End of Manoeuvres

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 112, 13 May 1941, Page 6

End of Manoeuvres

TERRITORIALS RETURN TO STATIONS Although the final “ battle’ f of the Central Field Force’s manoeuvres was fought in pouring rain when the force attacked the ‘invaders’’ on the coast in the vicinity of Titahi Bay on Sunday those engaged got interesting experience as well aa a wetting, and the officers commanding had the satisfaction of knowing that they had gone right through with an unusual and difficult task.

Since the manoeuvres commenced at Palmerston North and Foxton at the beginning of last vreek the troops taking part travelled scores of miles by night and day, fought several actions, and found and fed themselves in the field. It was the first occasion upon which they had had to act as if on active service, and they showed their keenness by carrying every move through as smoothly as possible. Difficulties were met as they arose and any errors that occurred only served to teach the men how to overcome difficulties- in the future. * The main body of the Fffild Force converged on the Titahi Bay area from the Hutt Valley on Saturday, while the 2nd Mounted Rifles Brigade, which had advanced from Foxton to engage the left wing of the “invaders," pushed forward so that a short march would bring contact with the force on the coast. In the meantime the ‘invaders” were not idle; they had scouts out and some of the information brought in proved invaluable during Saturday night and Sunday morning. They also did their best to get the help a real invader would try to secure from the local residents. As soon as the action was over field kitchens were got under way, and where they were not available trench fires were built and hot tea prepared. Later, until the rain ceased, many of the platoons kept on the move to keep the blood circulating, and sang as they marched. The removal of so many men from the field was no small task, but the Motor Transport Company had its moves well planned and the army rapidly melted away to the greater eomfort of bivouacs. The main purpose of the manoeuvres Was to give experience in handling large numbers of men in the field and this objective was attained, the curtailing of the final “battle” because of the wretched weather in no way affecting the manoeuvres as a whole. The men engaged were also given a wide experience in all phases of wor« in the field, and the way in which such an enormous task waß earned through without any serious hitch or accident was in itself proof of the keenness of all Tanks. On many occasions the work that had to be done was difficult and