TANK BRIGADE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 85, 21 January 1942, Page 2

TANK BRIGADE

DAY AND NIGHT MANOEUVRES. ACTIVE SERVICE CONDITIONS. (P.A.) AUCKLAND, January 26. Powerful Valentine infantry tanka lumbering out of camp, more nimble Bren gun carriers following in their wake, then lines of Army transports swarming with tin-hatted soldiers, provided an impressive spectacle as a Special Battalion of the Ist New Zealand Army Tank Brigade moved out into open country from its camp recently to take part in realistic day and night manoeuvres. Dispatch riders on motor-cycles added to the din of a mechanised column on the move and heightened the touch of realism. For the first time in the history of the Dominion modern tanks were taking part in full-scale Army .manoeuvres, and the sight of these efficient infantry tanks in action was an indication of the increasing mechanisation of the military forces within the Dominion.

For several days and nights the special battalion carried out exacting exercises under strict active service conditions, and t)ie information and experience derived from the manoeuvres will be of inestimable value to the officers and men of the Tank Brigade. All men carried full equipment and lived on regular Army rations for the duration of the manoeuvres. Many of them were having their first experience of full-scale manoeuvres, and they carried out their duties with a zest that augurs well for the Tank Brigade when it adds its strength to the forces already on active service. Men From the Middle Eafet. Although the tank trainees were for the main part novices as far as actual warfare was concerned, their ranks were stiffened by men who had taken part in the battles of Greece and the Western Desert. They were the men of the Middle East personnel who returned to New Zealand last year for the special purpose of training New Zealanders in tank warfare. Most of the men who took part in the recent manoeuvres are students of the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School, where personnel receives a thorough grounding in the scientific aspects of tank warfare.

Altogether the manoeuvres were an outstanding success, and demonstrated very forcibly the ease with which modern armoured fighting vehicles can operate over rUgged country. Mock dive-bombing attacks, surprise night attacks by the “enemy” kept the men on the alert and made them familiar with the necessary countermeasures against such actions. Apart from the usual camouflaging of the various vehicles, grass and tree branches were used to conceal the various units from possible observation from the qir. The men proved themselves adept at improvisation, the art of which has proved so important in some engagements during the present conflict.

Wireless operators found their knowledge rigorously tested, and learnt, too, what an essential part wireless plays in tank warfare. Other personnel also benefited by the practical application of their knowledge, and perhaps learnt just as much during the few days on manoeuvres as they probably would during a considerably longer period of ordinary training. Most valuable of all, perhaps, was the opportunity given both officers and men* to use their initiative.

At a time .When war clouds have spread to the Pacific the knowledge that the Dominion has added a tank brigade to its other effective striking forces brings a further reason for confidence. The recent manoeuvres provided some reflection of New Zealand’s preparedness and an indication, too, of how readily and rapidly the Dominion’s fighting men are fitting themselves for mechanised warfare.