THE HOME GUARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23773, 28 September 1940, Page 10

THE HOME GUARD

DISTRICT COMMANDERS FOUR OFFICERS CHOSEN MEN OF LONG SERVICE BASIS OF ORGANISATION [by TELEcnArn —press association] WELLINGTON, Friday The Minister of National Services, the Hon. R. Semple, in a statement to-day, announced the appointment of four commanders of tho Home Guard. „ "In previous statements," said Mr. Semple, "It has been indicated that the organisation of the Home Guard, while not being- it military establishment at this stage, would be developed very much along tho lines of the Army, so that the closest collaboration would be ensured in tho training and disposition of the guard to render it nh efficient supplementary body to the armed forces in time of need. Division of Dominion "It was decided, therefore, to divide the Dominion into district commands and those, in turn, into areas, as is done with the Army organisation. For tho purposes of tho Home Guard, however, it has been found desirable to have four district commands, two in the North Island and two in the South Island, instead of three, as in the Army. The division of the South Island into two districts will allow of much quicker organising, because less travelling by the district commander will bo involved. "Great care has been exercised in the selection of the personnel to undertake the work of district commanders," added the Minister, "and after a very wido consultation with Major-General Young, the lleturned Soldiers' Association, local authorities and others, the Government has been fortunate in securing tho services of men with fine records, who have agreed to give their timo gratis to this work." Careers of the Leaders Mr. Semple said he had pleasure in announcing that the following appointments had been approved: Auckland District Commander. — Colonel M. A hired, Y.D., N.Z.K.F., H)]o-17. Colonel Aldred served in Egypt and Palestine and his highest rank was temporary major. He was in the Territorial Force from 1908 to 1934 and commanded the Ist Auckland .Mounted Rifles and the Ist New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade, his highest rank being colonel. . Wellington District Commander. — Colonel R. St. J. Heere, D.5.0., N.Z.K.K., 1914-19. Colonel Beere served in Samoa, Egypt and France, his highest rank being lieutenant-colonel. He commanded the 4th Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was mentioned in despatches. He was in the Territorial Force from 3909 to 1929 and commanded the Ist Battalion, Wellington Hegiment, and the 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade with the highest rank of colonel. Christchurch District Commander. — Major G. E. F. Kingscote, N.Z.E.F., 1916-17. He was intelligence officer in the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade in 1917 and was with the British Army in 1918-19. His highest rank was major and lie was mentioned in despatches. Dunedin District Commander. —Lieu-tenant-Colonel A. S. B. Smith, lii.D., N.Z.K.F., 1915-18. Colonel Smith was in the Otago Mounted Hifles in Egypt and France and was commissioned in the field in 1918. He was in the Territorial Force from 1920 to 1937. and commanded the Otago Mounted Hifles. His highest rank was lieutenantcolonel. Immediate Action The Minister stated that immediately the four district commanders were appointed they were called to Wellington lor a conlercnce with the Dominion commander, Major-General Young, and Ministers. They had now returned to their districts to institute the necessary action to bring the Home Guard into being at the earliest possib.!,,i date.