Gurkhas vs Linton

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 429, 24 March 1992, Page 8

Gurkhas vs Linton

BY

JO

HOWIE

A Company from 1 RNZIR Linton, competed for the Smith Trophy against B Company 10 Gurkha Rifles (10 GR) on Tuesday 3 March. The Smith trophy is dedicated to the memory of George Smith. Major George Smith was, a double Military Cross winner who served with 4/10 GR during World War II, and retired in 1952 to New Zealand. His daughter, Lieutenant Barbara Smith is serving with the New Zealand Army, presently based in Waiouru. As well as being a fine soldier he also was an outstanding sportsman, being Scottish soccer representative, and a champion swimmer.

The aim of the competition was to establish the Company which best displayed overall leadership, fitness, team-work and endurance under arduous and physically demanding conditions. Both Companies broke down to six section sized groups of eight men. Sections left at half hourly intervals starting from Abbassia Camp, running over the Waitangi Hill and followed a marked route to the confidence course. After completing the confidence course the sections ran over the saddle onto Old Class Range. Each team then attempted to shoot down 10 falling plates from 200 meters. This was a timed event

and the winning company was that with the! fastest overall time of all six sections once added together. As the results indicate, B Company of 1 OCR comprehensively beat A Company of 1 RNZIR. Lieutenant Barbara Smith presented the Smith Trophy to the winning

Company Commander, Major Simon Standard. Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Mateparae presented a medalion to each member of the winning section. Special guests at the competition included George Smith's widow, Patsy, and their son Micheal. B Company for 10 GR hosted a curry supper for all who participated and guests at the conclusion of the competition. Results were: B Company, 10 GR; Section, B1 57.5 minutes, B4 57.9, B2 59.47, B5 63.13, B3 63.37 and B6 66.36. A Company, 1 RNZIR; Section, A5 69.2 minutes, A3 70.18, A6 70.23, A4 71.40, A2 72.4 and A1 ■ 73.2.