Deserters (Surrender)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Armed Forces – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 April 1947.

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Photo of Mr Albert Alexander Mr Albert Alexander , Sheffield, Hillsborough 12:00, 2 April 1947

It is rather difficult to assess the percentage of actual deserters. There were about 20,000 men absent, but I cannot say that every one was a deliberate deserter. Some may have been missing for various other reasons. I cannot give the exact figure, but, taking 20,000, it means that we have recovered voluntarily about 7½ to 8 per cent., but that figure may be increased slightly when I get the final returns.