MOUNTED RIFLES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 177, 27 July 1940, Page 6

MOUNTED RIFLES.

FOR HILLY COUNTRY.

ORGANISATION BEGUN.

NORTH AUCKLAND SQUADRONS

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WHANGAREI, this day.

The formation in North Auckland of new independent squndrons of Mounted Rifles to operate in hilly country adjacent to tiie east coastal areas is being put in hand immediately.

The establishment of the new squadrons is being uhdertaken throughout New Zealand by Colonel H. J. White, D.5.0., D.C..M. of the N.Z.S.C., Army Headquarters, Wellington, and Captain G. F. Yerex, N.Z.S.C. They have commenced a tour of 'both islands, and they arrived at their starting point, ■Whangarei, yesteiday.

The new squadrons arc to operate in coastal areas which are difficult of acces« by other branches of the service, and provide a link between the harbour defences which arc under the control of the National Military Reserve.

Organisation in North Auckland commenced this morning with a conference in Whangarei, between Colonel White and Captain Yerex and senior officers in the district. As far as the Northland squadron is concerned, it will cover the area north of Whangarei in the vicinity of the east coast, and extend inland for about 10 or 15 miles, according to the nature of the country. Another squadron, to be known as the Kaipara Squadron, is to be formed in the area south of Whangarei. A number of retired officers have already offered their services. Applications for enlistment in the new squadrons can be made at defence offices.