§ Mr. SHORTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal H. W. Hider, M.M., No. 198,120, of the Royal Engineers Wireless Signals, served in the pre-war Army from the 17th August, 1897, until he was transferred to the Army Reserve on the 11th February, 1905; that he re-enlisted into Section D Army Reserve on the 28th January, 1910, and was discharged on 28th January, 1914; that on the outbreak of war he was allowed to join the Post Office Rifles, with 237W which unit he served two years, at the expiration of which he was transferred to the Royal Engineers (Signals) on the 15th September, 1916; and that Corporal Hider is being regarded as ineligible for the war gratuity for the whole of this service; and whether, having regard to Corporal Hider's re-enlistment at a time of need and to the service which he rendered, the Secretary of State for War will reconsider his decision not to pay him a war gratuity on discharge?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am having enquiry made into this case, and will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.
§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that Sapper N. Carr, No. 36,179, of the 14th Divisional Royal Engineers (Signals) had served eight years with the colours and four with the reserve prior to the outbreak of war; that his application for re-engagement in section D was met with the statement that the section was full up; that Sapper Carr re-enlisted in the Cameronians in September, 1914, but on the grounds of health was transferred to the Royal Engineers (Signals) and served in France as an operator from August, 1915, until demobilisation in March, 1919; that Sapper Carr was never out of shell-fire except when in rest; and whether he will cause the decision not to pay a war gratuity to Sapper Carr to be reconsidered?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am making enquiry into this case and will acquaint the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.
§ Mr. A. SHAWasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Thomas Caddis, late private 11th Royal Scots; whether he is aware that this man, owing to a breakdown in health aggravated by military service, is unable to resume his calling as a miner and is precluded from employment because of the form of his discharge certificate; whether payment of his war gratuity is refused; and whether any steps can be taken to mitigate the hardship to this man and his aged parents?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONEnquiries are being made into this case, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.