MILITARY DISPLAY IN BLENHEIM

Southland Times, Issue 24757, 30 May 1942, Page 5

MILITARY DISPLAY IN BLENHEIM

ARTILLERY FIRES BLANKS

(PA.) BLENHEIM, May 29. “Battle Snapshots,” was the title under which a military' display was presented this afternoon in support of the Liberty Loan campaign. For an hour’ordinary activity in the centre of the town was suspended while offensive tactics were demonstrated by units representative of the various branches of the modern New Zealand Army. The demonstration, which was notable for smooth co-ordination, was watched by a keenly interested crowd, which especially appreciated a rousing bayonet charge by a party of Maori warriors and which was reminiscent of the epic exploits of their brothers on Crete.

An independent mounted rifles detachment provided the first of a series of living pictures. Its offensive against an imaginary enemy was carried on by mechanized units supported by artillery, which added a touch a realism by firing blank charges. The pandemonium of modem battle was well emulated when Market Place echoed with the noise of a formation of low-flying aircraft on which anti-aircraft guns protecting the mobile regimental headquarters opened fire with blanks. The final touches were added by an ambulance section bringing back wounded from the forward areas and a supply column taking up ammunition and provisions.