§ Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he will press for the demobilisation of Gunner J. Emery, No. 961925, Royal Field Artillery, 391st Battery, 172nd Brigade Egyptian Expeditionary Force, seeing that he has been serving for three and a-half years in Egypt without leave?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf Gunner Emery's length of service is as stated by my hon. Friend, he is eligible for demobilisation unless he is serving under pre-war conditions, and his term of Colour service has not expired. If he is eligible he will no doubt be released as soon as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. GRUNDYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Staff-Sergeant Thomas Fitzpatrick, No. 2614, Army Ordnance Corps, now at Mastapha Barracks, Sidi Gabea, Alexandria, Egypt, joined the ⅙th Gordons in September, 1914, and after recovering from wounds in France was sent to Woolwich for training, and subsequently appointed sergeant in the Army Ordnance Corps; that he was sent to Egypt in January, 1917; that when application was made for his demobilisation he was informed that he could not be released as there was no trace of his previous service in the Gordons; that these particulars have since been forwarded from the Record Office; and whether, in view of the fact that this man's father is, by reason of health, now unable to look after an extensive business 162W of motor-car repairing, tractor repairing, and engineering, steps will be taken to release this soldier as early as possible?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSergeant Fitzpatrick is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, nor is there trace of any application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. If he enlisted in 1914, as stated by my hon. Friend, he is eligible for demobilisation unless he is serving under pre-war conditions and his term of Colour service is not completed. If he is eligible he will no doubt be released as soon as circumstances permit.