watched, waited and worked while Guyana held is breath. Fortunately, under the wise and astute leadership of the Prime Minister, the crisis was gradualy defused, a situation of peace and normalcy restored and a peaceful settlement appeared probable.
Meanwhile, back in Demerara, development was proceeding apace. On 6 February 1967 the Women's Army Corps was formed and training began at Atkinson Field. The Prime Minister's intention of providing a means for women to participate and contribute, on an equal footing to the men in the GDF, became reality as the first female soldiers took their places side by side with the males. Although at first only filling appointments such as typists and switchboard operators, women's training was gradually broadened until it became equal to the syllabus for the basic training for male soldiers. During the year, independent logistic bases at Thomas Lands and Atkinson Field were set up; Engineer, Reconnaissance and Mortar sub-units were trained, equipped and established. Further support came with the creation of an Air Wing which was to be geared for reconnaissance, liaison and transport duties and a Marine Wing for coastal patrols. Rather than being a year of consolidation, 1967 turned to be one of improvement, expansion and development. The monolithic infantry structure of the previous year now had a firmer and broader support base. While these additions were being made, two periods of "Force training" were held in which maximum numbers were released for massive exercises. The experiences were good and soldiers and commanders gained confidence in their jobs and became accustomed to the rigours of field conditions. These exercises enabled staff officers and members of the non-combatant echelons to test and improve their procedures and systems for administration and resupply under simulated operational pressures.
6. BRITISH TUTELAGE
Time seemed to fly very quickly and b-. earn 1968 the team of British Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior NCO% were packing to leave Guyana at the end of their two ,ears' contracts. The expatriate Force Commander would be remaining for a further year but all other seconded personnel would be quitting the country as planned
From August 1966 a careful programme of understudying and training had been taking place at all levels from Force Commander down to Company Sergeant Major.
British Officers had worked along with Guyanese under-studies for twenty four months. Gradually, smoothly and without fuss, Guyanese had been rehearsed and exercised in key appointments and by mid 1968 when the British were gone, the changeover had been effected without the slightest interruption to the rhythm or efficiency of the Force.
That era of British Tutelage was a very important process for all soldiers. The British Army is a well established and efficient organisation which goes about the business of soldiering in a very professional manner. On purely technical and professional grounds, therefore, it was necessary for acknowledged experts in the science to assist Guyana, which never before had a regular, properly trained and equipped army.
Like other Commonwealth countries in the third-world, being under-developed in industrial production, Guyana was obliged to buy the whole wide range of military equipment from Britain - Rifles, ammunition, boots, badges, vehicles Literally every bit of military kit.
