N.A.M.R. Bivouac Under Active Service Conditions

Northern Advocate, 4 December 1939, Page 8

N.A.M.R. Bivouac Under Active Service Conditions

Members of the Headquarters Squadron of the North Auckland Mounted Rifles, attending a week-end bivouac at Whareora, were issued with waterproof capes as a precaution against the changeable weather. However, before breaking camp, most of the men were showing signs of sunburn rather than wet feet.

Organisation was on active service lines, the men, each of whom brought a blanket, sleeping on otherwise bare boards at Whareora Hall. Cooks and administrative staffs were detailed and the men made all arrangements regarding the preparation of food and messing.

The menus were voted first-class. Three officers and over 50 men attended what was a most successful bivouac.

Machine-Guns, Signals. The programme of training was arranged with a view to giving N.C.O.’s and men instruction in the handling of machine-guns and signals in the field. Being motorised, the unit was selfcontained from an administrative viewpoint, and carried all equipment on its own vehicles. Sunday afternoon was spent on Whareora Rifle Range. The Officer Commanding the Regiment (Major D. T. Wood) paid an official visit to the squadron on Sunday and was present during the training. In an addi’ess, he complimented the N.C.O.’s and men on their turn-out and general efficiency.