THE VETERAN RESERVE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—When I started the National Volunteer Reserve I took care to throw the force open to all officers and men who had passed permanently out of the fighting forces of the Crown, so we were naturally proud to enroll ex-Naval'men, and many a gallant sailor joined our ranks. Proud as the Veteran Reserve is that their force should have been followed by the official Veteran Reserve, it is a matter of deep regret with us that in this respect our scheme has not been officially adopted. Sailors are excluded from the Veteran Reserve probably for no better reason than that no one gave the point a moment's consideration. I appeal with confidence to the Spectator and the British Press generally to call upon " the powers that be " to see to it that there shall be no delay in including the Senior Service officers and men in the official Veteran Reserve. " God Save the King."—I am, Sir, &c., CHARLES FORD, Lieut.-Colonel, Outer Temple, London, W.C.
[Ex-sailors and marines who are not members of any existing Naval Reserve force are to be found in the Surrey 'Veteran Re- serve,and wetrustwill be admitted into the forces raised by other counties. The War Office could not, of course, make an official suggestion for their admission, or make any regulations in regard to them, since that might seem to be poaching on the ground of the Senior Service. If, however, local commandants admit them, we feel sure that neither the War Office nor the Admiralty will make any protest, or prevent the inclusion of so valuable an element.—En. Spectator.
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