THE VOLUNTEERS.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 1239, 22 October 1908, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

THE EASTER MANOEUVRES

It is intended that the training for volunteers next Easter will be nioio of an instructional character than last season. Manoeuvres will be carried out with a view to minimise the unnecessary hardships that were undergone last year by troops through want of practico in the issue of supplies, use of transport, etc. "It was noticeable in 1908," says a circular memorandum sent by Colonel A. W. Robin, Chief of the General Staff to the O.C.D's, "that the tactics of outposts, attack and defence, were very crude and reconnasancc almost neglected, advances and marches being made with little regard to security of same. Xo real attempt seems to have boon made anywhere to bring about a decisive "attack or counter attack, tho whole aim seemed to bo to evade tho opposing force ill order to enter a town or bring about some result without fighting. There was far too much despersion on botli sides. Tin's can be avoided by proper rcconnaisance and use of moiinted troops, such work being their proper function, viz, locating the enemy, delaying him, and fixing him in a position to enable their own force to attack and beat him. Camp management, sanitation and ambulance service also require more attention. It is considered advisable this coming Easter to carry out training in cutpost, reconnaisancp, attack and defence, marches, with special attention to the co-operation of all arms ; supply and issue of rations to detached troops and outposts, camp sanitation, communications, mobolisation, rail transport, etc., under direct command or direction of O.c.D's and their permanent staffs.'

"The instruction and experience gained, followed by exercises during the year should enable the forces to again attempt continuous manoeuvres of a Red and Blue force against each other under their own officers in Easter 1910."

Officers commanding districts were requested .to submit to the Chief of the General Staff for approval a rough scheme of work they proposed to carry out, io include : — (a) Supervision and conduct of. mobilisation of defence forces in the district from their, local centres to the place selected for camp. (b.) A general idea of instructional work proposed to be carried out. Where safe grounds can be .obtained an attack v on surprise, targets, representing an enemy in position, should bo introduced, thefield artillery using shell and infantry ball ammunition. (c.) J*ho Garrison "Artillery Volunteers also to- have four days instructional practice.

(d;) Mobolisation and . return to local centres. -•■

Officers Commanding Districts in forming -their ideas for training are to be guided by the present efficiency of thejr- officers and troops, and are not to. bo too "much • ■

Arrangements are also being made for .defence cadets and rifle clubs to go into camp. "• - :/■ RiflorClubs, taking advantage of the 100, miles railway pass, will meet each other at selected -places for,- say, two days', to carry out field firing, oifiV cers of the unattaclced list pmdjN.CO's of the reserves to be- detailed to superintend, instruct and -report. The ammunition arid a billeting allowance for one night will be available.