DEFENCE NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 28, 3 February 1938, Page 5

DEFENCE NOTES

NOTICE BOARD B Company: A parade will be held on Monday, February 7, for N.C.O. s. Next ordinary parade, February 14. M.G. Platoon: Next ordinary parade, February 7. Next N.C.O.’s. class, February 14. * * ♦ * Much has been written of late concerning the new army-vehicles which visited Wanganui on Thursday last. It has been pointed out that they are more mobile on long journeys, carry a heavier load and can be brought into action with much more expediency. These vehicles are certainly a great improvement on the old horsedrawn limbers, a very striking instance of their efficiency being given as the convoy was proceeding up Victoria Avenue. Travelling at about 20 miles per hour the leading ’bus, on reaching Maria Place commenced turning the corner to proceed to the Drill Hall where the Vickers gun demonstration was to be given; however, the commanding officer, who was riding in a vehicle in the body of the convoy had decided to proceed straight up the Avenue, so immediately engaged the driver of the front ’bus on the radio telephone and instructed him to carry straight on. This engaging and instructing, taking but a second or two, enabled the driver to swing back on to his proper course practically as soon as he had left it. Now in the days of the horse there would have been considerable confusion and much time wasted, so we see that the modern equipment will play a very important part in holding units tegether, and thus saving very precious moments in actual service.

The majority of spectators at Thursday night’s show were very interested in the equipment and the general impression gained was that in warfare as in every-day life the horse has had to give way to its logical successor the motor vehicle. In short the poor old horse had been relegated to the proverbial “back seat.” Could our equine friend and servant speak for himself, would he not be justified in pointing out as man made the wars why should he not light them himself. Yes, why should these poor dumb creatures be subjected to the horrors of modern chemical warfare? Have they not served us faithfully from time immemorial? Although the horse has only been excluded from warfare because more efficient units have superseded it, there are thousands of animal lovers who will rejoice at the modernisation of the army.

There were quite a number of volunteers at the demonstration on Thursday evening last in their civilian clothes as spectators. On being asked why they were not in uniform several answered explaining that they were not aware that the local units were going to turn out. They were evidently not keen enough to find out for themselves. It may be well to point out that these notes are written weekly for the benefit of the ranks and to justify the time spent in preparing and setting them every soldier should read the “Chronicle” regularly each Thursday morning. If you are not a subscriber, remember that it only costs 2d per copy at all leading dairies, stores and booksellers.

It is with regret that we hear that Ron Sherlock, late Sgt. B Company, is on the seriously ill list at Christchurch where he has been stationed with the New Zealand Air Force for some time. We sincerely hope to hear much better reports on his health in the near future. Always very popular with his men, Ron was greatly missed on being transferred. Good luck Ron, the boys of your old company wish you a speedy recovery. At the parade of B Company last Monday night considerable time was spent by the instructors in training the men in rille exercises and marching, and the way in which these men carried out that rather difficult order, “at the halt, on the left, form close column of platoon,” was certainly a credit to them. The primary object of the concentration on the rille exercises was, of course, the approaching annual camp but it is also evident that B Company have not lost sight .of the guard mounting competition and were consequently getting in a little early training on the quiet. A very interesting and instructive class was held for the N.C.O.’s. of the M.G. platoon on Monday evening last, when Lieut. Bassett instructed in the use of the instruments used in night firing exercises. The work for the platoon next Monday evening will be the use of the clinometer, bar-fore-sight and night-sights. Special attention was paid to the delivering of orders by the men who’s names have been submitted to the Adjutant lor their Lance-corporal’s stripes. Bearing in mind that brevity yet full explanation of the exercise being taught, Pte. Powell is to be commended on his first effort. Ptes. McDonald and Skilton also did their jobs in a manner that indicates careful preparation. Pte. Hunt will have to take his training more seriously if he is going to keep up with the other nominees for promotion.