New Zealand Mounted Rifle Badges
Like their Infantry counterparts, the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Regiments were all formed in 1911, mainly from pre-existing Volunteer Mounted Rifle units. Unlike the Infantry, very few survived passed WW2, just due to changes in warfare and technology. New Zealand Mounted Rifle units, play a significant role in the Middle East, while the Otago Mounted Rifle Regiments fought on the Western Front during WW1 as Infantry.
Instead of 4 regiments for each Military District (like the Infantry), there were 3 as follows:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
- 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles
-4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles
-11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
- 2nd (Wellington West Coast) Mounted Rifles
- 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles
- 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
- 1st (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry) Mounted Rifles
- 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles
- 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
- 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles
- 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles
- 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles
The last three regiment of the Otago Mounted Rifles, left with the "Main Body" of men, known as the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (N.Z.E.F) in Oct 1914, and fought (as all Mounted Rifle units did) as dismounted Infantry at Gallipoli.
With the reorganisation and formation of the ANZAC and NZ Divisions after the withdrawal from Gallipoli in April 1916, the three units of Otago Mounted Rifle were not required to serve in the Middle East. Instead their members and reinforcements fought as dismounted Infantry or joined other newly formed or greatly expanded units in France and on the Western Front.
This section of the website will look at the Cap and Collar badges worn by the 12 Mounted Rifle Regiments from 1911 until now.
Instead of 4 regiments for each Military District (like the Infantry), there were 3 as follows:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
- 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles
-4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles
-11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
- 2nd (Wellington West Coast) Mounted Rifles
- 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles
- 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
- 1st (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry) Mounted Rifles
- 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles
- 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
- 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles
- 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles
- 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles
The last three regiment of the Otago Mounted Rifles, left with the "Main Body" of men, known as the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (N.Z.E.F) in Oct 1914, and fought (as all Mounted Rifle units did) as dismounted Infantry at Gallipoli.
With the reorganisation and formation of the ANZAC and NZ Divisions after the withdrawal from Gallipoli in April 1916, the three units of Otago Mounted Rifle were not required to serve in the Middle East. Instead their members and reinforcements fought as dismounted Infantry or joined other newly formed or greatly expanded units in France and on the Western Front.
This section of the website will look at the Cap and Collar badges worn by the 12 Mounted Rifle Regiments from 1911 until now.
New Zealand Mounted Rifle Regiments
1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles.
The 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles was formed in 1911 from the amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, North Canterbury Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Christchurch.
Headquarters were at Christchurch.
|
- Opposite: A semi-solid gilt brass Cap badge to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. D shaped copper looped lugs to back, and impressed to "J R Gaunt London".
- Above: A semi-solid, and well worn bronze Collar badge to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back and maker impressed to "J R Gaunt London". |
|
- Opposite & Above: A gilt brass Cap and Collar badge pair to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. All have copper looped lugs to back and the maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London".
|
- Above Left: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Narrow, with the central "bar" across the top of the "Y" to center, it has a different styled Ram's head and horns. No maker mark and copper wire looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Note the gap, in the top of the "Y" to center. A wide badge, with thick wire copper lugs to back. Small maker mark to back base to "M & K W" or Mayer and Kean of Wellington. |
- Above Top: A matching pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. No maker mark and two copper looped lugs to back.
- Above Bottom: A single gilt brass Collar badge to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. No maker mark and two copper looped lugs to back. |
- Above: A mixture of South Island Mounted Rifles in Camp. To center crouching, is a Sergeant to the 1st (Canterbury) MR, with Cap to hat, and Collar badges. He wears a number "1" in brass on his shoulder strap, and "NZMR" Shoulder titles either side. To his left is a 10th (Nelson) MR Sergeant, while lying down in front, is a Sergeant to the 8th (South Canterbury) MR. The soldier at the back, center is also wearing collars to the 8th.
The 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles amalgamated with the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles in 1921, and the Regiments title was changed to the 1st New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry).
The Regiment was then absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
The 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles amalgamated with the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles in 1921, and the Regiments title was changed to the 1st New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry).
The Regiment was then absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
2nd (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles.
The 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles were formed in 1911 from the 1st Regiment, Wellington (West Coast) Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Wanganui.
Note the Cap badge was worn as either a Cap or Collar, and there is much variation in the Cabbage Tree and its base ground!
It is only until relatively recently that the Regiment has worn different sized Collars.
Headquarters were at Wanganui.
Note the Cap badge was worn as either a Cap or Collar, and there is much variation in the Cabbage Tree and its base ground!
It is only until relatively recently that the Regiment has worn different sized Collars.
- Above: A Officers solid, darkened Cap or Collar badge to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. Its a rough badge, with imperfections to front. To back is a solid back, with two tangs or blades. Marker mark impressed to "Bock Wellington".
|
- Above: A darkened brass Cap or Collar badge to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. Its a thin badge, with short looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
- Above: A darkened Cap and Collar badge set to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. All three have two D shaped copper looped lugs to back and a maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London".
- Above: A darkened Cap or Collar badge in copper, to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. Both have copper looped lugs but no maker mark. Note the rounded ground at the base of the Cabbage Tree. These have a thick stamping, with a deep edge.
|
- Above: Same badge as the opposing two, but in darkened brass. No maker mark and two copper looped lugs to back.
|
- Opposite Left: A painted gold Cap or Collar badge to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. Both lugs have been replaced to back, and no maker mark.
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass Cap or Collar badge to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. Both lugs have been clipped off to back, and no maker mark.
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass Cap or Collar badge to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. Both lugs have been clipped off to back, and no maker mark.
- Opposite: A matching pair in terms of strike to the 2nd Queen Alexandra's (Wellington, West Coast) Mounted Rifles. The above left is in darkened copper, while the above right is in darkened brass. Two looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
- Above & Opposite: A modern Cap and Collar badge set to the Queen Alexandra's Squadron, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps. The Cap badge is a darkened bronze metal, solid to back, with two pins to use with clutches. The collars are a near black in colour and also have 2 pins to back to each. They show the two versions. The Cap has a near flat background, while the Collars feature Mt Egmont behind. You can get a Cap with Mt Egmont and Collars with a flat background. None are maker marked.
|
In 1921 the regiments title was changed to the 2nd New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Queen Alexandra's Wellington West Coast).
This was later altered to Queen Alexandra's (Wellington West Coast) Mounted Rifles.
During WW2 its members served in a number of units including 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry Regiment, which saw action in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy. Some men also served in the Long Range Desert Group.
Members were also part of 3rd New Zealand Division's Special Army Tank Squadron Group in the Pacific, and with the 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade in Italy.
Members served as part of J-Force after WW2 with the occupation of Japan.
The regiment went through a number of title and organisational changes over the years and is currently called Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps and is again Regiment size, based in Burnham, South Island, New Zealand.
This was later altered to Queen Alexandra's (Wellington West Coast) Mounted Rifles.
During WW2 its members served in a number of units including 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry Regiment, which saw action in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy. Some men also served in the Long Range Desert Group.
Members were also part of 3rd New Zealand Division's Special Army Tank Squadron Group in the Pacific, and with the 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade in Italy.
Members served as part of J-Force after WW2 with the occupation of Japan.
The regiment went through a number of title and organisational changes over the years and is currently called Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps and is again Regiment size, based in Burnham, South Island, New Zealand.
3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles.
The 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles formed in 1911 from the 1st Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Auckland.
Headquarters were at Auckland.
|
- Opposite & Above: A locally made "Rough" type gilt brass Cap and Collar badge to the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles. These apparently were the first version of the badge, before the Gaunt produced ones were issued.
The Cap badge has a short brass slider to back, while one collar has two thick wire looped lugs, the other has had its lugs clipped off. The books only show the eagles head facing this way, there appears no opposing other side. |
|
- Opposite & Above: A scarce, gilt fired Cap and Collar badge to the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Both are semi-solid to back and impressed "J R Gaunt London". Note the Collar is dark as it has been heated to add two new replacement lugs to back.
|
|
- Opposite & Above: Gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles. All have a makers plaque to back to "J R Gaunt London", and all have two copper looped lugs. Note the Collars are opposing, with Eagle's head facing either way.
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Two copper wire lugs to back, with the marker marked to back base of "M & K, W" for Mayer and Kean of Wellington.
- Opposite: A full length image of Quartermaster Sergeant (QMS) 13/2512 James Leslie Buchanan, taken in July 1915. Here, he is wearing the insignia of the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles. James left with A Squadron, 8th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements, as a Sergeant Major, but was held back in Egypt, while the Allies withdrew from Gallipoli, and then joined the New Zealand Field Artillery. Wounded in France, in 1918, he would eventually lose a leg. James served with the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles prior to his service in WW1. Note the QMS stars to sleeves above his Sergeants chevrons (Nigel Robson Collection). |
|
- Opposite: A sand cast Cap and Collar badge to the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Both have a Gaunt plaque cast into the back of them, indicating possibly WW1 era, and made in the middle East.
The Regiments title was changed in 1921 to the 3rd New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Auckland).
This was then changed to the Auckland (East Coast) Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 1st Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
This was then changed to the Auckland (East Coast) Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 1st Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles.
The 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles formed in 1911 from the amalgamation of the 2nd and 4th Regiments, Auckland Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Hamilton
Headquarters were at Hamilton
|
- Opposite: A bronze Officers Cap badge to the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles. Semi-solid to back, with two blades or tangs. It is impressed to back with the maker details of "J R Gaunt London".
- Above: A non-matching pair of Collar badges to the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles. Both are maker impressed to back to "J R Gaunt London. The above left has two lugs to back of base banner, while the above right has three, one to the back of the bird (Kea), and one either side of the back of the banner. |
|
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles. Three copper looped lugs to back, with the maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London". This badge has been lacquered, which has filled in some of the detail to front and turned it a yellowy brown in tone.
- Above: A matching pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles. Two copper looped lugs to back and the maker plaque of "J R Gaunt London". |
|
- Opposite: A rare variation of the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles Cap badge. This badge was issued with a hook to hold back the flap of a slouched hat. Similar to the 1st (Canterbury) Infantry Regiment hooked Cap badge, they came about prior to WW1 due to different Regiments adopting a wide range of hats. Maker plaqued to J R Gaunt to back, and with a single screw post, nut and washer to back.
- Above: A locally made Cap badge to the 4th (Waikato) Mounted Rifles. Variation in detail to bird (Kea) and wreath. Lacks detail to back and has two copper wire lugs. |
The Regimental title was changed in 1921 to the 4th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Waikato).
This was then changed to the Waikato Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 1st Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
This was then changed to the Waikato Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 1st Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles.
The 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles formed in 1911 from the 1st Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Dunedin.
Headquarters were at Dunedin.
- Above: A early, 1st pattern, bi-metal, darkened Cap badge to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. This is based on the design for the Volunteer period "1st Regt. Otago M.R." badge, with a rounded crown and fine leafed wreath. Note this example has had the crown crushed slightly and the overall badge darkened. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 57mm by 50mm.
|
- Above: The more common, 2nd pattern, bi-metal Cap badge to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. It has a more angular crown and broader leafed wreath. Two long copper looped lugs to back and the maker plaque to back of crown to "J R GAUNT LONDON". Size 57.5mm by 52mm.
|
- Above: A darkened, all brass Cap badge to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 59mm by 50mm.
|
- Above: A 1st pattern, bi-metal, darkened Cap badge to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. Smaller crown to top, with two copper looped lugs. No maker mark and size 58mm by 49mm.
|
- Above: A bi-metal Cap badge to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. This is maker marked to "M & K W" or Mayer and Kean, Wellington, on either side of the back of the lower banner. Size 59mm by 52.5mm.
|
- Above: A darkened pair of Bronze Officers Collar badges to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. Both have two maker marks impressed to back to "J R Gaunt London" and have two D shaped lugs to back.
|
- Above: A bi-metal pair of gilt brass and white metal Collar badges to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. Both have a maker plaque to back to "J R Gaunt London" and have two D shaped lugs to back.
|
- Opposite: There is not much difference in terms of strike to the front of the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles Collars. The detail is in fact in the back, with much variation.
In Geoff Oldham's book "Badges and Insignia of the New Zealand Army", he talks of a "short scroll", but I have yet to see one come to market. What is more likely is they are just a cut-down version of the standard collar, with the outer part of the scroll removed on either side.
In Geoff Oldham's book "Badges and Insignia of the New Zealand Army", he talks of a "short scroll", but I have yet to see one come to market. What is more likely is they are just a cut-down version of the standard collar, with the outer part of the scroll removed on either side.
- Opposite: The same 5 collars to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles, but showing their backs.
- Top Left: A Gaunt plaqued Collar, with small sweat hole to center of shield and reverse detail to back.
- Top Right: A plain backed Collar with small sweat hole to back. No maker mark.
- Middle Row Right: A solid backed bronze Collar badge. Note its impressed twice to "J R Gaunt London".
- Bottom Left: A Collar with a large sweat hole to back. No maker mark.
- Bottom Right: A "J R Gaunt London" double impressed Collar badge, with plain back and small sweat hole.
- Top Left: A Gaunt plaqued Collar, with small sweat hole to center of shield and reverse detail to back.
- Top Right: A plain backed Collar with small sweat hole to back. No maker mark.
- Middle Row Right: A solid backed bronze Collar badge. Note its impressed twice to "J R Gaunt London".
- Bottom Left: A Collar with a large sweat hole to back. No maker mark.
- Bottom Right: A "J R Gaunt London" double impressed Collar badge, with plain back and small sweat hole.
- Above: a pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. Two copper looped lugs to the back of each, in a North/South configuration. No maker mark. Size 28mm by 39mm.
In 1921, the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles was amalgamated with the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles and 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles to become the 5th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Otago).
This was then changed to the 5th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars) in August 1923.
It became the Otago Mounted Rifles in 1927.
It was absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
This was then changed to the 5th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars) in August 1923.
It became the Otago Mounted Rifles in 1927.
It was absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles.
The 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles formed in 1911 from the 3rd Regiment, Wellington (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Palmerston North.
Headquarters were at Palmerston North.
|
- Opposite: A solid darkened bronze Officers Cap badge to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles. Two tangs to back, and a maker impressed mark to "J R Gaunt of London".
- Above: A solid darkened Collar badge to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles. Possible Officers, and certainly a finer strike with extra fretting around the "TH" to center and under the "Z". Two looped lugs to back, no maker mark. Back is rough, and not well finished. |
|
- Opposite: A darkened brass Cap badge to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles. Long Copper looped lugs to back and the maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London".
- Above: A pair of near matching Collar badges to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles. Both have D shaped copper looped lugs to back and a maker plaque behind the crown to "J R Gaunt London". |
- Above: A pair of darkened and gilt brass Cap Badges to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles. They are actually the same type, but with the right being modified by bending the badge outward, and polishing the "6th" and "NZ". Both have two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
- Above: A die-stamped, darkened Collar badge to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles.
No maker mark to back, and two copper looped lugs. |
- Opposite: A sandcast, and well worn Cap badge to the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles.
Both lugs have broken off the back, but they appear to have been to cast into the back.
It also has a cast Gaunt plaque to the back.
The Regiments title was changed in 1921 to the 6th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Manawatu). This was then changed to the Manawatu Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 2nd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
Both lugs have broken off the back, but they appear to have been to cast into the back.
It also has a cast Gaunt plaque to the back.
The Regiments title was changed in 1921 to the 6th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Manawatu). This was then changed to the Manawatu Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 2nd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles.
The 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles formed in 1911 from the 2nd Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Invercargill.
Headquarters were at Invercargill.
- Above: A darkened bronze Officers Cap badge to the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Two tangs or blades to back and a maker mark impressed to "J R Gaunt London".
|
- Above: Two unmarked variations to the gilt brass Cap badge of the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Note the differences in Kea and its stance. The wording to the lower banner is also in different sizes. Two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
- Opposite: A pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Both are Gaunt plaqued to back and have two D shaped copper lugs.
Note the Cap badge is only marginally larger than the right Collar badge (when worn).
Caution needs to be taken when purchasing, especially if you think you are buying a Cap and its turns out to be a Collar Badge.
Note the Cap badge is only marginally larger than the right Collar badge (when worn).
Caution needs to be taken when purchasing, especially if you think you are buying a Cap and its turns out to be a Collar Badge.
- Above: To show variation, two unmarked and opposing Collar badges. On the left is a Gaunt "like" collar with D shaped Copper loops to back. The right is a different strike, with non-voiding between the legs. Again, two copper looped lugs to back.
|
- Above: A non matching pair in darkened copper Collars badge to the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Both have two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark to either Left size is 25mm by 28mm, right size is 25mm by 29mm.
|
- Above: A locally made Cap badge to the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Non-void brass, with copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
- Above: A locally made Collar badges, matching the opposite Cap badge to the 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Non-void brass, with copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
The Regiment amalgamated with the 5th Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars and 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles in 1921 to become the 5th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Otago).
8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles.
The 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles was formed in 1911 from the 1st Regiment, South Canterbury Mounted Rifles
Headquarters were at Timaru.
Headquarters were at Timaru.
- Above: A darkened bronze Officers Cap badges to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Semi-solid to back, and impressed with the maker details of "J R Gaunt of London". Two brass tangs are to back.
|
- Above: A matching, opposing pair of darkened bronze Officer Collar badges to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Both are semi-solid to back, with a marker mark impressed to "J R Gaunt London". Both have two D shaped copper lugs in a North/South configuration.
|
- Above: Two Gaunt made Cap badges to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. On the left is a standard sized Cap badge in gilt brass roughly 62mm wide by 40mm high. On the right is the large version, 73mm wide by 50mm high. Its purpose is unknown. Maybe a manufacturers mistake or was to be used as something other than a Cap badge (Pouch badge instead?). Both have two copper looped lugs to back and both have a maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London".
|
- Above: A matching, opposing pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Both are die stamped, with a marker plaque to "J R Gaunt London". Both have two D shaped copper lugs in a North/South configuration.
|
- Above Left: A painted gilt brass Cap badge to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. The brown finish has just been applied to front of the badge. To back are two copper looped lugs and a maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London".
- Above Right: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. No maker and two copper looped lugs to back. |
- Above: A sandcast Cap badge to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Probably made in the middle east in WW1, which is where the 8th served. Two copper looped lugs cast into the back of the badge, with a impression of a Gaunt plaque also to back.
|
|
|
- Above, Right and Opposite: A chance find by my Dad in the 1980's in a local Timaru, New Zealand household auction sale.
A 1918 dated, British made, wear-home hat to a Trooper in the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles (it came in a kit-bag, with bandolier and corded MR breaches).
Note the unit patch to both sides of the Puggaree (cloth band in Khaki/Green/Khaki - Colours for the New Zealand Mounted Rifles). All NZ Mounted Rifle units were allowed from 1917, to wear a unit distinguish patch to their hat.
This Black and White patterned patch is to the Canterbury Regiment, which the 8th was part of.
Maker marked to inside to "Hall & Phillips Ltd, Army Contractors, Nuneaton, 1918.
A 1918 dated, British made, wear-home hat to a Trooper in the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles (it came in a kit-bag, with bandolier and corded MR breaches).
Note the unit patch to both sides of the Puggaree (cloth band in Khaki/Green/Khaki - Colours for the New Zealand Mounted Rifles). All NZ Mounted Rifle units were allowed from 1917, to wear a unit distinguish patch to their hat.
This Black and White patterned patch is to the Canterbury Regiment, which the 8th was part of.
Maker marked to inside to "Hall & Phillips Ltd, Army Contractors, Nuneaton, 1918.
|
|
|
- Above: A large (73mm wide by 50mm high) sand cast Cap badge to the 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles. Semi-hollow to back, with a brooch fitting to back. No maker mark.
|
- Above: Its very hard to find a image of a 8th Cap badge being worn! The following is a sequence of three photo's, which shows 5 chaps from different units. In the first two, the photographer changes. This first image is a little blurry, but shows two NZRB chaps with two NZMR, a 8th and a 9th chap wearing their slouch hats and Cap badges.
|
- Above: A clearer image, with from left to right, a 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Cap badge (with pipe in mouth), then a chap with a NZ Rifle Brigade Cap badge, a chap with a low tail Mounted Rifle Reinforcement Cap badge to the front of his hat and finally a 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles chap.
|
- Above: The three images are from the same album, so I imagine this could be either before they arrive at Trentham or as they go towards somewhere like Wellington. They are of course in uniform, so its more likely they are on their way to Wellington, either to depart for overseas, or maybe on a weekend of leave. No writing to back of images.
|
The 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles amalgamated with the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles in 1921, and the Regiments title was changed to the 1st New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry).
9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment.
The 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment formed in 1911 from the amalgamation of the 2nd Regiment, Wellington (Wairarapa) Mounted Rifles and the 4th Regiment, Wellington (East Coast) Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Napier.
Headquarters were at Napier.
- Above: A Officers Bronze Cap badge to the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment. Dark finish to front, with two tangs to back, in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and though solid to back, it has a rough finish to back.
|
- Above: A gilt Cap badge to the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment. The darkened finish to front has been polished off, with just traces if it in the detail and to back. Lacquer has been applied, which has browned with age. Two long looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
- Above: A pair of opposing bronzed Collars to the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment. Both have a darkened finish to front, with the above right, a little more polished. Two D shaped copper lugs to back, in a North/South configuration. No maker mark.
- Opposite: A variation on the Cap badge to the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment. Referred to as the "wide banner" version, this badge has a slider to back which is impressed with the maker mark of "J R Gaunt London". |
|
- Opposite: A unmarked collar badge to the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment. Slight differences in tail and horse to front. To back are two long copper wire looped lugs. No maker mark.
|
- Opposite & Above: A matching set of gilt brass Cap and Collar badge to the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Regiment. All are marked to back with maker plaque to "J R Gaunt, London", and all have copper looped lugs in a North/South configuration.
|
- Above: A rare image of 43271 Alfred "Ernest" Kemp (highlighted with a green rectangle) somewhere in Palestine, possibly 1918. Note the lack of tunics, due to the heat, while two of the Horse wear beads over their eyes to keep the flies away. Ernest was part of the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment, and on the side of his slouch hat, you can just see the units distinguishing patch of a rectangle, cut in half, at a 45 degree angle, White over Black (see below for a example of the patch). Note the cover over Ernest rifle, to keep the sand out (Nigel Robson Collection).
|
|
- Above: A wrist watch owned by 43271 Alfred "Ernest" Kemp. In Nigel Robson's words "The watch was the one Ernest wore in Palestine - he told me when I was a boy that it was the only watch in his unit that was still working at the end of the war because the jeweler he bought it from told him to rub Vaseline around the threads of the face and the back to keep out the desert dust (Nigel Robson Collection).
The Regiments title was changed in 1921 to the 7th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Wellington East Coast). This was then changed to the Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 2nd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
It was absorbed into the 2nd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles Regiment.
The 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles was formed in 1911 from the 1st Regiment, Nelson Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Blenheim.
Headquarters were at Blenheim.
|
- Opposite: A Officers bronze Cap badge to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. Two tangs or blades to back, and maker impressed to back to "J R Gaunt London".
- Above: A matching opposing pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. Two D shaped copper lugs to back, and maker plaque to "J R Gaunt London". |
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. Two copper looped lugs to back. This is a unusual badge as it is maker marked to "Firmin London". Not a common maker of New Zealand Mounted Rifles Badges.
|
- Above: Just confirmation of the raised maker mark to "Firmin London" to the back of this gilt Cap badge to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles.
|
|
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. No maker mark to back, and two copper looped lugs.
- Above: A opposing pair of unmarked gilt brass Collar badges to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. Both have two D shaped copper looped lugs to back. |
- Above: A slightly larger Cap badge in brass to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. It clearly lacks detail to front but is roughly 5mm larger overall. It has been lead filled to back, and has two copper wire loop embedded in the lead.
|
- Above: A sand cast Collar badge to the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles. This is the right side (when worn), and harder to find.
There are stories that only a few runs of the above collar were made, and then the men took to wearing two left collars. It may explain why this sand cast brass versions was made, and a locally fix, made in Egypt and the middle East, which is where the 10th were deployed in WW1. Two integrated copper loops to back, in a North/South Configuration. Gaunt plaque can also be seen, cast into the back. |
The Regiments title was changed in 1921 to the 8th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Nelson). This was then changed to the Nelson-Marlborough Mounted Rifles.
It was absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
It was absorbed into the 3rd Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles Regiment.
The 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles formed in 1911 from the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifles.
The badge design is based on the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Kawakawa.
The badge design is based on the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles.
Headquarters were at Kawakawa.
- Above: Here are two examples of the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles Cap or Collar badge (worn as either). There is much variation in the Boars head, with it either been small (like the badge on the left) or large (like the badge on the right). Note also where the tusk appears on the side of the snout. Either at the back (left) or half way along (right). Gaunt made either, and both badges can be found with their plaque to back or not.
|
- Above Left: A bi-metal Collar badge to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Note the tusk to mid-snout of Boars head. Maker plaqued to back to "J R Gaunt London", and with two D shaped looped lugs.
- Above Right: A bi-metal Cap or Collar badge to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Small Boars head with tusk to back of snout of Boars head. Maker plaqued to back to "J R Gaunt London", and with two D shaped looped lugs. |
- Above: A matching bi-metal Cap and Collar badge set to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. It can take a long time to get a matching set!!!. All have same sized, large Boars head to center, with tusk, mid-snout. All have two copper wire looped lugs to back and none are maker marked.
|
- Above: A gilt fire and Silver Collar badge to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Solid to back, with the impressed maker mark of "J R Gaunt London". A scarce badge in any state. Mine is a little grubby.
|
- Above Left: A small headed Boar, with tusk at the back of the snout to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. No maker mark and copper looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: A large headed Boar, with tusk mid-snout to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Note the subdued paint which has been applied after the badge has been put together. They have also painted the white metal wreath. No maker mark and copper D shaped lugs to back. |
- Above: A sand cast Cap or Collar badge to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. This is one piece, with a Gaunt plaque cast into the back of the badge. Both copper looped lugs are also cast into the back.
|
The Regiments title was changed in 1921 to the 9th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (North Auckland).
This was then changed to the North Auckland Mounted Rifles.
The Regiment was absorbed into the 1st New Zealand Armoured Regiment in March 1944.
12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles Regiment.
The 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles formed as a new unit in 1911.
Headquarters were at Balclutha.
Headquarters were at Balclutha.
|
- Opposite & Above: A Cap and Collar Badge pair to the 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles. They fought as dismounted Infantry both in Gallipoli and on the Western Front in France and Belgium. All have copper looped lugs to back and a maker plaque of "J R Gaunt London".
|
- Above: Two variations to the Cap badge to the 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles. Both show differences in the stags features, banner and antlers. No maker mark to back and two copper looped lugs to each.
|
- Above: Another variation on the 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles Cap Badge. Note the solid area mid banner. I imagine this is to strengthen. No maker mark and two copper looped lugs to back.
|
|
- Opposite & Above: The solid type of Cap and Collar badges to the 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles. All have small copper looped lugs and no maker mark.
|
The Regiment amalgamated with the 5th Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars and 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles in 1921 to become the 5th New Zealand Mounted Rifles (Otago).
Mounted Rifle Sleeve Trade Badges.
New Zealand Mounted Rifle Regiments based their sleeve qualification badges on the British Army system.
- Opposite Left: A Saddlers Sleeve Qualification badge, a brass Bit, with 4 looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A Riding Instructors Sleeve Qualification badge, a brass spur, with round backing plate. Three looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A Saddlers Sleeve Qualification badge, a brass Bit, with 4 looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A Riding Instructors Sleeve Qualification badge, a brass spur, with round backing plate. Three looped lugs to back.
- Above Left: A brass Farriers Sleeve Qualification badge, a Horse shoe. Two looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: A sand cast New Zealand Farriers Sleeve Qualification badge, in the shape of a Horse shoe with the letters "N. Z" to center. Two looped lugs to back. I presume this is WW1 era middle east made, where the NZ Mounted Rifles were stationed. |
- Above: A embroidered cloth Farriers Sleeve Qualification badge. Light khaki thread, with Black and a Brown boarder, on a Khaki wool background. Whate cotton backing. No maker mark (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Opposite: A rare embroidered and cloth Military Skill in Driving Horses proficiency trade badge. A spur above two crossed whips. The badge is mounted on a light khaki cotton backing cloth.
Overseas Mounted Rifle Battalion Formation Patches of WW1
On the 15th of July 1917, General Order 359 permitted the following patches to be worn by the New Zealand Mounted Rifles on the side of their slouch hat, attached to the Puggaree.
Auckland Mounted Rifles - Wore a White rectangle with a Red stripe, offset to the right of center.
- Opposite: Two differently constructed formation patches to the Auckland Mounted Rifles (Ian Hamilton Collection).
- Opposite: Two differently constructed formation patches to the Auckland Mounted Rifles (Ian Hamilton Collection).
Wellington Mounted Rifles - Wore a White over Black rectangle.
- Above: A formation patches to the Wellington Mounted Rifles (Ian Hamilton Collection). |
Canterbury Mounted Rifles - Wore a White and Black checkered rectangle.
- Above: A variation to the formation patches to the Canterbury Mounted Rifles (Ian Hamilton Collection). |
WW1 New Zealand Camel Corps.
The New Zealand Battalion of the Camel Corps formed in July of 1916, from men of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles. They operated in Egypt, the Sinai Desert and Jordan Valley during 1917 and 1918.
The New Zealanders served in No. 4 Battalion, 15th and 16th (NZ) Companies.
It included 6 Officers and 169 other ranks who were Kiwi's.
Any badge to this small unit is is a extremely rare, and it wasn't until recently, that photographic evidence was found, showing the Cap badge being actually worn at the time.
The New Zealanders served in No. 4 Battalion, 15th and 16th (NZ) Companies.
It included 6 Officers and 169 other ranks who were Kiwi's.
Any badge to this small unit is is a extremely rare, and it wasn't until recently, that photographic evidence was found, showing the Cap badge being actually worn at the time.
- Above: A sand cast Cap badge to the New Zealand Camel Corps. Two copper lugs, cast into the back of the badge in a North/South configuration. No maker mark.
|
- Above: A pair of sand cast Cap badges to the New Zealand Camel Corps. The badge on the left has two copper lugs, cast into the back in a East/West configuration. Note the difference in colour. In a recent sale in New Zealand, a example of this badge sold with a large copper slider to back (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Opposite: A display of New Zealand Camel Corps related items from the Ian Hamilton's Collection.
- Top: A coloured patch for the Australian Camel Field Ambulance - Brown, Green, Brown.
- Middle: A pair of sand cast Company titles to the 15th Imperial Camel Corps, which the Kiwi's would have served in and worn. The Cap badge is the same as pictured above.
- Bottom: A multi-piece 15th shoulder title number. Probably made by Stokes & Sons, in Australia. Beside it is a standard New Zealand Mounted Rifles (N.Z.M.R) Shoulder title in Brass.
- Top: A coloured patch for the Australian Camel Field Ambulance - Brown, Green, Brown.
- Middle: A pair of sand cast Company titles to the 15th Imperial Camel Corps, which the Kiwi's would have served in and worn. The Cap badge is the same as pictured above.
- Bottom: A multi-piece 15th shoulder title number. Probably made by Stokes & Sons, in Australia. Beside it is a standard New Zealand Mounted Rifles (N.Z.M.R) Shoulder title in Brass.
Anything to the New Zealand Camel Corps has been repeatedly faked over the years, and great caution needs to be taken when purchasing. Most fakes of the Cap badge, esp from the 1990's don't replicate the colour of the sandcast brass, i.e. are too bright or overly dull. Also, as they are cast, taken from a original badge, they are just ever so slightly smaller in size to the original examples.
Current fakes seem to ether been too thick on the legs and/or get the back and lugs wrong.
Current fakes seem to ether been too thick on the legs and/or get the back and lugs wrong.
- Above: A picture of a old collection to the Camel Corps (via Ian Hamilton). It shows badges from Britain, Australian, New Zealand and India.
Shoulder Titles.
- Above: An early straight pair of gilt brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. These sometimes have the foot of the "R" removed, to make the NZMP or New Zealand Military Police title.
|
- Above Right: An early large two piece New Zealand Mounted Rifle Pair. All have hex type lugs to back. No maker mark.
|
|
|
- Above Left: WW1 style New Zealand Mounted Rifle Shoulder titles. With the top in gilt brass maker marked to "Stokes & Sons, Melb", which has been stamped to back. The middle and bottom title are also "Stokes & Sons, Melb" but are in darkened brass, and have the mark mark in raised letters at back base of title.
- Above Right: WW1 style New Zealand Mounted Rifle Shoulder titles by "J R Gaunt, London". Both have D shaped copper looped lugs and are stamped with the maker mark.
- Above Right: WW1 style New Zealand Mounted Rifle Shoulder titles by "J R Gaunt, London". Both have D shaped copper looped lugs and are stamped with the maker mark.