NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1942, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE

BOMB DISPOSAL GROUP.

WELLINGTON, May 18

An Army bomb group, which will deal with all enemy unexploded or delayed-action aerial bombs, has been formed in New Zealand, said the Minister lor Defence (Mr. Jones) today. Officers and non-commissioned officers from various parts of New Zealand were at present undergoing a special course of instruction under an instructor who recently returned from abroad, whore he received training in this highly specialised work.

“Though much of the work of the group must remain secret." added Mr. •Jones, “the general public should be familiar with their general field of operation?, so that should the necessity arise they will co-operate with bomb-disposal personnel in every possible way by quickly evacuating, when so instructed, dangerous areas lor the period during which those areas are being made safe, and by reporting aerial bombs or unexploded anti-aircraft shells. The group will be recognised by a special badge worn on the cuff of the right sleeve, consisting of a flaming bomb on a bluebordered background. This badge will give wearers the right to enter all prohibited areas without question <>r delay, so that they may proceed with the business of bomb disposal and so quickly make safe any areas, ihc clearance of which may be vital to the war effort.

"Distinctive markings are also provided for bomb disposal group vericles, which may be recognised by the large red flags they display. These vehicles should be regarded by the public much in the same light as a fire engine, and should always be given the right of way. The vehicle may be carrying personnel and equipment to the' scene of urgent work or may be taking a dangerous bomb to a safe place for disposal. In either case, unhindered passage is essential. "The personnel of the unit.’’ added the Minister, "consists of selected volunteers, the majority being chemists. physicists, engineers, electricians, and tunnellers who will be trained for their special work. The training course is impressively practical and al the moment, for instance, they are training with actual live aerial bombs. The Government greatly appreciates the action of the members of the bomb disposal group in voluntarily undertaking this hazardous type of work. They are rendering a vital service to the Dominion."