DEFENCE TOPICS

Evening Star, Issue 22195, 25 November 1935, Page 8

DEFENCE TOPICS

QUARTERDECK AND PARADE GROUND [By Sam Browns.] CAMP DATES January 20-30.—Otago Mounted Rifles, Outram. February S-15.—14t1i Medium Battery, Sutton; February 22-29.—Otago University Medical Company, Sutton. April 30-March 3.—l2th Field Battery, Sutton. March 30-April G.—lst Battalion, the Otago Regiment, Waianakarua. NAVAL RESERVES VOLUNTARY TRAINING To-night the visual signalling and wireless telegraphy ratings may have the use of the equipment at headquarters. • BOATS' CREW'S EXERCISE The whalers were exercised on Saturday afternoon, and will again be out to-night. Ratings will report at the boat slip. There will be no pulling or sailing on Wednesday. SMOKE CONCERT A combined smoke concert with the 12th Battery will be held in Wilson Hall on December 3. Ratings wishing to attend should communicate with the instructors at headquarters as early as possible. ARTILLERY 12TH HOWITZER BATTERY The 12th Battery paraded last Wednesday evening, when there was a largo attendance of members. After inspection by the section commanders the battery went to divisions, when Major Stark outlined the programme which would take place prior to the prize-giving on December 4. The battery staff was examined in their branch of the work by Staff Sergeant-major Boult. The drivers carried out harnessing and hooking-in practice in preparation for the demonstration. _ The gunners carried out fire discipline and gun drill unclerLieutenant Moodie. All ranks are reminded of the annual smoke social which will bo held in Wilson Hall on December 3, and also of the demonstration and prize-giving on December 4.

The recently-formed) Miniature Rifle Club is carrying out some good work and in the near future a match will take place between the battery officers and a team from the gunners. It is hoped that at some future date a match may bo arranged with the members of the R.N.V.11. and other units. The battery will parade again as usual on Wednesday next.

APPOINTMENT \ Paymaster Sub-lieutenant B. M, Thomson, Otago Division R.N.V.R., has been promoted to paymaster lieutenant, with seniority from June 25.1935. THE OTAGO REGIMENT THE SUPPORT COMPANY Th'e Support Company held the last parade for the first half-year, 1935-36, on Tuesday night. As the Vickers guns were away for armourer’s inspection, the machine gun platoons carried out infantry training under their n.c.o.s. No. 16 (mortar) platoon cleaned the mortars and carried out limber drill. Four range-takers have also completed an elementary course of instruction. All ranks will be notified of the data of recommencement of parades. PORT CHALMERS PLATOON The Port Chalmers platoon paraded last Monday night, when there was a large attendance. This platoon is to be congratulated on maintaining a very good attendance throughout the year. The parade, after carrying out squad drill, spent the evening prepaying for the shooting match, “old timers” v. present volunteers, which was fired at the range last Saturday. The wind-up social will be held tonight. As the arrangements _ are in the hands of a strong committee, » very enjoyable evening should be spent. REAR-ADMIRAL BURGES WATSON PLACED ON RETIRED LIST The Admiralty announced on September IS that the retirement had been approved of Rear-Admiral Fischer Burges Watson, _ D. 5.0., who wa# placed on the retired list at his own request, to date September 17, 1935,As Rear-Admiral Watson was supernumerary to the Rear-Admiral’s list, no vacancy occurred in consequence of his retirement. It was announced when Rear-Ad-miral Watson was promoted to flag v rank on September 30, 1933, that at the request of the New Zealand Government he would complete his appointment in command of the New Zealand station and as first naval mem* • her of the Naval Board before retirement, and would be borne supernumerary to the list of flag officers, • He was succeeded in April last by Commodore the Hon. E. R. Drummond, M.V.O. Rear-Admiral Watson, the son of the late Rear-Admiral Burges Watson, retires on attaining the age of 51. As a ’ lieutenant he played Rugby football for the Navy and for England. He commanded the destroyed Loyal and the leaders Tempest and Shakespeare during the war. Promoted to captain in December, 1921, he afterwards commanded the cruiser Caledon • and was ’ chief stall officer at Gibraltar. In 1928-30 he was naval assistant to the Second Sea Lord (Admiral Sir Michael Hodges), and in 1930-31 was flag-cap-tain in the Nelson to that officer when coinmaiidei'-iii-cliief, Atlantic Fleet.