ld, in the future, be drawn the men to
fill the gaps caused by casualties in the commissioned ranks. The
qualities expected of an officer were personality, moral as well as
physical courage, education, health, and a sporting disposition. The
education sought was not necessarily academic, but such as indicated a
capacity for rapid thought and for expression in speech and writing,
together with a knowledge of men and their ways.[C] A high standard was
thus set, and this being considered, all wearers of stripes were deemed
to hold their rank temporarily--confirmation being dependent on their
acquiring efficiency and displaying the desired qualifications. This
method of appointment held good until after the Battalion's arrival in
Egypt, and resulted in the collection of a most admirable body of
subordinate leaders. Many of these same N.C.Os.--as officers--afterwards
earned great distinction for themselves and for the unit. They were
indeed the "backbone of the army."

The formation of the specialist detachments was rendered comparatively
easy by the presence in the ranks of much excellent material. The
Signallers were taken in hand by 2nd Lieut. J. J. S. Scouler, formerly
attached to the Australian Intelligence Corps, who had passed through a
signalling course in Victoria. He quickly gathered round him a body of
enthusiastic young men whose efficiency subsequently became the envy of
the other battalions and the admiration of the Division. The team for
the two Maxim guns was organised and partly trained by Captain H. B.
Menz. About the middle of May, however, 2nd Lieut. G. D. Shaw was
appointed to the Section, and later commanded it most efficiently until
the date it was absorbed into the 7th Machine Gun Company at Ferry Post,
about the beginning of March, 1916. From the _personnel_ of the original
unit quite a large number of officers for the Machine Gun Corps was
afterwards drawn. 2nd Lieut. T. D. Graham was appointed Transport
Officer, and had little trouble in getting suitable men to look after
and drive his horses and vehicles. He was fortunate in having to assist
him Sergeant F. L. Faulkner, who had served with transport in India.

Captain John Kenny was attached as Regimental Medical Officer. On him
devolved the responsibility for selecting and organising the Army
Medical Corps details and the Stretcher Bearers. Both detachments were
extremely useful. The Pioneers were chosen, and an excellent body of
tradesmen secur