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1948 NEW ZEALAND

MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

REPORT The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Sir, — Wellington, 21st June, 1948. I have the honour to submit the following report on the New Zealand Military Forces for the period Ist June, 1947, to 31st May, 1948. General Remarks The year covered by this report has been devoted mainly to the preparation of the Military Forces for peacetime requirements. To this end a progressive programme of training has been undertaken for the Regular Force, and steps have been taken to put peacetime administration, on a sound and up-to-date footing. The winding-up of certain wartime administrative matters, together with the disposal of surplus stores and accommodation, have been virtually completed. Changes in Senior Appointments Major changes in senior appointments in the New Zealand Regular Force during the period under review are Brigadier W. G. Gentry, D.5.0., 0.8. E., relinquished the appointment of Deputy Chief of the General Staff, 20th November, 1947, and was replaced by Temporary Colonel J. I. Brooke. On the 23rd March, 1948, Temporary Colonel J. I. Brooke relinquished the appointment of Deputy Chief of the General Staff on being appointed Director of Cadets and Rifle Clubs, and was replaced by Temporary Colonel L. W. Thornton, 0.8. E.