DIVISIONAL BASIS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 69, 18 October 1940, Page 2

DIVISIONAL BASIS

Changes in N.Z. Forces MPORTANT changes in the admini- ] stration of the Defence Forces of New Zealand, announced recently by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, mean that the Dominion’s army is now on a Divisional basis, similar in organisation to that of the Division overseas. By dividing the Dominion into three divisions, northern, central, and southern, with a Brigadier in command of each, the New Zealand Forces may be likened to three brigades, with a General Officer Commanding at Headquarters in Wellington. Such an organisation, the Minister explained, means a smooth and swift change-over. should mobilisation ever become necessary. The following officers have been appointed to command the new tion:Brigadier P. H. Bell, D.S.O., has taken over command 6f the Ist (Northern) Division with headquarters at Auckland. He has been succeeded at Army Headquarters by Colonel H. E. Avery, C.M.G., D.S.O., as Quarter-master-General. Brigadier N. W. McD. Weir has command of the 2nd (Central) Division, with headquarters in Wellington. Brigadier O. H. Mead, C.B.E., D.S.O., has taken over command of the 3rd (Southern) Division with headquarters -at Christchurch. He will be succeeded at Army Headquarters by Colonel A. E. Conway O.B.E. who now _ becomes Adjutant-General. Other changes have been made as lows:Colonel R. A. Row, D.S.O., at present commanding the Wellington Military District, has gone to Auckland to take command of the Northern field force. Colonel L. Potter has come from Auckland to take command of the central field force, Wellington. Colonel E. T. Rowlings has command of the: southern field force. Colonel L. G. Goss is attached to the general staff at Army Headquarters in Wellington. The Minister explained that the changes were necessary following on the great expansion of the New Zealand land forces for home defence. Further units of the Territorial Force would be formed as soon as the officers and n.c.o’s were trained. He expected that the total number in training, including reinforcements for the Division overseas, would. be nearer 50,000 than 40,000. The training of forces necessary for home defence were proceeding with all possible speed, Mr. Jones said, and no effort was being spared to obtain the most modern equipment. Colonel Bell and Colonel Mead. whose services he would be sorry to lose on the Army Board, had been engaged on work of great responsibility, which they had carried out most efficiently. All the officers appointed to the new commands and high executive posts saw service in the last war.