MILITARY MANOEUVRES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 137, 12 May 1941, Page 8

MILITARY MANOEUVRES

ACTIVE SERVICE CONDITIONS. , For the final phase of the week’s military manoeuvres, yesterday, heavy rain drenched the thousands of Territorials who were participating. Under the cover of artillery fire the infantrymen moved forward for the final battle in the country near Titahi Bay and Plimmerton. The engagement concluded yesterday morning. The week just concluded has seen military operations on a modern scale and of a size not previously attempted in New Zealand. Some of the roads and tracks used in the back countr.y had been constructed or improved by army engineers and works companies. Territorial infantry, artillery, a mechanised regiment, mounted rifles, and all supporting divisional units as well as the National Alilitary Reserve and Home Guard units were engaged. The manoeuvres started with heavy floods in the Alanawatu and further wet conditions were met with in the midweek and the final phase was held in rain. The R-N.Z.A.F. also combined in the battle by spotting enemy positions and photographing them. On Saturday and Sunday the artillery, firing blank charges, covered the advancing infantry forces against a presumed landing by an enemy force near Titahi and Plimmerton. The role of the enemy was shared by the Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, and the Alanawatu Alounted Rifles (Afechanised). Both units did a particularly good job. The troops wore well cared for by the Y.M.C.A-. with their mobile canteens.