British Army Short of Men

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 157, 6 July 1936, Page 5

British Army Short of Men

The Army will bo over 6000 men short when the present recruiting year ends on September 30, unless the rate of recruiting is increased greatly in the next few months, says the Daily Telegraph. To replace men who will pass into the Reserve during the year, the War Office require 30,000 recruits. Present weekly returns from all over the country indicate that tho total will bo less than 24,000. The best times for recruiting, just after Christmas and Easter, are past. In a recent week there were 494 recruits, an increase of 65 over tho same period last year, but unless this number is considerably increased there is no chance of reaching the required numbor. Every effort is being made to attract young men into tho Army. During the period of their service they are taught .trades and prepared for their return to

civil life. In tho last four years, it is pointed out, over 100 soldiers from the ranks haec obtained commissions. Recruiting for tho Territorial Army showed a marked increaso in numbers in March and April, but the force is estimated to be still many thousands below strength. In the anti-aircraft units alone, between 2000 and 3000 recruits are urgently needed for the defence of London. “ Skilled mechanics for the mechanised units of both tho Regular and Territorial Amies are required.