“ Mounteds ” Trek Down Coast

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 110, 10 May 1941, Page 3

“ Mounteds ” Trek Down Coast

WORK COMMENDED The 2nd Mounted Rifle Brigade, which has been advancing down tlio const to engage the “enemy” landed in tho Pliramerton area, entered its most interesting phase of the Central Fit-id Fore© manoeuvres on Thursday with an attack on the enemy’s advanced posts in tho vicinity of Parapa r-aumu. A detachment of N.Z.E.F. men from Trcntham, -who travelled to the area in the early hours of the morning, played tho part of the enemy. Tho Mounted Brigado moved from concealed bivouacs at Waikanac early in tho morning, and as they moved southward they were ablo to show how the horse can play an important part in defensive action in New Zealand. The country traversed was well suited to mounted work and the troops were able to move rapidly into the firing line with a minimum of risk, tho rolling country and plentiful patches of trees affording excellent cover. Plan of the Action. When contact was made with the enemy the troopers left their horses in positions whero they could be concealed, and moved forward fresh for the battle. The whole of the coastal area between tho beach and the hills (running parallel to it was covered, and tho advancing forces nearest the coast quickly held the attention of the enemy while those inland on the left flank moved forward through the foothills. Both areas of the front gave the men opportunity to show what they" had learned about the use of natural cover, and they did so well that somo of the umpires began to think that they would not be able to see enough to adjudicate authoritatively. The “enemy” had selected strong positions and as they were well equipped with machine-guns they felt fairly safe. Some members of tho force decidod that the capture of a few horses would bo a master stroke, as it would enable them to move around and get information. However, the mounted men had other ideas and took good care of their horses. The left flank of the mounted attackers moved across hilly country that was regarded as impassable by the “enemy” and suddenly appeared behind the invaders. The surrounded men put up a good light by firing rapidly and making noises to represent, machine-guns, but were judged to have been well beaten. A Successful Trek. The brigado commander said later that tho Brigade’s trek down the coast had worked with admirable smoothness. There had never been a hitch and the men arrived in the “battle” area in good condition, and ready for anything. They had done well in action, when the limitations placed on them were considered, and he was satisfied that in actual warfare—when care for private property would have to be forgotten—they would be a serious threat to any landing party. The main body of the mounted troops returned to Waikanae after the engagement, but some remained at Paraparaumu to hold the captured positions and keep tho way clear for the advance that is to be made to-day and to-morrow so that the final attack on tho right flank can be made on Sunday. Whilo the Mounted Brigade was manoeuvring in the Waikanae-Para-paraumu area, tho main Field Force was continuing its victorious advance down the Wairarapa. An early morning attack was made on the “enemy” there near Featherston, and the plains were cleared, leaving the troops free to cross into the Hutt Valley. They will move from there into the Titahi Bay area, where the final “battle” of the manoeuvres will be fought on Sunday.