THE NEW ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1940, Page 6

THE NEW ARMY

A MECHANISED FORCE

(Per. British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, December 7. - For, a .revolutionised army, which has emerged in Britain since the withdrawal from France, British forces hate produced tanks and guns surpassing anything previously used in battle - by British units. Much ol the newest “rapid mobility” equipment eotmes from Canada and other Empire feoutnries. Many German principles have, been improved-:'on., particularly in The .reorganisation; of armoured units. • Modern armoured lighting vehicles have been rebuilt and re-equipped in remarkably- short time.. There are light tanks, cruiser tanks and vehicles of heavy fjonnage, . also J.notor-c,yc)o, and reconnaissance squadrons and a variety of armoured ears. Jt is. claimed that many of the tanks are better than those 'the Germans: have yet devised, and that new mobile guns provide a fire-pdif'er' never before ' achieved. The tank lhen are among' the keenest of the whole military organisation. Many are short, powerful soldiers, who speak with a technical jargon, almost incomprehensible to other branches of the service.

The* development.. .of' technique, of co-operation between air and ground forces wore foreshadowed in a recently- formed army co-operation command of theißoyal Air Force: When * the time comes for new land operations : against--'film German Army, it will life found that in this sphere, a, .3 in 1918,' Britain ““has something:” • Types of bomber aircraft to be found over future battlefields Fill undoubtedly be an advance'on the notorious German ; Junkers 87- dive bomber, which -lias achieved considerable success against Roland and-France, by exploiting special conditions. Against Britain’s defences the Junkers 87 failed—over half the raiding forces being, destroyed. Several British single-engine aircraft have been designed for dive-bombing, including tlie Blapkhurnfi. Skuda and Ha wker H’enley. ; An indication of the general trend -is ,i .afforded., by certain attack bombers, which ivere } supplied to the French Air:. ,Fprcei. Qne—the .Maraip 167 ,31. D 'Carrie's about half a ton of bombs, 'and has .a maximum speed of 320„ miles! an’ hour, and a maximum range fit cruising speed of over fiwo.v thousand piiles. The Douglas D.B. 7, is another' medium bomber, type,, w.itjfi ~ great; possibilities for., army .yvoyk,it being designed for both precision and 'dive-bombing, and havi'ft'g a’-tt estimated top speed of about 330 miles-an hour. " '