SOUTH AFRICA'S ARMY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 30 November 1939, Page 6

SOUTH AFRICA'S ARMY

NEARING WAR STRENGTH

MANY VOLUNTEERS

JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 20.

South Africa’s new army is rapidly nearing full war strength. During the six weeks since the outbreak of hostilities in Europe recruiting for all the Union s defence forces has been proceeding, until to-day a high degree of preparedness has been reached. Young Rand men in thousands have decided to “join the army.” Volunteers are besieging headquarters of the various regiments, while hundreds of officers are being transferred to Roberts Heights for intensive training.

A modern military machine, ready to go into action when the call comes, will soon be completed.

■New battalions, it is anticipated, will be formed shortly, and it was announced that three batteries of the South African Heavy Artillery are to (be formed as an active citizen force unit. About 400 men of all ranks and 20 officers will be recruited to serve in this new Johannesburg unit. The Transvaal Horse Artillery was the first unit to reach full strength. Since then, however, more men are being recruited as it has now become a full-time unit, ancl only men ready to go .on full-time service are being taken.

An Irish Brigade is in process of formation, and in Pretoria, a new line regiment, to be known as the Pretoria Highlanders, has been formed with official sanction.