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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II
26 — The Chief of the General Staff1 (Wellington) to the War Office (London)
26
The Chief of the General Staff1 (Wellington) to the War Office (London)
The following provision is being made here for reinforcements for the 2nd NZEF:
Every echelon will include normal first reinforcements. The Second Echelon will include second reinforcements for the First Echelon on a similar scale. The Third Echelon will include third reinforcements for the First Echelon and second reinforcements for the Second Echelon, also on a similar scale. Advice is required whether this is considered adequate, and also what subsequent scale of reinforcements should be provided and the frequency of their despatch from this country.
I would be grateful for information regarding the dates on which shipping will be available for the Second and Third Echelons. In view of the desirability of completing the concentration of the Division with the least possible delay, and as training is to be completed with modern equipment overseas, the period of training in New Zealand can be curtailed if necessary. This would allow me to economise on the building programme for housing the troops here during the winter months.
Please inform General Freyberg.
1 Major-General J. E. (later Sir John) Duigan, KBE, CB, DSO; Chief of the General Staff, New Zealand Military Forces, 1937–41; created KBE 11 Jul 1940; died 9 Jan 1950.