MASTERTON TERRITORIALS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 February 1940, Page 7

MASTERTON TERRITORIALS

WEEKEND BIVOUAC. VALUABLE TRAINING AT OPAKI. Valuable training was gained by offi cers and men of the local Territorial unit at a weekend bivouac held at the Opaki racecourse, by permission of thMasterton Racing Club. There were 46 infantrymen, from C and D Companies First Hawke’s Bay Regiment, and 36 troopers from C Squadron. Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles. The camp was in charge of Captain J. L. Fowler officer commanding C Company (.Lewi; gunners), there also being present Lt.Colonel J. H. Irving. E.D.. Captain C. J Williams. No 1 Area Officer, and Adju taut Hawke's Bay Regiment, of Napier Lieutenant A. J. Young N.Z.S.C.. o’ Trentham Camp, and Adjutant of th, Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles. Major J. C. Holmes, officer commanding D Company (Vickers gunners), and Warrant Officer (First Class) C. E. Rogers. N.Z.P.S.. of the local Defence Department. The men were taken out by the Transport section, under Corporal C. Morris, on Saturday afternoon. Owing to heavy rain a programme of nigh: manoeuvres was cancelled, lectures on the following day's programme being given by Lt.-Colonel Irving. On Sunday afternoon the work carried out consisted mainly of attacking practice in battle formation. An outstanding performance of going into action was given by a Vickers gun section, the men showing considerable smartnes ■’ and efficiency. Some idea of the stand • ard of efficiency attained may be gauged from the fact that the men wereable to strip and assemble the gun' blindfolded. The N.C.O.’s and commissioned offi-! cers expressed complete -satisfaction! with the work carried out. The quarters were dry and comfortable. and under the care of Company-Quartermaster-Sergeant .1. Robinson the supplies were of the best. After an intensive afternoon's training, camp was later struck.