Zero In On Buffalo III August 1952 saw war at Camp Wainwright. The battle of BUFFALO III, staged as a final exercise for 25 CIBRG training at Camp Wainwright this year, was one of the largest military exercises conducted in Canada in recent times. Because of its size and importance to Korean replacements it was closely observed by Canada, US and Britain. Press coverage, operating out of Bldg 3 on Headquarters hill, included press and radio represntatives from CKUA Edmonton, Calgary Herald, Canadian Press, Star Chronicle and the Warrior. Rather than buffalo on the ranges between camp and Park Farm, well camouflaged units discreetly awaited movement orders. The entire area along White Route apppeared tranquil as the Brigade transformed its men and equipment into innocent poplar bluffs anad shrubbery. Ack Ack guns sat in plain view but so skillfully hidden, a passerby would be quite unaware of their presence. Headquarters was nestled amid camouflage netting, foxholes manned with troops and weapons blended perfectly into the landscape, the men taking advantage of every scrap of natural cover. Enemy forces led by Col Stonevich (better known as Lt Col Jim Stone, of 2 PPCLI and Korean fame) proved to be tough adversaries with a thorough knowledge of modern warfare. Their tactics were realistic and tricky; communication frequencies were jammed to emit seductive words from a mysterious “Wainwright Rose", urging troops to desert to the enemy cause. Promises of free beer and better food were temptations offered the friendly forces. A light plane made frequent trips over the lines dropping Communist propaganda pamphlets. Security was tight and no one was to be trusted. One field man of 56 Transport Coy RCASC flatly refused to divulge information concerning the brigade groups' locations when quizzed by an officer who was truly lost. The Warrior reporters were even captured and interrogated duing their search for news of the invasion. Reconnaissance groups supplied information to record on operations maps reporting enemy elements of unknown strengths in various locations northwest of the Battle River. Patrols roamed the area and every corner of the battlefield was covered by umpires with white armbands, the pillars of justice who decided what was what in a confrontation. Simulated casualties were dealt with immediately by Medical Services carring out complete first aid, evacuation and treatment drill. Those hauled in as wounded appreciated the fact it took a while to be processed before they had to head out to the field again. A shortage of Signals personnel enabled 25 of the Cadet Corps from Banff to participate in BUFFALO III working alongside veterans in the communication field. 14 Coy, RCASC were run ragged stocking the bulk supply depot in the field. Gas and diesel needs were delivered in 12,000 jerry cans with an additional 500 for naptha gas and kersosene. Ration requirements for the scheme totalled over 8000 daily. Intricate difficulties to overcome during this exercise were night fighting and the withdrawl. Having the expertise of their chosen enemy to combat, friendly forces practised what they had learned in preliminary training throughout the previous months.