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The Tanks: An Unofficial History of the Activities of the Third New Zealand Division Tank Squadron in the Pacific

Chapter Six — Jungle Exercises

page 32

Chapter Six
Jungle Exercises

Two weeks after our arrival on the island training with the 8th Brigade commenced. The squadron, although well trained for warfare in open country, was inexperienced in jungle fighting, consequently exercises were necessary to familiarise tank crews with movement through the jungle, and also to practise advances through the jungle as support for the infantry. For future operations it was expected that our squadron would be divided and troops attached to the various battalions, therefore, for the first manoeuvres, this scheme was adopted. Troops 2 and 5 went to the 34th Battalion, Nos. 1 and 4 to the 29th Battalion, and No. 3 troop went with the 36th Battalion. It was necessary to explain to the infantry exactly what a tank could and could not do, and then show them over a tank in order that they could appreciate the difficulties of the crew. After that several types of attacks were tried out and live ammunition was used by both units. It was, from these first manoeuvres, that our future tank tactics were developed. In order that the infantry could communicate with the occupants of the tank, a microphone was placed on a lead from the back of the tank to the inter-communication system inside, and this proved satisfactory. It was found that the tanks could be used to great advantage in light jungle, although the undergrowth and vines played havoc with the auxiliary fuel tanks, mudguards and side tool boxes and lamps.

After these manoeuvres, troop training began in earnest. At every opportunity troops would proceed into the jungle where all types of exercises were performed during the day. At night different kinds of 'leaguers' were practised to find out which page 33one was the safest and best. Then a tank combat range was made, and gunners were able to improve their shooting, as well as gain experience in shooting up bunker positions. Another type of training which was necessary was the location of targets. A bren gunner would proceed ahead and conceal himself. As a tank approached he would open up, and the exercise was to test how long it would take to locate and engage the target. It became quite simple to ascertain from which direction the shots were coming, and all tank crews felt confident that the 3-inch howitzer, 2-pounder or Besa could take care of such opposition. The tank training had been very interesting, for most exercises had been carried out on old battlefields and occasionally one would see evidence of the old fight. There were fox-holes, booby traps here and there, and quite a good deal of jettisoned equipment and ammunition. On one occasion, manoeuvres were viewed by a British military mission, the members of which were out to study tactics employed in the jungle. Later on a cameraman photographed manoeuvres for the New Zealand film unit.

After two months of tank training, it was decided to give the troops exercises in the jungle on foot. Compass marches commenced, and few of us will forget how difficult it was to move through the. jungle on a compass bearing. The difficulties of the infantry were now understood, and we appreciated to the full what a formidable task was theirs in jungle combat. Cutting through heavy jungle, tortured by thousands of mosquitoes, and irritated by the terrific heat were only a few of the difficulties. How much worse it must be with a cunning and well concealed enemy! A battle range for small arms training was designed by Major Flint, the object of the course being to locate hidden targets, and to gain practice in sharp shooting. The range was elaborately prepared, and proved interesting and instructive.

As a diversion we were taken to see the American Sherman tanks which we inspected with interest. Then we had the opportunity of inspecting some captured Japanese tanks. On another occasion officers of the squadron were sent to Florida Island to watch troops of the 8th Brigade practising amphibious operations. The practice landing on Florida Island was very instructive. However, as the main part of the training so far had been done in troops, it was necessary to exercise the whole squadron and a scheme was prepared which would give the fighting troopsprac-page 34tice, and also work B echelon. The original scheme was disbanded as the American malarial control would not allow the tanks to go into the jungle which had been chosen for the manoeuvres. An alternative scheme was drawn up and was well carried out by Captain Foley and lieutenant Lewis. During these manoeuvres, the officers interchanged positions, for the 'casualties' were numerous and frequent. Major Wallace and Major Flint were at Bougainville viewing the action there, and Captain Rutherford was ill in hospital at the time this exercise took place.

From time to time reports had come to hand setting out how the American tanks operated. Apparently, in thick jungle, their tanks were lined up and the gunners blazed away, hoping to clear the jungle and remove any opposition. These tactics proved effective, but it was necessary for us to modify them to some extent to suit our purposes. In short, the following are the details of the plan we devised. The infantry would advance and if any opposition was encountered, a tank officer, either the reconnaissance or liaison officer who was with the infantry, would communicate with the tanks by means of wireless, a walkie-talkie set netted in to the tanks. Prior to the tanks moving over the starting line the infantry would withdraw, then the tanks would advance by troops two up, with two troops acting as support, each tank in the rear troop covering its counterpart in the troop ahead. The reason for this is obvious, for the rear tanks could protect the tanks ahead should the enemy try to climb aboard and drop grenades or other explosives in the turrets. The infantry would follow behind the second line of tanks and give them the same protection. The front line of tanks would advance slowly, stop, then blaze away at the jungle and tree tops, move on again and carry out the same procedure. There was a further troop at the rear in reserve, which would be ready to replace any troop that had run short of fuel or ammunition. The troop withdrawn would quickly refuel and be ready to replace any other troop. This method was very costly in ammunition, but it was the best way to eliminate any opposition with the maximum protection to the tanks and infantry at the same time.