MECHANISED UNIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 88, 14 April 1938, Page 6

MECHANISED UNIT

PROGRESS OF TREK

ARRIVAL AT NAPIER.

From the “Chronicle’s Special Re-

porter with the Unit.) The vehicles comprising “B” Squadron. 4th. Manawatu Mounted Rifles Column, which has been engaged on a trek to the East Coast via the Manawatu and Wellington, arrived at Napier on Saturday. All the men are well and are thoroughly enjoying the experience. One sergeant, on being asked what he thought of the modernisation of this unit, replied: “I think that the majority of the troopers have accepted as inevitable the motorisation of the mounted brigades, and if given an option between the horse and the motor, would now chose the latter.”

On Friday last the squadron moved on from Weber to Waipukurau. An impressive ceremony was enacted en route at Wimbledon when school children from the surrounding districts inspected the column. The occasion was treated as an important one, the majority of the local residents being gathered outside the school room in front of the War Memorial. To the sound of the “Last Post,”; Lieutenants Brooms and Blacklock placed a wreath on the Cenotaph. After “Reveille” had been sounded an interested crowd gathered round Captain J. W. Barry, N.Z.S.C., while he addressed the school children. After the vehicles had been inspected the column moved on to Porangahau. On arrival at Napier the column was met by the Mayor, Mr. C. Morse, and the Hon. W. E. Barnard. The troops were billeted at the barracks, and were provided with hot showers. The officers and men wish to thank the Mayor and citizens for the trouble they went to in providing the showers, as well as throwing open, free of charge, picture theatres in the city. In the evening the officers messed at the Masonic Hotel and were entertained afterwards by Mr. Menzies, president of the R.S.A. Tactical exercises were carried out between Napier and Dannevirke, opportunities being provided to test out the inter-communica-tion system.

All the troops are enjoying the experience, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand. Compilation of data is in hand, and the lessons learnt will be applied to advantage when the next trek is attempted. Officers and men wish to express appreciation of the hospitality extended them en route, the smaller towns especially providing suitable entertainment. It had been assumed on arrival at Masterton that the vanguard <B Squadron) had successfully repulsed enemy opposition on the two alternate routes, that is. Masterton. via Greytown and Masterton. via Martinborough. On Thursday a tactical scheme was carried out between Pongoroa and Weber, the personnel of the machinegun troop having been detailed to act as the enemy and take up a position astride the main road and obstruct the passage of the remainder of the column. Light automatic guns placed in suitable positions enfiladed the vanguard of the convoy. Meanwhile the wireless van attached to this forward troop sent a message back to the main body, which was some miles distant, giving the commander some idea of the strength and disposition of the enemy troops. Blank cartridges lent a touch of realism to the action.

LONG TREK CONCLUDES

MILITARY MANOEUVRES 600-MILE JOURNEY OFFICER’S IMPRESSIONS Interesting impressions were recorded by Second-Lieutenant A. T. Bustard, of Wanganui, who yesterday returned from the 600-mile trek of the motorised squadron of the Fourth Manawatu Mounted Rifles. Together with Captain A. Renny, also of Wanganui, Lieutenant Bustard was in charge of the signals section of the manoeuvre. Captain J. W. Barry, New Zealand Staff Corps, of Wanganui, was adjutant. “The movement was one on a scale hitherto unattemped in defence activities in the Dominion,” said Lieutenant Bustard when approached by a “Chronicle” reporter. “The trek was a memorable one, and provided a valuable exercise of mechanised defence. The hospitality of people en route was outstanding, and did much to foster the social side of the activity. Wherever we went great interest was evinced in the column, and expressions on the new mode of transport were heard on all sides.”

Fine weather favolured the manoeuvre for the most part, and at Napier a little rain fell. The route, and times spent at each stopping place, were as follows: Ashhurst, three days; Levin, one night; Trentham; two days; Masterton, one night; Weber, one night; Waipukurau, one night; Napier, one night; Dannevirke, one night; Ashhurst, two nights. The system of travelling by day and bivouacking at night was adhered to. i The exercises were operated on the 1 following assumption: A wireless I message was received from a reconI naissance ’plane to the effect that an (enemy convoy had been observed apI* proaching Napier. A force of mechanised troops was mobilised at Trentham and a vanguard sent out to reconnoitre the position and to oppose ■ any enemy advance opposition. The iB squadron M.M.R. (motorised) was (detailed for this job of work.

Divergent routes covering a wide East Coast area were taken with the object of converging at Napier. The deployment of vehicles over such a wide area was considerably assisted by the use of radio equipment. This was installed in light vans, specially built for the purpose, which travelled with the unit. The assistance afforded by the wireless spelled greater cooperation in the movements undertaken.

Organisation, which primarly ap- • peared to be an obstacle in the way [of such an extensive military manoeuvre, did not prove the difficulties expected. Within a few days a complete schedule was compiled and all was running smoothly.

“The lessons learned in this trek should prove invaluable in future similar movements,” said Lieutenant Bustard. “I would like to mention the smooth dispensation of all matters at his command by Captain Barry.”

The officers in charge of the trek were as follows: Captain B. A. Norman, squadron commander; F. M. Jenkins (N.Z.S.C.), supply officer; Captain A. H. Ferguson, second-in-command; Captain R. E. B. Hopkirk, quartermaster; Captain A. Rennie and Second-Lieutenant Bustard, signals; Captain F. H. Smith, No. 2 troop; Lieutenant H. M. Blacklock, headquarters troop; Lieutenant A. D. Abel, No. 3 troop, lieutenant D. L. Broome, No. 4 Iroop; Lieutenant H. R. Cameron, transport officer; Lieutenant H. M. Blunden; Lieutenant A. H. Revell, Rev. D. H. Hircus, chaplain.