Many Changes In Gear For Modern N.Z. Soldier

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28958, 28 July 1959, Page 12

Many Changes In Gear For Modern N.Z. Soldier

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, July 27

Changes which have occurred in the dress and equipment o! the New Zealand soldier since World War II will be as nothing compared with the changes which will take place when new gear and clothing now under test is finally accepted.

The modern Kiwi soldier is likely to go into battle with specially proofed and tested boots. His uniform trousers will be permanently creased, and his ammunition will be contained in a disposable plastic bandolier. His entrenching tools will be of a special light-weight alloy, and he will probably have a lightweight sleeping bag to take the place of the old and cumbersome groundsheet and blankets. Nylon bootlaces, fine gaberdine raincoats for all ranks, water and oil-proof oversuits for tank crews, a new helmet which could be closer to the American pattern. and a lighter replacement for the old web gear, are all planned. Constant Tests Discussing these changes today the Deputy-Quartermaster General (Lieutenant-Colonel L. A Kermode) said that new clothing and equipment were under constant test and supervision. The most recent innovations in the armies of the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia. Canada, and other countries, were under constant test in New Zealand.

“We try to establish what would be best for our uses It is worth remembering. however that you can rarely adopt a single article of apparel without also adopting or designing garments to go with it. “We have not yet, for instance adopted the hooded parka Before we do so, we must determine first of all whether it will be of value to us, and secondly how much other equipment we must redesign to enable its full use ” The Army is at present testing its new boots. permanently creased trousers, and several other items with the 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, now in training at Waiouru. A new type of ankle boot adopted by the United Kingdom Government was tried, and several other types were also produced. These are now being worn at Waiouru. The specifications call for a boot which will be waterproof, which can be worn for 24 hours continuously without causing trouble, and which can be made in New Zealand

The new bandolier is being tested in two types. One is covered with vinyl plastic, and is Canadian, and the other was developed in Australia. Both are proof against water and dirt, and are easily opened. The rainproof coat for general issue is likely to be of green gabardine. Specimens of suitable cloth have been approved, and local factories have agreed to turn out materials and garments for testing by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Permanent Creases The permanent creasing of battledress trousers is now undergoing its final tests Samples of eight different uniform materials have been treated, seven of them satisfactorily Al] the battledress trousers of the 2nd Battalion have been treated, and if the process is found satisfactory the No. 2 dress uniform will also be treated A prototype of the combat sleeping-bag developed in the School Building Alterations.— Advice of a grant by the Educ.afion Department of £6o') to cover the cost of building riterations was received at a mee'ing of the board of governors of ’he Chris'church Gills’ Hi«h Schoo] last evening The headmistress (Miss R. F C Tvndal!) said the work involved interior office arrangement and minor additions. The first part of the work will be done during the next term holidays The remainder will be carried out at the Christmas holidave

United Kingdom and locally made bags are also being tested Samples of mess kit. entrenching tools, canteens and combat knives are being obtained. Even the shape of the steel helmet may be changed. The United Kingdom favours the old shallow-type helmet, but has produced a new fixed liner for it. A sample of the United States type of helmet, with its detachable liner, is being studied. Australia favours the American-type helmet, and this could lead to a change in other Commonwealth forces.

A great deal of testing is going on to judge the wearing quality of clothing and gear under tropical conditions.

Australia has already modified web gear, and this is being examined in New Zealand. The web gear of the 2nd Battalion has been treated with a renovator similar to that used in the United Kingdom. If this is not effective straps and gaiters may have to be designed in a new material which is more resistant to rot.