AIRLIFT OF TROOPS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29599, 23 August 1961, Page 17

AIRLIFT OF TROOPS

Exercise At Waiouru (N.Z, Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 22. The first major airlift of troops within New Zealand will be carried out about the end of next month. The occasion will be- a special co-ordination training period for all sections of the Army to be held at Waiouru Camp, beginning on September 28. Troops from all parts of New Zealand will gather at the camp for an 11-day exercise. “To get some of the men from the South Island we will be using aircraft.” the director of training. Lieuten-ant-Colonel F. Rennie said

today. “About 150 men from the Ist Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, at present training at Burnham, will be flown up," he said. The aircraft would also bring light vehicles and equipment, said Colonel Rennie.

“Rie men have to gain experience in quick airlifts using light equipment, and this is a first-rate chance," he said. The men will arrive at Ohakea on September 26 and drive to Waiouru. Nearly 600 men, the balance of the battalion. will leave Christchurch by inter-island steamer and board a special train at Wellington to take than to the camp. During the exercise Special Air Service men will stage

an attack on a point at the southern end of Lake Taupo.