RESERVE ROLE
FOR THE HOME GUARD
NO FURTHER PARADES
(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sunday. The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, said to-day that the War Cabinet had reviewed the position of the Home Guard and in view of the improved situation in the Pacific and the necessity for interfering as little as possible with civilian work, especially in country districts during the coming busy season, had decided that the time had arrived when the Home Guard, which includes the Defence Engineer Service Corps, Line of Communication Signals and Line of Communication Mechanical Transport, should be placed on the reserve. Home Guardsmen will remain liable for service, but they will not be called upon to resume training or service unless a change in the military situation demands it.
This change will take effect from January 1, 1944, and in the meantime no further parades will be held except those found necessary by battalion commanders for the purpose of calling in arms, equipment and uniform now on issue to individual Home Guardsmen.
Mr. Jones said that Home Guardsmen would be allowed to retain the boots issued to them, but all other articles were to be returned under arrangements to be made by unit .commanders. Some Home Guardsmen had become liable for training in the Territorial Force and these men would .be required to return their arms and equipment, but not uniforms.
."I.wish to place on record," continued Mr. Jones, - "the deep appreciation of the War Cabinet of the great service rendered to the country by officers and men of the Home Guard," and in doing so I wish to include all- those who were responsible for the inauguration of the Home Guard." To all associated with the organisation he tendered the thanks of the Government.
On June 28 last the Prime Minister,; Mr. Fraser, in announcing the War Cabinet's decision for' a reduction of the home defence army stated that • the Hom6 Guard was to be allotted a reserve role and required to;;perform a day's training per quarter. -
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 295, 13 December 1943, Page 5
Word Count
334RESERVE ROLE Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 295, 13 December 1943, Page 5
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