Topic: AIF - HQ - 3rd Echelon
AIF Headquarters
3rd Echelon
The duties of the 3rd Echelon
The duties of the 3rd Echelon.
When exploring service records, routine orders and other files relating to the administration of the AIF, the one constant in all the paper work is the reference to the 3rd Echelon. This ubiquitous organisation was the driving engine of the AIF in Egypt, France and Britain.
As these posts unfold, the duties of the 3rd Echelon, as seen by the Commanding Officers at the time, will unfold. This is the first instalment.
RE OFFICERS
Precedence, Promotion, Resignations and Relinquishments are properly questions for the A.H.S., G.H.Q.
If Commanding Officers referred such questions to their Headquarters for transmission through the proper channels to the A.H.S., G.H.Q. the 3rd Echelon would only be interested in so far as the record is concerned, i.e., when London Gazettes and Lists of Appointments etc., published with General Routine Orders are received. Care has to be taken to avoid encroaching on the A.M.S.'s Department.
PRECEDENCE OF OFFICERS.
Army Order 35 of 1915. All officers belonging, transferred, posted or attached to a unit will take precedence therein and in their respective ranks according to the date of the appointment or promotion to those ranks and not according to the date on which they actually joined the unit for duty.
The London Gazette has at different times laid down that Officers of the overseas contingents take rank with Officers of the Regular Army from date of appointment or promotion.
RANK AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS.
G.R.O.'s and Circulars published as required. T. F. Regulations 9B.
All these questions are finally disposed of by the A.H.S., G.H.Q. and should be submitted through the Commanding Officers to Headquarters of Formations for forwarding if necessary to G.H.Q.
T. F. Regulations legislate for special selection for promotion where such a course is considered necessary in the interests of the Service. Officers in the New Army may be promoted by selection and not necessarily by seniority.
Seniority and precedence of an officer is important in allocating temporary or acting positions, something that happened on a regular basis in a unit.
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: AIF Headquarters, 3rd Echelon, The duties of the 3rd Echelon
