STRAIGHT TALKING
COLONEL GIBBON ADDRESSES THE TWELFTH I CERTIFICATES FOR N.C.O/S Tho Twelfth Infantry and Engineers Iteinlorcomenfs were addressed by Colonol C. it. Gibbon, Chief of tho General Staff, at Tronllium .yesterday. Colonel Gibbon told the men briefly what was expected of them, unci gave them some hints oonctfniiiig. their behaviour when on.active sorvico. Much of the address was on the lines of those given to previous Reinforcements, but several points of special interest woro emphasised. Commenting en tlio quality of tho Reinforcements, Colonel Gibbon said that tho Mounted ftilles wore one of the best drafts which had yot been sent, being composed chielly of picked men. He had not yot had tho results of tboir musketry. •With the Twelfth Reinforcement draft would bo-sent yet another now unit in the form of a cyclist company. These men had not been fully tramoa because of the lack of sufficient suitable "bicycles. ' They would complete their training at the base. Officers were now being trained to assist in the instruction of future cyclist companies in New Zealand. The Artillery, Colonel Gibbon (toscribed as a very fine draft. High as tho standard had been in the past, this draft was as good, if not better,, than any previous on. Tho Engineers'draft was ono that did credit to lis, The men had been through the full period or training, and had carried out that training in more directions than former drafts. The Signallers' portion of the Engineers was particularly good, this being due in great part to their having had all the necessary equipment. "As to the Infantry," said Colonel Gibbon, "we are satisfied with them; lu musketry they have beaten the Filth ftcinforciuments, their figure of merit being higher than any draft that has yet loft camp. U Company again 'heada the list with tho best score, which does not constitute a record for the camp, but very nearly does. The march overthe hill "was good, though the conditions were not so favourable as th"cy were for the Eleventh. .The.Army Service Corps draft is the best yet sent from here.
"I am sorry there were no mora vacancies in this draft for n.c.o.'s who have earned promotion. Our polioy is not to keep men back, and Ibis draft will go away very strong'as regards n.c.o.'s. In view of tho way in which the •n.c.o.'s havo been working, and the higher standard set, we have decided to give cortilicates to those n.c.o.'s who qualify but do not get appointments as officers, statiirg-how they got on in their examinations. These may be of use at a future time.
"From my point of view, I am exceed, ingly g)ad thore are no more holidays this year until Ohnstmas. What I am going to say refers more to future drafts than the present one. It concerns the question of men overstaying leave. I would liko to see the number who overstay reduced- ft upsots the whole training. No doubt it seems to you monstrous, to bo hero -and do nothing but training for sixteen weeks. But what of tho training staff, who get no extended leave? They have to stick it out. You must realise that in times like theso leave is a privilego to bo enjoyed on foiv and short occasions. I hope that future drafts will look on it in that light, and not .overstay tbcir leavo."
On tho matter of discipline. Colonel Gibbon mentioned that at the retreat of Mons it was tho discipline of the British Regular Army that enabled this to ho' successfully accomplished, with the result that they were ready-to fight at tho Jlarnc and tho Aisne. When war was declared the Gorman doctrine was that the British overseas troops might be neglected, as being of no military value, becauso discipline could not bo instilled iu them. • Everything depended on discipline. It. was that which enabled the Sixths to reach Egypt without losing a man [through sickness or other causes.
"We have heard from.private letters that the New ZeaJknders in London have earned .a good name for being above the average in saluting.. lam eorry to say, I don't think the saluting is as good now in New Zealand as it was this time lassfc year. It is not a personal mattor, but a question oL discipline. I salute any superior officer. There's no degradation in it. I hope tliat at ports ,of call and anywhere out of New Zealand you will try to gain a reputation for smartness. : "When first wo spoke to men going away, wo regretted that there was no ■ past to refer to. A great thing in the British Army is its traditions. Now, you men have got a past to look back upon, the past that was mado by the men of Gallipoli—the Anzacs. This week the whole Empire has been cele ; brating Anzac Day. At the time the Anzacs won renown, we had an Australian Brigade in our division. Now, wo have a New Zealand Division. I want you to look forward to a day of lion, •, our, not only Anzac Day, but to the tiino' Avhen we will do honour to the soldiers of New Zealand for deeds achieved on an even more glorious field than Gallipoli. I want you to keep up the reputation that has been gained by each succeeding draft of being better than the drafts before you. And remember that the final test of your training and discipline is on the field of battle."
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Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2757, 28 April 1916, Page 7
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914STRAIGHT TALKING Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2757, 28 April 1916, Page 7
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