18. Major HOPEasked how many companies were trained at each course of instruction in 1912 at the Mounted Infantry School, Longmoor, and how many companies will in future be trained at each course, consequent on 450 cobs being handed over by the school as remounts for Cavalry regiments returning from South Africa?
§ Colonel SEELYDuring 1912 six companies were trained at each Mounted Infantry course at Longmoor, and three courses were held. During 1913 two companies will be trained at each course, and three courses will be held.
19. Major HOPEasked if twelve companies of Mounted Infantry for the six divisions of the Expeditionary Force and three battalions or twelve companies of Mounted Infantry for the two mounted brigades of the Expeditionary Force, as laid down in War Establishments, 1911–12, are still required on mobilisation?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not in a position at present to make any statement upon this subject.
Major HOPEDoes it not follow that either there has been a waste of money in training too many companies in the past, or that in the future there will not be a sufficient number of Mounted Infantry companies to take the field on mobilisation, owing to the reduction of from six to two companies of trained men?
§ Colonel SEELYThat will depend upon the view the military authorities take upon the precise number of Mounted Infantry it is desirable to include in the expeditionary force.
§ Colonel YATEHas it been determined to retain Mounted Infantry permanently as units for the British Army?
§ Colonel SEELYWe shall retain some for the next year, but I do not wish to anticipate the statement I shall presently make.