New Zealand Corps S to Z

NZ School of Musketry

During WW1, a specialised School of Musketry was set up to establish a standard in rifle expertise amongst the Reinforcements training in New Zealand at places like Trentham and Featherston Camps.

 - Above & Opposite: A Officers gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the NZ School of Musketry. This is the void type of Cap badge, with a non-void variation also occasionally seen. Copper wire looped lugs to back of Cap and one Collar (above left). The other has brass, hex type lugs. No maker mark, and size of Cap 39mm by 28mm, while Collar is 32mm by 24mm.

 - Opposite: A pair of Collar badges worn by other ranks associated with the NZ School of Musketry. The Cap badge is the same, but just a slightly larger version of these two badges.

All are single piece, gilt brass, with two copper wire looped lugs to back.
No maker mark and size 30mm by 34mm.

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Services Vegetable Production

 The New Zealand Government recognised by early 1942 that vegetables would have to be grown on a massive scale if the American and New Zealand troops serving in the Pacific theater of war were to be fed properly.

When the government's Services' Vegetable Production Scheme came into force in July 1942, growers undertook to produce huge quantities of vegetables, with State farms also being established to meet any shortfall.

The scheme was shut down in 1945 as hostilities ceased.

- Opposite: A gilt brass badge to the Services Vegetable Production (SVP). This badge is brooched to back, but the one or two other examples I have seen of this badge, also have copper looped lugs, in a North/South config, which begs the question whether they came in two types, brooched or lugged.

Maker marked to back to "M & K, W" or Mayer and Kean, Wellington.

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Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals

The New Zealand Corps of Signals form in 1912 from companies within the New Zealand Engineers. It amalgamated with the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Corps on the 1st of June 1921.
Its badge can be traced from the below memorandum, and was worn up to the end of WW1 by overseas serving units of the New Zealand Divisional Signals.
Upon their return, they disbanded, and the New Zealand Corps of Signals mainly used the NZP & TC badge described below in another section, but when stocks were low of that badge, the WW1 NZCS badge was reissued. There are photo's of soldiers wearing them into WW2 within New Zealand.
Motto: SODALES PARATI (Prepared as comrades together).

 - Opposite: A superb drawing from the New Zealand Archives, attached to a letter written on the 17th of May 1917.
"Memorandum  for the
P.M.O.
Trentham
Regimental Badges

With reference to the attached request can you kindly supply these badges.
Lt A Hills (Lieut for the D.G.M.S)"
Note on the 27th of Feb 1912, the badge was approved, with the amendment to the banner to read "New Zealand Signal Corps".
It was then approved for wear for all Companies of the NZ Signal Corps on the 2nd March 1912.

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Up to this point there has been considerable push-back by individual Signal Companies, all wanting their own bespoke badge representing their Military District. They were overruled by the General Officer Commanding as per memo dated 30th of Aug 1911.

 - Opposite: A hand drawn design for the Wellington Infantry Brigade Signal Company badge, which was submitted by its CO on the 28th of Aug 1911.
The design was not approved.

(Badges - Regimental - Territorial Force, R23534556 AD1 AAYS 13-13 Archives NZ).

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- Opposite and Above: Prior to WW1 a large, die stamped oversized badge was worn by some Mounted Rifle signal companies of the New Zealand Corps of Signals. Opposite is the oversize Cap badge in gilt brass. Note the ball missing to lower right, which seems to be a die fault, and I have seen a handful of these badges with the same missing tip. Above are what are termed as "rough" type Collar badges (which are actually the later Cap badge in size). All three badges are not maker marked. All have thin copper loops to back, with size of large badge 52mm by 42mm, Collars 42mm by 33mm.

 - Opposite and Above: A darkened copper set of Cap and Collar badges to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. All are semi-solid to back and maker marked to back. The Cap has "STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE", while the Collars just have "STOKES & SONS MELB". They all have rounded copper loops to back. Size of Cap 43mm by 34mm, while Collars 33mm by 25.5mm.

- Opposite and Above: A gilt set of Cap and Collar badges to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. All are semi-solid to back and maker marked to back. The Cap has "STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE", while the Collars just have "STOKES & SONS MELB". They all have rounded copper loops to back. Cap size 43mm by 34mm, while Collars 33mm by 25.5mm.

- Opposite and Above: A gilt brass, die stamped set of Cap and Collar badges to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. All have D shaped copper looped lugs to back, and the maker plaque of "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size of Cap 42mm by 34mm, while Collars are 32mm by 25.5mm.

 - Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. Rounded copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 44mm by 34mm.
 - Above: A unmarked gilt brass Collar badge set to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. D shaped copper looped lugs to back, so likely a unmarked Gaunt made pair, with size 33mm by 26mm.

 - Opposite: A study in size of the New Zealand Corps of Signals Badges. Left is the oversized, pre-WW1 Cap badge roughly 52mm by 42mm. Center is a standard Cap badge 42mm by 32mm. Right is a standard Collar badge roughly 32mm by 25.5mm.

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 - Above: A pair of matching gilt brass grenade collar badges worn by New Zealand Corps of Signals personnel who, during WW1, were part of the New Zealand Engineer Corps .  Two round copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark, and size 31mm by 19mm.

 - Above: A pair of matching coppery brass grenade collar badges. Two copper looped lugs with feet to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark, and size 31mm by 19mm.

 - Above Left: A  gilt brass grenade collar badge. Two brass looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark, and size 30mm by 18mm.
 - Above Right : A  gilt brass grenade collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark, and size 33mm by 20mm.

 - Opposite: A sweethearts brooch made from two flaming grenades, which have been joined together and extra gilt. Brooch fitting to back with no maker mark. Size 51mm by 20mm. 

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 - Above Left: A  gilt brass grenade collar badge. A brass lug bar to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark, and size 32mm by 21mm.
 - Above Right : A  chromed brass grenade collar badge. Two copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark, and size 32mm by 20mm.

 - Above: Prior and early in WW1 the NZ Corps of Signals wore the British "Signal Service" Shoulder titles. Above are two examples of such a title. No maker mark and two copper looped lugs to back. Size 13mm by 63mm.

 - Above:  A pair of gilt brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Corps of Signals (N.Z.C.S). They have hex type brass lugs to back and are not maker marked. Size 16mm by 54mm.

1st Australian & New Zealand Wireless Squadron

 This shared unit between Australia and New Zealand was formed in 1915, serving in the Middle East and the Mesopotamian Campaign from 1916 to 1918. It provided communications to the Armed Forces in the field, with elements of the squadron later serving as part of Dunsterforce in 1918 and 1919, and in Kurdistan in 1919. It would be likely that the New Zealand elements wore the above NZCS badges, but they also appear to have had made some local cast brass shoulder titles, which due to the small size of the unit, are very rare.

 - Above: A single piece, cast brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Wireless Squadron/Section Australian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Two cast brass tab lugs to back, which are integrated into the badge (behind the A & C), with a hole drilled in the side. No maker mark (image from the internet).

 - Above: A single piece, cast brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Wireless (image from the internet).

New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps

The New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps was formed on the 7th of October 1911 and on the 1st of July 1913 was added as part of the New Zealand Engineers.

Their badge was described on the 11th of May, 1912 as:
"Winged foot surmounted by a scroll inscribed "CELERITAS"  and a crown.
 - scroll with "N.Z.P & T.C." below."
(Cadets, Regimental Badges and Uniforms R21078962 Box 19 AD37 24 c1912 Archives N.Z.).

They amalgamated with the New Zealand Corps of Signals on the 1st of June 1921 and became the New Zealand Corps of Signals.

Motto: CELERITAS (Swiftly).
Motto: (NZ Army Postal Service - none in the 1st NZEF - as noted in R17187868 AALI W3508 7291 Archives NZ)

 - Above: The original drawing of the proposed design for the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps, likely forwarded to the General Commanding Officer for approval on the 29th of April 1912. There are comments made in the covering letter that the top banner had been "modified" over concerns due to "to many sharp points" in the design. The top banner just shows the motto "CELERITAS" with the bottom showing the letters "N.Z.P. & T.C." (image from the internet).

 - Above Right: A image of 2nd Lt Bennett taken in 1916. Sadly I have no other details. He is wearing darkened Cap and Collars to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Note the cuff rank pip (single) for 2nd Lieutenant. He is also wearing a Sam Brown belt, with Sword attached (Auckland Libraries collection 31-B0089).

 - Opposite and Above: A solid bronze Officers Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. All are maker impressed to the back of the foot (vertical) to "J R GAUNT LONDON". The Cap badge has two blades or tangs to back, while the Collars have two D shaped copper looped lugs. Note the above left Collar has been polished to front, removing the darkened finish. Size of Cap 42.5mm by 46.5mm, while the Collars are 31.5mm by 33.5mm.

 - Opposite & Above: A gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Note the Collars are opposing, with "Big Toes" to center. Two copper looped lugs to back of Cap, with the Collars having D-shaped copper lugs. All have a maker plaque to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size of Cap is 42.5mm by 46mm, while the Collar is 31.5mm by 32.5mm.

 - Above: A silver washed Cap badge to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Purpose is unknown at this stage. Two looped lugs to back, with maker plaque to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 42.5mm by 46mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 42.5mm by 45.5mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Two copper wire lugs to back, and stamped to back lower banner to "BOCK WELLINGTON". Note the "WB to front banner furl also (on the right). Size 42.5mm by 47mm.

 - Above: A matching opposing pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Both have the "WB" to the outer furl of the lower banner on the far left and far right for William Rose Bock of Wellington. Both have two hex type brass lugs to back and size 33mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Marked to front again to "WB" or William Rose Bock of Wellington, to the right in the lower banner furl. Two brass hex type lugs to back, with not much detail. Size 42.5mm by 46.5mm.

Above: The above are four buttons to the New Zealand Postal & Telegraph. General consensus among collectors is that the white metal version (seen here on the right) are worn by Civilians working for the NZ Government in  New Zealand. The brass versions are still an anomaly and could be military, yet no photo has yet been found which shows their wear.
 - Left: A brass 21mm button with Kings Crown and "P. & T., N.Z" to front. Maker marked to back to "Stokes & Sons, Melb"
 - Above 2nd from Left: A brass 21mm button with Kings Crown and "P. & T., N.Z" to front. Maker marked to back to "Ross & Glenning Ltd"
 - Above 2nd from Right: A white metal, 19mm button, with Kings Crown and "P. & T., N.Z" to front. Maker marked to back to "J. R. Gaunt & Son Ltd, London"
  - Above Right: A white metal, 16mm button, with Kings Crown and "P. & T., N.Z" to front. Maker marked to back to "Buttons Ltd, Bham", with crossed swords.

 - Opposite: A WW2 image of 31881 Signalman Albert William Yates of Gore, who was sadly killed on the 4th of July, 1942 aged 23 in the Western Desert and is buried in El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. He was part of Divisional Signals, and wears a NZ Post & Telegraph Cap badge to his side-hat. It show that the badge was still being worn prior to his departure to Egypt between 1st July 1940 and 31st March 1941 (Auckland Cenotaph).

 - Above: A pair of gilt brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Army Postal Service. The top one is maker marked to "J R GAUNT LONDON" to back. Both have a pair of thick hex type lugs. Size 16mm by 54mm.
 - Opposite: A image probably of 45259 Arthur Orr of the New Zealand Army Postal Service. Arthur was part of of the 22nd Reinforcements, but was posted as part of the NZAPS as soon as he joined (he had previously work for the NZ Govnt as a Telegraphist), starting on the 11th of Jan 1917. He would then go on and serve in France as part of the service. 
Arthur is wearing a set of Cap and Collars badge to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. He has on his shoulder board a curved brass NZAPS. Note NZ Forces buttons to his tunic (Waitaki Archive. Id 168459).

 - Above: A pair of darkened shoulder titles to the  New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Both are maker impressed to "J R GAUNT LONDON" to back, and have hex type, brass lugs.

 - Opposite: An image of Sapper A Powell of the New Zealand Engineers, Post and Telegraph Corps. To his shoulder boards is a "NZP&T" curved brass title. He has a pair of NZ P & T Collar badges and a pair of Signalman trade sleeve badges. Note the NZ Forces buttons also to his tunic (Auckland Library collection 31-P0934).

Above & Opposite: A pair of WW2 era Bakelite and darkened metal Morse Keys to the New Zealand Army. Both have "NZ" to the underside of the Bakelite base, while on top at the end, is marked "Key W.T. 8 Amp No. 2". Both are also NZ Defense Force marked to the handle with "N/I\Z".

New Zealand got the wireless "bug" just prior to WW1, with a number of commercial enterprises offering courses. Dominion Collage seem to have offer a course in 1916 in the "Great Wireless Way", and a 1920 advert indicated you could "See the World" if becoming a "ships Wireless Operator". 
Many of New Zealand Defense Forces I'm sure passed through its doors. They seem to have had Offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

 - Opposite: A small Stirling Silver badge to the Dominion Collage of Wireless of New Zealand. Brooch fitting to back, with a small separate plaque with "Stg Sil" for Stirling Silver.

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Just prior to WW2, the New Zealand Post Office moved its training facilities from Wellington, to the old Army base at Trentham in 1939. Students lived in the old WW1 Army huts while attending the course.
It seems to have operated until at least 1965 (found from information on-line).

 - Opposite - A enamel and gilt metal badge to the "New Zealand Post Office, Signals Training School, Trentham".  Brooch fitting to back, with the maker mark of "Mayer & Kean, Wellington".

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In 1935, New Zealand adopted the British "Mercury" pattern of Signals Corps Cap and Collar badge.
Due to funding issues at the time, the badge was not widely worn and only by 1, 4 and 5 Divisional Signals and also by the District Signals and Fortress Signals in New Zealand. Many others continued to wear the NZ Post and Telegraph Corps badge.
All members of the NZ Corps of Signals who served overseas during WW2 wore the generic NZ ONWARDS Cap Badge.

 - Above: A scarce Officers gilt fired, solid backed and silver center (not marked) Cap and Collar badge to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. Copper looped lugs to back, no maker mark.

 - Above: A possible image of 484283 Maurice Spring (MM), here wearing a Cap badge to the New Zealand Corps of Signals on his 4th type Light Blue/Dark Blue/Light Blue puggaree to his Lemon Squeezer. Image is dated the 23rd of June 1943. Note the white/blue formation patch to his upper right sleeve (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1943.1021).

 - Above: A variation on the New Zealand Corps of Signals Cap and Collar badge in darkened finish. Note the Cap has a slider to back. No maker marks to either.

 - Opposite: A striking image of a Captain in the New Zealand Corps of Signals. He wears a darkened "Onwards" Cap badge to his hat, but has a darkened  New Zealand Corps of Signals Collar. He also appears to wear a ribbon for the Military Cross. Sadly image is not named or dated.

- Opposite Left & Above: A other ranks gilt brass and white metal  Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. All have copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
 - Opposite Right: A gilt brass and white metal Cap badge to the New Zealand Corps of Signals. Long brass slider to back, but no maker mark.

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 and 2nd Type system which came into effect from New Zealand's entry into WW2

- Above: A type 1 or 2, NZ Divisional Signals. A circular unit patch, white over light blue. Size 38mm diameter (approximately). Worn above the following 4 patches (as type 1) or by itself (type 2 - image from the internet).

 - Above: A 1st type, NZ Signals Headquarters unit patch. Size 63mm by 58mm.

 - Above: A 1st type, NZ 1 Company unit patch. Size 60mm by 60mm (approximately - image from the internet). 

 - Above: A 1st type, NZ 2 Company unit patch. Size 60mm by 60mm (approximately - image from the internet). 

 - Above: A 1st type, NZ 3 Company unit patch. Size 60mm by 60mm (approximately - image from the internet). 

 - Above Right: An image of a Mr C G Wienstead', dated the 5 August 1940, and taken in Wellington by Spencer Digby Studios. He is wearing a circular patch top top of his sleeve of white over blue. Below is a larger patch of white over blue with a khaki triangle signifying 3 Company NZCS. Note his NZP&TC Cap badge (Te Papa B.085946).

In 1947, the Corps was awarded the prefix "Royal", and this meant a change in title and badge. Again, the UK pattern of badge was adopted by the Corps.
Motto: CERTA CITO (Fast and sure).
Current Base/HQ: Linton Military Camp

 - Opposite & Above: A gilt fired brass & silver (marked) Cap and Collar badge set to the Royal New Zealand Signals. Most of these badges are British, with a separate lower scroll attached, and brazed to middle and either end. Impressed to back to "J R Gaunt London" and "S" for Silver. All have looped lugs to back. The Cap badge crown, is tanged to back. Size of Crown 10mm by 10mm, size of Cap and Collars 40mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A back image to show the difference between a Cap badge (left) and a Collar badge (right). Its all in the length of the lugs, with the longer being the Cap badge, and shorter being the Collar. Both these badges are pictured above, and are impress to "J R Gaunt London" and "S" for Silver.

 - Above: A gilt brass & white metal Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Signals. Long looped lugs to back, with the crown, having a single hex lug. Size of Crown 11mm by 11mm, size of Cap 40mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A gilt brass & white metal Collar badge to the Royal New Zealand Signals. D shaped copper lugs to back, and maker impressed to "J R Gaunt London". Size 40mm by 26mm.

- Opposite: A rare image of a design drawing for the Cap Badge to the Royal NZ Corps of Signals. Dated 8th June 1964. Note the Queens crown for QEII (Clothing - Badges - RNZ Corps of Signals R22441673 AAYS 213-12-31).

 - Opposite & Above: A gilt Brass & white metal Cap and Collar badge set to the Royal New Zealand Signals. All have looped lugs to back. The Cap badge crown, has a hex lug to back. Size of Crown 11mm by 11mm, size of Cap and Collars 40mm by 26mm.

 - Above: A set of anodised aluminium staybrite Cap badge and collars to the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals. No maker mark to back and come either with lugs or pins. Not a great badge in terms of wear or to collect as they are rather fragile and break either on the pins to back or on the leg in the center.

 - Above: A Officers bullion and dark green cloth Beret badge to the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals.
No maker mark to back. Size 58mm by 37mm roughly.

 - Above: The current version of the Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Signals Corps in gilt and white metal. This badge has screw posts to back, but no maker mark.

 - Above: Cloth Shoulder titles to the Royal New Zealand Signals Corps. White letters on a Spectrum Blue background. The top title is smaller, but a little grubby through wear.

National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6584 was assigned to "Insignia, Service Hat and Service Cap, RNZSIGS, All Ranks" on the 17th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6585 was assigned to "Insignia, Service Hat and Service Cap, RNZSIGS, Gilt" on the 17th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6601 was assigned to "Insignia, Branch of Service, RNZSIGS, Collar Right, All Ranks" on the 17th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4180 was assigned to "Insignia, Branch of Service, RNZSIG, Collar Gilt and Silver, RH" on the 15th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4323 was assigned to "Brassard, RNZSIG, Dispatch Rider" on the 8th of Oct 1979.
 
The following are incredibly hard to get, the anodised aluminium buttons to the Royal New Zealand Signals Corps.
I have seen these go for huge sums in terms of price for modern anodised aluminium buttons.

 - Above Left: A silver tone, fixed shank 26mm anodised aluminium button to the Royal New Zealand Signals Corps. Brass backed, with the maker marked of "GAUNT LONDON".
 - Above Right: A silver tone, fixed shank 14mm anodised aluminium button to the Royal New Zealand Signals Corps. Brass backed, with the maker marked of "GAUNT LONDON".

 - Above: For comparison, a silver tone, fixed shank 26mm anodised aluminium button to the British Royal Signals Corps. Note the lack of lower banners around the globe. Brass backed, with the maker marked of "GAUNT LONDON". Picture is of a button to my Grandfathers No. 2 dress uniform. He served 20 years in the Royal Signal Corps, serving in Malaya and Northern Ireland.

National Stock Number 8455-98-104-0434 was assigned to "Button, Insignia, 22 (14mm) Line (Ligne) All Ranks RNZ SIGS" on the 1st of Jun 1990.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-0435 was assigned to "Button, Insignia, 30 (19mm) Line (Ligne) All Ranks RNZ SIGS" on the 1st of Jun 1990.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-0436 was assigned to "Button, Insignia, 40 (25mm) Line (Ligne) All Ranks RNZ SIGS" on the 1st of Jun 1990.

 - Above: A embroidered thread and cloth Signalers Sleeve badge (Ian Hamilton Collection).

 - Above: A embroidered thread and cloth Signalers Sleeve badge (Ian Hamilton Collection). Slight differences in flag ends.

 - Above: A gilt brass and enamel Signalers Sleeve trade or proficiency badge. Perfect, with brass backing plate (Ian Hamilton Collection).

 - Above: Same badge again, but this is how you often find them, with sadly the enamel being damaged. Four copper looped lugs to back, no maker mark.

 - Above: A gilt brass Signalers Sleeve badge.  Four copper looped lugs to back, no maker mark.

 - Above: A gilt brass Signalers Sleeve badge.  Four copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note the pattern to the flags is different to the other.

 - Above and Opposite: The 1st type puggaree to fit the Lemon Squeezer hat to the New Zealand Engineers, which at the time included the New Zealand Corps of Signals and the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps. Khaki/Dark Blue/Khaki. Marked to inside with size only, in purple ink to "6 3/4". Note the puggaree has been folded front side on.

 - Above & Opposite: The 4th type puggaree to fit the Lemon Squeezer hat to the Royal New Zealand Signal Corps.
Slightly fade in colour, it was worn just prior to WW2. Marked to inside with size only, in purple ink to "7". Note the puggaree has been folded side-on.
1st type: -  Intro 1912 - Khaki/Dark Blue/Khaki.
2nd type: - Intro 1923 - Khaki/Light Blue/Khaki
3rd type: -  Intro 1935 - Khaki/Half White - Half Light Blue/Khaki.
4th Type: -  Intro 1939 - Light Blue/Dark Blue/Light Blue.

 - Above: A pair of Signal Duties armbands, worn in both wars by Officers & NCO's engaged in communications. Worn white over blue on both arms. Note the tapered 
strap which feeds into the buckle to control fit around the soldiers sleeve (image from the internet)
 - Opposite: An image of Sergeant (later 2nd Lieut) 4/508 Roy Finlayson Ellis (MM & MID) who is wearing both armbands to his sleeves, he was part of NZ Divisional Signals Company, NZE. He wears a set of flaming grenade Collars to his tunic and curved brass "NZE" shoulder titles to its straps. Part of the main body, Roy spent 4 years and 63 days overseas during WW1. He then served in New Zealand during WW2 (Service No 800771) until being put on the reserve list in 1943 (© IWM   HU 121739)

MM - 4/508 Sergt R F Ellis
L.G. 9 December 1916, p12058, Rec No 166
 Actions: Switch Line, South east of High Wood and Flers 15th/16th September, and following days. This non-commissioned officer was in command of the signalling staff at my forward Brigade report centre. Sergeant Ellis worked with such indefatigable energy and success in maintaining the lines that my Brigade headquarters was never out of touch with the forward battalions during the fighting on the 15th inst. Later, when the Brigade again took over the front line, on the night of the 18th September, he and his linesmen laid lines to the battalions, constantly under heavy shell fire, and maintained them under these trying conditions, till the Brigade was relieved on the evening of the 21st September. 
Though the lines were continually being broken, Sergeant Ellis with his small party of signallers worked so well that it was never necessary to resort to visual signalling.

 M.I.D. 2nd Lieutenant, Divisional Signal Company, New Zealand Engineers
 L.G. 28 May 1918, p6204, Rec No 1971
 From September 1917 until wounded on 5th February 1918, he was in charge of 1st N.Z.F.A. Brigade Signals, and has displayed great energy and ability in discharge of his duties. He is a most fearless officer, and his personal example has been of the greatest value to his section

Fakes & Forgeries

 A fake or reproduction Cap badge to the New Zealand Post & Telegraph Corps.
 - Not well done to front, with pitting on the ankle and that orangey-yellow colour.
 - To back is no detail, with pitting and stippling to surface. Note the large flat area at base, where the excess brass from the mold has been filed flat from the casting process.
 - Two small copper looped lugs to back, which are not found on originals. They look to be soldered on.
 - Size 42mm by 45mm.

New Zealand Special Air Service

The New Zealand Special Air Service started out as part of the British 22nd Special Air Service Regiment in 1955. in 1959, it became a separate Corps of the New Zealand Army.
In 1963 its title changed to the 1st Ranger Squadron, New Zealand Special Air Service.
In April 1978, its title reverted back to 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron.
Motto: WHO DARES WINS.

 - Above : A Silver bullion and thread Beret badge to the 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. No maker mark to back.

 - Above: A well worn other ranks woven Beret badge to the 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. No maker mark to back.

 - Above: A similar other ranks Beret badge to the 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron from the estate of John Damon  (Ian Hamilton collection).

 - Above: A pair of Gilt fired brass and Silver collar badges to the 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. Two looped lugs to back, but no maker mark to back.

 - Above Right: A pair of non-matching cloth shoulder titles to the 1 New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. The top set is a older style, with paper backing and maybe faded lettering. The bottom set has a cloth backing material and feels a more modern manufacture.

 - Opposite Left: A 26mm, anodised aluminium, silver toned button to the New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. Brass backed, it has a fixed shank and is marker marked to "FIRMIN LONDON".
 - Opposite Middle: A 19mm, anodised aluminium, silver toned button to the New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. Silvered metal backed, it has a fixed shank and is marker marked to "LONDON BADGE & BUTTON".
 - Opposite Right: A 14mm, anodised aluminium, silver toned button to the New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron. Silvered metal backed, it has a fixed shank but no maker mark.

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National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4185 were assigned to "Insignia, Branch of Service, NZ SAS, Collar" on the 15th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4186 were assigned to "Insignia, Branch of Service, NZ SAS, Collar" on the 8th of Oct 1979.

 The Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG) was set up in December 2005 to augment the domestic Counter Terrorist (CT) role the 1st NZ Special Air Service Group already maintained. 
It became D Squadron of New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron, but looks to have been terminated by the NZDF in May 2025 and its role transferred to the New Zealand Police Special Tactics Group (STG - See NZ Herald "NZSAS elite domestic terror Commando unit quietly shelved as police anti-terror team steps up" - 9th of May 2025).
The below 1st and 2nd patterned badges, adopted in 2008, represents the trinity or "tri-service" capability of the organisation.

 - Above: The 1st pattern Cap badge to the New Zealand Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group. Made from a silver metal, solid to back, it has two screw posts to back and a maker mark, which I believe says "THEO MAYER, AUCK". Size 50mm by 37mm. Smaller versions are worn as collar badges in the same design.

 - Above Right: A 2nd patterned, non-void set of Cap and Collar badges to the New Zealand Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group. A cloth version also exists.

Fakes and Forgeries

 The following are images of what was sold as a "copy" of the above 1st Pattern badge. It could have been made the firm who made the orginals, and sold as a collectors or a association badge . It appears to be in cast silver (which the originals are not), and has marked "925" and in this badges cast a engraved number of "41". The Maker mark is correct, which is to "THEO MEYER, AUCKLAND".

 - Opposite, Above & Above Right: The front and the back of the NZ CTTAG badge. Based on the above rulers included in the pictures, the size is similar to that of the above issued Cap badge.

 (continued) Note the lugs, which are white metal loops. On originals they are screw posts, they are also NOT marked "925" and are not numbered.

New Zealand Staff Corps

The New Zealand Staff formed in 1911, and was the Staff Corps for the New Zealand Territorial Force.
In times of war, it merged with the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps, as it did so during WW1 and WW2.

 - Above: A darkened semi-solid bronze Officers Cap badge to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Two blades or tangs to back, with maker mark impressed to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 35mm by 32mm

 - Above: A matching pair of semi-solid, bronze Collar badges to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Both have two D shaped copper loops to back and a maker impressed mark to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 35mm by 32mm.

 - Above: An image of 37050 Lieutenant (Temp Captain) William Ralph Burge  (MC & Bar), here with a set of New Zealand Staff Corps badges to his Lemon Squeezer and tunic collars. Note the rosette to his MC ribbon denoting the awarding of the Military Cross twice (Archive NZ R24184733).

 - Above: An image of 15/35 Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Charles William Melvill, here wearing a New Zealand Staff Corps Collar badge to his tunic. He would later command the NZ Forces in NZ in 1924-1925 (© IWM HU 125546).

 - Above: An image of 12/13 Captain Charles Harold McClelland, here wearing a British Lion over crown badge with a pair of New Zealand Staff Corps Collar badges. Note he wears the NZ Staff Corps buttons to his tunic (© IWM HU 117351).

37050 Lieutenant William Burge, 2nd Batt., Wellington Regiment - MC
L.G. 2 December 1918, p14289
Finding that enemy had some well posted machine-gun on the flank of a battalion which he was supporting, he led his men forward, and with the assistance of a tank, cleared out the machine-gun nests, and secured the flank. Later on he pushed forward to the assistance of a battalion that was held up, and collecting all the men he could, he acted with great success. Throughout the day he displayed great
personal courage and fine initiative.

37050 Lieutenant (Temp. Captain) William Burge, 2nd Batt., Wellington Regt - Bar M.C. 
L.G. 1 February 1919, p1638, Rec No 2970
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 1st October 1918, near Crevecoeur, in command of the left attacking company. Within half an hour of gaining his objective a strong counter-attack developed against the battalion on his left, which withdrew, leaving him isolated. He held his ground long enough to enable reserves to be pushed up. Although severely wounded and greatly shaken by a shell bursting close to him, he stuck to his company until the danger was past. His example prevented his men giving a yard of ground.

 - Above: A gilt fired Collar to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Semi-solid, with two D shaped looped lugs to back and the maker mark impressed to "FIRMIN LONDON". Size 35mm by 31.5mm.

 - Above: A darkened semi-solid bronze Collar badge to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Two copper D shaped lugs to back and the impressed details to "DOWLER BIRMINGHAM". Size 35mm by 32mm.

The NZSC Shoulder Title
  There can be some confusion over the curved brass N.Z.S.C title, and what it represents.
Certainly NZSC can stand for New Zealand Staff Corps, and the below, small type is backed up by that fact that this height of title is also found in RNZA, NZDC and NZPS.
Within New Zealand, during WW1, NZSC could also stand for New Zealand Specialist Company (Reinforcements who trained as Machine Gunners, Signalers and other specialised fields), and hopefully below will show the slight difference between the two types. 

The New Zealand Corps of Signals used either the NZE (which the Corps was part of early on) or the NZCS brass curved shoulder title.

 - Above: A gilt brass, curved shoulder title to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Die stamped, it has two hex type lugs to back. No maker mark and size 15mm by 53mm.

 - Above: A slightly smaller, gilt brass, curved shoulder title to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Die stamped, it has two hex type lugs to back. No maker mark and size 14mm by 46mm.

 - Above: A non-matching pair of small size curved brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Staff Corps (N.Z.S.C). Top has a pair of thin brass, hex type lugs to back, while the base title has two copper, D shaped lugs. Both size 11mm by 45mm.

New Zealand Specialist Company
The following I believe display characteristics which would be more WW1 Reinforcement than NZ Army Staff Corps

 - Opposite & Above: A hand cut, sheet brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Specialist Company. Two brass type hex lugs, sometimes found on WW1 NZ reinforcement badges. No maker and size 15mm by 50mm.

 - Above: A pair of die stamped, curved brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Specialist Company, which were part of the NZ Reinforcement drafts, which trained during WW1. Note the stippling between letters to front, which is common to Stokes & Son of Melbourne made titles. To back are two tome stone like lugs commonly found on WW1 NZ Reinforcement badges. No maker mark and size 15mm by 48mm.

 - Opposite Left: A 25mm gilt brass button to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Maker marked to "J R Gaunt & Son Ltd. London, Engld."
 - Opposite Center: A 19mm gilt brass button to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Maker marked to "J R Gaunt & Son Ltd. London, Engd."
 - Opposite Left: A 16mm gilt brass button to the New Zealand Staff Corps. Maker marked to "J R Gaunt & Son Ltd. London, Engd."

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Other makers and sizes (Brentt Jones collection):
Brass  - 13.2mm "JR Gaunt London", 16.7mm "JR Gaunt & Son London", 16.7mm "JR Gaunt & Son London Eng'd", 16.7mm no maker, 17mm "JR Gaunt & Son London", 20.3mm "JR Gaunt & Son Ltd London Eng'd", 25.5mm "JR Gaunt & Son Ltd London Eng'd".
 Blackened Brass - 16.6mm "JR Gaunt & Son London Eng'd"
 Gilt - 13mm "JR Gaunt & Son Ltd London Eng", 16mm "Gaunt London",
The following JR Gaunt & Son Ltd London Eng'd - 20mm, 20.6mm, 21mm,25mm, 26mm.

The New Zealand Staff Corps was formally disbanded in Jan 1947.

New Zealand Temporary Staff

During WW2, the New Zealand Temporary Staff was set up to augment the Permanent and NZ Staff Corps. It existed from 1939 to 1945.
They wore the below "NZ Fern" badge, but they themselves were also worn (unofficially) by other units, as the fern is New Zealand national symbol.
Post 1949, this badge was used by men serving in as part of the Compulsory Military Training (C.M.T) Scheme. 

 - Above: A Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Temporary Staff. Note you can find these in Brass or darkened copper, with some having longer lugs to back than others, maybe indicating a Cap badge opposed to a Collar. The two pointing to the right (above) are maker marked to back to "M & K Ltd", for Mayer & Keane Limited, who were based in Wellington. All have thick copper looped lugs, and size is 18mm by 42mm.

 - Above: A group of mainly 3rd (Auckland) Infantry NCO's on some steps in New Zealand at some stage during WW2. Note the chap on the left, back, who is also a WW1 veteran, with ribbons to his chest. He is also wearing the New Zealand Temporary Staff Cap and collars. The Staff Sergeant on the far right, front row is also wearing a crossed rifles Marksman sleeve badge on his right sleeve in cloth.

 - Above: A Cap or Collar badge in darkened copper to the New Zealand Temporary Staff.  Two hex type copper lugs to back. No maker mark and 18mm by 42mm in size.

 - Above: A Cap or Collar badge in gilt brass to the New Zealand Temporary Staff.  Two pressed type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and 19mm by 42mm in size.

 - Above: A Cap or Collar badge in gilt brass to the New Zealand Temporary Staff.  Two thin wire copper lugs to back. No maker mark and 19mm by 41.5mm in size.

National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6615 was assigned to "Service Hat & Service Cap Insignia, NZGS, Fernleaf, Brass" on the 18th of Jan 1979.

 - Above & Opposite: Three different types of the New Zealand Temporary Staff shoulder title in gilt brass. Sadly taken from a great distance, the detail in the picture is poor, but it shows they do exist, though are uncommon (the above straight type is T Heighway collection, opposite are from the internet).

Fakes & Forgeries

Below is a fake or reproduction Temporary Staff Cap or Collar badge.
 - Detail to front is OK, but the colour is wrong and a orangey-yellow.
 - To back, it lacks all reverse detail, with pitting and holes in the metal.
 - Two small copper lugs to back, which are not found on the originals.
 - Size is 18mm  by 41.5mm.

New Zealand Veterinarian Corps

New Zealand Army Veterinarian Service was formed in 1906 from Volunteer Officers.
The Corps was then formed in 1907, and at was not only responsible for selecting the Horses which were to accompany the NZ Soldiers overseas, but also the health and well-being once the animals arrived in the Middle East.
Three Veterinarians were initially sent with the Main Body, which left NZ in October 1914.
 Subsequently two  "Mobile Veterinarian Section"s of 28 men were formed in NZ, and then sent onto Egypt, to assist. One for the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, and one for the New Zealand Infantry.
After the withdrawal from Gallipoli and the formation of the New Zealand and ANZAC Divisions in April 1916. these two New Zealand  Mobile Veterinarian Section were initially disbanded and then reformed into larger units, with one based in the Middle East, while the other seeing action in France and the Western Front.

Cap Badge - On the 10th of July 1911, their badge was approved and described as a "Badge of the A.V.C substituting the monogram "N.Z.V.C" i.e. monogram of N.Z.V.C. surmounted by an oak-leaf wreath & surmounted by a crown".
Collar Badge - "Smaller".
(Badges - Regimental - Territorial Force, R23534556 AD1 AAYS 13-13 Archives NZ).
Further to the above, another file indicates
"Badge - Within a oak wreath, surmounted by a crown the monogram "N.Z.V.C".
Dress Badge - Similar design in gilt with monogram in white metal.
Crest - Crown surmounting an eight point star bearing the words "New Zealand Veterinary Corps" and Royal Cypher".
(Cadets, Regimental Badges and Uniforms R21078962 Box 19 AD37 24 c1912 Archives N.Z.).
Motto: (none in the 1st NZEF - as noted in R17187868 AALI W3508 7291 Archives NZ)

 - Above: A two piece, gilt fired brass with frosted silver center overlay Cap badge for a Officer in the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. Two blades or tangs to back, but with no maker mark. The center is riveted on to the brass body of the badge in two places to back (Image from the internet).

 - Above: A single piece, darkened bronze, solid Officers Cap Badge to New Zealand Veterinarian Corps, with Laurel Boarder. Two blades or tangs to back (though one is missing), with maker plaque for "FIRMIN, LONDON" to back of crown. Size 42.5mm by 30.5mm.

  - Above: A darkened bronze, solid Officers Cap badge to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. Note the change to a Fern leaf wreath. It has two tangs to back with no maker mark.  Size 43mm by 32.5mm.

  - Opposite: A pair of darkened Bronze Officers Collar badges to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps, with Fern leaf wreath. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to each, with no maker mark to either. They are also quiet a rough cast to back. Size 32mm by 22.5mm.

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Initially when the Other Ranks arrived in Egypt for the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps, they worn no badge. Unofficially they approached local Egyptian manufacturers who made the below for the men sometime in 1915. 

 - Opposite and Above: A pair of cast brass Cap badges to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. The "17" is the Corps number, and is beneath the crown on the opposing badge. It has a long brass slider cast into the back. The above badge is a "cut-down" version, with wreath and crown removed. Two wire loops have been soldered to back, behind the lower bottom scroll. No maker mark and size of opposite badge 60mm by 42mm, size of above badge 40mm by 36mm.

 - Above: The Collar badges for the above Cap badge in Cast brass to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. The right Collar (above) was also worn as a Cap badge. They have brass ribbon like lugs cast into the back of the badge. The left has a replaced copper wire lug, just seen in the back of the picture. Size 42mm by 32mm with no maker mark.

 - Above Right: An image of brothers 17/68 Harry Goddard and 17/67 James Goddard, here wearing the above cast brass Collar badges of the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps to their tunics (Auckland Cenotaph).

 - Above: A Pair of gilt brass Cap badges to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. Both are maker marked to back with a small plaque to crown to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Note the right has a non-void crown. Both have copper looped lugs and are 44mm by 33mm.

1.  - Above: A pair of other ranks, gilt brass Collar badge to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. Both have maker plaques to back to "J R GAUNT LONDON", along with two D shaped copper looped lugs to each. Size 32mm by 22.5mm.
   

 - Above: A single piece, gilt brass cap badge to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. No maker mark, with two copper looped lugs. This badge has been heavily lacquered, with size 44mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A pair of die stamped gilt brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps. (NZVC). Maker impressed to back of the "Z" (top one) and "V" (bottom one) to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 52.5mm by 14.5mm.

 - Above: A pair of thin gilt brass shoulder title with hex type lugs to back to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps (NZVC). No maker mark, and these look hand made. Size 54mm by 15mm.

- Above: A cast brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Veterinarian Corps (NZVC). Hex lugs to back, with no maker mark and size 51mm by 14mm.

 - Above: A 1911 pattern, 25.2mm, gilt brass, fixed shank button to the New Zealand Army Veterinarian Service. Maker marked to "FIRMIN & SONS Ld, LONDON". Note George V Cypher to center.

 - Above: A 1911 pattern, 19mm, gilt brass, fixed shank button to the New Zealand Army Veterinarian Service.  Maker marked to "FIRMIN & SONS Ltd, LONDON".(B Jones Collection).

In 1947, the New Zealand Veterinarian Service was disbanded.

Fakes and Forgeries

Below is a fake or reproduction New Zealand Veterinarian Corps Cap badge
 - Colour to front is wrong, and a orangey-yellow, but detail is also lacking.
 - To back is some detail, but the bottom edge, right, has a flat area, which shows the badge is cast, and this is here the excess brass has been filed off. The Gaunt maker plaque, which is on the original, and has been cast to the back of the crown, also has no detail or maker mark.
 - Two ribbon copper looped lugs are to back.
 - Size 43mm by 32.5mm.

Above: A suspect badge. These early NZVC badges are cast anyway, as originals, so detail is not great in the first place.
 - Colour and detail to front is not great. The crown is also a slightly different shape to the originals, and the head of the horse is attached to the "17".
 - To back is a raised cast area, showing where the badge has come from its mold. Originals are smooth to back.
 - Size 42mm by 30mm, so narrower than the originals.

New Zealand Women's National Service Corps

Formed at the outbreak of WW2 in 1940, the New Zealand Women's National Service Corps (NZ WNSC) was part of a move to allow volunteers to assist the New Zealand Defense Force in any way.
"At a meeting of the Emergency Precautions Committee last night, ........ there were ways in which citizens could assist in the war effort. The National Service Corps in Christchurch was composed of men and women who were prepared to assist in any way in which their particular ability might be utilised. For instance, the military authorities often required clerical assistance, or they might need the services of experienced typists for an hour or two. The work of fitting out the men with uniforms often called for the help of drapers’ assistants. and the authorities would communicate with the National Service Corps, who would immediately supply the help needed"
(Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21716, 26 July 1940, Page 6)

 - Above: A die stamped, gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Women's National Service Corps (W.N.S.C). No maker mark and with two copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 43mm by 40mm.

 - Opposite: An image of Betty Constance Browne (later service number 809687) who is a member here of the NZ Women's National Service Corps. Note the WNSC Cap badge to her soft peaked cap, which appears to be a similar style of uniform as the WWSA (see below). She would later go on and serve with the NZ Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in Italy with the rank of Sergeant (Auckland Cenotaph website).

New Zealand Women's War Service Auxiliary

The New Zealand Women's War Service Auxiliary was set up in July 1940 to coordinate at a national level the war efforts of New Zealand Women.
Its members were all volunteers, part-time, who wanted to help and "do their bit" for New Zealand.
It included the following:
 - Land Group (which became the "Land Service" in 1941 - see below)
 - Clerical Section
 - Canteen Section
 - Hospital Group
 - Obstetrical Group
 - Signalling Group
 - Transport Group
It formed part of the Emergency Reserve Corps which also included the Home Guard and Emergency Precautions Service.

 - Above: A gilt coated, copper and Blue enamel Cap badge to the New Zealand Women's War Service Auxiliary (N.Z.W.W.S.A). Brooch fitting to back in a East/West configuration with maker mark of "BOCK WELLINGTON". Size 16mm by 43mm. Note this is for "members", Officials wore the same badge, but with "OFFICIAL" below the "W.W.S.A".
 - Opposite: Two members of the New Zealand Women's War Service Auxiliary wearing the above badge to their soft caps. Identified as Mossman, and dated the 19th of Jan 1945. Note the "group" sleeve titles to their shirts of "FIRE" and "CYCLE" (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1945.1432).

The following appeared in the Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1942, Page 2 describing the uniform of the NZ WWSA: 

 "The uniform, to be worn by such officials as are approved by the Minister of National Service, is to be a khaki cotton drill costume uniform with four military pockets in the coat, self-coloured belt, uniform to be worn with khaki shirt and tie, skirt, pleated side back and side front.
A soft-crowned cap with visor will be worn."

"The uniform for other members is to be a khaki cotton drill coat frock with three- military pockets, two on the skirt and one on the left breast, self-coloured belt, buttons affixed in front, tie to be worn in colour according to the training section to which the member belongs, and a soft-crowned cap with visor."

"The badges to be worn by officials are N.Z. over W.W.S.A. over official, and for other members N.Z. over W.W.S.A."

"The arm-band to be worn by members of the Women's War Service Auxiliary on approved occasions when not in uniform will bear a crown and the letters W.W.S.A. in red on white cloth."

 - Above: A white Cotton with red ink letters armband to the New Zealand Women's War Service Auxiliary. (Auckland Museum collection 2003.25.1).

 - Above: Another armband to Pte (Truck Driver) Esme Bright Carter who served in the NZ WWSA during WW2. Esme has highlighted her armband by adding red thread to the outline of the letters and crown (Auckland Mueseum 2004.124.2).

"The emblems to be worn on each shoulder by members of the appropriate group will be:
 - Transport, the word "TRANSPORT' 'in white letters on a blue ground
 - Cycle Corps, the word "CYCLE in white letters on light navy blue ground
 - Signalling, crossed flags, one white and one blue on white ground
 - Canteen, word "CANTEEN" in white letters on red ground
 - Land workers, word "LAND" in white letters on green ground
 - Clerical. word "CLERICAL" in white letters on dark blue ground
 - Nursing, a St. .John's Badge worn on left upper sleeve."
(note there is no mention of "FIRE" in the above list, which may have been added later, and is on the above, front lady's sleeve to signify
 - Fire control, word "FIRE - Artillery fire control instruments - used in NZ coastal batteries).
"The insignia for office bearers is:
 - Division leaders to wear official badge
 - Company leader, star on each upper sleeve and lanyard in approved colour
 - Platoon leader, three chevrons inverted
 - First marker, two chevrons inverted
 - Second marker, one chevron inverted
chevrons in each case to be worn on each forearm in approved colour."

 Initially, in 1940 volunteer ladies of the WWSA were sent over to Cairo as "Welfare Workers" to the Kiwi Soldiers clubs set up for the NZ soldiers serving there as part of the 2NZEF.
In December 1941 some 200 NZ WWSA volunteer were sent to work as Volunteer hospital aids and clerical workers in Egypt.
When the below New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (NZ WAAC) was formed in June 1942, all overseas members of the NZ WWSA were incorporated into the ranks of the NZ WAAC.
 The WWSA continued its work as a Volunteer organisation in New Zealand till well after WW2, with its committee's organising keep fit classes, military drill, general canteen (for soldiers farewells and dances), Soldiers entertainment (games and dances), spinning wool and knitting classes, dispatching of papers and magazines (to soldiers overseas) and other fund raising events (including Patriotic appeals, Poppy fund collecting and War Bond sales) and gardening (including harvesting of crops) to assist the war effort. 

New Zealand Women's Land Corps/Service

In 1941 the New Zealand Women's Land Corps was formed by the New Zealand Women's War Service Auxiliary.
They changed their title to New Zealand Women's Land Service in late 1942.
The service was disbanded at the end of WW2.

 Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Women's Land Service. Two copper looped lugs to back with no maker mark. Size 38mm by 33mm.

 Above: A gilt brass blouse badge to the New Zealand Women's Land Service. Brooch fitting to back with maker mark of "M & K, W" to back, just under the "NZ" to Mayer and Kean of Wellington. Size 38mm by 33mm.

 - Above: A pair of cloth and embroidered New Zealand Women's Land Service titles in mint coloured letters on a brown background, with a lighter brown border. Paper backing with no maker mark. Size 28mm by 102mm.

 - Opposite: The backs of both the Cap and Blouse badge for the New Zealand Women's Land Service. No difference to front, other than the fittings to back. Note the faint maker mark on the Blouse badge, with "M & K" under the "Z" and "W" under the "N" to back.

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 - Above: An image of a Miss Bradley, of the New Zealand Women's Land Service. Here wearing both the hat and blouse badge to her uniform. Image is dated the 9th of June 1944. Note the part "LAND SERVICE" title to shoulder (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1944.0240).

 - Above: An image of Mrs Anderson, taken on the 17th of Oct 1943. Here wearing a wide brimmed hat, with a  New Zealand Women's Land Service Cap badge to its side. She also wears "LAND SERVICE" cloth shoulder titles (Nelson Museum collection 191968).

 - Above: An image of Miss S. E. Brislane, taken on the 8th of Mar 1945. She wears a NZ Women's Land Service Cap badge to her General Service (GS) hat. A "LAND SERVICE" cloth title is to her blouse (Nelson Museum collection 195149).

New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps

The New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps started out as the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (NZ WAAC) in June 1942, and became a Corps of the regular New Zealand Army in 1947.
During WW2, NZ WAAC members were distributed throughout the NZ Army and were "attached" to units. They wore a Collar or Cap badge of the unit they were attached to above the left pocket on their blouse.
Motto: Pro Patria (For our country).

 - Above: A gilt brass cap badge to the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (W.A.A.C). Maker marked to lower back, left to "M & K, W" or Mayer & Kean, Wellington. No collars were issued with this badge.
Size 41mm by 35.5mm.

 - Above: An image of 72153 Thelma Wooldridge, taken on the 17th of July 1945. She is wearing a "ONWARDS" Cap badge to her General Service Cap as Thelma saw overseas service with the 2NZEF in the NZWAAC (Medical Division). She is wearing a 3 year service chevron to her right sleeve and a length of Africa Star ribbon to above her left blouse pocket. Note the Geneva Cross patch to left sleeve (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1945.1717.

 - Above: An image of Miss Jones, taken on the 9th of Aug 1944. She is part of the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, with their Cap badge to her side hat, but is attached to the New Zealand Medical Corps, with a Collar size badge to her tunic, above the left pocket (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1944.2258).

 - Above: An image of a Miss Driscoll, and friend, taken on the 3rd of Jan 1945. Miss Driscoll is part of the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, but attached to the New Zealand Medical Corps (note the collar size badge above the left pocket of her 

(continued) blouse). She also appear to be medically qualified, and has a Geneva Cross patch to her left sleeve which has a black background. Note the Bakelite buttons to her blouse (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1945.1499).

 - Above Right: An image of Miss Wallram, sadly undated. She is again part of the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, with their Cap badge to her side hat, but is attached to the New Zealand Temporary Staff, with their Fern leaf badge to her tunic (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1923-1965.00304).

  - Above: An image of Lance Corporal E Stade, dated the 2nd of Sept 1943. Note the above NZ WAAC Cap badge to her wide brimmed hat and also the darkened (likely Bakelite) 4 star NZ Forces buttons (Nelson Museum collection 191589).

  - Above: An image of Miss A. E. Norriss, taken on the 23rd Sept 1943. Note the side hat with NZ WAAC Cap badge to side. Miss Norriss was  also attached to the New Zealand Signal Corps, as she wears their Cap badge to her tunic (Nelson Museum collection 191672).

  - Above: Another image of Miss A. E. Norriss, again, taken on the 23rd Sept 1943. Note now a wide brimmed hat with the NZ WAAC Cap badge to front. Miss Norriss is still wearing the New Zealand Signal Corps Cap badge to her tunic (Nelson Museum collection 191673).

 - Above: An image of Corporal I. C. Boyd, here wearing a wide brimmed hat with a NZ WAAC badge to front. Note the flaming grenade collar badge to tunic. This could indicate that she is attached to the NZE, NZA or NZSC. Dated 5th of Nov 1943 (Nelson Museum collection 191980).

 - Above: Two members of the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in Japan, and deployed as part of Jayforce, or the Allied Occupation of Japan. The two ladies are wearing their New Zealand Forces Club uniform, which has a slip-on "NEW ZEALAND" shoulder title to each side, and a printed image of a "ONWARDS" badge, with kings crown, but instead of "ONWARDS" to lower banner, there are the letters "N.Z.F.C" or New Zealand Forces Club. Likely taken in 1947.

 - Above: An image of a Miss E W Breeze, of the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (W.A.A.C), with their Cap badge to her beret (with backing patch). She was also attached to the RNZSC, and wears their Cap badge to her tunic. Picture is dated the 5th of November 1951 (Signaller; inscribed 'Miss E. W. Breeze', 5 November 1951, Wellington, by Spencer Digby Studios. Spencer Digby / Ronald D Woolf Collection. Gift of Ronald Woolf, 1975. © The copyright holder. Te Papa (B.085490)

 - Opposite & Above: An Officers gilt fired brass, Silver and enamel Cap and Collar badge set to the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps. The Cap is maker marked to "STOKES MELB" to back, while the Collars are not but have lugs in a North/South config, with the loops twisted so that the openings are to the side. A feature more common on a Australian Army Cap/Collar badges.

 - Above: An other ranks Silver and gilt brass Cap badge to the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps. It is maker marked to "STOKES MELB" to back.

 - Above: An image of Miss Ross, dated the 6th of Aug, 1957. She wears the Tartan Green uniform which was approved for the NZ Women's Royal Army Corps in 1954. A Beach Brown coloured diamond backing patch would have been behind her above Cap badge to her Beret (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries WD.002475).

 - Above: A pair of opposing anodised aluminium staybrite Collar badges to the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps. They are both single piece, three tone, with pins and clutches to back. Both are maker marked to "J R Gaunt London".

 - Above: A anodised aluminium staybrite Cap badge, note only 2 tone, with the green missing from central wreath. Separate Tui is again attached to center. No maker mark and pins and clutches to back.

 - Above: A anodised aluminium staybrite Cap and Collar badge to the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps. Both are  three tone, with the Collar a single piece, and Cap 2 piece, with separate Tui applied to center.
Both have looped lugs to back, and the collar is maker marked to "J R Gaunt London.

 - Above: A gilt tone, anodised aluminium 26mm button to the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps. Queens crown, it is maker marked to "Gaunt, London" to back, with fixed shank.

 - Above: A small, gilt metal and resin pin or lapel badge to the New Zealand Women's Royal Army Corps Association. Brooch fitting to back, with a ball catch at the end of the pin. No maker mark and size 21mm by 26mm.

National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4166 was assigned to "Branch of Service Insignia, NZWRAC, Right (Collar)" on the 8th of Oct 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-4167 was assigned to "Branch of Service Insignia, NZWRAC, Collar (Left?)" on the 8th of Oct 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6613 was assigned to "Service Hat & Service Cap Insignia, NZWRAC, All Ranks, Al Anodised" on the 18th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6617 was assigned to "Branch of Service Insignia, NZWRAC, Collar, Al Anodised, RH" on the 18th of Jan 1979.
National Stock Number 8455-98-104-6618 was assigned to "Branch of Service Insignia, NZWRAC, Collar, Al Anodised, LH" on the 18th of Jan 1979.

 - Opposite Top: A early cloth shoulder title to the New Zealand Womens Royal Army Corps. Tartan Green letters on a Beech Brown felt background.

 - Opposite Middle and Bottom: Two cloth shoulder title to the New Zealand Womens Royal Army Corps. Just slight variation in lettering size between them, with white letters on a Tartan green/black felt background.


In July 1977, the corps was disbanded and all personnel were transferred to other parts of the New Zealand Defense Force.

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Fakes and Forgeries

Below is a fake or reproduction of the New Zealand Women Army Auxiliary Corps Cap badge.
Care needs to be take, as this is not bad example, and often originals are very worn anyway, having been polished with pride.
 - Good detail to front, but note there are holes and faults to the Tui's back, in the center right of the badge.
 - The back shows some stippling, but again a not bad effort. The tell tale sign this is a cast badge is the flat, filed area to the bottom left, circled in red, and shows where the excess brass from the casting process has been filed down, flat.
 - Two ribbon like copper looped lugs are to back.
 - Size 40.5mm by 35mm.

New Zealand War Correspondents

Reporters have been with New Zealand troops, reporting on all conflicts they served in. They mainly wore British badges on their uniform as War Correspondents, but there are some slight exceptions.
 - Opposite: A superb image of 9532 Graham Evenson Beamish in the Libyan desert during World War 2. He left with the 3rd Echelon, as a 2nd Lieutenant, attached to the 27th (Machine Gun) Battalion. Presumably he went back to his pre-war profession, which was a reporter in Christchurch.
Photo was taken in 1941, and note his shoulder boards which have separate metal "NZ" above a "WAR/CORRESPONDENT" title, on a dark green background.
 Below the title is a cloth, white on black "NEW ZEALAND" title sewn onto the top of the sleeve. Note also the side-hat to table top, with a "ONWARDS" cap badge, and a British Steel Helmet, upside down, beside it (New Zealand war correspondent G E Beamish in the Libyan desert during World War 2. New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency. Ref: DA-02203-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23101159).

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 - Above: A large, and likely British, single piece, gilt brass shoulder title for a "WAR CORRESPONDENT". Maybe for greatcoat? No maker mark, with two copper looped lugs to back and size 33mm by 78mm.

 - Above: A Lemon Squeezer with the pugaree of Green/Green/Green. Introduced in 1941 and worn by New Zealand War Correspondents.. It has a New Zealand "ONWARDS" Cap badge to front (Image from the internet).

 - Opposite: A unusual brass title issued to 37192 Clement Philip Riley during WW2. Initially a Infantryman (left with the 3rd Echelon of the 2NZEF), he was wounded (North Africa) and while recovering worked as a Cameraman. How this title is worn is unknown, as it is huge in terms of length, and would not fit as a shoulder title. Maybe worn to side-hat or tunic front. Two looped lugs to back (of "E" and "H" (Andrew Edgcombe collection).

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 - Above: An image of 34957 Morgan Douglas Laurenson, who was a member of the 2nd NZEF Broadcasting Unit. The image is dated the 19 Aug 1940, in Wellington, by Spencer Digby Studios. Douglas is wearing a WW1 era "NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE" Cap badge, with two "ONWARDS" Collar badges. To his shoulder boards, are slip-on cloth titles with "NEW ZEALAND BROADCASTING" in white letters on what appears to be black. Douglas left with the 3rd Echelon in 1940 (Te Papa B.084556).

 - Above Top: A Public Relations Officers title, with printed Indian yellow letters on a Rifle Green background.
 - Above Bottom: A Public Relations Officers title, but reverse colours, with Rifle Green embroidered letters on a Indian yellow background.

Young  Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A)

The Young Men's Christian Association or Y.M.C.A. played a major role in WW1 (and WW2) for New Zealand Soldiers, both near the fronts in France, Belgium and around the camps in the Middle East, but also while the men trained in New Zealand or convalesced in the UK .
The Y.M.C.A "Huts" were run by Field Secretaries, who were basically lay preachers of various non-denominational faiths not represented by the official Chaplains, Baptists, and the likes. They worked in the huts in the NZ Camps, accompanied the troops on the troopships and then in the huts in the UK camps and also served in the field in France and in the Middle East.
They would dole out tea and biscuits at the front, provide a place to sit, write (even the stationary to do so) in France and Belgium, to the point where several were wounded. They were granted permission to wear a uniform, and then in around late 1916 the hierarchy of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force decided to attest them into the New Zealand Army, purely from a logistical point of view,  so that they had control over them and their movements.
Approximately a force of some 45 Field Secretaries served overseas during WW1.

 - Above Right: A Type 1, darkened brass, Cap badge to the Y.M.C.A. Made from thick sheet brass, it has two looped lugs behind the central banner. Maker impressed to "STOKES & SONS, MELB" at base point of triangle to back.

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 - Above & Opposite: Two images of Montague William Percy Lascelles (Left in both images) and his son, 52765 Arthur Montague Lascelles (Right in both images). Both are wearing all brass YMCA Cap badges to their hats. Note both also have a YMCA cloth patch on their right sleeve only. I presume a Red triangle on a dark background (blue or black), and letters in white of "Y.M.C.A".  The top image was taken by Crown Studio's of Auckland, and I presume is pre June 1917. Arthur looks to have left NZ for England from July 1917 to  August 1918, and then France. In France he then volunteered to stay on (without pay) from August 1918 to June 1919 as Y.M.C.A Field Secretary.

(continued) His father, Montague was a Special YMCA Commissioner, touring and giving talks on the war and its progress (images from the Auckland Cenotaph website).

 - Above: A image taken from the NZ YMCA produced “The Triangle Trail”, what is now an extremely rare monthly magazine from 1918/19. The image states that it is of the "New Zealand Secretaries at Midmay, Oct 14, 1917.". Sadly no head gear being worn, but note the Collar badges, which are the Triangle of the Y.M.C.A. (Matt Pomeroy Collection).

 - Above and opposite: Sadly a unknown and undated photograph of a New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Field Secretary in uniform with Lemon Squeezer, with a Dark Blue/White/Dark Blue Puggaree. Note the Cap badge and Collars, which appear to be a simple brass Triangles, with the word "Y.M.C.A" through the top (Matt Pomeroy Collection).

An article appeared in the Evening Post on 15th of March  1918, page 8, indicating the "Approval" for the uniform of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A's Field Secretaries as follows:
"APPROVED FOR "Y.M." FIELD SECRETARIES.
 The existing service dress regulations for field secretaries of the Y.M.C.A. serving with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force have been cancelled, and the following substituted:
- Hat (or cap): Field service dress with triangle badge of Y.M.C.A. worn on the puggaree. The puggaree to be dark blue with white center. Cap, service dress with badge of Y.M.C.A. worn in front. 
 - Jacket: Service dress open-breasted pattern as for officers with "New Zealand" on shoulder straps and with triangle badges of Y.M.C.A. on the lower lapels of the jacket.
 - Trousers: Service dress.
 - Great coat: Service dress khaki as for rank and file.
 - Putties: Service dress.
 - Waist belt:, Brown .leather "Sam. Brown" but without shoulder straps.
The above uniform will not be provided by the Defence Department, but caps, hats, jackets, trousers, great coat, and putties may be obtained from Ordnance Stores on pre-payment.
The effect of the new regulations is to give Y.M.C.A. field secretaries practically the same dress as that for officers of the N.Z.E.F., with, however special distinguishing Y.M.C.A. marks in order that they may not be mistaken for officers."

 - Above: This is a very rare image indeed. It comes from a Y.M.C.A album which is held by New Zealand National Army Museum. The album is WW1, but sadly the images contained within, are not dated. This above image shows two Field Secretaries (back row, 2nd and 3rd from the left) wearing their Dark Blue/White/Dark Blue Puggarees and the type 2 New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Cap and Collar badges (shown further below). Location is possibly Sling Camp in the UK, late 1918. (National Army Museum of New Zealand collection)

 - Above: An image of a group of Y.M.C.A Field Secretaries, taken in the UK in July 1919. Note they are all wearing the type 2, New Zealand Y.M.C.A Collar badges, and though we can't quite see the Cap badge on the Lemon Squeezer held in the front row, it has the Dark Blue/White/Dark Blue Puggaree band to it (Matt Pomeroy collection).

 - Above: A type 2, solid backed, bronze NZ YMCA Field Secretaries  Cap badge with tangs or blades to back. Maker impressed to lower back to "J R GAUNT LONDON". The badge has been lacquered to front, which has turned yellow with age. Size 41.5mm by 44mm.

 - Above: A type 2 single piece, darkened copper and red painted Cap badge to the NZ YMCA. Copper looped wire lugs to back, though this is missing one. No maker mark. Collars also appear to have been made, and painted red to the triangle. Size 40mm by 44mm.

 - Above: A type 2 sand cast NZ YMCA Cap badge, probably made in the Middle East, which YMCA personnel were stationed during WW2. Two copper looped lugs cast into the back. Size 39mm by 42mm.

 - Above: A type 2 solid backed, bronze collar badge to the NZ YMCA. Right when worn, with two copper looped lugs. No maker mark. Size 29.5mm by 30.5mm.

 - Above: A darkened type 2, bronze NZ YMCA Collar badge. Left when worn.  Impressed to lower back to "J R Gaunt London". Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back. Size 32mm by 29mm.

 - Above: A pair of hand-cut Shoulder titles in sheet brass to the YMCA. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 15mm by 44mm.

 - Opposite & Above:  A gilt brass and enamel Cap and Collar badge in the 2nd Type to the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Both are marker stamped to back to "YOUNG & Co, AUCKLAND". Two thick wire looped lugs to the back of each in a East/West configuration.

  - Above: A two piece (separate "NZ" over "YMCA"), brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Two thick copper wire looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration (back of "Y" and "A") with maker mark of "YOUNG & Co, AUCKLAND".

 - Above: A small Silver (hallmarked - Anchor & Lion for Birmingham and U for 1919) and enamel brooch to the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. Type 2 style badge to front, with the red triangle and "Y.M.C.A" on a black enamel background. Note the Blue to "NEW ZEALAND" to base. Maker marked to "W.J.D" to back. Size of badge 20mm by 18mm.

 - Above: A small brass and enamel button-hole badge to the Y.M.C.A. Some damage to the enamel to front, and sadly no maker mark to back. Size of badge 14mm by 15mm.

 - Above: A example of YMCA writing paper provide to troops. Here its to Arthur, who was writing home on the 10th of March 1917 from Featherston Military Camp in NZ to girlfriend Gris, who was in Christchurch.
 - Opposite: A small black coloured, waterproof material wallet given out or purchased at the NZ YMCA Huts in France. It has a date of 1918 impressed, and contained two small German paper note coins, both dated 1917.

 - Opposite and Above: A similar NZ YMCA wallet dated 1918. This time in the harder to find Maroon colour. Note the faint New Zealand Division symbol to front. This one also has the popper, which I am missing on the above black version. Size 103mm by 160mm (when open).

 - Above: A image and caption from the Wanganui Chronical, dated the 18th of March 1940 with the following:
 "Y.M.C.A. field secretaries who are going overseas with the Second Echelon. From left, Messrs. J. Kennedy. G. Briggs, and I. Mclver. Mr. Kennedy has been in charge of the Y.M.C.A. Hut at the Central District Mobilisation Camp, Trentham, since the outbreak of war." Note the center image of Mr G Briggs shows a clear outline of a type 2 NZ Y.M.C.A Cap badge. According to references, during WW2 the Puggaree changed to Black/White/Black, but this isn't apparent on his Lemon Squeezer, which looks more Infantry in colours (Khaki/Red/Khaki).

 - Above: A image taken from the Evening Post, 10th of October, 1942 with caption:
 "Mr. H. A. Tankersley, of Carterton, who has been awarded the M.B.E. He is one of the New Zealand secretaries serving with the Y.M.CA. in the Middle East, and ran the canteen in Tobruk almost unaided from the time the town was captured from Rommel until its recapture by the enemy. He is now in charge of the Western Desert service of the Y.M.CA." Though grainy, the image shows Mr Tankersley wearing a type 2 NZ Y.M.C.A badge.

 - Above: An image entitled "Armstrong, Man". It appears that Mr Armstrong is with the RNZAF, and is wearing a 2nd Type gilt brass Y.M.C.A Cap and likely 2nd gilt brass Collars (Nelson Museum collection 190169).

 - Above: The same image entitled "Armstrong, Man", but this time Mr Armstrong is wearing his RNZAF great coat, with straight type Y.M.C.A brass shoulder titles (Nelson Museum collection 190171).

 - Above: An image of R Sharp, taken on the 2nd of Nov 1943. Army this time, he has a 2nd type darkened Y.M.C.A Cap badge to his peaked Cap. Note the straight cloth, slip-on shoulder titles. White letters on a black background (Nelson Museum collection 192162).

 - Above: A type 3, darkened darkened brass Cap badge to the NZ YMCA. This pattern appears to just have been made by Mayer and Kean of Wellington only. I have yet to find a clear photo of it being worn. It has been described as a WW2 pattern, with the Kiwi to top, touching both tips of the Ferns on either side. Certainly it fits their WW2 manufacture, with two copper looped lugs and a maker mark of "M & K, W" for Mayer and Kean, Wellington.
Size 42mm by 45mm.

 - Above Top Right: A pair of type 3 Collar badges to the NZ YMCA in darkened finished brass. Note all Kiwi's are pointing in the same direction as the Cap Badge. I have yet to see an opposing Collar. Both have copper wire loops to back and the maker mark of "M & K, W" for for Mayer and Kean, Wellington. Size 32mm by 29mm.
 - Above Bottom Right: A similar pair of type 3 Collar badges to the NZ YMCA, with one in gilt brass finished (left), while the other (right) has been polished back to brass (dark finish is still to back). Both have copper wire loops to back and the maker mark of "M & K, W" for for Mayer and Kean, Wellington. Size 32mm by 29mm.

 - Above: A type 3, white metal, Cap and Collar badge set to the NZ YMCA. Purpose unknown, but likely made by Mayer and Kean of Wellington (image from the internet).

The Y.M.C.A wore two different coloured pugarees over their unit history
 - 1st Type - Dark Blue/White/Dark Blue - Introduced in March 1918.
 - 2nd Type - Black/White/Black - Introduced in 1941.

 - Opposite: A New Zealand Y.M.C.A Lemon Squeezer, with the 2nd type pugaree of Black/White/Black. It has a type 2 Cap badge to front (Image from the internet).

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