BATTLE NOISE TRAINING

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23914, 5 April 1943, Page 6

BATTLE NOISE TRAINING

SPECTACULAR ITEM AT MILITARY DISPLAY

Something of the realism of modern Army training was seen at Lancaster Park, Christchurch, yesterday, when the highlight of a military display in the patriotic carnival was a demonstration of a battle noise exercise, Steelhelmeted soldiers with fixed bayonets moved down an alleyway of exploding charges to the accompaniment of a rattle of machine-gun fire, bayoneted dummies, crashed through a wire entanglement. and captured an enemy post. Because of the presence of thousands of spectators, the demonstration had to be modified considerably, but it was still impressive. The noise of the charges could be heard on Jhe Port Hills, and they were correspondingly louder in the ears of the men running amongst them. The final assault was spectacular. Two men of the section threw themselves at the barbed wire entanglement to flatten a gap, through which the others poured, while imitation grenades flashed and roared among them. Army motor-cyclists also provided thrills, and in a blindfold race amusement as well. In one item a motorcycle slowly circled the ground, picking up man after man, until there were seven on it. Then they swung themselves into position for a gymnastic pyramid to complete “the flying eagle.’’ Other items given by the cyclists were a leap through a burning hoop and a Ben Hur race. . In the latter, three daring riders forsook their saddles for light sledges towed behind motor-cycles, and the combinations raced round a short course. The sledges swung out alarmingly at the corners, but there was only one spill, and that a minor one, the next rider cleverly avoiding both the man on the ground and the unballasted sledge. An almost faultless exhibition of arms drill was given by a platoon from the Canterbury Regiment, and just as good in its own way was the performance of an awkward squad, which after a bright interlude marched off with soldierly precision. Good marching was seen from Air Force, W.A.A.C., and Home Guard groups, and there were displays by the City of Christchurch Pipe Band and the Christchurch West High School Band. An aerodrome defence unit gave a physical training demonstration and a display of gymnastics was given by Buckett’s girls. A procession of armoured fighting vehicles afforded spectators the opportunity of observing the difference between Valentine infantry tanks and General Stuart cavalry tanks. Field, anti-aircraft, and anti-tank artillery were also exhibited. A tug-of-war was won by Hardie and Thomson’s team. More than 6000 persons paid for admission and the takings were £376.