DEFENCE EXERCISES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23968, 19 May 1941, Page 9

DEFENCE EXERCISES

HOME GUARD AND RESERVE NIGHT SPENT IN GLASSHOUSE Practising for their intended purpose as holding forces in the event of any landing on the coast by an enemy, platoons of the Home Guard co-oper-ated in the week-end with units of the National Military Reserve Battalion in manoeuvres on country in the vicinity of the Manukau Harbour. The units of the National Reserve concerned were heavy machine-gun and mortar platoons, comprising the support company of the battalion. They were under the command of Captain A. A. Currey, 011 whose property in Avond»le they were billeted 011 Saturday night, sleeping in a glasshouse over 400 ft. x 82ft. The idea of the manoeuvres was that the National Reserve troops were brought up on information that an enemy force had landed and was being opposed by four platoons of the Avondale Home Guard. As a preliminary to pushing back the enemy, his positions were, engaged by mortars from about 1000 yards. These in actual action throw 461b. bombs. Machine-gun teams took up successive positions, and in support were two platoons of the Legion of Frontiersmen section of the Home Guard. The National Military Reserve Company was served With a hot. meal on the roadside by the battalion cooks at the conclusion of the exercises. The men passed through many private properties and residents often served refreshments to them. j