HOME GUARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24419, 3 October 1940, Page 11

HOME GUARD

AREA COMMANDERS THREE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT BY MINISTER (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 2. The Minister of National Service (Mr R. Semple) announced in a statement to-day the appointment of area commanders of the Home Guard at Auck* land, Wellington and Christchurch. “It will be remembered,” Mr Semple said, “that four district commanders were recently appointed as the first sub-division of the Dominion into district commands for the Home Guard. These district commanders are now selecting area commanders, who will in turn command subdivisions of the four main districts. All Served in Last War "1 have pleasure in announcing that 1 have approved the following appointments as the result of . recommendations received from the district commanders. after consultation with Major-general Young the Dominion commander:— No. 1 Area Auckland City.— Lieutenant-colonel R. H. Marryatt. In 1914 Lieutenant-colonel Marryatt was in England, and joined up with the British forces He served throughout the last war. and rose to command a battalion. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in despatches No. 5 Area Wellington City.—Major D. G Johnston. This officer served in the N.Z.E.F, from 1916 to 1919 He was employed in artillery trench mortars and in the divisional ammunition column. He rose to the rank of major No. 10 Area, Christchurch City.— Major D. S. Murchison This officer served in the N.Z.E.F. from 1914 to 1918 with the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He took part in the campaigns in Egypt and Palestine. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in despatches Services Given Free " I feel that the Government has been fortunate.” Mr Semple added. “ in securing the services of gentlemen with- such fine records as is the case with the district commanders. These area commanders will give their time gratis to the work of organising the Home Guard. The Question of an appointment of an area commander in Dunedin is at present under consideration.”