NORTH AUCKLAND SQUADRONS.

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 15, 9 August 1940, Page 3

NORTH AUCKLAND SQUADRONS.

The formation in North Auckland of new independent squadrons of Mounted Rifles to operate in hilly country adjacent to the east coastal areas is being put in hand immediately; states the “Auckland Star.”

The establishment of the new squadrons is being undertaken throughout New Zealand by Colonel H. J. White, D. 5.0., D.C.M. of the N.Z.S.C., .Army Headquarters, Wellington, and Captain G. F. Yerex, N.Z.S.C. They have commenced a tour of both islands, and they arrived at their starting point, Whangarei recently.

The new squadrons are to operate in coastal areas which are difficult of access by other branches of the service, and provide a link between the harbour defences which are under the control of the National Military Reserve.

Organisation in North Auckland commenced with a conference in Whangarei between Colonel White and Captain Yerex and senior officers in the district. As far as the Northland squadron is concerned, it will cover the area north of Whangarei in the vicinity of the east coast, and extend inland for about 10 or 15 miles, according to the nature of the country. Another squadron, to be known as the Kaipara Squadron, is to be formed in the area south of Whangarei. A number of retired officers have already offered their services. Applications for enlistment in the new squadrons can be made at defence offices.