Military Mobility

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 74, 29 March 1938, Page 2

Military Mobility

motorised regiment of MOUNTED RIFLES

Change and progress in the organisation, equipment and tactics of armed forces have been continuous throughout the ages. Much of this has been brought about by the invention of new weapons, but it could fairly be said the internal combustion engine has caused greater reorganisation and, tactical development than any previous invention that has been applied to military needs. It was inevitable, with the supercession of the horse by the motor, that the internal combustion engine would be the basis of future army transport, and for a period of years much experimental training has been carried out in this direction. The use of motor-vehicles on lines of communication, for supply purposes and as bus columns for the concentration of troops in rearward areas, was well exemplified during the Great War. It is, however, in the development of the mechanical vehicle for the use of the fighting troops that the greatest advance has been made in late years. Armoured fighting vehicles such as the tank, armoured car and armoured machine-gun carriers are now accepted as normal equipment of a modern lighting force; but these alone do not increase tho mobility of tho army as a whole, dependent as this is on the pace of its slowest component. Increased mobility for the individual fighting soldier is needed and it is in this realm that the latest developments have taken place. Famous cavalry regiments such as the Scots Greys, (Queen’s Bays and others have been completely mechanised. Infantry battalions have had portions permanently mechanised, with provision for extra troop carrying lorries to bo available as required. Principles and methods of lighting remain unchanged( but motorisation with its increased speed and wider radius of action means greater mobility. In lino w'ith this modern development a motorised regiment of Mounted Rifles has been organised in Now Zealand, and the Manawatu Mounted Rifles has been incorporated in it as “B” Squadron, 4th N.Z.M.R, (Motorised). The function of motorised mounted rifles iucludes the seizing und holding of tactical features or defiles ahead or on the flank of an advancing force, and in New Zealand may also include a hurried move to oppose an enemy landing. *‘B” Squadron of the Motorised Regiment will go into camp at the Ashhurst racecourse on March 30. The training to be carried out will be in lino with its possible role iu w-ar, and will have particular reference to the defence of New Zealand. The squadron, when fully equipped and up to strength, is a fast-moving striking force with considerable fire-power, and includes sections of motor-cyclist light machineguns, a troop of heavy machine-guns, two troops each containing three sections of light machine-guns, together with light cars, wireless equipment, anti-aircraft equipment, etc. The troops are carried in speciallyconstructed lorries of a similar design to those used iu the Regular Forces of Great Britain. The main exercise to be carried out during the camp period has us its object the practice of tactical exercises, reconnaissance, intercommunication and the gaining of experience iu long moves by motor transport, with their problems of supply, maintenance, billeting, traffic control, road discipline, etc. It entails a trek of approximately 500 miles, during which troops will billet at Levin, Treutham, Mastertou, Weber, Napier and Daunevirke. The squadron will also visit Wellington. This is tho story behind the exercise:—The Empire is at war, and the enemy have gained temporary command of the sea in the I’acific. A mixed force, of which the motorised squadron is a part, is concentrated in the Palmerston North district, the squadron being billeted at the Aslxhurst racecourse. The Wellington Regiment and the Ooast Defence Artillery have manned the defences of the Wellington fortress area, and an enemy force is endeavouring to land at Island Bay and Lyall Bay. On April 3 coastal reconnaissance ’planes report an enemy convoy approaching Piimmertou, and the force at Palmerston North appears to move south to oppose tho anticipated lauding. The motorised squadron is sent iu advance, and will actually loave Ashhurst at about 1 p.m. on April 3. A stop will be made at Leviu, where the troops will billet for the night. This, of course, would not be done iu actual warfare. The move will be continued on the morning of April 4, and thereafter the squadron will act a? in war. A few miles north of Waikanuo a wireless message will be received by the wireless sets with the squadron to the effect that the enemy have succeeded in lauding, and now control the main road soutn of Paekakariki. Thus is set for the squadron a problem that might meet it iu war. How tho squadron will act iu view of this development will be brought out during the actual exercise, and the solution wiil largely depend on the wise use of its mobility. Details of the actual exercise and the further progress of the squadron during its trek of 500 miles will be supplied from* time to time us nows is received from the column, and it is anticipated that the experience gained during the training period will be of immense value. The dates aud stopping places of tho column are shown below'. Tho times are approximate, depending to a certain extent on tho time taken in carrying out various exercises eu route:—Ashhurst from March 30 to April 3; Levin arrive 4 p.m. on the 3rd at Drill Hall, depart 8 a.m. on the 4th; Treutham, arrive 4 p.m. on the 4th; depart 8 a.m. on the Gth; Wellington, march through city in early afternoon of the sth; Masterton, arrivo 4 p.m. on the 6th at Drill Hall; depart 8 a.m. 7th; Weber, arrivo 4.30 p.m. on the 7th and depart 8 a.m. on the Btb; Waipukurau, arrive 4 p.m. at racecourse ou the Sth; dopart 8 a.m. on the 9th; Napier, arrive ■at mid-day on 9th at artillery barracks; depart 8 a.m. on the 10th; Dannevirke, .arrive 4 p.m. on the 10th at Drill Hall; depart 8 a.m. on the 11th; Ashhurst, arrive mid-day on the 11th. The camp will disperse on April 13. It is hoped that residents in each town will avail .themselves of the opportunity of seeing the column-