HC Deb 09 September 1909 vol 10 cc1627-8W
Mr. COURTHOPE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many recruits have been enlisted for the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery since April, 1909, showing the numbers enlisted per mensem, allowing a reasonable proportion for losses by desertion, sickness, etc.; what is the average per mensem that should be enlisted to keep up the establishment; what is the strength at present of the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery, showing the numbers by divisions; what is the establishment of artificers, by classes, of the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery, and what are the numbers at present serving; and whether any facilities are offered for an increased training for men of the Special Reserve who show an aptitude for and desire to learn a trade?

Mr. HALDANE

The number of recruits was as follows:—

April 66
May 35
June 63
July 42
August 62
Total 268

In the present establishment of 12,000 it is calculated that 241 recruits a month are required, after making the usual allowance for casualties; for the future establishment of 6,000 about 120 recruits a month will be required.

The strength by divisions on 1st September was as follows:—

1st Division 1,167
2nd Division 1,386
3rd Division 399
4th Division 1,180
5th Division 2,408
6th Division 1,353
Total 7,893

This figure is exclusive of 774 Militiamen and 24 of the Reserve Division of Militia still serving on their old engagement.

The establishments of artificers (present and future) and strength are as follows:—

Establishment.
Present. Future. Strength.
Farriers 36 24
Shoeing & Carriage Smiths 228 144 3
Saddlers 72 48
Fitters or Wheelers 72 48

The reply to the last part of the question-is in the negative.