MOTORISED TROOPS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 78, 2 April 1938, Page 8

MOTORISED TROOPS

THE ASHH’JRST CAMP BIG TREK OF 500 MILES TO BEGIN (From the “Chronicle's” Special Reporter with the Squadron.) The main body of B Squadron of the New Zealand Mounted Rifle, (motorised), marched into camp at the racecourse, Ashhurst, on Wednesday To-morrow the squadron will drive through the Square, Palmerston Nortn and on Sunday will begin its trek 01 500 miles. The troops in comp include: Moto.' Cyclist Light Machine Gunners. Hcav*i Machine Gun Troop, two Light MaI chine Gun Troops, Headquarters Troop, Wireless detachment and othet details, a total strength of 14 ofliceis and 87 non-commissioned officers and j men. . The first day's programme covered a I variety of subjects—crew and vehicle drill, driving, the coming into action I from vehicles, skeleton exercises foi the wireless detachment and a field exercise and road drill for the motorcyclist machine gunners. At the end of a hard and interesting day's work all ranks have gained a surprising degree of efficiency in the use of their weapons, new equipment and the special military vehicles. To-day the squadron will drive through Palmerston North to give the public an opportunity of seeing the squadron as now equipped and organised It wiil reach the Square from Ashhurst at 11 a.m. and after moving slowly over a defined route, will halt between lhe Cenotaph and Broadway, whero His Worship will inspect the column. To-morrow the squadron will start on its trek of 500 miles. It will reach the Square at Palmerston fNorth ai. about 2 p.m., and will halt in the centre by the band stand. The Regimental Band will play a short selection, and following this lhe squadron will move off, a portion proceeding via Shanon to Levin and the remainder via Foxton The squadron is commanded by Captain B. A. Norman, who has with him the following: staff officer, Captain J. W. Barry. N.Z.S.C.; supply officer Lieut. F. M. Jenkins, N.Z.S.C.; Captains A. H. Ferguson, second in command; R. E. B. Hopkirk, quartermaster; H. F. Smith, No. 2 troop; A. Rennie. signals; Lieuts. H. M. Blacklock, headquarters troop; A. B. Abel, No. 3 troop; D. L. Broome, No. 4 troop; 11. R. Cameron, transport ofheer, 11. M Blunden, A. H. Revell, J. Bustard. The Rev. D. M. Hercus is chaplain to the forces.