H.—l9

New Zealand Tactical School With the home-defence forces mobilized, a Tactical School for the training of Company Commanders and unit seconds in command was urgently necessary. This was established at Wanganui, and some three hundred and fifty officers have completed tactical courses. New Zealand Armoured Fighting Vehicles School This school has been of the greatest importance in training officers and non-commissioned officers of our armoured units, including personnel sent overseas. Some 6,930 students attended courses during the training year. The experimental wing attached to this School has carried out a large amount of excellent work of value to New Zealand and also to War Office. Abmy School of Instruction The Army School of Instruction has continued to be of great value in training non-commissioned officers for commissioned rank in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Territorial Force, and the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps, and also in the specialist training of technical personnel. The total number of students passing through the school was 4,747. All the courses of instruction at this School have been attended by personnel from Pacific formations. School of Artillery Students totalling 2,000 have attended courses of instruction at the School of Artillery, including members of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps who are now employed on operational stations. District Schools District Schools of Instruction have been fully employed during this period in undertaking courses for personnel of the Territorial Units, Home Guard, and Secondary Schools. Training op Mobilized Forces During the year intensive and progressive training was undertaken by all ranks of the mobilized forces which culminated in Brigade and Divisional manoeuvres. The large movements of personnel into and out of the Army severely hampered efficient training, but the standard obtained reflects credit on Commanders and their staffs. Battle inoculation was carried out by all units, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force supplied air support as required. Training of 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force Personnel Drafts of reinforcements for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force have been trained and ■despatched during the year in sufficient numbers to ensure that an adequate reserve of man-power is available to the New Zealand Forces overseas. The forces despatched to the Pacific area received a thorough period of training in New Zealand before departure. Home Guard General.- Late in 1942 the appointments of District and Group Directors ceased to exist, and a number of Zone Commanders were appointed to command all troops, including Home Guard, in their respective zones. An Adjutant-Quartermaster and two warrant officers were appointed to each Home Guard battalion. Independent Mounted Kifle Squadrons have been converted into Home Guard units. Training. —With the issue of new equipment, &c., and ammunition for range practices, and the availability of qualified instructors and courses of instruction, the Home Guard has reached a considerable degree of efficiency. Mapping and Survey Good progress has been made during the year, and those areas considered most vital to the defence of New Zealand have been mapped with considerable accuracy. The Lands and Survey Department has expedited the mapping programme, and has received assistance in the work from specialized Army personnel. Artillery Great quantities of artillery equipments of all types —field, anti-aircraft, and coast —were received during the year, the flow being sufficient to ensure that requirements of all major items would be met. A noteworthy feature was the large and valuable part played by Women's Auxiliary Army Corps personnel in the manning of certain artillery instruments. Signals Experimental Establishment A Signals Experimental Establishment has been set up in New Zealand. This establishment has designed and tested a general purpose wireless set for which large orders have been received from overseas authorities. Army Education and Welfare Service The Army Education and Welfare Service was created and organized towards the end of 1942, and came into full operation in March, 1943. New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Army Corps In October, 1942, the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Army Corps was constituted part of the New Zealand Defence Forces. The Women's Auxiliary Army Corps is now playing an increasingly important part in the national war effort, and, in addition to those serving in the Middle East and on hospital ships, members of the corps are now serving in various Pacific islands.

2