MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1938 Session I, H-19

H.—l9

1938. NEW ZEALAND.

MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

REPORT. The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Wellington, 30th June, 1938. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Military Forces for the period Ist June, 1937, to 31st May, 1938. 1. GENERAL REMARKS. A great deal has been achieved during the past year to improve the defence system, whilst other important measures are now under consideration. The following is a summary of the most important measures approved : — 1. (a) The setting-up of a Defence Council. (b) A Chiefs of Staff Committee. (c) An Army Board. 2. The strengthening of our defended ports. 3. The formation and training of a Special Reserve. 4. Motorization of the Territorial Force for camp and week-end training. 5. The mechanization of the Field Artillery brigades (not yet complete). 6. Mechanization of the Infantry commenced. 7. Restoration of area rifle meetings. 8. Restoration of the Regimental Funds grant. 9. Establishing of an Army and three District Schools of Instruction. 10. Introduction of films for instruction. 11. Leave for twelve working-days on full pay for public servants who join the Territorial Force. 12. Publicity recruiting campaign. 13. Provision for modern armament and equipment, 14. Walking-out uniform —blue (previously the Territorial had one only —khaki). 15. Pay and rations for twenty days annually instead of twelve days. 16. Provision of motor-transport pool for each district to assist training. 17. Promotion of Regular officers overdue for promotion. 18. Revision and increase of pay for the Regular Forces. Although the above measures that apply were not approved sufficiently early to stimulate interest prior to the annual camps or to increase actual attendances at camps and week-end training, definite progress has been made during the past year. A vigorous publicity campaign is assisting recruiting and stimulating public interest, and the recruits now coming forward are of a good type and physique. An analysis of the Territorial system in England and Australia, which is similar to our own, leads me to the conclusion that it would be over-optimistic to expect more than 9,000 men of the right type to fill the ranks of our organization in peace under a system of voluntary enlistment. The units constituting a Mounted Brigade and an Infantry Division have been provided for in the organization, and can be expanded to their war establishment should a national emergency necessitate this action. The Staff have been concentrating on the training of the leaders to allow this expansion to take place, and satisfactory progress has been made. If the Force is to reach a reasonable degree of efficiency, the gaps in the ranks of units must be filled and attendances at annual camps reach a high percentage of the numbers provided for.

H.—l9

There are several very important recommendations affecting the efficiency of the Military Forces, now under the consideration of the Government, dealing with pay, allowances, and amenities. If these measures are approved and the present system is given whole-hearted support by all sections of the community, there is no reason why all units should not reach a satisfactory standard of efficiency. _ In England whole-hearted support has been given to the Territorial Force, attendances at annual training have been very satisfactory, and as high as 86 per cent, of the establishment. I can see no reason why the same result should not be attainable in New Zealand. It can be attained by the will of the people. In the past our land forces have not had this support. 2. COUNCIL OF DEFENCE. During the year a Council of Defence was set up by the Government for the purpose of advising the Government on matters of policy and for co-ordinating the activities of the three Services—the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force. The Council consists of—The Prime Minister (Chairman), the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Finance, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief of the General Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Secretary to the Treasury, the Permanent Head, Prime Minister's Department, and such other Ministers, Members of Parliament, or Government as may be appointed. Secretary : The Secretary of the Organization for National Security. 3. REORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMY .BOARD. By the Army Board Act, 1937, which became law on the 6th November, 1937, an Army Board was established, and. charged with the control and administration of the Army (hitherto termed the " Defence Forces "). It was extended such powers, duties, and functions as may from time to time be conferred on it by regulations under the principal Act (the Defence Act, 1909). The Armv Board Act provides that the Board shall consist of :— (a) The Minister (President). (b) Not more than three other members (being officers of His Majesty's Land Forces) appointed from time to time by the Governor-General. (c) The Army Secretary. (At the commencement of the Act the Under-Secretary of Defence, Mr. H. Turner, was deemed to have been duly appointed as the Army Secretary.) In regard to (b), on the 6th November, 1937, Major-General J. E. Duigan, C.8., D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., Chief of the General Staff, relinquished the appointment of General Officer Commanding N.Z. Military Forces, and was appointed the First Military Member of the Army Board, and Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Colonel) 0. H. Mead, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, was appointed the second Military Member. On the 31st January, 1938, Colonel Mead relinquished his appointment on the Board, and on the Ist February, 1938, Colonel E. Puttick, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., who had succeeded Colonel Mead in the appointment of Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, was appointed the Second Military Member. The Army Secretary's duties and functions in relation to the Army are to be as the Army Board may from time to time determine or as may from time to time be prescribed by regulations under the principal Act. With the change of administration, certain consequential amendments to the Defence Act, 1909, and its amendments, were made by the Army Board Act, chief amongst which was the deletion of all references to the " Commandant of the Forces " and the substitution of the term " Army Board " where appropriate. The following changes in designations were made on the Ist September, 1937 :— " General Headquarters " was changed to " Army Headquarters," the three military commands became known as military districts, and the regimental districts became areas. The boundaries of districts remain unchanged, and in only one or two cases has it been found necessary to alter the boundaries of areas. The constitution of an Army Board brings New Zealand into line with other Dominions as part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Since the Board was established thirteen meetings have been held for the period which ended 31st May, 1938. 4. REGULAR FORCES. (a) Strength. The. strength of the Regular Forces is shown in Appendix I (a). (b) Establishments. The establishment of units of the Regular Forces is the minimum number required to fulfil two distinct functions —first, the efficient command, training, and administration of the Military Forces in peace ; and, secondly, forming the nucleus on which is built up the staff and services necessary for the expansion of the Forces in an emergency. The authorized peace establishment for Regular officers will not, under the existing system, be attained until 1943. The requirements of personnel for the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps are dealt with herein under " Administrative Services."

2

H.—l9

(c) Commands. On account of reacting the retiring age, on the 17th July, 1937, Colonel S. C. P. Nicholls, C.8.E., D.5.0., relinquished command of the Southern Military District and, after completing his retiring leave, was transferred to the Reserve of Officers. He was succeeded by Colonel P. H. Bell, D.5.0., who was appointed to the command on the 18th July, 1937. Colonel R. Miles, D.5.0., M.C., relinquished the appointment of Officer Commanding the Northern District on the 20th November, 1937, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Colonel) 0. H. Mead, D.5.0., who took over command on the 21st November, 1937. 5. MILITARY EDUCATION ABROAD. (a) To England or India. Colonel E. Puttick, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., returned to New Zealand on the Ist February, 1938, after attending the 1937 course at the Imperial Defence College. The 1938 course at the College is being taken by Colonel R. Miles, D.5.0., M.C., who left for England on the 20th November, 1937. Major (now Lieut.-Colonel) N. W. McD. Weir, N.Z.S.C., after completing duty as Officer Commanding the Coronation Contingent in England, attended the fifty-third course at the Senior Officers' School, Sheerness, and qualified. He returned to the Dominion on the 21st. October, 1937. Captain A. H. L. Sugden, N.Z.S.C., returned to the Dominion on the 10th September, 1937, after completing a tour of instruction with the British Regular Army in England. Captain D. T. Maxwell, N.Z.S.C., after graduating at the Staff College, Camberley, was attached to the Committee of Imperial Defence and the War Office for short attachments, and returned to New Zealand on the 29th September, 1937. Oil the Ist December, 1937, Captain W. G. Gentry, N.Z.S.C., proceeded to England to attend the Staff College, Camberley. Captain C. S. J. Duff, R.N.Z.A., proceeded to India on the 28th December, 1937, to attend the Staff College, Quetta. Captain G. H. Heal, N.Z.S.C., returned from England on the 14th February, 1938, after completing a course of instruction. (b) To Australia. Captain J. P. Joyce, R.N.Z.A., attended the School of Artillery, Sydney, from 10th January to Bth June, 1938. *Captain R. C. Queree, R.N.Z.A., attended the School of Artillery, Sydney, from 7th June to 24th September, 1937. Lieutenant W. S. McKinnon, R.N.Z.A., attended the School of Artillery, bydney, from 7th June to 24th September, 1937. * Lieutenant L. W. Thornton, R.N.Z.A., attended the School of Artillery, Sydney, from 10th January to 9th April, 1938. Lieutenant H. E. Gilbert, R.N.Z.A., attended the School of Artillery, Sydney, from 10th January to 9th April, 1938. Sergeant C. F. Rudd, R.N.Z.A., Sergeant W. E. Bradley, R.N.Z.A., and Bombardier G. H. Martin, R.N.Z.A., attended the Small-arms School, Randwick, from 15th July to 9th October, 1937. Four' Staff Cadets at the Royal Military College of Australia graduated in December, 1937, one passing out first and another second in the list of graduates. These have been commissioned as Lieutenants in the Regular Forces, and have taken up appointments in the Dominion. The vacancies at the College have been filled by four newly appointed Cadets who proceeded to Australia in February, 1938 Staff-Sergeant W. Y. Douglas, New Zealand Permanent Staff, after service with the Coronation Contingent in England, attended the fifty-sixth officers' course, Army School of Physical Training, Aldershot, for three months and qualified " distinguished." He has resumed duty at the Army School of Instruction, Trentham. (c) Interchanges. Major A. B. Williams, D.5.0., R.N.Z.A., proceeded to Australia on the 25th November, 1937, for regimental duty on exchange with Captain (temporary Major) F. N. Nurse, Australian Staff Corps, who has been appointed District Artillery Officer, Northern District. Major Williams has since qualified at the School of Artillery, Sydney. 6. CASUALTIES. Between the Ist June, 1937, and the 22nd April, 1938, two officers reached the retiring age and left tli6 Sgivicb. During the same period there were twenty-six discharges of W.O.'s and N.C.O.'s and men ; of this number, twenty-three were discharged at their own request (twenty by purchase), two reached the retiring age, and one was medically unfit.

* Qualified "distinguished." Allthe remainder qualified.

3

H.—l9

7. TERRITORIAL FORCE. (a) Reorganization of Units. Changes in the organization of the Force were effected on the Ist September, 1937, and are designed to enable it to carry out the following roles :— (a) The protection of main ports. (b) The production, 111 peace, of a field force of a strength sufficient to enable requisite expansion, if the necessity should arise. To fulfil these roles, the Territorial units are now grouped as follows :— (1) Fortress Troops— Two heavy batteries. Two Anti-aircraft batteries. Three Infantry battalions. (ii) Field Force Troops— Three Composite Mounted Rifles regiments. One Composite Mounted Rifles regiment (motorized). Three Composite Infantry battalions. Three Field Artillery brigades (less two 18 pdr. batteries). Two 3-7 in. Howitzer batteries. One Medium Artillery brigade. Three Field companies (Engineers). Three Signal Depots. Three Composite companies, N.Z. Army Service Corps. Three Field Ambulances. (iii) Otago University Medical Company. Infantry battalions of the Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury Regiments, form the three Infantry battalions (Fortress Troops). A regimental depot is being formed by each of these three regiments to establish a nucleus of officers and N.C.O.'s for the formation of a second battalion when needed. The formation of composite units has been effected from existing Mounted Rifles regiments and Infantry battalions (other than Infantry battalions of the Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury Regiments). The Composite Mounted Rifles Regiment (motorized) is designed to carry out the role of a Divisional Cavalry regiment and will consist of one squadron in each of the three military districts. All regiments retain their original identity, their bands, badges, colours, or guidons, and regimental property. (b) Special Reserve. This scheme was introduced in September, 1937, for the purpose of providing the necessary personnel for the heavy batteries at the forts and specialists for the three Infantry battalions included in the Fortress Troops. Single men between eighteen and thirty years are enlisted for three months' continuous training, at the conclusion of which they are posted to units of the Fortress Troops. For the next three years they attend their unit camp for ten consecutive days per annum. An additional obligation is to undertake to report for service in New Zealand in the event of a national emergency. During their three months' continuous training the men are paid Bs. per day, less 2s. 6d. for rations, &c.; and during annual camp (ten days a year) will receive 9s. a day with free rations, &c. While undergoing their three months' continuous training the men are encouraged to attend a Technical College and follow a course of their own selection ; this is free of charge. The numbers already enlisted for the Special Reserve are shown in Appendix I (6). (c) Training. The annual training of the Territorial Force is based on a directive issued at the beginning of each training year. The subject for study" this year has been the protection of defended ports and of vulnerable points, such as cable landings, wireless-stations, or oil-fuel installations, from naval or military landing parties. Strong emphasis has been placed on the use of motor transport as a means of moving reserves to threatened points beyond the marching limit of Mounted Rifles or Infantry. Many useful exercises were carried out, both during week-end and in annual camps, and the fact that these exercises were based on modern methods added greatly to the interest taken by all ranks. The use of district motor-transport pool, supplemented by hired transport, has been very beneficial to training, since it has made more time available for field training, avoided fatigue to the troops, and increased the number and variety of exercises carried out. All 18 pdr. field batteries attended camp as mechanized units. Their guns are now on pneumatic tires, and with the modern Army-type six-wheeled tractors are capable of keeping up with any motorized column. The attendance at camps has again been disappointing, the numbers attending being 433 officers and 2,692 other ranks, making a total of 3,125 all ranks, or 41 per cent, of the strength. On the other hand, of the above, 156 officers and 792 other ranks also attended a course of instruction, while an additional 237 officers and 919 other ranks attended a course of instruction but no camp. This means to say that 670 officers and 3,611 other ranks carried out at least six days' continuous training in a camp or at a course, a total of 4,281 all ranks, or 56 per cent, of the strength.

4

H.—19

There lias been a distinct improvement in attendances at week-end training, where valuable preparatory work was carried out leading up to the exercises to be carried out later in annual camp. The training of the Special Reserve has been most satisfactory, and will lead to the building-up of an efficient reserve capable of being called up immediately in the event of a national emergency. Their training has been that required by specialists in the fortress units of the Artillery and Infantry. The shooting carried out by Artillery reservists at the end of their three months' course has been satisfactory. A draft of fifty Infantry reservists attended the camp of the Canterbury Battalion. Their fieldwork was of a high order. 8. SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION. (a) Abmy School. The Army School at Trentham has been established, and has been fully occupied during the year with courses of instruction for the staff and recruits for the Royal New Zealand Artillery and Royal New Zealand Air Force. Two officers and one N.C.0., who recently returned from training in England, have been posted for duty with this establishment. I am satisfied that the training is basad on the most modern ideas, and excellent progress has been achieved. A total of 91 Army officers and N.C.O.'s and other ranks have received training at this school. In addition, 87 recruits for the Royal New Zealand Artillery and 263 recuits for the Royal New Zealand Air Force have been trained. Courses have also been held for officers and N.C.O's of the Engineers, Signals, and A.S.C., since the small size of these units makes uneconomical the carrying-out of their training at District Schools. A total of 39 officers and 123 N.C.O.'s attended these courses. (b) District Schools. During the year District Schools of Instruction have been established at Narrow Neck, Trentham, and Burnham. The object of these schools is to carry out various courses of instruction for officers and other ranks of the Territorial Force. A total of 2,054 officers and other ranks have attended a six-days' course. The training carried out at these schools will be of the utmost value to all ranks in the Territorial Force, but I would point out that its full results will become apparent only during the ensuing training year. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES : ORDNANCE. (a) Duties. The duties of the N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps were described in the reports for 1931-35 and 1936-37. The constant changes in organization of units and in equipment generally, as adopted in England, have very much complicated and increased the Ordnance work in New Zealand. Much remains to be done in the repair, maintenance, and modernization of arms and equipment, in the receipt, storage, and issue of stores and equipment from abroad, and in preparation for mobilization. (b) Personnel. Officers. —Ordnance officers require a high standard of technical training, and educational facilities must be provided years in advance to produce trained replacements. Other Ranks (including Civilians). —An increase in personnel is required in the armament and armourer sections, clerical division, and in storemen and tradesmen in the general division, necessitated by the recent and pending increase in armament, instruments, and equipment generally, and in the proposed further distribution of mobilization equipment to districts. (c) Credits. The sum of £24,776 has been received as credits for the sale of rifles, ammunition, and cordite, cloth and trimmings to contractors, obsolete and unserviceable stores, waste products, &c. (d) Arms. Good progress has been made with the stripping, cleaning, and preservation of rifles S.M.L.E., Mark lII*. The stock of barrels bought in 1920 for sale to rifle clubs has now become exhausted. The question of the provision of a suitable barrel was referred to the National Rifle Association, and, as a result of the recommendation received, inquiries are being made from Australia regarding the provision of such a barrel. (e) Small-arms Ammunition. Casualty proof for ammunition held in magazines throughout the Dominion manufactured between the years 1929-33 was carried out, and all ammunition tested was passed as .fit for rifle use. (/) Clothing. The provision of a blue uniform for the Territorial Force has been approved. Four thousand uniforms are being manufactured for issue this year.

5

H.—l9

10. DEFENCE BUILDINGS, WORKSHOPS, OFFICES, DRILL-HALLS, BARRACKS, Etc. (a) Works and Buildings. Some of the long-overdue major repairs of the Department's buildings were put in hand during the year. In view of the establishment of Schools of Instruction, it was decided to bring the accommodation at Trentliam, Narrow Neck, and Burnham up to an improved standard, giving an increased degree of comfort to the officers and men who are quartered at these places during courses. Further improvements and additions are contemplated. A programme for the reconstruction and modernization of drill-halls throughout the country has now been commenced. In this, attention is being paid to the provision of social amenities for the members of the Territorial Force. Further requirements include additional magazines for reserve ammunition, garages for the increasing number of mechanical vehicles, and quarters for married and single personnel. (b) Coast Defences. The constructional works for the first phase of modernization of coast defences, which was commenced in 1935, have been completed, and the guns mounted. The works for a second phase have now been started. (c) Store Buildings and Workshops. The extension to the fitters' shops at the Ordnance Workshops, Trentham, has been completed, and the erection of the new carpenters' shop is being commenced shortly. A contract will shortly be let for the first section of the large Ordnance Store required at Trentham, and it is proposed to accelerate the construction of the remainder of the buildings. Plans are being prepared for the buildings required at the Ordnance Depots at Ngaruawahia and Burnham, and for the rebuilding of the Ordnance Workshop, Devonport. 11. FINANCE. For the financial year to 31st March, 1938, an expenditure of £566,069 was authorized for Army purposes, against which was set credits-in-aid estimated at £16,069, making the net vote £550,000. The actual expenditure for the year amounted to £560,461, but owing to the credits-in-aid somewhat exceeding the estimate and totalling up to £30,829 the net result was an expenditure of £529,632. The year commenced with a carry-over from the previous year of financial commitments amounting to £230,565, representing unfulfilled orders mainly for ammunition, military stores, and equipment placed with the Home authorities and the Australian Government. As at the 31st March, 1938, the commitments amounted to £227,061. Due to the magnitude of the rearmament programme of the Imperial Government and the urgency with which this is being pushed, delays are still being experienced in the manufacture and delivery of certain lines of military material for which orders have been placed by the Army Department. This makes it somewhat difficult to gauge the financial requirements of any one year in advance, as instances have occurred of orders remaining outstanding for three and even four years. Every effort, however, is made by the Department to obtain deliveries as early as possible. The annual expenditure of the Army during the last six years appears in Appendix II of this, report. 12. CADET FORCE. The Cadet units, which are all associated with the secondary schools, have maintained a high standard of discipline, drill, and physical training during the year. The new syllabus of training, which includes first aid, is more important to the youth of the Dominion than a knowledge of elementary gunnery and the handling of automatic weapons. Each district held a course during the year for officers and N.C.O's of Cadet units. It is intended to continue these courses. It is in our secondary schools that the foundations of discipline should be laid, and I know of nothing better than close-order drill and ceremonial to foster this essential in the youth of our country. CONCLUSION. I wish to thank the Territorial associations and the chambers of commerce for their assistance during the year, and also those employers who have co-operated by encouraging their employees to enlist in the Territorial Force and carry out their training. This co-operation has been most helpful. In peace we require a force of 9,000, of whom a large propoi 4on should be potential leaders. The officers and other ranks of the Territorial Force are carrying out 1 a national duty with a good spirit and deserve every encouragement possible. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. E. Duigan, Major-General, Chief of the General Staff.

6

H—l9

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I.—TABLES SHOWING STRENGTH OF THE N.Z. MILITARY FORCES AS AT 31st MAY, 1938. (a) New Zealand Regular Forces.

(b) Territorial Force (Active List only).

Special Reserve, Territorial Force.

(c) Cadets.

7

Unit. Officers. Cadets Other Ranks. Total. N.Z. Stafi Corps .. .. • • • • 68 .. .. 68 N.Z. Permanent Staff . . .. . ■ • • • • • • | H9 119 Royal N.Z. Artillery 19 .. 221 240 N.Z. Permanent Army Service Corps .. . . .. • • 20 20 N.Z. Army Medical Corps . . .. • • • ■ • ■ 2 2 N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps . . . • • • 6 . . 28 34 General Duty Section .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • ■ 4 4 Attached from British Army .. . . ■■ 1 •• 1 2 Attached from Australian Stafi Corps . . . . 1 • • • • 1 Officer Cadets (in Australia) . . . . . • • • 20 .. 20 Totals .. .. 95 20 395 510

Arm or Service. Officers. Other Ranks. Total. Mounted Rifles .. .. •• •• 153 1,803 1,956 Artillery .. .. .. ■■ •• 112 1,058 1,170 Engineers .. . . • ■ • • 15 226 241 Signals .. 16 148 I 64 Infantry 294 2,728 .3,022 Army Service Corps . . . ■ • • 18 150 168 Medical Corps .. .. .. ... 107 254 361 Veterinary Corps . . . . . . • • 15 • ■ 15 Dental Corps . . . . ■ ■ ■ • 10 • ■ 10 Army Legal Department . . . . • • 5 . . 5 Totals .. .. •• 745 6,367 7,112 Note. —In addition to the above there are 797 bandsmen and 52 prospective recruits in regimental Cadet detachments.

Posted to Posted to Draft. Trained. Territorial Regular Discharged. Total. Units. Forces. First (September, 1937) .. 119 69 42* 8 119 Second (February, 1938) .. 105 84 21 .. 105 Third (May, 1938) .. .. 189 Training Totals .. .. 413 153 63 8 * Two to Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Military District. 1 Officers. Other Ranks. Total. Northern .. •• •• •• 102 5,010 5,112 Central 107 5,285 5,392 Southern .. ■ - ■■ •• 6,347 6,491 Totals .. .. ■■ ■■ 353 ! 16,642 16,995 • __ , I * _

H.—l9

(d) Rifle Clubs.

APPENDIX II.—NET EXPENDITURE DURING LAST SIX YEARS. Defence Vote.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (625 copies), £10.

Authority : E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93B.

Price 6d.J

8

Military District. Number of Clubs. Membership. Northern .. .. .. .. .. 26 1,035 Central .. .. .. .. .. .. 59 2,082 Southern .. .. .. .. .. -66 2,204 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 151 5,321

Year. Military Forces. Aviation Total. £ £ £ 1932-33 .. .. .. 180,112 27,715 207,827 1933-34 .. .. .. 215,950 48,773 264,723 1934-35 .. .. .. 321,686 143,546 465,232 1935-36 .. .. .. .. 378,181 173,944 552,125 1936-37 .. .. .. .. .. 427,635 132,382 560,017 1937-38 .. 529,632 .. 529,632