MACHINES FOR THE ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22203, 5 March 1934, Page 2

MACHINES FOR THE ARMY

UTILITY TRACTORS (From Oub Own Correspondent.) ■ " LONDON, January 19. As a result of last summer's trials of the new "utility tractors," a considerable number of these machines is likely to be provided for the infantry (writes the military correspondent ol the Daily Tdegrapb). > Experience' has shown where various improvements were needed, especially in the axles and wheels of the limbers which they haul, arid these should now give still greater- satisfaction. They are virtually '" mechanised draught horses" of greater practical capacity than a four-horse team for hauling machine gun and ammunition limbers across country. Although unarinoured, these little machines are much less vulnerable than a team of horses, being less vissible and more agile. Another advantage is that when an infantry battalion is embussed, as it so often is nowadays, its transport can keep pace with it, instead of following at a long interval. The utility tractor justifies its name by its ability to serve many purposes and to be hitched to any kiud of wagon or cart. DEMAND FOR AN "INFANTRY TANK." The one danger of this new development, however, is that its enthusiastic reception may secure the need for some form of "armoured" fire support with the attacking infantry. The modern fast tank fulfils the offensive role of cavalry with decisive effect, but it is not suited to close co-operation with the infantry. On all sides one hears a growing demand for, an "infantry tank" to cover 'lie advlnce of the infantryman on foot. The Carden-Loyd armoured machine gun carrier, as used in the past four years, was able to play this part to a fair extent. It might have done more if it had not been hampered by a cumbersome trailer, and by rather theoretical rules which circumscribed its use. If the armoured machine gun carrier is, discontinued, as is rumoured, and no substitute provided, the infantry will, lose oh the swings what they gain on the roundabouts.