BREN GUN CARRIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1939, Page 4

BREN GUN CARRIERS

OUR MECHANISED ARMY. DEMONSTRATION TOMORROW. Motorists on the main north highway will meet unusual traffic tomorrow morning in the two Bren gun carriers which are due to arrive at Masterton at 12 (noon). They will travel south from Dannevirke tomorrow and at approximately 1.30 p.m. will leave the Drill Hall for the demonstration to be given on the Te Ore Ore rifle range. To all who are interested in matters of defence and particularly to those who desire to keep abreast of mechanised developments in the Army, tomorrow’s demonstration should prove highly interesting. According to those who have seen these light tanks in action, ‘ the public are guaranteed an afternoon of thrills. The ease with which the vehicles can be manoeuvred is said to be amazing. They are steered by brakes operating independently on each caterpillar track and though they weight 3£ tons, they can be han - died more readily than a light car. No written or verbal description, a “Times-Age” representative was told, could possibly depict the extraordinary manner in which these machines can cover even the roughest of country. They do not bounce roughly, but slide, more or less gracefully, over uneven surfaces. They can be stopped suddenly. Then away they can go just as quickly. Contrary to general belief these armoured carriers are not noisy. Despite a 95 h.p. motor, there is not the roar commonly expected. The caterpillar tracks give off a whine rather than a rattle except, of course, when travelling on metal roads. Tomorrow’s demonstration, local Army officials consider, should be an eye-opener as to the increased efficiency of the New Zealand Defence Force equipment. The location of the demonstration, which should commence about 2 p.m., is at the rifle range on Mr. Walter Cameron’s property at • Te Ore Ore. Red flags on the fence at the side of the road and on the hillside will show the place clearly. The demonstration will be in charge of Sergeant Seccombe, N.Z.P.S., and the local arrangements have been made by Staff Sergeant-Major C. E. Rogers (W.0.1), N.Z.P.S. Local Territorials will be present and the public are invited.