§ Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information about the organisation and duties of the Maritime Royal Artillery; and whether they are awarded naval or military decorations?
§ Sir J. GriggThe personnel of the Maritime Royal Artillery serve side by side with the personnel of the Royal 1463W Navy and of the Merchant Navy in the defence of merchant ships against air attack. The members of the three Services work in perfect harmony, normally under the order of the master of the ship. They have thus been engaged during the past year in all the convoy operations, including those to Malta and Russia, so vital to waging and winning the war. The decorations awarded to personnel of the Maritime Royal Artillery reflect the nature of their duties and their intimate connection with the other Services and with our Allies. They have so far received 46 civilian awards (including one George Cross), 41 naval awards, 14 military awards and four awards from our Allies. Since January, 1942, they have been eligible only for naval awards and in certain exceptional cases for military decorations.