Topic: AIF - Lighthorse
Australian Light Horse
Roles within the Regiment
Second in command
The following entries dealing with the roles and duties within the hierarchy of a light horse regiment are extracted from a very informative handbook called The Bushman’s Military Guide, 1898. While written in 1898, the information contained in the entries held true for the next twenty years with only minor modifications with the principles remaining as current then as now.
Officers Generally
(1.) He will see that troop officers are attentive to and punctual at stable duties, and report any troop officer that may exhibit negligence in this very essential point.(2.) He will occasionally inspect the forage and report to the Commanding Officer any defect in the quantity, quality, or mode of issuing forage.
(3.) He will pay particular attention to the permanent section system being strictly adhered to, and will occasionally examine officers, Non Commissioned officers, and section leaders on the state of their sections.
(4.) He will pay particular attention to the dress and appointments of officers, and with the Adjutant inspect every officer's kit the first opportunity after first joining, and see that it is strictly according to regimental pattern.
(5.) He will carefully observe officers' attendance at parades, etc., at the specified time.
(6.) When temporarily in command duties of Commanding Officer, the Commanding Officer looks:
(1st.) To the Adjutant for the drill, and detail of all duties, and the efficiency of the Permanent Staff and their ability to assist officers in the instruction of their respective units, more especially Guard Duties.
(2nd) To the quartermaster for the cleanliness of the lines generally, the provision and distribution of all rations, forage and water at stated hours, the care of Camp equipment and return to stores on conclusion of training. All losses to be accounted for before the troops leave Camp.
(3rd) To Squadron Commanders for the general supervision of their squadrons both in the field and on the horse lines.
(4th) To the Troop Leaders to afford every assistance to their Squadron Commanders.
(5th) To the Troop Sergeants to carry out the details under their troop officers.
(6th) To the Permanent Sections Leaders for the efficiency of their respective sections of fours.
(7th) To the Non-commissioned Officers, to be thoroughly in touch with their duties and have such control of the men entrusted to their charge, so as to carry out all details of Camp routine - to act, as it were, as buffers between the men and officers.
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Further Reading:
Citation: Australian Light Horse, Roles within the Regiment, Second in command