major H. TERRELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Private George H. Ireland, of the Glou- cestershire Regiment, was recommended for a Victoria Cross for his remarkably gallant action on the 29th October, 1917; whether he is aware that on that date volunteers were called for to go out and bring in a wounded officer; that Private Ireland and another man volunteered to go, and went and found the wounded officer and proceeded to bring him in; that in so doing the other man was killed and Private Ireland severely wounded, and that, notwithstanding his wounds, Private Ireland still struggled to get the officer into the British lines, with the result that the officer was got in and Private Ireland is permanently disabled; and if he will say if any and, if so, what recognition has been made of Private Ireland's bravery?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No recommendation for any gallantry distinction has been received in respect of this soldier nor is there any official information of the acts of gallantry referred to. No rewards for service in the Field are initiated by the War Office, and if this soldier is deserving of reward the facts should have been brought to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief in the Field by the Officer Commanding the Unit, through the usual channels.