H.G. NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 24226, 20 June 1942, Page 3

H.G. NOTES

i X JUU —Ay 1958

Saturday's Parade. Congratulations to all Hoinc Guardsmen who took part on their showing in last Saturday’s United Nations Day parade. Making their lit':- 1 appearance in uniform in a public parade, the men acquitted themselves with distinction. Their excellent marching ami military hearing were most favourably conuncuied upon by all who saw them, and some fine words of praise were littered in high quaiiers. It is to be regrelled, as the area commander, Lieuten-ant-colonel J. G. Jeffery, remarked during the week, that so frfV it lias not been possible lo stage a public parade with a full muster of Home Guardsmen. Bo many have to, work on Saturday morning, while as many have, till now, boon active on defence works that little more than half-strength representation lias been possible. A full muster in a parade with uniforms and all equipment would no doubt, prove an eyeopener to the ordinary man in the street, who is nol completely aware of the high standard of training now shown by ali ranks.

Grounds for ‘Appeal. A number of men now being posled to Home Guard units under Hie new regulations have asked on what grounds they may appeal against service. There is, of course, the possibility of obtaining exemption on medical grounds, bill if this does not’ apply a man called up may appeal on four grounds: (1) That lie was wrongfully included in the class called on for service in lhe Guard —that is, British subjects between the ages of 55 and 50 inclusive; (2) public interest; (3) undue hardship to himself or others; (4) conscieniions objections. An employer, parent, or dependent of a man called on for service also lias Hie right of appeal on the ground of undue hardship or of public interest. No iimo should be lost in lodging appeals with the Man Power Committee where they are contemplated. Compulsion. “ Tiie compulsory enrolment of men in the Home Guard will not be of much use unless attendance at parades is also made compulsory,” said Lieutenant-colonel \V. Bell, Director of the Home Guard for No. 12 Group, recently. “'When a man signs Hie enrolment form for tiie Home Guard lie lakes an oath that he w’il faithfully serve in the Guard,' but I am afraid this will not be of much use in some cases unless parades are made compulsory. Of course, if a man bad a legitimate excuse for not attending, such as having to work, leave would be granted, but it should be a condition that men should apply to their, commanding officer for leave and -not just take it of their own accord. At Hie present time a number of keen Guardsmen are never absent from parade without first obtaining leave.” Cargill Battalion.

Last Sunday A Company carried out a full programme of field exercises; the planning of these was carefully prepared, particular attention being paid to timing. During (lie actual exercises the time schedule was strictly adhered to and provided a valuable experience for all units. This company’s training is following a carefully prepared schedule, and the keen enthusiasm displayed is .illustrated by the voluntary action of one of the platoons in parading every night for the past week, with a full day parade to-day and tomorrow.

B Company paraded for the day last Sunday and carried out work of an interesting and varied nature, covering bayonet fighting, bomb throwing, lecture, and route marching. At a well-attended parade on Monday night an interesting lecture was delivered on woods fighting; semaphore signalling was also practised. C Company will parade to-morrow at 0815 hours at the corner of Dnndas and Cumberland streets, and will march to the rillc range for firing practice. Full equipment will be worn, minus haversack and water bottle carrier. Units will bring rations for one meal, and tea, milk, and sugar will be provided. This is an important parade, and a full attendance is expected. A field day will be held on Sunday, June 28, in the vicinity of company headquarters. With the formation of a mortar platoon and the consequent transfer to it of some, n.c.o.s, men are invited to attend the n.c.o. classes held in the North-east Valley Town Hall every Thursday night at 7.15. Otakou Battalion.

B Company carried out part of their musketry course last week-end, some good performances being recorded. To-morrow, a. full day parade will be held, when companies will parade as follows at 0900 hours'.—A Company at St. Kilda Towi; Hall, B Company at Chisholm Park, C Company at King’s High School, D Company as arranged, Peninsula Company at Portobello. Rations for eight hours will be carried by each man. Hot tea, milk, and sugar will be provided by units. Field exercises and battle drill comprise the major part of the day’s training. Lieutenant C. H. Hoskin, adjutant, has been appointed 0.C., Headquarters Company. This company is now practically organised, except for the Ambulance or Medical Platoon, which is now being recruited. Lieutenant A. Mcliutchon has been appointed platoon commander of this section.. Guardsmen wishing to join the medical section should notify their company commanders as soon as possible. Platoon headquarters will be established at Forbury School Hall.

The following promotions are announced: ■—Lieutenant H. G. Munro to O.C. Peninsula Company; W.O. W. J. Mclunes, R.Q.M.S. to acting assistant adjutant. The following officers have been transferred:—Lieutenant 0. T. Wright, second iu command of D Company, to be second in command of A Company; Lieutenant C. R. Martin, second in command of Peninsula Company, to be second in command of D Company; Lieutenant W. J. McFarlatte, to A Company; Lieutenant R. 0. Talbot and Lieutenant A. L. of Artillery Troop, to Cargill Battalion; Lieutenant Charles Braid, to Flagstaff: Battalion. Further promotions are; Sergeant S. V. Wilson, Battalion Headquarters, to be staff sergeant; Sergeant. A. G. Bailey, Headquarters Company, to be assistant R.Q.M.S. The following sergeants have been promoted to acting platoon commanders: —N. F. Ford, C.S.M., G. E. Bichan, A. R. Harris, P. C. Dawson, and R. C. Dobson. Company Headquarters Changes.—B Company has been changed to the Drill Hall, Kensington, and D Company to the testing station at Anderson’s Bay. Flagstaff Battalion. Men of A and C Companies not already equipped with uniforms will parade at the Drill Hall on Tuesday next at 7.30 p.m. for this purpose. There will be no parade for A Company to-morrow. Next parade will be on Sunday, June 28, at Mornington School at 9 a.m. Dress; Full marching order. The company will spend the day on the range. C Company will hold a half-day parade on Sunday at 9 a.m. Drill order. Burns Battalion. A Company will parade next Tuesday at Garrison Hall at 7.30 p.m. B Company will parade (o-morrow at Garrison Hall 'at 9 a.m. for half-day only. There will he no n.c.o. parade next Tuesday. Artillery Members. Guardsmen of the artillery unit are now being posted to the Home Guard Company in their district. These men will be attached to the mortar platoons, and will make a welcome addition to the strength of the companies.

Lines of Communication. No. 29 Company paraded at Logan Park on Sunday morning, carrying out training in infantry and M..T. drill. There was a good muster on Monday night at the Drill Hall for training and musketry instruction. To-morrow a full-day compulsory parade is io be held at the Drill Hall tit 0730 hours, officers and n.c.o.s reporting at 0700 hours. Convoy work in connection with the Home Guard will he undertaken; usual mess gear to be brought. There was a record attendance of No. 30 Company last Sunday, when a comprehensive all-day exercise was undertaken in conjunction with Home Guard working parties. The exercise wont like clockwork, and the men are Vo be commended for tlie efficient manner in which they undertook their duties. In no small measure the success of the day was due to those officers and n.c.o.s who undertook the detailed planning necessary. The usual n.c.o. class was held on Tuesday night, furl her rifle drill and range instruction being given in readiness for the forthcoming company shoot on June 27. This was followed by an interesting talk by the 0.C., Captain W. D. Allan, on matters of vital interest to the company. On Wednesday night the company was issued willt uniforms, and several new members were enlisted. There will be no parade to-morrow in view of the strenuous following week-end, which embraces the company shoot on Saturday and all-dary exercises on Sunday.