UNITS TO BE MECHANIZED

Southland Times, Issue 24592, 14 November 1941, Page 4

UNITS TO BE MECHANIZED

TERRITORIAL FORCE FIGHTING VEHICLE REGIMENTS (P.A.) AUCKLAND, November 13. The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, announces that as a further step to mechanize selected units of the Territorial Force it is proposed to convert the present mounted rifles, horse and motor regiments into light armoured fighting vehicle regiments. This step is brought about by the necessity for having mobile armoured units in each of the military districts and for the Army Headquarters reserve.

Arrangements are well in hand to provide equipment to enable the conversion of these selected units to take place. The armoured fighting vehicle school already established in New Zealand will provide officers and noncommissioned officers with the necessary technical instruction, which in turn will be taught to armoured fighting vehicle regiments. In converting the present horse and motor regiments to armoured regiments, care has been taken to maintain the history and traditions of the existing units. As an indication of how it is intended to achieve this former identity, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry will now be known as the Ist Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (C.Y.C.). All other units will maintain similar distinguishing titles. The conversion of the present horse regiments does not entirely dispense with mounted units, as a number of independent squadrons are to be retained for special roles in different parts of the Dominion.