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New Zealand Jayforce Consequent upon the decision of the Government to send a Brigade Group as New Zealand's contribution to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force for Japan, 4,000 all ranks were retained in Italy after the departure of the main body of personnel returning to New Zealand and were despatched, together with equipment, to arrive in Japan about 20th March, 1946. With the exception of officers and certain specialists, this Force was constituted from the single men of 13th, 14th, and 15th Reinforcements. In accordance with the Government's decision to return by July or August, 1946, personnel who went to Japan from Italy, a relief Force of volunteers was enlisted and trained in New Zealand, the first draft sailing in May, 1946. The response to the call for volunteers was good. Difficulties, however, have been experienced in obtaining sufficient qualified personnel to replace officers of the Engineer, Medical, and Dental Services at present in Japan. Army Establishments The rate of demobilization of home-service personnel has been to a large extent dependent on the rate and number of personnel returning from overseas, as hospital, records, and movements staffs are required to deal with overseas personnel until their leave expires and they have been discharged. In addition, a large number of buildings and a great quantity of valuable equipment is still to be maintained or held pending disposal. The establishments of Army units are constantly under review, and much care has been taken to ensure that personnel are not being retained unnecessarily. The number of men and women on home service by 30th April, 1946, was 5,959. At the time of the Japanese surrender in August, 1945, the numerical strength of the Army was : Overseas .. .. .. .. .. .. 37,312 In New Zealand .. .. .. .. .. .. 15,619 52,931 The total strength of the New Zealand Army as at 30th April, 1946, was 14,933 all ranks, which includes 2 N.Z.E.F. Japan, the Victory Parade Contingent, and 4,181 Jayforce personnel in training within New Zealand. Recovery of Allied Prisoners of War and Internees During the course of the year three recovery teams comprising 9 all ranks were despatched to the Far East for this duty. Approximately 580 British personnel were interviewed before they returned to the United Kingdom, 170 statements by civilians (British and New Zealand) were received from the Commissioner of Police, and over 120 New Zealand service personnel have been interviewed Army Education and Welfare Services Army Educational Services were maintained throughout the year among New Zealand personnel in the Mediterranean, in the United Kingdom (prisoners of war), in the Pacific, and in New Zealand. Vocational education has been carried out by tutorial classes in camps, technical and agricultural colleges,-and by correspondence. The number of Army Education and Welfare Service correspondence students in New Zealand exceeded 3,500 in August, 1945, and is now approximately 1,800. Following the cessation of hostilities with Japan, arrangements were put in hand for the transfer of Study Courses, Library Service, Current Affairs Section, and the Library of 400 films to civilian organizations. To provide educational facilities for the New Zealand Occupation Force in Japan, a well-equipped Education Unit has been established within the Force.

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