HC Deb 07 April 1919 vol 114 cc1695-6W
Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary of State for War why no gratuity is payable with the meritorious service medal unless the soldier is above the rank of corporal?

Captain GUEST

I think my hon. Friend is under some slight misapprehension. The Army Order of 1916 which made men below the rank of sergeant eligible for this medal provided that no gratuity would be issued in such cases, and this was followed by a further Order in 1917 which provided that no gratuity would be issued in any future case, whatever the soldier's rank.