THE SCOTTISH REGIMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26749, 19 April 1948, Page 4

THE SCOTTISH REGIMENT

The question of the re-formation of the Scottish Regiment has been discussed by ex-members of the unit, but it was decided that until such time as the full policy for the army is stated by the Minister no definite steps could be taken. As we have pointed out in these columns, there were serious omissions in the recent defence statement by Mr Jones, and until those important details have been supplied it would indeed be difficult to attempt the organisation which would be necessary for the revival of the Scottish Regiment. On the other hand, if such a proposal is to be seriously considered, there are sound reasons why at least the preliminary steps should be taken now. The fact that an association — the New Zealand Scottish Regiment Ex-members’ Association (2nd Battalion) —has been formed to keep alive the spirit of comradeship which was created in the unit shows that there is a lively sentiment in connection with it which could perhaps be made use of in the creation of the new territorial system. If the members of the association and members of the public, including especially those young men who might be expected to fill the ranks of the reestablished regiment, have a sincere desire to see the Scottish Regiment once more in being, then it would be well to discuss the proposal fully in public with a view to making representations to the Minister of Defence. It would probably be easier at this stage to arrange for the inclusion of such a unit than it would be at a later date. Furthermore, such an expression of public interest in the future of the territorial force might have an influence in shaping policy. The Scottish Regiment was an organisation of volunteers, as was its predecessor, the Highland Rifles. It gave a real stimulus to local recruiting during the pre-war period of voluntary defence service and it lost its identity only when that system was superseded during the war. If the Government intends to attempt a voluntary, or even a semi-volun-tary, system for the new territorial force, the revival of the Scottish Regiment may once more prove to be a valuable stimulus to recruiting. If the Government decides—as it should —to introduce some form of compulsory training, it is still possible that the names of former regiments could be revived for the new units. The benefits to be derived from such a scheme would be intangible, but they should not be unimportant. The preserving of a tradition, the maintenance of a sense of continuity, and the- creative employment of a sentiment should not be too lightly regarded as'humanising elements in the cold but necessary machinery of a modern and effective defence force.