BRITAIN’S ARMY

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4302, 11 March 1901, Page 5

BRITAIN’S ARMY

SCHEAIE OF REORGANISATION. PARTICULARS OF THE WAR OFFICE INTENTIONS. GREAT INCREASE IN STRENGTH. (Received Alarch 10. 4.30 p.m.) LONDON. Alarch 9. In the House of Commons the Hon. W. St. John Brodrick, Secretary of State! for War, unfolded a great army scheme, which was favourably commented on on both sides of the House. The central feature of the scheme is that .six army corps will be stationed in as many districts, each corps; to be completely equipped, and three always ready to go abroad. A large portion of the War Office work will thus devolve upon the commanders of these corps.

Mr Brodrick stated that the Home army in future will number 680,000 men, including 155,000 regulars (besides 115,000 regulars stationed in India and abroad), 90,000 reservists, 150,000 mill tia, 35,000 yeomanry, and 250,000 volunteers of increased efficiency. The field army will comprise 260,000 men, home garrisons 190,000, and volunteers for the defence of London 100,000. including altogether forty heavy batteries. The unallotted surplus of 130,000 represents the staff, sick and recruits. The first three army corps are intended for immediate foreign service or for the first lino of Home defence. The total additions to the forces under the scheme will be 126,500 men, costing under £3,000,000 annually. The training of the troops, said Mr Brodrick, will be remodelled, and he indicated that there would be less barracks drill, while more of the professional spirit would be expected amongst officers, whose expenses would be reduced.

(Received March 10, 4.50 p.m.) LONDON, March 9

In unfolding the new army scheme, Mr Brodrick stated that Aldershot will be the headquarters of the! First Army Corps, Salisbury Plain of the second, Ireland of the third, Colchester of the fourth, York of the fifth, and Edinburgh of the sixth.

The last three will include sixty battalions* of militia and volunteers, both with special training and equipped with field guns. The enrolment of eight garrison regiments would release an equivalent of regulars stationed in the Mediterranean; five Indian regiments will replace the regulars garrisoning tropical fortresses, and the Admiralty is to undertake the defence of the smaller coaling stations, tiius releasing another five battalions of regulars. A militia reserve of 50,000, said Mr Brodrick, is being formed; the yeomanry will bo armed with rifles; and. if possible, colonial yeomanry will he affiliated for Imperial service.

Two hundred 4.7 in guns and field guns have been ordered.

Each corps will have its own barracks, parade grounds, and staffs', as well as transport complete for service. No officer will be employed in a command in peace unless he is certified as being fit to command in time of war.

The whole scheme aims at decentralising the administration and centralising responsibility.