BUSH AND MOUNTAIN WARFARE

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 25, 24 October 1942, Page 6

BUSH AND MOUNTAIN WARFARE

Training For New Zealand Territorials EXERCISES IN BACK COUNTRY The practical training in bush and mountain warfare being given to .Grade I personnel of the Territorial Forces was referred to yesterday by the Minister of Defence, Mr, Jones. He said that composite companies from certain brigade groups had set out during the last few days into nearby back country where they were combining tactical exercises with deer extermination. Armed with rifles and light machineguns, the men would treat the deer us if they were enemy troops. Though the troops were assisting the deer destruction branch of the Department of Internal Affairs, said the Minister, the operations were in no sense an uncontrolled sporting venture. The companies were operating strictly as military units and would employ tactical methods in stalking the deer. Instruction in stalking, use of natural cover and concealment was included in training under the general heading “fleldcraft" that had long been regarded as of the greatest importance, but the type of fighting developed by the Japanese had clearly indicated the need for still greater insistence on this phase of training. New Zealand troops must be taught to live, travel, and fight in the bush and among the mountains and hills, This was the main object of the' new training. Preliminary reports received from the companies at present operating indicated that’ satisfactory progress had been made and that the troops, were thoroughly enjoying their spartan life in the high country. Special Hardening Course.

The Minister explained that each company consisted of four platoons—three drawn from battalions ami one from headquarters troops—from each brigade group concerned. A number of former Internal Affairs Department field officers now in the Army had been selected for duty with the composite companies as advisers, instructors, and organizers. One was with each company and held the appointment of company sergeant-major. Only physically fit mon had been selected for this strenuous training, and all units were put through ii. special hardening course before they set out. Each company was accompanied by medical personnel .to deal with any possible accident or sickness, The troops had been carefully instructed in precautionary measures aimed at preventing accidents. They had also received orders relating to the preservation of 1 protected birds ami fish, the prevention of forest and grass fires, the respect due to private property and property rights, ami the avoidance of cruelty to the game they shot. Intercommunication between the four platoons and with Brigade Headquarters was maintained by signallers equipped with portable wireless sets. % Exclusion Of Extras. The men hud been given no special equipment. They had been told that they must train and fight with the excellent general purposes kit provided for the whole Army. On the other hand, every effort had been made to lighten the load they had to carry, and rigid exclusion of all extras that could reasonably be done without ban been enforced. H Tho new sclionie aims at inti’ouuc* ing as many troops as possible to this form of training,” said the Minister. “When the companies at present engaged have completed their period in the back country, further companies will be organized and sent out. The new training is part of a general policy to fit the New Zealand Military Forces for all types of work in any theatre of war where they may be called upon to serve."