LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1938, Page 6

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

AIMS & OBJECTS EXPLAINED. The primary object of the Legion of Frontiersmen was to play it's part in ensuring the safety and well-being of the British Empire, said Sergeant A. C. Wallis, of the Masterton Troop, at a “Diggers' ” smoke concert in Carterton last night. With some 30,000 members in' all parts of the world, the legion was a real power for giving assistance in time of need, and every member was imbued with the spirit of service rather than of self.' Membership in the legion was neither easy to achieve nor easy to fulfil, explained the sergeant. Other than qualified air pilots, no candidate would be accepted at less than 26 years of age and without either a period of Voluntary military service or some special qualification rendering him of particular use to the nation. Good citizenship and loyalty to the Throne were also essential qualifications of membership. The legion was founded in 1901 by a Captain Pocock, who, having retired to England from service in the Canadian Mounted Police, gathered a few ex- 1 wanderers round him and formed an organisation largely with the idea of developing good fellowship and furthering the bonds of Empire. From such a small beginning the legion had grown. During the war, over 9,000 members were killed in action and among the New Zealand volunteers five members won the V.C.

As the first 300 legionaires who offered themselves for service in England were not accepted by the British Army as a separate unit, they joined L he Belgian forces and formed the 21st Belgian' Lancers. Similarly the first 'egionaires to volunteer collectively in New Zealand served as a unit in German East Africa where 90 per cent were casualties.

Today, in New Zealand, the legion was steadily growing in strength and influence. Approximately 3,000 strong, the organisation was giving voluntary service in many fields of national welfare work. When a European war recently threatened, the Auckland troop offered the Government a fully equipoed and manned troopship for service overseas.

The distinguishing uniform of the legion, Sergeant Wallis explained, was based on that worn by the Canadian Mounted Police. It was not as costly as it might appear and the legion was in no way an expensive organisation to join.

In Cornwall, England, concluded Sergeant Wallis, there was located a legion officer with the title, “Captain of the Lost Squadron.” His squadron members were individuals located in various parts of the Empire. 12 for instance being in Alaska. With all he corresponded regularly, keeping them in touch with their organisation and giving them a feeling of comradeship though they were located in the loneliest parts of the Empire.