DOMINION TROOPS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 125, 26 April 1940, Page 7

DOMINION TROOPS

GREAT MIMIC BATTLE. HUMOROUS ASPECT. WALLAHS AND MINES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received April 26, 11 a.m. CAIRO, April 25. The booming of artillery, tlie ■rattle of rifle tire, and the bursting of Verey lights heralded Anzac Day in the desert, where the New Zealanders, before dawn, wound up the largest manoeuvres since their arrival. The final stages of the great mimic battle provided a. most impressive sight in the bright moonlight. The opposing forces, namely, “Milesia” and “Puttagonia,” dug in during the last 24 hours and reinforced the trenches with barbed wire and anti-tank mines preparatory to the Milesians’ final onslaught. All ranks showed the greatest keenness. Since this was tlie nearest approach to realism so far, many willingly gave up their sleep in order to man the guns during the night. The conclusion of the manoeuvres was not without its vigorous side. A gale accompanying a fierce rainstorm blew down the tents, 'the maps of the directing staffs were blown across the desert, and the staff officers chasing them found themselves in the “enemy” lines and were promptly captured. The troops, encountering a sheet of water where previously there was a dry watercourse, believed it was a mirage and nearly walked into it. Arab wallahs caused endless trouble by attempting to steal the anti-tank mines for cooking pots, and dispatch riders were constantly chasing these marauders across the desert. NO DECISION. The manoeuvres, which were based on an attack by a Kice which crossed the Nile, were most successful, hut it was a “no decision battle,” because the attackers over-estimated the strength of the defenders and retired. The Puttagonian brigadier thereupon jokingly dispatched ail envelope marked “secret,’ in which the Milesian brigadier found a white feather. After breakfast (the New Zealanders assembled with transport, tanks, and guns for their biggest Anzac Day parade. A short religious service followed, after which Major-General F’reybcrg addressed them. “When the time comes, and we hope it will he soon, I. know you will carry on the traditions of your fathers and emulate their deeds.” lie said. The troops began the journey back to camp through lanes of cheering villagers.