THE BATTLE OF " WOOFIT."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 40, 16 February 1929, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE BATTLE OF " WOOFIT."

A notable event of the week has been the mimic battle of "Woofit," fought at Orewa, in which New Zealand's navy, the Dominion's air force, and the Auckland territorials took part. Agincourf. Passohendaele. Crecy, the Somme. Tales of a turbulent past; Battleaxe, crossbow, rifle and bomb, Tools of the warrior caste; Orgies of sin lighter, turmoil, defeat, Epics of valour and fame— Listen! The annals of warfare repeat Another illustrious name— WOOFIT. Ausfcrlilz. Waterloo. Torres Yodras, Triumphs of daring and arms: Musketry, cavalry, poisonous gas. Destructive ami deadly alarms: Leadership, strategy, bravery, smoke, Carnage and thunder of war- — These ancient examples are only a joke Compared with the tight at the Shore — WOOFIT.

Tremendous, carthshaking. heroical fight. The fate of New Zealand was hung On gallant platoons who were "dressed by the right" Wherever the army was flung. Those khaki-clad heroes, our infantry force, Undaunted went "over the top." The plan of campaign was to "keep on the course." And, till they were ready to drop, HOOF IT.

Bayonets, aeroplanes, bombardments, guns, Offensives and esprit (1p corps; Manoeuvres, and blank ammunition iu tone— Unparalleled wantage of war. Air aces, foot sloggers. and sons of the sen, With super morale and elan Diverted disaster, acbieved victory— '•War is hell," but, by jingo, you can SPOOF IT.

Momentous, exciting, important! What-ho! When veterans sit in the sun They"]l tell of adventures they bad lons ago When medals and ribbons were won. Gallipoli. Mesopot., Flanders, and France,. The Zeebrugge and Palestine deeds! Pooh! Minor engagements of ancient romance. Compared with the trophy which reads woofit. — E. A.