The Force In Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 23 November 1899, Page 3

The Force In Africa.

Inclusive of supply and medical services the total number of men in an Army Corps is, roughly 35,000, with 84 guns, 10,000 horses or pack animals, and 1,700 vehicles. The authorised war strength of a cavalry division is about 6,700 officers and men, with 12 guns, G,600 horses or pack animals, and 450 vehicles. The mobilization of an army corps and a cavalry division therefore implies the provision of about 41.700 officers and men, 96 guns, 16,600 animals, and 2,150 vehicles, exclusive of troops for the line of comrmunications, the numbers of which depends upon the length of the line to be guarded, and the general military conditions. It would appear that a cavalry division, an army corps, and four infantry battalions for lines of communications are being to South Africa, and therefore the total available field force will consist of 14 cavalry regiments, a body of mounted infantry, 22 batteries, and 46 battalions of infantry. The total number of all men ot all arms will be about 68,000. Irregular forces, colonial contingents, and armed police will probably add about 4,000 to the above total. This force will be about 1000 more than the British, French, and Turkish forces in the Crimea in September, 1854.