New Zealand Volunteers
New Zealand has a rich Volunteer Militia history.
Since the early 1840, New Zealand Citizens assisted British Regiments in the defense and security of the Islands. In the 2nd New Zealand Wars of the 1860's, local Volunteer Militia were established, and some of these became the basis for Infantry Regiments some 50 years later.
Volunteer units ebbed and flowed with the Political events of the time. The scares of the potential Russian invasions of 1878, 1885 and 1894, French Colonial activity in the Pacific, and the patriotic fervor brought on by the 2nd Boer War (1899 to 1902), brought a swell in unit numbers and their membership.
Some units lasted for years, while others, just for a few weeks.
They were not totally funded by the New Zealand Government, but a annual "capitation grant" was paid to each Officer and "efficient" Volunteer. Uniforms and accoutrements were often privately funded, and raised either from their own pocket or via public fund-raising events.
Some town and city units had membership of 100's, while others, especially the rural units, may have only been able to field a force of some 50 Officers and men.
In all, a force of roughly 6000 Officers and men existed throughout New Zealand at any one time.
Officers were "elected", and the acts of 1865 and 1866 permitted the units to make their own rules and regulations (to a degree).
When attempting to collect New Zealand Volunteer Badges, any Volunteer badge is rare, but Mounted Rifle unit badges are always considerably harder to get than their Rifle Volunteer counter-parts.
Not all units had their own insignia, and there are, what are termed as "generic" Helmet Plates (HP) and Glengarry Badges (the Glengarry was a form of hat popular at the time), which were worn by a number of different units, just as a way to negate cost. Sadly this means that some units, leave little to no trace of what they wore, other than some rare Black and White photo's, or maybe just a unit button, or in the case of Mounted Rifle units, a bridal Bose and other Horse furniture.
Others adopted and wore British unit insignia of the time, as there was a huge connection to the "Mother Country", with area's, town and regions named after British places, Lords and dignitaries.
I will try and focus New Zealand Volunteer Badges, but what I have, is by no means complete. New Zealand Volunteer material is "as rare as hen's teeth" as they say.
Since the early 1840, New Zealand Citizens assisted British Regiments in the defense and security of the Islands. In the 2nd New Zealand Wars of the 1860's, local Volunteer Militia were established, and some of these became the basis for Infantry Regiments some 50 years later.
Volunteer units ebbed and flowed with the Political events of the time. The scares of the potential Russian invasions of 1878, 1885 and 1894, French Colonial activity in the Pacific, and the patriotic fervor brought on by the 2nd Boer War (1899 to 1902), brought a swell in unit numbers and their membership.
Some units lasted for years, while others, just for a few weeks.
They were not totally funded by the New Zealand Government, but a annual "capitation grant" was paid to each Officer and "efficient" Volunteer. Uniforms and accoutrements were often privately funded, and raised either from their own pocket or via public fund-raising events.
Some town and city units had membership of 100's, while others, especially the rural units, may have only been able to field a force of some 50 Officers and men.
In all, a force of roughly 6000 Officers and men existed throughout New Zealand at any one time.
Officers were "elected", and the acts of 1865 and 1866 permitted the units to make their own rules and regulations (to a degree).
When attempting to collect New Zealand Volunteer Badges, any Volunteer badge is rare, but Mounted Rifle unit badges are always considerably harder to get than their Rifle Volunteer counter-parts.
Not all units had their own insignia, and there are, what are termed as "generic" Helmet Plates (HP) and Glengarry Badges (the Glengarry was a form of hat popular at the time), which were worn by a number of different units, just as a way to negate cost. Sadly this means that some units, leave little to no trace of what they wore, other than some rare Black and White photo's, or maybe just a unit button, or in the case of Mounted Rifle units, a bridal Bose and other Horse furniture.
Others adopted and wore British unit insignia of the time, as there was a huge connection to the "Mother Country", with area's, town and regions named after British places, Lords and dignitaries.
I will try and focus New Zealand Volunteer Badges, but what I have, is by no means complete. New Zealand Volunteer material is "as rare as hen's teeth" as they say.
Early Units in New Zealand
From 1840 to 1870, Britain maintained a presents in New Zealand, which fluctuated depending on the conflicts of the time. They were primarily brought in to protect the security of the Settlers and the early New Zealand Dominion.
British units which were stationed in New Zealand were as follows:
- 12th (the East Suffolk) Regiment of Foot
- 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment of Foot
- 18th (The Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot
- 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot
- 43rd (Monmouthshire Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot
- 50th (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Foot
- 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot
- 65th (2nd Yorkshire, North Riding) Regiment of Foot
- 68th (Durham - Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot
- 70th (Surrey) Regiment of Foot
- Detachments of Field Artillery, and Royal Engineers, Naval detachments, Royal Marines, , and the Commissariat and the Waggoners (the predecessors of the Royal Army Service Corps).
In 1840, during the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a detachment from the 80th Regiment of Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers) was also present (sent from Sydney, Australia).
The last to leave New Zealand, was the 18th (The Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot in February, 1870.
British units which were stationed in New Zealand were as follows:
- 12th (the East Suffolk) Regiment of Foot
- 14th (Buckinghamshire) Regiment of Foot
- 18th (The Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot
- 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot
- 43rd (Monmouthshire Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot
- 50th (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Foot
- 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot
- 65th (2nd Yorkshire, North Riding) Regiment of Foot
- 68th (Durham - Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot
- 70th (Surrey) Regiment of Foot
- Detachments of Field Artillery, and Royal Engineers, Naval detachments, Royal Marines, , and the Commissariat and the Waggoners (the predecessors of the Royal Army Service Corps).
In 1840, during the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a detachment from the 80th Regiment of Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers) was also present (sent from Sydney, Australia).
The last to leave New Zealand, was the 18th (The Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot in February, 1870.
- Above: A circa 1849 to 1855 Royal Artillery Other Ranks' shanko plate. Purportedly found on Howick Beach, near Auckland, New Zealand. It has no lugs to back, and looks to have been "repaired" messily to back. No maker mark. Size roughly (as rays are bent/missing) 100mm by 95mm.
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- Above: A ground dug 65th Regiment of Foot (2nd Yorkshire North Riding)), 1855 pattern Other Ranks' shako plate. Sadly I do not know where this was found, other thank it came from New Zealand. All lugs have gone from back, and the crown has broken off in the past, and repaired with solder to back. Size roughly (as rays are bent/missing) 100mm by 90mm.
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- Opposite - Anti- clockwise:
- 18th Regt of Foot 24mm ground-dug button by "P. Tait & Co, Limerick" with bar.
- 18th Regt of Foot 25mm ground-dug button by "P. Tait & Co, Limerick" with flexable shank.
- 57th Regt of Foot 24mm ground-dug button by "Smith Kent ###" the rest is obliterated.
- 70th Regt of Foot 24mm ground-dug button by (maker mark not readable).
- 65th Regt of Foot 25mm Gilt brass button by "Jennens & Co, London"
- 65th Regt of Foot 19mm Gilt brass button by "Jennens & Co, London"
- Center: A multi-piece Officers, silver or silver plate (not marked) Royal Artillery Busby Badge, with the three Cannon to center. To back is a thread and nut to top, and a single tang at base.
Size 85mm by 46mm.
- 18th Regt of Foot 24mm ground-dug button by "P. Tait & Co, Limerick" with bar.
- 18th Regt of Foot 25mm ground-dug button by "P. Tait & Co, Limerick" with flexable shank.
- 57th Regt of Foot 24mm ground-dug button by "Smith Kent ###" the rest is obliterated.
- 70th Regt of Foot 24mm ground-dug button by (maker mark not readable).
- 65th Regt of Foot 25mm Gilt brass button by "Jennens & Co, London"
- 65th Regt of Foot 19mm Gilt brass button by "Jennens & Co, London"
- Center: A multi-piece Officers, silver or silver plate (not marked) Royal Artillery Busby Badge, with the three Cannon to center. To back is a thread and nut to top, and a single tang at base.
Size 85mm by 46mm.
- Above: A button worn by the Fencible Force. In 1848, A New Zealand Fencible Force was formed from overseas volunteers, to help with the security of the settlers and defense of the nation. They were mainly ex British solders, who came with their families and were stationed throughout the conflict, with their first battle of 1851 at Mechanics Bay, in Auckland. 23mm in size, with flexible shank and "Firmin & Sons, London" to back.
- Opposite: A gilt brass, other ranks Royal Artillery Busby badge, circa 1859 to 1878. This badge has been lacquered in the passed, with it turning brown and in some places black. Long brass slider to back, with a plume holder behind the flame of the Grenade. No maker mark. Size roughly (as badge is dented to edge) 85mm by 45mm. |
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The New Zealand Armed Constabulary were formed in 1846 with the passing of the Armed Constabulary Ordinance. The Constabulary's role was both regular law enforcement and during the New Zealand Wars, Militia support. From 1867 to 1886 the Armed Constabulary were the only permanent force in New Zealand. In 1886 their role was transferred to the New Zealand Permenant Militia and to the New Zealand Police, under the Police Force Act of 1886.
- Opposite Left: A 19mm white metal, with brass backing button to the New Zealand Armed Constabulary. Fixed shank to back, and maker marked to "Smith & Wright, Birmingham".
- Opposite Right: A Cap badge to the New Zealand Armed Constabulary. This is the cast silver version (usually they are die-stamped, white metal). Much debate over whether these cast badges are fake or of the time. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 41mm by 51mm
- Opposite Left: A 19mm white metal, with brass backing button to the New Zealand Armed Constabulary. Fixed shank to back, and maker marked to "Smith & Wright, Birmingham".
- Opposite Right: A Cap badge to the New Zealand Armed Constabulary. This is the cast silver version (usually they are die-stamped, white metal). Much debate over whether these cast badges are fake or of the time. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 41mm by 51mm
Generic New Zealand Rifle Volunteer Badges
This section will show the generic badges worn by the units of Rifle Volunteers which didn't have their own distinguishing insignia.
- Above: A gilt brass Helmet plate, pat 1885, worn by units of the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers (NZRV).
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- Above: A white metal, generic helmet plate to the NZRV. This plate also come in a voided center, around the "NZ".
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- Above: Another generic Badge to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. To the left, in white metal and to the right, with silver plate.
- Above: Top and below are examples of white metal New Zealand Rifle Volunteer pouch badges, with and without QVC crowns. Two thread posts to back on each, with no maker mark.
- Opposite: A white metal pouch badge to a Victoria period Volunteer unit. Crown, over "VR". Three short screw posts to back (one behind crown, two East/West to lower part of badge). No maker mark. Size 52mm by 40mm. |
- Above: A pouch to a New Zealand Rifle Volunteer unit. Discovered in a shed in Invercargill, South Island, NZ. Looks to have a cypher in white metal which says "IRV".
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- Opposite: A unknown 3 piece badge. It was found in New Zealand, and consists of two white metal crowns attached to a "VR" cypher.
Two copper looped lugs are to back, with one each on each Crown.
Size is 28mm by 81mm. No maker mark.
Two copper looped lugs are to back, with one each on each Crown.
Size is 28mm by 81mm. No maker mark.
- Above: A gilt brass 1895 Pat New Zealand Volunteers Helmet Plate with QVC crown.
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- Above: A gilt brass 1902 Pat New Zealand Volunteers Helmet Plate with Kings crown. Gilt finish has dulled with age and wear.
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- Above: A nice 1870 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteer button, in white metal and 23mm diameter. Maker marked to "Ross & Glendining, Dunedin, N.Z."
The company started in 1862 and was eventually was bought out in 1966. The two men, John Ross and Robert Glendining, extended the business to include sheep farming, milling and manufacturing in New Zealand. They eventually had factories in Dunedin, Invercargill, Christchurch, Te Awamutu, Auckland and Whangarei. |
- Above: A ground dug QVC 1870 Patt 23mm New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Sadly the shank has been ripped out (maybe why it ended up in the ground in the first place), with maker mark to brass backing plate to "Firmin & Sons, London".
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- Above: A white metal, darkened 21mm, fixed shank 1882 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "Hobson & Sons".
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- Above Left: A white metal, 21mm fixed shank 1882 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "Hobson & Sons".
- Above Right: A gilt brass, 21mm fixed shank 1882 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "The New Zealand Clothing Factory". |
- Above: A gilt brass pair of 15mm 1882 Patt side hat button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers.
From 1895, all Volunteer units were instructed to wear Gilt brass insignia and buttons. Reality was that this was probably a slow process of cutting to the new insignia colour. Both buttons are brass backed, with brass shank and maker mark to "Hobson & Sons". |
- Above Left: A white metal, 24mm fixed shank 1885 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "Hobson & Sons, Lexington St, London, W1".
- Above Right: A white metal, 24mm fixed shank 1885 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "Hobson & Son, Haymarket London". With "37 & 38 Little Windmill St" to center, around the shank. |
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- Above Left: A dirty white metal, 23mm fixed shank 1885 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "Extra Rich Quality".
- Above Right: A silver plated, brass, 17mm fixed shank 1885 Patt New Zealand Rifle Volunteers button. Brass backed, with brass shank, it is made by "E Stillwell & Son, London". |
- Above: This pattern of button is complicated, as it was not just worn by New Zealand Forces. Other Commonwealth countries also adopted it at the time. It was generally worn by some New Zealand Volunteer units from 1866 to 1909.
- Left: A worn, 2 piece 19mm Silver plated copper front (with brass backing) Officers Volunteer button. Fixed shank with the maker mark of "Smith & Wright, Birmh". - Right: A worn 2 piece 16mm Silver plated copper front (with brass backing) Officers Volunteer button. Fixed shank but with a maker mark I can't read. |
- Opposite Left: A 23mm, white metal front, with plated brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Fixed shank to back (though badly bent) it has the details of "Lincoln Stuart Pty Ltd, E, #######". The last word could be England.
- Opposite Middle: A 21mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Fixed shank and maker marked to "C R Martin, Melbourne".
- Opposite Right: A 23mm, silver plated copper front with sliver plated brass backed Other Ranks Volunteer button. Fixed shank to back. Maker marked or motto'ed with "Pereva et Prevale", with a picture of a Swan over water.
- Opposite Middle: A 21mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Fixed shank and maker marked to "C R Martin, Melbourne".
- Opposite Right: A 23mm, silver plated copper front with sliver plated brass backed Other Ranks Volunteer button. Fixed shank to back. Maker marked or motto'ed with "Pereva et Prevale", with a picture of a Swan over water.
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- Above Left: A 15mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Fixed shank but no maker mark.
- Above center and also Right: A 17mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Flexible shank and no maker mark, this button still has a small part of thread and Red uniform attached to the shank.
- Above Right: A variation of 16mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Note the ridge to edge. Fixed shank and maker marked to "Extra Rich Quality".
- Above center and also Right: A 17mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Flexible shank and no maker mark, this button still has a small part of thread and Red uniform attached to the shank.
- Above Right: A variation of 16mm, white metal front, with brass back Other Ranks Volunteer button. Note the ridge to edge. Fixed shank and maker marked to "Extra Rich Quality".
- Opposite Left: A gilt brass 24mm, fixed shank, 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Hallenstein Brothers Ltd".
- Opposite Middle: A gilt brass 23mm, fixed shank, 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Hallenstein Brothers".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 16mm, fixed shank, 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Hallenstein Brothers".
- Opposite Middle: A gilt brass 23mm, fixed shank, 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Hallenstein Brothers".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 16mm, fixed shank, 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Hallenstein Brothers".
- Above Left: A darkened brass 24mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Superior Quality".
- Above Right: A gilt brass 25mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back with a QVC crown and Laurel wreath. |
- Above Left: A gilt brass 12mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt hat button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. No maker mark to back.
- Above Middle: A gilt brass 12mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt hat button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. No maker mark to back. Note the larger stars and words. - Above Right: A gilt brass 10mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt hat button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. No maker mark to back. |
- Opposite Left: A gilt brass 24mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Firmin & Sons Ld, London".
- Opposite Middle: A gilt brass 18mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Firmin S Ld, London". It has a white metal backing with gilt brass front and shank.
- Opposite Right: A darkened brass 25mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Woolen Co, Wellington".
- Opposite Middle: A gilt brass 18mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Firmin S Ld, London". It has a white metal backing with gilt brass front and shank.
- Opposite Right: A darkened brass 25mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. NZ maker mark to back to "Woolen Co, Wellington".
- Opposite Left: A gilt brass 24mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Sword Maker (crossed swords), Made in England".
- Opposite Middle: A gilt brass 18mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Sword Maker (crossed swords), Made in England".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 16mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Sword Maker (crossed swords), Made in England".
- Opposite Middle: A gilt brass 18mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Sword Maker (crossed swords), Made in England".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 16mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Sword Maker (crossed swords), Made in England".
- Opposite Left: A gilt brass 25mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Son's, Lexington St, London".
- Opposite Middle: A 24mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Sons, 1, 3 & 5 Lexington St, London".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 25mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Son's, Lexington St, London". Note the stars are smaller to front center.
- Opposite Middle: A 24mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Sons, 1, 3 & 5 Lexington St, London".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 25mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Son's, Lexington St, London". Note the stars are smaller to front center.
- Opposite Left: A darkened bronze (?) 24mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt Officers button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Sons, London" It has two vent holes drilled into the back.
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 16mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Son's, London".
- Opposite Right: A gilt brass 16mm, fixed shank 1895 Patt button to the New Zealand Rifle Volunteers. Maker mark to back to "Hobson & Son's, London".
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- Opposite & Above: Two hand cut New Zealand shoulder titles. Both have copper looped lugs to back, but are different from the standard NZ found around WW1. No maker mark to either.
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- Above Left: A generic Volunteer Cap badge, worn by a large number of New Zealand Rifle and Mounted Rifle Volunteer units. Gilt brass, with three copper looped lugs to back (one at top and two at base), with no maker mark.
- Above Right: Same again, but a variation, of gilt brass Volunteer Cap badge. Two copper looped lugs to back (in a East/West configuration at base), with no maker mark. Differences in end of horn shape and decoration.
- Opposite: A opposing pair of gilt brass Volunteer Collar badges. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back of each. No maker mark. Matching the top left Cap badge.
- Above Right: Same again, but a variation, of gilt brass Volunteer Cap badge. Two copper looped lugs to back (in a East/West configuration at base), with no maker mark. Differences in end of horn shape and decoration.
- Opposite: A opposing pair of gilt brass Volunteer Collar badges. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back of each. No maker mark. Matching the top left Cap badge.
- Above Top: A single dress shoulder board to the rank of Captain in the New Zealand Volunteer Force. Thick gold coloured tress, with three heavy bullion rank pips sewn to top. The board is back in red cloth and has a single 16mm button, modified with thread and tubular shank to fit, with the words "New Zealand Volunteers". Maker mark to button to back of "Hallenstein Brothers".
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- Opposite Middle and Bottom: A matching pair of dress shoulder boards with the rank of Lieutenant in the New Zealand Volunteer Force. Similar construction to above, with red backing. Sadly no button, but one end on each has a threaded bolt, which would have attached through the tunic. No maker mark.
- Above: A selection of Volunteer Officer rank pips. The top left and three small bottom pips are in Silver Bullion thread, while the top right is in Gold Bullion thread. All have either cloth or paper backing, with no maker marks. These were not only worn on shoulder boards, but also on the collar, depending on the rank of the Officer and the unit he was in. |
- Above: A pair of Volunteer Fern Leaf Collars circa 1895. Two different finishes, with the left having a darkened/black coating, while the right is gilt brass. Both have two copper looped lugs to back. Note the vain or stem to middle of the badge is center.
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- Above: A pair of Volunteer Fern Leaf Collars circa 1895. Both are gilt brass, but one is more toned than the other. Both have two copper looped lugs to back. Note the vain or stem is to one side of the badge center, so could be two of the same badge or side.
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- Above: A pair of NZ Volunteer Cap badges, circa 1900. This badge had a long life, and was worn from the New Zealand Contingents serving in the 2nd Anglo-Boer War (1899- 1902) till and during WW1. The hooks are to hold back one side of a slouch hat. One is in gilt brass finish, while the other has been darkened. Both have two copper wire looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
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- Above Top: A darkened bronze, convex NZ Volunteer Fern Cap or Collar badge. This has two tangs or blades to back, but sadly no maker mark.
- Above: A similar darkened bronze, convex NZ Volunteer Fern Collar badge. Two copper looped lugs to back, but again no maker mark. |
- Above: A matching, opposing pair of darkened brass NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badges. Both have thin copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above:A matching, opposing pair of gilt brass NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badges. Both have copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note they are narrower overall and have a pronounced tip.
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- Above: A matching, opposing pair of gilt brass NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badges. Both have copper D shaped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note they have better detail overall, and are wider in shape.
- Above Top: A darkened brass NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badge. It has copper wire loops to back, with no maker mark.
- Above: A gilt brass NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badge. It has copper D shaped loops to back, with no maker mark. Note the pattern in the fonds. |
- Above Top: A darkened copper NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badge. It has copper wire loops to back, with no maker mark.
- Above: A gilt brass NZ Volunteer Fern Leaf Collar badge. It has thick copper wire loops to back, with no maker mark. |
- Above: A British Kings Colonials Slouch Hat badge with QVC Crown. Formed in November 1901 in London from members throughout the Commonwealth. New Zealander's living in London would eventually form E Squadron in this British Yeomanry Regiment.
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- Above Top: A gilt brass cap badge, circa 1900. It is associated with New Zealanders serving in the Anglo-Boer War, as a general New Zealand Volunteer badge (again worn up till and including WW1 by some Reinforcements) and as the Cap badge of E Squadron (New Zealand), The Kings Colonials Regiment.
Above: Collar badges (Left and right) to E Squadron (New Zealand), The Kings Colonials Regiment. Center is a gilt fired brass version of the collar badge. It has a solid back with copper D shaped lugs. No maker mark. |
Badges to the NZ Contingents in the Anglo-Boer War
New Zealand contributed a total of 10 Contingents or 6 495 Officers and men, and some 8000 horse in support of the British Empire against the Boer's from October 1899, to the conflict's finish in 1902. The 10th Contingent actually arrived in South African as the war drew to a end, and didn't fire a shot in anger.
At the time (much like in New Zealand during WW1) local Jewelers made, by hand, badges for the Kiwi's to be worn on their slouch hats and shoulder straps. These were unofficial badges, mostly worn behind the lines and not on front-line duty. Like, later their WW1 Reinforcement badge counterparts, they were worn out of personal taste and paid for by the Soldier himself. They must be viewed with caution though, as sadly they have been faked in the past.
At the time (much like in New Zealand during WW1) local Jewelers made, by hand, badges for the Kiwi's to be worn on their slouch hats and shoulder straps. These were unofficial badges, mostly worn behind the lines and not on front-line duty. Like, later their WW1 Reinforcement badge counterparts, they were worn out of personal taste and paid for by the Soldier himself. They must be viewed with caution though, as sadly they have been faked in the past.
- Above: A slouch hat badge in sheet brass to the 6th New Zealand Contingent. Some oxidation to front, but with two wire looped lugs to back. Like all these unofficial badges, there is no maker mark. They sail from NZ on the 30th of Jan 1901, with a total strength of 602 men (including 24 reinforcements) and were disbanded in NZ on the 11th of May 1902.
- Above: A handcut sheet brass shoulder title to the 4th New Zealand Contingent. Both the 3rd and 4th were known as the Rough Riders, with the 4th Contingent sailing from NZ on the 24th of March 1900, with a total strength of 462 men. They were disbanded in New Zealand on the 21st of July 1901. Two brass looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A handcut sheet brass shoulder title to the 6th New Zealand Contingent. Two brass wire looped lugs to back. As above with the Slouch hat badge, they sail from NZ on the 30th of Jan 1901, with a total strength of 602 men (including 24 reinforcements) and were disbanded in NZ on the 11th of May 1902.
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- Above: A slouch hat badge in sheet brass to a New Zealand South African Contingent. A fern leaf running through "New Zealand". Two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A handcut sheet brass shoulder title to the 5th New Zealand Contingent. The 5th Contingent sailing from NZ on the 31st of March 1900, with a total strength of 591 men (including 71 reserves). They were disbanded in New Zealand on the 21st of July 1901. Size 26mm by 28mm.
- Above: A handcut sheet brass shoulder title to the 7th New Zealand Contingent. Two brass looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.They left NZ on the 6th of April 1901 with a total strength of 771 men, and were eventually disbanded in NZ on the 30th of June 1902
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- Above: A handcut sheet brass "New Zealand Shoulder" title. Two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: Another handcut sheet brass "New Zealand Shoulder" title. Two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark. Size 23mm by 50mm.
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The following are Boer War era shoulder titles to the New Zealanders.
Above: A pair of die-stamped brass New Zealand Rough Rider (NZRR) shoulder titles. worn by either the 3rd or 4th New Zealand Contingents. Two brass wire looped lugs to back of each. No maker mark.
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- Above: A pair of die-stamped brass New Zealand Mounted Rifle (NZMR) shoulder titles. Not maker marked and with two copper wire loops to back.
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- Above: A pair of die-stamped, void brass New Zealand Mounted Rifle (NZMR) shoulder titles. Not maker marked, with two copper looped lugs to back of each.
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- Above: A darkened brass Officers Cap or Collar circa 1900, and worn during the Boer War. Two looped lugs to back. Size 27mm (widest part of the fern) by 62mm. - Opposite: A British issued Lion head hook, worn by the Kiwi's during the Boer War to hold back one flap of their Slouch hat. |
Many New Zealanders made their own way to South Africa, under their own means, and joined local colonial units raised in country at the time.
One of these was Kitchener's Horse, which was a colonial Mounted Rifles Regiment, which was reported to have about 50 New Zealanders in its ranks (Evening Post - 14th Jan 1901).
- Opposite: A sheet brass slouch hat or shoulder title to Kitchener's Horse. Hand cut, with two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
One of these was Kitchener's Horse, which was a colonial Mounted Rifles Regiment, which was reported to have about 50 New Zealanders in its ranks (Evening Post - 14th Jan 1901).
- Opposite: A sheet brass slouch hat or shoulder title to Kitchener's Horse. Hand cut, with two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
Generic New Zealand Mounted Rifle Volunteer Badges
- Above Left: A large Horse Breastplate badge with "VR" - Victoria Regina and worn by Mounted Rifle units which did not have their own distinct insignia. This one was purportedly dug up in New Zealand. It has two rivets to back, with washers attached. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A similar, but slightly smaller Horse Breastplate badge. Two rivet posts to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark. |
- Above Left: A small Bridal Boss badge with "VR" - Victoria Regina to center. Two rivet posts to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A similar, but slightly smaller Bridal Boss badge. Again two rivet posts to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark. Note the difference in crown. |
- Above: A Victorian era, Volunteer, Horse Breastplate with the words "Infantry Mounted Officers". Two rivet posts to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark.
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- Above: Similar to above, a Bridal Bose, in gilt cast brass with the cypher of "ERVII" or Edward Regina - 7th. King Edward 7th reigned from 1901 to his death in 1910. Two rivet posts to back in a North/South configuration, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A New Zealand Volunteer, Horse Breastplate with Kings crown, and "NZ" to center. Two rivet posts to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark. Size 84mm by 46mm.
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Generic New Zealand Engineer Volunteer Badges
The New Zealand Engineers were reorganised into a Regiment with 6 companies in Jan 1903
- No. 1 Company NZEV (Canterbury Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 2 Company NZEV (Dunedin Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 3 Company NZEV (Devonport Naval Submarine Mining Volunteers).
- No. 4 Company NZEV (Auckland Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 5 Company NZEV (Wellington Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 6 Company NZEV (Wellington Submarine Mining Volunteers).
- Opposite Left: A gilt brass cap badge to the New Zealand Engineer Volunteers, with Edward 7th Cypher to center (1901 to 1910). This generic pattern would have been worn by some of the above Company's.
It has been recorded that only the Hauraki (prior to 1903) and Canterbury NZEV had their own distinct metal insignia.
- Above Right Top: A white metal Volunteer Button. British type, but worn by some New Zealand Engineer Volunteers.
- Above Right Bottom: A gilt brass, 25mm button to the New Zealand Engineer Volunteers. Maker mark of "Hallenstein Brothers Ltd" to back.
- No. 1 Company NZEV (Canterbury Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 2 Company NZEV (Dunedin Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 3 Company NZEV (Devonport Naval Submarine Mining Volunteers).
- No. 4 Company NZEV (Auckland Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 5 Company NZEV (Wellington Engineer Volunteers).
- No. 6 Company NZEV (Wellington Submarine Mining Volunteers).
- Opposite Left: A gilt brass cap badge to the New Zealand Engineer Volunteers, with Edward 7th Cypher to center (1901 to 1910). This generic pattern would have been worn by some of the above Company's.
It has been recorded that only the Hauraki (prior to 1903) and Canterbury NZEV had their own distinct metal insignia.
- Above Right Top: A white metal Volunteer Button. British type, but worn by some New Zealand Engineer Volunteers.
- Above Right Bottom: A gilt brass, 25mm button to the New Zealand Engineer Volunteers. Maker mark of "Hallenstein Brothers Ltd" to back.
The following are early New Zealand Engineer shoulder titles, pre WW1 and possible volunteer period. The curved NZE title was worn from WW1 onwards.
- Above: A small, straight gilt brass pair of Shoulder Titles to the New Zealand Engineers. Two copper looped lugs to back on each. No maker mark.
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- Above: A again small, straight gilt brass pair of Shoulder Titles to the New Zealand Engineers. Two copper looped lugs to back on each. No maker mark.
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- Above: A again small, straight gilt brass pair of Shoulder Titles to the New Zealand Engineers. Two copper looped lugs to back on each. No maker mark.
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- Above: A unusual, sheet brass, hand cut shoulder title to the New Zealand Engineers. It has two wire brass loops to back, similar to what are found on Boer War New Zealand badges. No maker mark.
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Generic New Zealand Artillery Volunteer Badges
Artillery in New Zealand has a complicated and over-laping unit history.
The modern day Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery's can trace its history back to Volunteer Forces dating from February 1866, when the first field artillery battery and naval artillery corps were formed.
- In December 1878 various field batteries were administrative grouped together as the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers (NZAV).
- From 1902, the Naval Artillery Batteries were grouped together as the New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers (NZGAV).
- With the establishment of New Zealand's coast defences from the mid-1880s, there was a need for a creation of a small permanent artillery force within the Permanent Military (New Zealand Regular Force), which was designated the the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) on 15 October 1902.
- Opposite: A white metal, generic Helmet Plate to the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers. Note the small white metal, separate "NZ" plate, which is attached two-thirds of the way down. The plate dates in theory pre 1895, as all volunteer units were instructed to only use gilt brass insignia on their uniforms after this date.
The modern day Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery's can trace its history back to Volunteer Forces dating from February 1866, when the first field artillery battery and naval artillery corps were formed.
- In December 1878 various field batteries were administrative grouped together as the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers (NZAV).
- From 1902, the Naval Artillery Batteries were grouped together as the New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers (NZGAV).
- With the establishment of New Zealand's coast defences from the mid-1880s, there was a need for a creation of a small permanent artillery force within the Permanent Military (New Zealand Regular Force), which was designated the the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) on 15 October 1902.
- Opposite: A white metal, generic Helmet Plate to the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers. Note the small white metal, separate "NZ" plate, which is attached two-thirds of the way down. The plate dates in theory pre 1895, as all volunteer units were instructed to only use gilt brass insignia on their uniforms after this date.
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- Above & Opposite: All British badges and accoutrements were available to wear by Volunteer units in New Zealand at the time, and it much depended on taste and expense as to how far they adopted their own insignia or bought from what was available in the UK.
- Above: a white metal or Silver cross belt tip for a Artillery Officers pouch belt. 4 copper looped lugs to back in a East, West, North and South configuration. Sadly two are missing/snapped off.
- Above Right & Opposite: An all gilt Artillery Officers cross strap and pouch. Note the same "flaming Grenade" belt tip, but in gilt attached to the belt. The pouch bears the British Royal Coat of Arms, with Queen Victoria Crown and a post 1874 Cannon in gilt metal.
Sadly the pouch has dulled with age, but still a stunning example of craftmanship of the time.
- Above: a white metal or Silver cross belt tip for a Artillery Officers pouch belt. 4 copper looped lugs to back in a East, West, North and South configuration. Sadly two are missing/snapped off.
- Above Right & Opposite: An all gilt Artillery Officers cross strap and pouch. Note the same "flaming Grenade" belt tip, but in gilt attached to the belt. The pouch bears the British Royal Coat of Arms, with Queen Victoria Crown and a post 1874 Cannon in gilt metal.
Sadly the pouch has dulled with age, but still a stunning example of craftmanship of the time.
- Opposite Left: A 25mm white metal 1870 Patt Volunteer Artillery Tunic button. Worn by both British and New Zealand Artillery Forces, with QVC crown. Some of these do appear to have been made or assembled in New Zealand and come with a NZ maker. This example is British made, with "Hobson & Sons, Lexington St, London" to back.
- Opposite Center: New Zealand Regiment Artillery Volunteers Senior NCO's/Officers Belt center in white metal. Note the voided background. The Other Ranks belt center was solid.
- Opposite Right: A 25mm brass 1870 Patt Volunteer Artillery Tunic button. Worn post 1895, with QVC. This example is British made, with "Jennens & Co, London" to back.
- Opposite Center: New Zealand Regiment Artillery Volunteers Senior NCO's/Officers Belt center in white metal. Note the voided background. The Other Ranks belt center was solid.
- Opposite Right: A 25mm brass 1870 Patt Volunteer Artillery Tunic button. Worn post 1895, with QVC. This example is British made, with "Jennens & Co, London" to back.
Top, Above and Opposite: Parts of a generic gilt brass waste belt worn by British as well as New Zealand Volunteer Artillery Forces. Top shows a cross belt and sword hanger which would have attached to a similar braided belt which would have had the above belt clasp. Sadly just one side, worn post 1895. Its is 3 piece, with separate crown and lion attached to backing, and separate snake clip with motto.
- Opposite is a close-up of the cross belt strap and sword hanger buckles, depicting a pair of lion heads to each strap/buckle. |
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- Above Left: A generic gilt brass waste belt clasp worn by British as well as New Zealand Volunteer Artillery Forces. Sadly just one side, worn post 1895.
- Above Right: A white metal Volunteer Busby Badge, worn by some New Zealand Volunteer Artillery units who adopted that form of head dress. |
- Above: A white metal British Volunteer Artillery Belt center adopted by some New Zealand Volunteer units from 1870 to 1881. Two copper tabs in a North/South configuration to back hold it to a back plate buckle.
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- Opposite: A white metal, 2 piece Volunteer Artillery pouch badge. Separate white metal wheel attached to a white metal backing. Three short thread posts to back. Roughly 93mm by 47mm. No maker mark.
- Above Left: A 25mm brass 1902 to 1911 Patt Volunteer Artillery Tunic button. Worn by both British and New Zealand Artillery Forces, this example is New Zealand made, with "The New Zealand Clothing Factory" to back
- Above Right: A slouch hat hook, worn by the New Zealand Regiment Artillery Volunteers in gilt brass, with washer and single nut and thread to back. - Opposite Top: A brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Artillery Volunteers (N.Z.A.V). Two copper loops to back, with no maker mark. |
- Above Top Left: A large sleeve badge or possible pouch badge depicting a Volunteer period field gun. Gilt brass, so post 1895.
- Above bottom Left: A gilt brass pouch badge depicting a Volunteer period field gun. Three screw threads to back, with extra separate wheel to center. |
- Above: A gilt brass helmet plate to the pre - 1901 New Zealand Permanent Artillery Force within the Permanent Military (New Zealand Regular Force).
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- Above: A gilt brass helmet plate to the Royal New Zealand Artillery. Post 1902.
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- Opposite: A brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Regular Force, which were part of the Permanent Militia set up by the New Zealand Government in the late 1890's to maintain instructional standards and permanent defence along New Zealand Coastline. In 1902 two units of the Regular Force formed the Royal New Zealand Artillery and the Royal New Zealand Engineers.
The following is a selection of New Zealand Artillery (N.Z.A) shoulder titles. Rule of thumb has always been that if a New Zealand title is straight, it Volunteer (pre-1911), and if its curved is after 1911. Reality is, is that these titles were used for a long period, and until stocks depleted or "washed out".
There are examples of Officers WW2 period Home Service tunics with straight NZA titles still being used/attached.
There are examples of Officers WW2 period Home Service tunics with straight NZA titles still being used/attached.
- Above: A matching pair of Brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Artillery. 13mm by 41mm, with two D shaped copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A large, hand-cut Brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Artillery. 3mm thick, by 16mm by 40mm, it has two copper looped lugs messily attached to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A matching pair of curved Brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Artillery. 10mm by 33mm, with two brass hex shaped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A study in size.
- Top: A 13mm by 41mm brass shoulder title to the N.Z.A. 2 copper D shaped lugs, no maker mark. - Middle: A 13mm by 35mm brass shoulder title to the N.Z.A. 2 copper D shaped lugs, no maker mark. - Base: A 13mm by 29mm brass shoulder title to the N.Z.A. 2 copper D shaped lugs, no maker mark. |
- Above: A matching pair of tiny, mess dress, Officers brass shoulder titles to the New Zealand Artillery. Just 8mm by 27mm, they have two small copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: Similar, but thinner and finer detail of a tiny, mess dress, Officers brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Artillery. Just 8mm by 26mm, it has two small tangs or blades to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A single piece, hand cut brass shoulder title to the New Zealand Field Artillery. Possibly Volunteer, as its straight, and would have been worn with a letter above (all NZFA batteries were referenced with a A to H post 1902). Two looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Opposite: A white metal Cap Badge to the New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers. Worn 1903 to 1904 only. |
A New Zealand Volunteer Side-Hat
- Above and Opposite: A New Zealand Volunteers side-hat, dating from post 1895 to 1911. The gilt brass buttons to front are the small, 1882 Patt NZV type. Hat is made from heave navy blue coloured wool, and piped with a double red cord. The gilt brass "NZ" with Bugle horn was worn as generic insignia by New Zealand Volunteers at the time. This composition of colours and insignia could have been worn by either a Rifle Volunteer or Mounted Rifle Volunteer unit. There are no markings inside.
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Cloth Volunteer Badges
The New Zealand Volunteers wore a mixture of both metal and cloth insignia, and this was down to taste and fashion of the particular unit. Much was based on what the British Army wore at the time, but there are a few slight New Zealand variations.
Unlike their metal counterparts, they have not survived as well to today, with Moth and oxidation taking their toll.
Unlike their metal counterparts, they have not survived as well to today, with Moth and oxidation taking their toll.
- Above Top: A cloth and Sliver Bullion thread, worn either has a shoulder title or on a Officers Forage Cap. Not maker marked to back.
- Above Bottom: A pair of cloth and Silver Bullion thread collar badges. Both are the same side (left I think when worn), but just show slight variation in style of bugle and bow to top. Not maker marked to back. |
- Above: A matching pair of Bullion thread and cloth Collar badges to the Royal New Zealand Artillery (R.N.Z.A).
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- Opposite: Two marksmans sleeve badges in cloth and Gilt and Silver Bullion thread, one with a black cloth background, the other with a Red. Both have no maker to back.
- Above Left: A single cloth and Silver Bullion thread Artillery collar badge on black cloth background. No maker mark. - Above Right: Two Proficiency sleeve Cannons worn by units of the New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers. Both have no maker mark to back. |
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- Above: Three Volunteer Trade or Proficiency Sleeve badges. The two on the left are maker marked to back to "P Roberts, Palmerston North". He indicates either he is a manufacturer or embroiderer on either. Roberts was one of the main volunteer period New Zealand manufacturers, up to WW1. I believe the business is still running today in New Zealand.
- Opposite Top: A Volunteer Sleeve shooting award with red cloth backing and in Silver Bullion. Maker marked to back to "P Roberts, Manufacturer, Palmerston North".
- Opposite Left & Right: Volunteer Sleeve efficency stars, with Silver awarded for 3 "efficent" years service (a Gold star was awarded for 9 years service - see below). Both have red backing, with Silver Bullion thread. No maker mark.
- Opposite Middle: A well worn Volunteer Sleeve shooting award, similar to the one above it. No maker mark.
- Opposite Bottom: Again, a well worn Red /Black thread on Black cloth Volunteer Sleeve shooting award. Maker marked to "P Roberts, Embroiderer" to back on paper label.
- Opposite Left & Right: Volunteer Sleeve efficency stars, with Silver awarded for 3 "efficent" years service (a Gold star was awarded for 9 years service - see below). Both have red backing, with Silver Bullion thread. No maker mark.
- Opposite Middle: A well worn Volunteer Sleeve shooting award, similar to the one above it. No maker mark.
- Opposite Bottom: Again, a well worn Red /Black thread on Black cloth Volunteer Sleeve shooting award. Maker marked to "P Roberts, Embroiderer" to back on paper label.
- Above: A khaki backed Queen Victoria Sleeve crown. Gilt bullion thread. No maker mark to back.
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- Above: A Volunteer Farriers Sleeve trade patch. Silver bullion thread on a red background. No maker mark to back.
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- Opposite & Above: A set of named Volunteer period Sergeants Stripes or Chevrons. Made in New Zealand, with the stamp of "P Roberts, Palmerston N.", with the last word abbreviated for Palmerston North.
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- Opposite: A single shoulder title, cut from a tunic, with reminants of the shoulder/sleeve cloth still attached. It has a straight N.Z.A or New Zealand Shoulder title attached in brass via two lugs. I would think that a straight N.Z.R or New Zealand Rifles, would have been appropriate. But the title looks to have been on there for a while. Found as is, left as is. Strap is 130mm by 60mm at its widest point.
Belts and Belt Buckles.
- Above: A universal pattern British belt center in White Metal, introduced in England in 1871, this was adopted by some New Zealand units. Missing the other side, with wreath.
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- Above: A universal pattern British belt center in brass, with Kings Crown (so post 1902), this again was adopted by some New Zealand units. Motto "Dieu Et Mon Droit" or "God and my right".
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- Above: A white Buff leather belt with Mk II Bayonet frog attached. To center is a General pattern Brass, QVC crown buckle. Marked to inside are various service numbers (burnt in) and a large "TM".
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- Above: A rear picture of the same belt, showing the front of the Mk II Bayonet frog.
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- Above: A close-up of the QVC crowned buckle.
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- Above: Stamped to inside is the maker mark of "A Ross & Co, C & M, 1852".
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- Opposite & Below: A universal patterned Snake Buckle and Belt. Adopted by New Zealand Volunteer units around 1895. This is the 1905 to 1930 pattern, with just one adjustable side, while the other is fixed. Maker marked to "L Wiggins, Maker, Wellington".
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Specific New Zealand Volunteer units and their Badges.
The below format is loosely based on the 1901 to 1911 formation layout, just as this period lends itself to a structure to show, but dotted throughout is the mention of earlier units. I use again the Military Area or Districts, New Zealand was divided into.
Around 1900, New Zealand was divided into 5 Military Districts.
(Much of the below detail is taken from "The Regiment Badges of New Zealand - D. A. Corbett - Revised 1980 edition ISBN 0-908596-05-7" - the corner-stone of NZ Badge collecting)
The figures of "Strength" have been taken from the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives or AJHR's. These report's were commissioned by the New Zealand Government and compiled by their Military Inspectors. Figures are reported for the 31st of March of the year mentioned. They are not complete, and there are some gaps in years, but it gives some idea of the size of these Volunteer units.
Around 1900, New Zealand was divided into 5 Military Districts.
(Much of the below detail is taken from "The Regiment Badges of New Zealand - D. A. Corbett - Revised 1980 edition ISBN 0-908596-05-7" - the corner-stone of NZ Badge collecting)
The figures of "Strength" have been taken from the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives or AJHR's. These report's were commissioned by the New Zealand Government and compiled by their Military Inspectors. Figures are reported for the 31st of March of the year mentioned. They are not complete, and there are some gaps in years, but it gives some idea of the size of these Volunteer units.
Auckland Military District.
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Artillery
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Engineers
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Engineers
New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers
A Battery (Auckland)
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1881 - 84, 1898 - 74, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 82, 1901 - 84, 1902 - 92, 1903 - 87 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1881 - 84, 1898 - 74, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 82, 1901 - 84, 1902 - 92, 1903 - 87 Officers, NCO and Men.
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- Opposite: A scarce 2 piece, white metal on gilt brass Cap badge to A Battery (Auckland) New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers. Separate white metal field gun sweated onto a gilt brass backing. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Above: A single piece, brass shoulder title to A Battery (Auckland), New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers. Again, no maker mark to back and two copper looped lugs. |
Auckland Division of New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers
Original company numbering of the Auckland District Garrison Artillery Volunteers were as follows:
No. 1 Company - (Auckland) Auckland Naval Artillery
No. 8 Company - (Ponsonby) Ponsonby Naval Artillery
No. 9 Company - (Devonport) Devonport Coastguard Artillery
These were subsequently renamed to:
No. 1 Company - (Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 80, 1899 - 104, 1900 - 92, 1901 - 117, 1902 - 122, 1903 - 111 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (Ponsonby Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 68, 1899 - 82, 1900 - 82, 1901 - 86, 1902 - 94, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 3 Company - (Devonport Coastguard Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 74, 1899 - 89, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 81, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Company - (Auckland) Auckland Naval Artillery
No. 8 Company - (Ponsonby) Ponsonby Naval Artillery
No. 9 Company - (Devonport) Devonport Coastguard Artillery
These were subsequently renamed to:
No. 1 Company - (Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 80, 1899 - 104, 1900 - 92, 1901 - 117, 1902 - 122, 1903 - 111 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (Ponsonby Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 68, 1899 - 82, 1900 - 82, 1901 - 86, 1902 - 94, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 3 Company - (Devonport Coastguard Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 74, 1899 - 89, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 81, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
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- Opposite: A brass cap badge to No. 1 Company - (Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers).
- Above: A silver (?) shoulder title to No. 1 Company - (Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers). Looped lugs to back. |
New Zealand Engineer Volunteers
No. 3 Company NZEV (Devonport Naval Submarine Mining Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 85, 1899 - 92, 1900 - 88, 1901 - 96, 1902 - 101, 1903 - 103 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 4 Company NZEV (Auckland Engineer Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - 99, 1881 - 86, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 83, 1902 - 82, 1903 - 83 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1898 - 85, 1899 - 92, 1900 - 88, 1901 - 96, 1902 - 101, 1903 - 103 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 4 Company NZEV (Auckland Engineer Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - 99, 1881 - 86, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 83, 1902 - 82, 1903 - 83 Officers, NCO and Men.
1st Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Auckland
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 61, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Pukekohe Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 77, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Seddon Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Franklin Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Clevedon)
Strength: 1901 - 47, 1902 - 81, 1903 - 77 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Waiuku Mounted Rifle Volunteers (known also as Waiuku Cavalry)
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1881 - 58, 1901 - 80, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Rodney Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Warkworth)
Strength: 1903 - 86 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above Right: A regimental shoulder title to 1st Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle's in gilt brass. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Auckland
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 61, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Pukekohe Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 77, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Seddon Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Franklin Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Clevedon)
Strength: 1901 - 47, 1902 - 81, 1903 - 77 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Waiuku Mounted Rifle Volunteers (known also as Waiuku Cavalry)
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1881 - 58, 1901 - 80, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Rodney Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Warkworth)
Strength: 1903 - 86 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above Right: A regimental shoulder title to 1st Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle's in gilt brass. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Above: A matching pair of Auckland Mounted Rifle shoulder titles in gilt brass. Two copper looped lugs to the back of each, no maker mark.
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- Above: A hand-cut shoulder title to Auckland Mounted Rifle's. Two copper wire lugs to back.
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2nd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Cambridge
It was made up of:
A Squadron - No.1 Company Waikato Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Hamilton)
Strength: 1898 - 95, 1899 - 81, 1900 - 96, 1901 - 91, 1902 - 81, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Piako Mounted Rifle Volunteers (formerly Te Aroha Rifle Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 73, 1903 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - No.2 Company Waikato Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Te Awamutu)
Strength: 1899 - 59, 1900 - 57, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 67, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - No.3 Company Waikato Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Cambridge)
Strength: 1899 - 57, 1900 - 54, 1901 - 81, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Raglan Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Te Mata)
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Cambridge
It was made up of:
A Squadron - No.1 Company Waikato Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Hamilton)
Strength: 1898 - 95, 1899 - 81, 1900 - 96, 1901 - 91, 1902 - 81, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Piako Mounted Rifle Volunteers (formerly Te Aroha Rifle Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 73, 1903 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - No.2 Company Waikato Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Te Awamutu)
Strength: 1899 - 59, 1900 - 57, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 67, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - No.3 Company Waikato Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Cambridge)
Strength: 1899 - 57, 1900 - 54, 1901 - 81, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Raglan Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Te Mata)
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
3rd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 3rd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 28th Jan 1902
Headquarters: Kawakawa
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Marsden Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Whangarei)
Strength: 1901 - 85, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 67Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Otamatea Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Paparoa)
Strength: 1901 - 84, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Hokianga Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waimaku)
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 67, 1903 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Mangonui Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Mangonui)
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - North Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Dargaville)
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Bay of Islands Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Ohaewai - joined 1905)
G Squadron - Scottish Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waipu - founded 14th April 1906)
H Squadron - Mangakahia Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Mangatapere - founded 16th Nov 1906)
Disbanded:
E Squadron - Northern Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Aratapu) - 24th July 1908
- Above: A gilt brass slouched hat badge to G Squadron - Scottish Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waipu).
Founded 28th Jan 1902
Headquarters: Kawakawa
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Marsden Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Whangarei)
Strength: 1901 - 85, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 67Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Otamatea Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Paparoa)
Strength: 1901 - 84, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Hokianga Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waimaku)
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 67, 1903 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Mangonui Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Mangonui)
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - North Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Dargaville)
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Bay of Islands Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Ohaewai - joined 1905)
G Squadron - Scottish Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waipu - founded 14th April 1906)
H Squadron - Mangakahia Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Mangatapere - founded 16th Nov 1906)
Disbanded:
E Squadron - Northern Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Aratapu) - 24th July 1908
- Above: A gilt brass slouched hat badge to G Squadron - Scottish Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waipu).
- Above: A rare image of a Trooper in G Squadron - Scottish Horse Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waipu). Note the hat badge (as above), and the double collars. Sadly no name or date.
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- Above: A gilt fired brass and silver (not marked) of a Cap or Collar to the 3rd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles Volunteers. Two copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
- Above: A pair of white metal and gilt brass Cap or Collar badges (note the right badge was also worn as a Cap badge) to the 3rd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles Volunteers. The left badge has a coat of lacquer applied, which has yellowed with age. Two copper looped lugs to back, no maker mark.
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The badges to the 3rd Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles Volunteers were adopted posts 1911, by the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles when their title was changed. The number and title were updated to the "11th" and "NAMR".
Formation of the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles
The second Anglo Boer War of 1899 to 1902, stirred a patriotic fervor within the Northland communities, which allowed for the recruitment of 4 Mounted Rifle Companies in 1900.
- Marsden Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Whangarei - commanded by Capt G Clark-Walker
- Otamatea Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Paparoa - commanded by Capt F Colbeck
- Northern Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Dargaville - commanded by Capt N Z McLeod
- Mangonui Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Mangonui - commanded by Capt H D Eccles
These independent companies came together in 1901 when the Duke of York (later King George V) visited Auckland in 1901.
In 1902, they formed the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
In that year, the Regiment was also awarded the battle honors "South Africa 1902" in recognition of its many members who had served in that conflict.
Lieutenant Colonel H D Eccles was appointed the Regiments first Commanding Officer in 1904.
In 1905 the Bay of Island Mounted Rifles joined the the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
In 1906 the Scottish Horse of Waipu and the Mangakahia Mounted Rifles, joined the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
In 1911, with the introduction of 1909 Defence Act, General Godley was appointed Commander of New Zealand Defence Forces. It was also in this year, that the Regiments title was changed to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles.
Lieutenant Colonel C E R Mackesy took over command of the regiment.
- Marsden Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Whangarei - commanded by Capt G Clark-Walker
- Otamatea Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Paparoa - commanded by Capt F Colbeck
- Northern Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Dargaville - commanded by Capt N Z McLeod
- Mangonui Mounted Rifle Volunteers - based in Mangonui - commanded by Capt H D Eccles
These independent companies came together in 1901 when the Duke of York (later King George V) visited Auckland in 1901.
In 1902, they formed the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
In that year, the Regiment was also awarded the battle honors "South Africa 1902" in recognition of its many members who had served in that conflict.
Lieutenant Colonel H D Eccles was appointed the Regiments first Commanding Officer in 1904.
In 1905 the Bay of Island Mounted Rifles joined the the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
In 1906 the Scottish Horse of Waipu and the Mangakahia Mounted Rifles, joined the 3rd Regiment, Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
In 1911, with the introduction of 1909 Defence Act, General Godley was appointed Commander of New Zealand Defence Forces. It was also in this year, that the Regiments title was changed to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles.
Lieutenant Colonel C E R Mackesy took over command of the regiment.
4th Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 4th Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 28th Jan 1902
Headquarters: Te Puke
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Tauranga Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 95, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 94 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Opotiki Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 84, 1902 - 91, 1903 - 88 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Whakatane Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Taneatua)
Strength: 1901 - 36, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Te Puke Mounted Rifle Volunteers (founded 4th July 1903)
E Squadron - Matata Mounted Rifle Volunteers (founded 21st Jan 1905)
Founded 28th Jan 1902
Headquarters: Te Puke
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Tauranga Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 95, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 94 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Opotiki Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 84, 1902 - 91, 1903 - 88 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Whakatane Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Taneatua)
Strength: 1901 - 36, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Te Puke Mounted Rifle Volunteers (founded 4th July 1903)
E Squadron - Matata Mounted Rifle Volunteers (founded 21st Jan 1905)
1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Volunteers - Countess of Ranfurly's Own
Unit composition of the 1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Volunteers - Countess of Ranfurly's Own.
Founded 20th of May 1898.
Headquarters: Auckland
A Company - No. 1 Company, Victoria Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1880 - 73, 1881 - 86, 1898 - 63, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 51, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Collage Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 81, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 42 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - No. 1 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - No. 2 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - No. 3 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1899 - 64, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 75, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Gordon Rifle Volunteers (Formerly No. 2 Company, Victoria Rifle Volunteers)
Strength: 1899 - 66, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Newton Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1899 - 78, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 43, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Whangarei Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 51, 1881 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Kawakawa Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 45, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
J Company - Hikurangi Rifle Volunteers
Strength:1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite Above: A gilt brass Helmet plate to A Company - Victoria Rifle Volunteers
Founded 20th of May 1898.
Headquarters: Auckland
A Company - No. 1 Company, Victoria Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1880 - 73, 1881 - 86, 1898 - 63, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 51, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Collage Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 81, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 42 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - No. 1 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - No. 2 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - No. 3 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1899 - 64, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 75, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Gordon Rifle Volunteers (Formerly No. 2 Company, Victoria Rifle Volunteers)
Strength: 1899 - 66, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Newton Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Strength: 1899 - 78, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 43, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Whangarei Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 51, 1881 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Kawakawa Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 45, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
J Company - Hikurangi Rifle Volunteers
Strength:1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite Above: A gilt brass Helmet plate to A Company - Victoria Rifle Volunteers
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- Opposite and Above: A Cap and Collar badge set in gilt brass to B Company - Collage Rifle Volunteers (Auckland). Three looped lugs to the back of the Cap, while the two collars have two, in a North South configuration. These badges had a long life and not only formed the basis for the New Zealand Corps of Signals badges, but were worn by the members of the Corps until stocks were wasted/washed out. There are members of the NZCS wearing these up to and including WW1.
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- Opposite: A scarce, locally made stamped brass 19mm button to B Company - Collage Rifle Volunteers (Auckland). No maker marked to back, and brass loop soldered to back.
- Opposite: A gilt brass fern badge worn by:
C Company - No. 1 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
D Company - No. 2 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
E Company - No. 3 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
C Company - No. 1 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
D Company - No. 2 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
E Company - No. 3 Company NZ Native Rifle Volunteers (Auckland)
Dargaville Volunteer Rifles - 1885 to 1892.
Date of Acceptance - 23rd of June 1885
Strength: 15th of July 1885 - 44, 7th Jan 1887 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 15th of July 1885 - 44, 7th Jan 1887 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
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- Opposite & Above: A superb tunic to Service No. 22 Sgt Edmund Hillary of the Dargaville Rifle Volunteers. Edmund joined the unit at its formation in 1885, and by the following year, had the rank of Sergeant. He had seen service before, with the British at Crimea and also during the Indian Mutiny. Note the facing colours and tails of the tunic, which appear to be Engineer in fashion and colour. There is no maker mark to the tunic (Hillary Family Collection).
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- Above: Attached to the right sleeve is a marksmans badge in the form of a bullion rifle, and three efficency stars. The stars here appear in gold bullion, and may indicate 27 years service (this including Edmunds British service). Each Gold bullion star indicated 9 years service, while each Silver bullion star would indicate 3 years service (Hillary Family Collection).
- Opposite: The shoulder strap of Edmund's tunic with "DRV" in embroidered thread. Note also the shoulder strap button, in white metal with the monogram of "VR" with QVC crown, which is a generic button, worn by Volunteers from from 1866 to 1909. The buttons are maker marked to "E Stillwell & Son, London" (Hillary Family Collection). |
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The Dargaville Rifle Volunteers appear to have no other unique insignia other than their cloth embroidered shoulder straps. Captain J. M. Dargaville was the C.O. of this unit, and also the founding father of the town, who it is named after. Prior to him forming the DRV, he was also involved with the Auckland Engineer Volunteers, and hence might explain the colours and tails of the DRV tunic.
J. M. Dargaville went on to form the Dargaville Defence Rifle Club which was still being mentioned in the papers in 1909.
J. M. Dargaville went on to form the Dargaville Defence Rifle Club which was still being mentioned in the papers in 1909.
2nd Battalion Auckland (Hauraki) Infantry Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Battalion Auckland (Hauraki) Infantry Volunteers.
Founded 9th of July 1898.
Headquarters: Paeroa
A Company - No.1 Company Thames Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 55, 1901 - 62, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - No.1 Company Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers (Paeroa)
Strength: 1898 - 68, 1899 - 57, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Hauraki Rifle Volunteers (Thames)
Strength: 1898 - 69, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 66, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - No.3 Company Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Coromandel Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 78, 1881 - 82, 1898 - 69, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 57, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Huntly Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 77, 1901 - 76, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 82 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Waihi Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
Three other companies existed, but were disbanded by 1907.
Onehunga Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 8 April 1905
Strength: 1899 - 54, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
Rotorua Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 6 June 1905
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
No.2 Company Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 30th Nov 1901
Strength: 1898 - 67, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A multi-piece Helmet plate to C Company - Hauraki Rifle Volunteers (Thames)
Founded 9th of July 1898.
Headquarters: Paeroa
A Company - No.1 Company Thames Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 55, 1901 - 62, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - No.1 Company Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers (Paeroa)
Strength: 1898 - 68, 1899 - 57, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Hauraki Rifle Volunteers (Thames)
Strength: 1898 - 69, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 66, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - No.3 Company Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Coromandel Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 78, 1881 - 82, 1898 - 69, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 57, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Huntly Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 77, 1901 - 76, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 82 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Waihi Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
Three other companies existed, but were disbanded by 1907.
Onehunga Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 8 April 1905
Strength: 1899 - 54, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
Rotorua Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 6 June 1905
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
No.2 Company Ohinemuri Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 30th Nov 1901
Strength: 1898 - 67, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A multi-piece Helmet plate to C Company - Hauraki Rifle Volunteers (Thames)
New Zealand Field Hospital and Bearer Corps
No. 1 Company - Auckland Volunteer Bearer Corps
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 24, 1901 - 24, 1902 - 37, 1903 - 34 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 24, 1901 - 24, 1902 - 37, 1903 - 34 Officers, NCO and Men.
Volunteer Cycle Corps
Auckland Volunteer Cyclist Corps
Strength: 1901 - 25, 1902 - 23, 1903 - 22 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1901 - 25, 1902 - 23, 1903 - 22 Officers, NCO and Men.
Other Units not in the above Formations
Naval Brigade (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 111, 1881 - 104 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hobson Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1881 - 84 Officers, NCO and Men.
Scottish Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 69, 1881 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
Otahuhu Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 52, 1881 - 35 Officers, NCO and Men.
Forest Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
Pukekohe Rifles (Auckland & Waiuku District)
Strength: 1880 - 63, 1881 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
Tuakau Rifles (Auckland & Waiuku District)
Strength: 1880 - 53, 1881 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wairoa Rifles (Auckland & Waiuku District)
Strength: 1880 - 53, 1881 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hauraki Engineers (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 166, 1881 - 112 Officers, NCO and Men.
Naval Brigade (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 177, 1881 - 162 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Scottish Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 130, 1881 - 130 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Scottish Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1881 - 96 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 3 Scottish Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 57, 1881 - 41 Officers, NCO and Men.
Thames Rifle Rangers (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 115, 1881 - 116 Officers, NCO and Men.
Thames Native Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 46, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waikato Regiment of Cavalry (Waikato District) - the below three were reported as a combined unit
Strength: 1881 - 190 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Te Awamutu Cavalry (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 124 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Hamilton Contingent Cavalry (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Cambridge Cavalry (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
Bay of Plenty Cavalry (Opotiki District)
Strength: 1880 - 29 Officers, NCO and Men.
Queen's Native Rifles (Opotiki District - disbanded 1880)
Strength: 1880 - 27 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hamilton Rifles (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
Avondale Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44 Officers, NCO and Men.
Auckland Rifle Volunteers (known as the No. 3, Auckland Rifles)
Strength: 1880 - 71, 1881 - 89, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 111, 1881 - 104 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hobson Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1881 - 84 Officers, NCO and Men.
Scottish Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 69, 1881 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
Otahuhu Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 52, 1881 - 35 Officers, NCO and Men.
Forest Rifles (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
Pukekohe Rifles (Auckland & Waiuku District)
Strength: 1880 - 63, 1881 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
Tuakau Rifles (Auckland & Waiuku District)
Strength: 1880 - 53, 1881 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wairoa Rifles (Auckland & Waiuku District)
Strength: 1880 - 53, 1881 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hauraki Engineers (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 166, 1881 - 112 Officers, NCO and Men.
Naval Brigade (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 177, 1881 - 162 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Scottish Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 130, 1881 - 130 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Scottish Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1881 - 96 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 3 Scottish Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 57, 1881 - 41 Officers, NCO and Men.
Thames Rifle Rangers (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 115, 1881 - 116 Officers, NCO and Men.
Thames Native Rifles (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 46, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waikato Regiment of Cavalry (Waikato District) - the below three were reported as a combined unit
Strength: 1881 - 190 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Te Awamutu Cavalry (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 124 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Hamilton Contingent Cavalry (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Cambridge Cavalry (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
Bay of Plenty Cavalry (Opotiki District)
Strength: 1880 - 29 Officers, NCO and Men.
Queen's Native Rifles (Opotiki District - disbanded 1880)
Strength: 1880 - 27 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hamilton Rifles (Waikato District)
Strength: 1880 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
Avondale Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44 Officers, NCO and Men.
Auckland Rifle Volunteers (known as the No. 3, Auckland Rifles)
Strength: 1880 - 71, 1881 - 89, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cadet Corps
St John's College Rifle Cadet Force Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 38, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 41, 1902 - 49, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Prince Albert College Engineer Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 41, 1899 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Auckland College and Grammar School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 61, 1900 - 58, 1901 - 41, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Kings's College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 64, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Eden Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 70, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Hamilton Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Engineer Cadets (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 84, 1881 - 68 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery (Grammer School) Cadets (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 55, 1881 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Thames Scottish Cadets (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
St George's Naval Cadets (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1898 - 38, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 41, 1902 - 49, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Prince Albert College Engineer Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 41, 1899 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Auckland College and Grammar School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 61, 1900 - 58, 1901 - 41, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Kings's College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 64, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Eden Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 70, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Hamilton Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Engineer Cadets (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 84, 1881 - 68 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery (Grammer School) Cadets (Auckland District)
Strength: 1880 - 55, 1881 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Thames Scottish Cadets (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
St George's Naval Cadets (Thames District)
Strength: 1880 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wellington Military District.
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Artillery
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Engineers
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Engineers
New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers
D Battery (Wellington)
Strength: 1880 - 73, 1881 - 71, 1898 - 52, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 90, 1901 - 116, 1902 - 116, 1903 - 109 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 73, 1881 - 71, 1898 - 52, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 90, 1901 - 116, 1902 - 116, 1903 - 109 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wellington Division of Garrison Artillery Volunteers
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Original company numbering of the Wellington District Garrison Artillery Volunteers were as follows:
No. 4 Company - (Wellington) Wellington Naval Artillery No. 6 Company - (Petone) Petone Naval Artillery These were subsequently renamed to: No. 1 Company - (Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers) Strength: 1898 - 89, 1899 - 114, 1900 - 120, 1901 - 150, 1902 - 159, 1903 - 149 Officers, NCO and Men. No. 2 Company - (Petone Naval Artillery Volunteers) Strength: 1898 - 67, 1899 - 102, 1900 - 91, 1901 - 87, 1902 - 92, 1903 - 82 Officers, NCO and Men. No. 3 Company - (Electric Light Section) - formed 18th Nov 1903 - Opposite: A bit of a mystery with regards to purpose, and not in the books. Clearly a Royal NZ Artillery Cap badge, but has a modified crown, and a "6" to front. Is it a 6th Garrison Artillery Cap Badge? Field Artillery batteries had alphabetical company letters. It could of course be of a much later date and in fact be a Cap badge to the RNZA "6th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment" (1948 to 1961). |
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New Zealand Engineer Volunteers
No. 5 Company - NZEV (Wellington Engineer Volunteers)
Strength: 1901 - 71, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 6 Company - NZEV (Wellington Submarine Mining Volunteers) - disbanded 18th Nov 1907.
Strength: 1881 - 59, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1901 - 71, 1902 - 80, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 6 Company - NZEV (Wellington Submarine Mining Volunteers) - disbanded 18th Nov 1907.
Strength: 1881 - 59, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
1st Regiment Wellington (West Coast) Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Regiment Wellington (West Coast) Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Wanganui
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Alexandra Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wanganui)
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 76, 1902 - 78, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waverley)
Strength: 1898 - 61, 1899 - 58, 1900 - 100, 1901 - 93, 1902 - 96, 1903 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Hawera Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - No. 1 Coy 47, No. 2 Coy 48 (disbanded this year), 1898 - 69, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 97, 1901 - 99, 1902 - 86, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Stradford Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 93, 1902 - 95, 1903 - 90 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Opunake Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 75, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 74 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Waimarino Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Founded June 1909)
Disbanded 11th June 1907
F Squadron - Egmont Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Okato)
Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A Horse breastplate badge to E Squadron - Opunake Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Wanganui
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Alexandra Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wanganui)
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 76, 1902 - 78, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Wairoa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waverley)
Strength: 1898 - 61, 1899 - 58, 1900 - 100, 1901 - 93, 1902 - 96, 1903 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Hawera Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - No. 1 Coy 47, No. 2 Coy 48 (disbanded this year), 1898 - 69, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 97, 1901 - 99, 1902 - 86, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Stradford Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 93, 1902 - 95, 1903 - 90 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Opunake Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 75, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 74 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Waimarino Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Founded June 1909)
Disbanded 11th June 1907
F Squadron - Egmont Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Okato)
Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A Horse breastplate badge to E Squadron - Opunake Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
2nd Regiment Wellington (Wairarapa) Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Regiment Wellington (Wairarapa) Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Wellington
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Heretangua Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wellington - transferred to the 3rd Regiment Wellington Rifle Volunteers on 16th March 1911).
Strength: 1898 - 58, 1899 - 43, 1900 - 93, 1901 - 102, 1902 - 91, 1903 - 99 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Pahiatua Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 75, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Eketahuna Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Masterton Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 83, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
B Company - Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Papawai - only known Maori mounted unit - 27th Sept 1906
Strength: 1900 - 61, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - South Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Carterton - 15th March 1905)
Strength: 1901 - 80, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A rare Bridal Bose or Horse Breastplate Badge to B Company - Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers. Cast Brass, but unusually this has paint to detail, showing that these were possibly coloured. Certainly most examples I have come across have been polished back to Brass.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Wellington
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Heretangua Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wellington - transferred to the 3rd Regiment Wellington Rifle Volunteers on 16th March 1911).
Strength: 1898 - 58, 1899 - 43, 1900 - 93, 1901 - 102, 1902 - 91, 1903 - 99 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Pahiatua Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 75, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Eketahuna Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Masterton Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 83, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
B Company - Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Papawai - only known Maori mounted unit - 27th Sept 1906
Strength: 1900 - 61, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - South Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Carterton - 15th March 1905)
Strength: 1901 - 80, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A rare Bridal Bose or Horse Breastplate Badge to B Company - Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers. Cast Brass, but unusually this has paint to detail, showing that these were possibly coloured. Certainly most examples I have come across have been polished back to Brass.
- Above: A gilt brass 25mm button to A Squadron - Heretangua Mounted Rifle Volunteers. Maker marked to back to "J Nicklin & Co, Birmingham"
- Opposite: A pair of 2 piece, brass shoulder titles to A Squadron - Heretangua Mounted Rifle Volunteers. Both have a "A" sweated to the top of "2.WMR". Both have two D shaped copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark. |
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- Above: A early Horse Breastplate Badge to A Squadron - Heretangua Mounted Infantry Volunteers.
The Heretangua Mounted Infantry Volunteers were gazetted in August 1890, and formed from the Heretangua Cavalry. The title "Infantry" or "Mounted Rifles" seems to have been used interchangeably over the years, with some papers referring to the unit as Infantry, while others referred to them as Mounted Rifles. Certainly after 1900, the unit was more readily referred to as the Heretangua Mounted Rifle Volunteers. |
- Above: A Horse Breastplate to A Squadron - Heretangua Mounted Rifle Volunteers, still on its leather backing. These were attached with a two straps at the top and one at the bottom, which looped around the Saddle strap. The ends of the three straps can just be seen, were they have been cut/removed.
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- Opposite: A pair of 12mm Brass "W"'s, worn by some Volunteer units to indicate their "Wellington Military District" on their shoulder straps. A example being a NCO's tunic D Squadron - Masterton Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
3rd Regiment Wellington (Manawatu) Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 3rd Regiment Wellington (Manawatu) Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Palmerston North
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Manawatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Palmerston North).
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Hunterville Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 80, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Feilding Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 57, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
B Company - Horowhenua Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Levin - 10th Oct 1905
Strength: 1901 - 88, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Otaki Mounted Rifle Volunteers (18th Jan 1905)
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: Two hat badges to A Squadron - Manawatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers. On the left is a Silver or Silver plated example, with maker plaque of "J R Gaunt, London" to back, while to right is a gilt brass version.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Palmerston North
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Manawatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Palmerston North).
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Hunterville Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 80, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Feilding Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 57, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
B Company - Horowhenua Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Levin - 10th Oct 1905
Strength: 1901 - 88, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Otaki Mounted Rifle Volunteers (18th Jan 1905)
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: Two hat badges to A Squadron - Manawatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers. On the left is a Silver or Silver plated example, with maker plaque of "J R Gaunt, London" to back, while to right is a gilt brass version.
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- Above: A Horse Breastplate to A Squadron - Manawatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers. Found in a shed, this Breastplate is just missing the top two straps.
4th Regiment Wellington (East Coast) Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 4th Regiment Wellington (East Coast) Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Napier
It was made up of:
A Squadron - East Coast Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Gisborne).
Strength: 1900 - 82, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Hawke's Bay Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Hastings)
Strength: 1901 - 88, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Huramua Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wairoa, Hawke's Bay).
Strength: 1902 - 75, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
B Company - Ruahine Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Dannevirke - 16th Dec 1905
Strength: 1901 - 82, 1902 - 77, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Ahuriri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Napier - 21st Sept 1904)
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A white metal pouch badge to A Squadron - East Coast Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Gisborne). Two loops to back, with no maker mark.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Napier
It was made up of:
A Squadron - East Coast Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Gisborne).
Strength: 1900 - 82, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Hawke's Bay Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Hastings)
Strength: 1901 - 88, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Huramua Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wairoa, Hawke's Bay).
Strength: 1902 - 75, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
B Company - Ruahine Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Dannevirke - 16th Dec 1905
Strength: 1901 - 82, 1902 - 77, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Ahuriri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Napier - 21st Sept 1904)
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A white metal pouch badge to A Squadron - East Coast Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Gisborne). Two loops to back, with no maker mark.
1st Battalion Wellington Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Battalion Wellington Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 9th of July 1898.
Headquarters: Wellington
A Company - Wellington City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 87, 1881 - 83, 1898 - 67, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 70, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Wellington Guard Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 103, 1881 - 97, 1898 - 64, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Kelburne Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1898 - 64, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Civil Service Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1899 - 73, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Wellington Post and Telegraph Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 70, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - College Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1899 - 69, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 70, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Zealandia Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1899 - 61, 1900 - 76, 1901 - 74, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Wellington Highland Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 64, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Hutt Valley Rifle Volunteers (Lower Hutt) - Formed 24th Sept 1904
J Company - Johnsonville Rifle Volunteers (Johnsonville) - Formed 13th May 1907
Wellington Volunteer Cycle Corps
Strength: 1899 - 30, 1900 - 31, 1901 - 33, 1902 - 34, 1903 - 32 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A gilt brass, 2 piece, Helmet Plate to the 1st Battalion, Wellington Rifle Volunteers. Kings Crown, so post 1902, with two copper looped lugs. There doesn't appear to be a third behind the crown. No maker mark.
Founded 9th of July 1898.
Headquarters: Wellington
A Company - Wellington City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 87, 1881 - 83, 1898 - 67, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 70, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Wellington Guard Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 103, 1881 - 97, 1898 - 64, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Kelburne Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1898 - 64, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Civil Service Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1899 - 73, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Wellington Post and Telegraph Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 70, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - College Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1899 - 69, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 70, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Zealandia Rifle Volunteers (Wellington)
Strength: 1899 - 61, 1900 - 76, 1901 - 74, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Wellington Highland Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 64, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Hutt Valley Rifle Volunteers (Lower Hutt) - Formed 24th Sept 1904
J Company - Johnsonville Rifle Volunteers (Johnsonville) - Formed 13th May 1907
Wellington Volunteer Cycle Corps
Strength: 1899 - 30, 1900 - 31, 1901 - 33, 1902 - 34, 1903 - 32 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A gilt brass, 2 piece, Helmet Plate to the 1st Battalion, Wellington Rifle Volunteers. Kings Crown, so post 1902, with two copper looped lugs. There doesn't appear to be a third behind the crown. No maker mark.
- Above: A Cap badge to B Company - Wellington Guard Rifle Volunteers. White metal, but just dirty/yellow with age.
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- Above Left: A white metal, 1881 patterned, 25mm button to B Company - Wellington Guard Rifle Volunteers. Maker marked to back to "Hobson & Sons, 37 & 38 Windmill, London". Brass backed, with brass fixed shank. Note it has a Queen Victoria Crown.
- Above Right: A post 1902, white metal, 16mm button to B Company - Wellington Guard Rifle Volunteers. Maker marked to back to "Extra Quality". Note the change in crown (hard to see from the photo), with Kings crown for Edward VII. A fellow collector has shown me a 19mm size, QVC, with the maker mark of "Hobson & Son, London". The Fixed shank to back is in a horizontal position, like the 25mm example above. |
2nd Battalion Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Battalion Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901.
Headquarters: Wanganui
A Company - Royal Rifle Volunteers (Marton)
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 64, 1898 - 58, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 62, 1902 - 55, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Wanganui Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 110, 1881 - 102, 1898 - 65, 1899 - 67, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Palmerston North Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 73, 1881 - 62, 1898 - 66, 1899 - 72, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Manchester Rifle Volunteers (Fielding)
Strength: 1880 - 67, 1881 - 61, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Wanganui Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 57, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 46, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Wanganui Highland Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 67, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Palmerston Guards Rifle Volunteers (Palmerston North).
Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Irish Rifle Volunteers (Wanganui)
Strength: 1902 - 58, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded units:
G Company - Foxton Rifle Volunteers - 21st Sept 1904
Strength: 1901 - 59, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Castlecliff Rifle Volunteers - 27th July 1905
Strength: 1902 - 59, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece, Helmet plate to the 2nd Battalion Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901.
Headquarters: Wanganui
A Company - Royal Rifle Volunteers (Marton)
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 64, 1898 - 58, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 62, 1902 - 55, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Wanganui Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 110, 1881 - 102, 1898 - 65, 1899 - 67, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Palmerston North Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 73, 1881 - 62, 1898 - 66, 1899 - 72, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Manchester Rifle Volunteers (Fielding)
Strength: 1880 - 67, 1881 - 61, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Wanganui Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 57, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 46, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Wanganui Highland Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 67, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Palmerston Guards Rifle Volunteers (Palmerston North).
Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Irish Rifle Volunteers (Wanganui)
Strength: 1902 - 58, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded units:
G Company - Foxton Rifle Volunteers - 21st Sept 1904
Strength: 1901 - 59, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Castlecliff Rifle Volunteers - 27th July 1905
Strength: 1902 - 59, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece, Helmet plate to the 2nd Battalion Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers.
- Above: A pair of oppoding Collar badges to the Wellington Volunteer Rifles. These were also adopted, post 1911 by the 5th (Wellington) Infantry Regiment. Both have D shaped copper looped lugs to back. The above right is maker marked to "J R Gaunt London".
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- Above: A white metal Collar badge to the Wellington Volunteer Rifles. Well worn, it at least confirms its not plated. It has two looped lugs in a North/South configuration to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Bottom Row: A pair of single piece, gilt brass shoulder titles to the 2nd Battalion Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers. Two brass, hex type lugs to back, but they do also come with copper looped lugs. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: Pre 1900 25mm white metal button to F Company - Wanganui Highland Rifle Volunteers. Maker marked to back to "The New Zealand Clothing Factory".
- Above Middle: Pre 1900 16mm white metal button to F Company - Wanganui Highland Rifle Volunteers. No maker mark. - Above Right: A post 1900 19mm gilt brass button to F Company - Wanganui Highland Rifle Volunteers. Maker marked to back to "Hobson & Sons, Lexington" |
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- Above and Opposite: A pre 1911 dress tunic to the 2nd Battalion, Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers.
Red Wool material, piped in white, with buff/white collar facing and cuffs. The buttons are the 1895 brass New Zealand Volunteer pattern, and Collars are to the Wellington Rifle Volunteers. There is no maker mark inside, but remnants of a paper label, glued to back, which has now long perished/washed away. The black marks to right side/front are shellac, as the tunic was found, |
(continued) wrapped around a pair of boots. It is also missing its bottom trim.
The belt, is a 1888 Slade Wallace pattern, white blanco, with a generic Queen Victorian Crown and Lion buckle. |
- Above: A superb dated photograph in frame and behind glass (hence the reflection) of the Officers and NCO's of C Coy, Palmerston North Rifle Volunteers in 1910 (it is written to back with date). All are wearing the above 2nd Battalion, Wellington (West Coast) Rifle Volunteers Helmet Plate on their White "Home Service" helmets, but the 3 Officers, seated in the center, are multi-piece, with dark backing material to their Helmet plate, and which shows in the photograph.
The two Corporals and Bugler to center, seated at the front, wear the above pictured shoulder boards with "2" over "WELLINGTON".
The two Corporals and Bugler to center, seated at the front, wear the above pictured shoulder boards with "2" over "WELLINGTON".
3rd Battalion Wellington (East Coast) Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 3rd Battalion Wellington (East Coast) Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901.
Headquarters: Napier
A Company - Napier Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 77, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Napier Rifle Volunteers (prior to 1880 they were known as Napier Engineer Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - 72, 1881 - 57, 1898 - 52, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 66, 1901 - 62, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Hastings Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Waipawa Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 61, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 57, 1902 - 39, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Ranfurly Rifle Volunteers (Napier)
Strength: 1901 - 68, 1902 - 53, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Gisborne Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
Reserve Corps - Formed 26th Oct 1907
Founded 1st of May 1901.
Headquarters: Napier
A Company - Napier Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 77, 1902 - 68, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Napier Rifle Volunteers (prior to 1880 they were known as Napier Engineer Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - 72, 1881 - 57, 1898 - 52, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 66, 1901 - 62, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Hastings Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Waipawa Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 61, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 57, 1902 - 39, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Ranfurly Rifle Volunteers (Napier)
Strength: 1901 - 68, 1902 - 53, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Gisborne Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
Reserve Corps - Formed 26th Oct 1907
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- Opposite: A single piece, gilt brass Helmet plate to the 3rd Battalion Wellington (East Coast) Rifle Volunteers. Kings crown, and post 1902.
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to B Company - Napier Rifle Volunteers. |
4th Battalion Wellington (Taranaki) Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 4th Battalion Wellington (Taranaki) Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901.
Headquarters: New Plymouth
A Company - Taranaki Rifle Volunteers (New Plymouth)
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 71, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Taranaki Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 63, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Patea Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 60, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Inglewood Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 64, 1902 - 49, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Eltham Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Hawera Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 65, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Stratford Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Waitara Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 53, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A three piece badge set worn at least by A Company Taranaki Rifle Volunteers. This set was worn by a number of NZ Volunteer Rifle and Mounted Rifle units. Note the Bugle is hung from a ribbon bow. Many British Rifle unit badges have a corded bow.
Founded 1st of May 1901.
Headquarters: New Plymouth
A Company - Taranaki Rifle Volunteers (New Plymouth)
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 71, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Taranaki Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 63, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Patea Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 60, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Inglewood Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 64, 1902 - 49, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Eltham Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Hawera Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 65, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Stratford Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Waitara Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 53, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A three piece badge set worn at least by A Company Taranaki Rifle Volunteers. This set was worn by a number of NZ Volunteer Rifle and Mounted Rifle units. Note the Bugle is hung from a ribbon bow. Many British Rifle unit badges have a corded bow.
5th Battalion Wellington (Center or Ruahine) Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 5th Battalion Wellington (Center or Ruahine) Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901.
Headquarters: Woodville
A Company - Woodville Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 51, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Dannevirke Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 64, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Masterton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 51, 1901 - 50, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Pahiatua Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Greytown Rifle Volunteers (Greytown North)
Strength: 1880 - 47, 1881 - 53, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Carterton Rifle Volunteers - reformed 31st of Oct 1907
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Ashhurst Rifle Volunteers - Formed 8th Aug 1902
Strength: 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
F Company - Union Rifle Volunteers (Ormondville - 20 Feb 1905
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Ashhurst Rifle Volunteers - 13th of June 1907
Some collectors would argue that the Sun Hat badge, worn by the 17th (Ruahine) Infantry Regiment, which was formed in early 1914 (and given their badges in Egypt), is in fact a Volunteer Helmet plate to this earlier unit. Certainly there are pictures of the Helmet Plate being worn in WW1, but nothing earlier (yet).
Founded 1st of May 1901.
Headquarters: Woodville
A Company - Woodville Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 51, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Dannevirke Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 64, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Masterton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 51, 1901 - 50, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Pahiatua Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 73, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Greytown Rifle Volunteers (Greytown North)
Strength: 1880 - 47, 1881 - 53, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Carterton Rifle Volunteers - reformed 31st of Oct 1907
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Ashhurst Rifle Volunteers - Formed 8th Aug 1902
Strength: 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded were:
F Company - Union Rifle Volunteers (Ormondville - 20 Feb 1905
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Ashhurst Rifle Volunteers - 13th of June 1907
Some collectors would argue that the Sun Hat badge, worn by the 17th (Ruahine) Infantry Regiment, which was formed in early 1914 (and given their badges in Egypt), is in fact a Volunteer Helmet plate to this earlier unit. Certainly there are pictures of the Helmet Plate being worn in WW1, but nothing earlier (yet).
New Zealand Field Ambulance and Bearer Corps
No. 5 Company - Wellington Volunteer Bearer Corps
Strength: 1900 - 31, 1901 - 27, 1902 - 32, 1903 - 29 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1900 - 31, 1901 - 27, 1902 - 32, 1903 - 29 Officers, NCO and Men.
Other Units not in the above Formations
Taranaki Mounted Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 78, 1881 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District) - the below three were reported as a combined unit
Strength: 1881 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- No. 1 Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
- No. 2 Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 33 Officers, NCO and Men.
- No. 3 Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 38 Officers, NCO and Men.
Manutahi Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 81, 1881 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waitara West Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 32, 1881 - 32 Officers, NCO and Men.
Tikorangi Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 36 Officers, NCO and Men.
Mangorei Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 23 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kent Road Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 36 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kent Road Mangorei Rifles (Taranaki District) - the above two were reported as combined in 1881
Strength: 1881 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
Okato Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 52, 1881 - 41 Officers, NCO and Men.
Oakura Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 32, 1881 - 29 Officers, NCO and Men.
Omata Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 42 Officers, NCO and Men.
Bell Block Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 30 Officers, NCO and Men.
Urenui Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 27, 1881 - 16 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 1. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 72, 1881 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 2. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 37 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 3. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 83 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 4. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 17 Officers, NCO and Men.
J Battery - Artillery (Gisbourne District also referred to as Bay of Plenty District)
Strength: 1880 - 106, 1881 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Battery - Artillery (Napier District)
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1881 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wanganui City Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 95, 1881 - 100 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waverly Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 57, 1881 - 42 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Caryle Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Caryle Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kakaramea Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 43 Officers, NCO and Men.
Normanby Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 58, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Alexandra Cavalry (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 50, 1881 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wairoa Light Horse Cavalry (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 57, 1881 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hawera Light Horse Cavalry (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 87, 1881 - 92 Officers, NCO and Men.
Patea Light Horse (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 31, 1881 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
Naval Brigade (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 207, 1881 - 151 Officers, NCO and Men.
Torpedo Corps (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
Makara Rifles (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 62, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kaiwharawhara Rifles (Wellinton District)
Strength: 1880 - 69, 1881 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kaiwara Rifles (Wellinton District)
Strength: 1880 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wanganui Naval Artillery Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
Star Boating Club Submarine Mining Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 54, 1900 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
Clive Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 78, 1881 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District) - the below three were reported as a combined unit
Strength: 1881 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- No. 1 Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
- No. 2 Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 33 Officers, NCO and Men.
- No. 3 Taranaki Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 38 Officers, NCO and Men.
Manutahi Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 81, 1881 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waitara West Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 32, 1881 - 32 Officers, NCO and Men.
Tikorangi Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 36 Officers, NCO and Men.
Mangorei Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 23 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kent Road Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 36 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kent Road Mangorei Rifles (Taranaki District) - the above two were reported as combined in 1881
Strength: 1881 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
Okato Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 52, 1881 - 41 Officers, NCO and Men.
Oakura Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 32, 1881 - 29 Officers, NCO and Men.
Omata Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 42 Officers, NCO and Men.
Bell Block Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 60, 1881 - 30 Officers, NCO and Men.
Urenui Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 27, 1881 - 16 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 1. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 72, 1881 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 2. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 37 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 3. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 83 Officers, NCO and Men.
No 4. Ingelwood Rifles (Taranaki District)
Strength: 1880 - 17 Officers, NCO and Men.
J Battery - Artillery (Gisbourne District also referred to as Bay of Plenty District)
Strength: 1880 - 106, 1881 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Battery - Artillery (Napier District)
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1881 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wanganui City Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 95, 1881 - 100 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waverly Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 57, 1881 - 42 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Caryle Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Caryle Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kakaramea Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 43 Officers, NCO and Men.
Normanby Rifles (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 58, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Alexandra Cavalry (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 50, 1881 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wairoa Light Horse Cavalry (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 57, 1881 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
Hawera Light Horse Cavalry (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 87, 1881 - 92 Officers, NCO and Men.
Patea Light Horse (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 31, 1881 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
Naval Brigade (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 207, 1881 - 151 Officers, NCO and Men.
Torpedo Corps (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
Makara Rifles (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 62, 1881 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kaiwharawhara Rifles (Wellinton District)
Strength: 1880 - 69, 1881 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kaiwara Rifles (Wellinton District)
Strength: 1880 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
Wanganui Naval Artillery Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
Star Boating Club Submarine Mining Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 54, 1900 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
Clive Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cadet Corps
No. 1 Company - Wellington College Rifle Cadets
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 54, 1901 - 52, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 2 Company - Wellington College Rifle Cadets
Strength: 1898 - 51, 1899 - 51, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 1 Company - Wanganui College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 106, 1899 - 52, 1900 - 52, 1901 - 52, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 2 Company - Wanganui College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 44, 1900 - 44, 1901 - 44, 1902 - 55, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Napier High School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 51, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Wellingon Boys' Institute Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 40, 1902 - 40, 1903 - 40 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Te Aute College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 55, 1900 - 58, 1901 - 58, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Mount Cook School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 49, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 49, 1901 - 49, 1902 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Masterton School Cadet Volunteers (formed 1880)
Strength: 1881 - 40, 1898 - 49, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 49, 1901 - 49, 1902 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Wangauni Boys' Public School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 44, 1900 - 44, 1901 - 44, 1902 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*New Plymouth School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 42, 1899 - 42, 1900 - 42, 1901 - 46, 1902 - 46 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 3 Company - Wellington College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Masterton Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Gisbourne Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 62, 1903 - 37 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Napier City Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 55, 1903 - 39 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Manawatu Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 61, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dannevirke Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 52, 1903 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Pahiatua Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Foxton Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 34 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Wanganui Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 63, 1881 - 42, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Gisbourn District also refferred to as Bay of Plenty District)
Strength: 1880 - 81, 1881 - 33 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Napier District - disbanded 1880)
Strength: 1880 - 20 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Carlyle Cadets (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 52 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Patea Cadets (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1881 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
City Rifle Cadets (Wellington District - disbanded in 1881)
Strength: 1880 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Mount Cook Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 101, 1881 - 92 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Te Aro School Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 96, 1881 - 91 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Wellington District - disbanded in 1881)
Strength: 1880 - 74 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
College Rifle Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 38, 1881 - 55 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Naval Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - not recorded, 1881 - 50 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The four Cadet Corps highlighted with a asterisk were placed under the control of the Education Department in 1903
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 54, 1901 - 52, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 2 Company - Wellington College Rifle Cadets
Strength: 1898 - 51, 1899 - 51, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 1 Company - Wanganui College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 106, 1899 - 52, 1900 - 52, 1901 - 52, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 2 Company - Wanganui College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 44, 1900 - 44, 1901 - 44, 1902 - 55, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Napier High School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 51, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Wellingon Boys' Institute Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 40, 1902 - 40, 1903 - 40 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Te Aute College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 55, 1900 - 58, 1901 - 58, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Mount Cook School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 49, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 49, 1901 - 49, 1902 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Masterton School Cadet Volunteers (formed 1880)
Strength: 1881 - 40, 1898 - 49, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 49, 1901 - 49, 1902 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Wangauni Boys' Public School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 44, 1900 - 44, 1901 - 44, 1902 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*New Plymouth School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 42, 1899 - 42, 1900 - 42, 1901 - 46, 1902 - 46 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 3 Company - Wellington College Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Masterton Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Gisbourne Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 62, 1903 - 37 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Napier City Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 55, 1903 - 39 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Manawatu Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 61, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dannevirke Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 52, 1903 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Pahiatua Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Foxton Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 34 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Wanganui Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 63, 1881 - 42, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Gisbourn District also refferred to as Bay of Plenty District)
Strength: 1880 - 81, 1881 - 33 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Napier District - disbanded 1880)
Strength: 1880 - 20 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Carlyle Cadets (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1880 - 52 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Patea Cadets (Wanganui District)
Strength: 1881 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
City Rifle Cadets (Wellington District - disbanded in 1881)
Strength: 1880 - 56 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Mount Cook Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 101, 1881 - 92 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Te Aro School Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 96, 1881 - 91 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Wellington District - disbanded in 1881)
Strength: 1880 - 74 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
College Rifle Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - 38, 1881 - 55 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Naval Cadets (Wellington District)
Strength: 1880 - not recorded, 1881 - 50 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The four Cadet Corps highlighted with a asterisk were placed under the control of the Education Department in 1903
Nelson Military District.
New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers
H Battery (Nelson) - founded 21st March 1873
Strength: 1880 - 95, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 51, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 74 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 95, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 51, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 74 Officers, NCO and Men.
New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers
Westport Position Artillery Volunteers (formally called the Westport Rifle Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 53, 1899 - 42, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 49, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1898 - 53, 1899 - 42, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 49, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
1st Regiment Nelson Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Regiment Nelson Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st Oct 1901
Headquarters: Nelson
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Marlborough Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Blenheim).
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 56, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 82, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Wakatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Nelson)
Strength: 1900 - 84, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 87, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Takaka Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 81, 1902 - 85, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Motueka Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 93, 1902 - 87, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 1st Oct 1901
Headquarters: Nelson
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Marlborough Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Blenheim).
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 56, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 82, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Wakatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Nelson)
Strength: 1900 - 84, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 87, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Takaka Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 81, 1902 - 85, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Motueka Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 93, 1902 - 87, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
|
- Opposite: A Horse Breastplate to A Squadron - Marlborough Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Blenheim).
- Above: Slouch hat badge (worn on the side of the hat) to B Squadron - Wakatu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Nelson). |
1st Battalion Nelson Infantry Volunteers
|
Unit composition of the 1st Battalion Nelson Infantry Volunteers.
Founded 1st of Oct 1901 Headquarters: Nelson A Company - Stoke Rifle Volunteers Strength: 1880 - 59, 1898 - 48, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men. B Company - Blenheim Rifle Volunteers Strength: 1898 - 65, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men. C Company - Waimea Rifle Volunteers Strength: 1880 - 50, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 64, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men. D Company - Nelson Rifle Volunteers Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 61, 1900 - 75, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men. E Company - Waitohi Rifle Volunteers (Picton) Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 55, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men. |
- Above: A 12mm "N" for "Nelson Military District" ? I have yet to see a shoulder title to confirm, But this pattern differs from the standard "N" in NZ, with feet to the ends of the legs on the "N".
|
2nd Battalion Nelson Infantry Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Battalion Nelson Infantry Volunteers.
Founded 1st of Oct 1901
Headquarters: Greymouth
A Company - 1st Westland Rifle Volunteers (Hokitika)
Strength: 1880 - 93, 1898 - 57, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 71, 1901 - 73, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Greymouth Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 52, 1901 - 57, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Denniston Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 61, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Reefton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Millerton Rifle Volunteers (founded 12th May 1904)
Disbanded:
E Company - Brunner Ranger Rifle Volunteers (Brunnerton - 12th Aug 1904).
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 43 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 1st of Oct 1901
Headquarters: Greymouth
A Company - 1st Westland Rifle Volunteers (Hokitika)
Strength: 1880 - 93, 1898 - 57, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 71, 1901 - 73, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Greymouth Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 44, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 52, 1901 - 57, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Denniston Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 61, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Reefton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Millerton Rifle Volunteers (founded 12th May 1904)
Disbanded:
E Company - Brunner Ranger Rifle Volunteers (Brunnerton - 12th Aug 1904).
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 43 Officers, NCO and Men.
Volunteer Cycle Corps
Nelson College Volunteer Cycle Corps
Strength: 1903 - 26 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1903 - 26 Officers, NCO and Men.
New Zealand Field Hospital and Bearer Corps
Nelson Volunteer Bearer Corps
Strength: 1902 - 25, 1903 - 28 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1902 - 25, 1903 - 28 Officers, NCO and Men.
Other Units not in the above Formations
Picton Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
Spring Creek Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 78 Officers, NCO and Men.
Renwick Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
Blenheim Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
City Rifles (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
Nelson Navals (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Greymouth Rangers (Westland District)
Strength: 1880 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
Blenheim City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 51, 1899 - 39 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kumara Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 46, 1899 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
Mawhera Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 37 Officers, NCO and Men.
Totara Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 48, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
Spring Creek Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 78 Officers, NCO and Men.
Renwick Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
Blenheim Rifles (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 69 Officers, NCO and Men.
City Rifles (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
Nelson Navals (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Greymouth Rangers (Westland District)
Strength: 1880 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
Blenheim City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 51, 1899 - 39 Officers, NCO and Men.
Kumara Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 46, 1899 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
Mawhera Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 37 Officers, NCO and Men.
Totara Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 48, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cadet Corps
Picton Cadets (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 91 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Blenheim Cadets (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 152 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 4 6Officers, NCO and Cadets.
City Rifle Cadets (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 40 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
College Cadets (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 76 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Greymouth Cadets (Westland District)
Strength: 1880 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 1 Company - Nelson College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 70, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 71, 1901 - 46, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 2 Company - Nelson College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 54, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Blenheim School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 42, 1902 - 47 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Nelson Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 63, 1903 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Blenheim Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 43, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Brunner Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The above Cadet Corps highlighted with an asterisk was placed under the control of the Education Department in 1902
Strength: 1880 - 91 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Blenheim Cadets (Marlborough District)
Strength: 1880 - 152 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Artillery Cadets (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 4 6Officers, NCO and Cadets.
City Rifle Cadets (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 40 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
College Cadets (Nelson District)
Strength: 1880 - 76 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Greymouth Cadets (Westland District)
Strength: 1880 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 1 Company - Nelson College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 70, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 71, 1901 - 46, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 2 Company - Nelson College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 54, 1902 - 54, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Blenheim School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 42, 1902 - 47 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Nelson Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 63, 1903 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Blenheim Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 43, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Brunner Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The above Cadet Corps highlighted with an asterisk was placed under the control of the Education Department in 1902
Canterbury Military District.
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Artillery
New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers
C Battery N.Z. Artillery
Strength: 1880 - 83 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Battery (Christchurch)
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1898 - 64, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 77, 1901 - 95, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 93 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 83 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Battery (Christchurch)
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1898 - 64, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 77, 1901 - 95, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 93 Officers, NCO and Men.
Canterbury Division of Garrison Artillery Volunteers
Original company numbering of the Canterbury District Garrison Artillery Volunteers were as follows:
No. 5 Company - (Lyttelton) Lyttelton Naval Artillery
No. 7 Company - (Lyttelton) N Battery (Lyttelton)
No. 10 Company (Westport) Westport Position Artillery
The No. 10 was disbanded but reformed in the Nelson Military District as the Westport Garrison Artillery Volunteers on the 12th July 1907. The other two were renamed to:
No. 1 Company - (Lyttelton Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 73, 1899 - 74, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 88, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 78 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (N Battery)
Strength: 1898 - 53, 1899 - 54, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 82, 1902 - 78, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 5 Company - (Lyttelton) Lyttelton Naval Artillery
No. 7 Company - (Lyttelton) N Battery (Lyttelton)
No. 10 Company (Westport) Westport Position Artillery
The No. 10 was disbanded but reformed in the Nelson Military District as the Westport Garrison Artillery Volunteers on the 12th July 1907. The other two were renamed to:
No. 1 Company - (Lyttelton Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1898 - 73, 1899 - 74, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 88, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 78 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (N Battery)
Strength: 1898 - 53, 1899 - 54, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 82, 1902 - 78, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
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- Opposite and Above: A pre-1902 gilt brass helmet plate to No. 7 Company - (Lyttelton) N Battery (Lyttelton). Note the QVC crown has been removed and a Kings Crown added, presumably to prolong the life of the helmet plate past 1902 and change of monarch.
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New Zealand Engineer Volunteers
Badges to No.1 Company, NZEV (Canterbury Engineer Volunteers).
Headquarters: Christchurch
Strength: 1880 - 70, 1898 - 60, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 82, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite Left: A silver Officers belt center with the words "No.1 NZ Engineers" with King Edward the 7th Cypher to center. It has a gilt brass backing plate
- Opposite Right: A single, gilt brass 25mm tunic button to the "1 NZE", worn by No.1 Company, NZEV, circa 1903. Has the maker mark to back of "crossed swords" so Wilkinson Swords "Sword Make, Trade Mark, Made in England".
Headquarters: Christchurch
Strength: 1880 - 70, 1898 - 60, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 82, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 85 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite Left: A silver Officers belt center with the words "No.1 NZ Engineers" with King Edward the 7th Cypher to center. It has a gilt brass backing plate
- Opposite Right: A single, gilt brass 25mm tunic button to the "1 NZE", worn by No.1 Company, NZEV, circa 1903. Has the maker mark to back of "crossed swords" so Wilkinson Swords "Sword Make, Trade Mark, Made in England".
1st Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Christchurch
A Squadron - Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1880 - 118, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 61, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 110, 1902 - 90, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1898 - 55, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 77, 1901 - 85, 1902 - 101, 1903 - 82 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Ellesmere Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Leeston)
Strength: 1899 - 50, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 79, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Malvern Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waddington)
Strength: 1901 - 71, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 77 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Waimakariri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (West Melton)
Strength: 1901 - 75, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Reserve Corps:
- Canterbury Scout Volunteer Reserve (Christchurch) - Founded 15th Aug 1907
- South Canterbury Volunteer Reserve (Timaru) - Founded 9th Nov 1907
- Opposite: Post 1902 Helmet Plate to B Squadron - Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch). Three lugs to back, and note the circular center is separate from the crown and wreath. Soldered into place at 4 points.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Christchurch
A Squadron - Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1880 - 118, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 61, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 110, 1902 - 90, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1898 - 55, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 77, 1901 - 85, 1902 - 101, 1903 - 82 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Ellesmere Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Leeston)
Strength: 1899 - 50, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 79, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Malvern Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waddington)
Strength: 1901 - 71, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 77 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Waimakariri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (West Melton)
Strength: 1901 - 75, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Reserve Corps:
- Canterbury Scout Volunteer Reserve (Christchurch) - Founded 15th Aug 1907
- South Canterbury Volunteer Reserve (Timaru) - Founded 9th Nov 1907
- Opposite: Post 1902 Helmet Plate to B Squadron - Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch). Three lugs to back, and note the circular center is separate from the crown and wreath. Soldered into place at 4 points.
- Opposite: A strap disc to A Squadron - Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers (Christchurch). A brass disc, with a single, long, wide loop to back to be threaded through a leather strap on a harness or equipment associated with a Horse.
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- Left and Above: A Bridle to A Squadron - Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers (Christchurch). Well worn to brass and pitted to steel. The crown was used in both Victorian and Edwardian periods.
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- Above: Separate, thick brass hand cut shoulder letters to A Squadron - Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers (Christchurch) - "C.Y.C". These all have two copper looped solder to back.
- Opposite: Another Bridle, this time to D Squadron - Malvern Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waddington). Very little wear to brass. Bit is made out of White Metal. |
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- Above Left & Right: More images of the D Squadron - Malvern Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waddington) Bridle. On the bit it is maker marked to "Masons Silver, C & M, 1901" On the other side is "M.M.R, 51" for Melvin Mounted Rifles, and this would be Bridle 51 to the company.
- Opposite: A pair of opposing gilt brass Collars badges to the 1st Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers. Both have two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
2nd Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Culverton
A Squadron -Kaikoura Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Kaikoura)
Strength: 1901 - 78, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 74 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Amuri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waiau)
Strength: 1901 - 106, 1902 - 83, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Cust Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 71, 1902 - 85, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Tuahiwi)
Strength: 1901 - 80, 1902 - 93, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Culverton
A Squadron -Kaikoura Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Kaikoura)
Strength: 1901 - 78, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 74 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Amuri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waiau)
Strength: 1901 - 106, 1902 - 83, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Cust Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 71, 1902 - 85, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Tuahiwi)
Strength: 1901 - 80, 1902 - 93, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
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- Opposite: C Squadron - Cust Mounted Rifle Volunteers Horse Breastplate Badge.
- Above: A pair of collar badges to the 2nd Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers. |
- Above: A silver (not marked)medel to Qartermaster Sergeant (Q.M.S) Young of the 2nd Battalion North Canterbury Mounted Rifles and dated 1905.
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- Above: Reverse of the same medal, with QMS Young's name and the maker mark of "B E & Co".
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North Canterbury Battalion
The North Canterbury Battalion formed in 1897, from various volunteer units in the region.
The Battalion was reorganised on the the 7th and 8th of Oct, 1903 into two battalions
- 1st North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
- 2nd North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
The Battalion was reorganised on the the 7th and 8th of Oct, 1903 into two battalions
- 1st North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
- 2nd North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
- Above: A scarce right (when worn) Officers collar badge to the North Canterbury Battalion. Note the void or fretting to wording in the wreath to center, which is a feature of Officers badges.
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- Above: A opposing pair of North Canterbury Other Ranks Collar badges. Silver or silvered Crane to center, which is held in place by two wire folded to back of Brass backing. Two D shaped copper lugs, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A Cap badge set up for the peaked cap, worn by some company's of the North Canterbury Battalion. Separate Brass "N" and "Z" with a right facing (when worn) Collar badge. All have two D shaped lugs to back.
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- Above: A opposing pair of North Canterbury Other Ranks Collar badges. White metal Crane to center, which is soldered in place to Brass backing. Two D shaped copper lugs, with no maker mark.
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- Above: Lieutenant Francis Marion Bates Fisher, here as a member of the Christchurch Civil Service Rifle Volunteers probably about 1901 .
Note the "NZ" and the North Canterbury style badges worn. The collar appear to be Officers quality, with fretting out of the Battalion title in the wreath, while the badge to the cap center is like the above, with solid wreath. |
Above: Another image of Francis dated the 18th of Nov 1902.
Sadly the peak of his cap obscures his badge, but a faint "N" and "Z" can be just made out either side. Francis serve with the 10th New Zealand Contingent to South Africa, became a noted NZ politician, and International Tennis player. |
1st North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st North Canterbury Battalion of Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 7th of Oct 1903 - prior - The North Canterbury Battalion.
Headquarters: Christchurch
A Company - Christchurch City Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 64, 1898 - 63, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Christ's Collage Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 58, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 67, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Christchurch City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 54, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Rangiora Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 80, 1902 - 57, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Imperial Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1898 - 63, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 58, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Christchurch Volunteer Cycle Corps
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 25, 1901 - 28, 1902 - 22, 1903 - 23 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A well worn Officers Helmet Plate to the 1st North Canterbury Battalion.
Note the voided center, with red material backing cloth, and separate Silver Crane. Complicated backing plate to back, bolted on with nuts and screw thread. Three long looped lugs, no maker mark.
Founded 7th of Oct 1903 - prior - The North Canterbury Battalion.
Headquarters: Christchurch
A Company - Christchurch City Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 64, 1898 - 63, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 65, 1901 - 61, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Christ's Collage Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 58, 1900 - 73, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 67, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Christchurch City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 54, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Rangiora Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 67, 1901 - 80, 1902 - 57, 1903 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Imperial Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1898 - 63, 1899 - 63, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 58, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Christchurch Volunteer Cycle Corps
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 25, 1901 - 28, 1902 - 22, 1903 - 23 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A well worn Officers Helmet Plate to the 1st North Canterbury Battalion.
Note the voided center, with red material backing cloth, and separate Silver Crane. Complicated backing plate to back, bolted on with nuts and screw thread. Three long looped lugs, no maker mark.
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- Opposite & Above: A "Other Ranks" Helmet Plate and Collars to the 1st North Canterbury Battalion. The Helmet Plate is solid to background, around the Crane, with it just sweated onto front. To back are three long copper looped lugs, one behind the crown, while the other two are midway to back, in a east/west configuration.
One of my collars (left in the picture) has been brooched to back, and extra gilt finish applied. Both have a white metal Crane sweated to front. The other has two copper looped lugs. No maker mark to any of them. |
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- Opposite & Above: A Glengarry Cap Badge and pair of Collar badges in white metal to the 1st Canterbury Rifle Battalion, formed in 1906. All three are one piece, with two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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The Christchurch City Guards Rifle Volunteers formed on the 15th of December, 1893 with the amalgamation of the Christchurch Rifle Volunteers and the City Guards Company.
On the 10th of June 1897, it formed part of the North Canterbury Battalion.
On the 7th of October 1903, it became A Company, 1st Battalion, North Canterbury Rifle Volunteers
On the 10th of June 1897, it formed part of the North Canterbury Battalion.
On the 7th of October 1903, it became A Company, 1st Battalion, North Canterbury Rifle Volunteers
- Above: A single piece, pre 1895 white metal other ranks helmet plate to the Christchurch City Guards Rifle Volunteers (CCG). Two long copper looped lugs to back, no maker mark.
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- Above: A multi piece, Silver (not marked) Officers Shoulder Belt Plate to the Christchurch City Guards Rifle Volunteers (CCG). Three bolt threads attach wreath with crown, and center cypher to backing plate. No maker mark.
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2nd North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers.
Founded 8th of Oct 1903 - prior - The North Canterbury Battalion.
Headquarters: Christchurch
A Company - Sydenham Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Linwood Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1899 - 64, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 53, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Civil Service Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1901 - 59, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 65Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Canterbury Native Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded: Ellesmere Guards Rifle Volunteers (Doyleston) 23rd Oct 1906.
Strength: 1901 - 54, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A "Other Ranks" gilt brass Helmet Plate to the 2nd North Canterbury Infantry Volunteers. Single piece, with three copper looped lugs to back, one to behind the crown, and two, in a east/west configuration, mid-way to back. No maker mark.
Founded 8th of Oct 1903 - prior - The North Canterbury Battalion.
Headquarters: Christchurch
A Company - Sydenham Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 65, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Linwood Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1899 - 64, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 53, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Civil Service Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1901 - 59, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 65Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Canterbury Native Rifle Volunteers (Christchurch)
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded: Ellesmere Guards Rifle Volunteers (Doyleston) 23rd Oct 1906.
Strength: 1901 - 54, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: A "Other Ranks" gilt brass Helmet Plate to the 2nd North Canterbury Infantry Volunteers. Single piece, with three copper looped lugs to back, one to behind the crown, and two, in a east/west configuration, mid-way to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A pair of gilt brass, opposing collar badges to the 2nd North Canterbury Infantry Volunteers. Both have two D shaped copper looped lugs to back, and no maker mark.
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The Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers formed on the 10th of Sept 1900, and wore the Gordon tartan.
1st Aug 1901 - became J Company, North Canterbury Battalion.
7th Oct 1903 - became D Company, 2nd Battalion, North Canterbury Rifle Volunteers.
1st Aug 1901 - became J Company, North Canterbury Battalion.
7th Oct 1903 - became D Company, 2nd Battalion, North Canterbury Rifle Volunteers.
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- Opposite: A 2 piece, white metal badge to the Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers. Two long copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A matching pair of gilt brass, opposing Collar badges to the Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers. My left (pictured) was found in the bottom of a tool box, in a shed. Apparently a tube of putty had leaked over it. Its rock hard, and I have left it as is, not to damage the badge. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to the back of each. No maker mark. |
- Above: A fixed shank, silver plated 25mm tunic buttons to the Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers. Much wear to the silver plated to front. Maker marked to "Hobson & Son, Lexington St, London" to back. Two holes are drilled either side to back.
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- Above: A fixed shank, gilt brass 25mm tunic buttons to the Canterbury Highland Rifle Volunteers. Maker marked to "Hobson & Son, Lexington St, London" to back.
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- Above: A 1885, fixed shank, 25mm, white metal tunic button to the Canterbury Scottish Rifle Volunteers.
Maker marked to back to "Hobson & Son, 37 & 38 Little Windmill St, Haymarket, London". |
The Canterbury Scottish Rifle Volunteers were founded on the 16th of Feb, 1885.
They wore a scarlet doublet, forage cap, and the kilt of Gordon tartan.
They disbanded on the 12th of Dec 1893.
It is not recorded at this stage on whether they wore any other unique NZ insignia.
They wore a scarlet doublet, forage cap, and the kilt of Gordon tartan.
They disbanded on the 12th of Dec 1893.
It is not recorded at this stage on whether they wore any other unique NZ insignia.
1st Regiment South Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Regiment South Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Temuka
A Squadron - South Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Timaru)
Strength: 1899 - 62, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 90, 1902 - 99, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Ashburton Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 90, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Mackenzie Mounted Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 24th Oct 1907
Strength: 1901 - 82, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Studholme Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waimate)
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Geraldine Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: D Squadron - Studholme Mounted Rifle Volunteers Horse Breastplate Badge.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Temuka
A Squadron - South Canterbury Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Timaru)
Strength: 1899 - 62, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 90, 1902 - 99, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Ashburton Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 90, 1902 - 84, 1903 - 73 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Mackenzie Mounted Rifle Volunteers - Disbanded 24th Oct 1907
Strength: 1901 - 82, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Studholme Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Waimate)
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Geraldine Mounted Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Opposite: D Squadron - Studholme Mounted Rifle Volunteers Horse Breastplate Badge.
South Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers
Unit composition of the South Canterbury Rifle Battalion.
Headquarters: Timaru
It was made up of:
A Company - Timaru City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 63, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 53, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - No. 1 Temuka Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 90, 1898 - 58, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Ashburton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 61, 1898 - 62, 1899 - 57, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Timaru Port Guard Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 62, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Timaru Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 67, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Waimate Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 65, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 46, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Geraldine Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 64, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Ashburton Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 62, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A large, "Other Ranks" white metal 1886 Helmet Plate with QVC crown to the South Canterbury Rifle Battalion. Multi-piece, with separate roundal to center, attached to the backing star. It also has a separate bottom brass scroll, with the word "Ready", the Battalions motto. To back are two brass tangs, soldered to the back of the crown, which old the red velvet to back. There are three looped copper lugs, one behind the crown, and two, in a east/west configuration, mid-way to back.
No maker mark.
Headquarters: Timaru
It was made up of:
A Company - Timaru City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 63, 1899 - 59, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 53, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - No. 1 Temuka Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 90, 1898 - 58, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Ashburton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 61, 1898 - 62, 1899 - 57, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Timaru Port Guard Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 62, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Timaru Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 67, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 67, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Waimate Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 65, 1899 - 69, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 65, 1902 - 46, 1903 - 48 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Geraldine Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 64, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Ashburton Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 62, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A large, "Other Ranks" white metal 1886 Helmet Plate with QVC crown to the South Canterbury Rifle Battalion. Multi-piece, with separate roundal to center, attached to the backing star. It also has a separate bottom brass scroll, with the word "Ready", the Battalions motto. To back are two brass tangs, soldered to the back of the crown, which old the red velvet to back. There are three looped copper lugs, one behind the crown, and two, in a east/west configuration, mid-way to back.
No maker mark.
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- Above: A pair of 1886 white metal collar badges to the South Canterbury Rifle Battalion. Both have two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Opposite: In 1897, the Glengarry hat was adopted by the Battalion, and a smaller version of the Helmet plate was produced to fit the hat, with QVC crown. In 1902, with the change of monarch, a Kings crowned Glengarry badge was also produced. This is a single piece badge, with brass tabs to back of crown to hold the velvet to back. Two copper looped lugs, and no maker marked. |
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In 1903, the Battalion changed it badges again
- Opposite: A Glengarry badge to the South Canterbury Rifle Volunteers. In the "books" on NZ Badges, these are reported as being bi-metal. I have only ever seen about three examples of this badge, and there are all a silver plated brass version. Mine is a dark tone, with wear to the finish. Two copper loops to back, no maker mark. Size 63mm by 50mm - Above: A right (when worn), bi-metal collar badge to the South Canterbury Rifle Volunteers. Two D shaped copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 29mm by 29mm. The collars are opposing, and the pattern was adopted by the 2nd (South Canterbury) Infantry Regiment collar post 1911. |
New Zealand Field Hospital and Bearer Corps
Christchurch Bearer Corps (No. 3 Company)
Strength: 1899 - 25, 1900 - 26, 1901 - 31, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1899 - 25, 1900 - 26, 1901 - 31, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to No.3 Company Field Hospital.
No.3 Company Field Ambulance also worn a similar Badge, but with different wording to center wreath. No. 3 Company were the only unit in the New Zealand Field Hospital and Bearer Corps to have a metal. There were 5 Companies in total in the Volunteer Force. |
- Above: A early Volunteer period Geneva Cross, worn on the upper sleeve. Dark material background, with a gold bullion thread boarder, white background and red threaded cross. No maker mark or label to back. This badge has a few moth nips to center white and dark background.
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Other Units not in the above Formations
C Battery Artillery (Canterbury District)
Strength: 1880 - not recieved Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Ellesmere Guards Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 54, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - not recieved Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Ellesmere Guards Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 54, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cadet Corps
Engineer Cadets (Canterbury District)
Strength: 1880 - 58 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
High School Cadets (Canterbury District)
Strength: 1880 - 48 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Timaru Cadets (Canterbury District)
Strength: 1880 - 53Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Christ's College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Christchurch Boys' High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Kaiapoi Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 53, 1899 - 53, 1900 - 45, 1901 - no record, 1902 - 45, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Queen's Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 43, 1899 - 43, 1900 - 44, 1901 - no record, 1902 - 42, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Lyttelton Naval Artillery Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 54, 1901 - no record, 1902 - 35, 1903 - 43 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Timaru High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 57, 1899 - 46, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Timaru Main Public School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 49, 1901 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The above Cadet Corps highlighted with an asterisk was placed under the control of the Education Department in 1902
Strength: 1880 - 58 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
High School Cadets (Canterbury District)
Strength: 1880 - 48 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Timaru Cadets (Canterbury District)
Strength: 1880 - 53Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Christ's College Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Christchurch Boys' High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 60, 1899 - 60, 1900 - 60, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 66 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Kaiapoi Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 53, 1899 - 53, 1900 - 45, 1901 - no record, 1902 - 45, 1903 - 46 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Queen's Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 43, 1899 - 43, 1900 - 44, 1901 - no record, 1902 - 42, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Lyttelton Naval Artillery Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 54, 1901 - no record, 1902 - 35, 1903 - 43 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Timaru High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 57, 1899 - 46, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Timaru Main Public School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 49, 1900 - 49, 1901 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The above Cadet Corps highlighted with an asterisk was placed under the control of the Education Department in 1902
Otago Military District.
Detachment of Royal New Zealand Artillery
New Zealand Field Artillery Volunteers
B Battery (Dunedin)
Strength: 1880 - 139, 1898 - 62, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 87, 1902 - 81, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 139, 1898 - 62, 1899 - 71, 1900 - 85, 1901 - 87, 1902 - 81, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
Otago Division of Garrison Artillery Volunteers
Original company numbering of the Otago District Garrison Artillery Volunteers were as follows:
No. 2 Company - (Dunedin) Dunedin Naval Artillery
No. 3 Company - (Port Chalmers) Port Chalmers Naval Artillery
These were renamed to:
No. 1 Company - (Dunedin Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - 122, 1898 - 81, 1899 - 87, 1900 - 110, 1901 - 107, 1902 - 113, 1903 - 115 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (Port Chalmers Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - not recorded, 1898 - 73, 1899 - 78, 1900 - 88, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (Dunedin) Dunedin Naval Artillery
No. 3 Company - (Port Chalmers) Port Chalmers Naval Artillery
These were renamed to:
No. 1 Company - (Dunedin Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - 122, 1898 - 81, 1899 - 87, 1900 - 110, 1901 - 107, 1902 - 113, 1903 - 115 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 2 Company - (Port Chalmers Naval Artillery Volunteers)
Strength: 1880 - not recorded, 1898 - 73, 1899 - 78, 1900 - 88, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 74, 1903 - 80 Officers, NCO and Men.
New Zealand Engineer Volunteers
Dunedin Engineer Volunteers (No. 2 Company)
Strength: 1898 - 76, 1899 - 79, 1900 - 83, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 98, 1903 - 98 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1898 - 76, 1899 - 79, 1900 - 83, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 98, 1903 - 98 Officers, NCO and Men.
1st Regiment Otago Mounted Rifles Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Regiment Otago Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Dunedin
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Otago Hussar Volunteers (Dunedin)
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 97, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - North Otago Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Oamaru)
Strength: 1898 - 58, 1899 - 57, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 97, 1902 - 104, 1903 - 108 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Clutha Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Balclutha)
Strength: 1899 - 66, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Maniototo Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Ranfurly)
Strength: 1901 - 84, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Tuapeka Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Lawrence)
Strength: 1901 - 86, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Taieri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Outram)
Strength: 1902 - 75, 1903 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Squadron - Waitaki Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Oamaru)
Strength: 1902 - 92, 1903 - 93 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Dunedin
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Otago Hussar Volunteers (Dunedin)
Strength: 1898 - 62, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 97, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 79 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - North Otago Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Oamaru)
Strength: 1898 - 58, 1899 - 57, 1900 - 64, 1901 - 97, 1902 - 104, 1903 - 108 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Clutha Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Balclutha)
Strength: 1899 - 66, 1900 - 72, 1901 - 103, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 72 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Maniototo Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Ranfurly)
Strength: 1901 - 84, 1902 - 72, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Tuapeka Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Lawrence)
Strength: 1901 - 86, 1902 - 70, 1903 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Taieri Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Outram)
Strength: 1902 - 75, 1903 - 75 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Squadron - Waitaki Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Oamaru)
Strength: 1902 - 92, 1903 - 93 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A Cap badge to the 1st Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles Volunteers. Two copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark.
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- Above: A Pouch badge to the 1st Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles Volunteers. Two thread bolts to back, but no maker mark.
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- Above: The backs of the Cap and Pouch badge to the 1st Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles Volunteers.
This badge design was later adopted (with change of title) by the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles Regiment after 1911. - Opposite: A unknown Volunteer Officer (appears Lieutenant, with two pips to his shoulder boards) who potentially has a 1st Regiment, Otago Mounted Rifles Volunteers Cap badge to his white Home Service Helmet. The image appears to be a calling card, but the bottom has be torn off. Still a rare image. |
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2nd Regiment Otago Mounted Rifles Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Regiment Otago Mounted Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Invercargill
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Southland Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Invercargill)
Strength: 1898 - 63, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 113, 1901 - 111, 1902 - 94, 1903 - 92 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Mataura Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Gore)
Strength: 1900 - 76, 1901 - 91, 1902 - 92, 1903 - 105 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Wakatipu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Arrowtown)
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Kelso Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Kelso)
Strength: 1902 - 60, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Murihiku Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wyndham)
Strength: 1902 - 79, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Wallace Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Otautau)
Strength: 1902 - 69, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 1st May 1901
Headquarters: Invercargill
It was made up of:
A Squadron - Southland Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Invercargill)
Strength: 1898 - 63, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 113, 1901 - 111, 1902 - 94, 1903 - 92 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Squadron - Mataura Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Gore)
Strength: 1900 - 76, 1901 - 91, 1902 - 92, 1903 - 105 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Squadron - Wakatipu Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Arrowtown)
Strength: 1901 - 69, 1902 - 71, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Squadron - Kelso Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Kelso)
Strength: 1902 - 60, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Squadron - Murihiku Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Wyndham)
Strength: 1902 - 79, 1903 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Squadron - Wallace Mounted Rifle Volunteers (Otautau)
Strength: 1902 - 69, 1903 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
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- Above Left: A gilt brass helmet plate to A Squadron - Southland Mounted Rifle Volunteers. The 2nd Regiment Otago Mounted Rifle Volunteers adopted a standard helmet plate for all its 6 squadrons, with a different title affixed to the badges base, to distinguish which squadron a Trooper was from. Note the "SOUTHLAND" brass banner to base which is attached by two small nuts to back. Three copper looped lugs to back (one behind the crown, two at a east/west configuration towards the base of badge. Size 110mm by 80mm
- Above Right: A superb, gilt Officers helmet plate to a member of F Squadron - Wallace Mounted Rifle Volunteers. The center is fretted out, and has a black backing cloth. Note the "WALLACE" banner affixed separately to base of plate.
- Above Right: A superb, gilt Officers helmet plate to a member of F Squadron - Wallace Mounted Rifle Volunteers. The center is fretted out, and has a black backing cloth. Note the "WALLACE" banner affixed separately to base of plate.
1st Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 1st Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 20th of May 1898
Headquarters: Dunedin
A Company - Dunedin City Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 119, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 66, 1901 - 71, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
City Band
Strength: 1880 - 22 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - North Dunedin Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 62, 1898 - 62, 1899 - 67, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 72, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Dunedin Highland Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 55, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Dunedin City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 50, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Dunedin Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 62, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Waikari Rifle Volunteers (Dunedin)
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
No.1 Company Wakari Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
No.2 Company Wakari Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Caversham Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Green Island Rifle Volunteers (Abbotsford)
Strength: 1902 - 66, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A Cap badge to the 1st Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers. The Huia Feather is two piece, with the tip being separate from the main body of the badge. This example has a relatively straight feather stem, but I have had examples where the previous owner has bent or broken off the stem. Two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
Founded 20th of May 1898
Headquarters: Dunedin
A Company - Dunedin City Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 119, 1898 - 55, 1899 - 68, 1900 - 66, 1901 - 71, 1902 - 66, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
City Band
Strength: 1880 - 22 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - North Dunedin Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 62, 1898 - 62, 1899 - 67, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 72, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Dunedin Highland Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 61, 1901 - 55, 1902 - 61, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Dunedin City Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 50, 1900 - 56, 1901 - 59, 1902 - 51, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Dunedin Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1899 - 62, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Waikari Rifle Volunteers (Dunedin)
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 56 Officers, NCO and Men.
No.1 Company Wakari Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
No.2 Company Wakari Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 53 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Caversham Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Green Island Rifle Volunteers (Abbotsford)
Strength: 1902 - 66, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
- Above: A Cap badge to the 1st Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers. The Huia Feather is two piece, with the tip being separate from the main body of the badge. This example has a relatively straight feather stem, but I have had examples where the previous owner has bent or broken off the stem. Two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A opposing pair of Collar badges to the 1st Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers in gilt brass. Two sets of D shaped copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A pair of gilt brass shoulder titles to the 1st Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers. Both have two copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A small "O" for Otago, seen worn on the shoulder straps of Otago Rifle Volunteers tunic above a small, straight "NZR" title. Two copper D shaped lugs to back, size 12mm by 8mm.
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- Above: A 1880 25mm, white metal button to the Dunedin No.1 City Guards. Fixed shank, and maker marked to back to "Hobson & Son, St Martins Lane, London".
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- Above: A later patterned 25mm, white metal button to the Dunedin No.1 City Guards. Fixed shank, with maker marked to back to "Superior, Rich Quality".
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2nd Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 2nd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Invercargill
A Company - Invercargill City Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 55, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Oreti Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 47, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 71, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Awarua Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 56, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Gore Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 55, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Mercantile Rifle Volunteers (Disbanded 20th Jun 1907)
Strength: 1900 - 58, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Winton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 87, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Orepuki Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Bluff Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Colac Bay Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Reserve Corps
Tapanui Rifle Volunteers Reserve (Formed 22nd Jun 1907).
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Invercargill
A Company - Invercargill City Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 59, 1899 - 55, 1900 - 69, 1901 - 69, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 57 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Oreti Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 47, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 71, 1901 - 66, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Awarua Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 56, 1900 - 68, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Gore Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 55, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 63, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Mercantile Rifle Volunteers (Disbanded 20th Jun 1907)
Strength: 1900 - 58, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Winton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 87, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Orepuki Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 62, 1902 - 64, 1903 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Bluff Guards Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 64 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - Colac Bay Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 69, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Reserve Corps
Tapanui Rifle Volunteers Reserve (Formed 22nd Jun 1907).
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- Above Left: A Gilt brass, belt center to G Company - Orepuki Rifle Volunteers. This design is also the same as their Cap or Collar Badge (worn as either).
- Above Right: A bi-metal belt center to B Company - Oreti Rifle Volunteers. Bi-metal, with white metal intertwined ORV on a gilt brass, Kings crowned frame.
- Above Right: A bi-metal belt center to B Company - Oreti Rifle Volunteers. Bi-metal, with white metal intertwined ORV on a gilt brass, Kings crowned frame.
3rd Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers
Unit composition of the 3rd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Oamaru
A Company - Queens Rifle Volunteers (Oamaru)
Strength: 1898 - 57, 1899 - 34, 1900 - 55, 1901 - 55, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Oamaru Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 116, 1898 - 63, 1899 - 33, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Company - Oamaru Rifles
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
C Company - Hampden Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 55, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 72, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Palmerston South Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 66, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Alexandra South Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Queenstown Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Cromwell Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Duntroon Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 64, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - King's Rifle Volunteers (formed 20 July 1904 in Oamaru).
- Above: A kings crown (post 1902), gilt brass helmet plate to the 3rd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 1st of May 1901
Headquarters: Oamaru
A Company - Queens Rifle Volunteers (Oamaru)
Strength: 1898 - 57, 1899 - 34, 1900 - 55, 1901 - 55, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Oamaru Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 116, 1898 - 63, 1899 - 33, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 56, 1902 - 62, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
No. 1 Company - Oamaru Rifles
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
C Company - Hampden Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 55, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 72, 1902 - 75, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Palmerston South Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1900 - 66, 1901 - 68, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 68 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Alexandra South Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 67 Officers, NCO and Men.
F Company - Queenstown Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 55, 1902 - 59, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Company - Cromwell Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 57, 1902 - 60, 1903 - 55 Officers, NCO and Men.
H Company - Duntroon Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 64, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Company - King's Rifle Volunteers (formed 20 July 1904 in Oamaru).
- Above: A kings crown (post 1902), gilt brass helmet plate to the 3rd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers.
- Above: A Glengarry Badge and Collars (they could be worn as either) to the 3rd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers. This design of badge was adopted after 1911 by the 10th (North Otago) Infantry Regiment, with just a change of title. All three badges have a pair of D shaped looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A white metal and gilt brass belt center to the 3rd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers. Two small brass tabs to back, in a North/South configurations. No maker mark.
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- Above: A gilt brass, 25mm button to the 3rd Battalion, Otago Rifle Volunteers. Fixed brass shank to back, with maker mark of "Firmin & Sons Ld. London".
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- Above: A 1872 25mm white metal button to No. 1 Company, Oamaru Rifle Volunteers.
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4th Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers
In March, 1904, the 1st Battalion was re-organised and 6 companies went onto form the 4th Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers.
Founded 2nd of March 1904
Headquarters: Milton
A Company - Bruce Rifle Volunteers (Milton)
Strength: 1880 - 64, 1898 - 52, 1899 - 46, 1900 - 45, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Kaitangata Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 56, 1899 - 58, 1900 - 48, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Owaka Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Clutha Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Popotunoa Rilfe Volunteers (Clinton)
Strength: 1902 - 63, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded:
C Company - East Taieri Rifle Volunteers - on the 20th July 1904
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1898 - 41, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 54, 1902 - 33, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
Founded 2nd of March 1904
Headquarters: Milton
A Company - Bruce Rifle Volunteers (Milton)
Strength: 1880 - 64, 1898 - 52, 1899 - 46, 1900 - 45, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 45 Officers, NCO and Men.
B Company - Kaitangata Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 56, 1899 - 58, 1900 - 48, 1901 - 60, 1902 - 56, 1903 - 59 Officers, NCO and Men.
C Company - Owaka Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 63, 1902 - 58, 1903 - 51 Officers, NCO and Men.
D Company - Clutha Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Men.
E Company - Popotunoa Rilfe Volunteers (Clinton)
Strength: 1902 - 63, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Men.
Disbanded:
C Company - East Taieri Rifle Volunteers - on the 20th July 1904
Strength: 1880 - 68, 1898 - 41, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 46, 1901 - 54, 1902 - 33, 1903 - 47 Officers, NCO and Men.
New Zealand Field Hospital and Bearer Corps
Dunedin Volunteer Bearer Corps (No. 2 Company)
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 23, 1901 - 53, 1902 - 46, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 23, 1901 - 53, 1902 - 46, 1903 - 50 Officers, NCO and Men.
Railway Pioneer Corps
1st Railway Pioneer Volunteers (Dunedin) - founded 30th Oct 1907
Volunteer Cycle Corps
Dunedin Volunteer Cycle Corps
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 25, 1901 - 27, 1902 - 30, 1903 - 21 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1899 - 27, 1900 - 25, 1901 - 27, 1902 - 30, 1903 - 21 Officers, NCO and Men.
Other Units not in the above Formations
M Battery Artillery - Queenstown (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 91 Officers, NCO and Men.
Arrow Rifles (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cromwell Rifles (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Battery Artillery (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Men.
Invercargill Rifles (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
K Battery Artillery (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 77 Officers, NCO and Men.
Garrison Band (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 24 Officers, NCO and Men.
L Battery Artillery (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 89 Officers, NCO and Men.
South District Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
West Taieri Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 34 Officers, NCO and Men.
Portobello Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waikouaiti Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
Dunedin Navals (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 148 Officers, NCO and Men.
Port Chalmers Navals (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 88 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Battery Artillery (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
Otepopo Rifles (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
Riverton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 84, 1898 - 44, 1899 - 43 Officers, NCO and Men.
Riversdale Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
Tapanui Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
Naseby Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52, 1899 - 38 Officers, NCO and Men.
Strength: 1880 - 91 Officers, NCO and Men.
Arrow Rifles (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cromwell Rifles (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 71 Officers, NCO and Men.
G Battery Artillery (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Men.
Invercargill Rifles (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 70 Officers, NCO and Men.
K Battery Artillery (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 77 Officers, NCO and Men.
Garrison Band (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 24 Officers, NCO and Men.
L Battery Artillery (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 89 Officers, NCO and Men.
South District Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
West Taieri Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 34 Officers, NCO and Men.
Portobello Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 61 Officers, NCO and Men.
Waikouaiti Rifles (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 65 Officers, NCO and Men.
Dunedin Navals (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 148 Officers, NCO and Men.
Port Chalmers Navals (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 88 Officers, NCO and Men.
I Battery Artillery (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 81 Officers, NCO and Men.
Otepopo Rifles (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 58 Officers, NCO and Men.
Riverton Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 84, 1898 - 44, 1899 - 43 Officers, NCO and Men.
Riversdale Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52 Officers, NCO and Men.
Tapanui Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 66, 1902 - 63, 1903 - 54 Officers, NCO and Men.
Naseby Rifle Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52, 1899 - 38 Officers, NCO and Men.
Cadet Corps
Queenstown Cadets (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 59 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Arrow Cadets (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Invercargill Artillery Cadets (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 1, City Guard Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Hight School Artillery Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 128 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
High School Rifle Cadets (Otago District - disbanded 1880))
Strength: 1880 - 57 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Bruce Rifle Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 45 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Waikouaiti Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Sandymount Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 64 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dunedin Naval Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 66 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Port Chalmers Naval Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Middle District School Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
North District School Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Head Quarters Band (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 30 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Citizen Cadets (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 46 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
North School Cadets (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 91 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
High School Cadets (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 111 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Waitaki High School Naval Artillery Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 48, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 51, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dunedin High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 46, 1898 - 48, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 51, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Invercargill Boys' High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 42, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 37, 1902 - 37, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Oamaru High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 41 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Oamaru North School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 43 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Oamaru South School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 46, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 58, 1901 - 58 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Palmerston South School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 46, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 41 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Union Street School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 64, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 74, 1901 - 74 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Normal District School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1898 - 96, 1899 - 132, 1900 - 81, 1901 - 81 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*South District School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 80, 1898 - 72, 1899 - 72, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Arthur Street School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 80, 1899 - 80, 1900 - 57, 1901 - 57 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Lawrence District High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 45, 1901 - 45 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*North-east Valley School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Albany Street School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 65, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 59 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Tokomarriro High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52, 1899 - 53, 1900 - 42, 1901 - 42 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*George Street School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 53, 1901 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Balclutha High School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 41 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Invercargill Middle School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 37, 1901 - 37 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dunedin Engineer Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 84 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Port Chalmers Naval Artillery Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 56, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Caversham Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 66, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Mataura Boys' Brigade Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 39, 1903 - 40 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Wakari Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 63, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The above Cadet Corps highlighted with an asterisk was placed under the control of the Education Department in 1902
Strength: 1880 - 59 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Arrow Cadets (Lake District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Invercargill Artillery Cadets (Southland District)
Strength: 1880 - 54 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
No. 1, City Guard Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Hight School Artillery Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 128 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
High School Rifle Cadets (Otago District - disbanded 1880))
Strength: 1880 - 57 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Bruce Rifle Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 45 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Waikouaiti Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 44 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Sandymount Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 64 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dunedin Naval Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 66 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Port Chalmers Naval Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Middle District School Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
North District School Cadets (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 100 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Head Quarters Band (Otago District)
Strength: 1880 - 30 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Citizen Cadets (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 46 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
North School Cadets (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 91 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
High School Cadets (Oamaru District)
Strength: 1880 - 111 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Waitaki High School Naval Artillery Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 48, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 51, 1902 - 65, 1903 - 65 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dunedin High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 46, 1898 - 48, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 51, 1902 - 52, 1903 - 49 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Invercargill Boys' High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 42, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 37, 1902 - 37, 1903 - 61 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Oamaru High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 41 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Oamaru North School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 45, 1900 - 43, 1901 - 43 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Oamaru South School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 46, 1899 - 47, 1900 - 58, 1901 - 58 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Palmerston South School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 45, 1899 - 46, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 41 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Union Street School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 64, 1899 - 64, 1900 - 74, 1901 - 74 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Normal District School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 100, 1898 - 96, 1899 - 132, 1900 - 81, 1901 - 81 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*South District School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1880 - 80, 1898 - 72, 1899 - 72, 1900 - 62, 1901 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Arthur Street School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 80, 1899 - 80, 1900 - 57, 1901 - 57 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Lawrence District High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 45, 1901 - 45 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*North-east Valley School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 66, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 63, 1901 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Albany Street School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 65, 1899 - 65, 1900 - 59, 1901 - 59 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Tokomarriro High School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 52, 1899 - 53, 1900 - 42, 1901 - 42 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*George Street School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 54, 1899 - 66, 1900 - 53, 1901 - 53 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Balclutha High School Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 41, 1901 - 41 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*Invercargill Middle School Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1898 - 50, 1899 - 50, 1900 - 37, 1901 - 37 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Dunedin Engineer Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1901 - 72, 1902 - 76, 1903 - 84 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Port Chalmers Naval Artillery Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 56, 1903 - 63 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Caversham Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 66, 1903 - 62 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Mataura Boys' Brigade Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 39, 1903 - 40 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
Wakari Rifle Cadet Volunteers
Strength: 1902 - 63, 1903 - 60 Officers, NCO and Cadets.
*The above Cadet Corps highlighted with an asterisk was placed under the control of the Education Department in 1902
New Zealand Rifle Clubs
The New Zealand Rifle Clubs formed throughout the country to promote the skill of shooting. They also acted at the time, in NZ history as a Reserve Force to the New Zealand Volunteers.
- Opposite: A pair of New Zealand Rifle Club (NZRC) shoulder titles in gilt brass. Two copper looped lugs to back of each, with no maker mark.
The New Zealand Government from 1861 to 1877 conducted the annual rifle championship meeting.
Intitially for the first 4 years, all competitors fired for the champion belt and money prizes in their own districts.
From 1866, a "Colonial Rifle Meeting", was held in Wellington, and all clubs representitives came to Wellington from all parts of New Zealand at the Governments and Taxpayers expense.
In 1877, the Government of the day, decided to stop the expense and no competition was held that year.
Volunteers decided to run their own competition and in 1879 the New Zealand Rifle Assocation was formed, with the first meeting in Nelson.
The Government contributed with a grant of ammunition, while the cost of preparing the ranges and targets was taken up by the Association.
By 1901, the association was unable to continue due to finacial difficulty, and the Government took over, with a name change to the New Zealand Defence Forces Rifle Association, but with the old executive of the New Zealand Rifle Association still running the organisation.
In 1911 the name changed to the Dominion Rifle Association, which continued its annual meetings at Trentham Military Camp (exeept during 1914 to 1918) until 1921.
In 1923, the name changed again, to the National Rifle Assocation.
At the same time, the New Zealand Army Rifle Assciation also formed, with its younger, military members complimenting the National Rifle Assocation and feeding into it in later life.
As reported at the time, the organisations aims were:
"to develop its work upon the most, practical lines. It endeavoured to move with the times, and its programmes included many military matches. The association always contrived to combine, as far as possible, the requirements of military shooting and the promotion of national sport, thus qualifying men for the defence of New Zealand in the event of such a necessity arising."
The National Rifle Association of New Zealand continues today.
- Opposite: A pair of New Zealand Rifle Club (NZRC) shoulder titles in gilt brass. Two copper looped lugs to back of each, with no maker mark.
The New Zealand Government from 1861 to 1877 conducted the annual rifle championship meeting.
Intitially for the first 4 years, all competitors fired for the champion belt and money prizes in their own districts.
From 1866, a "Colonial Rifle Meeting", was held in Wellington, and all clubs representitives came to Wellington from all parts of New Zealand at the Governments and Taxpayers expense.
In 1877, the Government of the day, decided to stop the expense and no competition was held that year.
Volunteers decided to run their own competition and in 1879 the New Zealand Rifle Assocation was formed, with the first meeting in Nelson.
The Government contributed with a grant of ammunition, while the cost of preparing the ranges and targets was taken up by the Association.
By 1901, the association was unable to continue due to finacial difficulty, and the Government took over, with a name change to the New Zealand Defence Forces Rifle Association, but with the old executive of the New Zealand Rifle Association still running the organisation.
In 1911 the name changed to the Dominion Rifle Association, which continued its annual meetings at Trentham Military Camp (exeept during 1914 to 1918) until 1921.
In 1923, the name changed again, to the National Rifle Assocation.
At the same time, the New Zealand Army Rifle Assciation also formed, with its younger, military members complimenting the National Rifle Assocation and feeding into it in later life.
As reported at the time, the organisations aims were:
"to develop its work upon the most, practical lines. It endeavoured to move with the times, and its programmes included many military matches. The association always contrived to combine, as far as possible, the requirements of military shooting and the promotion of national sport, thus qualifying men for the defence of New Zealand in the event of such a necessity arising."
The National Rifle Association of New Zealand continues today.
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- Above: A polished, silver, two piece medal awarded by the New Zealand Army Rifle Association in 1923 to Pte. K McFalane - 2nd Bn WIR for the Lewis Gun. It is marked "Bock" to back base and "Stg Sil". The Auckland Muesum has a bronze example of this award, which is attached to a medal bar, with blue ribbon attached by a ring which goes through the loop to back.
- Opposite: A cast silver plated brass badge to the Upper Hut Rifle Club. A much later badge, with a brooch fitting to back. No maker mark.
- Opposite: A cast silver plated brass badge to the Upper Hut Rifle Club. A much later badge, with a brooch fitting to back. No maker mark.
New Zealand Coronation Contingents
The New Zealand Government sent Jubilee and Coronation Contingents to England in honor of each British Monarch (who is also New Zealand's head of state). Some wore their own distinctive badges and buttons. It started with Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, where a white metal badge was worn (I do not have).
- Opposite Left: A 1911 produced 25mm white metal button for the Coronation of George V. Maker marked to "Hobson & Son, Lexington St, London".
- Opposite Right: A 1911 produced Silver Fern Collar, worn only for the Coronation of George V. Be careful with this badge, as it has been faked in the 1980's. Thankfully easy to spot as there is no detail to back, i.e. it's solid, and not die stamped like the originals.
- Opposite Left: A 1911 produced 25mm white metal button for the Coronation of George V. Maker marked to "Hobson & Son, Lexington St, London".
- Opposite Right: A 1911 produced Silver Fern Collar, worn only for the Coronation of George V. Be careful with this badge, as it has been faked in the 1980's. Thankfully easy to spot as there is no detail to back, i.e. it's solid, and not die stamped like the originals.
In 1937, New Zealand again sent a Coronation Contingent to the Crowning of George VI and Elizabeth as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
- Opposite: A special gilt brass badge was struck with the words "Coronation 1937" to lower banner and worn by Army members of the Coronation Contingent. Either side are the collars worn with this badge, which are also worn at the time by members of the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps. All have looped lugs to back, but none are maker marked.
- Opposite: A special gilt brass badge was struck with the words "Coronation 1937" to lower banner and worn by Army members of the Coronation Contingent. Either side are the collars worn with this badge, which are also worn at the time by members of the New Zealand Permanent Staff Corps. All have looped lugs to back, but none are maker marked.
New Zealand Chaplains' Department.
The New Zealand Army Chaplains first served with New Zealand Forces in the Maori War. Then in the 2nd Boer War of 1899 to 1902, Chaplains were sent with overseas with the 8th, 9th and 10th NZ Mounted Rifle Contingents.
Apparently these were in cloth, with a small version for both collars.
Later, these were struck in metal, and after 1911, a crown was added.
- Opposite: A cap badge worn by the New Zealand Chaplains' Department Prior to 1911. Darkened brass, with a black finish applied. Looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
Apparently these were in cloth, with a small version for both collars.
Later, these were struck in metal, and after 1911, a crown was added.
- Opposite: A cap badge worn by the New Zealand Chaplains' Department Prior to 1911. Darkened brass, with a black finish applied. Looped lugs to back. No maker mark.