Mechanisation Of Territorial Units

Northern Advocate, 14 November 1941, Page 4

Mechanisation Of Territorial Units

[Special to “Northern Advocate”] AUCKLAND, This Day. The Minister for Defence (Mr. Jones) yesterday announced details of plans to mechanise selected units of the territorial force. He said it was proposed to convert the present mounted rifle, horse and motor regiments into light armoured fighting vehicle regiments, this being brought about by the need for mobile armoured units in each of the military districts, and for the army headquarters reserve. “Arrangements are well in hand to provide the equipment to enable the conversion of these selected units to take place,” Mr. Jones said. “The armoured fighting vehicles school already established in New Zealand will provide the officers and n.c.o.s with the technical instruction which in turn will be taught to the armoured fighting vehicle regiments. In converting the present horse and motor regiments to armoured regiments, care has been taken,to maintain the history and tradition of existing units. As an indication of how it is intended to achieve this, the former Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry will now be known as the First Light; Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (C.Y.C.). All other units will main- 1 tain a similar distinguishing title. “The conversion of the present horse regiment does not entirely dispense with mounted units. A number of independent squadrons are to be retained for special roles in different parts of the Dominion.”