The Royal Canadian Regiment

Standing Orders of
The Royal Canadian Regiment

1910

As the King's Regulations and Orders for Militia are very full in detail on many subjects, that might be embodied in Standing Orders, all ranks are directed to observe closely such regulations, as the reprinting thereof would make Standing Orders far too bulky.

Officers will not forget that it is due to the honour of the professions which they have selected, to set at all times an example of gentlemanlike feeling and conduct. It will be each officer's endeavour to support the high character of the service and especially to maintain the esprit de corps of the Regiment.

Commanding Officer

1.     On the Commanding Officer, all the discipline, regularity, and interior economy, of the Regiment depend, both in the field and in quarters. His authority, is paramount whether on parade, at Mess, or in any other situation, and his disposal of all questions is to be considered as final.

2.     He is responsible for the custody of all Regimental Records of service of Officers, N.C.O.'s and men; the appointment and promotion of N.C.O.'s above the rank of Sergeant; transfers within the Regiment.

3.     He will inspect all Depots at least once a year. On the occasion of his annual visits he will pay particular attention to the following points:-

(a)     That the Officers' and Sergeants' Messes are conducted on similar lines within the Regiment, while always in accordance with the K. R. & O.

(b)     That Officers' and Sergeants' subscriptions to the above are conducted on similar lines, subject only to special local requirements.

(c)     That Officers' dress is strictly in accordance with regimental pattern.

(d)     That the uniform and equipment of Officers, N.C.O.'s and men is put on an worn according to regimental custom.

(e)     That the same system of rendering returns and of making entries in Guard Reports, Conduct Sheets and similar records is observed.

(f)     That no grievances exist in regards to unevenness of promotion among the N.C.Os.

(g)     That the Canteen and other regimental institutions are conducted upon the same system, while always in accordance with K. R. & O.

(h)     That, subject always to the responsibility and control of the O.C. District or Command, the system followed for the instruction of recruits and attached officers and N.C.Os., is generally the same throughout the Regiment.

(i)     That the system of issuing pay and, making regimental stoppages, is similar throughout the Regiment, while in accordance with K. R. & O.

(j)     That the system of admission to the Married Establishment is such as to ensure equality of treatment among the different detachments.

Second in Command

1.     The Second in Command will assist the Commanding Officer in exercising a general supervision, and enforcing a strict adherence to all regulations, and orders, and support him in forming and instructing the young Officers, not only in their Military duties, but also, when necessary, in their private manners, conduct and dress. He is to exercise a constant supervision over the Musketry, and Military training of the Regiment.

2.      The Second in Command will supervise and frequently visit the workshops.

3.      The Second in Command will be in charge of the Regimental Institutes, and all accounts connected with the Sergeants' mess will be checked by him, before being placed before the Commanding Officer.

4.     He will visit the married quarters not less than once in every month.

5.     He will particularly assist the C.O. as regards the general cleanliness of the barracks or camp.

6.     The junior officers at headquarters, especially those on first joining and undergoing their recruit course, should be his particular charge.

7.     He should supervise the various courses of instruction, and in this he will be assisted by the officer in charge of same, noting any irregularities and reporting them to the O.C. Regiment.

8.      The Second in Command, if a thoroughly capable officer, will naturally be a great deal in the confidence of the Commanding Officer; and is expected take charge of the whole Regiment in the absence of the C.O.

Officers Commanding Regimental Depots

1.     Officers Commanding Depots will, upon all matters of Regimental Routine and Discipline, correspond direct with the Officer Commanding the Regiment.

2.     In all matters, not strictly regimental, they will correspond through the Officer commanding their Military District.

3.     They will not permit the slightest deviation from the orders respecting uniform, and will require Officers, on all occasions when in uniform, to be smartly dressed.

4.     They will be responsible for the promotion of N.C.O.'s, up to, and including the rank of Sergeant, and for the recommendation to the O.C. Regiment of suitable persons for the higher N.C. grades.

5.     Before giving over the Command of a Depot, or portion, in which an Officers' mess is maintained, the Commanding Officer will send the the Officer Commanding the Regiment, a certificate that all debts owing to the Mess have been paid, or that sufficient amount is on hand to meet all liabilities. Should he be unable to furnish this certificate, he will explain the reasons which have necessitated the contracting of debts, so that the General Officer Commanding may decide whether they are to be paid by him, or can be taken over by his successor. This certificate will be furnished in duplicate, one copy of O.C. Regiment, and one copy for Officer assuming Command of Depot.

6.     The Officer Commanding a Regimental Depot is an Officer Commanding a unit, and will, under the Officer Commanding the Regiment, carry out, and live up to the Regulations laid down in the K. R. & O. for Commanding Officers.

Officers Commanding Companies

1.     The entire control and management of every Company is vested in the Officer who commands it.

2.     He is responsible for the state of his Company accounts, and that all documents are carefully read, before he appends his signature.

3.     He is responsible for all arms, accoutrements, great coats, and clothing issued to his Company, and that men have the full complement of necessaries at all time.

4.     He will not permit any necessaries to be issued to his men, except by his own order, or at the request of the soldier.

5.     He will visit his Company quarters daily, and is responsible that all regulations are observed.

6.     He will see that the men's clothing is properly fitted; no article to be altered without authority.

7.     The C.O. delegates to captains of Companies the power of awarding punishments, not exceeding 7 days of confinement to Barracks, and to Subalterns Commanding Companies not exceeding 3 days confinement to Barracks. One day's C.B., extra parades, extra Orderly man, are not entered in Conduct sheets.

8.     He will investigate all crimes and deal with minor offences before Orderly room hour, and send to Orderly room record of minor offences for approval.

9.     O.C. Companies are frequently to inspect the Company duty roster and satisfy themselves that it has been correctly kept.

10.     He will at all times be ready to listen to any representation, report, or complaint and, if well founded, see that prompt redress is afforded, or he will lay the mater before the C.O.

11.     The sick men in Hospital are to be visited by an Officer once a week, and, a certificate to this effect to be sent to the Adjutant on Monday morning of each week.

12.     He is responsible for the accuracy of his morning state, which he will sign.

13.     All permanent passes and those for over 24 hours, recommendations for appointments, furloughs, and indulgences of all sorts, must come through him to the C.O., and no man is to be taken from his Company for permanent employment, without being sent to him and his consent obtained.

14.     He is to see that his Subalterns keep half Company rolls, and are acquainted with the names, characters, &c., of the men of the Company, that they are instructed in the mode of keeping the soldiers' accounts.

15.     Before taking over a Company he will ascertain the exact state of everything in it, satisfy himself as to the correctness of all books and accounts. certificate as follows:-

I, certify that, I have taken over all the clothing, equipment, bedding &c., belonging to "__" Company, and there are no deficiencies, (or otherwise). I have received the bank and other books of the Company, and find they are balanced and correct (or otherwise).

A written receipt is invariably to be given when single conduct sheets are taken over by one officer from another.

16.     He will invariably attend Orderly Room with the Company Conduct book wen there are prisoners of his Company for disposal by the C.O. and he is not to send his Subaltern unless unavoidably prevented by other duties. In a case of drunkenness to be told of by the C.O. he will be careful to be ready to give the C.O. the amount of the fine to which the prisoner is liable.

17.     He is responsible that the men's pouches are thoroughly examined prior to issuing blank ammunition, if there is service ammunition in the men's possession, he is responsible that it is collected and deposited in the place appointed before the issue of the blank is made.

18.     He will inspect all arms and accoutrements.

19.     Officers Commanding Companies are particularly desired to bring to the notice of the C.O. any N.C.O. whom they consider deserving of promotion, irrespective of seniority.

20.     The Company pay list must be ready for submission to the Paymaster not later than the 3rd of the month, for which purpose the Pay Sergeant of each Company will be kept off duty for the last three days of the month, and the first three days of the succeeding month.

21.     No money or other valuables are to be in possession of men in hospital, any article requisitioned for, is to be supplied, but on no account is cash to be sent in lieu thereof.

22.     O.C. Companies are responsible that all men on release from prison are brought before the C.O. on the following morning.

23.     Officers Commanding will see, that all crimes of prisoners for disposal are at the Guard room for entry in the Guard report daily.

24.     O.C. Companies will see that the Subalterns of their Company are properly disciplined and give them the benefit of their private advice and experience, recollecting that a young Officer's training both professionally and socially depends on their example.

The Adjutant

1.     The Adjutant is the Assistant of the Commanding Officer, and exercises authority in his name – his duties are varied and important, and require unremitting vigilance, and the exercise of much forethought, judgment, tact and discretion. He is answerable that every officer is acquainted with his duty, and will give the C.O. the earliest information of any irregularity.

2.     He is the channel through which all orders are conveyed and is responsible for the keeping of the Officers' roster.

3.     No document of any kind will be taken out of the Orderly Room neither will anyone interfere with, or refer to, the Orderly Room documents without the express permission of the Adjutant or by order of the C.O.

4.     He has charge of and is responsible that Regimental books are correctly kept.

5.     He is responsible for the regular transmission and correctness of all returns, he will daily check the Company states, certificates, and returns sent to Orderly Room will not be filed or put away until the Adjutant has examined and initialed them.

6.      He is responsible that all entries made in Regimental Conduct Sheets are correct. In fact he is responsible for the accuracy of all books and documents connected with the Orderly Room.

7.     He will parade and inspect all Guards and all armed parties and escorts previous to marching off, and communicate the orders for their guidance.

8.     The uniformity, general appearance, cleanliness, depends largely upon the manner in which his inspections are carried out.

9.     The Sergeant Major, Orderly Room Clerk, Sergeant Regimental Police, Provost Sergeant, Drill Instructors, the whole of the N.C.O.'s Bandsmen, Buglers, are under his particular superintendence, except that the Bandsmen are as to their musical instruction under the Band Committee and Bandmaster. He must endeavour to become acquainted with the character of the N.C.O.'s assisting them when possible.

10.     He is responsible for the drill and instruction of young officers, N.C.O.'s and recruits.

11.     He will frequently examine the Sergeant Major's roster of N.C.O.'s duties.

12.     He is to warn all prisoners for trial by Courts martial in due time and furnish them with a copy of the charge or charges preferred against them.

13.     The duties of the Adjutant are so various that it is impossible to specify them all. A great deal must be left to his own zeal and that general knowledge of his profession which is absolutely required of him for his appointment. He must recollect that he is always on duty and without interfering with Company Commanders, must bring to the notice of the C.O. any regularity or neglect. generally speaking he is to consider himself the eyes as well as the mouthpiece of the C.O.

Subalterns

1.     Subaltern Officers are at all times to address their seniors with marked respect.

2.     Subaltern Officers will do all in their power to assist the Officer in Command of the Company, and will bring any irregularities to his notice.

3.     Orders which affect the Commander of the Company apply equally to a Subaltern who may be in command. Subalterns should therefore make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the duties of a Captain, and be ready to take charge of a Company is required.

4.     All Officers on joining are required to go through the course of drills prescribed for recruits; when reported by the Adjutant fit for duty, the Commanding Officer or Second in Command, will examine them and if satisfied that they are well acquainted with their drills he will dismiss them from it.

5.     They will attend the Orderly Room daily and be thoroughly instructed in the system of the office.

6.     They will be thoroughly instructed in all regulations concerning pay, extra pay, and allowances of all ranks, and the manner of drawing and accounting for the same, and in the regulations concerning deferred or Good Conduct pay, forfeiture of pay or stoppages.

7.     They will make themselves acquainted with the whole of the Interior Economy of their respective Company and strive to support their Captain in the maintenance of discipline; and in order to have proper confidence in themselves and be enabled thereby to check any regularity, they should diligently read up the Standing Orders and all books prescribed by Regulations and learn from them the various duties of those below them.

8.     They will daily, under the orders of their Company Commander, visit the men's barrack rooms and see that each man's bedding, accoutrements, &c., are regularly arranged, rooms, tables &c., are clean, and check the slightest irregularity and will at once report to the Captain any irregularity which they themselves are unable to correct.

9.     When in the Supernumerary rank on parade they can see all irregularities which they are directed to check; by their zealous attention they may be of the utmost service to their Captains by preventing slovenly marching, negligence in covering and dressing especially in fours, and in many other ways too numerous to mention, which matters should be at once detected by a smart officer as requiring attention.

10.     Previous to applying for leave they must obtain the sanction of the Captain Commanding their Company.

11.     They will attend the monthly settling and signing of accounts, until their Captain considers they understand their duties.

Officers Generally

1.     Officers will not forget that it is due to the honour of the professions which they have selected, to set at all times an example of gentlemanlike feeling and conduct. It will be each officer's endeavour to support the high character of the service and especially to maintain the esprit de corps of the Regiment.

2.     The Senior Officer in Barracks is responsible for the preservation of good order and regularity.

3.     Officers will not publish the private concerns of their brother Officers nor in any way encourage the discussion of Regimental matters in general society, or criticise among themselves the actions or orders of their superior officers.

4.     A superior Officer is occasionally compelled in his official position to speak and act otherwise than he would if he consulted his private feelings. Official conduct on official matters and the maintenance on parade of the greatest form and etiquette need not prevent the closest intimacy in private.

5.     They will pay attention to the appearance of the men both in and out of barracks, and notice any slovenliness in their carriage or dress or in their mode of saluting. They will check any irregularities and bring them to the notice of the Adjutant.

6.     Officers are enjoined to consider their duties on all occasions first, and their amusements afterwards, and it must be held as a point of honour to do what is required in the way of duty with the same alacrity when left to their own control and guidance, as when under the immediate observation of their superior.

7.     Every facility, consistent with the due performance of duty, will be granted for officers to enjoy leave of absence. Such leave is granted on the understanding that officers return instantly is summoned. Before going on long or short leave officers will write their addresses, all duty arrangements and the names of the officers responsible for them, in the leave book. When an officer wishes to delay his return he will telegraph the Adjutant in sufficient time to allow for his being present for duty if the leave is refused. In the event of verbal leave being granted by the C.O. the Adjutant must be informed.

8.     Officers in Command of Detachments will see that the system of the Regiment is carried out in all details and that no orders are overlooked or neglected.

9.     The motive of every order is probably the discipline, efficiency, or comfort of the Regiment, consequently Officers should never suffer any discussion by themselves or by others of their Commanding Officer's acts or principles of command.

10.     Punctuality is sternly exacted from the soldier. It must therefore not be neglected by the Officers who should set an example in punctuality, dress, and smartness.

11.     An Officer who may be prevented from taking his duties or attending parade through illness, will immediately inform the Adjutant. An Officer on the sick list will not appear out of his quarters without permission of the C.O.

12.     Officers desirous of exchanging duties must obtain the sanction of the C.O. the day previous to their being on duty, taking care to notify such sanction in writing to the Adjutant before detail for next day is issued.

13.     Officers are not permitted to appear in the Orderly Room in plain clothes while the C.O. is transacting business. When entering or leaving they should salute the C.O.

14.     Officers will invariably take steps to become acquainted with daily orders and will provide themselves with a copy of Standing Orders.

15.     Officers will closely investigate all complaints made to them, show attention to the interests of their men, and remove every just ground of discontent.

16.     Officers on their return from leave of absence, from Command, or from the Staff, will report themselves in person to the C.O. Should they rejoin from detachment, they will report their arrival to the Adjutant at Headquarters. They will read up all orders issued during their absence.

17.     Officers are directed to take an early opportunity of calling upon the General Officer or Commandant of any station they may be quartered at.

18.     All Officers are expected to take an interest in and stimulate the N.C.O.'s and men of the Regiment in all healthy outdoor, and legitimate indoor sports.

19.     Gentlemanly conduct in all matters both inside and outside of Barracks is absolutely required from all Officers of the Royal Canadian Regiment.

20.     Officers must bear in mind that once a year the C.O. is called upon to render a confidential report upon each individual officer. This report is of such a precise and searching nature, that it is impossible to avoid giving the fullest details. They should therefore remember that not only must any professional ignorance, or want of zeal tell against the efficiency of the regiment, but it will inevitably be recorded to their personal disadvantage in that report, from which alone the Militia Council is enabled to judge of an officer's fitness for promotion. It is placed completely out of the power of the C.O. to save an officer from any consequence of his own inefficiency from any cause. On the other hand he has it in his power to greatly increase the chance of an officer being selected by the Militia Council for promotion by reporting favourably of his zeal, and abilities.

21.     Officers will be in possession of all books required by the K. R. & O.

Quartermaster

1.     Where no Officer is especially appointed, the Adjutant becomes the Acting Quartermaster.

2.     The Quartermaster or Acting Q.M. is immediately responsible to the C.O. for business connected with:-

(a)     Rations and forage,

(b)     Quarters, fuel and light,

(c)     Clothing, necessaries, and Regimental Stores,

(d)     Ammunition and accoutrements, Barrack and Camp equipment, and care of miscellaneous stores,

(e)     Baggage and transport.

3.     He will be guided in the performance if his duty by the following Regulations:-

He will keep all books corrected up to date.

4.     He will balance all is books and lay them with all his vouchers and accounts before the C.O. for inspection in the first week of each quarter.

(a)     Rations and Forage.

5.     Rations and Forage. The Quartermaster will received the Company ration returns from the Pay Sergeant, and will make out the requisitions in accordance therewith for the Officer i/c Supplies, or for the Contractors when supplies are furnished direct by them.

6.     He will attend the issue of rations and see that they are properly served out.

7.     He will at the end of each month submit the ration return to the C.O. in duplicate for signature.

8.     He will constantly visit the kitchens and exercise a general supervision over cooking arrangements. He will report any circumstances likely to interfere with the punctual service of meals.

9.     If forage is issued in any kind, he will indent for, receive, and issue it. If an allowance is drawn in lieu, he will prepare the necessary vouchers.

10.     He will always furnish requisitions for supplies signed by the proper Officers. he will not give verbal orders or demands for any articles.

(b)     Quarters, Fuel, Light and Billets.

11.     The Quartermaster will make a monthly inspection accompanied by the Orderly Offcir of every part of the Barracks, and will be responsible for the system of keeping them clean. He will give particular attention to the latrines, urinals, ash pits, kitchens, ablution rooms, baths, wash houses, water and gas service, and all drains.

12.     He will frequently inspect the Married Quarters.

13.     He will be present at all inspections of Barracks and Barrack utensils.

14.     The wash houses, laundry, and ration store, are under the immediate supervision of the Q.M. he is responsible for the drawing up of orders, and regulations in respect of these places, and of other matters falling within his sphere of responsibility. Such Orders, after approval by the C.O. will be signed and issued by the Adjutant, but the Quartermaster is responsible that they they are duly posted up and carried out.

15.     The Quartermaster is responsible for the condition in which quarters are taken over or vacated also for the condition of all furniture and utensils.

16.     He will make out the bills for Barrack damages, and submit them for the approval of the C.O., no barrack damages will be charged to men until they have been so approved and published in Orders.

17.     The Q.M. is responsible that no allowances are drawn unless authority can be quoted for same. He will prepare and submit to the C.O. claims for allowances and vouchers for them.

18.     The Q.M. will submit the fuel and light returns to his C.O. in duplicate at the end of each month.

19.     On the march, the Q.M. will go forward to take over quarters or billets and allot them to Companies or to select ground for camp or Bivouac and to lay it out.

(c)     Clothing, Necessaries, and Regimental Shops.

20.     He is responsible that the requisitions for clothing within the necessary size rolls are prepared, signed, and sent in as required by regulation.

21.     He will take charge of the sealed patterns of clothing and necessaries and produce them for comparison with articles received for issue.

22.     He is responsible that the boots are to be marked with the number of the men to whom they are issued, and that the great coats and capes, and helmets are numbered throughout as well as marked directly they are received.

23.     He will not issue necessaries to the Companies except on requisition signed by an Officer of the Company or by the Adjutant in cases of emergency.

24.     He will make out requisitions for material required in Regimental shops. The requirements should be estimated for at least three months in advance and the requisition submitted quarterly. he is responsible that the accounts for working pay are correctly kept.

(d)     Ammunition and Accoutrements.

25.     The Quartermaster is in charge of and responsible for the Regimental or Depot Magazine, and of the ammunition therein. He is responsible for all issues of ammunition and for the re-delivery into the magazine of what is not expended.

26.     He will account for all arms, accoutrements, clothing, &c., in ledgers issued for that purpose. He will requisition for, receive into store, issue and account for all equipment and government property.

27.     He is responsible that all equipment is marked according to regulation, and that the marking is kept in a legible conditions.

28.     He is responsible for the care of all miscellaneous stores, whether held temporarily, or permanently, in charge, and of condemned utensils, and stores awaiting disposal. He will see that the places where these articles are stored are neatly kept. He will prevent the excessive accumulation of rubbish in barracks.

(e)     Baggage and Transport.

29.     The Q.M. will not receive in Q.M. Stores baggage from any person without a list and description. Nor unless the packages are securely fastened, and properly packed.

30.     When a battalion or any part of it is ordered to change quarters, the Q.M. will make out the necessary requisition for the signature of the C.O. He will go forward to take over the new quarters, and arrange with the C.O. to leave behind an officer to hand over the old ones.

31.     When movements are made by rail, he will make arrangements for the cars for occupation, so as to facilitate entraining.

The Sergeant Major.

1.     The regularity of the daily routine, the tone and behaviour of the N.C.O.'s and their knowledge of the duty, the smartness and soldier-like bearing of both N.C.O.'s and men on and off parade and in or out of Barracks, together with their punctual attendance to all orders, depend much upon the active supervision, the personal smartness, and thorough knowledge of the regulations of the Service by the Sergeant Major.

2.     He is at all times considered to be on duty, and will exercise a general watchfulness, bringing to the notice of the Adjutant any departure from Regimental orders, in the conduct of fatigues, of guards and sentries, of escorts, of drills, of men working out of Barracks, &c.

3.     He will see that all N.C.O.'s act up to their orders both in the letter and in the spirit. He will pay particular attention to the manner in which they perform their duties, on Barrack guard, on picquet and in waiting and on the gate.

4.     He will encourage N.C.O.'s to come to him for advice on any subject or for information and guidance as to their duties.

5.     He will undertake the instruction in drill of Officers on joining.

6.     He will constantly visit the Sergeant's Mess see that everything is regular and that all orders are obeyed.

7.     He will keep the N.C.O.'s duty roster; give out detail to the Battalion Orderly Sergeant and to the Company Orderly Sergeant; parade all guards, escorts, picquets, &c.

8.     The Sergeant Major is entitled to a batman.

The Bandmaster

1.     The Bandmaster is a Warrant Officer, and ranks next after the Sergeant Major. He will on all occasions be treated with the same marks of respect as the Sergeant Major, when addressed by an inferior.

2.     He is responsible for the instruction of the musicians, and will receive his orders direct from the C.O. or from the President of the Band Committee to whom he will report when any instrument is damaged.

3.     The Bandmaster will ascertain from the President, Band Committee, whenever the Band is required for guest nights.

4.     He is to bring to the attention of the Band President any new music that he may think useful for the Band.

5.     He is, in his manner and conduct, to sustain in all ways, the high reputation that the Band of the Royal Canadian Regiment has attained.

The Quartermaster Sergeant

1.     The Q.M.S. is the Assistant and Chief Clerk of the Q.M.

2.     He will constantly visit every part of the quarters, and will assist the Quartermaster in maintaining his supervision over them, as required.

3.     When the rations are delivered in Barracks, he will ascertain whether they are correct. He will make all issues personally.

4.     He will receive, unpack, and count over all supplies, clothing, and necessaries, arms, ammunition, and equipment, received from Headquarters, or District Stores. He will see to their safe keeping, and marking.

5.     He will, under the direction of the Quartermaster, issue necessaries required by the Companies to the Colour Sergeants. before issuing them, he will see that requisition is signed by an Officer of the Company (or Adjutant if necessary), and that it has been countersigned by the Quartermaster. No pecuniary transactions of any kind, in respect of necessaries are permitted.

6.     The kits are to be issued to recruits by the Q.M.S., in the presence of the Colour Sergeant of the Company to which the recruit belongs. The Q.M.S. is responsible that every article is properly marked, before issue.

7.     He is to keep an exact account of the distribution of the barrack bedding, so that in the event of any loss, it shall not come as a general charge against the Company.

8.     He will be present at the monthly inspection of barrack utensils, and will assist the Q.M. in assessing damages.

9.     He will, on no account, have any dealings with tradesmen, nor will he be entrusted with money to pay bills of any kind.

Orderly Room Clerk

1.     The Orderly Room Clerk is under the orders of the Adjutant, he occupies a position of much confidence and responsibility, and should be conversant with all orders. He should preserve the strictest secrecy with respect to official communications, particularly those of a confidential nature, which may come under his observation. This he must also strongly impress upon the minds of his assistants.

2.     The Orderly Room is his special charge and he is responsible that it is kept clean and in proper order. He will nor permit any person without the sanction of the C.O. or Adjutant, to have access to, examine, or remove any book or document kept in the Orderly Room.

Sergt. Bugler and Buglers

1.     The Sergt. Bugler is answerable for the appearance and good behaviour of the Buglers and for the instruction in every part of their duty, he is responsible that all calls are correctly sounded. he takes his orders from the C.O., the Adjutant and Sergeant Major.

2.     He takes command of the Band and Bugles on parade, but is not to interfere with the former in any other respect.

Colour Sergeant

1.     Colour Sergeants are the first N.C.O.'s of the Companies, and are responsible (under the officers) that every order affecting instruction, equipment, or administration is carried out, if he keeps the N.C.O.'s to the strictest performance of their duties he will have the satisfaction and pleasure of hearing his Company generally praised.

2.     He likewise acts as storekeeper and clerk to the Company Commander and in this capacity is known as "Pay Sergt."

3.     They will be constantly among the men prepared to give advice and assistance to those who require it. He will check cases of irregularity, and while maintaining a high standard of discipline will always be ready to contribute to the comfort and well being of the men, thereby gaining an influence over them and gaining their respect.

4.     He will receive from the N.C.O.'s of sections the arms, accoutrements, &c., and necessaries of men who remain improperly absent from their quarters. The Company Orderly Sergeant is responsible that this duty is not omitted by N.C.O.'s. Twenty-four hours after a man is reported absent a correct inventory is to be made of his kit signed by the Orderly Sergeant and Orderly Corporal.

5.     He will receive the arms, ammunition and accoutrements of any man on being admitted to hospital and he will take charge of them until the man returns to his duty.

6.     He is responsible that the following books of the Company are kept properly, and that all necessary entries are made, and signature attached, viz,: Company Commander's Order Book.

7.     He is answerable to the Company Commander for the state of spare arms, accoutrements.

8.     The clothing and equipment of men becoming non-effective (by death) will be taken to the Q.M. Store on the day they become non-effective.

9.     The arms, equipment and such clothing as men do not take with them to Hospital will be taken into Company Store, on their admission to Hospital.

10.     They will be present at the Orderly Room whenever men of their Companies apply to see the Commanding Officer.

Colour Sergeants as Pay Sergeants

11.     Pay Sergeants are responsible to Company Commanders that the book, forms, and other documents entrusted to them are properly kept, and that all entries in them are punctually, and regularly made. The books connected with the pay duties are:-

No erasures are allowed in the above; in case of error – alterations will be neatly made in red ink, and initialed.

12.     Men who are in debt should be stopped their pay.

13.     At the last settlement of pay in the months, the signature of every N.C.O. and soldier present with the Company should be obtained on the pay sheet-those on furlough, command, or in Hospital, will be read over to , and signed by them at the first monthly settlement after their return, or discharge from Hospital.

14.     When a soldier is about to be posted to another Company, transferred, or attached for pay to another regiment-the Pay Sergeant will make out a statement of his accounts on the form D. 285, for transmission to the O.C. unit to which he is posted, transferred or attached. he will likewise make out a list of his clothing and necessaries.

15.     Pay Sergeants will not be entrusted with money, except such as may be necessary to make definite payments, they will on no account hand over to other N.C.O.'s money so entrusted to them. They will neither keep a running account with any one, or lend, or advance money without authority.

16.     Pay sheets are to be submitted to the C.O. for inspection, and transmission on the third of the month.

The Sergt. Master Cook

1.     The Sergt. Master Cook is under the supervision of the Quartermaster, and is responsible that the cooking is conducted systematically.

2.     After supper when the cook houses have been cleaned, the doors will be locked by the Sergt. Cook.

3.     He will at all times be responsible for the meals being well, nicely, and cleanly cooked, and punctually served. He will attend at the stand and see the meat is perfectly good, should the potatoes or any part of the messing be indifferent or bad, he will at once report the circumstances to the Adjutant.

4.     He is responsible that refuse is saved for the benefit of the refuse fund.

5.     He is responsible that everything in the kitchen is clean.

6.     No person is allowed in the Cookhouse except on duty.

The Master Tailor

1.     The Master Tailor is under the orders of the Quartermaster.

2.     He is responsible for any damage done to clothing in his charge.

3.     He must be careful that all articles are cut according to the regulation pattern, and that no clothing is altered from the regulation pattern without the consent of the C.O.

Servants and Grooms

1.     Every Regimental Officer is allowed to have one soldier servant. Field and mounted officers are permitted to have an additional soldier as groom.

2.     Servants are to keep passages in which their master's rooms are situated clean and tidy, and will be held responsible that this is done.

3.     Any N.C.O. who has occasion to confine a servant will immediately inform the Colour Sergeant of the Company to which the man belongs.

4.     Servants of Officers on sick list, in their rooms, are not required to attend parades or perform duty.

5.     Servants unless specially ordered will attend only C.O.'s parade.

Non-commissioned Officers Generally

1.     It is essentially necessary that a young non-commissioned officer should be impartial in the exercise of his authority, active and energetic in the performance of his duties, and firm in giving his orders, and seeing that they are properly carried out, never permitting a reply on points of duty; but when giving orders, or finding fault he must avoid all irritating or coarse language, and in dealing with those under him should never lose his temper or at impetuously while in anger, neither should he suffer himself to be drawn into an argument with a private soldier.

2.     A N.C.O. who is strict in the performance of his duties at one time, and at others, "hail fellow well met," with those under him is totally unfit for his position, does much harm, and is a source of trouble to all who have to deal with him.

3.     The best N.C.O. is he who prevents crime, not he who brings up the most men for punishment; the prevention of crime is to be particularly distinguished from the concealment of crime, which is one of the greatest and most dishonourable offences of which a N.C.O. can be guilty.

4.     A good N.C.O. will perform all his duties at all times as if under the eye of the C.O., his chief aim will be to obtain the esteem of his officers, and the respect of the N.C.O.'s and the men under him and this can only be gained by a diligent and conscientious discharge of his duties, he will never consider himself entirely off duty, and will at all times take notice of and check any irregularities that come under his notice. Any N.C.O. who does his duty well and conscientiously soon becomes known to his officers as a good N.C.O. and in consequence will always find his authority most fully supported.

5.     No N.C.O. can do his duty properly or correctly if he mixes or associates with privates or those of inferior rank. he must never borrow, lend, or in any way traffic with his inferiors.

6.     N.C.O.'s should invariably give a ready acquiescence to all orders and instructions given them by their Officers or senior N.C.O.'s and should cheerfully support them.

7.     When an N.C.O. has occasion to confine a soldier for any offence, he should invariably obtain the assistance of two or more privates to conduct the offender to the guard room, and should himself avoid in any way coming in contact with him unless under very exceptional circumstances.

8.     A N.C.O. is not to come in contact with a man in a state of drunkenness. It is his duty to order any drunken man into confinement but should be careful to avoid exciting him either by word or gesture. If it can possibly be avoided the N.C.O., ordering a man into confinement should not escort him to the guard room, and if it can be managed to get the drunken man to the guard room without his being aware of who the N.C.O. was who ordered him into confinement there is less likelihood of his further committing himself. A N.C.O. escorting a soldier to the guard room or ordering him into confinement should be careful to keep out of his reach.

9.     Except in cases of personal violence or when on escort or detached duty a Lance Corporal with less than 3 years service will not confine private soldiers, but will report the offence to the Orderly Sergeant of the offender's Company who will act as the circumstances of the case require.

10.     A N.C.O. giving evidence against the accused while being careful to state all the facts bearing on the case should endeavour to do so in as few words as possible, neither should he exhibit any rancour, or personal feeling of animosity towards the accused whilst giving evidence against him and having once given his evidence should not speak again unless referred to by the C.O.

11.     While a N.C.O. is to be prompt and stern with the men he should at all times treat them with civility and kindness, with a little tact and discrimination. This can easily be managed without in the slightest degree encouraging familiarity. A N.C.O. should also be able to perform his duties in a firm and proper manner without in any way bullying those under him. To bully is cowardly and altogether unbecoming the character of a soldier.

12.     By studying the character and temper of those under him a good N.C.O. in his dealings with them will know how to teat each man individually and will have the satisfaction of seeing his orders carried out without crime. He should endeavour both by example and precept to guide and train the young and inexperienced encouraging the diffident and checking the unruly.

13.     He should pay particular attention to his dress, bearing, carriage, and general appearance and take under his particular superintendence such men as are careless or slovenly, in this way he will often convert a slovenly recruit into a smart soldier.

14.     The Sergeants' Mess under the supervision of the Second in Command is conducted according to Regulations approved by the C.O. Sergeants are strictly prohibited from going into the Canteen for drinking purposes; they should not frequent public houses.

15.     A room is set aside in the Canteen for Corporals and Lance Corporals, where they can sit and drink their beer. This room is under regulations approved by the C.O. Corporals are prohibited from drinking in the tap room or at the bar with the privates, or in any part of the Canteen.

16.     A N.C.O. wishing to speak to the Captain or Officer Commanding the Company must invariably do so through the Colour Sergeant. The Colour Sergeant is bound to permit any N.C.O. or Private of his Company to speak to the Officer Commanding his Company unless he knows or is of the opinion that it is for an improper purpose, in which case he will immediately report the same to the Officer Commanding the Company.

17.     No N.C.O. will address the Adjutant on matters connected with the Regiment except through the Sergeant Major.

18.     A N.C.O. rejoining headquarters from detachment, escort, furlough or pass, must at once report his arrival to the Sergeant Major.

19.     No N.C.O. is allowed to exchange duties without the sanction of the Adjutant or in his absence the S.M.

20.     A Lance Corporal should have to be 6 months clear of an entry of any sort and a Corporal 9 months before they can be eligible for promotion.

21.     A N.C.O. should remember that he may yet rise to as high a position as an Officer.

22.     N.C.O.'s should show the greatest respect and deference to the S.M. They are always to address his as 'Sir' and stand to attention when speaking to him.

23.     Every N.C.O. must bear in mind that only by obtaining educational and drill qualifications can he rise it a higher grade.

24.     An N.C.O. should endeavour to show, by his zeal, ability and good conduct, that he is fit for a higher grade.

Married Soldiers and their Wives

1.     No soldier is permitted to marry without first having obtained the sanction of the Commanding Officer.

2.     Any soldier marrying without leave will be debarred the indulgences granted to those who are borne on the strength of the Regiment.

3.     All marriages, births, baptisms, are to be entered in the Regimental book and each soldier who marries is to furnish to the Adjutant the necessary extract signed by the officiating clergyman.

4.     It is the duty of a married soldier immediately on the birth of a child to report to the Adjutant all the information required in connection therewith.

5.     Married women permitted to reside in Barracks must keep their rooms clean and tidy, they must conduct themselves in an orderly manner, be tidy in their own persons, and keep their children clean and neatly dressed.

6.     Drying of clothes and linens will not be permitted in rooms.

7.     Husbands will be responsible that wives and children do not infringe any Regimental Orders.

8.     Any woman who behaves discreditably or who will not attend to Regimental Orders will be liable to forfeit all the advantages of a recognized married woman.

9.     No soldier's wife is permitted to accept service out of the Regiment or to absent herself from it without leave from the Commanding Officer. A woman having any request or complaint to make will in the first instance prefer it to the O.C. Company to which her husband belongs in writing.

10.     Soldiers are held responsible that any appearance of infectious disease in their family is at once reported to the medical Officer and to their Orderly Sergeant in the latter case with a view to the matter being reported to the Officer Commanding the Company and the Orderly Room.

11.     Married soldiers are not to allow single men to visit their quarters without a pass, they are not to be out of their quarters after Tattoo except when on duty or on pass, and their lights are to be extinguished at the usual hour.

12.     They are held strictly responsible for the respectability and conduct of their visitors, and they will accompany them to any part of the Barracks they may wish and are permitted to see.

Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers Generally.

1.     Obedience is the first duty of every soldier, whether Officer, N.C. Officer or private soldier.

2.     An order given by a superior whether Officer or N.C.O., is to be obeyed instantly without hesitation or remark.

3.     Soldiers should be distinguished from civilians by their smartness and cleanliness, by their sobriety (drunkenness being the chief cause of crime) and honesty, by their patience under difficulties, and by their resolution to overcome obstacles, in short by their exertion to do their duty as well as possible, and in the manner which will bring the greatest credit to the Regiment to which they have the honour to belong.

4.     The following rules for saluting will be observed: Men halted without rifles turn to their front and salute with the hand; Men seated spring up smartly and then salute; men on the move salute with the hand in 6 paces. When a number of men are sitting or standing about, the senior N.C., or oldest soldier calls the whole to attention and salutes, a soldier mounted will salute as a Cavalry soldier. If at night when a parade is formed or when a Battalion is, or duties, are marched off, they will stand to attention.

5.     When the National Anthem is played at any pubic place of amusement, &c., or at any other times, Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the Regiment will always stand to attention and salute in the usual manner whilst the first portion of the anthem is being played.

6.     The N.C.O.'s and men of the Regiment will salute the Colours of any Regiment when they pass them.

7.     When a funeral is passing N.C.O.'s and men will invariably halt and turn towards the procession and salute the coffin or hearse.

8.     N.C.O.'s and men of the Regiment are directed to salute all Officers both Naval and Military. This mark of respect must never be omitted by any soldier to an Officer bearing the King's Commission even though he may not be in uniform, if the soldier is aware of his identity.

9.     When two of more soldiers, walking together, pass an Officer they will raise their hands together.

10.      N.C.O.'s and men passing a Regiment on the march will halt, and salute the C.O. and Colours.

11.     This same mark of respect will be shown to all bodies of troops commanded by an Officer. N.C.O.'s and men will address W.O.'s in the same manner as they do officers, but do not salute them.

12.     Every soldier is bound to render his assistance to the Civil or Military Police when called upon to do so, and will remain with them until they are told they are no longer required.

13.     A soldier is to avoid disputing or quarrelling with civilians.

14.     A soldier is not to join in any demonstration in town, nor is he permitted to take part in any procession, no mater what its object may be.

15.     No meeting or assembly of Officers, N.C.O.'s or privates is ever to be held for the purpose of discussing any questions without the sanction of the C.O.

16.     A soldier will be served out with his Arms and Accoutrements in thorough repair, and he is bound to keep them in the same serviceable condition. Any damage that may arise from neglect. or want of proper cleaning will be charged to his account. He is forbidden, under the same penalty, from cutting, or boring holes in, or improperly marking, or disfiguring, the accoutrements in his charge.

17.     No N.C.O. or man is to lend, make away with, or alter any article, or portion of the Arms, Equipment, Clothing or Regimental necessaries without the permission of the O.C. his Company. If detected in doing so he will be punished, and in the case of lending, the borrower also.

18.     No alternations or repairs to clothing or boots are to be done out of the Regimental shops, neither are these alterations to be carried out without the knowledge of the O.C. Company. For this purpose a book is kept by the Colour Sergeant of the Company. A man wishing to have repairs done will have his name and nature of repairs entered in this book by the Colour Sergeant. A N.C.O. will then take the man to the shop, when the tradesman will enter the amount to be charged to the soldier.

19.     Soldiers will be careful not to waste or misuse their food. They should acquire the habit of being very careful in everything affecting its economical use, as this is of great importance in active service.

20.     Soldiers will sit down to all meals in clean fatigue dress.

21.     A soldier is not allowed to gamble.

22.     Soldiers are entitled to receive their pay weekly in arrear.

23.     Soldiers, on receiving their pay, will examine it, and should they discover an error, will draw the attention of the O.C. to it at once. They will sign the Pay sheet at the end of the month, in the presence of a N.C.O. other than the Pay Sergeant. Should they not understand their accounts, or believe an error to exist, they will not sign, but will appeal to the Company Commander, and if necessary to the C.O. Should a soldier consider himself wrong in either his accounts or clothing, or in any other case, he has the power of appealing to the C.O., and if not satisfied with his decision, he has, further, the opportunity of making complaint at the yearly inspection, to the General Officer. He must, however, be careful that the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious, for such will subject him to trail by Court Martial.

24.     A roster will be kept in each Company from which all duties will be detailed, and it must be accurately kept, as it is by this roster that the Orderly Sergeant knows who are the men next for duty, consequently, carelessness in keeping the roster might involve injustice to a man, and cause complaint and dissatisfaction. Garrison and Regimental duties are to be warned in the same order as detailed by the S.M.; these duties take precedence over all Company duties, and are therefore to be warned first.

25.     No soldier is allowed the argue the justice of any order given him by a superior, by a sentry, or by any other soldier in the execution of his duty, but must obey at once without hesitation. The individual giving the order is responsible for its correctness. If the soldier thinks himself aggrieved, he should make his complaint to the O.C. his Company, who will investigate and adjust it, or refer it to the C.O., but, until the duty is performed, and the order obeyed, no appeal can be listened to; N.C.O.'s have their orders not to admit of a reply on points of duty, and therefore private soldiers should bear in mind that the attempt to argue the correctness of an order given them can only lead then into serious trouble. Their mode of obtaining redress is through their Company Officer, and they are to appeal to him on all occasions, when they consider themselves wronged, but are to abstain from making frivolous complaint. The subject of any complaint made by a soldier must relate solely too himself, he is not to set himself up as a leader or organ of any party, or body.

Stables

1.     No smoking allowed in stables.

2.     Grooms are responsible for the neatness and cleanliness of the stables and vicinity.

The Band and Buglers

1.     The Band is never collectively or individually to engage to play anywhere without the sanction of the Commanding Officer.

2.     When the band plays out they will be marched regularly from and to Barracks.

3.     An Officer will be detailed to take charge of the Band and Band Fund. He is not at liberty to purchase any new instruments or expend any large sums without the permission of the Commanding Officer.

4.     Musicians are responsible for the instruments committed to their charge, and will have to make good any damage caused by carelessness of neglect; the inventory which should be kept by the Band Sergeant of everything in possession should show the name of the musician and the instrument in his charge, and this inventory should be checked at least once a quarter by the Officer in charge of the band.

5.     When the Band plays in public or at Mess, no one but the Senior Officer of the battalion present will give any orders to the Bandmaster or Band.

6.     The Sergeant will keep a correct list of all the instruments with date of receipt, and condition of injured at last inspection and nature of injury. If no remarks be made it will be understood that the instrument was in perfect order. A fresh list should be kept by him of all music in possession and of the marches on cards all of which the band Sergeant must weekly inspect and see that every man has all his cards in good order and complete; if a card is defaced or lost the man must at once get it replaced and will furnish a certificate to the effect that he has done so to the band president.

7.     No instrument will at any time be taken from the Band room unless required for duty or by special permission.

Instructions as regards Colours, Guards of Honour and Salutes

1.     The Colours will be kept in the Officers' Mess. They will be cased, except on guest nights.

2.     When Colours are required on Parade, the following procedure will be carried out, viz.:- The Officer, or Officers detailed to carry the Colours will received them over at the Officers' Mess, the Colour party being in attendance. The Officer Commanding the Colour Party will then march his party on the parade, forming up on the reverse flank, and at the head of the column looking toward the Battalion. When the parade is formed up, the Colour Party will move out to its position in the column, being received with the customary salute, viz., 'Present Arms.'

3.     Where both Colours are carried the Colour Party will consist of the Colour Sergeants, or Sergeants. When one Colour, two Colour Sergeants, or Sergeants.

4.     On the Battalion being formed up for dismissal, a company will be detailed as escort to the Colours, the Band will move on the reverse flank of battalion ready to march off the escort. The Officer Commanding escort will fix bayonets, and close the right half company sic paces to the right, the Colour Party moving into the interval. The escort will them form fours right, and move off, headed by the Band playing the regimental march. As the escort moves off the battalion will present arms. On reaching the Mess, the escort will form company, halt and present arms, the Colour party taking the Colours into the Mess.

5.     The Senior Officer of the Colour Party will command the same, and must give the necessary executive commands to enable Colour Party to conform to the movements of the battalion, or guard, as the case may be.

6.     Important. N.C.O.'s forming Colour Party must cover the points of their bayonets with cork to prevent the Colours being torn.

7.     Attention is drawn to the following, Infantry Training, 1905, sec. 134, para. 5, sec. 189, sec 206, and K. R. & O. (Canada), 1910, paras 1389 to 1397, inclusive.

Parades

1.     The hour and dress of all Battalion Parades will be notified in Orders on the day previous.

2.     The form to be observed on parade is as follows:-

(a)     Staff parades will be formed by the S.M. and inspected by the Adjutant. Ten minutes before the hour named for the parade, the N.C.O.'s call will be sounded, on which all N.C.O.'s, together with the Band and Drums will attend. They will fall in, in column by the left, Drums in front, Staff Sergeants in rear of the Band; when covered by the S.M. rolls will be called by the Orderly Sergeants, after calling the rolls the Orderly Sergeants will fall in alphabetically on the directing flank of the column, and facing it, reports will then be collected by the S.M., the Senior Staff Sergeant answering for the Staff, and the senior N.C.O. of each Company answering for his Company. The Staff parade will then be ordered to 'Slope arms,' and will be dressed by the right by the S.M. with three paces distant between ranks. The N.C.O.'s will then be ordered to 'Order arms,' and fix bayonets, when the S.M. will report to the Adjutant, Staff parade formed up, or otherwise.

The Adjutant will then inspect the parade. After inspection ranks will be closed, bayonets unfixed, the band and Drums marched by the Sergt. Drummer to their position on the outer flank of the battalion, and the N.C.O.'s will be ordered to 'Slope arms,' and dismissed, when they will rejoin their respective Companies.

(b)     When a battalion parade has been ordered, Companies will fall in on their Company parade ground in Company column by the left, where they will be inspected, and proved by the O.C. Companies.

The Sergeant Major will call for markers, who will fall in alphabetically on the battalion parade ground, they will be dressed, and numbered by the S.M., who will give the command 'Slope arms' Quarter Column from No. 1, outwards turn, quick march, when all except No. 1 will take the required number of paces, halt, turn about, and take up their covering from the front; when covered by the S.M. will give the word 'Steady,' followed by the command 'Stand at ease.'

When Companies have been inspected, and proved, the Adjutant will instruct O.C. Companies to march on their markers.

When the Battalion has been formed on their markers, the Adjutant will collect the reports of each O.C. Company reporting his Company present, or otherwise.

The Adjutant reporting the state of the arade to the C.O. who will tell of into half battalions, preparatory to commencing drill.

(c)     Companies will be equalized, and sized on all ceremonial parades.

Pro Patria

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