MOUNTED RIFLEMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 190, 12 August 1931, Page 11

MOUNTED RIFLEMEN.

Meeting of Survivors at Cheery Reunion. More than a decade has gone by since the Canterbury Mounted Rifles rode into battle in Egypt, but the passing of the years has neither dimmed the friendships nor lessened the traditions that were built up during active service. The same esprit de corps which held the regiment together in battle was shown when surviving members gathered around reunion tables at the Jellicoe Hall last evening for their annual smoke concert. War and the intervening years have made gaps in the ranks, but the roll call found a goodly muster of men in cheery spirits. It was in no gesture of formality that they “ chaired ” shoulder high their commander, Colonel John Findlay, C. 8., D. 5.0., and carried him round the room. Each man present fell in with his hands on the shoulders of the man in front while they marched and sang full-heartedly in a lusty rendering of their regimental march, “ D’ye ken, John Peel?” Under these circumstances something more than the conventional sentiment was extracted from the familiar old song. After the Royal toast had been honoured, a toast to ” Fallen Comrades ” was proposed by Sergeant-Major Howell and was honoured in silence.

In proposing a toast to “ The Regiment,” coupled with the name of Colonel John Findlay, Lieutenant-Colonel S. C. P. Nicholls said that it was twelve years since the regimerrt landed at Lyttelton on its return from active service. It spoke volumes for the esprit de corps of the regiment right through Its service that so many of its members should assemble for reunion after so many years. The traditions built up by the regiment were being carried on by the C.Y.C. in the territorial forces. The mounted regiment had always drawn its men as volunteers and there could be no question of suspension of a compulsory scheme in its case. The speaker urged that support be given to the mounted rifles under the new territorial system. Recruits were wanted in the country districts. Impressive X.oyalty.

" Looking back twelve years,” said Colonel Findlay in responding to the toast, “ what impresses me most is the regiment’s loyalty. There were no soloists. You were all loyal to your regiment and to me. It was the right spirit.” Colonel Findlay endorsed the remarks of Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholls concerning the part that ex-servicemen could play In supporting the new territorial system. He was proud of the traditions of the regiment and proud of the men. He would never forget the thrill of hearing the hoofbeats of 500 horses thundering behind him and the confidence inspired by the worth of the men in the saddle.

Other toasts that were honoured were “ The Old Brigade,” proposed by Ser-geant-Major W. Smith, and “ Other Units,” proposed by Major Murchison, D.S.O.