New Zealand Corps O to R

New Zealand Officers Training Corps

 - Above: A darkened bronze Cap badge to the Otago University Medical Company (OTC). Two copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark.

 - Above: A darkened brass Cap badge to the Otago University Medical Company (OTC). Two small copper looped wire lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark.

 - Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the Otago University Medical Company (OTC). Two copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark.

Throughout New Zealand Defence Force history, New Zealand Universities have provided places to recruit, train and promote training for Officers and Enlistedmen. Over the years a number of Universities have had their own Officer Training Corps' (OTC's). Shoulder titles exist for Canterbury University OTC (Christchurch), Victoria Collage OTC (Now Victoria University - Wellington) below left and below right, Otago University OTC (Dunedin).

 Formed in 1915 to supply Medical and Dental Officers during WW1. It was absorbed into the New Zealand Medical Corps in October 1927.

 - Above: A cast brass shoulder title to Victoria College Officer Training Corps (O.T.C - image from the internet).

 - Above: A cast brass shoulder title to the Otago University Officer Training Corps (O.T.C). No maker mark, and with two copper looped lugs to back.

Opposite are a section of University medical Company shoulder titles.

 - Top: A yellow thread on light blue shoulder title to the Otago University Medical Company, based in Dunedin.

 - Center: A unknown shoulder title to a University Medical unit. Gold embroidered thread on a maroon background.

 - Bottom: A cloth shoulder title to Auckland University Medical Company. Yellow threads on a purple background.

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 - Above: An unknown brass button, with similar center to the above Cap badge. Attached to a Police Helmet, it seems to have been added to hold a chin-strap to its side (image from the internet).

Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps

The need for a separate New Zealand Ordnance organisation was  identified as far back as 1907, but tentative steps were only taken in 1913 by training individuals at Territorial Camps with the required skills.
With the outbreak of WW1, these individuals were deployed within the 1st NZEF at Ordnance Depots, and later they became the founding members of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, which was established from March 1915.
At home, in New Zealand, a New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (consisting of Commissioned Officers) and the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (consisting of Warrant Officers, NCO's and Men) existed from early 1917.
They wore different Cap and Collar badges from their overseas serving comrades.

Motto: (none in the 1st NZEF - as noted in R17187868 AALI W3508 7291 Archives NZ)
Also SUA TELA TONANTI (To the warrior his arms).

 - Opposite: A small silver and enamel sweethearts badge to the New Zealand Ordnance Corps. Note the badge is in the colours of the Corps - Blue/Red. Brooch fitting to back of bar to top, with "SILVER" stamped to both bar and shield. Size 37mm by 24mm.

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New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Overseas Worn Badge - 1st N.Z.E.F.

 - Above: A early New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Cap badge worn oversea by members of the 1st NZEF from 1917. It has a separate "NZ" brazed to top. No maker mark, but with D shaped copper looped lugs. Size 42mm by 34mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . Again a separate "NZ" brazed to top, with maker plaque of "J R GAUNT LONDON". Two round copper lugs to back and size 42mm by 34mm.

 - Above: A cast brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. One piece, it has two integrated lugs cast into the back. Size 41mm by 33mm

 - Above: A worn, single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . No maker mark, and two short looped copper lugs to back. Size 41mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . Single piece, with two long copper wire loops. Maker marked to base banner to "M & K, W" (on right when viewed from back) or Mayer & Kean, Wellington. Size 41mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A roughly made brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . Single piece, it lacks detail and shape. Two piece of wire have been soldered to back. No maker mark and  size 41mm by 31mm.

 - Above: A pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . Note they are opposing, worn with cannon facing inwards. Single piece, with maker plaque of "J R GAUNT LONDON". Two D shaped  copper lugs to back and size 31mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A pair of darkened/bronzed opposing Collar badges to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . Two piece, with separate "NZ" to top. No maker mark and with two D shaped  copper lugs to back Size 31mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A pair of gilt brass Collar badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps . Two piece, with separate "NZ" to top. No maker mark and two D shaped  copper lugs to back. Size 31mm by 25mm.
 - Opposite: An image of 10/2575 Sgt Victor Leonard Marie Daniel, here a member of the NZAOC. He is wearing a pair of Collar badges to his tunic, and what appears to be a curved "NZAOC" shoulder title. His buttons appear to be the 4 star, NZ Forces type. Image is dated the 24th of Oct 1916, and likely taken in the UK. Len was later a Officer Cadet, and finished the war attached to the Wellington Infantry Battalion as a 2nd Lieutenant (image from the Auckland cenotaph).

New Zealand Army Ordnance Department - Officers - New Zealand Only.

  - Above: A scarce, 1917 pattern, New Zealand worn only, Officers Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department. Its maker mark to "C M BAY" and has two wire looped lugs to back. Size 38mm by 43mm.

  - Above: A similar Officers Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department. No maker mark, and has two copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 38mm by 42.5mm.

  - Above: A similar Officers Cap badge in copper to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department. No maker, with two hex type copper lugs to back. This badge is thinly struck. Size 38mm by 42mm.

  - Above: A Officers Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (Ian Hamilton Collection).

- Opposite Left: A gilt brass, fixed shank, 25mm button to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department. It has a maker mark of "Hobson & Sons, London".
 - Opposite Center: A gilt brass,  fixed shank, 18mm button to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department. It has a maker mark of "Extra Superb".
 - Opposite Right: A gilt brass,  fixed shank 12mm hat button to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department. No maker mark to back.
Other Size & Maker marks (B Jones Collection): 20mm "EXTRA SUPERIOR"

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Other makers and sizes of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (Brentt Jones collection):
Brass - 20mm "Extra Superb", 25mm "Hobson & Sons London"
Gilt  - 12.8mm no maker, 20mm "Extra Superb", 25mm "Hobson & Sons London"

The New Zealand Army Ordnance Department was absorbed into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in 1924.

New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps - Other Ranks - New Zealand Only.

 - Above: A 1917 pattern, other ranks Cap and Collar badge set, manufactured, and worn in New Zealand only for home service. Two brass hex type lugs to back of each, with no maker mark. Note the collars are the same for the Officers which were part of the New Zealand Army ordnance Department. I have yet to find a distinction between the collars for the two units. Size of Cap 33mm by 35mm, size of Collar 28mm by 33mm.

 - Above: An image of Sergeant John MacVean Walker taken in Wellington in 1919, by Berry & Co. He wears a set of New Zealand only NZ Army Ordnance Corps Cap and Collar badges. John has a curved brass title to his shoulder board, likely "N.Z.A.O.C." (Te Papa B.046258)

 - Above: An image of Edwin Mitchell taken in Wellington and dated 1918-1921, by Berry & Co. He again wears a gilt brass set of NZ only NZ Army Ordnance Corps Cap and Collar badges. Edwin's shoulder board has a "N.Z.A.O.C(?)", the last letter is obscured (Te Papa B.043718).

 - Above: A similar set again of badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Ian Hamilton Collection).

This other ranks, 1917 patterned badge, continued to be worn well after WW1 and until 1937 within New Zealand. In that year, it was reported that apparently all stocks of the Cap badge had been used, and permission was sort for the men to wear the overseas 1st NZEF version of the badge (top of page) until a new 1937 pattern of the badge became available.

 - Above: A pair of gilt brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Not maker marked, but likely Gaunt. Two thick brass hex type lug to back of each, with size being 15mm by 54mm.

 - Above: A single, gilt brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Maker marked to "J R GAUNT LONDON" to back of "A". Two thick brass hex type lug to back, with size being 16mm by 53.5mm.

 - Above: A pair of locally made shoulder titles to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Thin hex type brass lugs to back. Not maker marked with size being 17mm by 57mm.

 - Above: A variation of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps brass shoulder title. Note the "cut down" boarder and joins between the letters. Two hex type, brass lugs to back, but no maker mark (image from the internet).

 - Opposite: An image of William James Leonard Bowker, dated 1918-1919, and taken in Wellington, by Berry & Co. William wears a NZ only NZ Army Ordnance Corps Cap badge to his peaked hat, but on his Greatcoat shoulder board is a clear "N.Z.A.O.C" in curved brass (Te Papa B.045962).

 - Above Left: A 24mm, gilt brass button to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Maker marked to back to "Firmin, London".
 - Above Center: A 17mm, gilt brass button to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Maker marked to back to "Firmin, London".
- Above Right: A 12mm, gilt brass button to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Maker marked to back to "Firmin, London".

 - Above: The rare 1937 patt gilt brass and enamel Officers collar badges to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Note the fretting to circular banner. Two copper looped lugs to back, with the maker mark stamped to back of banner to "FIRMIN LONDON" in the same place (lower right back). Also note opposing (cannon worn facing each-other to center). Size of above left 34mm by 26mm (above right - image from the internet).

Other makers and sizes of New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Brentt Jones collection):
Brass - 12.7mm "Firmin London", 17mm "Firmin London", 17.5mm "Wm Dowler & Sons Ltd B'ham", 24.3mm "Firmin London".
Gilt  - 12.8mm "Firmin London", 24.5mm "Firmin London".
With circlet (rim outside edge) 
Brass - 16.6mm "JR Gaunt & Son Ltd London", 24.7mm "JR Gaunt & Son Ltd London"
Gilt  - 24.5mm 

 - Above: An image of Mr O. Rothwell, dated the 21st of Feb 1946. Note he wears the WW1 1st NZEF overseas version to his lemon squeezer. Nothing to his shoulder boards, but he does have a Artificers trade badge in gilt brass, just above his rank chevrons. A Red/Dark Blue/Red puggaree appears on his hat (Nelson Museum collection - 200408).

 - Above: An image of a Mr Herbert, sadly not dated, but he is wearing the below post 1937 patterned Cap and Collar badges to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Identifiable by the lack of "NZ" to lower banner. He also appears to have a brass title to his shoulder boards, along with 4 star NZ Forces Buttons. He is wearing a Red/Dark Blue/Red puggarre to his lemon squeezer (Nelson Museum collection - 196453).

 - Above and Above Right: A Cap and Collar badge set in gilt brass in the pattern adopted by the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in 1937. During WW2, all overseas serving personnel wore the generic New Zealand "Onwards" badge, with the NZ Army Ordnance

 (continued) Corps being no exception.
The design is based on the British style badge at the time, but with "New Zealand" and "Army Ordnance Corps" in the circular central wreath.
This badge was short-lived and is rare, as in 1947, the Corps was awarded the prefix "Royal" to their Corps' title, and bought another change in their badge. All have looped lugs to back and are not maker marked. Note the collars are opposing, with the Cannon worn facing in.
Size of Cap badge is 49.5mm by 40mm. Size of Collars are 34mm by 25mm.

 - Above: A variation to this rare badge, with a slider to the back of this Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Size is 49.5mm by 40mm.

WW2 Formation Patches

As mentioned on the NZ Inf Badges page, formation patches to the 2NZEF are complex, and during WW2, with New Zealand making changes to its patch system three times.
​The following are some samples of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Type systems.
(Note these can also be NZA patches, just turned 90 degrees).

 - Above: A type 1 or 2, formation patch for the H.Q Divisional Ordnance Corps or Light Aid Detachment (type 1) or Divisional Ordnance (type 2). A circular patch, Blue/Red on a khaki backing. Size 40mm diameter.

 - Above: A type 1, NZ Ordnance Headquarters unit patch, worn below the opposite (left) formation patch. Size 60mm by 60mm (approximately). ​

 - Above: A type 3, NZ Ordnance patch, Blue/Red.  Size 37mm by 37mm.

- Opposite & Above: A post 1947, 3 piece, gilt fired brass, enamel and Silver (marked S to back) Cap and Collar set to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Note the addition of the Latin motto to center wreath, and the move of "N" and "Z" to above the bottom banner. All are impressed to "J R GAUNT LONDON" to back.

(continued) Note the collars are  opposing, with Cannons worn to center.
 - Above: Markings to the back of the bottom of the Cap badge to show the "S" for Silver used and the maker mark of "J R GAUNT LONDON"
Size of Cap 50mm by 40mm, Collars are 33mm by 26mm.

 - Above & Above Right:  A gilt brass Cap and Collar badge other ranks set to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Note the collars

(continued) are opposing, worn with cannon facing to center. No maker mark, with pressed type brass lugs to the Cap in a North/South configuration. The Collars have copper wire lugs. No maker mark and size of Cap is 50mm by 40mm while Collars are 34mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A variation to this Cap badge, with a brass slider to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. No maker mark and size 50mm by 40mm.

 - Opposite & Above:  A much polished gilt brass Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Slider to back, which as been engraved with the owners name of "300079 P. HENRY". Tip of crown is also bent back to prevent it catching. Size is 50mm by 40mm (roughly).

300079 Corporal Peter Richard Henry was a Driver, who served with the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps as part of K Force, sent in 1950 to 53 as part of New Zealand's contribution to the Korean War.
 - Above Right: A variation on the Royal NZ Army Ordnance Corps all brass Cap badge. Non-voilded, it has two copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. Maker marked to "M & K LTD, W" to back (see below) for Mayer & Kean Limited, Wellington (Image from the internet).

 - Above: An image of the maker mark to the above non-void RNZAOC Cap badge. Note the "M & K" to furl of bottom banner to left, with "W" on the lower banner. To right on the banner furl is "LTD" (image from the internet).

 - Opposite Right: A 19mm, gilt bass shoulder strap button, with sew in footing, and screw bolt to back to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps with Kings crown. Maker marked to back of button to "GAUNT, LONDON". Note this also comes in a 19mm fixed shank button by Gaunt (B Jones collection).

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 - Above: An early, embroidered thread on khaki New Zealand Artificers Sleeve badge made by P Robert of Palmerston North. To back is a paper backing and maker label of "P. ROBERT Palmerston N." (image from the internet).

 - Above: A WW2 era image entitled "Johnston", showing Sergeant Johnston wearing the Corps formation patch of the NZAOC (Blue/Red), and Artificers badge above his rank chevrons (Nelson Museum collection 191320).

 - Above: A Artificer Trade sleeve patch in cloth and embroidered thread. A pale backing cloth to back. No maker mark (Ian Hamilton Collection).

 - Above: A Artificer Trade sleeve patch in cloth and embroidered thread, circa WW2.

 - Above: Three more modern versions of the Artificer Trade sleeve badge in embroidered cloth or wool. No maker marks to back.

 - Above Left: A Artificer Trade sleeve badge in brass. Two looped lugs to backs in brass on the Hammer. No maker mark.
 - Above Middle: A Staff Sergeant who was also a Armourer and therefore wore his Artificers badge above his rank chevrons, but below his Staff Sergeants rank Crown. Someone has attached the crown to the badge, via wires to back. Two looped lugs to the the back of the Artificer. 
 - Above Right: A Artificer Trade sleeve badge in copper. Four looped lugs to backs in copper on the four ends. No maker mark.

This badge was worn by both NZ Artillery and Army Ordnance Corps early on.
By 1929 all Artificers were part of the NZ Army Ordnance Corps.

  - Opposite & Above: These are the first type Cap and Collars of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps with updated Queens crown, in single piece two tone anodised aluminium. Though approved in 1955, they were not issued until May 1962. The Kings Crown brass badge continued to be worn until then. All have pins to back to be used with clutches. Note the Cannons on the Collars are opposing, and worn with them facing to center. No maker mark and Cap is 51mm by 40mm, while Collars are 33mm by 27mm.

- Opposite & Above: In 1964, the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps moved to a coloured, anodised aluminium Cap and Collar badge. 

(continued) These were issued in October 1965. Three domed rivets hold a enameled brass backing plate, which have two  pins to back (to be used with clutches) and the letter "T" stamped. Note the collars are opposing, with cannons worn facing to center. Size of Cap is 51mm by 40mm, while Collars are 33mm by 28mm.

 - Above: A similar Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Two long copper lugs attached. No maker mark other than a "T" stamped to back and size 51mm by 40mm.

 - Above: The above set was made available to Officers and Warrant Officers to wear. Three piece, gilt fired brass and silver plate (not marked) Cap and Collar set to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Note the collars are opposing, with cannons worn facing in to center.  Two looped lugs to back, with size of Cap being 51mm by 40mm, and Collars 33mm by 27mm .

 - Above: A more modern strike of the 3 piece, gilt fired brass and silver plate or white metal (not marked) Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Note the blue enameling to the garter to center, which is complete.  Two thread posts to back, with brass nuts. No maker mark and size 51mm by 40mm.

 - Above:  Same again, a 3 piece, gilt fired brass and silver plate or white metal (not mark) Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Note this time the blue enameling stops at the buckle. No reason for this other than a manufactures variation . Two thread posts to back, with brass nuts. No maker mark and size 51mm by 40mm.

 - Above: A cloth and embroidered thread Blazer badge to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Maker marked to back in the form of a circular sticker to "Classic Products Ltd, Porirua, NEW ZEALAND". Size 104mm by 82mm.

 - Above Left: A silver tone, fixed shank, 26mm anodised aluminium button to the R.N.Z.A.O.C. Brass backed, with the maker marked of "FIRMIN LONDON".
 - Above Right: A gold tone, fixed shank 17mm anodised aluminium button to the R.N.Z.A.O.C. Brass backed, with the maker marked of "FIRMIN LONDON".

 - Above: A pair of Silver tone, fixed shank 14mm anodised aluminium button to the R.N.Z.A.O.C. Brass backed, with the maker marked of "GAUNT LONDON".

National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4170 was assigned to "Branch Of Service Insignia, RNZAOC, Collar" on the 8th of Oct 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4171 was assigned to "Branch Of Service Insignia, RNZAOC, Collar" on the 8th of Oct 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-204-4640 was assigned to "Branch Of Service Insignia, RNZAOC, Collar/Pr" on the 6th of Nov 1995.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-0421 was assigned to "Button, Insignia, 30 (19mm) Line (Ligne) All Rank RNZAOC" on the 1st of Oct 1990.
National Stock Number 8455-98-106-5351 was assigned to "Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, RNZAOC" on the 28th of Aug 1980.
(Manufacturer noted as Arbi Monogram Ltd).

 - Above: A Queens Crown, other ranks Belt buckle to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. A separate Cap badge sized badge to center, made from gilt metal and resin. To back are two looped lugs, held to buckle plate by a pin and leather washers. No maker mark.

  - Above: Cloth shoulder title to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. The  bottom is a a later style shoulder title with embroidered border.

 - Opposite & Above: A Red/Dark Blue/Red Puggaree, introduced 1923 and worn by the New Zealand Ordnance Corps. Marked inside to "8 3/4" in purple ink.

The R.N.Z.A.O.C. was absorbed into the Royal New Zealand Logistics Regiment on 9th December 1996.

Fakes and Forgeries

This is by no means the definitive list, and there will, I'm sure be other fakes, but this one is not a bad attempt of to copy/deceive.
 - Detail is OK to front, and the fact that many of the original badges were polished with pride, means this might pass at a glance.
 - Colour again is a orangey-yellow, and not a brass colour.
 - Back lacks detail and is pitted, but note only a very small flat area to one edge to show where it was cast, and what had to be removed/filed down.
 - Lugs are again copper and brazed to back, but they are a small, thin type, not normally found on a badge like this.

New Zealand Army Pay Corps

The corps formed as a unit in WW1, and seems to have had two branches, similar to that of the NZAOD/NZAOC discussed at the top of the page

 - The New Zealand Army Pay Corps - Foreign Service branch, and part of the 1st NZEF serving overseas
 - The New Zealand Pay Department  - Home Service branch, based in New Zealand
Both came into existence on the 1st of April 1917.
During WW1, the two units wore different insignia.
Motto: (none in the 1st NZEF - as noted in R17187868 AALI W3508 7291 Archives NZ)

New Zealand Army Pay Corps Overseas Worn Badge - 1st N.Z.E.F.

 - Above & Opposite: A gilt brass Cap and collar badge set to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. No maker mark to back, and with two copper wire looped lugs to each. Note the Lions are opposing to top of collars. Size of Cap is 41mm by 33mm, Collar is 31mm by 25mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass Collar badge pair to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. D shaped copper looped lugs to back, and with the maker plaque of "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size of Collar is 31mm by 25mm.
 - Opposite: A rare image of a New Zealand Soldier, 50123 Walter Thomas Roots wearing the above type NZAPC Cap badge with two British friends. Walter was a Clerk by profession, haling from Palmerston North, with his wife listed as next of kin. Upon call up (23rd April 1917), he was meant to join the 30th Infantry Reinforcements, but was assigned to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps based in Camp, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant by the 3rd of Oct 1917. When he arrived in the UK and Sling Camp on the 10th of Dec 1917, he was reduced to ranks, i.e. a Private, like all reinforcements were upon arriving at Sling. On the 14th of Dec 1917, he was detailed or attached to Command Pay Corps in London, with the rank of Acting Sergeant. I wonder if it was then that this picture was taken (due to swagger sticks, but no rank to his sleeves). His records show that he was transferred on the 18th of Feb 1918 to the Wellington Regiment, in the field, and proceeded to France in June that year, where sadly he caught Influenza, and was hospitalised. He looks to have been attached to regimental headquarters after, with his unit, until a spell of leave in the UK in April 1919, and then his departure for New Zealand to return home on

 (continued) the 29th of May 1919. He was discharged from the NZ army on the 3rd of Aug 1919, with the rank of Corporal (though had been Acting Sergeant for some months before).
Walter went on to also serve in WW2, as part of 12th Coy, National Military Reserve, based at Palmerston North from 31st of Jan 1941 to 8th of June 1942. His service number then was 2/19a/342 (Matt Pomeroy Collection).

WW1 New Zealand Army Pay Department - New Zealand Only.

 Pictorial evidence has yet to be found of this badge being worn, but there is a mention that permission was granted for the badge to be worn by personnel attached to the training camps in New Zealand during WW1.

 - Opposite and Above: A Cap and two gilt brass Collar badges to the home service branch of New Zealand Army Pay Department. No maker marks, and with hex type lugs on the Cap and the above left Collar (the other has wire looped lugs to back). Note the Cap and left collar have a voided crown.

 - Above: A matching pair of New Zealand Army Pay Corps (NZAPC) shoulder titles in thick gilt brass, with the maker mark of "J R Gaunt London" impressed to back.

 - Above: A near matching pair of New Zealand Army Pay Corps (NZAPC) shoulder titles in thin, die stamped gilt brass with no maker mark, and thin Reinforcement like hex brass lugs to back.

One the 21st of July 1920, the New Zealand Army Pay Corps was formed in New Zealand. This would likely be an amalgamation of the existing Home Service branch with the returning personnel from the NZAPC of 1stNZEF.
It is presumed that a mixture of both badges would have been worn.
 In 1930 the corps was disbanded and it is thought that it existed on paper only.
Its function would have been dispersed within the regiments and formations of the New Zealand Army at the time.
 During WW2, the Corps was again reactivated and personnel assigned with the 1st NZEF badge being worn again, this time for home service personnel in New Zealand (the Onwards badge would have been worn by all overseas serving NZAPC),
Like WW1, it was reduced in strength and disbanded again after WW2, with the Corps just existing as a unit on paper.
Corbett indicates that in 1969, the corps was re-activated and the Kings crown badge continued to be worn.
In October 1978, approval was given to update the Corps badge with St Edwards (Queens) Crown.

 - Opposite and Above: A shiny gilt metal Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps with Queens Crown, worn post 1978. None are maker marked to back, and are sadly very poorly made. Note the Lions to the top of the Collars are opposing.

 - Above: A gilt metal Cap badge to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. Two screw posts to back, no maker mark.

 - Opposite and Above: A gilt metal Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. Better made, and solid to back. All have looped lugs in a East/West configuration. None are maker marked. Size of Cap 45mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A pair of cloth shoulder titles to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. Just slight variation in colour, otherwise midnight blue letters on a Indian yellow background.

 - Above: A pair of right (when worn - note how the Lion to top faces) gilt metal Collar badges to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. They are on their original Master and Sample cards. The NATO NSN of 8455-98-202-0751 does come back with a part number of "HC2/247/1-COLLAR-R" and details of
Codification Country: New Zealand
Item Name Code: 10024
NATO Supply Group: Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia
NATO Supply Class: Badges & Insignia
National Item Identification Number: NIIN 982020751
Interestingly the Master tag also shows the acceptance date of the 20th of Oct 1993.
8455-98-202-0750 may be the left Collar badge to the NZAPC as it has a part number of HC2/247/1-COLLAR-L.

 - Above: A puggaree to fit the Lemon Squeezer hat to the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. Khaki/Yellow/Khaki. Marked to inside with size only, in purple ink to "6 7/8". It is thought that these were first issued during WW2.
 - Opposite: More variation in the shoulder title for the New Zealand Army Pay Corps. Note the bottom is a more modern version, with the embroidered border/edge.

The corps was finally disbanded on the 31st of July 1993.

Fakes and Forgeries

Hopefully you don't come across this one. This is a rare badge to find in any state, but rather soul destroying when you discover its a copy. I know of one other collector who had a similar badge as this. He said he cut the lugs off his one and chucked it in the bin. One less!!!
 - Detail to front is good, with just some fretting to center left not there.
 - Colour is again wrong, and is a orangey-yellow, but I imagine you give it a few years and this will dull.
 - To back is semi-solid, where-as the originals are die stamped, so have the reverse detail. There is some, but clearly it shows a cast badge.
 - Lugs are small, and not the correct type. They are though copper and brazed on.
 - Size 41mm by 39mm.

New Zealand Permanent Staff

The New Zealand Permanent Staff was form in 1911, along with the New Zealand Army. Initially they took their badges from the British Staff Corps, with the Lion over the Crown as being their badge.

 - Above: A Staff Corps Cap Badge still on part of a J R Gaunt or London Sample board. In bronze, with tangs to back in a North/South Config. Gaunts code of "F2607" is hand written to lower right corner on the cardboard. Size 41mm by 23mm.

 - Above: Another variation of a Officers Staff Cap badge. Note a number of British regiments also wore this badge as both a Cap and Collars, and there are just variation on the tail and how many support it has. Two tangs to back, but no maker mark. Size 39mm by 26mm.

As WW1 progressed, New Zealand Staff Officers did personalise their uniforms with the additions of Fern Leaf Collars.

 - Above: A darkened copper pair of Collar badges to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back on each. No maker mark. Size 20mm by 45mm.




 - Opposite: A image dated 1916 which is named to "Captain Balthorpe". Clearly not an officer at this stage the photo was taken, with the cuff rank of Sergeant Major to his lower sleeves. Note the Lion over Crown Cap badge to his peaked Cap, and the "NZ" over "STAFF" shoulder titles. He is also wearing a pair of the above fern Collar badges (Auckland Libraries collection 31-B0047).

 - Opposite: A gilt brass pair of Collar badges to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. In 1937, with the coronation of George VI, the NZ Army Coronation Contingent wore these same shaped Collars with a special Cap badge to the Kings Coronation ceremony. Two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark. Size 20mm by 45mm.

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 - Opposite: With the Corps also deployed in the middle east during WW1, these sand cast brass Collar badges also appeared and have been associated with the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps.  Size (approx as they vary) 22.5mm by 45mm.

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The following are miss-matched pairs, like everything, it is hard to find a matching set!!!

 - Opposite Left: A darkened brass Collar badge to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Wider, it has thin copper wire lugs to back. No maker mark. Size 21mm by 45mm.
 - Opposite Right: Same as above, a sand cast brass Collar badge associated with the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps.  Two copper looped lugs cast into the back of the badge. Size (approx as they vary) 23mm by 46mm.

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 - Above Left: A sand cast gilt brass Collar badge to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two thick copper wire loops to back. No maker mark. Size 20mm by 42mm.
 - Above Right: A die stamped, solid backed Collar badge in gilt brass to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two copper looped lugs to back of the badge. No maker mark. Size 21mm by 46mm.

 - Opposite: An image of 8/1076 Major William McGregor Turnbull (DSO, MID), here a member of the NZ Permanent Staff Corps. He is wearing the above type fern collars, with a rank crown in metal (for Major) to his shoulder boards. William also saw home service in WW2 (service number 5/10/596 (© IWM HU 119360).

 - Above: A coppery gilt Collar badge to the New Zealand Permanent Staff.  D shaped copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark. Size 20mm by 45mm.

 - Above: A hand cut, curved shoulder title to the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps. Two copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 14.5mm by 46mm. 

 -Above Center: A pair of small gilt brass, Officers shoulder titles to the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps. No maker mark to back, with two D shaped copper loops. Size 11mm by 46mm.

 - Opposite & Above: Two images entitled "Wood" showing a Sergeant wearing both Cap and Collar badge to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Note he might also be wearing the smaller type "NZPS" shoulder titles and the units buttons, but its hard to tell as the photo's are not clear. Note the 1937 Patt belt and peaked Cap for NCO's (Nelson Museum collection 188863 & 188864).

- Above: Three gilt brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Staff Corps. All are one piece, but have different shaped hex brass lugs to back. One is maker marked to back to "J R GAUNT LONDON"

- Opposite: A image of a pre-WW1 or WW1 Mr McMurtry, an Officer or senior NCO in the New Zealand Permanent Staff. He is wearing Lion over Crown Cap badge to his peaked cap, with Sam Brown cross-strap over his shoulder. Note his shoulder strap, which has a "NZ STAFF" title in gilt brass. To his collars are Permanent Staff Fern Leaves, with "NZ" to center. The buttons appear to be 4 star NZ Forces type (Nelson Museum collection 98644).

In 1921, approval was given to the New Zealand Permanent Staff to have their own distinctive Cap badge and Collars.

 - Opposite & Above:  A darkened Officers set in bronze of Cap and opposing Collars to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two looped lugs to back to each. All are impressed to semi-sold back to "FIRMIN LONDON". Cap size 48mm by 41mm, while Collars are 31.5mm by 26mm.

 - Above Right: A darkened copper Cap badge to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two thick looped wire lugs to back, which is semi-solid, but no maker mark. Size 49mm by 42mm.

 - Above: Two darkened bronze, Collar badges to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two D shaped lugs to back to each which is semi-solid. No maker mark and size 30.5mm by 27mm.
 - Opposite: An image of a Captain A. C. Wood, here part of the New Zealand Permanent Staff and taken in 1946. He is wearing a set of darkened bronze Cap and Collar badges, along with gilt brass NZ Permanent Staff buttons to his tunic. He has cloth "slip-on" cloth NEW ZEALAND titles and three Officers pips for Captain to his shoulder board. He also appears to be wearing a Distinguished Conduct Medal ribbon, a 1939-45 Star ribbon and a Africa Star ribbon to his chest (Nelson Museum collection 200129).

 The Kings Crown New Zealand Permanent Staff Cap badge and Collars are still worn today.

 - Opposite and Above: A modern day, darkened copper Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. The Cap badge has two screw threads to be used with nuts to back, while the Collars have pins and clutches. None are maker marked. Cap size 48mm by 41.5mm, Collar size 31mm by 27mm.

 - Above: A darkened brass Collar badge (right when worn) to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two D shaped looped lugs to semi-solid back, and maker impress to "DOWLER BIRMINGHAM". Size 30.5mm by 27mm.

 - Above: A die stamped, darkened copper Collar badge to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Two thick copper wire lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 32.5mm by 27mm.

 - Above: A unfinished darkened copper Cap badge to the NZ Permanent Staff. Nothing to back and no maker mark, with impression size 49mm by 43mm.

 - Above Left: A 24mm Gilt brass button to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Maker marked to back to "Buttons Ltd, Birmingham".
(Made in the same size by "Smith & Wright Ltd, Birmingham" with fixed shank).
 - Above Center: A 20mm Gilt brass button to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Maker marked to back to "Buttons Limited, Birmingham".
 - Above Right: A 16mm Gilt brass button to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Maker marked to back to "Buttons Ltd, B'ham".

 - Above: A darkened 24mm, fixed shank brass button to the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Maker marked to back to "Smith & Wright Ltd, Birmingham".

Other sizes and makers of NZ Permanent Staff Buttons (B Jones collection);
13mm "Buttons Limited" (has crossed swords emblem), 15.5mm "Buttons Ltd B"Ham",  16.3mm "Buttons B"Ham", 16.5mm "Buttons B"Ham" (blackened brass),  16.5mm "Buttons Ltd" (gilt), 20mm "Buttons Limited Birmingham",20.4mm "Buttons Limited Birmingham" (gilt), 24mm "Buttons Birmingham Limited", 24mm "Smith & Wright Ltd Birmingham" (blackened brass)

 - Opposite: A puggaree to fit the Lemon Squeezer hat to the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps. Red/Red/Red. Marked to inside with size only, in purple ink to "7".
Note this puggaree colour combination has also be used by:
 - Ceremonial or Honor Guard.
 - EIIR Coronation Contingent

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 - Above: A cloth and bullion embroidered Cap or Hat badge to a British or Commonwealth General.

 - Above: Car Pennants once owned by Major General Sir Leslie Arthur Pearce CB, CBE, OBE, MBE. Served in the New Zealand Army from 1938 to 1973, from Private to Major General of the New Zealand Army Chief of General Staff.

Fakes & Forgeries

 - Above & Opposite: I don't like showing the backs of original badges, but it is impossible to describe which is original and which is fake without showing the two side by side for this badge.
 Left is the original badge, Right is the fake or reproduction.
 - The front of the fake lacks the detail,  and note the finish which is a duller tone to the original compared to the shiny fake.
 - But the most distinguishing sign of a fake is the back, which if you see on the original has a Maltese cross like shape, impressed to back. The fake is incomplete to the edges due to the casting process.
 - Note the lugs are smaller on the fake compared to the original.
 - Size of fake 49mm by 41mm.

New Zealand Physical Training Corps

The New Zealand Physical Training Corps formed initially during WW1 as the NZ Physical Training Staff. This would last until the 1st of June 1987, when it finally became a Corps of the New Zealand Army.
Based at Waiouru, Linton, Trentham and Burnham Military Camps.
Most WW1 images found, show the crossed swords trade sleeve badge being worn by PT staff associated with a Reinforcement Draft.

 - Above: An image of 24402 Sergeant Robert Clarence Reid,  here, part of "E" Company, 17th Reinforcements. He wears a voided 17th generic Cap badge (with rifle slings) and a pair of "Kiwi over Rifle" Collar badges. Above is Sergeant chevrons is a trade sleeve badge for PT Instructor. He has a curved "NZR" title to his shoulder board (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-R4612).

 - Above: An image of Sergeant Major L H Norton, with a trade sleeve badge for PT Instructor. He has a curved "NZR" title to his shoulder board and "NZ Expeditionary Force" Collar badges (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-N4518).

 - Above: An image of Corporal Jarman, with a trade sleeve badge for PT Instructor. He has a curved "NZR" title to his shoulder board and "NZ Expeditionary Force" Collar badges (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-J4367).

 - Above & Opposite: A superb image of a group of Military Men, dated 1915, but I believe its a post WW1 image, as there are men wearing service chevrons to their tunics (after August 1918). Standing, at the end (right) with a peaked cap is a PT Instructor wearing a set of Cap and Collar badges (the below) to the NZ PT  Staff (Te Papa C.003655).

 - Opposite & Above: A at least post WW1 era Cap and Collars to the New Zealand Physical Training Staff. All three badges are single piece, gilt brass, though one of my Collars is tarnished/toned to front.  Note the slight variation in die between the two Collars, with a void area below the crown. All have thin Copper wire lugs to back, and not maker marked. Cap size is 46mm by 58mm, Collar size is 33mm by 40mm.

- Above: A embroidered thread and khaki wool trade sleeve badge of crossed swords worn by Physical Training Staff (Ian Hamilton Collection).

 - Above: British patterns of Physical Training Corps Badge, worn by the corps prior to 1995.

In 1995 a distinctive New Zealand badge was again re-introduced for wear.

 - Opposite & Above: A matt silver or frosted finished Cap and Collar set to the New Zealand Physical Training Corps. The Cap badge has 4 pins and clutches to back, while the collars have 3 threaded bolt and nut fasteners to back. Not maker marked. Cap size 35mm by 39mm, Collar size is 24mm by 25mm.

 - Above: A silver finished, metal Cap badge to the New Zealand Physical Training Corps. It has 4 pins and clutches to back, and is not maker marked.
Cap size 35mm by 39mm.

 - Above: Two types of Physical Training Corps Sleeve Trade badges in Brass. Worn by both the Kiwi's and British Corps. Top is a Cast brass example with three looped lugs to back. Bottom is a die stamped brass type, with two copper looped lugs to back.

 - Above Left: A 19mm, silver tone, anodised aluminium fixed shank button to the Royal NZ Physical Training Corps. Maker marked to back to "LONDON BADGE & BUTTON".
 - Above Middle: A 17mm, silver tone, anodised aluminium fixed shank button to the Royal NZ Physical Training Corps. Maker marked to back to "LONDON BADGE & BUTTON".
 - Above Right: A 14mm, silver tone, anodised aluminium fixed shank button to the Royal NZ Physical Training Corps. Maker marked to back to "GAUNT LONDON".

 - Above: Modern shoulder titles to the New Zealand Army Physical Training Corps. Note the raised edge to all, but just differing sizes.

New Zealand Pioneer Battalion

At the outbreak of WW1, there were calls for the Maori and Pacific Island communities to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Some were opposed, and refused to enlist, while others joined enthusiastically, and enlisted in the call to arms.
Discussions around the badge to be worn by the unit began around October 1914, with a dated memo of the 2nd of Nov 1914, between Lieut-Col Gibbon and a Dr Pomare, where they discussed on whether the initials N.Z.M.C - New Zealand Maori Contingent, or N.Z.N.C - New Zealand Native Contingent be used. It was decided on the latter, for obvious reasons, otherwise this would clash with the New Zealand Medical Corps who already used N.Z.M.C.

 - Opposite & Above: A superbly important  letter from a Mr Laurenson of G T White, dated 29th of Oct 1914. Laurenson was a Jeweler, based in Wellington, who confirms that he could supply 750 examples of the badge in both Gilt and Bronze, for the Maori Contingent Expeditionary Force, at a cost of "2/6".
He goes on to comment that the initial design (above right), needs simplification, which sadly also sees the letters "NZ MC" around the crown removed. He also asks, that all Maori weapons be within the oval edges on the badge. This seems to reduce the cost to "2/-" and he includes a picture of his proposed design (above to center). We can only presume that it meets approval, as this is produced as the 1st type of badge discussed below (taken from the album of Shaun Aumua British Badge Forum).

 Upon arrival in March 1915, in Egypt, the battalion were not deployed for the initial Gallipoli campaign, instead they were moved to Malta, where they took up garrison duties and underwent further training. However, due to the high casualties experienced by the NZEF at Gallipoli, the battalion was transferred in July 1915 to the conflict, to fight alongside the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, which were fighting as dismounted Infantry.

 With the withdrawal of New Zealand troops from the peninsular in early 1916, the Maori Battalion was designated to be broken up, and its members disbursed as general reinforcements through the newly formed divisions which were then readying for their move to France and the Western Front.
But on the 20th of Feb 1916, its members re-formed into the New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion (with members of the Otago Mounted Rifles also augmenting their numbers) and in April 1916 they left for France.
The Battalion eventually became the only unit from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to disband in New Zealand in April 1919.

 - Opposite: A 1916 dated, New Zealand taken image of two men from the 5th Maori contingent prior to their embarkation for France. One of them is apparently 16/1397 Pte Richard Abraham, but he has not been identified as which in the photo. Note the coloured patches to peaked Cap of Red over Black (Auckland Libraries collection 31-A0002).

There are 3 types or styles of metal badges the Battalion wore from 1916 to 1919.

Motto: TE HOKO WHITU A TU (The one hundred and forty of Tu - Tu is the God of war, while 140 was the standard strength of a war party).

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 - Above: A image of 16/1018 2nd Lieutenant Henare Mokena Kohere, who was part of the 2nd Maori Contingent. Here in his uniform with colour patch to his peaked Cap (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-K2804).

 - Above: A image of Private Harrison which is dated 1916. Note the coloured patch to front of peaked cap, Red over Black (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-H2027).

 - Above: A image of 16/1497 Bugler Warnock Pake Heka, of the 5th Maori Contingent, New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion. Note coloured patch to peak cap (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-H0590).

N.Z.N.C Badges Worn in NZ & Overseas - 1st Type

The following is considered the "1st type" worn by the unit, and resembles White's above design. These badges were worn in New Zealand and overseas, and we are told till Feb 1916 (Corbett - page 236), though photo's show this to be longer.
There are variations, made by Ruben Watts of Auckland. Sadly G E White (Laurenson) did not maker mark his badges.
Initially these badges were for the Sunhat only, with only a coloured patch to be worn to front of peaked cap (Red over Black), but eventually they were also worn on the Cap and Collars.

 - Above: A 1st type, bronze badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent, with N.Z.N.C to base. Two wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 35.5mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A 1st type, gilt brass badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent, with N.Z.N.C to base. Two wire looped lugs to back (though one is missing), with no maker mark. Size 35.5mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A 1st type, gilt brass badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent, with N.Z.N.C to base. Brooched to back, with no maker mark. Size 35mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A 1st type, cast gilt brass badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent, with N.Z.N.C to base. Two copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 35mm by 25mm.

 - Above: A variation in design to the 1st type, gilt brass badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent Note the small "N.Z.N.C" to lower front. This badge is impressed to back in two places to "WATT" and "AUCK". Two short copper looped lugs to back. Size 37mm by 28mm.

 - Above: A variation in design to the 1st type, gilt brass Collar badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent Note the small "N.Z.N.C" to lower front. No maker mark, but known to be made by Watts of Auckland. Some are found to be marked to this Jeweler. Size 25mm diameter.

 - Above: An image of 19735 Corporal Moana Ngata, of the 19th Reinforcements, Maori Contingent, New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion. A 1st or 3rd type Cap badge to his Lemon Squeezer, with shoulder titles to his tunic, which are not visible (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-N3435).

 - Above: An image of Private Te Taumita of the New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion. Dated 1917, I have not been able to find any further details. He has no badges to his tunic, but on his Lemon Squeezer is a 1st or 3rd type New Zealand Pioneer badge. It looks to also have a backing patch. Note his watch with "cage" over it face (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-T4703).

The following gives the numbers of main body and reinforcements to the unit, which left New Zealand.
Note with reorganisation of the NZEF in April 1916, a number of men joined the unit from other formations already in Egypt, notably men from the Otago Mounted Rifles.

 - 1st Maori Contingent - sailed 14th Feb 1915 with 3rd Inf Reio's - 16 Officers & 502 Men
 - 2nd Maori Contingent - sailed 19th Sept 1915 with balance of 6th Inf Reio's - 10 Officers & 301 Men
 - 3rd Maori Contingent - sailed 5th Feb 1916 with 2nd & 4th Batt of NZRB - 4 Officers & 111 Men
 - 4th Maori Contingent - sailed 6th May 1916 with the 12th inf Reio's - 2 Officers & 73 Men
 - 4th Maori Contingent (2nd Draft) - sailed 26th June 1916 with the 14th Inf Reio's  - 1 Officer & 57 Men
 - 5th Maori Contingent - sailed 29th July 1916 with the 15th Inf Reio's  - 2 Officers & 87 Men
 - 7th Maori Contingent - sailed 19th Aug 1916 with the 16th Inf Reio's  - 1 Officer & 71 Men
 - 8th Maori Contingent - sailed 23rd Sept 1916 with the 17th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 63 Men
 - 9th Maori Contingent - sailed 11th Oct 1916 with the 18th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 61 Men
 - 10th Maori Contingent - sailed 15th Nov 1916 with the 19th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 70 Men
 - 12th Maori Contingent - sailed 2nd Jan 1917 with 2nd part of the 20th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 70 Men
 - 13th Maori Contingent - sailed 19th of Jan 1917 with 21st Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 60 Men
 - 14th Maori Contingent - sailed 16th of Feb 1917 with 22nd Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 60 Men
 - 15th Maori Contingent - sailed 2nd of April 1917 with 2nd part of 23rd Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 37 Men
 - 16th Maori Contingent - sailed 26th of April 1917 with 2nd part of 24th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 31 Men
 - 17th Maori Contingent - sailed 26th of April 1917 with 25th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 30 Men
 - 18th Maori Contingent - sailed 12th of June 1917 with 1st part of 27th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 30 Men
 - 19th Maori Contingent - sailed 16th of July 1917 with 2nd part of 27th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 49 Men
 - 20th Maori Contingent - sailed 26th of July 1917 with 2nd part of 28th Inf Reio's - 3 Officer & 50 Men
 - 21st Maori Contingent - sailed 15th of Aug 1917 with 2nd part of 29th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 49 Men
 - 22nd Maori Contingent - sailed 13th of Oct 1917 with 30th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 30 Men
 - 23rd & 24th Maori Contingent - sailed 22nd of Nov 1917 with 33rd & 34th Inf Reio's
 - 23rd - 1 Officer & 30 Men while the 24th - 1 Officer & 30 Men
 - 25th Maori Contingent - sailed 31st Dec 1917 with 33rd Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 30 Men
 - 26th Maori Contingent - sailed 8th of Feb 1918 with 34th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 54 Men
 - 27th Maori Contingent - sailed 2nd Mar 1918 with 35th Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 14 Men
 - 28th Maori Contingent- sailed 23rd April 1918 with 36th Inf Reio's - 12 Men
 - 29th Maori Contingent - sailed 9th May 1918 with part of 37th Inf Reio's - 7 Men
 - 30th Maori Contingent - sailed 13th June 1918 with balance of 39th Inf Reio's - 16 Men
 - 31st Maori Contingent - sailed 17th of Aug 1918 with 1st part of 43rd Inf Reio's - 1 Officer & 58 Men
 - 32nd Maori Contingent- sailed 2nd of Oct 1918 with rest of 43rd Inf Reio's - 40 Men

 - 1st Rarotongan Draft - sailed 6th Feb 1916 with 2nd & 4th Batt of NZRB - 5 Officers & 198 Men (included 148 Niue Islanders)
 - 2nd Rarotongan Draft - sailed 16th Nov 1916 with the 19th Inf Reio's  - 3 Officers & 110 Men
 - 3rd Rarotongan Draft - sailed 13th June 1918 with 39th Inf Reio's - 3 Officers & 142 Men

 Total was 60 Officers and 2,628 Men
While still training in New Zealand on the 12th of Nov 1918 were
 - Maori - 3 Officers & 173 Men
 - Rarotongans - 1 Officer & 92 Men
 - Gilbert Islanders - 1 Officer & 22 Men
 - Fijians - 1 Officer & 53 Men.

 - Above: A 1st type, gilt brass badge to the New Zealand Native Contingent, with N.Z.N.C to base. Note the rounded crown. I believe this version was made later, and worn as a Reinforcement badge in New Zealand. It has two hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. It appears to be issued blackened, and there are traces of this finish to the back of the badge. I have also sighted a gilt brass version. Size 36mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A  unfinished 1st type, C. M. Bay made New Zealand Native Contingent badge. This came from a group of items purchased from his son by a fellow collector. Note the rounded crown to center.

 - Above: An image of 76108 Private Matataia Pararaki Wikiriwhi, of the 31st Reinforcements New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion. He wears a pair of round "WATTS" Collars to his tunic. On his shoulder board is a "NZNC" curved brass title (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-W4782).

 - Above: An image of 19961 Private Tawheo Matenga, of the New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion, Maori Contingent, 22nd Reinforcements. He wears a possible 1st type New Zealand Pioneer Cap badge to his Lemon Squeezer. Note it has a backing patch, which I presume is Red/Black. He also has two buglers trade sleeve badges to his tunic (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-M3841).

N.Z. Pioneer Badges Worn Overseas by the N.Z.E.F - 2nd Type

Like most other serving overseas New Zealand units in WW1, J R Gaunt  of London got involved in providing badges to the unit while they served in France.
Corbett states in his book that the following badge was worn after Feb 1916 to Sept 1917.
The UK manufacturer "Firmin & Sons" of Birmingham also made a version of the below badges, but in smaller quantities. It is their dies which sadly now provide us with so many fakes of this badge and have the distinctive non-voided area below the Warriors chin (he appears bearded)

 - Opposite: A pair of solid backed, bronze Officers collar badges to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion. Two D shaped copper lugs to back, with the maker mark, impressed to back base to "J R GAUNT LONDON" (Shaun Aumua collection).

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 - Opposite and Above: The 2nd type of Cap and Collar badge to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion. The three have either copper looped lugs (to the Cap) or D shaped Copper lugs (to the collars). All have a maker plaque to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size of Cap 50mm by 36mm, while Collars are 37.5mm by 26.5mm.

 - Opposite and Above: The 2nd Type of Cap and Collar badge to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion. Note the necklace has been removed. Maori tradition does not permit a Warrior to wear jewellery into battle, so they modified the badge in the field by removing the necklace just below the Warriors head. All have a maker plaque to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size of Cap 50mm by 36mm, while Collars are 37.5mm by 26.5mm.

 - Above: A cast bronze collar badge in the form of the 2nd type of badge to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, with necklace removed. Note this badge has two tangs or blades to its solid back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 26mm.
 - Opposite: A image of Private William Crowmer, dated 1918. He has to his Lemon Squeezer and tunic collar 2nd type New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Badges. They are the solid beard type, and likely purchased overseas from Firmin, which is known to make this type. He has a brass "NZR" shoulder title (Auckland Library 31-C4140).

 - Above: A gilt brass Collar badge pair to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion. Both have had their necklaces removed and are not maker marked. Both have two copper D shaped looped lugs to back. Possible Gaunt made. Size 37mm by 26mm.
 - Opposite: A image of 20801 Private Gaston Florian (or Flanton) of the 9th Māori Contingent who is pictured here as a returned soldier, with his RSA badge to above right pocket. He has a below, 3rd type (I think) Cap badge to his Lemon Squeezer and a pair of 2nd type Collars (with necklaces) to his tunic. On his shoulder strap is a curved "NZR" title (Auckland Library collection 31-F3348).

N.Z. Pioneer Badges Worn Overseas and on the Return Home to NZ - 3rd Type

Corbett states in his book that the following badge was worn after Sept 1917 to the units' disbandment in April 1919.

 - Above: The 3rd type of Cap or Collar (worn as either) to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion in gilt brass. This was the last type, and worn home to NZ when the Battalion was disbanded in 1919. Note the base of the badge just has the large letters "N.Z." to base. D shaped copper looped lugs to back and no maker mark. Size 35.5mm by 26.5mm.

 - Opposite: A image of Lieutenant Awarau of the New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion. He wears what is likely two 3rd type badges to the lapel of his tunic. Note his RSA badge to his upper right pocket, denoting that he is a returned soldier (Auckland Library collection (31-A4028).

 - Above: A Pioneer brass trade sleeve qualification badge in the form of two crossed Axes. Four short, copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note the circular backing plate. Size of badge 42.5mm by 48mm, while backing plate is 61mm diameter.

 - Above: A embroidered thread and khaki wool backed trade sleeve badge for a Pioneer (Ian Hamilton Collection).

 - Opposite & Above: During WW1 men from the Cook Island's were formed into a Company and sailed for service in the middle East. There has yet to be any recorded pictures that the opposite above badges were worn at the time. Its now felt that these were issued later to WW2 Raratongan Home Guard Units. The collars are much rarer than the Cap, and are also reproduced. Note the banner with "Cook Is Coy" to base on each Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size of Cap 51mm by 36.5mm (Collars are Shaun Aumua collection).

- Above: A set of shoulder titles to the New Zealand Native Corps (N.Z.N.C.). Both are gilt brass and are impressed to back to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 15mm by 52mm.

- Above: A single piece, gilt brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Native Corps (N.Z.N.C.). Two copper looped lugs to back, with two separate hand done stamps of "WATTS" and "AUCK" to Ruben Watts of Auckland (Corey Sayer collection).

 - Above: A image of Private Barrett taken in 1917. He has a curved brass "NZNC" shoulder title to his tunic. To his Lemon Squeezer and tunic collar, he has the generic 34th and beyond, reinforcement Cap badge and Collars (Auckland Library 31-B4044).

Fakes and Forgeries

The 2nd type of badge has been widely faked, as the Firmin dies were purchased in the UK and numerous badges were struck from the original dies. They tend to be non-void on the necklace below the Warriors head, giving the impression that he (the Warrior) has a beard, but also have a slider to back, which on at least the Gaunt made originals, they never had. To confuse things, Firmin did of course make original examples of this 2nd type New Zealand Pioneers badge.
 Below is a fake or cast copy of the badge.
 - OK detail to front, note that the Warrior is missing the feather to the back, top of his head.
 - Colour is orangey-yellow, which is wrong for a gilt brass badge.
 - To back the detail is shallow, which on a die-stamped example, would be crisp and deep. There are also three flat, filed area's, where the extra brass from the casting process has been filed back/removed.
 - The lugs though copper and brazed to back, are small and ribbon like, which is wrong for this badge.
 - Size 48mm by 37mm (remember, missing feather to top).

  - Far Left, Left & Above: A fake or copy of the 2nd Type NZ Pioneer badge.
 - Good detail to front, but a die stamped darkened bronze colour which is not correct. Note the solid necklaces, which is a feature of the Firmin originals. 
 - To back is good reverse detail, but with a slider, which was never used on originals,
 - Note the maker mark of "Lambourne & Co, Birmingham", who were never makers of this or any NZ badges.
 - Note the WD and broadarrow mark, which is just not found on New Zealand badges, or British for that matter.

 - Opposite Left and Far Left: A front and back image of the the most commonly encountered fake 2nd type New Zealand Pioneers badge. The original Firmin dies have been used to flood the market with these. But again, the slider was never used with this badge.

The below is a bit of a worry, as with time, the finish will dull to this fake 3rd type New Zealand Pioneers badge, and it will start to look more "real".
 - OK detail to front, but some faults with the ridges on the wreath, around the outside of the badge.
 - Colour is orangey-yellow, which is wrong for a gilt brass badge.
 - To back the detail is OK, and not far off the originals. But note the stippling and rough surface. Originals are smooth.
 - The lugs though copper and brazed to back, are small and ribbon like, which is wrong for this badge.
 - Size 35mm by 25mm.

Royal New Zealand Provost Corps/Royal New Zealand Military Police

The New Zealand Military Police was first formed in 1915, but was disbanded at the conclusion of WW1. It then reformed again at the start of WW2, but was replaced by Provost Companies in 1946.
The New Zealand Provost Corps was then formed on the 18th of Feb 1949, with the Corps gaining the prefix "Royal" on the 18th of July 1952.
Motto: KO TATOU HEI TAUIRA (By Example We Lead).

 - Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Military Police. Not marked, but thin twisted copper wire lugs to back, which are found on a number of other WW1 New Zealand made badges.

 - Above: A matching pair of Collar badges to the New Zealand Military Police. These are the same design as the Cap badge, but with the lower banner removed or cut off. Both have two hex type brass flat lugs to back. No maker mark and likely WW1.

During WW1, two of the largest Army training camps had their own Camp Military Police  (CMP) force.
Note I have yet to find a photo of either of these badges and the collars being worn.

 - Above and Opposite: Bi-metal Cap and Collar badges to Trentham Camp Military Police. All have copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
Cap size 46mm by 41mm, Collar size 29mm by 24mm.

 - Above and Opposite: Bi-metal Cap and Collar badges to Featherston Camp Military Police. All have hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
Cap size 47mm by 41mm, Collar size 29mm by 24mm.

 - Opposite: A rare image, this shows the two front dies which were used to likely construct the above Trentham Collar badges. One for the frame struck in brass, and the other for the white metal "CMP" center. Both have a manufacturers reference painted on for "43.".
 Apparently they are a combined weight of 1.5kgs and are 54mm in diameter and 40mm tall.
No maker mark (image from the internet).

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 - Opposite Left: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Military Police. Two thick copper looped lugs to back and a mark mark of "M & K, W" for Mayer & Kean, Wellington. This would likely be the WW2 version of the badge.
 - Opposite Right: A chromed Cap badge to the New Zealand Military Police. Like the Gilt brass version, it has a maker mark of "M & K, W" and two copper looped lugs.

 - Above Right: A brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Military Police. Like the below curved examples, this is just a modified N.Z.M.R (New Zealand Mounted Rifles) title, with the foot of the "R" removed. It has two D shaped copper loops to back, with no maker mark. Size 14mm by 51mm.

Note: The above version of the New Zealand Military Police Badges are widely faked, and has been for a number of years, both the Cap and the Collar.

 - Above: A pair of brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Military Police. These are just modified N.Z.M.R (New Zealand Mounted Rifles) titles, with the foot of the "R" removed.
Both have hex type brass lugs to back and are maker impressed to "J R Gaunt, London" to the back of the "Z". Size 14mm by 48mm (roughly).

 - Above Top: A single brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Military Police. Hex type lugs to back, but no maker mark Size 14mm by 48mm (roughly).
 - Above Base: A single brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Military Police. Copper looped lugs to back, with maker mark of "Stokes & Sons impressed. Size 15mm by 48mm (roughly).

 - Opposite: An early post 1952 Officers Cap badge in Silver or Silver plate (not marked) to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Not maker marked, and with two long looped lugs to back. Size 44mm by 47mm.
 - Above: An early post 1952 Officers Collar badge set in Silver or Silver plate (not marked) to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Not maker marked, and with two D shaped lugs to back of each. Size 30mm by 33mm.

 - Opposite: A anodised aluminium Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Not maker marked, and with two long pins to back to be used with clutches. Size 43mm by 47mm.
 - Above: A anodised aluminium Collar badge pair to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Not maker marked, and with two pins to back to be used with clutches. Size 30mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A anodised aluminium Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Not maker marked, and with two long looped lugs to back. Size 44mm by 48mm.

 - Above: A anodised aluminium Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Slight gilt tone to badge, with a more shiny finish. Not maker marked, and with two looped lugs to back. Size 44mm by 47mm.

 This is the current version of the cap badge now worn. The title was changed again in the 1980's to Royal New Zealand Military Police.
 - Center A chromed metal and blue resin Cap badge with two screw fittings to back and the maker mark of "Mayer Toye Ltd, Wellington".
 - Left & Right: Two chromed metal and blue resin Collar badges to the Royal New Zealand Military Police. No maker mark.

  - Above Left: A belt buckle center to the Royal New Zealand Military Police. No maker mark.
 - Above Right: A chromed metal and blue resin Cap badge with a bar fitting to back and the maker mark of "Mayer & Toye WGTN NZ" and their phone number.

National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6586 was assigned to "Service Hat & Service Cap Insignia, RNZPRO, All Ranks" on the 17th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4178 was assigned to "Branch of Service, Insignia, RNZPRO, Collar" on the 8th of Oct 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4179 was assigned to "Branch of Service, Insignia, RNZPRO, Collar, Silver Plated" on the 15th of Jan 1979.

 - Above: A Officers bullion thread and cloth Beret badge to the Royal New Zealand Military Police. No maker mark to back.

​ - Above Top and Middle: Cloth shoulder titles to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Gold letters on a dark blue background. Note the top is faded.
 - Above Bottom: A cloth shoulder title to the Royal New Zealand Military Police. White letters on a blue background.

 - Above: A Royal Blue, with black headband Beret to the Royal New Zealand Military Police. A small size, it doesn't look like it has ever been used. Introduced in 1983, it is still worn today.

 - Above: The same Beret to the Royal New Zealand Military Police. Someone has pealed off the label on the packaging and stuck it on the inside of the Beret. Its has the following on the label "1BERERNZMP 98-107-9138, RNZMP beret 54 BDR". Size 54cm or 6 5/8 inches.

 - Opposite: An earlier puggaree to fit the Lemon Squeezer hat to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Dark Blue/Dark Blue/Dark Blue.

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 -Above: Same puggaree to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Marked to inside with size only, in purple ink to "7 1/4".

 - Above: A gilt brass, 19.3mm button to the New Zealand Provost Corps or Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Maker marked to "GAUNT LONDON" (B Jones Collection).

 - Above: A 25mm, anodised aluminium or stybright button to the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps. Brass backed, with fixed shank, it is maker marked to "Buttons Ltd, Birmingham" and with crossed swords.

 - Above, Above Right & Opposite: In the 1980's the Royal New Zealand Provost Corps had a commemorative set of badges made. Above shows the case they come in, while above right shows the two badges in the set. What is worth noting is the type of lugs and backs to the badges opposite. Sadly the kings crown version of this badge is widely fakes, with some sellers claiming that what they are selling is from this commemorative set. Many aren't and don't match hoop like lugs to back.
Note also no maker mark.

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Fakes and Forgeries

This is another badge which is widely faked, but they follow what I am showing in the surrounding pictures.
  - Detail is good to front, note the above left badge, which shows age, also originals can be very worn, as in the badge was polished to a high standard, which also works in favour of the fakes.
 - Colour is orangey-yellow, on at least the above right example, which is wrong for a gilt brass badge.
 - To back the detail on the left badge is good, but shallow on the right, and stippled/pitted. Note there are flat, filed area's, on both, where the extra brass from the mold has been filed back/removed.
 - The lugs though copper and brazed to back, are small and ribbon like, which is wrong for this badge.
 - Size 45mm by 32mm.
 The Collar badge in this type, is just a Cap badge, with the bottom banner cut off, and I can imagine that they are easily made from the above examples and of course removing all evidence of the file brass areas from the molding process.

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 The below Royal NZ Provost Corps badge, though not a bad example, is an obvious fake in gilt brass, as the badge was only issued in Silver, Silver plate, or silver tone anodised aluminium.
 Detail is good as usual to front to this fake, but bad to back, with pitting and cracking. The small copper lugs are the wrong shape, but are in copper and brazed on.