RELEASE FROM CAMP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24834, 6 February 1942, Page 4

RELEASE FROM CAMP

OLDER MEN MOBILISED TRANSFER TO HOME GUARD The gradual release- from mobilisa-/ tion, if circumstances permit, Of men over 55, and later of key men between the ages of 46 and 55, will become possible under the reorganisation of territorial, National Military Reserve, and Home Guard units* Men over 55 will eventually be transferred to the;}lome Guard from the territorials, which are in future to include the National Military Reserve; and unless the. Home Guard is actually mobilised they will be permitted to return to their civil occupations. Making this explanation yesterday, the commander of the Otago military area, Lieutenant-colonel J. G. Jeffery, said that as the strength, of the'territorials was built up, men between 46 . and 55, would .also gradually -be released, depending on their. importance to industry. He added that-the principle behind the change of status of the National Military Reserve was based on tactical reasons and the need for a simplification of administration Instead of the three military categories as formerly, there would in future be only the territorials and the Home Guard, and the Home Guard itself would be split into two divisions, to which men would be posted according to their physical fitness.