MILITARY CHANGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1939, Page 11

MILITARY CHANGES.

INFANTRY COMPANY. BREN GUN TRAINING. Changes calculated to have an important effect on the Territorial units in Palmerston North are foreshadowed in the Defence Department’s decision for a national delence loree ol considerable proportions, which lias come about as the result of appeals over the past few months. Undoubtedly the major introduction will he he reestablishment of an infantry company, information concerning which was given lo an “Evening Standard’’ representative, by Captain .1. A\ . Barry. X.Z.S.C.. officer commanding Area No. f>. The company will he I rained with the Bren guns favoured by the British Army, and will subsequently use these.

"All units are now being increased in strength so as to bring them up to tin' old establishment.” said Captain Harry. “One big difficulty being faced however, is the fact: that a complete infantry company is to he organised here as part of the Wel-lington-West Coast Regiment, and the strength required is 130 men. In this connection a waiting list is in the process of being prepared, and there are already a number of recruits of a good stamp forthcoming. Vacancies 'Still exist, hut it is hoped to have the full number of recruits required available I'm- attestation and the issue of uniforms immediately the authorities are ready to commence training them. “ft is worthy of note that to-day ail infantry company is completely armed with light, machine-guns, there being nowadays no such thing, contrary to public belief, as a rifle section. At present Lewis guns arc in use, but it is hoped that it will not he long before there are enough Bren guns for a complete issue, not just for instructional purposes. “In addition to the vacancies for the Wellington-West Coast Regiment, recruits are still wanted for the Maiiawntu Mounted Rifles (Motorised Regiment). In the ease of this regiment the now establishment allowed has resulted in an increase of one squadron, and. consequently, it is intended to organise in Palmerston North a headquarters squadron, which will include signallers and other specialists. and, also, to supply part of tile light liiaehiiie-gnn troops. This unit is armed with Bren guns, these having been well demonstrated and used in the camp at -Marton recently. “There are also vacancies in the Bth Battery of the New Zealand Artillery for men of the right tync.” Concluding. Captain Barry said that the • co-operation of all sections of the community was required. It had been gratifying during the camp season just ended to have received a largo measure of support, from I he employers of serving Territorials, this resulting in the camps beii-u; very successful.