THE DEFENCE FORCES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2801, 20 November 1907, Page 36

THE DEFENCE FORCES.

EASTER MANCEUTRES.

A circular has been issued by the Chief of the General Staff of the Council of Defence with reference to the military manoeuvres at Easter. The following are the principal clauses: — The following is circulated for genera-l information and action by the O.C. districts: —

General Idea,

Out Empire has unexpectedly become involved in complications with a. combination of Powers, hereafter designated Blue. The strategical cituation requires tho Pacific and Australasian naval squadrons to concentrate «t certain points. It "is evident that six days must elapse before any portion of the fleet can reach New Zealand shores, but even this cannot be assured. Information to hand, 10 p.m., April 15, from the Director Naval lutelligencV shows there is reason to suppose that a raiding force (Blue), escorted by cruisers (description for identification will bo issued at proper time-), has evaded our navy, and may be expected to operate against the Dominion. This force will probably be within striking distance of any of the ports of New Zea'a-nd about 5 p.m. Friday.

The C.G.S. will visit each district during November lo arrange special tactical* ideas in accordance with above general idea, to enable O.C. districts and forces to appreciate the situation, and generally set in motion the arrangements necessary to successfully and realistically carry out the manoeuvres. The following stages for the defence of centres should be kept in mind : —

(a) Rapid mobilisation at short notice on local stations of assembly ; thence on to a line of observation and resistance to await a-nd meet expected raid. (b) Rapid taking up of a sound line of assistance by mobile field troops, manning of fcrts and works, searchlights, etc . ■watching of the various bays and landing places. (c) Occupation of camps or bivouacs by reserves and delivery of counter attacks, and harassing eneniy. It is obvions thai on account of the daily occupation of the Volunteers (a) cannot be carried out this year, men riot being able to leave their busin?Sß until late- Thursday night, and many oaoes Friday morning; also railway arrangements have to fit in with ordinary and holiday traffic. The difficulty and danger of landing untrained troops from small stoamtra in sufficiently large parties, and uncertainty of weather permitting landing, makes it necessary to confine the operations to (b) ard (c) detraining certain forces at or near reasonable landing places to act a* Blue enemy. The manoeuvres will consist of co-opera-tion between the fixed defences and field forces. hereinafter designated Red, for the ■defence of main ports (Nelson district under separate instructions). Certain departmental tsteainers and launches will represent Blue warships, and operate in conjunction with raiding Blue force. Should any of H.M. warships be in New Zealand v.-aterf> at the time, endeavour will be made to secure their co-operation as a Blue fore*.

It will thu-3 be seen that in each district a Red and Blue force mil be opposed to" eaoh other, <^aoh with an object in view. The O C. c?ch force to be given a free hand to carry out bis ideas, accordii-g to his Epnreciatiou of the situation. Ovr^ng to increased settlement the coa?t

country, over which it is most likely military, operations' would occur, is fast becoming) enclosed with farms, townships, fences, plan-. tations, roads, ere. It is now necessary to turn attention to fighting in enclosed couim try, and not so much looking for ground to suit a manoeuvre, but suit manoeuvres to. the ground. Thursday night and Friday morning (per local train arrangements) — Troops leave their homes foe first camp ground.

Friday, April 17— Arrival at camps, manning of forts, etc. ; organisation of commands preparatory to active operations. Operations to commence 5 o'clock on Friday evening.

Saturday, April 18— Operations continue. Sunday, April 19— As far as possible na active operations to take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Where possible O.C. forces to arrange that divine service be held.

Monday, .April 20— Operations continue until time for entraining for return (as pec local arrangements).

O.C. districts to arrange instruction on the manoeuvres at headquarters of Red and Blue, of course dwelling only on the situation from tho view of that force, general principles of attack and defence, supply trd transport, staff duties in relation to the manoeuvres.