MILITARY CAMP AT CAVE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 18 March 1939, Page 18

MILITARY CAMP AT CAVE

MANOEUVRES OF REGIMENT “ATTACK” ON TIMARU “REPELLED” An “attack” on Timaru which was “successfully repelled” by the First Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, and troops from Burnham, was one of the highlights of the annual camp of the regiment at Cave. With troops from Burnham marchon it from the north and with the First Battalion, Canterbury Regiment attacking from the south, the “invaders” were beaten —but not without a struggle, in which motor transport, aeroplanes, and armoured cars played an important part. With the First Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, hurrying to Timaru by motor transport, the column was open to attack from the air and from armoured cars. An “enemy” machine from thp Royal New Zealand Air Force made repeated attacks on the column; but the battalion was able to protect itself. Further protection against the attacks on the improvised armoured cars was made by means of picketing, which kept the “invaders” at a distance. Two of these cars, however, broke through and attacked the rear of the column. By ouickly “debussing,” the troops in the “attacked” vehicles “defended” themselves with few “casualties,” and. under active service conditions, it is doubtful if the attacking armoured cars would have succeeded in making their escape. The battalion launched its attack at Jack’s Point ridge, just south of Timaru, and this was the climax of manoeuvres which had been carried out with considerable dash and spectacular effect. The regiment arrived back from camp last Wednesday by motor transport. The improvised mechanical transport of troops was in the hands of the Third Composite Company, New Zealand Army Service Corps, which had the troops back in the city in 10 minutes under schedule time. The camp, which was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel H. K. Kipperiberger, created a record for attendance, and with the keen enthusiasm shown by all ranks, a very high standard of training was attained. The Officer Commanding the Southern Military District. Colonel P. H. Bell, D. 5.0., A.D.C., N.Z.S.C., visited the camp.