HC Deb 28 February 1921 vol 138 cc1440-2W
Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Captain Trevor Oliphant, late 1/5th Norfolk Regiment, who was severely wounded in the War, was on demobilisation appointed secretary of a war pensions committee, and whilst thus employed he was offered the adjutancy of the 1/5th Norfolk Regiment by the War Office and gave up the other post to undertake this duty; and that this officer was forced to resign his position by his commanding officer on the ground that he had not had sufficient overseas experience, and he thus lost both appointments; and whether, in view of the hardship entailed by this arbitrary procedure, he will take steps to see that Territorial Force associations are instructed to consult commanding officers before appointing officers as adjutants, and if possible offer employment to Captain Trevor Oliphant in some capacity similar to that of which he has been deprived?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The circumstances of this case are as stated in the first part of the question. Captain Oliphant was recommended for the appointment of adjutant by the Territorial Force Association of the County of Norfolk. It was impracticable to follow the normal procedure of consulting Captain Oliphant's commanding officer in regard to his suitability for the appointment since no commanding officer had been appointed at the time. It was, however, considered that this officer's record of service indicated a reasonable probability of his being suitable, and he was accordingly offered the appointment. After three months' experience as adjutant, it was found that Captain Oliphant did not possess the requisite qualifications for his duties. His commanding officer and brigade and divisional commanders were all agreed on this point, and it became necessary to replace him It is to be regretted that this officer has lost a civilian appointment, but it must be pointed out that the acceptance of the appointment of adjutant rested entirely with him, and he must have been aware that his continuance in that appointment was dependent upon the duties being carried out to the satisfaction of his superior commanding officers. Since this officer has not proved suitable as an adjutant, it would not be possible to employ him in a similar capacity.