§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, on the declaration of peace, he will review the forfeited services of soldiers convicted of desertion, except those deserting in the face of the enemy or having been warned for the trenches or attack, so that those convicted during the War of this crime may, on completion of one year's service clear of an entry in the regimental conduct book, have their services restored;
(2) whether, on the declaration of peace, he will review the forfeited services of soldiers convicted of desertion during the War, so that those who, subsequent to the offence, have won the Distinguished Conduct Medal or other war distinctions may have their services restored?
§ Mr. FORSTERService forfeited in consequence of desertion cannot be restored to a soldier unless he makes application for such restoration. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, under Section 79 or the Army Act and the last sub-paragraph of paragraph 273 of the King's Regulations, the Army Council are empowered to restore all or any part of service forfeited under Section 79 of the Army Act. I should certainly be prepared to consider the award of a Distinguished Conduct Medal or other war distinction, or one year's service clear of entry in the-regimental conduct sheet, as being good and faithful service within the meaning of Section 79 of the Army Act. I might add that during the War many cases have been received in the War Office where forfeited service has been recommended for restoration on the ground of subsequent gallant conduct in action, or a period of satisfactory conduct, and I think I can safely say that in every case without exception the Army Council have restored the forfeited service.