§ Mr SHORTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Arthur Walmsley, No. M/2 202626, R.A.S.C. (Mechanical Transport) advanced mechanical transport depot, Bagdad, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, is a Derby man, was sent out to Mesopotamia in September, 1916, and has never had leave home since; that he has been ill for a considerable time and his health is repeatedly giving way; and whether special efforts will be made to secure this man's early return home and demobilisation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am informed that Private Walmsley attested under the Derby scheme in January, 1916, was mobilised in August and embarked for Mesopotamia in September, 1916. There is no record of his having had leave to the United Kingdom, but he was granted one month's leave to India in 1918. As regards his health the returns show that1916W he was admitted to hospital in 1917 owing to burnt foot and in 1918 through abscess in the leg, but no other injury or illness is recorded. Men eligible for demobilisation are being sent home from Mesopotamia as rapidly as possible, and Private Walmsley will embark by the 1st February next at the latest, provided the necessary transport is available.