New Zealand Infantry Badges (Part 2)
The 2NZEF
The New Zealand Government declared war against Germany at 9.30 p.m, NZ standard time, on the 3rd day of September, 1939 in line with the UK.
It then set out to create a "Special Force" to fight in the European theater of war, which was later decided to be an Infantry Division.
It was decided at the time to NOT use existing or previous New Zealand Army numbers and unit titles.
The 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force had been raised for WW1, so this contribution in WW2 would be called the 2nd Expeditionary Force or 2NZEF.
Also, the Territorial Force of New Zealand was entitled the 1st Division (tasked with defending New Zealand), so this new force would be entitled the 2nd Division.
Overall command was with Major General Bernard C. Freyberg (VC).
The Territorial Infantry Regiments within NZ were numbered up to "17", with the 17th (Ruahine) Infantry Regiment being the last, it was therefore decided the newly raised infantry WW2 "Battalions" would be numbered from "18" onwards.
- Opposite: One in a series of postcards, which were printed and provided to the New Zealand Troops, featuring images early on of WW2 , to be used and sent home to loved ones. This is entitled to back simply as "KIWI", and shows a New Zealand Soldier, with "ONWARDS" badge to his Lemon Squeezer. Drawn by 579 Capt Peter McIntyre, New Zealand's Official War Artist. It is marked to the back of the card "Capt. Peter McIntyre. Found in the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
The 2nd Division was made up as follows, and sailed in three parts or "Echelons" from New Zealand to Maadi Camp, outside Cairo in Egypt, as follows:
4th Brigade - 1st Echelon
Formed in Sept 1939 from Territorials and Volunteers
- The 18th (Auckland) Battalion - was formed from men of the Northern District (top half of the North Island)
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Gray
Initially called "1 NZ Rifle Battalion"
- A Company - were men from Auckland City & surround
- B Company - Hauraki
- C Company - North Auckland
- D Company - Waikato
Each company wore the badge of its home Territorial regiment.
- Headquarters Company comprised of the specialists which included - signallers, light anti-aircraft platoon, 3-inch mortar platoon, carrier and pioneer platoons, as well as an ‘administrative’ platoon which includes cooks, drivers etc
Initial Camp was at Hopuhopu until Papakura was ready.
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 - arrived 12th Feb 1940
- The 19th (Wellington) Battalion - formed on the 3rd of Oct 1939 from men of the Central District (bottom half of the North Island) - Camp was at the WW1 Camp at Trentham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel F. S. Varnham (MC, ED).
Initially called "19 Wellington Rifle Battalion" and made up of
- A Company - Wellington
- B Company - Wellington West Coast
- C Company - Hawke's Bay
- D Company - Taranaki
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 - arrived 12th Feb 1940
It then set out to create a "Special Force" to fight in the European theater of war, which was later decided to be an Infantry Division.
It was decided at the time to NOT use existing or previous New Zealand Army numbers and unit titles.
The 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force had been raised for WW1, so this contribution in WW2 would be called the 2nd Expeditionary Force or 2NZEF.
Also, the Territorial Force of New Zealand was entitled the 1st Division (tasked with defending New Zealand), so this new force would be entitled the 2nd Division.
Overall command was with Major General Bernard C. Freyberg (VC).
The Territorial Infantry Regiments within NZ were numbered up to "17", with the 17th (Ruahine) Infantry Regiment being the last, it was therefore decided the newly raised infantry WW2 "Battalions" would be numbered from "18" onwards.
- Opposite: One in a series of postcards, which were printed and provided to the New Zealand Troops, featuring images early on of WW2 , to be used and sent home to loved ones. This is entitled to back simply as "KIWI", and shows a New Zealand Soldier, with "ONWARDS" badge to his Lemon Squeezer. Drawn by 579 Capt Peter McIntyre, New Zealand's Official War Artist. It is marked to the back of the card "Capt. Peter McIntyre. Found in the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
The 2nd Division was made up as follows, and sailed in three parts or "Echelons" from New Zealand to Maadi Camp, outside Cairo in Egypt, as follows:
4th Brigade - 1st Echelon
Formed in Sept 1939 from Territorials and Volunteers
- The 18th (Auckland) Battalion - was formed from men of the Northern District (top half of the North Island)
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Gray
Initially called "1 NZ Rifle Battalion"
- A Company - were men from Auckland City & surround
- B Company - Hauraki
- C Company - North Auckland
- D Company - Waikato
Each company wore the badge of its home Territorial regiment.
- Headquarters Company comprised of the specialists which included - signallers, light anti-aircraft platoon, 3-inch mortar platoon, carrier and pioneer platoons, as well as an ‘administrative’ platoon which includes cooks, drivers etc
Initial Camp was at Hopuhopu until Papakura was ready.
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 - arrived 12th Feb 1940
- The 19th (Wellington) Battalion - formed on the 3rd of Oct 1939 from men of the Central District (bottom half of the North Island) - Camp was at the WW1 Camp at Trentham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel F. S. Varnham (MC, ED).
Initially called "19 Wellington Rifle Battalion" and made up of
- A Company - Wellington
- B Company - Wellington West Coast
- C Company - Hawke's Bay
- D Company - Taranaki
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 - arrived 12th Feb 1940
- Opposite: A postcard of New Zealand's Maadi Camp, outside Cairo, in Egypt, as drawn by Capt. Peter McIntyre. Again from the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF. He writes to back:
"9391 Cpl D. R. Campbell, 2 Echelon Office, 2NZEF, MEF, 7/7/42"
"Dear Aunt,
Just a line from Pharaoh's country. This is a scene from our Camp, which rather flatters the old place if anything.
I sent you a few pairs of S. Stockings last mail which I am hoping like left will arrive OK.
I haven't heard from you for about a couple of months however I know that the mail service is fairly erratic at the moment.
Everything is hunky dory over here - hoping this goes for you too. Be Good, Rus".
"9391 Cpl D. R. Campbell, 2 Echelon Office, 2NZEF, MEF, 7/7/42"
"Dear Aunt,
Just a line from Pharaoh's country. This is a scene from our Camp, which rather flatters the old place if anything.
I sent you a few pairs of S. Stockings last mail which I am hoping like left will arrive OK.
I haven't heard from you for about a couple of months however I know that the mail service is fairly erratic at the moment.
Everything is hunky dory over here - hoping this goes for you too. Be Good, Rus".
- The 20th (Canterbury-Otago) Battalion - formed on the 5th of Oct 1939 from men of the Southern District (South Island) - Camp was at Burnham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel H. K. Kippenberger
Initially called "3 NZ Rifle Battalion"
- A Company - Canterbury
- B Company - Southland
- C Company - Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
- D Company - Otago
- E Company
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 - arrived 12th Feb 1940
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel H. K. Kippenberger
Initially called "3 NZ Rifle Battalion"
- A Company - Canterbury
- B Company - Southland
- C Company - Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
- D Company - Otago
- E Company
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 - arrived 12th Feb 1940
5th Brigade - 2nd Echelon
- The 21st (Auckland) Battalion - started to form from the 8th of Nov 1939 (officers and NCO's) with Men arriving from the 12th of Jan 1940 at Papakura
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Macky (MC)
The battalion was recruited largely from Auckland city and North Auckland, with the balance from the Waikato and Hauraki districts.
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 - diverted to UK due to Italy's entry into the War - arrived Egypt March 1941
- Opposite: A postcard of "The Landing - Crete", depicting a scene of Germany's invasion of the Island of Crete by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF. He writes to back:
"9391 Cpl D. R. Campbell, 2 Echelon Office, 2NZEF, MEF, 7/7/42"
"Dear Mark,
I hope you don't think I'm stealing your technique in writing on the back of a postcard, heavens its all right at a pinch.
This is a scene from Crete, - our company was sleeping out in the open near the lower right middle of the picture and bumped off all that came our way.
Things are much the same here except that we have a visitor called Rommel in Egypt at the moment. I don't think he'll be stopping long as the NZ'ers are giving him the cold shoulder in no certain manner at the moment.
Hope the Oysters and Mutton Birds are up to standard - all the best. Rus"
- The 22nd (Wellington) Battalion - formed 18th of Jan 1940 - Camp was Trentham
- A Company - Wellington
- B Company - Wellington West Coast
- C Company - Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
- D Company - Taranaki
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion Sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 - diverted to UK due to Italy's entry into the War - arrived Egypt March 1941
- The 21st (Auckland) Battalion - started to form from the 8th of Nov 1939 (officers and NCO's) with Men arriving from the 12th of Jan 1940 at Papakura
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Macky (MC)
The battalion was recruited largely from Auckland city and North Auckland, with the balance from the Waikato and Hauraki districts.
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 - diverted to UK due to Italy's entry into the War - arrived Egypt March 1941
- Opposite: A postcard of "The Landing - Crete", depicting a scene of Germany's invasion of the Island of Crete by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF. He writes to back:
"9391 Cpl D. R. Campbell, 2 Echelon Office, 2NZEF, MEF, 7/7/42"
"Dear Mark,
I hope you don't think I'm stealing your technique in writing on the back of a postcard, heavens its all right at a pinch.
This is a scene from Crete, - our company was sleeping out in the open near the lower right middle of the picture and bumped off all that came our way.
Things are much the same here except that we have a visitor called Rommel in Egypt at the moment. I don't think he'll be stopping long as the NZ'ers are giving him the cold shoulder in no certain manner at the moment.
Hope the Oysters and Mutton Birds are up to standard - all the best. Rus"
- The 22nd (Wellington) Battalion - formed 18th of Jan 1940 - Camp was Trentham
- A Company - Wellington
- B Company - Wellington West Coast
- C Company - Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
- D Company - Taranaki
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion Sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 - diverted to UK due to Italy's entry into the War - arrived Egypt March 1941
- The 23rd (Canterbury-Otago) Battalion - started to form from the 8th of Nov 1939 (officers and NCO's) with Men arriving on the 12th of Jan 1940 at Burnham. On the 13th of March it was placed on "Active Service"
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel A. S. Falconer
- A Company - Canterbury
- B Company - Southland
- C Company - Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
- D Company - Otago
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 - diverted to UK due to Italy's entry into the War - arrived Egypt March 1941
6th Brigade - 3rd Echelon
- The 24th (Auckland) Battalion - started to form from the 1st of Feb 1940 (officers and NCO's) at Narrow Neck in Auckland, with Men arriving on the 15th of May 1940 at Papakura.
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Shuttleworth
- A Company - Auckland City & surround
- B Company - Hauraki
- C Company - North Auckland
- D Company - Waikato
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on the 28th of Aug 1940 - arrived 27th of Oct 1940
- Above: A postcard entitled "Dressing Station - Meleme", Crete - by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
- The 25th (Wellington) Battalion - formed at Trentham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Wilder
- A Company - Wellington
- B Company - Wellington West Coast
- C Company - Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
- D Company - Taranaki
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on the 28th of Aug 1940 - arrived 27th of Oct 1940
Other units were also training with the 25th at Trentham it for overseas deployment at the time included:
- 8 Field Company,
- New Zealand Engineers
- Divisional Provost Company
- Overseas Base (Records)
- Base Pay Office (Details)
- Base Post Office (Details)
- 2 NZ General Hospital
- 6 Infantry Anti-Tank Company
- Divisional Signals
- Headquarters 6 NZ Infantry Brigade with 19 Light Aid Detachment attached
- Headquarters New Zealand Division (Details)
- 1st Reinforcements of 1228 all ranks
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel A. S. Falconer
- A Company - Canterbury
- B Company - Southland
- C Company - Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
- D Company - Otago
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 - diverted to UK due to Italy's entry into the War - arrived Egypt March 1941
6th Brigade - 3rd Echelon
- The 24th (Auckland) Battalion - started to form from the 1st of Feb 1940 (officers and NCO's) at Narrow Neck in Auckland, with Men arriving on the 15th of May 1940 at Papakura.
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Shuttleworth
- A Company - Auckland City & surround
- B Company - Hauraki
- C Company - North Auckland
- D Company - Waikato
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on the 28th of Aug 1940 - arrived 27th of Oct 1940
- Above: A postcard entitled "Dressing Station - Meleme", Crete - by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
- The 25th (Wellington) Battalion - formed at Trentham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Wilder
- A Company - Wellington
- B Company - Wellington West Coast
- C Company - Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
- D Company - Taranaki
- Headquarters Company
- Battalion sailed from NZ on the 28th of Aug 1940 - arrived 27th of Oct 1940
Other units were also training with the 25th at Trentham it for overseas deployment at the time included:
- 8 Field Company,
- New Zealand Engineers
- Divisional Provost Company
- Overseas Base (Records)
- Base Pay Office (Details)
- Base Post Office (Details)
- 2 NZ General Hospital
- 6 Infantry Anti-Tank Company
- Divisional Signals
- Headquarters 6 NZ Infantry Brigade with 19 Light Aid Detachment attached
- Headquarters New Zealand Division (Details)
- 1st Reinforcements of 1228 all ranks
- The 26th (Canterbury-Otago) Battalion - formed on the 16th of May 1940
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel J. R. Page
- A Company - Canterbury
- B Company - Southland
- C Company - Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
- D Company - Otago
- Headquarters Company
- Sailed from NZ on 28th of Aug 1940 - arrived 27th of Oct 1940
- Opposite: A postcard entitled "Crashed Glider - Crete", by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
- The 27th (Machine Gun) Battalion - formed from Men all over NZ on the 3rd of Oct 1939 at Burnham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Inglis
- 1 Company - Men from North Auckland, Auckland and Waikato
- 2 Company - Taranaki, Wellington West Coast, Wellington, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
- 3 Company - South Island
- 4 Company - members of Scottish Territorial units and men of Scottish descent
- HQ Company
Vickers Machine Guns were ordered in and arrived from Lithgow works in Australia
The Regimental badge - crossed-gun emblem - was issued on the 11th of Oct 1939 in Camp, but later replaced by the "ONWARDS" badge.
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 with the 1st Echelon - arrived 12th Feb 1940
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel J. R. Page
- A Company - Canterbury
- B Company - Southland
- C Company - Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
- D Company - Otago
- Headquarters Company
- Sailed from NZ on 28th of Aug 1940 - arrived 27th of Oct 1940
- Opposite: A postcard entitled "Crashed Glider - Crete", by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
- The 27th (Machine Gun) Battalion - formed from Men all over NZ on the 3rd of Oct 1939 at Burnham
- 1st Commanding Officer - Lieut Colonel Inglis
- 1 Company - Men from North Auckland, Auckland and Waikato
- 2 Company - Taranaki, Wellington West Coast, Wellington, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
- 3 Company - South Island
- 4 Company - members of Scottish Territorial units and men of Scottish descent
- HQ Company
Vickers Machine Guns were ordered in and arrived from Lithgow works in Australia
The Regimental badge - crossed-gun emblem - was issued on the 11th of Oct 1939 in Camp, but later replaced by the "ONWARDS" badge.
- Battalion sailed from NZ on 5th of Jan 1940 with the 1st Echelon - arrived 12th Feb 1940
- Opposite: A postcard entitled "Nazis Bombing The Hospital - Crete", by Capt. Peter McIntyre. From the effects of 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell, 20th Battalion 2NZEF.
- The 28th Maori Battalion - NZ Govnt announced on the 4th of Oct 1939 that a entirely Maori unit was to be raised for the 2NZEF, with initial key positions filled by European New Zealanders, but these would be quickly replaced by Maori where possible. Officers & NCO's reported for training at the end of November 1939 at Trentham. The Battalion formed and trained at the Palmerston North Show Grounds from the 26th of Jan 1940.
- 1st Commanding Officer - Major (later Lieut Colonel) G. Dittmer (MBE, MC) NZSC.
The companies were organised along tribal lines:
- A Company - North Auckland (the Ngapuhi and subtribes)
- B Company - Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taupo and the Thames-Coromandel Area (mostly Arawa confederation and Tuhoe tribes)
- C Company - East Coast, from south of Gisbourne to East Cape (Ngatiporou, Rongowhakaata and subtribes)
- D Company - Covered a large area of Waikato-Maniapoto confederation area south of Auckland and included the Taranaki Tribes, the Ngati Kahungunu of Hawke's Bay-Wairarapa, the Wellington Province, the whole of the South Island, the Chatham and Stewart Island, and odd men from the Pacific Islands.
- HQ Company - composed mainly of men from the surplus of A, B and C Companies
(note the Battalion played a part in New Zealand's Centenary Celebrations (1840 to 1940) before the departing)
- Battalions Sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 with the 2nd Echelon to the UK and then arrived at Maadi Camp in March 1941
- The 28th Maori Battalion - NZ Govnt announced on the 4th of Oct 1939 that a entirely Maori unit was to be raised for the 2NZEF, with initial key positions filled by European New Zealanders, but these would be quickly replaced by Maori where possible. Officers & NCO's reported for training at the end of November 1939 at Trentham. The Battalion formed and trained at the Palmerston North Show Grounds from the 26th of Jan 1940.
- 1st Commanding Officer - Major (later Lieut Colonel) G. Dittmer (MBE, MC) NZSC.
The companies were organised along tribal lines:
- A Company - North Auckland (the Ngapuhi and subtribes)
- B Company - Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taupo and the Thames-Coromandel Area (mostly Arawa confederation and Tuhoe tribes)
- C Company - East Coast, from south of Gisbourne to East Cape (Ngatiporou, Rongowhakaata and subtribes)
- D Company - Covered a large area of Waikato-Maniapoto confederation area south of Auckland and included the Taranaki Tribes, the Ngati Kahungunu of Hawke's Bay-Wairarapa, the Wellington Province, the whole of the South Island, the Chatham and Stewart Island, and odd men from the Pacific Islands.
- HQ Company - composed mainly of men from the surplus of A, B and C Companies
(note the Battalion played a part in New Zealand's Centenary Celebrations (1840 to 1940) before the departing)
- Battalions Sailed from NZ on 2nd of May 1940 with the 2nd Echelon to the UK and then arrived at Maadi Camp in March 1941
Other Units of the 2nd Division:
- Headquarters New Zealand Division,
- Divisional Cavalry Regiment
- HQ Divisional Artillery
4th Field Regiment
5th Field Regiment
6th Field Regiment
7th Anti-Tank Regiment
1 Survey Troop
14th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
- Opposite: A Dec 1945 Christmas card sent by "Jack" to his mate 227424 L/Corporal Des Tomkins of the 19th Battalion and family. It depicts to center the formation sign of the 2nd Division, the White Fern, on a Black Diamond. Note the unit formation signs both above and below for the NZ Divisional Artillery. It features the Radio Call Signs on the symbols which represents each unit on Red over Blue (the Artillery Corps colours). They are as follows 82 - 2NZ Div Arty, 71 - 5NZ Fd Regt, 53 - 6NZ Fd Regt, 3 - HQ Div Arty, 96 - 7NZ A TK Regt, 88 - 4NZ Fd Regt
- HQ Divisional Engineers
5,6,7,8 Companies
- Divisional Signals
- HQ Divisional Army Service Corps
- Divisional Ammunition Company
- Divisional Petrol Company
- Divisional Supply Column
- Reserve MT Company
- 4th, 5th, 6th Field Ambulances
- 4 Field Hygiene Section
- Divisional Provost Company
- Divisional Intelligence Section
- Divisional Postal Unit
- Divisional Employment Platoon
- Divisional Salvage Unit[67]
- Divisional Mobile Bath Unit[68]
- Divisional Mobile Laundry and Decontamination Unit
- Divisional Ordnance Field Park
The following are more items to 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell. His family were originally from Invercargill, but lists a Christchurch address on his enlistment. Rus volunteered, and was part of the 1st Echelon of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, where he joined D Company of the 20th Battalion. Sent to the middle East, he would spend 3 years and 189 days overseas.
Sadly, he was wounded in action (GSW to the leg) and sent home to New Zealand, to be discharged on the 20th of Nov 1943.
- Headquarters New Zealand Division,
- Divisional Cavalry Regiment
- HQ Divisional Artillery
4th Field Regiment
5th Field Regiment
6th Field Regiment
7th Anti-Tank Regiment
1 Survey Troop
14th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
- Opposite: A Dec 1945 Christmas card sent by "Jack" to his mate 227424 L/Corporal Des Tomkins of the 19th Battalion and family. It depicts to center the formation sign of the 2nd Division, the White Fern, on a Black Diamond. Note the unit formation signs both above and below for the NZ Divisional Artillery. It features the Radio Call Signs on the symbols which represents each unit on Red over Blue (the Artillery Corps colours). They are as follows 82 - 2NZ Div Arty, 71 - 5NZ Fd Regt, 53 - 6NZ Fd Regt, 3 - HQ Div Arty, 96 - 7NZ A TK Regt, 88 - 4NZ Fd Regt
- HQ Divisional Engineers
5,6,7,8 Companies
- Divisional Signals
- HQ Divisional Army Service Corps
- Divisional Ammunition Company
- Divisional Petrol Company
- Divisional Supply Column
- Reserve MT Company
- 4th, 5th, 6th Field Ambulances
- 4 Field Hygiene Section
- Divisional Provost Company
- Divisional Intelligence Section
- Divisional Postal Unit
- Divisional Employment Platoon
- Divisional Salvage Unit[67]
- Divisional Mobile Bath Unit[68]
- Divisional Mobile Laundry and Decontamination Unit
- Divisional Ordnance Field Park
The following are more items to 9391 Cpl. David Russell (Rus) Campbell. His family were originally from Invercargill, but lists a Christchurch address on his enlistment. Rus volunteered, and was part of the 1st Echelon of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, where he joined D Company of the 20th Battalion. Sent to the middle East, he would spend 3 years and 189 days overseas.
Sadly, he was wounded in action (GSW to the leg) and sent home to New Zealand, to be discharged on the 20th of Nov 1943.
|
- Above: Rus was taken by the above SS Dunera, leaving New Zealand on the 5th of Jan 1940 to 2NZEF base, in Egypt at Maadi, arriving on the 14th of Feb, 1940 to continued training.
- Opposite: An early image of 9391 David Russell (Rus) Campbell. He would reach the rank of Corporal. Rus is wearing a 8th (Southland) Infantry Regiment Collar badge, with 4 star New Zealand Force buttons, and a metal shoulder title, likely to be "NZR" for New Zealand Rifles. |
- Above: A superb image of Rus and two mates in front of the Sphinx in Egypt, wearing Lemon Squeezers and shorts.
- Above: A superb image of D Company, 20th Battalion, taken on the 28th of August, 1940. All are wearing their British issued Sun hats, with Onwards badge to front, with many also wearing webbed ammunition pouches. David is sitting far left, on the grass, with his legs crossed in the front row. Photographer was "Jean Weinberg, Cairo, Officer D'Academie et de l'Instruction Public, Telephone 53851, Davies Bryan Bldg, 165 Rue Ernad el Din".
I only have a partial list (back 4 rows) of the name if the men above as follows:
Back Row (left to right): 9362 Pte. William John Perry (POW - Greece), Pte. R. Hewitt, 8111 Pte. James Andrew Jordon (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8799 Pte. Wilson Martin (KIA - 21/05/1941 - Crete), 9273 Pte. Ian Allister Mclay (POW - Greece), 8482 Pte. William Douglas Morrison (KIA - 07/12/1941 - North Africa), 9177 Pte. Thomas Edwin Hardwick, 8490 Pte. Lionel Ricardo Landoas, 9162 Pte. Albert Edward Hayes (POW - North Africa), 9274 Pte. Ronald William Withell, 9773 Pte. E. H. Wintrup (POW - Greece), Pte. G. D. Wright, 8232 Pte. David Shaw (KIA - 02/06/41 - Crete), 9792 Pte. Ernest James White (POW - Unspecified, but returned medically unfit to UK on the 1st May 1943) , 9045 Pte. Harold Christian Nils Lyders (POW - Greece), 8353 Pte. Godfrey George Thomson.
Second Row from Back: 8423 Pte. Arthur David Williams (POW - North Africa), 9361 Pte. James Hamilton (POW - Crete), 9190 Pte. Thomas Clarence Miller (KIA - 29/01/1942 - North Africa), 9047 Pte. Vyvian Robert John Gare, 8134 Lance-Corporal Lloyd Lister McInnes (POW - Crete), 8241 Pte. James Hesson (POW - Greece), 9205 Pte. Donald William Henderson, 8493 Pte. Cyril Trevathan (POW - Crete), 8099 Pte. Thomas Ivan Frater (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8502 Pte. Gordon William Crawford, 8230 Pte. Neil Dixon Low (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8233 Pte. Albert William Marshall (POW - North Africa), 8514 Pte. Robert William Mitchell (DOW - 24/05/1941 - Crete), 8269 Pte. John Earl Aitken (DOW - 02/06/1941 - Crete), 9048 Pte. Andrew Thomas Anderson (POW - Italy), 8494 Pte. James Waller (POW - Greece).
Third Row from Back: 8234 Pte. Stuart Sinclair Featherston Wilson (KIA - 26/11/1941 - North Africa), 8183 Pte. Rex McLean Miller, 8265 Pte. Leslie Michael O'Sullivan (POW - Crete), 8447 Pte. Frederick Turnbull Mason, 9185 Pte Eric Gordon Harvey (KIA - 25/05/1941 - Crete), 8344 Pte. James Francis Dellaca (POW - Crete), 8260 Pte. Rowallan Cadenhead Ellis, 8489 Pte. Roderick Ian Hamish Spiers (POW - Crete), 8236 Pte. William Potia Lee, 9044 Pte. John Thomas Wright (DOW 08/06/1947 - Dunedin), 9158 Pte. David Keane (POW - North Africa), 7338 Pte. Percival Glendinning Scott (DOW recieved in Crete - 27/11/1941 - North Africa), 8253 Pte. Robert Noel Barnett, 8424 Pte. Alfred George McCutcheon, 9363 Pte. William Taylor McLew Chapman (KIA - 15/07/1942 - North Africa), Pte. F T Geary, Pte. G H Dick, Pte. W J Warburton.
Forth Row from Back: Pte. A R Forester, 9180 Pte. Walter Mitchell, 9265 Pte. William Muirhead (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8488 Pte. James Hamilton (KIA - 27/11/41 - North Africa), 9165 Pte. James Arthur Erridge (KIA - 26/11/41 - North Africa), 8328 Pte. Stanley James Weir (POW - North Africa), 8439 Pte. Alexander Raymond Coulter, 9270 Pte. Raymond W J Bachop (POW - 13/12/41 - North Africa), 8509 Pte. Ernest John Osborne Brown, 9272 Pte. William Francis Adams (POW - 13/12/41 - North Africa), Pte. L V Simmons, 9204 Pte. Clarence Albert Barnett (POW - Crete), 9269 Pte. William Henry Gillan, 7426 Pte. Cameron James Armishaw (POW - North Africa), 7428 Pte. Neil McPherson Brown (POW - Greece), 8266 Pte Donald Allan Muir (POW - Middle East), 8193 Pte William Edward Sandford (POW - Crete).
Front row: (extreme left, sitting, crossed legged) 9391 Pte. David Russell Campbell
I only have a partial list (back 4 rows) of the name if the men above as follows:
Back Row (left to right): 9362 Pte. William John Perry (POW - Greece), Pte. R. Hewitt, 8111 Pte. James Andrew Jordon (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8799 Pte. Wilson Martin (KIA - 21/05/1941 - Crete), 9273 Pte. Ian Allister Mclay (POW - Greece), 8482 Pte. William Douglas Morrison (KIA - 07/12/1941 - North Africa), 9177 Pte. Thomas Edwin Hardwick, 8490 Pte. Lionel Ricardo Landoas, 9162 Pte. Albert Edward Hayes (POW - North Africa), 9274 Pte. Ronald William Withell, 9773 Pte. E. H. Wintrup (POW - Greece), Pte. G. D. Wright, 8232 Pte. David Shaw (KIA - 02/06/41 - Crete), 9792 Pte. Ernest James White (POW - Unspecified, but returned medically unfit to UK on the 1st May 1943) , 9045 Pte. Harold Christian Nils Lyders (POW - Greece), 8353 Pte. Godfrey George Thomson.
Second Row from Back: 8423 Pte. Arthur David Williams (POW - North Africa), 9361 Pte. James Hamilton (POW - Crete), 9190 Pte. Thomas Clarence Miller (KIA - 29/01/1942 - North Africa), 9047 Pte. Vyvian Robert John Gare, 8134 Lance-Corporal Lloyd Lister McInnes (POW - Crete), 8241 Pte. James Hesson (POW - Greece), 9205 Pte. Donald William Henderson, 8493 Pte. Cyril Trevathan (POW - Crete), 8099 Pte. Thomas Ivan Frater (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8502 Pte. Gordon William Crawford, 8230 Pte. Neil Dixon Low (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8233 Pte. Albert William Marshall (POW - North Africa), 8514 Pte. Robert William Mitchell (DOW - 24/05/1941 - Crete), 8269 Pte. John Earl Aitken (DOW - 02/06/1941 - Crete), 9048 Pte. Andrew Thomas Anderson (POW - Italy), 8494 Pte. James Waller (POW - Greece).
Third Row from Back: 8234 Pte. Stuart Sinclair Featherston Wilson (KIA - 26/11/1941 - North Africa), 8183 Pte. Rex McLean Miller, 8265 Pte. Leslie Michael O'Sullivan (POW - Crete), 8447 Pte. Frederick Turnbull Mason, 9185 Pte Eric Gordon Harvey (KIA - 25/05/1941 - Crete), 8344 Pte. James Francis Dellaca (POW - Crete), 8260 Pte. Rowallan Cadenhead Ellis, 8489 Pte. Roderick Ian Hamish Spiers (POW - Crete), 8236 Pte. William Potia Lee, 9044 Pte. John Thomas Wright (DOW 08/06/1947 - Dunedin), 9158 Pte. David Keane (POW - North Africa), 7338 Pte. Percival Glendinning Scott (DOW recieved in Crete - 27/11/1941 - North Africa), 8253 Pte. Robert Noel Barnett, 8424 Pte. Alfred George McCutcheon, 9363 Pte. William Taylor McLew Chapman (KIA - 15/07/1942 - North Africa), Pte. F T Geary, Pte. G H Dick, Pte. W J Warburton.
Forth Row from Back: Pte. A R Forester, 9180 Pte. Walter Mitchell, 9265 Pte. William Muirhead (KIA - 22/05/1941 - Crete), 8488 Pte. James Hamilton (KIA - 27/11/41 - North Africa), 9165 Pte. James Arthur Erridge (KIA - 26/11/41 - North Africa), 8328 Pte. Stanley James Weir (POW - North Africa), 8439 Pte. Alexander Raymond Coulter, 9270 Pte. Raymond W J Bachop (POW - 13/12/41 - North Africa), 8509 Pte. Ernest John Osborne Brown, 9272 Pte. William Francis Adams (POW - 13/12/41 - North Africa), Pte. L V Simmons, 9204 Pte. Clarence Albert Barnett (POW - Crete), 9269 Pte. William Henry Gillan, 7426 Pte. Cameron James Armishaw (POW - North Africa), 7428 Pte. Neil McPherson Brown (POW - Greece), 8266 Pte Donald Allan Muir (POW - Middle East), 8193 Pte William Edward Sandford (POW - Crete).
Front row: (extreme left, sitting, crossed legged) 9391 Pte. David Russell Campbell
- Above: Rus and mates, he is kneeling, first on the left, with Lemon Squeezer in hand. Likely Egypt, but it doesn't mention where.
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- Above: Rus somewhere in the desert, entrenching tool in hand and wearing his Sun hat.
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- Above: A similar superb image of D Company, 20th Battalion, again taken on the 28th of August, 1940. This time, hats are off. Note that the Officers to center seem to have a triangle formation sign, sewn onto their puggaree. Rus is again, is sitting far left, on the grass, with his legs crossed in the front row. Picture maker is "Jean Weinberg, Cairo, Officer D'Academie et de l'Instruction Public, Telephone 53851, Davies Bryan Bldg, 165 Rue Ernad el Din".
To back of picture, Rus has later written to back of photo "Killed 33, POW (Prisoner of War) 28, Wounded 38, Unharmed 9 - Total Strength 108"
To back of picture, Rus has later written to back of photo "Killed 33, POW (Prisoner of War) 28, Wounded 38, Unharmed 9 - Total Strength 108"
- Above & Opposite: The above image is taken from the above group photo's and is of 9044 Pte. John Thomas Wright, who was also part of the 1st Echelon of the 20th Battalion which departed in 1940. He sadly died on the 8th of June 1947 in his home town of Dunedin, aged 44. It states he died "While on Active Service". Opposite is John's New Zealand Memorial Cross,
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(continued) issued in WW2 by the New Zealand Government to the relatives of those who had fallen. It is one of the few "named" medals that the New Zealand Government issued at the time. All other NZ WW2 medals are not officially named. It
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(continued) comes in a box of issue and is impressed to back to "9044, Pte. J. T. Wright", with a "R" in a square and "Sterling" for Sterling Silver. John is buried at Anderson's Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.
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- Above & Opposite: Rus' WW2 medals and RSA badges. The medals are fixed mounted for wear. He was awarded from Left to Right - British 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa Star, Defense Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and the New Zealand War Service Medal, all un-named as issued. His above (left) silver RSA badge has his service number stamped to back "9391".
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New Zealand Onwards Badge
The New Zealand ONWARD badge could probably have its own book written on it!
Its history is very complicated and dates pre-WW1 with its connection to the Royal Naval Ship HMS New Zealand, which was purchased by subscription by the people of New Zealand, and given to the Royal Navy to add to the defence of New Zealand and its waters.
During the outbreak of WW1, the British Section of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force formed in England. For many years, people attributed an Oak leaved version of the Onwards badge to this very small force of about 200 men in 1914. Reality is, is it's probably is just a manufacturer's variation, whereby the fern's fronds look more "oak leaf" like than fern.
What does appear in grainy pictures of the time is that they (the British section of the NZEF) wore a small badge on their hats. More collar size in proportion.
A friend recently showed me a 1916 dated photo of a group of three soldiers at a Convalescence Home in England, with one appearing to wear a NZ "Onwards" badge.
It is likely that the badge design started out as a private purchase item in the UK, available to purchase by those Kiwi's who were either convalescing or on leave.
- Opposite: An image of a Lieutenant McDonald, taken in 1917, in Auckland. Note his large Cap badge size collar, which clearly shows its "ONWARDS" lower banner. Another image is of him below, this time with Cap. Note the two rank pips to shoulder board, and a "NEW ZEALAND" title, in brass, which curves around the end (Auckland Museum collection 31-D3099).
Its history is very complicated and dates pre-WW1 with its connection to the Royal Naval Ship HMS New Zealand, which was purchased by subscription by the people of New Zealand, and given to the Royal Navy to add to the defence of New Zealand and its waters.
During the outbreak of WW1, the British Section of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force formed in England. For many years, people attributed an Oak leaved version of the Onwards badge to this very small force of about 200 men in 1914. Reality is, is it's probably is just a manufacturer's variation, whereby the fern's fronds look more "oak leaf" like than fern.
What does appear in grainy pictures of the time is that they (the British section of the NZEF) wore a small badge on their hats. More collar size in proportion.
A friend recently showed me a 1916 dated photo of a group of three soldiers at a Convalescence Home in England, with one appearing to wear a NZ "Onwards" badge.
It is likely that the badge design started out as a private purchase item in the UK, available to purchase by those Kiwi's who were either convalescing or on leave.
- Opposite: An image of a Lieutenant McDonald, taken in 1917, in Auckland. Note his large Cap badge size collar, which clearly shows its "ONWARDS" lower banner. Another image is of him below, this time with Cap. Note the two rank pips to shoulder board, and a "NEW ZEALAND" title, in brass, which curves around the end (Auckland Museum collection 31-D3099).
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- Above: A die stamped, brass "ONWARD" Cap badge with "oak leaf" boarder. No maker mark and long slider to back, attached behind crown. Size 45mm by 33mm.
- Opposite: An image again of a Lieutenant McDonald, taken in 1917, this time wearing his peaked Cap with "ONWARD" Cap badge. As discussed, these were likely private purchase items he bought at the time in the UK and wore on his return to NZ (Auckland Museum collection 31-D3098). |
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass "ONWARD" Cap badge made by J R Gaunt of London. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back with a brass plaque behind crown, with "J R GAUNT LONDON" impressed to it. Size 43mm by 32mm.
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WW2 and the Universal 2NZEF Badge
The idea of a universal badge was not new to the New Zealand Army. In 1916, an attempt was made by NZ Headquarters, in London, to introduce a universal Cap, Collar and shoulder badge, similar to what Australian's where wearing with their Rising Sun badges and "AUSTRALIA" titles.
This was never adopted (though badges were produced, the NEW ZEALAND title for example), and the 1st NZEF continued to wear their Regiment and Corps badges in both the field, UK and home service in New Zealand.
Priivate purchase items (much like that of the Reinforcement badges in NZ) were sold by the large UK badge manufactueres, like Gaunt, Tiptaft and to a lesser extent Firmin. There are mentions that the NEW ZEALAND title was popular with the troops while on leave in places like London and England, as it was easily identifiable by the public, opposed to their Regimental and Corps badges which would need some knowledge to be recognised.
In 1940, the Army and Government took a different approach and early on adopted a universal Badge, which rankled some of the old soldiers from the 1st World War, who wanted to see the Regimental traditions and their badges maintained by the newly formed 2nd NZEF during this new conflict.
The following article appeared in the Auckland Star, on the 10th of Feb 1940, under the title "OUR BADGES", in a column called "Ex-Servicemen's Corner"
"CONFIDENT of a wide measure of interest in this subject of our badges, I propose to deal at some length with the Ministerial reply to the N.Z.E.F. Main Body Association, a copy of which has been sent me by the secretary, Mr. J. W. West, and for which I thank him. The essential portions of the letter of the Minister, the Hon. F. Jones, appear hereunder:
1. The question of the adoption of a universal badge for all members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, in lieu of the various regimental badges, was very carefully gone into by a committee, all of whom were themselves returned soldiers.
2. You will recollect that in the last war the Australian Imperial Forces wore a universal badge, and after full consideration of all the facts it has been decided to adopt a universal badge for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
3. One of the factors taken into consideration in coming to this decision was the production difficulty. Dies for the 21 mounted and infantry regiments represented in the Expeditionary Force are at present held in London, and supplies of badges are insufficient for the requirements of the Second Division, and are unobtainable from overseas.
4. To manufacture a supply locally would entail the cutting of 83 different dies for these 21 units, also the design of a considerable number of further badges for units not previously represented. Moreover, the supply of brass in the country is limited.
5. With the adoption of a universal badge, only three additional dies need be manufactured, and by use of a local composition in lieu of brass an adequate supply of badges is assured.
6. The concern of your association as to the maintenance of the traditions of the various units is fully understood, and you may rest assured that the representation of all existing territorial units within the division has been fully provided for, and that the traditions and battle honours of the various units will be safeguarded.
The paragraphs which I have numbered, 1 to 5, show that the shortage of the sort of brass from which regimental badges are made is not the real reason, or one of them; nor is the nonexistence in New Zealand of the necessary dies another. The Minister admits "a local composition in lieu of brass is available "to provide an adequate supply" of the "universal badge." If such an adequate supply of the universal badge is possible, it is reasonable to suppose that New Zealand die sinkers could cut all the dies required and turn out unit badges equal to anything from Gaunt's, of London.
I fear factors other than those disclosed have played a governing part, for I cannot imagine any committee, "all of whom were themselves returned soldiers," proving so faithless to "the traditions and battle honours" of their units as that inferred in the reply. That such men should ignore the opportunity of using every psychological advantage within reach is scarcely credible, for this matter of the badges weighs with more than the old soldiers. I am aware that many of the men already gone overseas have left disappointed that the Territorial units, in which many of them put in years of voluntary service, under the reverse of encouraging conditions, have not been honoured either by the retention of their identity in the new division, or by the retention of the badges of those units.
"This is the hour of the fighting man." How true! The men who fought twenty and more years ago to resist German aggression, let it be remembered, are as much concerned as anyone today. That we should desire those who now take up arms in this fresh onslaught on our freedom to have association with everything that would inspire and help these young soldiers to equal and outstrip our own record is understandable. The reference to the Australian practice is unnecessary. The (First) New Zealand Division earned its own reputation; and earned it under the recognition of its own Territorial units and their individual badges. This, alone, justifies the retention of the New Zealand practice. It is to the regret that those "who knew not Joseph" think differently. "TROOPER.""
(Papers Past - Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 35, 10 February 1940, Page 3 (Supplement)).
Note, that while the "Onward" badge was adopted by all overseas service personnel as part of the 2NZEF, pictorial evidence does show that some early echelons went with, and continued to wear, their Infantry and Corps badges, but by 1941, this had been "phased out".
All home serving units, within New Zealand continued to wear their unit and Corp badges, where supplies permitted!
This was never adopted (though badges were produced, the NEW ZEALAND title for example), and the 1st NZEF continued to wear their Regiment and Corps badges in both the field, UK and home service in New Zealand.
Priivate purchase items (much like that of the Reinforcement badges in NZ) were sold by the large UK badge manufactueres, like Gaunt, Tiptaft and to a lesser extent Firmin. There are mentions that the NEW ZEALAND title was popular with the troops while on leave in places like London and England, as it was easily identifiable by the public, opposed to their Regimental and Corps badges which would need some knowledge to be recognised.
In 1940, the Army and Government took a different approach and early on adopted a universal Badge, which rankled some of the old soldiers from the 1st World War, who wanted to see the Regimental traditions and their badges maintained by the newly formed 2nd NZEF during this new conflict.
The following article appeared in the Auckland Star, on the 10th of Feb 1940, under the title "OUR BADGES", in a column called "Ex-Servicemen's Corner"
"CONFIDENT of a wide measure of interest in this subject of our badges, I propose to deal at some length with the Ministerial reply to the N.Z.E.F. Main Body Association, a copy of which has been sent me by the secretary, Mr. J. W. West, and for which I thank him. The essential portions of the letter of the Minister, the Hon. F. Jones, appear hereunder:
1. The question of the adoption of a universal badge for all members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, in lieu of the various regimental badges, was very carefully gone into by a committee, all of whom were themselves returned soldiers.
2. You will recollect that in the last war the Australian Imperial Forces wore a universal badge, and after full consideration of all the facts it has been decided to adopt a universal badge for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
3. One of the factors taken into consideration in coming to this decision was the production difficulty. Dies for the 21 mounted and infantry regiments represented in the Expeditionary Force are at present held in London, and supplies of badges are insufficient for the requirements of the Second Division, and are unobtainable from overseas.
4. To manufacture a supply locally would entail the cutting of 83 different dies for these 21 units, also the design of a considerable number of further badges for units not previously represented. Moreover, the supply of brass in the country is limited.
5. With the adoption of a universal badge, only three additional dies need be manufactured, and by use of a local composition in lieu of brass an adequate supply of badges is assured.
6. The concern of your association as to the maintenance of the traditions of the various units is fully understood, and you may rest assured that the representation of all existing territorial units within the division has been fully provided for, and that the traditions and battle honours of the various units will be safeguarded.
The paragraphs which I have numbered, 1 to 5, show that the shortage of the sort of brass from which regimental badges are made is not the real reason, or one of them; nor is the nonexistence in New Zealand of the necessary dies another. The Minister admits "a local composition in lieu of brass is available "to provide an adequate supply" of the "universal badge." If such an adequate supply of the universal badge is possible, it is reasonable to suppose that New Zealand die sinkers could cut all the dies required and turn out unit badges equal to anything from Gaunt's, of London.
I fear factors other than those disclosed have played a governing part, for I cannot imagine any committee, "all of whom were themselves returned soldiers," proving so faithless to "the traditions and battle honours" of their units as that inferred in the reply. That such men should ignore the opportunity of using every psychological advantage within reach is scarcely credible, for this matter of the badges weighs with more than the old soldiers. I am aware that many of the men already gone overseas have left disappointed that the Territorial units, in which many of them put in years of voluntary service, under the reverse of encouraging conditions, have not been honoured either by the retention of their identity in the new division, or by the retention of the badges of those units.
"This is the hour of the fighting man." How true! The men who fought twenty and more years ago to resist German aggression, let it be remembered, are as much concerned as anyone today. That we should desire those who now take up arms in this fresh onslaught on our freedom to have association with everything that would inspire and help these young soldiers to equal and outstrip our own record is understandable. The reference to the Australian practice is unnecessary. The (First) New Zealand Division earned its own reputation; and earned it under the recognition of its own Territorial units and their individual badges. This, alone, justifies the retention of the New Zealand practice. It is to the regret that those "who knew not Joseph" think differently. "TROOPER.""
(Papers Past - Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 35, 10 February 1940, Page 3 (Supplement)).
Note, that while the "Onward" badge was adopted by all overseas service personnel as part of the 2NZEF, pictorial evidence does show that some early echelons went with, and continued to wear, their Infantry and Corps badges, but by 1941, this had been "phased out".
All home serving units, within New Zealand continued to wear their unit and Corp badges, where supplies permitted!
- Above: An image of Captain Burnette, with darkened bronzed ONWARD cap badge to his Lemon Squeezer. He appears to have a pair of darkened bronzed NZMC collars to his tunic (Nelson Museum collection 197013).
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- Above: A darkened bronze Officers ONWARD Cap badge. Die stamped, with the reverse image to back, and two tangs or blades for attachment. No maker mark and size 43mm by 32mm.
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- Above: A darkened bronze Officers ONWARD Cap badge. Semi-solid to back, and two tangs or blades, which have been bent in half on each side to provide push points. No maker mark and size 43mm by 32mm.
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- Above: A darkened bronze, semi-solid Officers ONWARD Cap badge. Short brass slider to back, with no maker mark. Size 45mm by 34mm.
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- Above: A chocolate brown, semi-solid brass Officers ONWARD Cap badge. Short brass slider to back, with no maker mark. Size 45mm by 34mm.
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- Above: A darkened copper, semi-solid Officers ONWARD Cap badge. Two looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 42mm by 32mm.
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- Above: A single piece, darkened brass, ONWARD Cap badge. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 44.5mm by 33.5mm.
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- Above: A single piece, darkened copper, ONWARD Cap badge. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 44.5mm by 33.5mm.
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- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, ONWARD Cap badge. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 44mm by 33mm.
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- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, ONWARD Cap badge. Two shaped, thick copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 44mm by 33mm.
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- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, ONWARD Cap badge. Toned to front, two copper wire lugs to back. No maker mark and size 44mm by 33mm.
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- Opposite & Above: A single piece, gilt brass ONWARD Cap made by J R Gaunt. It has a brass slider to back, with reinforcing rod to base of crown and tip of wreaths. Maker impressed to slider to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 43mm by 32mm.
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- Above: An unfinished ONWARD Cap badge, which was amongst a number of other unfinished badges, some of which were maker marked to Mayer and Kean of Wellington. Certainly a different pattern to what they have produced and I have yet to see a completed badge (image from the internet).
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass ONWARD Cap likely made by J R Gaunt, as its similar to the above right one. Brass slider to back, with reinforcing rod to base of crown and tip of wreaths. No maker mark and size 43mm by 32mm.
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- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass ONWARD Cap badge. A wide, short brass slider to back with no maker mark. Size 44mm by 34mm.
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- Above: A standard "set" of badges and slip-on titles to a member of the 2NZEF duering WW2. The Cap badge is like the above, and is maker stamped to "J R GAUNT LONDON" to back of slider (Ian Hamilton Collection).
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A Tale
- Above & Opposite: Two newspaper clippings taken from an old scrapbook which tells a story. Above is WW2 NZ Divisional Cavalry Commander 1060 Lt-Col Thomas Craig Wallace, who was a badge collector of some standing, collecting even when at war! See the opposite article written in a unknown post WW2 newspaper.
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- Above: A cast brass Cap badge worn by the WW1 34th Reinforcements. Sadly with no fixing to back, though it looks to have had a slider in the past, with a short copper stump to behind the crown to top back. No maker mark and size 44mm by 36mm. This is likely a example made during WW2 as discussed opposite.
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- Above: A cast brass ONWARD Cap badge. Short brass slider to back, attached to crown. No maker mark and size 42mm by 32mm.
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- Above: A cast brass ONWARD Cap badge. Long thin copper slider to back, cut to a sharp point. Copper rod soldered to base of crown and tips of wreath. No maker mark and size 42mm by 31mm.
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- Above: A cast brass ONWARD Cap badge. Long thin rounded copper slider to back. No maker mark and size 42mm by 32mm.
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- Above: A gilt brass New Zealand ONWARD Cap badge with its Black backing. The cloth backing was worn on the General Service Cap, from July 1944, with Black for all units of the 2NZEF other than Armoured Corps & 22nd Motor Battalion (Red) & Divisional Cavalry (Green). The Cap has two wire looped lugs to back and its split pin. No maker marks.
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- Above: A darkened brass New Zealand ONWARD Cap badge with a cardboard stiffener. This backing, would go inside a hat like a General Service Cap, and allow the front peak of the hat to "stand", instead of flop forward. Two copper looped lugs to back, with its split-pin, but no maker mark.
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The following are just some of the variations of the New Zealand Onward Collar badge. This issue is not of scarcity, but rather trying to find a matching pair in terms of detail and finish to front and the different types of lugs to back!
The Collar size badge as discussed above, was worn during WW1, and at the beginning of WW2, the older style tunic worn by the New Zealand Army permitted the wearing of Collar badge then too. As the war progressed, the British style of Battledress was adopted, and Collars appeared less, either out of economy or taste.
The Collar size badge as discussed above, was worn during WW1, and at the beginning of WW2, the older style tunic worn by the New Zealand Army permitted the wearing of Collar badge then too. As the war progressed, the British style of Battledress was adopted, and Collars appeared less, either out of economy or taste.
- Above: A pair of gilt brass ONWARD Collar badges made by J R Gaunt. The left has a pair of round looped lugs to back, while the right is brooch fitted. Both have a makers plaque to back to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 28mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A pair of gilt brass ONWARD Collar badges, not maker marked but possibly Gaunt. Both have two D shaped copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 29mm by 23mm.
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- Opposite & Above: A pair of photo's of "Harry", sadly with no other deatil except that one of these images has a date of the 19th of October 1916 to back. Both have a Salisbury (UK) photographers address. Harry is wearing a pair of "ONWARDS" collars, as well as "NEW ZEALAND" curved brass shoulder titles. Note his spurs to his boots (images from the internet).
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- Above: A pair of gilt brass ONWARD Collar badges made by Tiptaft. Likely WW1, they both have short copper looped lugs to back. Note the oak like fronds to wreath. Smooth to back, and impressed to "TIPTAFT BHAM". Size 32mm by 25mm.
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- Above: A single gilt brass ONWARD collar badge with solid back. Two copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 30mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A single darkened bronze Officer ONWARD Collar, no maker, but likely Gaunt. Solid to back, with a pair of D shaped lugs. Size 28mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A pair of die stamped, gilt brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badges. Both have two wire looped lugs to back and are maker marked to back of banner, on the left to "M K W" for Mayer & Kean Wellington, while on the right is "43" for 1943. Size 29mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A pair of die stamped, gilt brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badges. Both have had a black paint added (roughly) to tone down the finish. Two thick copper looped lugs to back of each, with no maker mark. Size 30mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A pair of die stamped, gilt brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badges. Both have two thick copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back (much like used on Reio badges in WW1). No maker mark and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A cast brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. Two short copper ribbon lugs to back. No maker mark and size 29mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A pair of die stamped, gilt brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back of each (much like used on Reio badges in WW1). No maker mark and size 29mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A darkened brass, New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. No maker mark, with two small brass lugs, and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A darkened copper, New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. No maker mark, with two hext type lugs, and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A pair of die stamped, gilt brass New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. Again two hex type brass lugs to back of each, with slight difference to center lettering. No maker mark and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A gilt brass, New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. No maker mark, with two pins as replacement lugs, and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A gilt brass, New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. No maker mark, with two copper wire lugs, and size 29mm by 24mm.
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- Above: A gilt brass, New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. No maker mark, with rounded letters to center, two small, pressed type brass lugs, and size 29mm by 23mm.
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- Above: A cast brass, New Zealand Onwards Collar badge. No maker mark, solid to back, with two small copper lugs, and size 29mm by 23mm.
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The following are just a few images of the ONWARDS badge being worn as a sweethearts badge, in civilian life in New Zealand at time of War.
- Above: An image of Miss Coleman, taken on the 21st of May 1946. Note the "ONWARDS" Collar to the "V" in her blouse (Nelson Museum collection 200495).
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- Above: An image of Miss Abrahams, sadly not dated. She is wearing a "ONWARDS" badge on bar to her lapel (Nelson Museum collection 196545).
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- Above: An image of Miss D Watson, taken on the 21st of May 1945. She is wearing a "ONWARDS" Cap badge on her blouse, just the below the top button (Nelson Museum collection 202300).
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The Side Hat & General Service Hat
- Above: A WW2 era New Zealand Army Side Hat, with Brass Onwards badge to side. This was worn by all overseas serving troops. Within New Zealand they were permitted to wear their unit or corps badge to side.
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- Above: Front of the same Side Hat, showing the Brass 12mm buttons to front. Both are flexible shanked, J R Gaunt of London marked to back.
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- Above: On the indie of the hat is a separately sewn in label for size. This has not been used, and a large "6 7/8" has been written on the side.
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- Above: A oval "N" Broadarrow "Z", "Military Forces" stamp is the only other markings inside the liner of the hat.
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- Above: Another WW2 example of the New Zealand Army Side Hat. Again with a NZ Onwards Cap badge to side, and "New Zealand Forces" Buttons to front. The 12mm Buttons are not maker marked and are fixed shank.
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- Above: Inside the same Side Hat is a pre-printed size label of "7 1/4". This seem to have been un-readable as it has been dune in pen in larger numbers. Named to 12778 P Keenan. Sadly Patrick Henry Keenan was killed on the 28th of Nov 1941 in North Africa. He was part of the 26th (Canterbury and Otago) Battalion.
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- Opposite and Above: A WW2 era New Zealand Army Side Hat. This has two 13mm Bakelite New Zealand Forces buttons to front. No maker marks to inside of hat other than a red inked "O". A size label of "7 1/4" is sewn in on white tape. Number of holes to side, where a badge had been, but no indications of what it might have been.
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- Above: The General Service Cap or "GS" was introduced to the 2NZEF from July 1944, to be worn in the Italian campaign. Above is a superb, well worn example of a GS Cap, with correct black backing behind a slightly oxidised Onwards Cap badge.
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- Above: The same hat, showing the padded inside and the badges added proudly by the previous owner. Behind the Onwards badge, inside is just the word "Dad".
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- Above: Top shot of the GS Cap. This example has a cellophane layer, sewn between the khaki wool exterior and padded interior. It makes a crinkly noise when handled. Presumably added to waterproof the hat when worn.
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- Above: Inside sadly is a very faint maker black ink stamp, with a top size of "7 #/8", a "Ltd" and a date at the base of "1943".
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- Above: Another New Zealand General Service Cap or "GS". Different colour khaki to the other above, this has a Black material diamond sewn to front. There is no holes in it or the Cap inside, so it looks like a badge has never been worn to front.
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- Above: a base view of the GS. Note the two vent holes, which are further apart on this example.
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- Above: A top view of the GS. This hat has no cellophane liner.
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- Above: The inside of the hat is marked in black ink to "N.Z. (broadarrow) D.)" There is also a faint name and service number in ink.
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WW2 Prisoner of War Made Badges
- Opposite: A photo of 37624 Sapper Donald (Don) William Gow, who joined the 2NZEF as part of the 4th Reinforcements. He entered Trentham Camp on the 3rd of Oct 1940, and was assigned to the New Zealand Engineer Reinforcements Division. Prior to his service, he had worked as a carpenter's apprentice for a Mr A. G. Grinter of Carlton Gore Road, Auckland.
Don left NZ on the 8th of Nov 1940, from Wellington, along with 83 Officers and 1404 Men. He arrived in Egypt on the 16th of Dec, and was assigned to 5th Field Park Company (Light Aid Detachment) of the NZE.
He saw service in North Africa, Greece and Crete, thankfully surviving, but on his return to the Desert, he was captured by the Germans at Sidi Rezegh on the 1st of Dec 1941, and began his three years as a Prisoner of War (POW).
Initially he was handed over to the Italian's, Germany's ally, and was "shipped" to Italy on-board the "Sebastiano Venier" a cargo ship, used by the Italian's to transport some 2000 POW's. Sadly the ship was spotted by a British Submarine, off the Greek coast and torpedoed by HMS Porpoise on the 9th of Dec 1941. About 500 POW's were killed, but luckily Don survived, as the hold he was in, was not directly hit. The ship was then run aground by members of the crew, and so began his movement through Greece, to Italy and eventually to Germany and Stalag VIII A.
Don's son, Doug, published his fathers story in 1995, in a booklet entitled "37624 Sapper D. W. Gow" by Doug Gow.
The following badges were in Don's effects, and Doug has kindly photographed them as follows:
Don left NZ on the 8th of Nov 1940, from Wellington, along with 83 Officers and 1404 Men. He arrived in Egypt on the 16th of Dec, and was assigned to 5th Field Park Company (Light Aid Detachment) of the NZE.
He saw service in North Africa, Greece and Crete, thankfully surviving, but on his return to the Desert, he was captured by the Germans at Sidi Rezegh on the 1st of Dec 1941, and began his three years as a Prisoner of War (POW).
Initially he was handed over to the Italian's, Germany's ally, and was "shipped" to Italy on-board the "Sebastiano Venier" a cargo ship, used by the Italian's to transport some 2000 POW's. Sadly the ship was spotted by a British Submarine, off the Greek coast and torpedoed by HMS Porpoise on the 9th of Dec 1941. About 500 POW's were killed, but luckily Don survived, as the hold he was in, was not directly hit. The ship was then run aground by members of the crew, and so began his movement through Greece, to Italy and eventually to Germany and Stalag VIII A.
Don's son, Doug, published his fathers story in 1995, in a booklet entitled "37624 Sapper D. W. Gow" by Doug Gow.
The following badges were in Don's effects, and Doug has kindly photographed them as follows:
- Above: A lead cast Cap badge depicting a Kangaroo and Kiwi, above a boomerang and the word "ANZAC" for Australia & New Zealand Army Corps. Two integrated flange type lugs to back with holes drilled in side. No maker mark (Doug Gow collection).
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- Above: A lead cast 2nd type New Zealand Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A) Cap badge.Two integrated flange type lugs to back with holes drilled in side. No maker mark (Doug Gow Collection).
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- Above: A lead cast, 2nd type New Zealand Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A) Cap badge. No "NEW ZEALAND" engraved to base on this one. No lugs to back, and may never have had any. No maker mark (Doug Gow collection).
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- Above: A sheet aluminium New Zealand "ONWARDS" badge. No lugs to back (doesn't look like there were ever any) and the makers or owners initials of "PNW" (maybe 30216 Ernest Peter Wootton - 25th Batt also a inmate at Stalag VIII A - Doug Gow collection).
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The following article was provided by Doug, and goes to explain the method of how these badges were made. Taken from the book entitled "Interlude - the story of British prisoners of war in Stammlager VIIIA at Görlitz in Lower Silesia, German" - published June 1945:
Pacific Theater Made Badges
The following are sweethearts badges, made out of aluminium and Tortoiseshell . Likely made in the Pacific theater of war for loved ones back home.
- Above: A Tortoiseshell and aluminium ONWARDS sweethearts badge with "FIJI" in the base banner, which is where many Kiwi's were stationed during WW2. Steel brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark. Size 35mm by 30mm.
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- Above Left: A aluminium and Tortoiseshell collar size "Onwards" badge, with brass brooch fitting to back. Not maker marked.
- Above Right: A full sized, gilt brass "Onwards" Cap badge which has had its lugs clipped off, and mounted on Tortoiseshell. Silver wash has then been applied, and lower banner ground down, for I presume a name to be engraved/added. Brass brooch fitting to back and with no maker mark. |
- Above: A Tortoiseshell and aluminium ONWARDS sweethearts badge with "MAVIS" to base scroll. No maker mark and with a brass brooch fitting to base back. Size 47mm by 35mm.
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Modern Day Onwards Badge
At some stage in the 1950's the New Zealand Army re-introduced the Onwards badge for Ceremonial occasions, to be worn on the Lemon-squeezer on a red puggaree (cloth hat band). This was to be worn by the Honor Guard, which were present at ceremonial occasions for visiting dignitaries and heads of state.
Initially Honor Guard badges post 1952 are actually King Crowned badges, which have had the crown removed and a Queens Crown soldered in place.
Initially Honor Guard badges post 1952 are actually King Crowned badges, which have had the crown removed and a Queens Crown soldered in place.
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- Above: A gilt metal Onwards Cap badge with Queens Crown. Semi-solid to back, with two gilt metal loops to back. No maker mark.
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- Opposite: A gilt metal Onwards Cap badge with Queens Crown. Semi-solid to back, with two long screw posts to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A pair of matching gilt metal, solid backed Onwards collars badges. Pin and Clutch fastener fittings to back, with no maker mark. 
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- Above: A New Zealand Officer Cadets Belt Buckle. This pattern was introduced in 1976, and re-introduced the Kings Crown Onwards Badge, which was "on loan" from the 2nd NZEF (1939 to 45) and J Force (1946/47). Maker marked to back to "Hobson & Sons (London) Ltd".
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- Above: A current version of the New Zealand Officer Cadets Belt Buckle. To center is a Queens crown Onwards badge. This slightly worn example has no maker mark.
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Sergeant-Major of the Army/Regimental Sergeant Major
In the 1990's there was a move to create a universal Cap and Collar badge for the New Zealand Army. This would have been along the lines of the WW2 and J Force "ONWARDS" cap badge, and would replace all the regimental and corps badges.
The move was deeply unpopular and eventually abandoned.
The proposed badge opposite was instead adopted by the Sergeant-Major of the Army, and Regimental Sergeant Majors.
Motto: NGATI TUMATAUENGA (Tribe of the God of War).
- Opposite: Initially the badge was produced with a straight scroll. Shown here is a Cap badge, in copper coloured metal. No maker mark to back, and with two screw posts to back in a North/South config. Collars were also produced and have the same straight scroll, but I have yet to obtain. Size 35mm by 46mm.
The move was deeply unpopular and eventually abandoned.
The proposed badge opposite was instead adopted by the Sergeant-Major of the Army, and Regimental Sergeant Majors.
Motto: NGATI TUMATAUENGA (Tribe of the God of War).
- Opposite: Initially the badge was produced with a straight scroll. Shown here is a Cap badge, in copper coloured metal. No maker mark to back, and with two screw posts to back in a North/South config. Collars were also produced and have the same straight scroll, but I have yet to obtain. Size 35mm by 46mm.
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- Opposite & Above: Eventually the curved scroll version was adopted. My Cap comes again with two screw posts in a North/South config, while the collars have a pin and clutch assembly to back. None are maker marked. Cap size 36mm by 48mm, Collar size 26mm by 30mm.
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Infantry Formation Patches of WW2
2nd Infantry Division Formation Patches of WW2
The 2nd Division saw action in Greece, Crete, the Western Desert and Italy.
In terms of formation patches, the 2nd Division had three different sets or systems of patches during its deployment in WW2. They are complicated and numerous, and at this stage I am unable to display all, other than a tiny fraction below. A superb reference and further reading is "New Zealand Army Distinguishing Patches 1911 - 1991 by Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, Part One (1995). The below are just a few samples, is not complete. Some Corps formation patches are under their unit on the "NZ Corps A - D", "NZ Corps E - N", "NZ Corps O - R" and "NZ Corps S - Z" pages.
In terms of formation patches, the 2nd Division had three different sets or systems of patches during its deployment in WW2. They are complicated and numerous, and at this stage I am unable to display all, other than a tiny fraction below. A superb reference and further reading is "New Zealand Army Distinguishing Patches 1911 - 1991 by Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, Part One (1995). The below are just a few samples, is not complete. Some Corps formation patches are under their unit on the "NZ Corps A - D", "NZ Corps E - N", "NZ Corps O - R" and "NZ Corps S - Z" pages.
First Type - 1935-1940
The first type patches were worn by the early members of the 2NZEF. There was two part to the patch, worn on the upper sleeve of the tunic. The top part was the formation patch as follows:
- Scarlet Circle - 2 NZ Divisional Headquarters
- Scarlet Square - 4 Infantry Brigade
- Scarlet Rectangle - 5 Infantry Brigade (see opposite roughly 25mm by 50mm - image from the internet).
- Scarlet Triangle (wide at base) - 6 Infantry Brigade
The above was then worn with a unit patch below. There were 6 different symbols, and depending on the above formation patch they covered all the Infantry Battalions and units of the 2NZEF. I only have four to show here.
- Scarlet Circle - 2 NZ Divisional Headquarters
- Scarlet Square - 4 Infantry Brigade
- Scarlet Rectangle - 5 Infantry Brigade (see opposite roughly 25mm by 50mm - image from the internet).
- Scarlet Triangle (wide at base) - 6 Infantry Brigade
The above was then worn with a unit patch below. There were 6 different symbols, and depending on the above formation patch they covered all the Infantry Battalions and units of the 2NZEF. I only have four to show here.
- Above: The unit symbol patch for Headquarters (HQ) was the above. Used by HQ 2 NZ Division, GOC & A & G and HQRS Division. Size 62mm by 62mm.
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- Above: An image entitled "Smith". Mr Smith wears a possible combination for the 5th Infantry Brigade, 22nd Battalion, with Red or Scarlet rectangle over a Khaki triangle on a Red or Scarlet background. I say possible as the "Red" colour appears dark (196657).
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- Above: An image entitled "Lloyd". Mr Llyod wears a possible combination for the 4th Infantry Brigade, 20th Battalion, with a Red or Scarlet square over a Khaki triangle on a Red or Scarlet background. Note the infantry puggaree to Lemon Squeezer (189869)
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- Above: Used with a Scarlet Circle symbol above (for 2 NZ Div Headquarters) this is the unit symbol for Employment Platoon or Bath Unit. Size 60mm by 60mm (roughly).
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- Above: An image of a Mr E. M. Hammond, dated the 12 Aug 1940, and taken in Wellington, by Spencer Digby Studios. I believe he is wearing a red square for 4th Brigade, over a larger red square, with khaki half wool rectangle, signifying a member of the 19th Infantry Battalion (Te Papa B.084550).
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- Opposite: The following items belong to 185634 William (Bill) Nicholas Oakden, who was a member of A Coy, 21st (Auckland) Infantry Battalion and a part of 5 Infantry Brigade (see opposite, image taken from the Auckland Cenotaph).
Notably he kept a 5 Infantry Brigade patch, which is 23mm by 56mm. items also show are his dog tags, with "N.Z, 185634, PRES. (religion), O (blood group), OAKDEN, W.N." to front to both on a leather string. Also a printed (white paint on felt) sew-in type "NEW ZEALAND" shoulder title, 21mm by 67mm, and a ONWARDS, brass cap badge, 45mm by 34mm. No maker and missing a copper wire lug. Sadly on the 2nd of Dec 1943, Bill received a gun shot wound to the right side of his chest and arm. He was evacuated out via the 5th Field Ambulance and later to the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital. Eventually being shipped back to New Zealand. He made a full recovery and lived until aged 92, passing in 2011. |
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The 2nd NZ Infantry Division was attached to British Army formations during WW2. This meant that some NZ personnel also wore British Army formation insignia on either their shoulder boards or upper sleeves.
The 2nd NZ Infantry Division was part of:
- The British 8th Army
The 2nd NZ Infantry Division was part of:
- The British 8th Army
- Above: A pair of early war cloth and embroidered thread formation patches to the British 8th Army (image from the internet).
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- Above: A later war, printed formation patch for the British 8th Army (image from the internet).
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- The British XIII Corps
- Above: A pair of early war cloth and embroidered thread formation patches to the British 13th Corps. Note the leaping Gazelle's are opposing. Size 60mm by 60mm (roughly).
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- Above: A later war type, printed formation patch for the British 13th Corps. Size 60mm by 60mm (point to point).
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- The British XXX Corps - its formation patch is pictured top right (printed version of a leaping Boar).
- Above: A pair of early war cloth and embroidered thread formation patches to the British 30th Corps. Note the leaping Boar's are opposing (image from the internet).
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- Above: A later war type, printed formation patch for the British 30th Corps. Size 50mm by 50mm (roughly).
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3rd Infantry Division Formation Patches of WW2
A system of distinguishing colour patches were worn by the 3rd NZ Division of the 2NZEF in the pacific theater of war. They were attached to the puggaree and worn on the right hand side of the Lemon Squeezer.
Initial patches were WW1 like, and made from felt. But due to high humidity, this rotted, and cotton material was later used to fabricate them, which lasted longer.
Battalion colours were as follows:
- 29th Battalion - Red Square on Black (see pin below).
- 30th Battalion - Yellow Square on Black.
- 34th Battalion (opposite - pictured left) - Blue/Yellow Square on Black. Size 50mm by 45mm.
- 35th Battalion (above - pictured right) - Red/Yellow Square on Black. Size 50mm by 50mm.
- 36th Battalion - Yellow and Black Square, halved (see below).
- 37th Battalion Blue/Red Square on Black.
The two patches I have pictured are roughly 45mm by 45mm.
The 3rd Division of the 2NZEF was operational from October 1942 to its disbandment in October 1944. Its members were either sent back to NZ or used to reinforce the 2nd Division fighting in Italy.
Initial patches were WW1 like, and made from felt. But due to high humidity, this rotted, and cotton material was later used to fabricate them, which lasted longer.
Battalion colours were as follows:
- 29th Battalion - Red Square on Black (see pin below).
- 30th Battalion - Yellow Square on Black.
- 34th Battalion (opposite - pictured left) - Blue/Yellow Square on Black. Size 50mm by 45mm.
- 35th Battalion (above - pictured right) - Red/Yellow Square on Black. Size 50mm by 50mm.
- 36th Battalion - Yellow and Black Square, halved (see below).
- 37th Battalion Blue/Red Square on Black.
The two patches I have pictured are roughly 45mm by 45mm.
The 3rd Division of the 2NZEF was operational from October 1942 to its disbandment in October 1944. Its members were either sent back to NZ or used to reinforce the 2nd Division fighting in Italy.
- Above: A association pin to the 29th Battalion, with Red Square on Black. Roughly 10mm by 10mm in size, in enamel and brass, with a long pin to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A set of association pin to the 36th Battalion, with Yellow and Black square. The small are roughly 7mm by 7mm, while the larger is 10mm by 10mm in size. All are enamel and brass, with a long pin to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A unknown association pin. It came will a group of other New Zealand pins, but as you can see, is not the correct shape or colours for the 37th Battalion as mentioned in the books. Chromed brass, with enamel to center. Long pin to back, with no maker mark. 12mm by 9mm.
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1907 Pattern Bayonet
The British 1907 patterned Bayonet was first introduced to NZ Forces in 1912, with its issue to Artillery and Mounted rifle units. Infantry would be supplied once they left NZ's shores as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Oct 1914, and swapped their 1888 patten for the 1907 version in Egypt.
The 1907 pattern Bayonet continued to be used till just after WW2, and then until the early 1970's by the Royal New Zealand Navy (attached to their Lanchester Mk I SMG).
The 1907 pattern Bayonet continued to be used till just after WW2, and then until the early 1970's by the Royal New Zealand Navy (attached to their Lanchester Mk I SMG).
- Above: A well worn 1907 pattern Bayonet, with blade length is 433mm approximatley and I am missing the scabbard.
- Above: The same 1907 pattern Bayonet. Found leaning up against the side of our neighbours house in Winchester, after they had painted the exterior of their house, it had been used as a "paint stirer" and still bears the brown or maroon paint in the groove of the blade. I spotted it, and the neighbour happily gave it to my Dad. The elderly lady who lived there said it was her husbands, their surname was Laurie, but I yet to find which Laurie it belonged to.
- Above: A close-up of the crosspiece of the above 1907 patterned Bayonet. Marked "NZ4309", it also appears to have a "X" bend acceptance mark to blade.
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- Above: The reverse of the crosspiece and blade of the above 1907 patterned Bayonet. Marked with Kings crown to blade, and then the rest is hard to read, but there is a "7" and "43" for July 1943 to base.
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British Pattern 1937 Webbed Belt
- Opposite: A pair of 1937 Pattern British webbed Army belts. These were adopted by the New Zealand Army during WW2, and were supplied by British and also Canadian firms. You can get a mixture of makers, marks and dates (with some of the brass fittings being dated), with the Canadian marked with a "C" and a arrow or date. They were issued in the top light khaki Green colour, but due to New Zealand later involvement in the Pacific, as the war progressed, most New Zealand belt were coloured with a "Jungle Green" blanco. This means the original coloured belts are quit rare in New Zealand. These belts were still being issued to members of the RNZIR and RNZA as they were being deployed for Vietnam. I have a named belt to 556153 Gnr Vivian Tawhiwhi Brown who was part of 161 Battery, RNZA, and served No. 3 Gun circa 1970.
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- Above: A white "blanco'ed" set of P37 webbed Belt and Gaiters. Neither have any marks inside, other than something very faint on the inside of the belt. Worn by Officer Cadets at the likes of Camp Maadi in Egypt during WW2 and also by other ranks while on Guard/ Sentry or Patrol duty in Japan (see below). The gaiters are the 2nd Type, with leather straps and reinforced areas (due to them rubbing on the upper boot and heal). The 1st type were all webbed, with webbing straps and no reinforcement areas. The original colour of the Gaiters can be seen on their inside.
WW2 Service Chevrons
During ww2, permission was given in 1944 for all 2NZEF overseas serving troops to wear a chevron on their right arm.
It was to be worn 4 inches or 100mm above the bottom of the cuff.
The colour this time would be red chevron for every 12 months of service from the 3rd of September 1939.
Like the WW1 version, they were not to be worn on the Greatcoat, and also not on the tropical uniform, i.e. Pacific theater of War.
- Opposite: A selection of WW2 4 year service chevron in red on a khaki backing. Note the left set, which are printed on canvas material as a economy measure.
It was to be worn 4 inches or 100mm above the bottom of the cuff.
The colour this time would be red chevron for every 12 months of service from the 3rd of September 1939.
Like the WW1 version, they were not to be worn on the Greatcoat, and also not on the tropical uniform, i.e. Pacific theater of War.
- Opposite: A selection of WW2 4 year service chevron in red on a khaki backing. Note the left set, which are printed on canvas material as a economy measure.
J Force/Jayforce - BCOF British Commonwealth Occupation Force
J Force or sometimes called Jayforce, was New Zealand's contribution to the Occupation of Japan, immediately after the cessation of hostilities between the Allies and Japan's military forces.
Britain pushed America for its inclusion in the area, but weakened by the War, it also asked for its allies within the Commonwealth to help bolster its military force.
New Zealand was invited to contribute, and on the 21st of August 1945, agreed to send both a land and air contingent.
Initial NZ Army men came from those already deployed in Italy. Conscription was used from the last reinforcements to that theater, i.e. men of the 13th, 14th and 15th drafts. The Government believed at the time that there would be insufficient volunteers to make up a brigade. The men chosen were all single, but volunteers were then sourced from Officers, Maori and specialists such as Nurses.
The formation of the force was around two existing infantry battalions -
- 22nd Battalion - title was changed to the 2nd Battalion - New Zealand Regiment on the 7th Aug 1947.
- 27th Battalion - title was changed to the 3rd Battalion - New Zealand Regiment on the 7th Aug 1947.
Other units included:
- 2nd Divisional Cavalry Regiment, the 25th Field Battery, the 5th Engineer Company along with supporting elements which included signals, transport, workshops and medical units. Also amongst the first draft were 36 Women's Army Auxiliary Corps personnel (WAACs) and 30 women from the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS). All were volunteers.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force provided No.14 Squadron as the air contingent, which was made up of volunteer personnel sourced within New Zealand. A total of some 24 pilots and 250 ground staff. They flew US Corsair FD-1G's, which were supplied by America, under the loan/lease scheme.
- Above: A cloth and embroidered shoulder patch worn by all BCOF personnel, including New Zealanders on their battledress (right arm only). This one looks to have come from a album, and the glue used to affix has darkened the top and bottom edge from the back. No maker mark and approximately 60mm by 60mm (a bit of fraying and stretching).
Britain pushed America for its inclusion in the area, but weakened by the War, it also asked for its allies within the Commonwealth to help bolster its military force.
New Zealand was invited to contribute, and on the 21st of August 1945, agreed to send both a land and air contingent.
Initial NZ Army men came from those already deployed in Italy. Conscription was used from the last reinforcements to that theater, i.e. men of the 13th, 14th and 15th drafts. The Government believed at the time that there would be insufficient volunteers to make up a brigade. The men chosen were all single, but volunteers were then sourced from Officers, Maori and specialists such as Nurses.
The formation of the force was around two existing infantry battalions -
- 22nd Battalion - title was changed to the 2nd Battalion - New Zealand Regiment on the 7th Aug 1947.
- 27th Battalion - title was changed to the 3rd Battalion - New Zealand Regiment on the 7th Aug 1947.
Other units included:
- 2nd Divisional Cavalry Regiment, the 25th Field Battery, the 5th Engineer Company along with supporting elements which included signals, transport, workshops and medical units. Also amongst the first draft were 36 Women's Army Auxiliary Corps personnel (WAACs) and 30 women from the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS). All were volunteers.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force provided No.14 Squadron as the air contingent, which was made up of volunteer personnel sourced within New Zealand. A total of some 24 pilots and 250 ground staff. They flew US Corsair FD-1G's, which were supplied by America, under the loan/lease scheme.
- Above: A cloth and embroidered shoulder patch worn by all BCOF personnel, including New Zealanders on their battledress (right arm only). This one looks to have come from a album, and the glue used to affix has darkened the top and bottom edge from the back. No maker mark and approximately 60mm by 60mm (a bit of fraying and stretching).
- Above: A photo of the 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, taken in 1947 at Yamaguchi (a ex Japanese Army Barracks used by the Kiwi's and call Canterbury Camp). This was in the effects of 667734 Charles George King, who was a member of the battalion. He was part of the 2nd Draft to Japan, called the Wairarapa Draft. He departed Auckland on the 15th of July 1947 and arrived at Kure (Japan) on the 1st of August 1947.
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- Opposite: A superb image of Charles (left) and 815646 Robert (Bob) Ernest Leonard on guard duty, with rifles, white blanco'ed belts, rifle slings and gaiters. To back the photo states "Bob Leonard & Self at Ebizu Tokyo. 19th Nov 1947
- Above: A image of Charles (kneeling, center front row) with his mates dated the 21st of Oct 1947 outside Ebizu Camp, Tokyo, which was one of the main British camps. To back its has been written " Tiny Hill, Jane, Colin Odonell, Gillmore, Mackonarchy, Jago B.B., Self, Colin Payne". |
- Above: Charles Kings' newspaper he received onboard the SS Dunera, which if you remember from above, also took New Zealand Soldiers to the middle east during WW2. This newspaper is dated 26th July 1947, so is on the outward bound trip to Japan for Charles.
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- Above: Charles must have attended a all Armies Sports Event, as the above is dated the 6th to the 8th of Oct 1947. The Nile Kinnick Stadium (named as such between 1945 to 1952, was demolished to make way for the current Tokyo Stadium, which was built for the 1956 Olympics.
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- Above: Another of Charles Kings' newspapers he received while aboard ship, but this time on the way home to New Zealand, and is dated 28th of July 1948.
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- Above: A photo from Charles' album, showing a New Zealand Army truck, taken over by local Japanese. In general, both Kiwi's and Japanese got on well with eachother, with little to no ill feeling. Note the silver fern symbol over the chap with the hat to his chest left shoulder. The trucks number is also on its door, to mid left.
- Opposite: The 3rd Battalion were originally named the 27th Battalion, which was New Zealand Machine Gun unit during the early years of WW2. It looks like they also took their guns (Vickers Machine Guns) to Japan. Behind the gun, firing is 667734 Charles George King. Beside him are "Tony" and "Rooky". Sadly unidentified. |
- Above: More of 667734 Charles George King's mates in front of the units Armoured Personnel Carrier (see below for further images). Undated to back.
- Opposite: I believe that this chap, 829075 Pte L. S. Morgan of H.Q Company (who is also standing in the center above). Pte Morgan shows the standard insignia for NZ Jayforce. A General Service Hat, with gilt brass ONWARDS badge (Kings Crown). To his shoulder boards, are slip-on printed (White on Black) NEW ZEALAND should titles, and he also has a BCOF shoulder patch and a diamond formation sign to his battledress. |
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- Above: A nice leave pass to 667734 Charles George King. Note the BCOF logo and also the 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment stamp in purple ink.
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- Above: A security pass issued to 667734 Charles George King, and signed by his commanding Officer, Lt Col R. B. Dawson (who commanded the battalion from the 2nd of June 1947 till its departure from Japan.
Jayforce Formation Patches:
- As per Charles King's photo's a unit formation patch was worn by all New Zealand Jayforce personnel. This was in the shape of a cloth diamond, approximately 2 inch by 1 1/2 inches (50mm by 38mm), and was either made from coloured wool material, or sourced locally, and embroidered in silk thread from Japanese manufacturers. Some of these patches were introduced and carried-over from Italy in Jan 1945 and were already used by 9NZ Brigade which formed Jayforce.
Jayforce Formation Patches:
- As per Charles King's photo's a unit formation patch was worn by all New Zealand Jayforce personnel. This was in the shape of a cloth diamond, approximately 2 inch by 1 1/2 inches (50mm by 38mm), and was either made from coloured wool material, or sourced locally, and embroidered in silk thread from Japanese manufacturers. Some of these patches were introduced and carried-over from Italy in Jan 1945 and were already used by 9NZ Brigade which formed Jayforce.
- Above: A pair of original WW2 era 2NZEF 9TH Brigade H.Q. Formation Diamonds. This shows the make and composition of the patches, which were embroidered on a khaki backing (image from the internet).
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- Above: Two different 22nd Battalion - Red Diamond with Green stripe through center - patches, which later became 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment. Note the differences in Green (image from the internet).
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- Above: A pair of original, two piece cloth formation Diamonds to the 27th Battalion - Red Diamond with Black Triangle (see worn above) - which later became 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment
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Colours were as follows:
- Divisional Cavalry Batt - Green Square on a Red Diamond
- 22nd Battalion - Red Diamond (1st Patt) Red Diamond with Green Stripe through center - horizontally - later became 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment
- 27th Battalion - Red Diamond with Black Triangle (see above) - later became 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment
- 5th Field Company, NZE - Navy Blue Diamond
- 25th Field Battery, NZA - Red over Blue Diamond
- Ordnance Depot - half Red, half Blue Diamond - vertically
- New Zealand General Hospital - Cherry Diamond
- Signal Company - White over Blue Diamond
- Army Service Corps Company - White Diamond - also recorded Blue/White/Yellow - vertical Stripes on Diamond
- Pay Office - Yellow Diamond
- Dental Hospital - Sherwood Green Diamond
- Brigade Workshops - Blue/Yellow/Red - vertical Stripes on Diamond
- Provost Company - Cambridge Blue
(Information taken from "New Zealand Army Distinguishing Patches 1911 - 1991, Part 1 - by M Thomas and Cliff Lord - Pub 1995).
- Divisional Cavalry Batt - Green Square on a Red Diamond
- 22nd Battalion - Red Diamond (1st Patt) Red Diamond with Green Stripe through center - horizontally - later became 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment
- 27th Battalion - Red Diamond with Black Triangle (see above) - later became 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment
- 5th Field Company, NZE - Navy Blue Diamond
- 25th Field Battery, NZA - Red over Blue Diamond
- Ordnance Depot - half Red, half Blue Diamond - vertically
- New Zealand General Hospital - Cherry Diamond
- Signal Company - White over Blue Diamond
- Army Service Corps Company - White Diamond - also recorded Blue/White/Yellow - vertical Stripes on Diamond
- Pay Office - Yellow Diamond
- Dental Hospital - Sherwood Green Diamond
- Brigade Workshops - Blue/Yellow/Red - vertical Stripes on Diamond
- Provost Company - Cambridge Blue
(Information taken from "New Zealand Army Distinguishing Patches 1911 - 1991, Part 1 - by M Thomas and Cliff Lord - Pub 1995).
- Above: An image of a Sergeant Martin and wife, taken on the 3rd of September 1948. Sadly there are a few "Martins" who served in Jayforce. But he has a diamond formation patch to the 22nd Battalion on his sleeve of a Red with a Green line, horizontal, to the middle of the patch. He also wears a "British Commonwealth Forces" patch above it (Swainson/Woods Collection, Puke Ariki and District Libraries SW1948.0616).
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- Above Right: A possible image of 639930 Corporal Robert Snow, who was part of Jayforce and the New Zealand Army Service Corps Company. Note the white diamond formation patch to his right sleeve for the NZASCC. It is under a Crown and "British Commonwealth Forces" patch. He also has a "NEW ZEALAND" slip-on shoulder title to his battledress shoulder strap (Nelson Mueseum collection 201504).
The following shots are taken from Charles King's photo album, which sort of shows a typical patrol by the 3rd Battalion, NZR somewhere in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture. The photo's are glued in, so I cannot tell if there are annotations to back.
The following shots are taken from Charles King's photo album, which sort of shows a typical patrol by the 3rd Battalion, NZR somewhere in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture. The photo's are glued in, so I cannot tell if there are annotations to back.
- Above: Japanese country roads were narrow, and ill suited for motor vehicles. There were numerous reports at the time of NZ personnel having accidents. This above is likely civilian, as I see no military markings, but the log truck has hit the house after coming off the road. "Tiny" Hill, Charles' mate, stands by Japanese onlookers.
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- Above: A unamed Lance Corporal stands beside the units Amoured Personnel Carrier. Note the "3" in diamond for the 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment.
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- Above: These three pictures appear on the same album page, but may not be sequential. The left, shows again the Armoured Personnel Carrier, sadly just slightly out of focus. The Center shows Charles' unit deployed on a bridge, presumably to stop and search traffic as it crosses. Right shows a group of Japanese civilians being checked, before they board a bus.
- Above & Opposite: Two further pictures of possibly the stopping of the bus on the bridge. Above has the side mirror of the bus, just in the picture on the left. A Japanese Policeman has his back to the photographer, but is wearing a peaked cap. All patrols and interactions with the general population by the Kiwi's, usual involved a local Japanese Official and an interpreter being present.
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- Above: A photo, possible of Charles, on a country road, while on guard/patrol. Note the left sleeve just has a small formation patch. No BCOF patch to top, this would be only on the right sleeve of the battledress.
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The following are souvenirs which Charles brought back from his time in Japan.
- Above: The photo album, which 667734 Charles George King purchased to add the above photo's into, is a souvenir in itself.
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- Above: A silk scarf purchased by Charles. Sadly a little stained with age, it features the BCOF formation sign embroidered onto it and also "Kure Japan".
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Some 12,000 New Zealanders took part in Jayforce, with 16, sadly losing their lives (including one in Italy, who was part of the departing force for Japan, but was killed in a driving accident before he boarded ship).
- Opposite: A gilt metal and resin modern pin badge to the New Zealand BCOF Veterans Association. No maker mark to back and brooch fitting (image from the internet).
Recommended further reading
"Jayforce - New Zealand and the Military Occupation of Japan 1945-1948" - Laurie Brocklebank - Oxford University Press 1997.
- Opposite: A gilt metal and resin modern pin badge to the New Zealand BCOF Veterans Association. No maker mark to back and brooch fitting (image from the internet).
Recommended further reading
"Jayforce - New Zealand and the Military Occupation of Japan 1945-1948" - Laurie Brocklebank - Oxford University Press 1997.
The New Zealand Regiment
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The 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment was formed on the 9th of Jan 1947.
It was initially a single Infantry regiment on paper only, and supported by the 11 Territorial Force (TF) Regiments which are mentioned above. In the same year, battalions of J Force (New Zealand's contribution to the Occupation of Japan) were added as the 2nd and 3rd Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment. When they returned to New Zealand in 1948, the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the NZ Regiment were disbanded. Regular Force unattached Officers and Men were eventual attached to the New Zealand Regiment. Also in 1948 the TF regiments were reduced to 9, with the the Taranaki and Wellington West Coast Regiments merging together, alongside the Otago and Southland Regiments. On the 2nd of August 1957, authorisation was given to raise the 1st Regular Regiment. They would be New Zealand's land force commitment to the British Commonwealth Far East Reserve. They would be deployed in October 1957 to Malaya. Motto: KURA TAKAHI PUNI (We are ready - adopted 1957 R17187868 AALI W3508 7291 Archives NZ) |
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- Above Right: A memo dated the 24th of Jan 1947, indicating that all Officers of the NZ Staff and NZ Permanent were to be trasnferred to the New Zealand Regiment, and it was felt that a emblem from one or both of these units should be incorporated into the new Regiments insignia (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment - FL48958515)
- Opposite & Above: A survey was done of the Military District Commanders in Feb 1947, about what the New Zealand Regiments insignia should be. Some wrote, and described, while others drew a picture. The above is from the Southern Military District (S.M.D), while the other is from the Central Military (C.M.D - Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment - FL48958600 & FL48958709)
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New Zealand Regiment Kings Crown - 1st Type Officers
A Mr J. S. Berry who prepared Post Office Stamps for Bradbury, Wilkinson & Royal Mint engravers was asked to produce a proper drawing for the sum of £5.5.0 on the 14th of March 1947 in the UK (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment - FL48958693)
The 1st type badge was approved on the 17th of July 1947 by the Army Board, and was "combining features from both the NZ Staff Corps and NZ Permanent Staff badges" (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment - FL48958484)
The 1st type badge was approved on the 17th of July 1947 by the Army Board, and was "combining features from both the NZ Staff Corps and NZ Permanent Staff badges" (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment - FL48958484)
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- Opposite: A design drawing of the Cap badge and Button center for the New Zealand Regiment. Note the comment in pen "Bird facing wrong way". This controversy would dog the Regiments' badge for many years, and would not be resolved until 1965, with the introduction of the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment AA badge. In 1947, they were given advice that Birds on badges, face to the left (when worn) (Archive NZ - "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958612).
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- Above Right: A NZ Army memo regarding the production by J R Gaunt & Son Ltd of the Gilt fired badges for the Regiment. Note the price for Cap at "3/8d" each and "7/-" the Collar badges - a pair. The memo is dated March 1948, and states that there is a 9 month delay before badges would arrive, making them as early as late 1948/early 1949.
- Opposite: A very rare example of a lead sample, which has been cast from the original dies for the 1st type New Zealand Regiment Badge (confirmed as it has been measured against the below badges).
The Army had a process with badge manufacturers, whereby when the dies were "cut" with the impression of the new badge (taken from photo's and drawings like the above by the "die sinkers"), they then asked that the manufacturer to cast a lead sample from the die, BEFORE the die was hardened.
These samples were then examined, inspected and approved by the Army, and only then, were the dies subjected to heat treatment and the metal hardening process, so that it could stamp out brass and aluminium materials to make the finished badge.
This was NOT a quick process, and there are documents in the file (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment") which shows that the Army went back and forth with the manufacturer on a number of occasions, and that samples were "rejected" if previous alterations had not been made to the die, or faults could still be seen.
I imagine that this took even longer, with the likes of J R Gaunt Ltd, or Firmin & Sons, as samples would have to be sent back and forth from the UK to New Zealand.
The Army had a process with badge manufacturers, whereby when the dies were "cut" with the impression of the new badge (taken from photo's and drawings like the above by the "die sinkers"), they then asked that the manufacturer to cast a lead sample from the die, BEFORE the die was hardened.
These samples were then examined, inspected and approved by the Army, and only then, were the dies subjected to heat treatment and the metal hardening process, so that it could stamp out brass and aluminium materials to make the finished badge.
This was NOT a quick process, and there are documents in the file (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment") which shows that the Army went back and forth with the manufacturer on a number of occasions, and that samples were "rejected" if previous alterations had not been made to the die, or faults could still be seen.
I imagine that this took even longer, with the likes of J R Gaunt Ltd, or Firmin & Sons, as samples would have to be sent back and forth from the UK to New Zealand.
- Above: A 1st type, gilt fired brass, solid backed Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Based on the New Zealand Staff Cap badge design. It has two long looped to back. No maker mark, but likely J R GAUNT & SONS Ltd. Size 35mm by 31.5mm.
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- Above: A matching 1st type, opposing gilt fired brass, solid backed Collar badges to the New Zealand Regiment. These collars are worn with the Kiwi facing inwards. They are the same size as the opposite Cap, but have two short D shaped looped lugs to back. They are not maker marked, but are likely J R GAUNT & SONS Ltd. Size 35mm by 31.5mm.
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- Opposite: A side-on back shot of the three above badges to show the difference between the Cap and the Collar badges in terms of lug size. Otherwise they are the same size and form to front.
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- Above: A rare Stirling Silver Sweethearts badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Same size as the above badges, it is not hallmarked, and has a brooch fitting to back with a ball catch. Size 35mm by 31.5mm.
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- Above: A possible image of Captain (later Lt-Colonel) Norman Elliott McLeod, on his wedding day. He wears a gilt fired set of Cap and Collar badges to the New Zealand Regiment. His buttons are likely the Queen's crown New Zealand Regiment type. Image is dated 11th of December 1954. He started his service as part of Jayforce (Lieutenant), service number 824381, Malaya (Captain - 1st embarkation, then Major - 2nd embarkation) service number 30273, and regular Army service, service number F32073 (Wedding; inscribed 'McLeod - Virtue', 11 December 1954, Wellington, by Spencer Digby Studios. Spencer Digby / Ronald D Woolf Collection. Gift of Ronald Woolf, 1975. © The copyright holder. Te Papa (F.018388)).
New Zealand Regiment Kings Crown - 1st Type Other Ranks
At some stage in late 1948/1949 The New Zealand Army looked to also furnish the Regiment with a Other Ranks badge. There was also some dissatisfaction with the size of the existing Officers badge, which had been described as "too small for a Cap badge" but "too large for a Collar".
The local firm of N Blaxall Ltd of Wellington, were engaged as early as July 1948, to produce a gilt brass "large" Other Ranks badge.
Opposite shows the Order.No. A97138 to supply"
- 1600 Cap at 2/8d each
- 900 pairs of Collar Right & Left - at 2 1/2d a pair
1 set of Dies & Cutters for Cap badge (also cuts Left Collar) £20
1 set of Dies and Cutters for Collar badge (Right) £20."
Badges were duly produced and see below for examples. It was interesting to note that in August 1951, the Army cancelled all further orders from the firm as the dies and cutters (which are usually held by the MOD) had not been forwarded to MOD Stores. This meant no further badges of this type were made.
The local firm of N Blaxall Ltd of Wellington, were engaged as early as July 1948, to produce a gilt brass "large" Other Ranks badge.
Opposite shows the Order.No. A97138 to supply"
- 1600 Cap at 2/8d each
- 900 pairs of Collar Right & Left - at 2 1/2d a pair
1 set of Dies & Cutters for Cap badge (also cuts Left Collar) £20
1 set of Dies and Cutters for Collar badge (Right) £20."
Badges were duly produced and see below for examples. It was interesting to note that in August 1951, the Army cancelled all further orders from the firm as the dies and cutters (which are usually held by the MOD) had not been forwarded to MOD Stores. This meant no further badges of this type were made.
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- Above: Referred to as the 'rough strike" these Cap and Collars were made by N Blaxall Ltd, of Wellington for the New Zealand Regiment from 1948. Ranging in tones and colours, all the Cap and Collar badges (when worn) are the same size. There is also no difference in lug length to back either. All have a pair of copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 43.5mm by 43.5mm.
- Opposite: An Army memo dated the 8th of April 1949, which indicates that supplies of the "new" larger badge are now available to all, and that in the absence of a "Officers" quality badges, that Officers are permitted to wear the new Other Ranks larger badge until a "Officers badge is available (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958683).
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New Zealand Regiment Kings Crown - 2nd Type Other Ranks
From 1950, the New Zealand Regiment sort a continuous source of badges. They were well aware of the huge lag in time and costs when engaging overseas suppliers, so instead turned to local manufacturers, but with mixed results.
- 20th Dec 1951 - NZ Army engaged Avon Plate Works (APW) - Cylde St, Whangarei - to make the NZ Regiment Other Ranks Brass badge. After cutting the dies, and going back and forth with the Army with lead samples, APW announced that they were withdrawing themselves from the contract on the 9th of April 1952, due to lack of staff and also the loss of their crucial die sinker.
- 20th Dec 1951 - NZ Army engaged Avon Plate Works (APW) - Cylde St, Whangarei - to make the NZ Regiment Other Ranks Brass badge. After cutting the dies, and going back and forth with the Army with lead samples, APW announced that they were withdrawing themselves from the contract on the 9th of April 1952, due to lack of staff and also the loss of their crucial die sinker.
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- Above: A single piece, gilt brass other ranks Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Two copper wire looped lugs to back with the maker mark of "M & K LTD, WGTN. N.Z." for Mayer and Kean Limited, Wellington New Zealand. Size 43mm by 39.5mm.
- Opposite: A design document of New Zealand Regiment Cap badge, "enlarged" and dated 8th of Sept 1952 (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958631). |
- 9th of Sept 1952 - NZ Army engages Mayer & Kean Ltd, 4 Willis St, Wellington, to make a larger Other Ranks Cap badge, by increasing the size of exiting held designs as per above diagram (I presume from the earlier, smaller gilt fired brass Officers NZ Regiment badge - "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958548)
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- Opposite & Above: A complete set of dies and cutters for the above large Mayer & Kean Ltd made gilt brass New Zealand Regiment Cap badge. Note, above left the die is stamped "MAYER&KEAN, WELLINGTON" to front, the number "2431" and the date "11.9.1952", which corresponds as to when the Army engaged them to make the badges. At the base front is the letters GW, which we believe is the initials for the Die Sinker "George Whitehouse" (1906 to 1969) who passed away at work, aged 63 at Mayer & Kean (by then called Mayer & Toye - B Jones Collection).
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- 19th of March 1953 - 18 firms have been invited to tender by the New Zealand Army for a the making of a Gilt New Zealand Regiment badge.
Prior Importing & Distribution Co. Ltd are singled out (who are the principles in NZ for Australian Stokes & Sons Ltd of Melbourne) responded, along with a F E Gichard & Son of Mt Eden, Auckland (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958652)
- 6th of May 1953 - Army raised the issue of whether a Collar badges should be provisioned for. At this stage they decided to still focus on delivering the large Brass Other Ranks badge and also a Gilt and Enamel Officers badge.
- 23rd of May 1953 - A 1" square piece of scarlet cloth is discussed to be worn behind the Other Ranks Cap badge (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958587).
Prior Importing & Distribution Co. Ltd are singled out (who are the principles in NZ for Australian Stokes & Sons Ltd of Melbourne) responded, along with a F E Gichard & Son of Mt Eden, Auckland (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958652)
- 6th of May 1953 - Army raised the issue of whether a Collar badges should be provisioned for. At this stage they decided to still focus on delivering the large Brass Other Ranks badge and also a Gilt and Enamel Officers badge.
- 23rd of May 1953 - A 1" square piece of scarlet cloth is discussed to be worn behind the Other Ranks Cap badge (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958587).
- Opposite: A rare, three piece, gilt brass, silver, enamel with Red felt backing Officers Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Two long looped copper lugs to back, and maker marked in raised letters to back to "J R GAUNT LONDON".
These badges are mentioned through the file held by Archive NZ, but only indirectly, in that they are available to be worn, but there are no memo's from suppliers stating they made them, when or in what quantities were delivered.
- 11th of June 1953, Prior Importing & Distribution Co. Ltd (who are the principles in NZ for Stokes & Sons Ltd) stated that Stokes would be prepared to make 6 gilt sample Cap badge for the New Zealand Regiment in Gilt or "Gold" colour. The dies and cutters are sent from Trentham in NZ, to Stokes & Sons in Australia, but upon their arrival, are found to be broken, in disrepair and not fitting Stokes' metal press. The NZ Army declined to proceed and asked that the dies and cutters be returned back to NZ (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958461).
Note: The dies were not sent back, and this causes issues for the Army and later badge makers who wanted to base their design on these existing dies.
- 8th June 1954, the New Zealand Army accepts the quote from a Mr T. M. Dick, 12 Victoria St, Petone, Wellington on supplying badges for the New Zealand Regiment at "7/8d each, 14/- per pair, and £105 and £140 per set respectively for the badges and dies and cutters" (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958459).
The Army and Mr Dick then over many many months, create and design the dies of the badge and produce lead samples from them. None of which seem satisfactory to the Army. By the 1st of April 1955, Mr Dick is awaiting for the return of the old dies, which Prior Importing & Distribution Co Ltd had (principles for Stokes & Sons in NZ), and which had been sent to Australia in June 1953.
- 8th April 1957 - A lead sample which Mr Dick has produced from a die is approved by the NZ Army Board and 2 sample brass badges are asked to be made (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958711)
- 8th July 1957, Mr Dick states that "120 x Cap Gilt, silver, N.Z. Regt" will be ready at a cost of £28 (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958468) - These were to be made for a special "Malaya Force" which was about to depart New Zealand at the time.
- 23rd July 1957, "2000" Other Ranks Cap badges are ordered from Mayer & Kean Ltd, of Wellington, which I believe would be in the kings crown version (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958467).
These badges are mentioned through the file held by Archive NZ, but only indirectly, in that they are available to be worn, but there are no memo's from suppliers stating they made them, when or in what quantities were delivered.
- 11th of June 1953, Prior Importing & Distribution Co. Ltd (who are the principles in NZ for Stokes & Sons Ltd) stated that Stokes would be prepared to make 6 gilt sample Cap badge for the New Zealand Regiment in Gilt or "Gold" colour. The dies and cutters are sent from Trentham in NZ, to Stokes & Sons in Australia, but upon their arrival, are found to be broken, in disrepair and not fitting Stokes' metal press. The NZ Army declined to proceed and asked that the dies and cutters be returned back to NZ (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958461).
Note: The dies were not sent back, and this causes issues for the Army and later badge makers who wanted to base their design on these existing dies.
- 8th June 1954, the New Zealand Army accepts the quote from a Mr T. M. Dick, 12 Victoria St, Petone, Wellington on supplying badges for the New Zealand Regiment at "7/8d each, 14/- per pair, and £105 and £140 per set respectively for the badges and dies and cutters" (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958459).
The Army and Mr Dick then over many many months, create and design the dies of the badge and produce lead samples from them. None of which seem satisfactory to the Army. By the 1st of April 1955, Mr Dick is awaiting for the return of the old dies, which Prior Importing & Distribution Co Ltd had (principles for Stokes & Sons in NZ), and which had been sent to Australia in June 1953.
- 8th April 1957 - A lead sample which Mr Dick has produced from a die is approved by the NZ Army Board and 2 sample brass badges are asked to be made (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958711)
- 8th July 1957, Mr Dick states that "120 x Cap Gilt, silver, N.Z. Regt" will be ready at a cost of £28 (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958468) - These were to be made for a special "Malaya Force" which was about to depart New Zealand at the time.
- 23rd July 1957, "2000" Other Ranks Cap badges are ordered from Mayer & Kean Ltd, of Wellington, which I believe would be in the kings crown version (Archive NZ - Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment FL48958467).
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- Opposite & Above: As late as 29th of August 1957, the New Zealand Army was still ordering the Brass (see above), Other Ranks Cap badge from their supplier, Mayer & Kean Ltd, of Wellington (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958482 (left) & FL48958498 (above)).
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- Above Left & Right: Around late 1957 (sadly the date is not recorded), the NZ Army engaged Mr Trevor Malcom Dick, Die Sinker & Medalist, based in Petone, Wellington to update the Officers badge for the New Zealand Regiment, with the Queens crown, as per the above superb drawing. As per the hand-written memo, there were issues around incorporating the crown into the existing design, fern wreath and circular banner (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958500 (above left) & FL48958483 (above right)).
- In a memo dated the 17th Nov 1958 (when filed) it was recommended that:
"8. In view of the incorrect detail and poor quality of the present badge, it is recommended that:
(a). Approval be given for the immediate cancellation of any further production of the badge by the local firm (Mr T M Dick?).
(b). That appropriate steps be taken to place an order with a British firm for a new badge, the drawing of for which the CE has undertaken to prepare" (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958418 & FL48958496).
- In a memo dated the 17th Nov 1958 (when filed) it was recommended that:
"8. In view of the incorrect detail and poor quality of the present badge, it is recommended that:
(a). Approval be given for the immediate cancellation of any further production of the badge by the local firm (Mr T M Dick?).
(b). That appropriate steps be taken to place an order with a British firm for a new badge, the drawing of for which the CE has undertaken to prepare" (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958418 & FL48958496).
Officers Cap Badge New Zealand Regiment - Queens Crown
- Above: A gilt fired, Officers Queens Crown, silver and enamel Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Two pressed type looped lugs to back, along with a piece of dark red felt backing. No maker mark and size 43mm by 39mm.
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- Above: A early (1958?) photograph of the proposed Officers Badge for the New Zealand Regiment, with Queens crown (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958534).
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Interesting to note.
- The crown was suggested to be based on the the existing R.N.Z.D.C Cap badge crown (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958576).
- The Officers badge, though made with a Blue enamel circle to center, should have a "Red" enamel circle (Red or Scarlet being the colour of the Infantry). Existing badges were to be "washed" or " wasted" out (i.e. issued/used ) and then any new badges were to have the Red enamel center. This never happened in great quantities, with the blue enamel centered badges only seen now-a-days (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958430).
On the 21st of August 1958, a NZ Army memo states that the new Officers pattern of gilt brass and Silver Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment was available to be issued to Officers. The Officers were able to exchange their existing gilt brass Kings crowned badge for the new, on the basis of one for one (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958623).
- The crown was suggested to be based on the the existing R.N.Z.D.C Cap badge crown (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958576).
- The Officers badge, though made with a Blue enamel circle to center, should have a "Red" enamel circle (Red or Scarlet being the colour of the Infantry). Existing badges were to be "washed" or " wasted" out (i.e. issued/used ) and then any new badges were to have the Red enamel center. This never happened in great quantities, with the blue enamel centered badges only seen now-a-days (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958430).
On the 21st of August 1958, a NZ Army memo states that the new Officers pattern of gilt brass and Silver Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment was available to be issued to Officers. The Officers were able to exchange their existing gilt brass Kings crowned badge for the new, on the basis of one for one (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958623).
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- Above: A possible image of 30695 2nd Lieutenant John Francis Mills, taken on the 23rd of October 1959 in Wellington by Spencer Digby Studios. He is wearing the Queens crown, Gilt fired brass and silver, with enamel Officers Cap badge, with Kings Crown, gilt fired Collar badges. John served in Malaya, with "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment. He also served in Vietnam with the Royal New Zealand Regiment, 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF), 2nd Embarkation. He retired as a Lt-Colonel.
(Man; inscribed 'Mr J. Mills', 23 October 1959, Wellington, by Spencer Digby Studios. Spencer Digby / Ronald D Woolf Collection. Gift of Ronald Woolf, 1975. © The copyright holder. Te Papa (B.085592)).
(Man; inscribed 'Mr J. Mills', 23 October 1959, Wellington, by Spencer Digby Studios. Spencer Digby / Ronald D Woolf Collection. Gift of Ronald Woolf, 1975. © The copyright holder. Te Papa (B.085592)).
Other Ranks Cap Badge New Zealand Regiment - Queens Crown
- Above: An early other ranks, Queens Crown pale gilt tone, anodised aluminium Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Single piece, it has two pins to back to be used with clutches. No maker mark and size 43mm by 39.5mm.
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- Above: A other ranks, Queens Crown gilt tone, anodised aluminium Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Single piece, it has two looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 43mm by 39mm.
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Army memo dated the 11th of Sept 1958 indicates 4000 Other ranks anodised aluminium cap badge are urgently needed by New Zealand Soldiers who have been deployed to Malaya (and their reinforcements). It is suggested that the "dies and cutters for the Officers badge are available in N.Z. and M.O.D Trentham will forward these to you. It is anticipated that these will be suitable for processing the other ranks badge". Also, the other ranks badge will be "same as the officers except for no superimposed silver Kiwi and no enamel" (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958702)
- Firmin & Sons Ltd quoted
- 4000 Other Ranks at 9 1/2d each
- Officers 1 s 3 1/2d each
If dies/cutters were not suitable - £45 - for new dies and cutters
- J R Gaunt & Son Ltd quoted
- 4000 Other Ranks at 9d each
- Officers 1 s 3d each
If dies/cutters were not suitable - £50 - for new dies and cutters
(Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958702)
- Firmin & Sons Ltd quoted
- 4000 Other Ranks at 9 1/2d each
- Officers 1 s 3 1/2d each
If dies/cutters were not suitable - £45 - for new dies and cutters
- J R Gaunt & Son Ltd quoted
- 4000 Other Ranks at 9d each
- Officers 1 s 3d each
If dies/cutters were not suitable - £50 - for new dies and cutters
(Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958702)
On the 9th of October 1958, a order for the Queens Crown, New Zealand Regiment Other Ranks anodised aluminium Cap badge was placed with Gaunt of London. The initial order was for 4000 badges at 9d each (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958550).
A New Zealand Army memo, dated the 10th of Sept 1959, indicates the below anodised aluminium (AA) badge was ready for distribution, and that they are to be exchanged, one for one for the existing Brass badges, which I presume refers to the above Kings crowned Cap badge (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958458)
A New Zealand Army memo, dated the 10th of Sept 1959, indicates the below anodised aluminium (AA) badge was ready for distribution, and that they are to be exchanged, one for one for the existing Brass badges, which I presume refers to the above Kings crowned Cap badge (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958458)
Collar Badge New Zealand Regiment
As far back as the 4th of Sept 1956, there was talk of Collar badges being made and issued to the Officers, which was same design as the Kings crown Cap badge but 2/3rds the size, and opposing, so a Left and a Right facing Kiwi (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958419). But in a memo dated the 4th of Nov 1958, it was noted that NZ Army Stores held no Collar badges for either Officer or Other Ranks (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958453)
With the revision of the Cap badge for both Officers and Other ranks, to include a Queens crown, the Army revisited the need to also have a Collar badge for the New Zealand Regiment.
With the revision of the Cap badge for both Officers and Other ranks, to include a Queens crown, the Army revisited the need to also have a Collar badge for the New Zealand Regiment.
- Above: A design document showing the composition and approval of the Officers and Other Ranks collar badges (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958534).
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- Above: A J R Gaunt sample card showing the New Zealand regiment collar badges and their Design numbers (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958436).
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The Collar badges were approved on the 29th of January 1959, and worn with the new Queens crown New Zealand Regiment Cap badge. It represents a No. 5 Bayonet. Gaunt designed these (though Firmin also submitted a design and quote - they were apparently cheaper on the Officers collars, but Gaunt was cheaper on the Other Ranks - Gaunt 10/6s Officer - pair, 1/7s Other Ranks - pair), with a Gaunt Design number of "0.1373/4" (per Army memo 213/12/65/086 - (Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958511).
- Above: A opposing pair of Officers gilt fired brass and Silver plate Collar badges to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. These are two piece, with separate handle to the bayonet. Two pins to back (to be used with clutches), no maker mark. Size 44mm by 10.5mm.
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- Above: A opposing pair of anodised aluminium Collar badges to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. These are two tone, with aluminium looped lugs to back. Maker marked in raised letters to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 43.5mm by 10mm.
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- Above: A opposing pair of two tone metal Collar badges to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. These have pins to back to be used with clutches. No maker mark, but someone has engraved "L" and "R" to the back of each for Left and Right. Size 42mm by 10mm.
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- Opposite: A back view of two anodised aluminium Collar badges to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. These are the same as the above center pair, made by "J R GAUNT LONDON" in raised letters, but show the brass backing plate which was issued with them. The plate has two slots, slightly off-set and are 44.5mm by 13mm.
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- Above: In 1954 the New Zealand Army adopted the Cap Battledress or Cap BD (also referred to as the Ski Cap) as a headdress. It was not popular, and had a short life. Above is a somewhat sun-bleached exmaple, with a Queens crown anodised aluminium Cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment to front.
- Opposite: A set of rejected design for the New Zealand Regiment Collar badge proposed in late 1958 (Archive NZ "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958694). |
- Above: A top view of the same hat, with leather chin-strap and black plastic "New Zealand Forces" 4 star buttons to either side.
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- Opposite: Same hat, with the ear flaps down. They are held in place with two poppers either side. Note the cloth ribbon chin strap which is on either side.
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- Above: The interior of the hat, with a cellulite top liner and thin leather sweatband. No maker mark, but there is a paper size label of 7 1/2.
- Opposite: A cloth and embroidered blazer badge to the New Zealand Regiment. Note the "Red" or "Scarlet" wreath to center, the colour of the Infantry. Plain to back, with no marker mark (image from the internet). |
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The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
In January of 1964, a reorganisation of the Infantry was announced, and on the 1st of April that year, all existing Infantry Territorial Formations of the New Zealand Army became Battalions of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment as follows:
1 RNZIR – 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (Regular)
2 RNZIR – 2nd Battalion, (Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
3 RNZIR – 3rd Battalion, (Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
4 RNZIR – 4th Battalion, (Otago and Southland), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
5 RNZIR – 5th Battalion, (Wellington West Coast and Taranaki), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
6 RNZIR – 6th Battalion, (Hauraki), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
7 RNZIR – 7th Battalion, (Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
This meant the change of badge too.
Motto: ONWARDS
In January of 1964, a reorganisation of the Infantry was announced, and on the 1st of April that year, all existing Infantry Territorial Formations of the New Zealand Army became Battalions of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment as follows:
1 RNZIR – 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (Regular)
2 RNZIR – 2nd Battalion, (Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
3 RNZIR – 3rd Battalion, (Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
4 RNZIR – 4th Battalion, (Otago and Southland), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
5 RNZIR – 5th Battalion, (Wellington West Coast and Taranaki), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
6 RNZIR – 6th Battalion, (Hauraki), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
7 RNZIR – 7th Battalion, (Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay), Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
This meant the change of badge too.
Motto: ONWARDS
- Opposite: A faded Newspaper article, sadly I don't know from which paper it was taken, but in the "Press" Newspaper, the same word for word article was published on the 15th of Feb 1964 - Vol CIII, Issue 303366, page 12. The Press article does not have the photo (or this is not captured in Paperpast), nor the same heading, but likely dates the opposite article to about this time.
"Soldiers of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment are to be issued with a distinctive cap badge after the reorganisation of New Zealand infantry regiments in January this year. The badge was recently approved by the ColoneL-in-Chief of the newly formed regiment, Her Majesty the Queen, whose approval appears in the drawing of the badge above, Selected - from several designs offered for consideration to the' colonels of infantry regiments throughout New Zealand, the badge makes use of national emblems, and the traditions established by New Zealand soldiers for more than 50 years.
In the centre of the badge stands a silver kiwi which has been associated with badges of New Zealand infantry regiments for many years. The kiwi was also the divisional sign of the 3rd and 6th New Zealand Divisions during World War 11. Behind the kiwi is the traditional colour of the infantry—scarlet.
At the base of the cap badge the word “Onward” has a significant meaning. It was, until recently, the motto of the crest of the New Zealand Government. This motto was worn on the cap badge by all soldiers of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the last war. The fern fronds surrounding the oval of the badge are traditionally worn on New Zealand cap badges in place of the laurel wreath usually associated with British Army badges. The words “Royal New Zealand Infantry” (the regimental title), are backed by Garter blue. This colour was incorporated in the design of the badge to record the gracious approval of Her Majesty the Queen in granting the prefix “Royal” to the title of the regiment The badges are expected to be issued to serving soldiers in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in about 12 months."
"Soldiers of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment are to be issued with a distinctive cap badge after the reorganisation of New Zealand infantry regiments in January this year. The badge was recently approved by the ColoneL-in-Chief of the newly formed regiment, Her Majesty the Queen, whose approval appears in the drawing of the badge above, Selected - from several designs offered for consideration to the' colonels of infantry regiments throughout New Zealand, the badge makes use of national emblems, and the traditions established by New Zealand soldiers for more than 50 years.
In the centre of the badge stands a silver kiwi which has been associated with badges of New Zealand infantry regiments for many years. The kiwi was also the divisional sign of the 3rd and 6th New Zealand Divisions during World War 11. Behind the kiwi is the traditional colour of the infantry—scarlet.
At the base of the cap badge the word “Onward” has a significant meaning. It was, until recently, the motto of the crest of the New Zealand Government. This motto was worn on the cap badge by all soldiers of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the last war. The fern fronds surrounding the oval of the badge are traditionally worn on New Zealand cap badges in place of the laurel wreath usually associated with British Army badges. The words “Royal New Zealand Infantry” (the regimental title), are backed by Garter blue. This colour was incorporated in the design of the badge to record the gracious approval of Her Majesty the Queen in granting the prefix “Royal” to the title of the regiment The badges are expected to be issued to serving soldiers in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in about 12 months."
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- Above: As per Army memo dated the 17th of Dec 1965, the new Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment insignia was ready for issue. The document indicates that the AA or Anodised Aluminium insignia was to be given in the above quantities to each Regular Force (RF) Officer and Other Ranks, and each Terrritorial Force (TF) Officer and Other Ranks.
Ligne refers to button size (22 ligne =14mm, 27 ligne =16.8mm, 30 ligne =19mm, 40 ligne =25.4mm - Document from Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958422). - Opposite: A superb "approved" design of the proposed Cap badge of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, dated 26th of May 1964 (from Archive NZ entitled "Badges & Buttons - New Zealand Regiment" - FL48958474) |
- Above: A 2 piece, 4 tone, anodised aluminium Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR). Long pins to back, to be used with clutches. No maker mark and size 49.5mm by 38mm. These early badges were very prone (and still are!) to breaking, with the long aluminium pins snapping off. It was noted at the time that a better means was needed to secure the badge to the hat.
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- Above: A 2 piece, 4 tone, anodised aluminium Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR). Two Aluminium looped lugs to back. Maker marked to "J R GAUNT BHAM" in raised letters to back. Size 50mm by 37.5mm.
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- Above: A 2 piece, 4 tone, anodised aluminium Cap badge to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR), with backing plate to the 2nd/1st Battalion of the RNZIR. Two Aluminium looped lugs to back, but no maker marked to either backing plate or badge. Size of White/Black backing plate (made from plastic) is 52mm by 40mm, while Cap badge is 49mm by 37.5mm.
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- Opposite: A cast metal and hand painted Helmet Plate Badge to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment's Band. They wore these on the white Home Service Style British helmets. The badge has two looped lugs to back and is numbered "56" in paint to back. Roughly 81mm x 62mm
- Above: A pair of 2 piece anodised aluminium Collars badges to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Note opposing Kiwi's to center. These collars are getting harder to find and are associated with the regiments service in Vietnam. They have two pin fittings to back, which are very prone to breaking, so finding a complete opposing set is getting nearly impossible. No maker mark and size 38mm by 20mm. |
- Above: The current version of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment's Cap badge, but in bullion for Officers, to be worn on a Beret. No maker mark to back.
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New Zealand Regiment - Buttons
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- Above: A gilt brass, Ligne 30 or 19mm button to the New Zealand Regiment. Fixed shank to back and marked "GAUNT LONDON".
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- Above & Opposite: At the same time as designing the Cap badge for the NZ Regiment in 1947, steps were also taken to have a button to match.
On the 6th of May, 1948, Gaunt was enganged to make the dies and from the files, it appears just one size, a Ligne 30 or 19mm Button.
At the time Gaunt was experimenting with Anodised Aluminium, a new material and finish, and the NZ Regiment requested its new button be in this material. So far, it looks like this never happened (till later, see below) and they were instead made in gilt brass as above.
On the 6th of May, 1948, Gaunt was enganged to make the dies and from the files, it appears just one size, a Ligne 30 or 19mm Button.
At the time Gaunt was experimenting with Anodised Aluminium, a new material and finish, and the NZ Regiment requested its new button be in this material. So far, it looks like this never happened (till later, see below) and they were instead made in gilt brass as above.
- Opposite Left: : A gold toned anodised aluminium 26mm fixed shank button to the New Zealand Regiment, with Queens Crown. Maker marked to "GAUNT LONDON".
- Opposite Right: A gold toned (now faded) anodised aluminium 17mm fixed shank button to the New Zealand Regiment, with Queens Crown. Maker marked to back to "GAUNT LONDON".
- Opposite Right: A gold toned (now faded) anodised aluminium 17mm fixed shank button to the New Zealand Regiment, with Queens Crown. Maker marked to back to "GAUNT LONDON".
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- Other Makers of the above: 30 Ligne = 19mm "LONDON BADGE & BUTTON".
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- Opposite: A large blazer badge to the New Zealand Regiment, with Kings Crown. Maker marked to back to "Gold Lacemen & Embroiderers, A R Fabb Bros Ltd, Maidenhead, Berks".
- Above: A Queens crown, enamel and gilt brass veterans association badge to the New Zealand Regiment. It has a "II" to base, which I presume signifies the 2nd Battalion. This may have had a button-hole fitting to back, but now has two lugs, soldered in a East/West configuration. No maker mark. |
- Above: The standard post 1961 issued shoulder title to the New Zealand Regiment in White letters on a Post Office Red background.
- Opposite: Post 1964 shoulder titles to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (R.N.Z.I.R). The 4 title show variations in wear and tear, hence the colours, but there are also differences in letters and size. In 1973 a 2nd battalion was added to the 1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. It was to be designated the 2/1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and is based at Burnham, in the South Island of New Zealand. 1st Battalion base is at Linton Camp, outside Palmerston North, in the North Island of New Zealand. In 2013 the 6 Territorial Force Battalions were merged to 3 to form Reserve battalions fo the 1st and 2/1st Battalions of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. 1st Battalion (1 RNZIR) – Regular - Linton Camp 2/1st Battalion (2/1 RNZIR) – Regular - Burnham Camp 2nd/4th Battalion (2/4 RNZIR) – Reserve 3rd/6th Battalion (3/6 RNZIR) – Reserve 5th/7th Battalion (5/7 RNZIR) – Reserve - Trentham |
- Above: Made, but not issued. A two titled shoulder title to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Corps, New Zealand Regiment. These were made around 1964 when all other existing Infantry Regiments became part of the New Zealand Regiment. It is also when the New Zealand Regiment received its "Royal" Prefix.
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Fakes & Forgeries
Below is a fake or reproduction cap badge to the New Zealand Regiment (with Queens crown).
- Big give-away is this badge should be just silver tone. It was never issued in brass or brass tone. The faker has gone to the trouble to try and town down the gilt colour, but its still not right.
- To back is stippled, with some material faults and holes. But in general is not far off the original
- Two small copper lugs, brazed on.
- Size 41mm by 37.5mm.
- Big give-away is this badge should be just silver tone. It was never issued in brass or brass tone. The faker has gone to the trouble to try and town down the gilt colour, but its still not right.
- To back is stippled, with some material faults and holes. But in general is not far off the original
- Two small copper lugs, brazed on.
- Size 41mm by 37.5mm.
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WW2 Home Guard Badges
During WW2, New Zealand looked to defend its shores against possible invasion from Japan. Many of the veterans from WW1 re-enlisted to do their bit again, but were by this stage in their late 40's, early 50's.
To old to be sent overseas, they instead formed the New Zealand National Military Reserve or local Home Guard Units.
Some of the old Soldiers had served in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade during WW1, so some of the Home Guard units adopted their old badge in WW2 as homage to their old unit.
Motto: KIA MATARA (Be watchful).
To old to be sent overseas, they instead formed the New Zealand National Military Reserve or local Home Guard Units.
Some of the old Soldiers had served in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade during WW1, so some of the Home Guard units adopted their old badge in WW2 as homage to their old unit.
Motto: KIA MATARA (Be watchful).
- Above: A WW2 New Zealand Onwards badge frame, with a WW1 New Zealand Rifle Brigade Cap (or Collar - worn as either) badge worn by some Home Guard units. The lugs to back of the NZRB badge have been removed. The Onwards badge has two copper wire looped lugs. No maker mark.
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- Above: A similar WW2 New Zealand Onwards badge frame, with a WW1 New Zealand Rifle Brigade Cap badge worn by some Home Guard units. Slight variations in the Lion to center, with a straight pennant to top. The Onwards badge has two thick copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: - The standard New Zealand Home Guard Cap badge in gilt brass. Two copper wire looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Above Right: A less common version of the New Zealand Home Guard badge. This has been cut down, with the two interconnecting bars removed. Gilt brass, with copper wire looped lugs. No maker mark. |
- Above: Same again, but this time maker marked. Both have copper wire loops to back. One in gilt brass, the other in darkened brass. Both have the maker mark of "M & K, W" or Mayer and Kean, Wellington. to back of top bar.
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- Above: A WW2 era New Zealand Home Guard pin or lapel badge in white metal. Worn on civilian clothes to signify a persons membership to the organisation. A brooch fitting to back with no maker mark.
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- A cotton armband with red painted crown and "H.G.", which was worn on both civilian and Home Guard uniform by members (before rank was issued for their uniform - their rank is depicted by a series of red diagonal chevrons for NCO's or Blue triangles for Officers on the armband). No maker marks (image from the internet).
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Cloth Shoulder Titles
From WW2, New Zealand overseas serving forces used a cloth National shoulder title. These continued well into the 1980's, where-ever New Zealand Troops were deployed. Home Service soldiers, in New Zealand, continued during WW2 to use brass titles where possible.
More Variations:
- Opposite Top: A sew-on type national title with a black hessian backing cloth which has had a tan ribbon loop added to back. - Opposite 2nd Row: A title with large white New Zealand letters on a black background, which has been sewn onto a light khaki material loop. Sadly mothed to front. - Opposite 3rd Row: A embroidered white lettered shoulder title on black material backing, which is also sewn into a loop. - Opposite Bottom Row: Same again, but narrower and different style of lettering. 
- Opposite Top Row: A embroidered white thread on black background sew-on type national shoulder title. Dark material backing. - Opposite 2nd and 3rd Rows: A near matching pair of embroidered white thread on black background sew-on type national shoulder title. Dark material backing. - Opposite Bottom Row: A embroidered white thread on black background sew-on type national shoulder title. Light hessian material backing. 
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- Opposite Top and 2nd Row: A pair of early embroidered "slip-on" shoulder titles mounted on a loop of khaki wool material. These were designed to be worn over the shoulder strap of the battle dress, and literately "slipped-on".
- Opposite 3rd Row: A embroidered national title on black background, mounted on a light tan material loop. - Opposite Bottom Row: A embroidered national title on black background, mounted on a light khaki material loop. 
- Opposite Top Row: A woven style White and Black threaded national shoulder title, possibly just a sew on. Backed on light tan material. - Opposite 2nd Row: A larger woven style White and Black threaded national shoulder title, sewn onto a light khaki loop. - Opposite 3rd Row: A embroidered white thread on black background sew-on type national shoulder title. Dark material backing. - Opposite Bottom Row: A embroidered white thread on black background sew-on type national shoulder title. White hessian backing material. 
As WW2 progressed, New Zealand experimented with ways of making the titles easier to produce.
- Opposite Top Row: A printed slip-on national shoulder titles on a dark khaki ribbon. - Opposite Middle Row: A printed slip-on national shoulder titles on a dark khaki ribbon. Loop to back has been clipped off. - Opposite Bottom Row: A printed slip-on national shoulder titles on a dark khaki ribbon. |
- Above: Four New Zealand Army issue Pacific theater of war national shoulder title. Black NZ letters either printed or embroidered on a light khaki material.
- Opposite: A matching pair of Silver bullion thread New Zealand shoulder titles. The bullion thread is sewn onto a black wool type cloth, which is then stitched onto ribbon like loops. Some oxidation to bullion finish and also some mothing to low title.
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- Above: Two private purchase National slip-on shoulder titles in different styles. The "New Zealand" is in Silver Bullion thread. These were bought by Kiwi troops in Italy during WW2, to add a bit of "bling" to their uniforms. Sadly the bottom title has oxidised with age.
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