ARMY POST

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21219, 16 September 1940, Page 8

ARMY POST

SIR ANDREW RUSSELL MADE INSPECTOR-GENERAL G.O.C. IN GREAT WAR (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Major-General Sir Andrew Russell has been appointed InspectorGeneral of the New Zealand Military Forces. Referring to the appointment of Major-General Russell, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, said that for some time the Government had been considering a programme of extending and strengthening the military forces. Seven army officers were engaged in organising, equipping, administering and training a much increased territorial army, as well as maintaining a regular flow of reinforcements for the forces overseas. In order to assist these and relieve the pressure of work, and at the same time utilise fully his experience and capabilities, the Government had decided on Major-General Russell’s appointment. Other important changes were under consideration. Lieutenant-Colonel in command of the Wellington Mounted Rifle Brigade at the outbreak of the Great War, Sir Andrew Russell, K.C.8., C. 8., K.C.M.G., owner of Tunanui Station, Hastings, enlisted with the Main Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, as Colonel of the Brigade. In 1915 he took over command of the New Zealand Division with the rank of Major-General. He served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France, returning to New Zealand in 1919. He was created K.C.M.G. in 1915, C.B. in 1917, and K.C.B. in 1918. He also holds the Legion d’Honeur and Croix de Guerre. He has been twice president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association.