Citizen Forces Update - Diary Entry 5

Happenings at Home,
January - March 1914
Citizen Forces Update

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Albert’s promotion has had a marked affect on A Company. I think he assumes ‘A’ stands for Albert and he has certainly inclined all to drill with greater effort. We are all benefiting from his observations and counsel, even those of us who do not see a career in service. Our Area Officer, Cpt. Wilson-Brown dropped in during night drill a couple of weeks back. So inspired was he by the progress Albert had made he asked if Albert could spare time to talk to the Senior Cadets who would join the Citizen Forces next year. Without a breath of hesitation Albert volunteered me to the task, saying it would benefit both the Cadets and me. I think the Cpt. was as taken aback as I but by reflex patted my shoulder with a “well done lad”. Only I could see Albert’s smirk. 

On the walk home I told Albert I would only prepare for the talk on drill nights, arguing it is part of my service. I still have some weeks before the occasion and have made enough notes, although Albert need not know any of that.  I visited the Library and have copied much from The Defence Act, much of which I did not know.  Here is some of what I am considering to deliver by way of my introduction:

 “Gentlemen, boys, soldiers all.”

 “A mere two years back I too was a boy Cadet in this very company before my graduation to Soldiering in the Citizen Forces with the 21st Infantry Battalion. Those who will be 18 next year need know you have much to prove ahead of you.

“By virtue of your age you missed on being Junior Cadets who drill only in the schoolyard. Your introduction has been as Senior Cadets.  But know this, your graduation to the Citizen Forces is as marked a change as that from Junior Cadet to Senior Cadet. In the Citizen Forces you will undertake the equivalent of 16 full days of training through the year. You will master your fighting skills in training camp for eight days, and you will continue night drills, half day drills and whole day drills – the CO will decide when and where you drill.  You will be turned from boys to men, men who can rally for King and Country at a moment’s notice. When your service is up at 26, you will take all you have learned into your futures.

“Our country holds the virtue of being one of the only civilized English-speaking nations to have the foresight to insist all young men should be trained so as to be ready to defend our nation. Hold this privilege close to you and appreciate that you will be entrusted with this responsibility.

“I have the honour of serving in A Company at Woollahra, as does my older brother. Our elder brother also served here. Our younger brother serves with H Company at Randwick. You will serve where you are needed. Consider your service with pride. 

“You will hand in your .310 Cadet Rifle and get a soldier’s Short Magazine Lee Enfield .303 rifle and a soldier’s uniform & etc...”

Gordon, having penned this I feel it may need more effort if I am to hold the interest of the boys but it is late and I am ready for sleep.

Gordon, I will conclude the journal here and promise not to be as tardy in compiling the next issue. My aim is to forward this and the next issue with Malaita when she sails.  I so wish you were home. John.