Tank Warfare Different In Italy

Northern Advocate, 19 January 1944, Page 2

Tank Warfare Different In Italy

(Special) LONDON, January 17. Tank warfare in Italy is very different from that in the Western Desert, said Major K. L. Brown (Auckland), of the IBtht New Zealand Armoured Regiment, who has been transferred from the front line in Italy to take a course in England. The heat used to be terrific in the desert, but in Italy now tanks have become like iceboxes. A stream of cold air comes in through the cupola through which the commander looks out so that crews appreciate warm clothing with which they are issued. Whereas in the desert members of the tank crew have a clear view for miles, in Italy it is impossible to see very far on account of natural obstacles like trees, banks and hills. ■'Sometimes we live in tanks for days on end sleepin gon them. We think we are lucky if we can find any kind of house to sleep in. These houses usually have fairly thick walls which give protection if any shelling starts suddenly.” Major Brown, who was in fighting on Orsogna-Ortona road, said that the Germans gave stiff opposition. Several New Zealand tanks were bogged in soft mud. Prefer Desert For Fighting Major Brown mentioned the following Aucklanders in his squadron, all of whom did good work in that action —Lieutenants R. Horton and H. McLean and Captains C. B. Nelson and C. S. Passmore.

“One of the most interesting engagements we had in Italy so far was an advance along the road to Caste! Frentano, The Germans were on the run and we were shelling them while advancing and trying to dodge a variety of high-explosives they were sending back.” “Major Brown, who fought in Greece, Crete and Libya and holds the Greek Military Cross, said the New Zealanders liked Italy because it was a change from the desert’s monotony and more interesting to see village people periodically, but from a fighting viewpoint they preferred the desert for its good visibility, manoeuvrability and little rain and mud. both of which make trying conditions in Italy.