HC Deb 28 November 1951 vol 494 c151W
59. Sir J. Lucas

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in the case of time-expired naval personnel, retained for a further 18 months, and subsequently killed in action, the full gratuity that would otherwise have been due will be paid to the next of kin.

Commander Noble

No, the widows or, in certain circumstances, other dependants of ratings killed in action, receive a pension, which is the proper form of compensation. The gratuity is a personal payment made only to the man to enable him to resettle in civilian life.