Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for War whether, as only seven of the officers whose names were brought, forward in Lord French's dispatch of 16th November, 1914, were awarded the Victoria Cross, and twenty-seven the Distinguished Service Order, while the remaining officers had to be content with mentioned, since the Military Cross had not then been instituted, he will consider the propriety of awarding the Military Cross to all surviving officers of the original Expeditionary Force who were mentioned in the above-noted dispatch, which covered the operations from Mons to Ypres, and were wounded, and also of granting the Distinguished Service Order to any such who may subsequently have gained the Military Cross for some other distinguished service.?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret that I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal. There is no evidence that anything more than a mention would have been recommended by Lord French in these cases if the Military Cross had been in existence, and the grant of the Military Cross is in any case restricted to officers1048W below the rank of major and to warrant, officers. I note that my lion. Friend's suggestion apparently applies only to wounded officers, but it has never been. the policy to give preference in respect of distinctions to wounded officers or soldiers. as such. The wound stripe is the particular reward common to them all.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a. position to announce the decision as to granting a decoration for those mentioned in dispatches?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI had hoped to give my hon. and learned Friend an answer to-day, but, unfortunately, am net yet. in a position to make a statement. I wilt write my hon. and learned Friend as soon as a definite decision has been reached.