N.Z. Forces To Participate In Big SEATO Exercise

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27892, 14 February 1956, Page 8

N.Z. Forces To Participate In Big SEATO Exercise

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyrignt)

BANGKOK, February 12. Massive forces of the South-east Asian Treaty Organisation will begin an exercise this week to repel an imaginary invader, making a twopronged attack into Siam. The invader will be assumed to have attacked across the Mekong river in the north-east and the Sai river in the north, and succeeded in establishing a bridgehead across the Mekong.

SEATO troops, ships and aircraft will move in to repel this force in the biggest display of armed might since the organisation was first established. , • The direction of the imaginary attack, military observers say, is the route any Communist aggressors might follow in a strike against Siam. The exercises will open on February 15 when warships will rendezvous in the Gulf of Siam and steam towards Bangkok. A British cruiser, H.M.S. Newfoundland, two destroyers and two Australian destroyers are in this force. Other units will include American and Siamese ships. There will probably b- also a demonstration of amphibious landing somewhere near Bangkok. At Don Muang, Bangkok’s airport, one of the best fields in South-east Asia, jet fighters, bombers, helicopters and paratroops will manoeuvre. On February 16, American and Philippine forces will demonstrate the latest weapons. American “Honest John” rockets are expected to be on On 17, Siamese, United States, and Philippines soldiers, British Royal Marines, and possibly French colonial troops, will parade through Bangkok to round off the exercise. On February 18. the mobile forces will return to their bases again.

N.Z. Troops to Participate Troops from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and a contingent of New Zealand paratroopers, are being flown from Malaya to Bangkok for this exercise “Firm Link,” the office of the United Kingdom Commissioner in South-east Asia announced today.

Venom jet fighters from the No. 14 Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F., and Bristol Freighters from* No. 41 Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F-, will participate, in addition to two Australian destroyers and one New Zealand frigate, tne communique says. “Detailed decisions concerning Commonwealth participation in the forthcoming SEATO exercise at Bangkok were made over the week-end. As soon as invitations were received by the Commonwealth Government to take part, staff officers were sent to consult with the SEATO military liaison group in Bangkok,” the communique said. “On the basis of their report, speedy consultations took place between the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and an agreement was

reached on a contribution to the exercise from representatives of the Commonwealth forces in Malaya. "This contribution will be composed of all three services. It is stressed that whereas there is a full-scale Commonwealth naval contribution, only token land and air forces can be spared because of the active operations against the terrorists in the Malayan jungle.” “As previously announced, the main naval contribution will consist of a task unit consisting of one Royal Navy cruiser and two destroyers and two Australian destroyers and one New Zealand frigate, and a striking force of Royal Marines. This force is already on its way. The force commanded. by Vice-Admiral R. F. Elkins will carry out air-sea rescue duties during a helicopter troop lift between the United States carrier Princeton and Bangkok airport. “On February 16. the task unit will enter Bangkok harbour. The ships will be open to visitors and the Royal Marines will take part in a ceremonial parade. “The land forces will consist of paratroopers from No. 22 Special Air Service (Lieutenant-Colonel G. H. Lea) including a New Zealand contingent and also a detachment of troops from the 2nd Battalion. Royal Australian Regiment (LieutenantColonel J. E. Ochiltree). “The pipers and drums of the Ist Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers (Lieutenant-Colonel B. W. McConnel) will accompany the party. These troops will also take part in the ceremonial parade. “The air force contribution will consist of a number of jet fighter aircraft drawn from No. 60 Squadron R.A.F. (Squadron Leader W. Lovell) and No; 14 Squadron R.N.Z.A.F. (Squadron Leader N. H. Bright, R.N.Z.A.F.), both based in Singapore and equipped with ground attack Venoms, armed with cannon and rocket projectiles and capable of speeds well in excess of 500 miles an hour.

“The Venoms will demonstrate operational flying techniques and return as soon as possible to base where they will again be available to resume their active service role in Malaya.

“Ground servicing staffs will be flown to Bangkok in Valetta transport aircraft of the Far East Transport Wing and Bristol Freighters of the No. 41 Squadron R.N.Z.A.F. (Squadron Leader R. Manners, R.N.Z.A.F.). These transport aircraft will also be used to fly in the Royal Marine band and detachment and the Army contingent from Singapore.”