REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 25 November 1942, Page 6

REEFTON NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent.]

REEFTON, Nov. 24.

The weather in Reefton for the past few days was for the most part been fine. Light rain fell at intervals on Saturday, but Sunday and Monday were line and warm. As the summer is now far advancing, it is hoped that the weather will now take a lasting change for the better. On Sunday, Reefton was ‘‘invaded" by a company of Territorials about 100 strong, who carried out an attack as a final exercise in a period of some weeks of training in bush warfare. Thrusting originally from the Maruia Road, and crossing the mountain range through heavily bushed country, the attacking force gained a position on Sunday morning at an early hour within striking distance of Reefton. The Reefton area was defended by the Reefton Elattalion of’ the Home Guard, comprising men from an area bound by Ngahere in the south and Inanga'hua Junction in the north. This force faced a difficult task, having a big area to cover, with country that gave the attackers the advantage in approach, of suitable concealment in several directions. Reefton railway station bore the brunt of the attack, and shortly before 11.30 a.m. the Company Commander of the area reported a thrust by the attackers, which, within a short time, swung into a struggle for this vital point. Ihe small defending force here was overwhelmed by the weight of the attack, which, wa's speedily carried to the near-by butter factory. Here defenders held positions and machinegun fire, with the support of reserve troops, who were waiting in readiness for this circumstance, were rushed to reinforce the defenders, in a fleet of motor trucks. Severe casualties were inflicted on the invaders. and the attack was held. Small pairties of the “enemy,”- disregarding the fire now directed at them, carried on in an endeavour to reach the Home Guard Battalion Headquarters, commandeering vehicles and horses for this task. At the conclusion of the exercise the combined forces gathered at the racecourse for lunch. Major General Wilder D. 5.0., M.C., Divisional Commander, addressed the troons, and expressed his pleasure at being able to attend and view the exercise. He congratulated both forces on their work, and stated that, in the opinion of the umpires, the Home Guard had successfully staved off the attack and saved Reefton. He felt sure that all had gained many useful lessons from the day’s work. He thanked the Home Guard for their help and co-operation. In future, he said, other exercises of this tvpe would be carried out and the lessons learned that day could then- be a'nplied with profit by all. Major W. Gore Porter. Battalion Commander of Reefton Home Guard, who had previously welcomed Major General Wilder and his stall to Reefton on behalf of the Home Guard, thanked the visitors for coming to Reef ton. Thev were grateful to Major-General Wilder for his talk, and the useful advice given to the troops. The Home Guard looked forward in the near future to again meet the mobilized troops in a com- - bined exercise. The No. 21 Lines of Communication Company co-oper-ated with the Home Guard in the exercise, which Droved very successful and gave all those taking part many useful lessons in the application of their training. A beautifuliy ' fine day made conditions ideal for the i day’s exercise. The Territorial Force ' later continued their journey southwards. en route to their home camp. The day was a notable one for Reetton, many officers of the armed forces attending and viewing the exercises. Besides the Divisional Commander, Major General Wilder, D. 5.0., M.C., were his chief-of-staff, Colonel Boingard and some twelve members of Ihe General’s staff: Brigadier Dobson, Lieutenant-Colonel Fairbrother (officer commanding, 2nd Canterbury Regiment). Lieutenant-Colonel Duke (Area Commander, Nelson-West Coast District), and others. The Home Guard Group-Director, Brig-ndier-General W. Meldrum. D. 5.0.. C.M.G.. with his deputy, Major G. Mitchell,, was also present.