There are now in the field rather more than six divisions of British troops and two cavalry divisions.  These are being, and will be, maintained at full strength by a steady flow of reinforcements.  To meet the wastage of war in this field force our reserve units are available.  To augment the expeditionary force further regular divisions and additional cavalry are now being organized from units withdrawn from oversea garrisons, whose places, where necessary, will be taken by territorial troops, who, with fine patriotism, have volunteered to exchange a home for an imperial service obligation.  On their way from India are certain divisions from the Indian Army, composed of highly trained and very efficient troops, and a body of cavalry, including regiments of historic fame.  The dominions beyond the seas are sending us freely of their best.  Several divisions will be available, formed of men who have been locally trained in the light of the experience of the South African war, and, in the case of Australia and New Zealand, under the system of general national training introduced a few years ago.

The Call to Arms.

In the response to the call for recruits for the new armies which it is considered necessary to raise we have had a most remarkable demonstration of the energy and patriotism of the young men of this country.  We propose to organize this splendid material into four new armies, and, although it takes time to train an army, the zeal and good-will displayed will greatly simplify our task.  If some of those who have so readily come forward have suffered inconvenience, they will not, I am sure, allow their ardor to be damped.  They will reflect that the War Office has had in a day to deal with as many recruits as were usually forthcoming in twelve months.  No effort is being spared to meet the influx of soldiers, and the War Office will do its utmost to look after them and give them the efficient training necessary to enable them to join their comrades in the field.  The divisions of the first two armies are now collected at our training centres; the third army is being formed on new camping grounds; the fourth army is being created by adding to the establishment of the reserve battalions, from which the units will be detached and organized similarly to the other three armies.  The whole of the special reserve and extra special reserve units will be maintained at their full establishments as feeders to the expeditionary force.  In addition to the four new armies a considerable number of what may be designated local battalions have been specially raised by the public-spirited initiative of cities, towns, or individuals.  Several more are in course of formation, and I have received many offers of this character.  The territorial force is making great strides in efficiency and will before many months be ready to take a share in the campaign.  This force is proving its military value to the empire by the willing subordination of personal feelings to the public