MODERN ARMY TRANSPORT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 48, 25 January 1938, Page 8

MODERN ARMY TRANSPORT.

INSPECTION AT PALMERSTON NORTH. A mechanised convoy of eight army trucks- and vans will be displayed in the Square on Thursday. The bodies were built in New Zealand and based on the latest British Army designs. Minor modifications have been made to enable one vehicle to cope with the varied requirements of the different Territorial units which will use it for all out-door training. The colour scheme of these modern army vehicles is arousing great interest, particularly among returned soldiers. Camouflage, or disruptive painting, has recently been readopted by the British Army to counter the increased'spying power of the air camera. Under modern conditions, reconnoitring aircraft will be forced up to a ceiling where the pilot or observer cannot see much, but ihe camera is not concerned about height, provided the visibility is good. On a clear day, a good lens will register details like lorries from 15,000 or even 20,000 feet. The Neiv Zealand Army trucks are, therefore, painted in a patchwork quilt of green, grey and brown, used discriminately so that from whatever angle the vehicle is observed all three colours are seen. Moreover, the cellulose, paint has a dull matt finish which cuts down light reflection. In addition to the vehicles themselves the convoy, which is proceeding to Auckland under the command of Major G. H. Clifton, M.C., N.Z. Staff Corps, will carry modern machine-gun seats, anti-iaircraft, and radio- telephony equipment which will be available for demonstrations by local units. All serving Territorials will doubtless be interested in the convoy. Similar vehicles and equipment will he available for their use during the annual camps this year. The Mayor and other interested gentlemen will informally inspect the parade at 1.30 p.m