ADVANCE ON SENIO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 20, 21 December 1944, Page 6

ADVANCE ON SENIO

NEW ZEALAND TANKS

GREAT EFFICIENCY SHOWN

(N.Z. Press, Association.—Copyright.) (Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) ADVANCED H.Q., Dec. 18. * New Zealand tanks engaged in

the advance on Senio carried out

a; most difficult task with conspicuous efficiency. Not only were they confined to narrow, mined, unmetalled roads, but the Germans laid accurate artillery fire-points, effectively blocking the use of the lest road, and placed their own tanks where they could fire along tiie straights ol other roads. Success against this thoroughly prepared defence called upon all the initiative the New Zealanders possess and the tanks had an exciting time. Near Celle a-Tiger tank alongside a building blocked the New Zealand tanks from moving until one moved iu to the opposide side of the building. Neither could use its gun, and after a brief war of nerves the Germans retired and our tanks were able to reach the infantry who badly needed support. At another point a tank officer ciled up artillery fire on a well-sited German tank and acting as an observation post quickly brought the guns on the target. The Germans hurriedly left the tank and one of ours went forward and destroyed it. At one stage the tanks offectively called for air support; and a big factor in the operation was the effective and close co-operation of all the aims engaged. Fine work was done getting the wounded out of the difficult country. In some cases the bearers walked long distances over hilly country on

tracks knee deep in mud to reach a road negotiable by jeeps. The driver of one of these who was transporting two wounded at the time carried on until the job was finished and then reported his own wound. The wounded showed remarkable fortitude. Some could not be located until daylight, but showed an amazing stoical spirit as they were brought out. One who lost a leg and suffered other injuries from a mine jested when he reached the regimental aid post. "It's a one boot

job, doc," he said. One man who was wounded when going down.into position said nothing until he found he was unable to rise when ordered forward. He then said quietly to the man beside him, "Get me a stretcher." Still another carried on until the objective was reached before reporting his wound.