SCOTS BATTALION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 117, 10 February 1940, Page 12

SCOTS BATTALION

Offer To Government By Societies

SERVICE OVERSEAS Guarantee Of Enlistment Of Men An offer to the Government to raise a New Zealand Scottish Battalion for overseas service was made yesterday by Mr. J. G. MacKenzie on behalf of the New Zealand Scottish territorial Association and the Wellington Association of the Scots Societies. Mr. MacKenzie is president of the New Zealand Scottish Territorial Association and chairman of the Wellington Association of Scots Societies. He said the two bodies guaranteed the enlistment of the men and the necessary reinforcements. “Canada ami other Dominions already have such battalions serving in France,” said Mr. MacKenzie. “We have New Zealand Scottish territorial companies in the four centres, and the men are keen to retain their identity and enlist as a body before further enlistments reduce their strength. “Outside the four centres strong support for a New Zealand Scottish battalion is promised for the provincial centres and country districts. Tradition and sentiment still count for much and this fact is recognized by the Imperial War Office. The New Zealand Scottish territorial companies are at present a distinct asset to the Dominion and a New Zealand Scottish battalion should follow. _ “The question of wearing the Kilt does not enter into the question. All we ask is a Glengary cap and a distinct hat and shoulder badges such as the territorials have at present.”