HOME GUARD

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 9

HOME GUARD

DOMINION COMMANDER MAJOR-GENERAL R. YOUNG RAPID ORGANISATION (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday The appointment of Major-General R. Young, a former General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, as Dominion Commander of the Home Guard, was announced today by the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple. “I consider that we are extremely fortunate in obtaining the services of so distinguished a soldier and administrator,” said the Minister. “General Young's administrative ability will be of the greatest assistance in the setting up of the organisation, and he will be commencing his new duties without delay. “Now that preliminaries have been completed, I propose to press ahead with the organisation of the Home Guard in the various districts with the utmost expedition. General Young’s co-operation on the military side of the organisation will be of the greatest assistance in establishing the Guard on a firm and successful footing.” Major-General Young, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., Went from Marton to the Great War as a major in the Canterbury Regiment of the Main Body, and ultimately became commander of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade in France. Later he commanded the First Infantry Brigade, and then the Second Infantry Brigade. Returning to New Zealand he became officer commanding the Canterbury district. Major-General Young was in 1925 appointed General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, which post he held until his retirement in 1931.