Army at “War”

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 109, 9 May 1941, Page 8

Army at “War”

INVADERS RETREAT Carterton was in the hands of the invading enemy’s advance force taking part in the Central Military District field manoeuvres when day broke on Wednesday, but before nightfall the Central Field Force had circled to the south and advanced from the east in such a way that the invaders were compelled to withdraw towards Featherston. Clear, sunny weather provided ideal conditions for the operations of both invaders and defenders, but observers of tho tactics -had difficulty in following what was going on, both sides making such good use 'of natural cover that they were hard to find. The day’s work obviously provided excellent experience for the men engaged and they all appeared to enjoy themselves, Although one or two who inadvertently fell into enemy hands must have wondered what their comrades would say about it. The whole phase of the manoeuvres went through in a highly satisfactory manner and if the officers and men engaged had to fight a battle over tho same or similar ground in the future they would undoubtedly find the ex perience gained most valuable. The country was most suitable for training in making full use of natural cover, and members of tho invading force had to confess that they had great difficulty in locating the defenders. They were also well concealed, and many of the advancing platoons failed to locate them until machine-gun fire warned them that cover was essential.