ARMOURED CARS

Evening Star, Issue 22882, 14 February 1938, Page 14

ARMOURED CARS

THEIR USES IN WARTIME * Cavalry (Armoured Car) Training ’ Has been revised. The principles and system of training are as laid down for the traditional—horse—cavalry, but in dealing with the speediest unit in the army, modifications suitable to that arm have to be allowed, says a writer in the ‘Daily Telegraph and Morning Post ’). Horsed cavalry has a rate of movement of about four miles per hour. Armoured cars can move, normally, at a speed of 25 miles per hour by day, and across country at from 10 to 15 miles per hour. This rate of movement is one of the characteristics of the lighter type _of armoured fighting vehicle. Allied with it is its ability to deliver fire when in movement. Distant reconnaissance is the - primary duty of mechanised cavalry, and success depends on _ the value of the information obtained about the enemy without fighting for it. Surprise action is another important duty of the armoured car crew. “ Mosquito tactics ” fall under this heading. Against a column of troops or transport this form of surprise is held to be. most effective. The force is moved to the enemy’s flank and cars are sent down side roads to open fire with the object of creating confusion and forcing the enemy to scatter. Mobility, armour, and powerful armament, it is pointed out. give armoured car regiments great advantages over other troops in certain circumstances, provided they are not exposed to effective artillery fir© and anti-tank weapons. But they have their limitations.

When used with protective detachments they can deny ground to the enemy' and delay his advance. They cannot hokj & position for guy length

of time once the enemy has deployed to attack, for when stationary they are extremely vulnerable to gunfire. Boldly handled in the pursuit of a defeated enemy they can produce far-reaching results.