Trek marks Army's 150 years

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 583, 25 April 1995, Page 4

Trek marks Army's 150 years

0n Wednesday 19 April a group of 10 military troopers and 10 civilians arrived at Papahau station on a horse trekking venture that started in New Plymouth and was due in Wanganui on Monday in time for Anzac Day celebrations. It is being held in conjunction with the New Zealand Army 150 years celebrations. The first Queen Alexandra' s Mounted Rifles (QAMR) Cavalry force was set up in Taranaki and the first soldier to die from the original unit, was buried in St Mary's Church, New Plymouth; hence the starting of the trek there.

Captain Michael Ellwood from QAMR (now an armoured vehicle force), who headed the trek was quick to thank the Wanganui trekking club for its invaluable input and support. Sergeant-major Burt Gordon is a farrier based in Waiouru and he too was involved in training troops who had little or no knowledge of riding prior to the trek. The weather, though wet to begin with, cleared and remained fine for most of the way with superb views particularly over the Easter break and at one point the crew rode to 2400 feet above sea level. The views of mounts Taranaki, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe were breathtaking,

said some of the army riders. Some of the same troops will be preparing to leave for Bosnia later in the year.