REGIMENTAL NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 23306, 16 September 1937, Page 9

REGIMENTAL NOTES

APPOINTMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS

(By

KHAKI)

Captain A. J. Moore, N.Z.S.C., has been advised of his transfer to the new training depot at Burnham as Adjutant. Captain Moore’ has been stationed in Invercargill a little over six years. In 1931 he took over the duties of Adjutant of the First Battalion Southland Regiment and O.C. area 12a. On Major McHugh, then Staff Officer R.D. No. 12, being transferred to Auckland, Captain Moore took over his' duties which he has held until the present date. In January 1935, Lieutenant A. R. Cockerill D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C., took over the duties of Adjutant First Battalion Southland Regiment and in addition to these will now carry out the work of Captain Moore. The undermentioned officers of the regiment qualified in the practical examinations for promotion held in Invercargill on August 21:—Lieutenant A. J. Neil, Lieutenant D. B. Cameron. Sergeant C. A. Murray qualified in the practical examination for first appointment to a commission. Advice has been received that his Majesty the King has approved of the alliance between the First Battalion Southland Regiment and the Tenth Battalion Adelaide . Rifles Australian Military Forces, This now completes the triangular alliance between the Manchester Regiment, Adelaide Rifles and the Southland Regiment. A very handsome silver cup has been donated by Tappers Ltd., Invercargill, for the most efficient section in the Motor-cycle Platoon. Mr A. Tapper was present at the evening parade on September 6 and, on behalf of his firm, presented the cup to the regiment. In the absence of the Commanding Officer, Major T. Matthews accepted the cup and expressed the apreciation of all ranks of the regiment to Tappers Ltd. for its splendid gift and the interest shown in the progress of the latest arm and expressed the appreciation of all of the service. The platoon commander Lieutenant A. J. Neil, also expressed thanks on behalf of the members of his unit stating that it would be an incentive to every member to strive to improve the efficiency of the platoon. TRAINING NOTES The Adjutant of the regiment inspected the parades at Queenstown and Arrowtown on September 9 and 10. The training consisted of physical training and Lewis gun instruction. Four new recruits have joined up at Arrowtown The rifles are now back from the armourer’s inspection and will be issued at the next evening parade. Musketry courses will begin at an early date There were 22 signalmen on parade on September 6 and after 10 minutes’ smartening up, the advanced squad went on to procedure and Lucas lamp communication, while the recuits received instruction in preliminary flag drill and morse. Two more recruits were enrolled. The Bearer Section is unfortunate in loosing a member by transfer. At the last evening parade the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body was completed and a portion of the time was devoted to the practice of bandaging. Transport section attendances are still good, with one or two exceptions. Harness cleaning occupied most of the night and members are looking forward to the adoption of mechanized transport. No. 1 Platoon A Company is steadily increasing in numbers several more recruits being enrolled on September 6. The main work on that date was elementary Lewis gun mechanism and drill. The keenness of the men is very gratifying and a first-class unit is taking shape. The machine-gun parade was not strong numerically but those present were very keen. The work was well done and progress is assured. A run through of elementary gun drill was carried out and. a lecturette on military

organization, was given? The Mortar Platoon and Intelligence Sections were combined at last parade and the intelligence officer gave comprehensive instruction in compass reading, map reading, and night marching. Both sections paraded strongly. Motor-cyclists-attended well and gave a demonstration of mounted drill and manoeuvres. The remainder of the parade was occupied in gun drill and the use of the special equipment of the platoon. ;

HALF DAY PARADES There will be a parade of machinegunners and the Mortar Platoon at the range on Saturday, September 18. The Motor-Cycle Platoon held a Lewis gun shoot at the range on September 11. The parade was well attended and some good scores were put up. Private J. D. Baker was top scorer wtih three other men equal four points behind. Advice has now been received to the effect that courses of instruction, six days continuous, will begin at the training depot Burnham on October 2. Various courses will be held weekly for junior officers, N.C.O.S and men of the territorial force. A schedule showing the dates of various courses and the nature of the training will be issued shortly for all ranks. Those wishing to attend any particular course must notify the Defence Office at least 21 days before the course. The depot will be open for training from October 2 until November 27. Pay of rank will be issued for six days. Rail ticket and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will also be given. A course for cadet officers and N.C.O.s will also be held at Burnham from January 22 to January 29, 1938. N.C.O.s of signal units will also attend a course in the above dates.

Major H. W. Slater, V.D., has taken over the command of A Company, First (c) Battalion Southland Regiment (Southland Boys’ High School) replacing Major A. J. Deaker. The Southland Boys’ High School cadets hav begun firing for the Imperial Challenge Shield. B Company First (c) Battalion Southland Regiment, Southland Technical College, is holding a five-day barracks during the present week. Cadets will fire for the Imperial Challenge Shield. Seniors will fire the .303 rifle course and specialists will fire the Lewis gun course. Major J. Stobo, E.D., is in command of the barracks assisted by officers of the unit and members of the Permanent Staff.