The territorial force is making
great strides in efficiency and will before many months be ready to take
a share in the campaign. This force is proving its military value to the
empire by the willing subordination of personal feelings to the public
good in the acceptance of whatever duty may be assigned to it in any
portion of the empire. A division has already left for Egypt, a brigade
for Malta, and a garrison for Gibraltar. The soldierlike qualities
evinced by the force are an assurance to the Government that they may
count to the full upon its readiness to play its part wherever the
exigencies of the military situation may demand. Nor must I omit to
refer to the assistance which we shall receive from the division of the
gallant royal marines and bluejackets now being organized by my right
honorable friend the First Lord of the Admiralty; their presence in the
field will be very welcome, for their fighting qualities are well known.
The Supply of Officers.
The creation of the new armies referred to is fraught with considerable
difficulties, one of which is the provision of regimental officers. I
hope the problem of supplying officers may be solved by the large
numbers coming forward to fill vacancies, and by promotions from the
non-commissioned officer ranks of the regular forces.
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