WELLINGTON REGIMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 80, 1 October 1940, Page 9

WELLINGTON REGIMENT

CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENDS

RETURN TO CITY

The shower of rain which welcomed the Ist Battalion, Wellington Kegiment (City of Wellington's Own), on their return from Wanganui yesterday afternoon at the conclusion of their three months' continuous training did not affect the good spirits of the men, They were returning to their homes after four weeks in camp at the Wanganui Racecourse. Bronzed, fit, and well after their three months' open-air life under 'military discipline, the troops created a good impression as they marched through the city streets.

A real home-coming scene was enacted at the railway station wher> the troop train pulled in. Large crowds, including wives, sweethearts, and parents, were waiting to welcome the Territorials. They were also given a good reception by the crowds lining the route of the city march. The column was led by the motor-cycle platoon in their black berets. Then caxne the band of the 10th Heavy Regiment (Fort Dorset), and towards the tail end of the procession the Trentham Camp Band was stationed The route taken was along Bunny Street to Lambton Quay and thence through Willis and Mercer Streets to Jervois Quay and back to Waterloo Quay, where the men were dismissed.

Having been soldiers continuously for three months now many of the men said they were not at all keen to return to civil life. They had enjoyed the period in camp and were feeling fitter than they had ever felt in their lives. The general impro.vem.ent in health and physique is reflected io the medical reports. Practically every man has put on weight—all solid muscle— and'gains during the three months of up to a stone are not uncommon. The men have returned to their civil occupations today, and according to present arrangements they are now required to carry out the equivalent of one day's training a month and to attend a fortnight's annual camp.