Central Otago CMT group to be set up

Alexandra-Clyde RSA secretary Barrie Reynolds (left) and committee member Jock Braidwood,...
Alexandra-Clyde RSA secretary Barrie Reynolds (left) and committee member Jock Braidwood, pictured outside the Alexandra district club, want Central Otago people involved with compulsory military training to step forward. Photo by Colin Williscroft.
Central Otago people involved in compulsory military training (CMT) need to band together before it is too late, Alexandra-Clyde RSA committee member Jock Braidwood says.

CMT ran in New Zealand in 1949-59 and from 1962 to 1972. More than 60,000 completed the 18 weeks' military training during the first period, while another 3000 did so in the second, which was a revised version of the earlier scheme.

Mr Braidwood, of Alexandra, who did his own training in 1952 and 1953, said it was time those living in the area who did the training formed a group to socialise and reminisce about their experiences.

Although unsure of how many former CMT personnel were in Central Otago, Mr Braidwood said he was confident there were still a few.

"But if we don't get together now, we will lose the opportunity, because most of them will be between 65 and 75 years old."

After attending get-togethers of a South Canterbury CMT group, Mr Braidwood decided to establish one in Alexandra.

Membership would be open to suitably qualified people throughout Central Otago, as well as the Queenstown and Wanaka areas.

Not only would it be a good way of getting more people into the RSA, it would provide those people who came forward with an opportunity for camaraderie, he said.

Former CMT personnel interesting in joining a group based in Central Otago should contact either Mr Braidwood, or Alexandra-Clyde RSA secretary Barrie Reynolds, at the RSA in Centennial Ave, Alexandra.

- colin.williscroft@odt.co.nz

 

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