WEEK-END BIVOUAC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 50, 2 March 1943, Page 3

WEEK-END BIVOUAC

RUAPEHU HOME GUARD BATTALION INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE AT RAETIHI Under the command of Major D. E. Gardner, D. 5.0., and Captain R. B. Davis, second in command, 300 Home Guardsmen went into camp for the week-end at the golf course at Raetihi for the purpose of undergoing an intensive instructional course. The personnel comprised: C Company (Capt. F. Baddeley, M.M.) and D Company (Captain D. H. Strachan, M.M.), comprising the Waimarino Section of the Ruapehu Battalion (Major G. B. Chrystall) with attached headquarters under Lieutenant J. G. Irwin. Captain C. D. Lynch was camp adjutant, Lieutenant Honore camp quartermaster, Captain A. S. Ashmore liaison officer, and Lieutenant Davis transport officer. A training cadre, under the command of Captain H. A. Catward, Lieutenant M. Bignell and Lieutenant W. Bourne, embussed from Wanganui on Friday night and arrived at the camp site to bivouac for the week-end. The following dav the cadre was engaged in instruction in signalling, including portable field wireless, Bren gun, Vickers machine-gun, and mortar firing, Guardsmen being instructed in the firing of these weapons, each Guardsman (including cadets present) being required to engage in a live shoot. A demonstration smoke screen was also laid down by the mortar section. A bridge with a thirtyfoot span was erected from pine trees growing nearby and put together with lashings. The task took just an hour, the operation being conducted with the minimum of noise.

On Saturday the camp was visited by Zone Commander, Lieut.-Colonel D. A. C. Lilburne, E.D. Instruction was given during the evening In the various kinds of training and cinematograph films were used for the purpose of illustration, these being supplied and operated by Mr. Alan Millward, Wanganui. The camp was also visited by Lieut.Colonel F. D. Davis, of the Central Military District, accompanied by Captain A. T. Bustard, Lieut.-Colonel S. H. Gould, Area Commander, Lieut.Colonel Hardie, D. 5.0., liaison officer, Captain G. P. Williamson, zone signals officer, Lieutenant R. Withers, 0.C., signals, Wanganui Home Guard Battalion, and Lieutenants J. C. James, A. K. Fyrrie, D. N. Anderson, and 2nd.-Lieuienant S. F. Besley, of the Area Command staff.