BRITISH DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20785, 21 April 1939, Page 7

BRITISH DEFENCE

ARMY MANOEUVRES WARFARE CONDITIONS ROAD AND RAIL MOYE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, April 19 The British Army manoeuvres which are to be held this year from about September 15 to 23 will include a strategic road and rail move of the First Corps from Aldershot to Yorkshire. and their purpose will be to practise on large scale the functioning of modern Army Corps under conditions approximately as nearly as possible to those of real warfare. The Royal Air Force will co-operate. In order that the conditions shall be as realistic as possible “allied forces,” as well as “enemy forces" will be represented. The railway companies are co-operating and special troop trains, as well as special trains carrying petrol, ammunition and food, will be run. Supply is to be practised as in war and will be subject to "enemy” air action. A strong air force, co-operat-ing with the “enemy,” will attack the strategic moves from Aldershot to Yorkshire. Many distinguished visitor#”, including military representatives of the Dominions and foreign nations, will be invited to watch the manoeuvres.

ARMY REFORMS FOREIGN SERVICE REDUCED OPTION TO EVERY SQLDIER QUALIFYING FOR PENSION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 21, 1 p.m.) RUGBY, April 20 Two army reforms are announced by the War Office—a reduction of the foreign service to four years Instead of six and the granting of the option to every soldier of good character and efficiency to re-engage and complete 21 years' service, thereby qualifying for a pension. This will apply also to Regular Army reservists, who already have been offered the opportunity of rejoining to complete twelve years with the colours. The War Office makes clear that the first change has been made possible as a result of the great improvement in recruiting. It will apply as from the next trooping season. Simultaneously the War Office has issued details of the new army service dress—which consists for officers and men alike of blouse and trousers which button at the ankle, with short webbing anklets, somewhat on the lines of a skiing suit- —and of a scheme for the re-organisation of army cooking. The dress will be of dark serge. All bright metal buttons requiring polishing will be eliminated from the blouse. The head-dress will be a field service cap, except when a steel helmet is worn. The dress of the kilted regiments is under consideration.