ARMOURED UNITS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 43, 14 November 1941, Page 8

ARMOURED UNITS

Conversion Of Horse & Motor Regiments TERRITORIAL ARMY

Announcement By Defence

Minister

(By 'Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November 13

As a further step to mechanize selected units of the Territorial Force, it is proposed to convert present mounted rifles, horse and motor regiments into light armoured fighting vehicle regiments, said the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, today. This step is brought about by the necessity for having mobile armoured units in each of the military districts for Army Headquarters reserve. Arrangements are well in baud to provide equipment to enable the conversion of these selected^units to take place. The armoured fighting vehicle school already established iu New Zealand will provide officers and noncommissioned officers with necessary technical instruction which, in turn, will be taught to the armoured fighting vehicle regiments. In converting the present horse aud motor regiments to armoured regiments care has been taken to maintain the history and traditions of existing units. As an indication of how it is intended to achieve this, the “Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry” will now be known as the Ist Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (C.Y.C.). All other units will maintain a similar distinguishing title. Conversion of the present horse regiments does not entirely dispense with mounted units as n number of independent squadrons are to be retained for special roles in different parts of the Dominion.