MOCK BATTLE
FIGHT AT BLAIRLOGIE JUNCTION HOME GUARD MANOEUVRES YESTERDAY. EXTENSIVE FIELD EXERCISES. The most extensive field exercises yet held by the Masterton Battalion of the Home Guard were carried out at the Blairlogie Junction yesterday. About 700 men took part in the manouvres. The exercises were admirably planned and carried out and proved most successful. Lieutenant A. L. Hibbs, D.C.M., was the commandant. The operations were based on the assumption that New Zealand had been invaded at several points and two companies of the enemy, with tanks had made a landing at Castlepoint, and were advancing on Masterton along the Tinui and Homewood roads, converging on the Blairlogie Junction. Tank traps at points some t.wo miles from lhe Junction on these roads stopped the enemy (represented by A and C companies), who continued the advance on foot. A line east of the Junction was taken by the other companies to hold the advance. A counter-attack was launched later in the afternoon.
The decision of the umpires will be given during the week when the exercises will be demonstrated to the men on a sand table.
Throughout the manoeuvres the men showed great enthusiasm and took a keen interest in the proceedings. All who took part in the exercises carried out their duties with commendable efficiency. The battalion was transported by trucks supplied through the E.P.S. transport section and private owners. One hundred private cars and twentytwo heavy and light trucks conveyed the battalion, now 300 strong, from Masterton to Blairlogie. The transport officer, Mr P. F. Fagan supervised. He was a tireless worker throughout the day in arranging transport matters. The long line of cars and trucks presented a striking sight as it rolled along at a steady 30 miles per hour. The transport- drivers, entered into the spirit of the occasion and carried out their duties with complete satisfaction.
On arrival at Blairlogie Junction lhe men had lunch. Tea was ready and Was promptly served by the battalion headquarters staff and Mrs C. C. Cook’s committee of ladies. Companies were then sent up the Tinui and Langdale roads. The signal companies carried out their important work in an efficient manner. Headquarters at the Blairlogie Junction presented a busy spectacle. Dispatch riders roared to and fro on their motor cycles between headquart-
ers and the company commanders. Ambulance lorries swept around the corners and left “casualties” at the Red Cross hospital. Military police, under the control of Inspector W. G. Milne, and sentries on their beat added a realistic touch. When, at one stage, headquarters was threatened, even civilians were called on to take up defensive positions, a state of affairs which exists in modern warfare. I The New Zealand Red Cross (Transport section) voluntary aids did valuable work in driving trucks, ambulance vehicles, etc. The transport officer (Mr Fagan) spoke highly of their work. He stated that they handled the
trucks in a workmanlike manner and showed that they had received, good training. Regimental aid stations were set up on the Tinui and Langdale roads. The “casualties” were treated, supplied with identity discs and driven into the base hospital. On arrival they were received by Dr. Archer. Hosking, and his stall’. The hospital, which adjoined the base post office was fully equipped with stretchers, medical supplies, etc.
The seven component companies. A, B (E.P.S. military unit), and C companies in Masterton; D Company with platoons at Kaituna, Mt. Bruce, Kopuaranga, Rangitumau and a section at Matahiwi; E Company, with platoons at East and West Mauriceville and Hastwell; F Company with platoons at Bideford. Tinui, -Te Ore Ore, Wainuioru and a mounted troop at Homewood and G Company, Gladstone, took part.
The exercises were watched by Colonel R. St. J. Beere, D. 5.0., Wellington District Commander of the Home Guard, Captain W. R. Birch, M.C., Area Commander, Captain F. W. Parry, assistant area commander, Lieutenant -H. Mackenzie Douglas, adjutant, and Mr J. D. O'Connor, signal officer. I Captain H. G. Carter and staff (South Wairarapa Battalion), and Mr S. McRae and staff (Pahiatua) were also present. The umpires, under Major R. J. Fowler, Captains J. H. Conly, L. D. Wales and Lieutenants W. Ball, J. K. Logan, S. V. Gooding and H. P. Glen, adjudicated on the operations. Lieutenant Raymond Lee was adjutant. Those who came in contact, with him pay tribute to his efficient services. Beere addressed the company commanders and expressed satisfaction with the work carried out. A cheerful but tired contingent returned to Masterton well satisfied with the day’s work.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1941, Page 4
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754MOCK BATTLE Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1941, Page 4
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