MECHANISING THE BRITISH ARMY

Northern Advocate, 5 February 1936, Page 5

MECHANISING THE BRITISH ARMY

[‘‘The Times ” Cable.l (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, February 4.

The military correspondent of “The Times” says the scheme for the modernisation of the infantry in the British Army involves the complete mechanisation of the first line -' of transport, either with 15 cwt trucks' or with armoured carriers.

It the replacement of officers’ chargers with light cars and motor cycles. Vehicles will be provided for two divisions at Aldershot before the summer training. The Third and Fourth Divisions will be equipped next winter.

It has been decided that rjfle battalions shall include 52 light machine guns, and four mechanised mortars. Machine gun • battalions shall consist of two companies, equipped with 32 heavy machine guns, each of which will be carried to a low armoured or mobile “pill box,” whence it can be fired. j

There will be an anti-tank company, \ armed with 12 anti-tank rifles and a mechanised scout compariy, mounted on fast light armoured ve- v

hides, which will enable the infantry brigade to provide its own rapid reconnaissance over a wide area. This is essential, as unmechanised cavalry, five regiments of which will be maintained at Home, will relieve British cavalry in India. Unfortunately, the Indian authorities refuse to mechanise British units. Although they are designed to act as divisional cavalry, they will not be able to fulfil modern needs in connection with reconnaissance, to the disadvantage of the British in comparison with Continental mechanised scout groups.