15th BATTERY

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 128, 27 November 1923, Page 5

15th BATTERY

AN INSTRUCTIONAL WEEK

TRAINING AT FORT DORSET.

Last Saturday afternoon the men of the 15th Battery, N.Z.A., entertained a large gathering of citizens, at Fort Dorset, where the battery has been in camp for the past week. -Among those present were General Sir Edward Chaytor, , G.O.C. New Zealand Forces, and Lady Chaytor; the Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.); Sir John Luke, M.P., and Lady Luke, Colonel Gardner, Director of Artillery, Colonel Burgess, Director of Military Training, Colonel Whyte, Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, and city councillors. Captain J. Abel, officer commanding the battery arid .iis officers, Lieutenants Carty and Martin, SecondLieutenants Reveirs, Palk, and Hamilton, and the adjutant (Captain W. Stevens, R.N.Z.A.). ' An interesting programme, embracing rifle championship, shooting, Lewis gun display,. big gun. shooting, and tabloid athletics, had been arranged, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. The Artillery Band was in attendance. Afternoon tea was provided. The big gun practice was very successful, five rounds being fired from each gun to targets towed to sea by the steamer Janie Seddon, and the percentage of hits, 75, is regarded as being very satisfactory, as. about. 70 of the 150 men in camp were new postings. The standard of efficiency testified to tha spirit of the men, and the capable manner in which they had been trained. . .'"•■•"

The presentation of prizes was made by the Mayor, who congratulated the men of the battery on their splendid appearance, and the efficiency attained during their period of instruction. Many of the men, he said, had been firing for the first time. Their shooting had been most effective, while the steadiness they had displayed during their stay in camp was to their credit, and a ' matter of gratification to the officers.in command. He had watched their tabloid athletic* with interest, and believed their training would be of benefit to them in civil life as well. If ever they would be required, but he hoped they would never be called on to defend their country, lie felt sure' that they would be ready and, would acquit themselves as they had done that day. ■ Captain Abel, on behalf of the battery, stated how pleased they were to see such a large gathering, of visitors. The men of the battery had shown themselves keenly interested in their work, and.he felt sure that the week of training would be of considerable benefit to the men, many of whom had come into camp for the first time. He congratulated the men on their excellent work, and said it was a matter of much satisfaction to the officers. It was also a pleasure to have the Mayor and other visitors present,. and he thanked them f6r the interest they had taken in the doings of the battery. Following is. the prize list:— Fairway cup (most efficiency in gunnery crew).—AL. detachment. Efficiency cup (for quick firing gun detachment, 12-pounders).—Cl. detachment. Efficiency cup (for beet section). —No. 1 section. This section comprised rangefinders, signallers, and Lewis gunners. The riinners-up for the Artillery cup .were No. 4; section, which included en-girie-driyers and electricians. Tabloid athletes cup.—C. team. No. 2 sectioiiiVi-Jy >,**■*' Ik.. :&. . ■/*• 'i _ W.N.A.V;' cup;—A team,' No. 4'section. ' Bifle championship belt.—Gunner A. O'Donnell. Eunner-up, Bombardier Williamson. . -v. Best range-finder.—Gunner Grimstone. Signallers' trophy.—Gunner Brogan. Best Lewis gunner.—Gunner C Harnson. Best 6in gunner.—Gunner C. Irvine. Best twelve pounds gunner.—Gunner T. Chipper. , ■ . ■-. Best electrician.—Gunner Rousel Best engine-driver.—Gunner Futter. The battery went into camp on the 17th November, and an instructional week was spent in range-finding, signal- ; lmg, heavy gun work, machine-guns, engine-driving, and electrical and searchlight work, carried out by the men. On Friday a searchlight display was given. A big gun shoot, was later'carried ' out in the presence of Major-General Sir Edward Chaytor, Colonel Gardner, and Colonel' Burgess. The targets were of the Hongkong type, representing an enemy ship. Two series of ten shots were fired by four different gun crews onder the direction of Captain Abel, and an excellent shoot was' recorded. The social side of the week was not neglected, and on Wednesday evening a dance was, arranged for the men' by I a party of Seatoun ladies.