HC Deb 18 August 1919 vol 119 cc1936-7W
Mr. T. WILSON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that at the time the Armistice was agreed to a number of men in Officer Cadet battalions in training at Berkhamsted and Romford were demobilised under the group system on compassionate grounds, whilst others were sent overseas and given commissions, and were then demobilised, whilst the remainder were compulsorily transferred to the 5th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps; and whether, under these circumstances, he can see his way to treat these men in the same way as the others by demobilising them?

Mr. FORSTER

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to questions on this subject on the 12th, 13th, 14th and 27th May last. In those answers it was explained that the members of the Officers' Training Corps referred to were ordinary enlisted soldiers and as such were liable for service in the Army unless they could be demobilised under the regulations in force. I am informed that the statement that a number of the members were after the Armistice sent overseas and granted commissions in incorrect.