Mounted Men in Action At Maunu

Northern Advocate, 11 May 1939, Page 6

Mounted Men in Action At Maunu

War broke out at Maunu yesterday

Whangarei was attacked by a mounted detachment, which, however, was successfully intercepted and outflanked after heavy fighting by a defending force from Kensington Park camp.

Although having suffered heavy losses, the enemy was not to be deterred, and later raided the defenders’ outposts in darkness from the direction of Portland Road. This attack, however, was also beaten off, and enemy and defender returned to Kensington Park at about 8.30.

The operations were part of the scheme of training undertaken by the First Composite Mounted Rifles, now encamped at Whangarei. The skirmishes were carried out with the utmost realism, troops wearing steel helmets and full field equipment, and firing blank cartridges. Realistic Operations. During the night operations, Verey lights v/ere used by both attackers and defenders in locating opposing forces, illuminating the open countryside brilliantly. The attack was carried out by “B” Squadron, the Waikato contingent, who moved out of camp during the morning.' “A” and “C” Squadrons, the Auck-land-East Coast and the North Auckland companies, left camp at midday and engaged the enemy about 3.30 p.m. Attack Repulsed. The North Auckland squadron immediately went into action near Major Carruth’s property, while the East Coast men made a flanking movement through Mr McQueen’s property, from which they attacked the invaders from both flank and rear.

The attacking force eventually found their immediate designs on Whangarei frustrated, and were bottled up between the two defending squadrons. As darkness fell, tea was issued to the troops in the light of headlights from the light car detachment, and at 7 p.m. operations were recommenced, the Waikatos sallying forth to return and attack the defenders’ outposts by night. Activities concluded at 8.15, and the three squadrons returned to camp,

Strung out in half-sections over a length of half a mile, the made an imposing sight as it marched through Whangarei, and attracted much attention from the public. Valuable Lessons. “The lessons brought out by both the day and night operations were extremely valuable,” said Lt.-Colonel C. J. Pierce, M.C., E.D., officer commanding the camp, today. “Considering the newness of the majority of the troops, they did their work in remarkably successful man-

ner.” Similar operations were carried out this afternoon, when the force which was defeated yesterday returned to the attack from the north-west, but was inercepted in the Three Mile Bush district.. The Waikato squadron left camp at 11.30 this morning, and the two defending squadrons early in the afternoon. Both attackers and defenders returned to camp during the afternoon, in order to carry out night operations at the Town Hall tonight, when the regimental ball fs to be held.