§ Mr. NEWMANasked the total weight carried by an Infantry soldier under twenty-one years of age in full marching order; what amount of practice the young soldier has in marching carrying this weight; what distance he is expected to be able to cover in full marching order at the end of annual training; and if any allowance is made in the distances to be covered or weight of equipment borne by 1212 soldiers under twenty-one as compared with their more mature comrades?
§ Colonel SEELYThe total weight carried by a British Infantry soldier in war is 59lb. 11oz., as against 59lb. 10oz. carried by a German and 58lb. by a French soldier. Infantry soldiers under twenty years of age are not sent on service. In peace the weight to be carried in full marching order, without ball ammunition or emergency ration, is 49lb. 1oz. The course of instruction in marching is progressive, both as to distance and weight to be carried, and lasts through the training season; at the end of the period of collective training Infantrymen are able to carry their full marching order for twenty miles and more without undue fatigue. The training of the young soldier in this important part of his duty is carefully supervised with a view to securing that the strength of no individual should be overtaxed.
§ Mr. NEWMANI take it at the end of the training the average young soldier can carry the full weight?
§ Colonel SEELYYes.