Tuesday 10 November 2009

More Hansard transcripts: "The grant of a clasp to the War medal for service in the Baltic has been approved"

Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the complaints made by the crews of certain of  His Majesty's ships in the Baltic owing to the lack of fresh provisions and of canteen supplies; and whether any steps have been taken to improve matters?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr Long) The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Major Hirst asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many seamen in the Baltic are ill informed as to the objects of the service; whether he will consider the expediency of having the men enlightened as to the vital national interests involved; and whether he can hold out any hope of rewarding their service by the grant of an extra bar to the War medal or of a gratuity?

Mr Long The necessary steps have been taken in regard to this matter. The grant of a clasp to the War medal for service in the Baltic has been approved.

Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy May the House be informed what are the vital national interests involved in this matter, seeing that although the seamen of the Baltic have been given full information the House has been told nothing?

HC Deb 03 December 1919 vol 122 cc373-4

Does anyone know why the clasp was never issued?

also I just thought I'd  like to acknowledge Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy and his fascinating questions on conditions in the Baltic and the fate of the crew of HMS Dragon. I would love to have been a fly on the wall!!  

Angela