ARMY NEWS

Evening Star, Issue 23695, 1 October 1940, Page 6

ARMY NEWS

STRENGTH OF FIELD REGIMENT NATIONAL RESERVE GROWING The sth and 6th Field Batteries from Christchurch and Dunedin respectively, are now settled iu at Wiugatui for a period of intensive training us the 3rd N.Z Field Regiment. A regiment of field artillery to-day consists of two batteries only, with requisite headquarters. This includes a complete survey section, which was not the case during the last war. Each battery consists of three troops, and each troop is a complete unit with an establishment of four guns each —that is, a battery is a fighting unit of 12 guns. VACANCIES IN DRAFTS. Owing to illness there are now one or two vacancies in the drafts going to Papakura, TTcntham, and Burnham camps iu the next day or two. Any volunteers who have not been called up, but who would like to join these drafts, should call at tho registration office, Kensington Drill Hall, without delay, and in all probability they will be included. PARADE ON FRIDAY. The 4th National Reserve Battalion, composed of ex-soldiers of the Great War, is steadily building up to full strength. To date it numbers 657, and there is a sitting of the Medical Board on Thursday evening, when a further 50 volunteers to the ranks will be examined. Further fit returned men are required, however, before the battalion will reach its full strength. The battalion will parade in full dress on Friday evening, assembly at the Oval being fixed for 7.15. The parade is being held in conjunction with tho Queen Carnival festivities, and Queen Airini, with Colonel Smith, will lie at tho saluting base in the Octagon when tho mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) takes the salute. Tho parade will bo right through the city to Frederick street, thence via the Hospital to , Hanover street and back into George street. LUGGAGE FOR CAMPS. Owing to tho congestion which arises in tho railway carriages when troops are going to camp, it has been decided by tho military authorities that all luggage will be placed in tho guard’s van. To this end, all luggage and parcels will be collected at tho_ barrier when the men enter the station to-morrow and Thursday. In view of this it is important that the men concerned see to it that their luggage is properly and securely labelled with their name, regimental number, and the name of the camp to which they are destined.