ARMOURED UNITS

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 99, 21 November 1941, Page 6

ARMOURED UNITS

Conversion Of Horse & Motor Regiments

TERRITORIAL ARMY

Announcement By Defence Minister

AUCKLAND, November 13.

As a further step to- mechanize selected units of ,the Territorial Force, it is proposed to convert present mounted rifles, horse and motor regiments into light armoured fighting vehicle regiments, said the Minister. of Defence, Mr. [ones, today. This step is brought about by the necessity for Diving mobile armoured units in each of the military districts for Army Headquarters reserve.

Arrangements are well in hand to provide equipment to enable the conversion, of these selected units to take place. The armoured fighting vehicle school already established in New Zealand: will provide officers and non-com-missioned officers with necessary technical instruction which, in turn, will be taught to the armoured fighting vehicle regiments.. ’ . • ■ -

In converting- the present horse and motor regiments.to-armoured regiments care has been taken to maintain the history and traditions of existing units. As an indication of how it is intended to achieve this, the “Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry’’ will now be known as the Ist Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (C.Y.C.). All other units will maintain a similar distinguishing - title.

' Conversion of the present horse regiments does not entirely dispense with mounted units as a number of independent squadrons are to lie retained for special roles in different parts o? the. Dominion,