Americans To Hold Army Manoeuvres Mear Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 2

Americans To Hold Army Manoeuvres Mear Whangarei

Extensive manoeuvres in the Whangarei district are being planned for the entire artillery section of a United States Army Division, members of which are at. present enjoying a period of rest leave in New Zealand. Advice to this effect was gi-ven by BrigadierGeneral H. R. Barker, commander of the artillery section of the division, in an interview with a representative of the “Northern Advocate” yesterday. The manoeuvres are -In commence early next month. ,

General Barker said that the manoeuvres would comprise artillery practice mainly, but combat exercises with the infantry section of the division were also planned.

A mew howitzer, issued after the division arrived in New Zealand, would bn used by the artillery section for the first time and good results were anticipated. Five “cub" observer planes would be working in conjunction' with the artillery to aim and direct guns and notify results.

General Barker, who is visiting Whangarei. has inspected the site of the proposed manoeuvres and has expressed his satisfaction with the range. Praise For Third Division

Speaking of the activities of New Zealanders overseas. General Barker stated that although he had never seen them in action, he believed they were sound fighting soldiers with the correct degree of impetuosity. Both American pilots and ground crews held a high regard for New Zealand pilots, who, they had stated, seemed as unconcerned in the air and in actual combat, as if they were riding in a taxi-cab. While the American’s natural impulse after landing from a flight, during which an encounter with the enemy had occurred, was to give vent to his joy. the New Zealander strolled out of his plane unconcernedly, as if nothing had occurred. What had impressed the Americans mostly was the individual physique of the New Zealanders, most of whom appeared to be “rugged youngsters." General Barker stated that while in New Caledonia, lie had met MajorGeneral H. E. Barrowclough and two other high-ranking New Zealand army officers. On Christmas Day of 1942 he had joined at dinner a party of New Zealand and American officers, among whom was General Barrowclough. Although he had never worked with General Barrowclough in actual combat. Genera] Barker stated that the New Zealand commander created the impression that he was a natural lender of men and a professional soldier.