SNIPER PLATOONS

Patea Mail, 3 October 1938, Page 2

SNIPER PLATOONS

SCHEME APPROVED TRAINING CENTRES 'The formation of sniper platoons of 20 men attached to and trained by rifle clubs is creating interest among riflemen throughout the Dominion. The idea is being fostered by the National Rifle 'Association at the suggestion of :iho Defence Department. Already several members of clubs have signified their Intention of joining a pllatoon at New Plymouth, according to < Mr., S. Higgs, who outeel the scheme to miniature rifle shooters at New Plymouth recently. Some weeks ago, says a circular issued by the National Rifle (Association, the Army Department suggested that so;i i thing on these lines should be done to enable younger riflemen to make .more use of their expert knowledge in building up the territorial units for home defence. The plan has been approved by the rifle association executive and thoroughly discussed between the Army Department and the chairman of the executive. As a result of these discussions the following proposals for the formation of special sub-units 'have been drawn up.— (1) Riflemen to volunteer as Territori/als for special duty in sniper platoons, rifle clubs to do the recruiting and to vouch for the marksmanship of members who volunteer. )

(2) Snipers to be issued free with 1914 pat tier n rifle, which -was used during 1916—18 as the sniper rifle, fitted witi'i a 'telescopic sight.

The Army will provide service telescopic sights on the basis of four to each platoon for training in peace and rifles before being issued will be put in first-class condition by the armourers . !

SIX WAYS/ COURSE

An lannual sniper course of six days will be held at the Army School, Tremtliam, for selected snipers, eitiher before or immediately after the annual National Rifle Association meeting. Snipers attending .the course as territorials will receive free travelling facilities, 12/- a day pay and camlp allowance. They will wear territorial uniform and possibly a special distinguishing badge. It is also intended '.that snipers should assist wlherever possible with the coaching of members of the Territorial unit and generally help build up the standard of rifle shooting in the unit. Twelve sniper platoons will (bo formed in New Zealand, one for each of the infantry regiments, including the Ist Battalion Taranaki Regiment, with training centres at New Plymouth, Inglewood, Ivapongia, Mariana, Patea, Strar.ford, Tariki, Waitara, Hawcra and Eltham.