Rifle Club Members As Snipers

Northern Advocate, 8 September 1938, Page 12

Rifle Club Members As Snipers

Plans for the formation of members of New Zealand Defence Piifle Clubs into sniper platoons to be attached to volunteer Territorial regiments have been formulated by the Army Department. Details of the proposals are contained in a letter received by the president of the Whangarci Defence Rifle Club, Mr J. H. Ashton, from the National Rifle Association,

The letter states that the Army Department has suggested something on these lines should bo done to enable younger riflemen to use their expert knowledge in building up-’Territorial units for the heme defence of New Zealand.

“The matter has been considered and endorsed by the N.R.A. executive, and thoroughly discussed with the department,” the letter continues. “As a result, the following proposals for the formation of these special sub-units have been drawn up:—

“Riflemen to volunteer ,as Territorials for special duty in sniper platoons, rifle clubs in the areas concerned to do the recruiting and to vouch for the marksmanship of their members who volunteer.

“Snipers to be issued free with the 1914 pattern rifle, which was used during 1914-1918 as the sniper rifle, being fitted with a telescopic sight.

“An annual “sniper course” of six days will be held at the Army School, Trentham, for selected snipers, either prior to or immediately following the annual N.R.A. meeting. Snipers attending this course as Territorials receive free travelling facilities and 12 per day pay and camp allowance.

“Snipers are to assist, wherever possible, with the cVaching of other members of their Territorial unit, and, generally, to help build up the standard of rifle shooting in their unit.

“Snipers will naturally wear Territorial uniform, possibly with a special distinguishing badge in addition to those of their unit, which could be worn at all times to indicate the special service they are rendering.” Rifles before issue would be carefully “vetted” by the armourers, and put in first-class condition. The Army Department WQuld provide service telescopic sights on the basis of four per platoon for peace-time training purposes.

Twelve sniper platoons, each of 20 members, are to be formed throughout New Zealand. Members of the Whangarei Defence Rifle Club linking up with the scheme will be attached to the First Battalion. North Auckland Regiment, and it has been suggested that they should combine with Kaitaia riflemen for the formation of a platoon.