HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 cc381-2W
Mr. O. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the case to which his attention has been called, in which a corporal was sentenced to 84 days' detention and reduced to the ranks for failing to jump during a parachute exercise at Salisbury after his return from France where he had taken part in an airborne landing on D-day, as a result of which his nerves had been badly shaken, and if he has any statement to make with regard to this case.

Sir J. Grigg

The instructions for psychiatric examination, before their trial, of men who refuse to jump were carried out in this case. No medical or psychiatric reason was found to account for his conduct. He was accordingly tried by Field General Court-Martial on a charge laid under Section 40, Army Act, "Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline." He was convicted and sentenced to 84 days' detention. The sentence was reviewed by the Commander of the Division in which the man is serving on 5th November, 1944, and orders were issued for the sentence to be suspended as soon as arrangements can be made to post the soldier overseas.