The Light Horse—The turn-out of, men and horses was excellent they drilled with very fair preci They were steadier than last year, and the horsemanship of the majority of the riders was good. It appeared to me that the new pattern of saddle would be improved, for a Jong day's work, by having a blanket carried under it.
The signal section is a most useful addition and has'attained a good standard of visual signalling. Muserty shag mash improved, ind. the, The American Troop—This Troop only started training as a unit-last october. The turn-out of the men land horses was excellent and the unit forms 'a valuable addition to ithe Corps. Much work has evidently been done in training, and though Jeome movements were carried out a pace, greater doubt be attained The bitting of horses land fitting of bridles Jean be improved.
Field Artillery Battery—The turn-out of men, horses, and equip-iment was excellent and maintains the high standard attained in previous years. The addition of a motor lorry to the battery, for the transport of men and ammunition, Jand, when required, of a howitzer lon the lorry, enhances its mobility. The arrangement for getting the howitzer on and off the lorry is ingenious. A howitzer can also be ltowed at a moderate pace.
The musketry of this unit has much improved.
(c) Machine-yun Units.—The machine-gun units in the Corps late as follo The Machine Gun Company.
The Maritime Company.
The Italian Camp:
OF these the Machine Gun Company, with its armoured lorries, forms one of the most important units of the Corps. I consider that it 1s thoroughly efficient, and that the zeal of its members ensures that the Council is getting full value for ithe large expense that has been incurred in equipping the unit.
The Maritime Company.—This company is well trained and in good condition.
The Italian Company.—This company, which is armed with the Fiat machine gun, has decreased in strength from' 40 to a nominal 32 since my last inspection. Of this number only 13 were present at the unit inspection. The unit cannot, at present, be considered efficient. I understand that it ix contemplated steps to remedy matters.
Engineers.—The Engineer Company has improved, both in numbers and efficiency since last lyeer, and its training has become more practical. It is a good unit land would be very useful in an emergency.
(e) The Public Schoo! Cadet Company—This company has been Inewly formed and was inspected lby me for the first time: it is being well trained, and the boys were well turned out and keen. It hoped that its members will even. tually join the senior units of the 6. Tactical Train has been of training since my 0 in Jessfield Park units moved smartly, and with good, idea of the tactics that should be employed. The nature of ithe ground made the exercise, as a [practical example of what would occur if there were bullets in the ifes, somewhat unreal. The diffi lenities of combined training in the lvieinity of Shanghai are fully realized, but in spite of this I consider that there has been consider-lable improvement.
7. Mobilization Scheme.—The Inow scheme of using strong mobile Columns enables the Commanding officer to keep his forces better in hand, and meets my comment of last lyeer on the risk of dispersion with-jour adequate reserve.
8 Musketry and Rifle Ranges—A great improvement has been made in the Musketry of units armed with There are now 483 first 33 shots in the Corps as against [884 last year, and an even greater proportionate increase has taken [place in the number of marksmen.
The rifle range is in good order and the range discipline in this important part of the training of the (Corps is well carried out.
9. The completion of the Hutted Camp on the Ranges. will facilitate the training of the Corps.
10. Headquarters of the Corps and Permanent Staf—The Corps Ineadquarters is well and efficiently run, and the Staff have carried out. their duties with great—keenness, IThe work is heavy, and it is, for consideration that with increasing Inumbers in the Corps, the Staff should be increased.
11. This is the third time I have nad the honour of inspecting this Corps.. I have been much impressed
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.