NEW APPOINTMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 31 December 1941, Page 6

NEW APPOINTMENTS

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES OFFICERS IROM MIDDLE EAST • Roe., 12.40 p.m.) Melbourne, This Day Si.x brigadiers who have served with the A.I.F. in the Middle East are to b» appointed to key positions in the Australian military forces to strengthen the forces within Australia They are Brigadiers H. C. Robertson, aged 47. E. C* Plant, 51. G. A. Vasey, 46. C. A. Clowes. 49. J. J. Murray, 49. and S. G. Savage, 51. In addition, two senior officers in th« armoured division are to be promoted and given higher responsibilities, and one other officer who is also serving within Australia is to be promoted to a higher command. The Minister of the Army. Mr Forde described those selected as “some of the cream of the .men selected by General Blarney.” Mr Forde emphasised that the purpose ! was to improve the efficiency of the service and strengthen the organisation !of the home army. The actual changes in commands were approved by the War Cabinet and according to Mr Forde there will be “certain retirements and rearrangements." Mr Forde said the chief concern was to reorganise and-improve Australia's defences and enable Australia to get into top gear in her war effort at the earliest possible date. The appointments were made in accordance with the Government's policy of utilising the 'services of capable younger officers ex- ' perienced in modern warfare. Brigadiers Robertson and Plant had already returned to Australia and others were due to arrive early in the New Year.— U.P.A.