National Militia Army of 500,000 Men.
Following the principles above explained, the Militia and Yeomanry of the United Kingdom could jointly, with the Militia of Australia, Canada, and the self-governing Colonies, provide the field army of 500,000 men which has been shown to be required.
Having in view the population and resources of the various portions of the Empire, the following proportion might well be alloted:
Establishment on Basis of Population | ||
| Peace. | War. | |
| United Kingdom | 250,000 | 425,247 |
| Canada | 15,000 | 30,000 |
| Australia | 13,831 | 27,753 |
| Cape, Natal, and New Zealand | 10,000 | 17,000 |
| Grand total | 288,831 | 500,000 |
Note.—In regard to the great difference in numbers between the peace and war establishments above quoted, it has been shown in the preceding pages that the numbers given are the minimum cadre peace establishments. The officers and N.C.O.'s are intended to be practically complete in peace to the strength required in war, and an increase in the personnel of the rank and file can always be made gradually as funds admit and as circumstances render desirable. | ||
The difficulties in providing the peace establishment of 250,000 men allotted to the United Kingdom are not so great as may at first sight appear. There already exist 133,091 Militia, of which approximately 80,000 should be available for a field army and 27,290 Yeomanry. A balance of approximately 90,000 men will thus have to be gradually raised, which, divided upon a population basis between the different counties in accordance with the system adopted by Australia and
