TRAINED SNIPERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1938, Page 11

TRAINED SNIPERS

TERRITORIAL PLAN

RIFLE CLUB MEMBERS

Twelve sniper platoons, one for each Infantry regiment, are to be formed in New Zealand as the result of a suggestion by the Defence Department to the National Rifle Association, which is fostering the idea, states a New Plymouth correspondent. A platoon will comprise 20 men and will be attached to and trained by a rifle club. Already several members of the Taranaki clubs have signified their intention of joining the platoon at New Plymouth.

The following proposals for the formation of special sub-units have been drawn up:—-(1) Riflemen to volunteer as Territorials for special duty in sniper platoonsi rifle clubs to do the recruiting arid to vouch for the marksmanship of the members who volunteer. (2) Snipers to be issued free with the 1914 pattern rifle, which was used during 1916-18 as a sniper rifle fitted with a telescopic sight. The Army will provide ..service telescopic sights on the basis of four to each platoon for training in peace and the rifles before being issued will be put in firstclass condition' by armourers. An annual sniper course of six days will be held at the army school, Trentham, for selected snipers either before or immediately after the annual National Rifle Association meeting. Snipers attending the course as Territorials will receive free travelling facilities, 12s a day pay, and camp allowance. They will wear the Territorial uniform and possibly a special distinguishing badge. - It is also intended that snipers should assist whenever possible with the coaching of members of the Territorial lunit.