NEW ZEALAND RIFLE BRIGADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19498, 5 June 1925, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE BRIGADE

ANNUAL REUNION. Stories of life under canvas in Egypt and in the cramped quarters of huts in muddy and death-stricken Flanders were frequently recalled at the annual reunion of members of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade at Kroon’s Hall last evening. Brigadiergenera! A. E. Stewart, of the brigade, presided over a large attendance. The Chairman said that he was sorry that 'there were not three times as many ex-riflemen present. He paid a tribute to the work of Major H. B. Barrowclough and Mr Henderson and the committee in arranging the reunion. He referred to the formation of the New Zealand Brigade in the early days of the Great War. General Fulton had been the man \vh6 had made the brigade, and his memory would always be honoured. Dunedin was the only city where it was the custom to hold a reunion of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, and he was sure that the v wore quite right in adopting that principle. for, after nil. there was an equality of service.—(Applause.) The greatest battle in which the New Zealanders participated was that of Messines, which commenced early in the morning of June 7, 1917. and it would stand a s the text book of future campaigns. Never previously in history had there been such a vast and efficient organisation. He had received an expression of goodwill from the exbrigadosmen in Wellington, and the local gathering would reciprocate, those greetings to the old brigade officers in Wellington who intended holding a reunion on Saturday next. —(Applause.) . . Major Barrowclough, in proposing the toast of “Fallen Comrades,” said that as a soldier speaking to soldiers about fellowsoldiers who had gone before he would be brief. He felt sure that their comrades-in-arms would not, wish them to cast a gloom" over the present gathering. Although they greatly regretted their sacrifice there was no doubt that not one man had begrudged the price of his own life in tile Empire’s defence. The toast was then honoured, those nresent standing in silence for a few moments. Lieutenant-colonel P. H. Bell, who proposed the toast of “The Brigade,” said lhat the men had had a war-time experience, and were essentially fighting troops. The brigade was formed in 1915, and at 'irentham it had a very muddy experience and an even muddier one at Langiotu. The brigade arrived in Egypt at the time the evacuation of Gallipoli wag contemplated. It landed at Marseilles on April I, 1916, and took part in all the big engagements, The whole of its success was duo to the influence of General Fulton, who although greatly misunderstood by many men was the one man in the New Zealand Division who had done more for the rank and file than any ether officer. Beneath his bluff exterior there wa s a. warm and thoughtful heart. On many occasions he "stirred up” the officers—although the. men knew nothing of it—for the comfort of the rank and file. General Fulton’s officers had a comparatively hard time, as lie maintained that the officers’ job was to look after the comfort of the men. Lieutenant-colonel 801 l made reference to the fact that General Fulton had mixed no Ihe various companies of the New Zealand Division so that the men of the Otago, Canterbury, Wellington, and Auckland battalions were scattered throughout the brigade, and thus the brigade spirit was created. This spirit was not possible in entirely provincial battalions, as the men ail came from the same province, and regarded their battalion from their own point of view. In conclusion, Lieutenant-colonel 801 l referrod to the men who wore generally regarded as “bad _ lots,” _ and who turned out rrumps in times of crisis. It was most noticeable, and the officers frequently commented on it. The Chairman, in reply, said that the brigade was everywhere known as the “Dinks,” and that distinguished it from the other brigades. Brigadier-genera! Stewart related a number of interesting experiences in rhe history of the brigade. The following toasts were also honoured; “Other Arms of Service.” proposed hr Major J. B. Callan. responded to by various representatives: “Returned Soldiers’ Association,” proposed by Sergeant: J. L. Drysdale. and responded to by Lieutenant P. S. Anderson (president); “Delegates,’’ and “Visitors.” During the evening enjoyable items were given by Messrs W. Strang, G. Ansell. S. Jeffs, and Major Dampen. Mr 11. Freed acted as acconipimisU