MILITARY TRAINING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 258, 1 November 1932, Page 6

MILITARY TRAINING

PROGRESS IN WANGANUI RIFLE RECRUITS SOUGHT Success has attended the formation and promotion of a defence system in New Zealand on a volunteer basis, and Wanganui is fully entitled to a full share in achievements to date. Colonel Symon, officer commanding the Central Alilitary Command, who inspected the Wanganui sections of tho Wellington West Coast Battalion recently, said that it was a natural thing to find this city in the forefront of any military move. Traditions that are cherished to-day have been founded on an early history that was definitely linked with some system of defence. Memorials, and relics from a past age, speak almost eloquently of the enthusiasm of men who realised the value of being prepared.

When the defence system was changed recently and compulsory service was replaced with something on a voluntary basis Wanganui stepped into line, and a commendable spirit has marked steady progress in the battalion. There is growing up among officers and men a feeling that a heritage worthy of preservation is within their keeping. With the passing of time the desire to stimulate the old ideals of voluntary training and rekindle the traditions becomes very strong, and it is believed that the present force in Wanganui and its subsidiary centres will grow. Accordingly, provision is made for expansion of the various units in the battalion. In a recent instruction to officers of the Wellington West Coast Regiment the adjutant (Captain I). T. Maxwell) stated that it had been decided to adopt an organisation for infantry battalions which takes into consideration the possibilities of the future, to allow for expansion without the attendant upheavals which appeared likely to occur annually if matters were allowed to proceed as in the past.

An infantry battalion on the lower establishment is to be reorganised so as to have: (1) A headquarters wing, comprising two groups, one to include signals, intelligence and battalion headquarters of live offieem and 25 other ranks, and the other transport and administration totalling to two officers and 11 other ranks; (2) a machine gun company, comprising company head quarters and four platoons, each with two guns, and a personnel of one officer and 19 other ranks; (3) three riflo com panics, each of two platoons, with a company headquarters, the platoons to comprise one officer and 25 other ranks each. The total battalion is not to exceed 25 officers and 270 other ranks. Recruits are being sought for rille companies, the machine gun section, inrelligonco and signals being full. It is worthy of note, however, that the term rifle, company” embraces something of greati'r signi licance and more interest than it did in the old days ol territorial training. Modern teaching die fates that instruction on automatic weapons is more essential than the old squad drill. Aocordlng'v, recruits who join rille companies at Wanganui, Mar ton and Feilding will have something 1o interest them right away—the, Lewis gun, one of tho most efficient weapons of modern day defence.