HC Deb 12 February 1920 vol 125 c246W
Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the award of the Transport Medal for service in merchant ships engaged in the last South African War was limited to the master, the three senior officers, two senior engineers, and the chief steward, although a large part of the work in connection with the carriage of troops was done by the junior officers; and whether, out of regard for these services and of the services of the Mercantile Marine during the late war, he will consider the desirability of the South African Transport Medal being granted to all the officers who served in those British merchant ships which took an active part in connection with the war in South Africa?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The Sea Transport Medal, instituted in 1903, was awarded for service on board chartered troop transports in connection with the South African War and the China Expedition. Its issue was not quite as limited as my hon. and learned Friend indicates, though nearly so. It is not proposed at this date to extend eligibility as suggested by my hon. and learned Friend. Perhaps I might add, as regards the late war, that, in view of the fact that the Mercantile Marine, including the Transport Service, is eligible both for the British War Medal and the special Mercantile Marine War Medal in respect of services during the late war, the Sea Transport Medal is not being awarded.