MILITARY TACTICS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20735, 20 February 1939, Page 8

MILITARY TACTICS

WEEK-END MANOEUVRES BIVOUAC AT CAMBRIDGE INFANTRY, MOUNTEDS, TRANSPORT With 23 officers and 85 ranks engaged, a successful bivouac was held at Cambridge during the week-end for details of the Waikato Mounted Rifles and the Ist Battalion of the Waikato Regiment for the purpose of carrying out tactical training in preparation for the annual camp. Offl-cer-in-charge of the bivouac was Captain S. F. Allen, N.Z.S.C., who was assisted by Lieutenant H. H. McDonald, N.Z.S.C., as adjutant. On Saturday the work under the command of Captain T. C. Wallace assisted by Lieutenants J. Trolove and J. R. S. Sealv carried out annual weapon training, judging distance, and battle practices. Lieutenant-Colonel C. J. Pierce, M.C., Officer Cortimanding the Ist Composite Mounted Rifle Regiment, inspected the troops at work and expressed himself very satisfied with the results obtained. Fitness Demonstrated The Waikato Regiment preceded by the motor cycle platoon moved by motor transport % to Te Awamutu where they were joined by Te Awamutu and Otorohanga details and took part in a demonstration for the Physical Fitness Campaign. The motor cycle platoon was under the command of Lieutenant N. B. Smith, and the remainder by Lieutenant R. S. Sinclair. The Mayor of Te Awamutu, Mr G. Spinlev, thanked the units for their co-operation.

From Te Awamutu, the motor convoy proceeded to Cambridge where the men were instructed in distribution and carriage of tools for digging field works, while the officers carried out a tactical exercise without troops on the Cambridge rinsville road.

During the evening the officers mess held a regimental guest night at which Lieutenant-Colonel R. V. Closey, Y.D., formerly commanding officer of the Ist Composite Infantry Battalion and Waikato Regiment, was the guest of honour. Other guests were: Lieu-tcnt-Colonel C. J. Pierce, M.C.,. Commanding Officer Ist Composite Mounted Rifle Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel R. D. McFarland, M.C., Major E. Clay-tone-Greene, 0.R..E., N.Z.A., officer commanding the 2nd Medium Battery and Captain B. R. Penlington, Hauraki Regiment. Presentation to Colonel After dinner a presentation was made on behalf of the officers of the Ist Waikato Regiment by Lieutenant R. B. McClymont,/n the form of a piece of plate to Lieutenant-Colonel R. V. Closey, E.D. Afterwards all the officers were the guests of the Cambridge Club.

Yesterday at an early hour the troops went by motor transport to carry out a tactical exercise in the vicinity of Hautapu. Opportunity was taken after the luncheon to present StafT-Sergeant H. Brown of the the Waikato Rifles Regiment, with the 12 years’ efficient service medal, Lieutenant-Colonel C. J. Pierce, M.C., making the presentation.

The troops were billetted in the Cambridge Drill Hall and tents.