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THE S. A. MILITARY FORCES
THE COMMANDANT'S ANNUAL
REPORT.
The Commandant of the Military Forces
Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon) has forwarded to
the Chief Secretary his report on the forces for
the year ending June 30, 1893. He states that
the late commandant (Major-General Downes)
obtained leave of absence from November 10,
1892, to the date of his retirement on March,
25, 1893. On November 10 be was appointed
acting-commandant, so that the report covers
a certain portion of the vear (four months)
when he was not in command. The report
was delayed for some time owing to the pressure
of work caused by the retrenchment recently
carried out in the department. We extract
he following from the report : —
Personnel Generally.— The total strength o£
the forces, officers and men, on June 30, 1S93,
including those absent with or without leave
was : — Headquarters 8, Permanent Force 47,
Aotive Militia Foroe 1,265, Reserve Militia
Force 09, Volunteer Militia Force Mounted
Infantry 416, Infantry 400 ; total 2,235. There
were eight rifle clubs established under the
Act of 1S90, whose members are in no way
however, be desirable recruits in case of
necessity. In addition to the above total
there were on the effoctive retired list 32
officers, and on the non-effective retired list
10 officers.
Discipline and Training. — The Permanent
Company of Garrison Artillery has maintained
its high standard of discipline and efficiency.
On February 24 a detachment of 26 non- com
missioned officers and men, under Captain
Hawker, left for Albany to form the Federal
garrison at that port. The guns were
landed, mounted, and handed over to the
commandant of West Australia within the
short period of 15 days. This was a very
creditable performance, reflecting great credit
on the training the men had received. The
conduct of the Federal garrison, I am in
formed, continues tqt be satisfactory. Active
Militia Force. — The standard of dicipline of
this force has been maintained. Owing to the
necessity for retrenchment I was instructed
early in May by the Hon. Chief Seoretary to
reduce the numbers ot tins rorce. Urders
were issued notifying that recruiting would be
stopped and that such re-enrolments only as
were approved by the acting-commaudant
would be permitted. The force waa thus
gradually reduced and commanding officers
had an opportunity of getting rid of many
useless men. With reference to establishment
as per appendix B, the number laid down
therein . for each corps is the minimum
that can be allowed to form a corps,
and any further reduction of the total number
of tbe Miltia will necessitate the disbandment
or absorption of some of the existing corps
The present Defence Forces Act fixes the
minimum to be maintained at 850 men, and the
rate of militia pay as now proposed, namely,
£1,250 per quarter, will not permit me to keep
even this number efficient. For maintaining
the present larger establishment I have two
reasons : — L That as most of the men now in
the ranks are already fairly efficient a tempo
rary reduction in the number of their drills is
not calculated to greatly damage tbe force. 2.
That in looking forward to the present de
pression giving away to more prosperous times
I trust to obtain an increase on this particular
line in the sub-estimates for next year. If,
however, the amount mentioned is not
increased the already reduced establishment,
as per appendix B, must be again very
materially cut down. The training of the
force undoubtedly suffered by not holding the
Easter encampment. It is quite evident that
the present condition of the finances of South
Australia does not allow me to look forward to
any provision being made for the holding oi
the Easter encampment this financial year.
Tbis I take it to be the case in the sister
colonies. The loss of the encampment will be
much felt, as ib is undoubtedly the best means
of instruction at the commandant's disposal,
and this loss will be made more serious this
year as the pay for the ordinary drills has been
reduced by one half the amount voted last
year, and consequently the members of the
force must have by so much a lesser number of
drills. Such being the _ case, it is most
necessary to find some inducement which,
while having the advantage of not in
creasing the expenditure, will encourage the
members of the different branches of the
service to make the best use of the oppor
tunities that may offer, and also to increase
their efficiency by voluntary parades. I may
state that whenever any little encouragement
has been given to the men the number of
voluntary parades held has been highly satis
factory. With this object in view I beg to
offer tbe suggestion that the Governments of
the several colonies be approached with a view
to tne noiamg ot tne military encampment ot
a federal character by securing thereat the
attendance of troops frcm the military estab
lishments of the several Australian colonies.
This idea was mooted by me in a suggestion as
eauly as 18S7 — that such an encampment would
be a fitting method of celebrating our jubilee
year. The year following the Victorian Go
vernment also attempted to carry the pian out,
'but it failed owing to the want of anything
like a praotical scheme having been pub for
ward. I would suggest the following: — L
The Governments of all the Australian colonies
to be invited to select from the different
branches of their local forces representative
units as per table : —
«.,„,. „. JNumber of
Cot CorPs- Vait- ?
toroe- Officers Men
Regular or Artillery (Gar- Detachment 1 20
Permanent risen;
corWnd1'! CavaJry Squadron 8 30
?°' *P£tT I Field Artillery 4 Bat. 3 Runs 3 36
'?£, P~S, f Garrison AiTy Detachment 1 SO
forea J I''mtry Company 3 60
Vol. Porce_ U'ted Infantry Company s 30
Vol. Foroe _ Infantry Company 2 30
2. The abovenamed unit on arriving in camp
to be formed into squadrons, batteries, and
battalions, the whole forming one federal
brigade, probably numbering eome 1,200 men
and 12 to 15 guns. 3. Being encamped in con
tiguous lines their whole work will be subject
to constant comparison, thair efforts to outvie
each other in smartness, and to earn tbe ap
proval of the commanding officer by strict
attention to discipline aud the display of good
soldierly qualities would be ceaseless. 4. The
corps, thus formed should receive pay and
allowances at a uniform rate for the time being.
5. The military authorities of the colony where
the encampment is held could then definitely
arrange for a fixed number of troops going into**
camp, as each local commandant could supply
in ample time a definite parade state. 6. It
is evidently practicable and comparatively easy
to seleob definite small units, thus overcoming
the great difficulty when dealing with
irregular forces of assembling them in
large numbers, or being able to count
upon a large attendance, for however anxious
the men themselves may be their callings
in life do not allow them free scope. 7.
Tbe cost can be definitely fixed. It will be
comparatively small, a fact which will
naturally strengthen the hands of those who
have the project at heart. 8. Fixed military
units as above will facilitate all military
details relative to camp equipment, transport!,
&c, will equalise commands, prevent unequal
displays and jealousy arising therefrom, and
will bring the expenditure within the reach
of every colony. ? 9. The chosen unit would
feel the onus laid upon them of upholding the
honor and good name of the forces to which
they belong*. 10. By comparing the arma
ment, equipment, &c, of the different colo
nies, much might be done towards establish
ing that uniformity eo urgently required. I
feel in advocating the above I have lefb
much unsaid that could be urged, bub
which will as a matter of fact com
mend itself to those concerned. Short
Acts passed by the respective Parliaments
concerned will give the necessary power for
the enforcement of military discipliue. A
military tournament could be held at the same
time, and as the efforts of the representatives
of the Victorian Horse Artillery and New
South Wales Mounted Kifles, who this year
visited England with signal success, the hold
ing of such a tournament would be a great in
ducement to members of all branches of the
service to become thoroughly proficient* and to
try their powers against those who have so
recently won euch laurels. During the last
quarter the holding of a full day's field work
during each month proved beneficial. A
machine gun has lately been attached to each
regiment, and gun detachments have been
thoroughly trained. The special drill com
pany has been utilised for this purpose.
Reserve Militia Force. — This small force is
no value as a reserve ; practically they have
attended as many parades as the active
Militia Force, and may be looked upon as an
extra company attached to one of the active
regiments. In last year's report Major
General Downes drew attention to the toot
that the means in the power of the com
mandant had signally failed to create a proper
Reserve Militia Force. It is my opinion that
this is due to the fact that our period of
service and the conditions attached thereto
are an fault, and that they are calculated in
every way to encourage re-enrolment in the
aotive force rather than service in the reserve.
I moBb strongly urge that the period of ser
vice, which is for three years only, *? be
served in the active foroe, leaving ib optional
at the expiration of thab term whether a man
re-enrols in the active force or in the
reserve, be altered, and the term of service
be for five years, two years of which shall
be in the active force, and the remaining
three years in the reserve and that provision
be made for re-cnrolment in the reserve only
except in the case of non-commissioned officers.
The fact that thousands of men have passed
through the ranks and in spite of every effort
the establishing of a reserve has under exist
ing circumstances signally failed, is sufficient
proof that a more radical change must be
effected in order to gain the desired end.
Volunteer MilitiaRessrve Force.— Although
the total Btrength of the Mounted Rifles is
slightly under that of last year the number of
extra efficients has nearly doubled, while there
are 65 marksmen as against 46 last year. As
regards the Infantry the extra efficients have
been more than doubled, there being 357 this
year as against 63 last year, although the in
crease in the force is only 42. Their class
firing also shows a marked improvement.
Material. — In dealing with the guns
mounted at the forts and tbe field battery the
commandant repeats a report whioh he sub
mitted to the Government in December, 1892.
Small Arms. — The number of Martini
Henri rifles on charge is aa follows : — In store,
1,237; issued, 2,270; in England being converted
iLiyiU 'xts muj. ******* U-Lf v\JLr vru*~0| j-v** j iwu^a a'^w* ?«.?— »
Henri B.L. rifles, '303 bore, in store, 400.
There are in addition 487 Martini-Henri B.L.
carbines, '45 bore, and 194 revolvers. The life
of the -303 bore barrel, especially when
smokeless powder is used, has not yet been
determined. It in, however, known that it is
muoh Ies6 than that of the Martini-Henri
rifles now in use. This is a most important
factor to be considered in the selection of an
arm, especially when, situated as we are, the
rifle has to be so much uaed in peace times.
I do nob, therefore, propose to send any more
rifles to England for conversion, and would
advise thab we should wait further knowledge
and experience of the new -weapon adopted by
the home authorities previous to effecting any
change. When the time comes for thab ohange
it should be carried out throughout the whole
force, and the expense thereof should, I think,
be charged to loan account. As a resu't from
what has just been stated, added to the fact
that the Colonial Ammunition Factory of Vic
toria is now giving thorough satisfaction. I
recommend that arrangements be entered into
with that company for the fnture require
ments by us of small arm ammunition, and
therefore do nob propose to indent to England
for fnrther supplies. Stock on hand on June
30, 1893, solid drawn, 193,807, to be con
demned ;EE -45 strip ease, 1,259,864; M.H.
?303, 73,000; M.H. carbine, 45,000.
Equipmentpaiid Accoutrements,— The force
is faiiy equipped,and the accoutrements kept in
good order. Keeping in view tbe necessary
reductions in numbers there will be no neces
sity to obtain further supplies this next year,
though considerable repairs will have to be
effected.
Uniforms. — The presenb method of clothing
the Permanent and Militia Force is unsatis
factory. On taking charge I found that there
were 50 complete suits in charge of the quarter
master whioh had never even been iesued, the
men for whom they were intended having lefb
the force within various short periods after
enlistment*. The issue of clothing should be
replaced by an allowance in money, and
commanding officers should be entrusted
with the clothing of their corps, subject! to
strict regulations and inspection. The V. ML R.
force here 13 equally as well clothed as the
Militia, and they are practically under the
system now recommended. I would also
recommend thab provision for boots should be
included in the money allowance made in
clothing. Before fixing upon the color of the
uniform it is most important that the com
mandants of all the colonies finally agree to
one color and pattern, otherwise great expense
is incurred from changes made locally.
Drill Ground, Rifle Ranges, and Building?.
— 1. Drill ground — The new parade ground
has been completed and handed over to this
department. It is eminently suited for its
purpose ; provision will, however, have to be
made for the following :— (a) Lighting. (I) A.
road is required from the parade ground to
the gymnasium, (c) Shelter sheds are urgently
required. 2. Rifle ranges— The ranges at
Port Adelaide are maintained in fair order.
Arrangements will be made to place them in a
more satisfactory condition. The country
ranges are well situated, both as regards their
safety and the convenience of the country
corp3. 3. Buildings— («) The caretaker's
cottage and quarters ab the ranges are in a
bad condition. (l-) The old drill shed on the
North-terrace parade ground is now seldom
used. It would be of more value if removed
to the new parade ground, (c) The ground
on which the Field Battery gnashed s are
erected will shortly be required for other pur
poses; provision must be made for their
removal. _ (d) The barrack accommodation at
the forts is maintained in good order with the
exception of the roofs, which continue to leak
in wet weather. _ Steps should be taken at
once to rectify this long-Btanding defect, (c)
The gymnasium is in good order ; it has lately
been supplied with better light. This build
ing is often used and answers its purpose satis
factorily.
Organisation. — My remarks as to this most
important subject refer rather to thef uturethan
to the past. In the first place every military
force must have a raison d'Stre, and unless
such is the case there can be no grounds upon
whioh to determine ite organisation. In the
colony of South Australia, and I may add the
Australian colonies as a whole, a foroe is
maintained for the purpose of 'defence'
rather than of 'offence.' This being so a
thorough investigation of our liabilities to
attack both as to locality and as to possible
strength of an enemy is of primary importance.
With a view of arriving at such informa
tion as thus determining on a certain basis
our most efficient and economical organisa
tion, it was decided in 1886 to appoint a local
defence committee. This was done, and
though a certain amount of preliminary corre
spondence took place the record of the
minutes of the committee show that only two
meetings have taken plaoe since that date.
This speaks for itself. The absence then
of a scheme which should be both well
conceived and thoroughly prepared deprives
any foroe of the only foundation on which a
reliable organisation can be elaborated, and
renders that force liable to those vicissi
tudes which generally appertain to institutions
resting on an unsound basis. I do not there
fore propose to interfere with the organisation of
the force aa at present constituted this coming
year, hoping that before June 30, 1894, a new
committee will have been appointed, and
will have done euch work as will form
a sound basis for further guidance.
The local defence committee should be allowed
to have the services of such an officer from the
Australian Naval Squadron as his Excellency
the Commander-in-Chief of the station may
nominate.
Instruction of Officers. — As arrangernenfa
can now ba made with the military authorities
in India for a course of instruction of officers
by enabling them to be attached to Imperial
regiments, I most strongly recommend thab a
small sum be plaoed at my disposal to make
the necessary arrangements to send an officer
from the artillery, one from the infantry, and
one from the mounted rifles, for a short
course. I am anxious that the two appoint
ments of staff adjutants, shortly to be vacant,
should, when the finances allow of their being
again filled, be open to officers of our own
forces who have shown special qualifications,
and who have had some opportunities of getting
professional knowledge. I can safely testify
thab there are officers in the force who would
be quite capable of filling the position of staff
adjutant i% only a fair opportunity is given
them to learn their work.
Administration. — In conclusion, the adminis
tration deparbmenb (popularly known aa the
Staff Office) has been very materially re
trenched. Whereas it has of late years cost
about £4,000 a year it has been reduced to
some £2,200. Extra work has been thrown on
the officers employed, and the amount paid
represents not only the salaries or the officers,
paymaster, instructors, &c, bub in addition to
the men employed in tbe care of arms,
equipment, sboies, &c, the supervision of
magazines and all matters appertaining
generally to the discipline and conduct of the
force.
AprENDix A. Eeturit .Showtxo Stebn'oth of South
Al-STKALIAS MlDITABT FORCBa OX JUKE 30, 1893 :—
I ,, ^bsU *£
DisttibuHon. I xJifiii S
^ ? il!l!!li
UBAD-QUARTER STAFF AKP rEE
11ANEST TORCH.
Heltf quarter* — .. -3 — — S
Permanent staff warrant officers — 6 — 5
Qairieon Artillery „ .. .. g 46— 47
MUilTIA PQKCB,
Adelaide Landers - _ .. 6 67 - 73
Field Artillery, A Battery _ 6 69 — %i
Garrison Artillery, B and' C Com
pan~.ee .- - 1 107— 114
186 Regiment Adelaide Eiflw .. 17 318— 335
2nd Regiment Adelaide Rifles „ 15 292[ — 3U5
3rd Regiment Adelaide Kiflee .. 15 25i| ? 269
MedteaLetaS and van. department 13 — !— 18
Ambulance oorps. — — „ — 19 _ ig
Militia Band.. „ „ n — 3o\— 30
Drum and Fife Ban*i .. „, ? 31I _ 31
Militia Beserve _ „ « 1 — !g8 09
* Total Permanent and Militia ~ I
Foroe „ _ _ ..84 1.2*7 98 1.419
VBLDHTBB&MUimA RBSEttVBFOKCK.
Mounted Infautisy .. „ „ 23 893— 416
Intaotiy «? «^ .. „ 20 '''80-^* 400
Total „ _ «'^S 773— 81J8
Grand total .. - 127 2,01096 2 235
* Oh January 1. end o! nn«noUl year tor these corps.
The total of the provisional establishment,
as per paragraph 87 of regulations, is to ba
with Militia Reserve 83 offinerR and yXIG men.
$