§ Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War (1) what is the total number of foreign decorations granted to officers in the Army during the War; and how many of such decorations have been granted to officers of general's rank and officers who have served in any branch of the Staff during the War, and officers other than general officers and Staff officers; (2) if he will say what is the total number of officers who have held general's rank during the War and officers who have served in any branch of the Staff during the War who have received more than one foreign decoration; and the total number of officers not included in these categories who have received more than one foreign decoration?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of foreign decorations conferred on officers in the Army during the War is 5,931. The rest of the information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend is not available, and I regret it is not possible for the Department concerned to undertake the compilation of a return of this nature, which would involve a great deal of laborious research.
1490WAs regards the second question, as my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the rule is that, unless nominated by the Sovereign or head of an Allied State or his representative, no officer below the rank of major-general is permitted to receive more than one foreign decoration. This rule applies equally to Staff and regimental officers, and is designed to spread the decorations as widely as possible.