MOUNTED RIFLES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 25, 9 November 1940, Page 2

MOUNTED RIFLES

INDEPENDENT SQUADRONS.

COLONEL WHItE AS ORGANISER.

fPer Press Association). WELLINGTON, November 8. “Although there still remain some details to be completed before the training of independent squadrons of the Mounted Rifles can be commenced, very good progress lias been made in the organisation of these squadrons,’’ said the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), in a statement this evening. “Colonel J. H. Whyte, D. 5.0., D.C.M. (retired) has offered his ■ services gratis to the Government to organise and form squadrons, in company with Captain G. F. Yerex, N.Z.S.C. Colonel White has visited all squadron areas, and the satisfactory position of the squadrons to-day is Very largely due to the efforts of these two officers. Both Colonel Whyte and Captain Yerex served with the New Zealand- Mounted Rifles in the last war, and they were thus well acquainted with the - requirements, and by renewing personal contact were able to secure the services of a large number of former New Zealand Mounted Rifles officers.

“Each squadron, which consists of headquarters and four troops, has been allotted a definite area from which recruits are to be drawn, and in which they will operate. It is expected that the local knowledge of the men recruited and trained in the troop area will be of great assistance in the event of their being called on for the defence of New Zealand. Each troop is expected to acquire a thorough knowledge of all roads, tracks, telephones, isolated homesteads, possible landingplaces, ambush and demolition points, and of the country and resources generally in its sector.

“Through many interviews, most of the squadron officers required have been selected. In making these appointments potential military ability and leadership have been a necessary qualification, in addition to residence within or near the squadron and troop area.” Officers have been appointed for the Marlborough, Nelson, Ellesmere (Banks Pleninsula.) and Taieri squadrons.

Good Response Already. “It has been laid down that eligibility for enrolment is confined to those who- reside in the recruiting areas and are abjjs to provide themselves with a suitable horse and saddlery,” said Mr Jones. “In. many cases troops, and in some cases, whole squadrons, have already sufficient men available to complete a squadrozi. These men „re ■of an excellent type, and it is confidently anticipated that before long all squadrons will bo up to full stiength. “lit a few cases the provision of horses is presenting some difficulty btit this is being largely ovqrconte by the public-spirited and patriotic -action, of farmers who, though not available or eligible for service them selves, are providing, and maintaining horses for the use of tho troops. A splendid example is that of one patriotic farmer who is not only providing five horses, fully maintained, including shoeing, but is making them available- at all times to the troop in the area in which he resides. Ooi-Ope-ration of this nature, plus the efforts of thie- men themselves,' will result in all squadrons being fully horsed in the near future. ‘ ‘The squadron sergeant-major of each squadron is now at the central district school at Tauherenikau undergoing a month’s training, under Lieutenant and Quartermaster A. Holmes, New Zealand Permanent Staff, ini -all the subjects in which they in, turn will be responsible for supervising the training of their squadrons'. When this course ends on November 16, the squadron stsrgeant-niajors will retinal to their areas to 1 asist in the training and administration, of their squadrons.”