OVER THE ALPS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4904, 25 June 1918, Page 5

OVER THE ALPS.

TRANSPORT OF FRAN CO-BRIT-ISH TROOPS:

It is not generally realised how important was the role played by motor transport when the French and British troops were sent to the assistance of the Italian forces during the great Germano-Austrian drive of last November. The railroads over the Alps into Italy being inadequate to carry all the troops required within the very short time available, it was necessary to make use of every road over the mountains. For several weeks there was an unending procession of Allied motor convoys passing over the Alpine passes at of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, and in all several thousands of motor vehicles passed' into Italy in this way, travelling over the roads Nvliich had been used by Napoleon and his legions one hundred years before. „ , Some of the convoys travelled a distance of more than one thousand miles having gone from Northern France to the heart of Italy. While all makes were represented, Fiat automobile lorries were in a majority, for by • moving these to Italy they were brought nearer their • home factory and their base of supply. All the freight-carrying lorries,were divided into groups of 18 or 20, all in each group being of the same make and each group being in charge of an officer who travelled on a touring-car Every vehicle had aboard' enough fuel for 250 miles running white additional supplies were arranged for at vanonus points on the way. Each group had attached to it its own meclftnics, with hand tools sufficient fcfr carrying out all general repairs; also a reasonable stock of spare parts was provided for each group. At intervals oi approximately ten groups a motor repair shop was provided for handling more extensive repair work than could be undertaken by the group mechanics.

One motor lorry in each group was fittedi up as a travelling kitchen, in side which it was possible to prepare coffee and soup while travelling. In practically all cases arrangements were made to reach a town or village at nightfall, thus making it possible to billet the men in farms, private houses or public buildings. The average daily distance was 90 miles, this being as much as coiildi he done in daylight’ on short winter days. Very special arrangements had to h e made to keep the do ads in condition. On one of the Italian Alpine' passes"2ooo soldiers were constantly employed in widening dangerous turns repairing damage done., and clearing away snow. Special signboards were erected with _ special instructions in either English or French These did not give such general information as “steep hill” or “dangerous turn”, but toldi drivers what gear must be engaged to' go> down a particularly dan-' gerous hill, or what distances should be maintained on winding passes. A!] who took part in this great transfer of troops, and material by road are united in testifying to the complete nature of the organisation and the remarkable regularity and efficiency of the motor convoys. The motor loirries were as regular and vas reliable in. their arrivals as the general train service and showed a lower percentage of accidents” and mishaps. I .•