Annual Army Camp

Almost 100 Gisborne and East Coast territorial soldiers, who comprise A Company of the 7th Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, recently spent a fortnight in a tented camp at Fernyhurst, 15 miles from Masterton, to fulfil their annual training obligations under the National Military Service Act.

For many of the soldiers, the fortnight was their first experience of a completely tented camp, with field cooking and washing facilities, and little or no hot water and electricity.

Climax of the camp was a five-day battalion exercise in the difficult hill country near the Wairarapa coast.

Gisborne soldiers march past in full battle rig during an Open Day demonstration

Taking the salute during an Open Day march past are, from left: Mr P. Cox, deputy-Mayor of Napier, Col J. C. Andrew, O.C. of the Battalion, and Col P. Robertshaw, honorary Colonel of the Battalion.

Private B. Wilson goes into action with a new general purpose machine gun.

Sgt S. Hokianga (right) instructs Private K. Huhu on aiming a 3.5 anti-tank rocket launcher.

A view of the camp at Fernyhurst

Preparing their weapons for a parade are, from left: Privates D. Allen, K. Huhu, B. Williams, H. Kapene, B. Holmes, and Lcpl A. Webb.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 130 : April 21, 1965

Annual Army Camp