RESERVE BATTALION

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23086, 31 July 1940, Page 14

RESERVE BATTALION

TO TBS EDITOH OF THE PEESS. Sir, —New Zealand land defence is now speeding up. The camps contain a useful striking force, and any deficiency in modern equipment is shortly to be remedied. A special tribute is due to the spirit shown by those men between 35 and 55 years of age returned from the Great War who are now enlisting in good numbers for home defence in the new Reserve Fighting Battalion. The appointment of a small staff of refreshed officers and n.c.o.’s and a fixed syllabus covering a drill refresher course, musketry manoeuvres, and lectures satisfies the keenness of returned men, who, being reasonably fit, are anxious to do their share of war effort. From the many hundreds of returned men living near Christchurch one battalion of real quality should result, notwithstanding the fact that the weekly programme covers only one evening and one week-end parade. The example set by the men who volunteer to serve in such a battalion is worthy of all praise. It shows that we still have veterans who are not content to leave the defence of their principles, their homes and the commonwealth to those hard-pressed but magnificently courageous airman, seamen, and soldiers now protecting our British Isles.—Yours, etc., BREN GUN. July 30, 1940.