THE GALLIPOLI CUP

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 177, 10 May 1935, Page 6

THE GALLIPOLI CUP

ASHBURTON WINS AGAIN. SEVENTH SUCCESSIVE VICTORY. I HIGH TRIBUTE FROM THE O.C. COMMAND. The announcement that B Squadron, Ashburton Mounted Rifles, has again been awarded the famous Gallipoli Cup brings to a fitting conclusion the most successful year in the sqfiadvon’s history. The New Zealand military year ends on May 31, and since that date last year some events of outstanding importance have occurred which will live long in the memory of those who were privileged to take pars in them.a During the winter months an extensive reciuiting campaign was undertaken by Major A. J. Nicoll and Ins officers, with the result that a whole new troop was added to the squadron. They went under canvas for their annual camp at the racecourse in October with the biggest muster since the end of the war. It is at this annual squadron camp that the foundation is laid for the more intensive training later in the year when the squadron takes its place alongside the other squadrons in the regimental camp, and the high standard of efficiency aimed at by Major Nicoll has been fully maintained by all ranks. The Royal Guard and Escort.

In January last the squadron was paid the signal honour of being selected to provide the only mounted guard of honour to parade for the Duke of Gloucester on his tour of the Dominion, and their turnout on this occasion was the subject of much favourable comment, not only from his Royal Highness, hut also from the military officers attached to his staff. The performance of the Royal escort, commanded by Captain G. Brown, which escorted his Royal Highness s car to the Domain, was particularly fine and drew forth much admiration /r m all who witnessed it.

Then came the regimental camp at Mount Somers last month, when the C.Y.C. established an attendance record for the Dominion. The camp was voted by all the staff officers who visited it as probably the most successful mounted camp ever held in New Zealand. It was' at Mount Somers that the contest for the Gallipoli (up vas staged, the four squadrons of the regiment being judged for their work throughout the camp, and this historic trophy awarded to the best-all-rouna squadron. Not only upon the exacting precision of the parade-ground is the contest judged, but such important matters, as horsemanship, musketry, and the tactical handling of troops m the field are also taken into account.

Art irreplaceable Trophy. The Gallipoli Cup, as has been previously mentioned in these columns, is probably the most unique, and certainly, sentimentally, the most _ valuable, military trophy in the Empire, as i was purchased with money belonging to men who actually lie on the sula to-day, and is therefore absolutely irreplaceable. That the Ashburton Squadron should have recorded then seventh successive wm in the contest for this trophy must bring a thrill ° pride to every member and to then supporters in the County. Last, but not least, among the activities of the squadron came the events of the past week-end when two troops journeyed to Christchurch to take part in the military review held in Hagley Park in honour of Ins Majesty’s jubilee. So perfect was the performance when the squadron conducted its evolution that it provoked a spontaneous hurst of applause from the large crowd of onlookers as it trotted past the saluting base in line. At the conclusion of the parade, when the men had returned to their bivouac, the Officer the Southern Command (Colonel S. C. P. Nicholls, D. 5.0.), accompanied by his Chief of Staff (Lieutenant-Colonel 1. H. Bell) and Lieutenant-Colonel A. Holland (Officer Commanding the Otago Mounted Rifles) made a special trip to the Showgrounds to congratulate the members of the squadron on their excellent performance, and on their work generally throughout the year. Am Outstanding Unit. In the course of his remarks, Colonel Nicholls stated that he had personally seen every mounted squadron in New Zealand and he could say, without hesitation, that the all-round work of the Ashburton Squadron was outstanding in the Dominion to-day. He congratulated Major Nicoll on the high standard of efficiency attained and pointed out that the higher the standard the more difficult it was to live up to. He reminded the men of the great name the Ashburton Mounted Rifles had always held, and urged them to live up to the traditions of their squadron, which had

held the reputation of being the crack corps of the Dominion when commanded by Captain G. A. M. Buckley 30 odd years ago. Lieutenant-Colonel Holland also added; his congratulations, saying that the squadron’s performance in Hagley Park had been exemplary and equal to the best exhibition of mounted drill lie had ever seen. He stated that tile name of the Ashburton squadron had spread far, and now he had seen it for himself he could believe all the fine things he had heard about it. Although he commanded' another regiment himself, lie could heartily endorse all Colonel Nicholls’ remarks.

Commander’s Gratification. sM Major Nicoll, in conversation with a “Guardian” reporter to-day, stated that lie was very gratified with the year’s work. All the men under him had undertaken their duties with a keenness and enthusiasm that made his task very light, and at the present time they were a body of men that any officer would be proud to command. All ranks were looking forward with eagerness to the coming year’s military training, and he was quite sure that all would use their best endeavours to maintain their high reputation. Pie added that- he was still looking for new recruits, as, although the three troops were practically full, it was the intention sliertly to add a fourth troop to the squadron, and he would be pleased to receive applications from suitable men wishing to join. The oldest member of the squadron at the present time is Farrier-Corporal C. W. Begg, who joined as a trooper under the compulsory training scheme as long ago as 1918, while his younger brother, Sergeant L. J. Begg, was the first volunteer recruited by Major Nicoll in 1926.

All the present officers have risen from the ranks, the O.C. himself having joined as a trooper in 1919, getting his commission in 1921,