MILITARY RESERVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23884, 11 August 1939, Page 7

MILITARY RESERVE

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ UNIT TO BE FORMED IMMEDIATELY UNANIMOUS DECISION OF MEETING The unanimous decision to form a returned soldiers’ group of the National military reserve, class 2. was reached at a meeting of 200 ex-service-men which was held in the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Club last night. The president of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr J. M. White) was in the chair, and explained that the meeting had been called to consider the formation of a returned soldiers’ rifle battalion in Dunedin. He reminded those present that they were meeting at a time when British prestige. particularly in the Far East, had never been lower, Great Britain, however, had pledged herself to assist Poland. Rumania, and Turkey, and could not take a firm stand in the Far East on account of possible dangers in Europe. He spoke of the defensive preparations which were being carried out in England at the present time and also those which the other parts of the Empire had embarked upon In New Zealand the defence estimates just passed were larger than for a considerable time, and the Minister had stated that the total of 16,000 territorials had been reached which was a gratifying result of six weeks efforts. The recent conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association had again advocated compulsory military training, which-was also upheld by the Dunedin executive. The Government, however, after at first refusing permission to ex-servicemen in Blenheim and Upper Hutt to train, had now invited returned soldiers to play a part in the defence scheme In view of the extreme national importance of preparedness, he felt that the meeting should whole-heartedly support that suggestion and give what assistance was possible to the territorial units. , . . , , Mr White read a letter which had been received from the Area Staff Officer, Major A. Bongard. who stated that he proposed recommending to headquarters that Lieutenant-colonel N. R. Wilson, D. 5.0., M.C., V.D., should be appointed commanding officer of the returned soldiers’ group if it were formed, and detailing the organisation of the unit. Peace training was laid down as four muster parades a year. When practicable, these would take the form of rehearsals on the ground _of probable war tasks, such as occupying positions for the defence of the port. In addition other voluntary parades would be encouraged. The unit would not be uniformed in peace time, but would be issued with arm bands. Mr White added that every returned soldier in the province would be welcomed to the unit, whether he was a member of the Returned Soldiers Association or not. Major Bongard dealt with the question of the enrolment card, about winch there seemed to be some uncertainty, he stated. The card was merely an offer of service, and carried no obligation with it. The actual undertaking to train and serve on home defence in a national emergency would be given when the unit was formed and organised. He gave a few details of the training which would be carried out, and said that the territorial forces, being the country’s first line of defence, naturally had first call on the available equipment. That was why it had been decided to ask the returned soldiers to form themselves into a rifle company. It would also have two Maxim guns, which, he said, amidst laughter, might seem somewhat antique, but were still quite good weapons, and would also be able to borrow other guns and light automatics from the local units. Mr N. R. Wilson said he understood that the group would extend from Mosgiel to Oamaru, and its principal functions would be the defence of secondary ports, which included Oamaru, Port Chalmers and Dunedin, guarding important points such as aerodromes, and supplying training staff. In the case of war. he said, their present economic system might partly collapse, and many men in key positions might find themselves available for new duties to meet the altered conditions. From Oamaru to Taieri Mouth they had a vulnerable coastline, and possibly at least 5000 first line troops would be required to defend it. The country’s young men were mostly untrained, but, if necessary. many suitable instructors in all arms were available among returned soldiers. It was obvious that every fit returned man would have a job, and it would be the work of the group to find and indicate that job. . Mr Bruce Smith said that many returned men had not already volunteered for the national reserve because of their civil occupations. He reminded those present that, if war broke out, the majority of them would lose those occupations and would volunteer for active service. Why not volunteer now, and be prepared, he concluded. In reply to a question. Major Bongard explained that officers in the reserve were not required to fill m tne application card. If they were not required by their own regiments they would be asked to fill posts In the national military reserve. In the case o’f ex-officers who had served with other Empire forces, however, the authorities would be glad if they would fill in the required form. After some further discussion, the following motion was earned unanimously:—” That this meeting of ex-ser-vicemen decides that a group of returned soldiers be formed immediately and its services be offered for the defence of New Zealand, and that_ returned soldiers throughout the province be recommended to join up with the unit.” _____