NIGHT OPERATIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21655, 16 February 1942, Page 4

NIGHT OPERATIONS

HOME GUARD BATTALION SUCCESSFUL MANOEUVRES Conditions were ideal on Saturday for the night operations of the Hamilton Battalion of the Home Guard, the sky being overcast and a complete absence of wind making the slightest sound audible. There was a good attendance of the battalion for the manoeuvres, which were carried out successfully in that sector of country running parallel with River Road between Clarkin Road and the Rototuna road. The attacking and defending forces, under the command of Major T. H. Melrose, Officer Commanding the Hamilton Battalion, and Captain R. E. Andrew, respectively, each comprised two and a-half companies and each had to advance until it contacted the other. Signal stations were established between both headquarters and the respective forces, the signallers showing great improvement. Operations began at 8.30, the battalion having fallen in at Rugby Park at 7 o’clock, and at 10.15 a flare signalled the cessation of hostilities. A quarter of an hour later the whole battalion met at a prearranged rendezvous in a gravel pit, where a hot supper was provided by the quartermaster’s department of the battalion.

Major Melrose thanked the troops for the spirit of enthusiasm in which they entered the operations and stated that at the parade next Sunday the faults and good points shown during the manoeuvres would be dealt with. The generosity and co-operation of the property-owners who permitted the operations to be held on their land were greatly appreciated by Major Melrose and his fellow officers.