The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1914-08-06
MOBILIZATION OF BRITISH
ARMY QUICKLY EFFECTED

Note-In his concluding article,
n. n. HadIow, formerly Of the
British army where he served
with distinction in the Boer war,
describes how England mobilizes
her troops.
When mobilization is ordered word
Is sent by mail, wire, or messenger to
each reservist. Notices are posted up
on all churches and public buildings
and each man knows where he has to
report. Proclamations are read by the
mayors of every city The mayor will
furnish transportation vouchers and
make other necessary arrangements.
No reservist is allowed to reside out
of Great Britain except by special per-
mission. Large numbers of reservists
hold positions and are easily and
quickly modified. The Territorials
are modified in exactly the same way
as the reservists.
Each town has a complete company
of territorials and these would join
the other companies in adjoining
towns and the complete battalion
would be under arms in few hours
with its own complete supplies. The
government would assume command
Of the railroads which, unlike Ger
many, are not operated by ex-soldiers.
Horses and autos would be COM
mandeered and receipt for same
given to their owners who would be
compensated at full value by the gov
eminent. Secret forts all around the
coast would be manned. The bulk of
the troops would proceed with all
speed to the large mobilization cen
tiers such as London, Aldershot, Sails
bury Plain, the Curragh in Ireland and
Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland
Seasoned troops serving in India would
be replaced by other men as far as
possible. In time of war England
must always expect and make prepare
lions for repelling an invasion and
for this duty the Territorials would
be Of inestimable service.
Service in the Navy.
Service in the royal navy and royal
marines is on a different footing to
the army. In the navy bluejacket
(seaman) has to enter the service
between the ages of Is and 16 and he
signs on for twelve years continuous
service commencing from his 18th
birthday. His boy service does not
count. He serves on a training ship
at first, and at the age of Is he be-
comes an ordinary seaman. Next he
becomes an able seaman and then
leading seaman or fully qualified blue
jacket. For service as stoker men are
eligible for enlistment between the
ages of IS and 25 and the period of
enlistment is for II years The age
limit is a little more elastic for men
who enlist in the special branches
such as artificers, electricians. car
penters. shipwrights, clerks, cooks,
or hr1t oach hos fn
~ years.
The rate Of pay in the navy is high
err than in the army The rank and
to buy their own uniform A free kit
is given on enlistment but is not re-
peated. The goods can be purchas ed
at cost price and the sailor is taught
to make his own clothes. At the ex-
piration of his IL years service he has
the privilege Of joining the Royal
Naval Reserve and as in the case of
the soldier receives a small retainer.
These reservists come up for two
weeks service afloat each year at the
time of the annual manoeuvers.
Life Pension.
Instead Of quitting the service at
the end of ~ years a man may re-
enlist for further period Of 9 years
and would then retire on a life pen
sion. 1t is interesting to note that the
whole OF the London Fire Brigade is
made up of ex-naval men. After a
certain period of service in the navy
the sailor can volunteer for the Coast.
guard service. Observation stations
are dotted all around the coast each
station being manned by from ten to
twenty coastguards under petty Of
ficer. These positions are usually
sought by married men as housing
accommodation is provided free. 1t
should be stated that sailors marry