MOUNTED RIFLES BIVOUAC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 240, 11 October 1938, Page 5

MOUNTED RIFLES BIVOUAC

ON MARTON RACECOURSE The recent week-end bivouac of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles (Mechanised) at Marton was commanded by Major B. F. Norman, with Captain A. H. Fergusson as second in command. Troop leaders attending were Lieutenants Blundell, Abel, Revell, Cameron and Crisp. Other officers attending were Major R. E. Burch, Hopkirk, R.0.M., and Captain J. W. Barry, N.Z.S.C.

All ranks, the total of which amounted to approximately 70 per cent, of the full strength, showed marked efficiency, which is most encouraging, and the enthusiasm and keenness which is shown, is justifying the preduction that this unit is rapidly becoming one of the crack units of the New Zealand Territorial Force.

On the second day of the bivouac a practical exercise was carried out north-east of Turakina. For the purpose of the exercise it had been assumed that an enemy force was endeavouring to make a landing on the coast and that the M.M.R.’s had been ordered to resist same. Proceeding per vehicles for 16 miles, a reconnaissance was made and a plan of resistance formulated. After a hasty lunch orders were issued for the attack and within a few minutes the men were moving off in their respective sections according to plan. The guns coming into action using blank ammunition gave the scene a realistic atmosphere. The advance was made over sandhills, which assisted the troops in selecting cover, and it was not until the coast was reached that a halt was made.

On their return to Marton a hot tea was prepared and the men were then dispersed, feeling that they had had a most enjoyable as well as a beneficial two days’ training. In a letter forwarded to the Marton Jockey Club, Captain J. W. Barry tendered his thanks to the club for granting the use of the racecourse for their bivouac, which, he states, was a great success, largely due to the kindness of the Marton Jockey Club. The Wellington West Coast Regiment are holding their bivouac during Labour week-end and are very desirous of holding it at Marton with tactical exercises between Marton, Halcombe and Sanson. In asking for the use of the racecourse for this occasion, Captain Barry states: "One of the great conveniences of using the Marton course is that we are enable to arrange with the Railway Department for meals, thus saving all ranks the ! extra work and time taken up in erecting cookhouses, etc. As this will be the last bivouac for some time it is desired to make it as enjoyable for the men as is possible.” There is no doubt that the Marton Jockey Club will accede to this request as it is the policy of the club to utilise their grounds to the benefit of all those who appreciate their buildings and surroundings.