Defence Notes

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 244, 14 October 1937, Page 5

Defence Notes

——, (By

“SENTRY.”)

Notice Board: All ranks, week-end bivouac to be held at the Wanganui racecourse from 9 a.m. Saturday, October 23, to 4.30 p.m. Monday, October 25.

Machine-gun Platoon: Next ordinary parade Monday, November 8, at 7.30 p.m. Mortar section will parade with M.G. Platoon.

B. Company next ordinary parade will be Monday, November 1. A shoot will be held on Putiki range at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, for recruits of M.G. Platoon. Sergeant-Major Malcolm left Wanganui on transfer to Trentham last month and it was with sincere regret that the men of B. Company wished their popular instructor farewell. It is only on his departure that we realise how unremittingly he has given of his best to us for so long. It is also with regret that we learn of the projected departure of Corporal Payne of the M.G. Platoon, who is going to Trentham to join up with the Air The men of the M.G. Platoon tush him every success in his new undertaking.

Since the Motor-cycle Platoon has been disbanded, the majority of the motor-cyclists have joined up with the newly formed 3-inch Mortar Section. They are progressing very favourably under the instruction of S.M. Harvey. This is a job which calls for, not only a good knowledge of the work in hand, but also a high standard of physical strength, as a mortar is no light weight.

The Heavy Machine Gun Platoon has been reorganised. The men now have that great incentive to progress, namely, competition. The platoon is divided into four sub-sections or gun crews, each with its N.C.O. as instructor. Tests of elementary gun drill will be held each quarter and points will be awarded by the examiner. It is up to every man to attend regularly and thereby ensure his sub-section of a reasonable chance to succeed. Trentham Courses.— Range-takers course, November 6 to 13 inclusive. Any M.G. Platoon personnel wishing to attend must submit their names to Defence Office, Wanganui, not later than Wednesday, October 20. The week-end bivouac to be held at the racecourse over Labour weekend should be very interesting, as Marton and Taihape Platoons will be included. On Sunday there will be tactical exercises carried out on an area just below the airport. All weapons will be engaged with ball ammunition on various types of targets, representing a force attempting to land and establish itself on the beach. On Monday the full day will be spent on the Putiki range where all weapons will again be used.