HC Deb 25 March 1919 vol 114 cc235-6W
Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of issuing more frequent communiqués concerning the operations of the forces employed in Northern Russia, in view of the anxiety on the part of the relatives of these men; and can it be made clear in the casualty list as to which are the casualties sustained in this area?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir. I will see that more frequent communiqués are issued. During the period 1st January to 12th March, 1919, the total British battle casualties to the Archangel force amount to about 1 in 100 of the British troops in that theatre. Excluding wounded, the figure is about 1 in 300. For Murmansk during the same period the total battle casualties amount to about 1 in 500. I cannot undertake to specify casualties by theatres, as this gives information to the enemy, but I hope the figure stated may afford some reassurance as to the character of the fighting.