ANZACS IN FRANCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11582, 24 May 1916, Page 6

ANZACS IN FRANCE.

RECENT reorganisation. An official announcement inis been made that Australian and New Zealand forces have landed in France and have taken over a portion ot the front- .... . . , , Some months ago official ments were made that the establishment of the Australian and New Zealand forces was to be increased to that of an European army, the Australian Imperial Forces being increased to • live divisions and the Now Zealand Expeditionary Force to one division. The total strengtn of the force under the scheme will lie 120,000 men, but it was that the new divisions from Australia would not be completed for some tin l6 - ~ .. The original strength ot the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, as it was organised for the campaign in Turkey, was two divisions under the command of General Sir William Birdwood. The Australian division was under the command of Major-General Fridges, and after his death of Colonel Begge, and th e New Zealand and Australian division under General Fir Alexander Godley, the 4tli Australian Infantry Brigade and the Australian Bight Horse being associated with the New Zealand force to complete the_ divia:onal establishment. The main Expeditionary Force from New Zealand, as it is always known, completed a brigade of mounted rides, a brigade of infantry, and an additional regiment of mounted rifles, with other services in proportionate strength From time to time the strength of the force Inis been increased, the most notable additions being the Trent ham Regiment of Infantry, and, later, two more battalions, completing the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. During the latter portion of last year and the early part of this year, the regular reinforcements accumulated at the base in Egypt, and it was decided to raise the establishment of the Army Corps to six divisions.

Official announcements have been made that (he New Zealand divisou comprise three brigades of infantry—the original brigade, the rifle brigade, and a third brigade formed from tho accumulated reinforcements—a brigade of mounted rifles, composed of New Zea'auders and the Australian Light Horse, with other services in proportion. The division at last advices was under the command of General Sir Arthur If. Russell. General Godley having, ou tho promotion of Sir William Birdwood to the command of the British Forces in Gallipoli, been appointed to the command of the Australian and New Zealand Army. The brigade commanders are BrigadierGeneral E. K. B. Johnston, Ist Brigade; Brigadier-General WG. Braithwaite, 2nd (Rifle) Brigade: Brigadier-General H. T. Fulton, ;ird Brigade: and Brigadier-General E, W. C. Chaytor, Mounted Rifles Brigade.