4 December 2007

It all started some months back when the Chief Instructor of the Trade Training School, MAJ Grant Morris decided that he really wanted to test the mettle of his instructors.

Instead of the normal 12km BET, his soldiers would march 25 km from Featherston following the old railway track to Maymorn - a generally well formed mud to gravel track over terrain that varied from steep hill to gentle undulating ground with some excellent scenery. Low key training was conducted at various physical training classes in the form of forced pack marches and the normal exercises of rope climbs, negotiating walls and jumping over ditches.

A few weeks prior to D Day, the SSM along with some keen volunteers from TTS ran the route to ensure it was achievable. In discussion with the unit Physical Trainer, CPL Ray Boardman, it was decided that the march could be achieved within five hours carrying the normal 25kgs including pack, webbing and rifle.

Formed bodies of troops marching to Wellington from Featherston Military Camp were a regular occurrence during WW1 and WW2. The TTS Remembrance March aimed to commemorate the marches undertaken by our Army forebears and also provide a different means for conducting a BET. November 9 was chosen for the march, as the date coincided with Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, which in turn commemorate the cessation of hostilities in WW1. Maymorn, Upper Hutt was chosen as a finish point for the walk because Maymorn Military Camp was built in 1915 for use during WW1. The start point of Featherston and the finish point of Maymorn provide a link to the memory of personnel who served in conflict.

D-1 and the SSM briefed everyone on the route, safety and general administration. Those conducting the BET weighed their packs, webbing and rifle before storing them on a truck. “Drink lots of water team! Breakfast is at 0530hrs tomorrow!”

D Day saw many unit personnel eating a hearty breakfast before uplifting weapons from the armoury and heading out to Featherston. At approximately 0715hrs, the first soldiers were released to begin the march. Some said it took a couple of kms before that pack really settled on their backs, but by the time they had marched through the one km long summit tunnel which is 1 km long, and had stopped for their first break at the summit, they were feeling pretty comfortable.

Another four kms on and it was starting to get harder, but everyone kept going and going and going… Some wondered if it would ever end! There were many who smiled when they reached that end mark and some who just kept marching right to the end with a grim look on their faces.

PTE Whyte was the first soldier to reach that final mark. He achieved the march in 3 hrs and 47 minutes which is an excellent achievement. Three other TTS students and two instructors achieved the march under 4 hours, with the remainder of the school achieving the march within 5 hours. Some were in better condition than others but the main point is that all those who started the arduous march also finished it, including the two civilian workers; Carol Baird, the school administration assistant and Lei Taulealea who is the school’s administration officer.

There were exercises with a difference at the end of the march, which included the normal fireman’s carry, climbing over a MB2228 truck from the back to the front and jumping a replicated ditch. The day culminated with a BBQ meal provided by TRSB Catering Platoon and some refreshments which appeared to be enjoyed by all.

Image Gallery - Issue 383