SIGNALLERS IN CAMP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 9

SIGNALLERS IN CAMP.

INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE.

THE AUCKLAND DEPOT.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

(Special to "Star.")

For the past sixteen days a detachment of the Northern Depot Corps of Signallers has been undergoing an intensive training course in the Military Camp at Trentham. Captain G. H. Scull is in charge, and is assisted Dy Captain G. H. Clifton (Adjutant), Captain R. S. Wheeler and Lieut. J. Feeney (Cable and Construction Section), Lieuts. G. J. Robertshaw and E. V. Fry (Wireless Section), Lieuts. C. T. Kellaway and N. G. Fletcher (Visual Section), together with thirty N.C.O.'s and mounted sections from Whangarei, in charge of Lieut. N. C. Shepherd, and Tauranga, under Lieut. D. H. Cameron. Captain W. Scott-Hig-ginson was camp quartermaster. The combined course was under the direction of Major M. R. Aldridge, Staff Officer of the New Zealand Corps of Signallers.

The first week of the training was devoted to a general revision of signal procedure, which included many amendments brought about by the experiences met with in the new mechanised system of warfare as carried out in the recent manoeuvres in England.

Signallers from all over the Dominion are gathered together for the course in order to ensure uniformity in procedure and practical methods in training. Detachments have travelled from as far [south as Invercargill and as far north as YVhangarei. The wireless training has been exceedingly thorough, the first week being devoted to lectures and practical demonstrations. The practical portion of the wireless training included the use of short-wave sets for communication with oversea military wireless stations (20 to 50 metres), and included a visit to the short-wave radio station at General Headquarters, Wellington. This station was in constant communication with the Southern Cross when crossing the Tasman Sea. Other sets used by the signallers include those of 15 watts (65 to 80 metres), for front line commumcaion; 30 watt sets (550 to 3000 metres) for distances ranging from 20 to 40 miles between infantry brigade and infantry battalion headquarters, and also between artillery brigades, batteries and observation po*ts. The 30 watt sets are now obsolete and will be shortly replaced by short-wave apparatus. A 120 watt motor car eet, operating on long wave*

for inter-divieional and army corps communication up to 200 miles, with 75 feet masts, was also included in the syllabus; this set also will shortly be replaced by one of the same power, but of new design. Wireless personnel are required to be able to repair, adjust, and operate all the types of wireless sets mentioned, charge and maintain accumulators in first-class order, and operate charging apparatus to suit varying conditions, such as the l§-horse-power petrol-driven dynamo charger used in forward accumulator dumps, rectifier units used at the base where alternating current is available, and lamp-charging boards used where direct current is available for direct charging from commercial power mains or other direct current supply source.. Alternative Signalling Methods.

The cable wagon section comprises a cable wagon drawn by a six horse team and carries sufficient wire and poles for the constitution of an eight-mile single line, or a four-mile twisted metallic circuit line. For alternate means of communication signallers arc also trained in the use of fullcrphones, flag and helio. The fullerfone is an invention which was brought out during the world war, 1914-1918. It is absolutely secret over a metallic circuit, and can only be tapped by a highly organised enemy over very short distances when used on a single line circuit. The fullerphone permits simultaneous telephony and telegraph over a single line circuit. In army communications no one line of communication is considered safe, should one system fail others must be available, and where ordinary channels break down provision is made for messages to be forwarded by mounted despatch riders, runners, or motor-cyclists

For cable wagon traction, despatch riders, and mounted signallers, over thirty horses have been requisitioned. The horses are groomed twice daily and are well fed and watered under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The visual sections under Staff Sergeant Robinson (Northern Depot), are daily exercised in sending and receiving messages by lamp, flag and helio. Owing to the somewhat inclement weather and cloudy skies experienced very little helio work had been possible.

All divisional signal officers are required to be proficient in equitation and one and a half hours each day of the first week was allotted to the riding school. Officers were required to jump hurdles, ride without stirrups, and try their skill at tent-pegging. Several half-day field rides were also arranged. Training in Field Tactics. The last week of the training course was taken up with a tactical field scheme, conducted as far as poyible under service conditions, in the Mungaroa valley, east of *"\e Upp«r Hutt,

in which all methods of signalling were utilised. Monday was devoted to a signal scheme required in the defence, Tuesday to the deliberate attack, Wednesday to the advance, and Thursday to the retirement. The manoeuvres were carried out over somewhat difficult country, typical of that likely to be encountered in actual warfare. In rough country the role of wireless section commanders is rather a difficult one, calling for resource, initiative and intensive training. Immediately a halt is made in a position where visual communication

is not possible, the wireless sections are required to set up their apparatus and quickly get in touch with allotted stations and exchange message,, then pack up and continued the movement as required.

All men and officers speak in high terms of the excellent rations served and living conditions generally prevailing in the camp. A friendly game of football played between the Northern Depot and Combined Southern and Cen-

tral Depots resulted in a win for the Combined Depots by 11 points to nil.

The social side of the camp, while limited owing to demands made by the intensive training, was well catered for by the Y.M.C.A. under Mr. Chappell, and a very successful dance was given by the ladies of Trentham in the Y.M.C.A. on Thursday evening last. The Auckland detachment will return to their homes Sunday morning.