§ Mr. Gledhillasked the Secretary of State for War why serving officers, when granted compassionate leave for three or six months, are reduced in rank; and if he is aware that such loss of rank causes hardship in view of the circumstances of the leave and ill-feeling and unnecessary suffering to the relatives concerned.
§ Mr. A. HendersonCompassionate leave is normally limited to periods not exceeding 28 days, during which the officer remains on the strength of his unit and may retain his acting or temporary rank. He continues to draw pay and allowances. An officer released from military service on compassionate grounds for a period of three or six months is not granted "leave" in the ordinary sense. He is relegated to unemployment at his own request, is struck off the strength of his unit, vacates his appointment and reverts to his substantive or war substantive rank under the normal rules from the date on which his release becomes effective. In these circumstances I regret that we should not be justified in allowing such an officer to retain his acting or temporary rank.