WANGANUI HOME GUARD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 227, 26 September 1941, Page 7

WANGANUI HOME GUARD

ORGANISATION TEST SUPPOSITIONAL RAID BY ENEMY ON COAST Maritime attack is more dependant on the element of surprise than any other type of warfare. Disorganisation of the defence, followed by rapid exploitation, is a feature that distinguishes this war from the last one. The object of a Home Guard organisation test exercise to be carried out on October 5, is to test the practical value of the organisation and see if it will measure up to expectations. Group orders are based on a general idea that a large enemy convoy is approaching the Dominion. Subsequently, two large transports are reported in the Tasman Sea, steering south in view of the coast. The deductions are that these ships are raiders and have adequate strength and equipment t 8 raid communications, doing as much material damage as possible before withdrawing.

On October 5 a raider arrives off Castlecliff and succeeds in landing some armoured vehicles and motorcyclists. Several of these break through and make inland. Two small shallow-draught craft, high-powered and armed, force the - entrance of the Wanganui harbour; getting clear of the protective forces placed up the river, their direct mission being uncertain. It is then reported that a small force has landed near Kai Iwi. The raider then goes south, landing small parties near different vital points.

The problem for the defence is to destroy these forces and prevent them from doing any damage. The main point is signal communication and accurate reports, as well as prompt action by units once their area becomes an operation zone. Officers and men must be quick on the job and should visualise the action required once an armoured vehicle is reported approaching their boundary. Small mobile forces have a great advantage and are much assisted by a hesitating defence.

Group orders are simple—they direct all units and services of the Home Guard to ’ stand to." and to act in accordance with emergency arrangements. The signalling through the group is in charge of Mr. G< I’. Williamson, group signal officer. Class 3 men have a place in orders and will receive their detailed instructions from units to which they will be attached. The most important orders will be those issued to battallions. The 4th Battalion (Captain L. Duckworth) has held a meeting and passed on information to companies. The actual disposition of units will be determined when the direction of the armoured vehicles is reported to them.

The Marton E.P.S. is co-operating with the Home Guard and will supervise the work of St. John Ambulance, Red Cross and the Women s War Service Auxiliary. The latter organisation will provide refreshments, assist with transport and signalling. These will be the first detachment of women signallers to work in Home Guard tests. Information regarding the duties of the six areas of the group should be known during the week-end. Members of the Women s War Service AutSiary, canteen section, are co-operating with the First Battalion on Wednesday next. They are holding a “shop day." and Guardsmen who attended last Saturday's exercise will be supporting them in their effort.