BARRACKS WEEK

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32693, 25 March 1946, Page 3

BARRACKS WEEK

HIGH SCHOOL CADETS MANOEUVRES AT KOMATA TRAINING FOR PAEROA BOYS Barracks week was held recently by the Paeroa District High School cadets when the timetable arranged was adhered to during the week, and no hitch because of bad weather, etc. Officers for the week were as follows: — CJS.M.: B. Brown. 'Platoon Commanders: P. Pennell, S. Wheeler. Platoon Sergeants: P. Gregson, D. Martin. Corporals: M. Saunders, R. Gage, N. Faber, R. Kere, A. Stevenson, M. Parker. The instructors meant to be present were posted to a different area, and none were found to replace them. W.’O. Daly was able to supervise for two or three periods, at a time, but nearly all the instruction was carried out by cadet N.'C.O’s, who managed extremely well throughout. March Past The Juniors and Seniors wepe divided into two respective platoons, while a third platoon was made up of N.'CjO.’s and prospective 'N.'C.O’s. The first two days were spent in instructing" juniors in rudiments of drill, and use of rifles, and Bren gun. The seniors mostly revised their drill and learnt some battledrill, under Sgts. Martin and Gregson. A march past before Brigadier Williams and Lieut. Colonel Oliphant took place on Wednesday. For the short time in which the Juniors had had to learn their drill for a march past, they did remarkably well, which speaks well for the work of the instructors. The Brigadier spoke a few words, mentioning the value of cadet training in after life, and afterwards inspected the platoons. His remarks were of a commendable nature, and no fault was found with uniforms, etc. After this, the squads moved onto their separate grounds, where they Carried on with training, while the Brigadier and : other officers moved around inspecting- the squads at work. Shooting At Rifle Range 'Shooting on the rifle range resulted in few parses for the juniors, who were> for the most part too nervous to fire properly. Some of them had never fired a rifle before and consequently were a bit shaky at first. They should improve, however, with training. ■ On Friday morning the company marched through the town led by Corporal Stevenson playing the pipes. They were in correct uniform, the seniors carried rifles, and on the whole the company made an impressive sight. It was the first time they had appeared in public, and they made a good impression in the town. A salute was given to Captain R. P. Callaway and Mr Edwards the Mayor, who afterwards spoke a few words praising the cadets on their work. Battle-Drill Tactics On Friday afternoon manoeuvres were carried out at Komata where •battle-drill tactics were put into practice. These were remarkably well done by the officers in charge, and showed that their training had been of good value. Altogether three stunts were carried out, two small ones under C.'S.M. Wheeler and Sgt. Pennell respectively, and one large manoeuvre under Sgt. Martin. The use of cover and camouflage was put into practice and plans were made of the positions. This field day concluded barracks week for 194'6. Those who took special classes were:—Knots and lashes: C.S.M. Wheeler, Sgts. Martin and Gregson., Medical: Opls. Meneta and Faber, C'dts. Walmsley, Nield, Ziegler, Millar. They were given elementary trainingin their subjects to enable., them to instruct other cadets in slack moments.