Appeal For Recruits For Second Echelon

Northern Advocate, 16 December 1939, Page 10

Appeal For Recruits For Second Echelon

\Per Press Association. Copyright ] WELLINGTON, This Day. AN APPEAL FOR RECRUITS TO BRING THE SECOND ECHELON OF THE SPECIAL FORCE UP TO FULL STRENGTH AND PROVIDE A NUCLEUS FOR THE THIRD ECHELON WAS MADE BY THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE (MR. JONES) LAST NIGHT.

Enlistments will ho on Die same oomlifions as those for the First Eoholon.

“The First Echelon has completed its preliminary training,” said Hi*. Jones, “and will shortly leave for advanced training overseas. “The mobilisation camps will then be available for the training of the Second Echelon. “Numbers of men, who have already enlisted and been passed medically fit. are waiting to enter camp with the Second Echelon, but more are required to make up the full strength and provide a nucleus for the Third Echelon. “Those prepared to offer their services*should do so as soon as possible.

Officers in Training < “Officers for the jSecond Echelon have been in training since November 8. Non-commissioned officers are also in training. “Their number will be supplemented from later enlistments. “Some who volunteered for the First Echelon were rejected on account of minor dental defects. “There will be no further rejections on this ground, as all such troubles will be rectified by army dental officers in camp.

out a campaign, with myself as chairman:—

Colonel O. H. Mead D. 5.0., AdjutantGeneral; Mr F. B. Dwyer, of Army Headquarters; Major R. E. Murray, Army Publicity Officer; Major E, H. Whiting, of the Central Military District; Mr J. T. Paul, Director of Publicity. “I cordially welcome the assistance of territorial associations, local bodies, representatives of other organisations, and citizens generally to ensure the success of this appeal. Coast Defences.

“On the day recruiting opened for the First Echelon.” the Minister continued, “the volunteers exceeded the total number required.

The 'Minister for Defence (Mr F. Jones) stated that a good many applications were being received by the Army authorities for the relief of men who had been serving with the 15th Heavy and 22nd Anti-Aircraft Batteries on coast defence and anti-aircraft duties.

Can Equal Record. “Volunteers for the Second Echelon may have difficulty in beating this record, but they can equal it. “Service with the forces involves sacrifice, but the Government has always believed the necessary sacrifice would be made when the need was known.

These were treated as sympathetically as possible, but it must be realised that in these highly-technical units there was a definite limit to the number of men who could be released, as it was essential that the efficiency of the batteries be maintained. Many on coast defence and anti-aircraft duty naturally desired to join the Special Force for overseas, and arrangements had been made for a certain number to transfer. This also necessitated additional men being recruited and trained. Any unmarried men between 19 and 21, and 36 and 40, desiring to serve, should apply to the nearest defence office.

“The men on final leave have obeyed the call of duty, and the country honours them. “I am confident their fellow men will not falter now in the national effort to-maintain the guarantee of safety of New Zealand and the British Commonwealth. Recruiting Campaign. “I have arranged for a continuation of the Central Recruiting Committee and the following officers will carry