New Zealand Infantry Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
A unique chapter in New Zealand Army badge history, is that of the World War 1 Reinforcement draft badge's.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a brooch fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Infantry Reinforcements followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These area letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify where the soldier/Reinforcement was from. As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts that if a man was from the Auckland area, that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field. But this was not always possible.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their Geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a brooch fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Infantry Reinforcements followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These area letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify where the soldier/Reinforcement was from. As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts that if a man was from the Auckland area, that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field. But this was not always possible.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their Geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
Early Infantry Reinforcement Drafts to the 6th
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in October 1914. The subsequently the 2nd and 3rd followed to arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli. The 4th and subsequent drafts followed, with parts of the 7th and 8th participating in the final months on the peninsular, before being held back and kept for the reorganisations in Egypt in April 1916 to then form the NZ and ANZAC Divisions.
Badges do exist for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th drafts, but are extremely scarce. They tend to be handcut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
The triple Fern badge below has been accepted as one of the first badges worn, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente, France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1.
As time went by, and Training camps established themselves with facilities, the manufacture of badges also advanced, and the start of the frame, with a handcut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force which included 1st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1914
- 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
Badges do exist for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th drafts, but are extremely scarce. They tend to be handcut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
The triple Fern badge below has been accepted as one of the first badges worn, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente, France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1.
As time went by, and Training camps established themselves with facilities, the manufacture of badges also advanced, and the start of the frame, with a handcut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force which included 1st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1914
- 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- Above: A postcard showing the 3rd Reinforcements Camp at Trentham, Upper Hutt, Wellington in 1914. This is a early image, as it show much of the camp as a tent City than anything. But this would soon change with wooden huts and barrack construction as thousands and thousands of Men and Women trained here during WW1 and later. It its still in use today as a NZ Defense force base.
- Above: The early triple fern, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente - France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1. This example has no lugs.
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- Above: C/5th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
6th Infantry Reinforcements
- Opposite Left: A/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Auckland area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Aug 1915.
- Opposite Right: C/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Aug 1915.
7th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above Left: A/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Auckland area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Above Right: A/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two bolts have been soldered to back to act as lugs. |
- Above Left: B/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Wellington area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back, which is broken.
- Above Right: B/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. A brooch fitting to back. |
- Above Left: C/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: C/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two thick looped lugs to back. |
- Above: D/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Sept 1915.
- 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Sept 1915.
8th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of gilt brass Cap badges to the 8th Infantry
- Left: A semi-solid backed, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- 2nd Left: A hand-cut, semi convex A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A die-stamped, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Right: A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: A semi-solid backed, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- 2nd Left: A hand-cut, semi convex A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A die-stamped, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Right: A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: A semi-solid backed, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- 2nd Left: A hand-cut, semi convex B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A semi-solid, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Right: B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Left: A hand-cut, semi convex B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A semi-solid, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Right: B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above: C/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A semi-solid backed, D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Above Middle: A hand-cut, semi convex D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back. - Above Right: D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
- 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
9th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of gilt brass Cap and Collar badges to the 9th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Left: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Center: A pair of A/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge to the Auckland area. Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Collars are still quite rare though. Copper wire looped lugs.
- Right: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Center: A pair of A/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge to the Auckland area. Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Collars are still quite rare though. Copper wire looped lugs.
- Right: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Center: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Mine has two replaced, wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Center: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Mine has two replaced, wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back, probably replacements.
- Left Bottom: C/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge in same frame type as above. Copper looped lugs to back.
- Center: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Right: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Left Bottom: C/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge in same frame type as above. Copper looped lugs to back.
- Center: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Right: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Left: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Right: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite: A matching pair of brass collar badge to the 9th Reinforcements. These are generic, in that they don't mention a particular letter or Company. Both have a hex type brass set of lugs to back. These are single piece, die-stamped.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Jan 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Jan 1916.
10th Infantry Reinforcements
The following is a selection of badges to the 10th Reinforcements.
All have either copper wire or hex type, brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and is oxidised to front.
All have either copper wire or hex type, brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and is oxidised to front.
- Above: B/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above Left: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Center: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back. - Above Right: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit Force" to middle lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no "N" and "Z" to sides of wreath. |
- Opposite Left: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Center: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and "N" and "Z". Two hex type brass lugs to back
- Opposite Center: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and "N" and "Z". Two hex type brass lugs to back
- Opposite Left: Three single piece brass collar badge to the 10th Reinforcements. These are generic, in that they don't mention a particular letter or Company. Two have a hex type brass set of lugs to back, while the third to the far left has two brass tangs, which bend closed. These are single piece, die-stamped.
- Opposite Right: A near matching pair of two piece brass collar badges to the 10th Reinforcements. The separate "10" to center is handcut and soldered to top and bottom of backing frame. They have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
- Opposite Right: A near matching pair of two piece brass collar badges to the 10th Reinforcements. The separate "10" to center is handcut and soldered to top and bottom of backing frame. They have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
11th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 11th Infantry Reinforcements Badges.
- Opposite Left Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Bottom Row: A set of single piece Cap and matching collar badges to the A/11th Reinforcement. The Cap is a large framed badge, with a triple banner at base with "Reinforcements, NZ, Expedy Forces". The collars are the same, but solid background. All have copper wire loops to back.
- Opposite Left Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Bottom Row: A set of single piece Cap and matching collar badges to the A/11th Reinforcement. The Cap is a large framed badge, with a triple banner at base with "Reinforcements, NZ, Expedy Forces". The collars are the same, but solid background. All have copper wire loops to back.
- Opposite Left: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A semi-solid backed, C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Very oxidised overall and with Copper wire looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and has had extra gilt added.
- Opposite Middle: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and has had extra gilt added.
- Opposite Left: A pair of single generic brass collar badges to the 11th in Roman numerals. Looped brass lugs to back.
- Opposite 2nd from the Left: A two piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Separate "11" soldered to base frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite 2nd from the Right: A single piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A single piece generic collar badge in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. This has a broken brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916.
- Opposite 2nd from the Left: A two piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Separate "11" soldered to base frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite 2nd from the Right: A single piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A single piece generic collar badge in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. This has a broken brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916.
12th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of badges to the 12th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Above: A two piece, generic type, with no letter to the 12th Reinforcements. Separate hand-cut number to center, with two wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above 2nd Left: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. - Above 2nd Right: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N' or "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. - Above Right: A/12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back. |
- Opposite Left: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has been brooched, with a silver wash applied over the gilt finish.
- Opposite Middle: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A rare frame type to the D/12th Reinforcements for the Otago area. Two piece, with separate letter/number to center, and with the words "NZ Expeditionary Force". Seems to have been worn by the 12th only.
- Opposite Middle: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A rare frame type to the D/12th Reinforcements for the Otago area. Two piece, with separate letter/number to center, and with the words "NZ Expeditionary Force". Seems to have been worn by the 12th only.
- Opposite: Some of the generic collars to the 12th Reinforcements.
- Left: A single piece pair of collars to the 12th. One has hex type lugs, while the other is brooched to back.
- 2nd Left: A rare style of collar badge, which seems again only to be worn by the 12th. Both have hex type brass lugs to back and are one piece.
- Center Top: A single piece, non-void collar badge to the 12th, with wire lugs to back.
- Center Bottom: A single piece, non-void collar to the 12th with Roman numerals to center. Hex type lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A single piece, pair of gilt brass collar to the 12th. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
- Right: A two piece, brass collar badge, with separate 12 soldered onto a brass frame. Hex lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of May 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of May 1916.
- Left: A single piece pair of collars to the 12th. One has hex type lugs, while the other is brooched to back.
- 2nd Left: A rare style of collar badge, which seems again only to be worn by the 12th. Both have hex type brass lugs to back and are one piece.
- Center Top: A single piece, non-void collar badge to the 12th, with wire lugs to back.
- Center Bottom: A single piece, non-void collar to the 12th with Roman numerals to center. Hex type lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A single piece, pair of gilt brass collar to the 12th. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
- Right: A two piece, brass collar badge, with separate 12 soldered onto a brass frame. Hex lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of May 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of May 1916.
13th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 13th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite: A generic 13th Reinforcements Cap and its collars. These are all die stamped, one piece, gilt brass. They are very similar in the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but are brass only, while the North Canterbury and Westland Cap badge and Collars are bi-metal, with a white metal "XIII" to center. The Reinforcement version on the collars also is missing the "I" at the base so only says "NZ" instead of "NZI" (for New Zealand Infantry). All have copper wire loops to back.
- Opposite: A generic 13th Reinforcements Cap and its collars. These are all die stamped, one piece, gilt brass. They are very similar in the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but are brass only, while the North Canterbury and Westland Cap badge and Collars are bi-metal, with a white metal "XIII" to center. The Reinforcement version on the collars also is missing the "I" at the base so only says "NZ" instead of "NZI" (for New Zealand Infantry). All have copper wire loops to back.
- Above: A/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
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- Above: B/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
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- Opposite Left: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above: D/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has been brooched to back.
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- Above Left: A pair of single piece, generic collars to the 13th Reinforcement. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Right Top: A two piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back. - Above Right Bottom: A single piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
- 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
14th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 14th Infantry Reinforcement Cap and collar badges.
- Opposite Left: A/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
- Opposite Left: A/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
- Opposite Left: B/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: C/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no voiding between roman numerals to center.
- Opposite Right: C/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no voiding between roman numerals to center.
- Opposite Left: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. This badge has a brooch fitting to back, and extra gilt applied.
- Opposite Middle: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Same frame again, but note the difference in letter/numbers to center. Hex type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Same frame again, but note the difference in letter/numbers to center. Hex type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 14th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the B/14th Reinforcements or the Wellington area. These are actually badge centers, which have had 2 brass hex lugs attached to back in a North/South config.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the B/14th Reinforcements or the Wellington area. These are actually badge centers, which have had 2 brass hex lugs attached to back in a North/South config.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
15th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of single and 2 piece cap and collar badges to the 15th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite: A generic 15th Reinforcements Cap and its Collars. All are single piece, gilt brass. The collar to the left was found under the floor boards of a house, which was being renovated in the North Island. Copper looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916.
- Opposite: A generic 15th Reinforcements Cap and its Collars. All are single piece, gilt brass. The collar to the left was found under the floor boards of a house, which was being renovated in the North Island. Copper looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916.
- Above: A/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the tip of the crown is bent back.
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- Above Left: B/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: B/15th Reinforcement Silver Sweethearts Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. The badge has a brooch fitting to back, and marked "Stg Silver". |
- Above Left:: C/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: C/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Two wire looped lugs to back. |
- Above: A rare frame type to the D/15th Reinforcements Cap Badge to the Otago area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "Expedit. Force". Hex type lugs to back.
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- Opposite Left: A two piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 15th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Non-voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Die stamped, and voided to center, with two hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Non-voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Die stamped, and voided to center, with two hex brass lugs to back.
16th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap bad Collar badges to the 16th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite Left: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has had a brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Left: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has had a brooch fitting to back.
- Above Left: B/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: B/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Two wire looped lugs to back. - Opposite: A large oval image of a Soldier wearing his Lemon Squeezer with the above B/16th Reinforcement Cap badge for the Wellington Area being worn. To his collars are generic 2 piece 16th Reinforcement collars. Sadly the image is not named. |
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- Opposite Left: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Middle: D/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Surrounding: Three single piece collar badges to the D/16th Reinforcements to the Otago area. All are actually badge centers, which have had two hex type brass lugs attached to back.
- Opposite Surrounding: Three single piece collar badges to the D/16th Reinforcements to the Otago area. All are actually badge centers, which have had two hex type brass lugs attached to back.
- Opposite Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with a extra void part beneath the number. Two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Aug 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th of Aug 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Aug 1916.
- Opposite Second Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with a extra void part beneath the number. Two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Aug 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th of Aug 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Aug 1916.
17th Infantry Reinforcements
The following are a selection of letter/number badges to the 17th Reinforcements.
- Above: It is with the 17th Reinforcements that the single piece, die stamped Cap badge really started to take off. Above a Rounded frame to the A/17th Reinforcements for the Auckland area. Brass hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: A rare frame type to the B/16th Reinforcements Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "Expedit. Force". Hex type lugs to back.
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- Opposite Left: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This much earlier frame, is out of sequence and not expected for this draft. It was found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
and his brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, two piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs and was found in the same tin as the above badge.
- Opposite Right: B/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
and his brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, two piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs and was found in the same tin as the above badge.
- Opposite Right: B/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Left: C/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, 2 piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs.
- Above Right: C/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back. |
- Above Left: D/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Smaller frame, two piece. with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs.
- Above Middle: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the non-voiding to center numerals. - Above Right: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the voiding to center numerals. |
- Opposite Left: A pair of single piece, die stamped collar badges to the 17th Reinforcements. Note the crossed rifles above the roman numeral to center. Brass hex type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A non-matching pair of 17th Reinforcement collars on the same frame type. Hand cut numbers to center on each, which has been soldered onto the frame. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of Sept 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 25th of Sept 1916.
- Opposite Right: A non-matching pair of 17th Reinforcement collars on the same frame type. Hand cut numbers to center on each, which has been soldered onto the frame. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of Sept 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 25th of Sept 1916.
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-Above: The J Reinforcements draft was used as a pool draft for both Infantry and NZ Rifle Brigade. So they trained along side other drafts, but could be used to augment numbers in the UK if reserves were short. The 13th J Reinforcement draft was used entirely just for the Rifle Brigade, along with the 20th to 28th J Reinforcement drafts. I presume these above were all Infantry Reinforcement drafts.
All are 2 piece construction except for the two J/17th, which are single piece, die stamped.
They have a mix of wire or hex type lugs to back. Note the 16th J to top row, center, has a broach fitting to back.
All are 2 piece construction except for the two J/17th, which are single piece, die stamped.
They have a mix of wire or hex type lugs to back. Note the 16th J to top row, center, has a broach fitting to back.
The generic Badges - 17th Infantry Reinforcements & Others
The 17th Infantry Reinforcements seems to be the apex of the Reinforcement badge manufacturing during WW1. It is also the draft where we see the end in great quantities to the letter/numbered frame type and the start of the more generic "patterned" or pictured badges.
This group represents generic badges worn up to and around the period of the 17th Reinforcements, and shows the various variations found. The 4 Cap badges (three at top and one below) show the differences in manufacture, i.e. (from left to right) rifles without slings, rifles with slings, non-void flat and a non-void convex badge.
The pair of collars to the left depict a Kiwi and the words "17th Reinforcements", and is often referred to as "Kiwi head down type", while the pair on the right, also to the 17th, depict the Kiwi with it "head up".
The Kiwi above the rifle collars are much earlier than the others, and could have been worn as far back as before the 10th Reinforcements.
All badges are gilt brass, and have a pair of either hex type, flat brass lugs or thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
This group represents generic badges worn up to and around the period of the 17th Reinforcements, and shows the various variations found. The 4 Cap badges (three at top and one below) show the differences in manufacture, i.e. (from left to right) rifles without slings, rifles with slings, non-void flat and a non-void convex badge.
The pair of collars to the left depict a Kiwi and the words "17th Reinforcements", and is often referred to as "Kiwi head down type", while the pair on the right, also to the 17th, depict the Kiwi with it "head up".
The Kiwi above the rifle collars are much earlier than the others, and could have been worn as far back as before the 10th Reinforcements.
All badges are gilt brass, and have a pair of either hex type, flat brass lugs or thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
18th Infantry Reinforcements
Gilt brass Cap and collar badges to the 18th Infantry Reinforcements.
Some slight variation in both Cap and Collar. Note the two top cap badges, with the one on the left having a larger "NEW ZEALAND" to the one on the right.
Likewise the gilt brass collars have different sized "N.Z" to center and the collar pair on the left seem to have a more pronounced/elongated center top and bottom ray.
The cap to the center has a void central part and tang type lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Oct 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1916.
Some slight variation in both Cap and Collar. Note the two top cap badges, with the one on the left having a larger "NEW ZEALAND" to the one on the right.
Likewise the gilt brass collars have different sized "N.Z" to center and the collar pair on the left seem to have a more pronounced/elongated center top and bottom ray.
The cap to the center has a void central part and tang type lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Oct 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1916.
- Above: Hut 32, of C Company, 18th Infantry Reinforcements. They are apparently the P.M.O Cup winners at Trentham. The owner of the photo's is 29311 Pte. John Thomas Victor Snowden. He purchased a number of images of his time in both the 18th and 22nd (as a NCO) Reinforcements. He has coloured his face in each image, and is in the back row, 2nd from the left. John was from Riwaka, at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, and was to spend 2 years and 75 days overseas in France and on the Western Front. Most of the chaps are wearing 18th Reinforcement Cap and Collar badges. Note the center Sergeant, who is wearing a Camp Quartermaster (CQMS) Cap badge and a Quartermaster Star on his sleeve above his stripes. The chap to the left of him (seated on the ground) is wearing a 2nd (South Canterbury) Infantry Regiment Cap badge.
- Above: NCO's and a Officer at Featherston Camp. Again the majority are wearing 18th Cap and Collar badges. 29311 Pte. John Thomas Victor Snowden is again marked in the picture.
- Above: On the famous Rimutaka route march. Again members of C Coy, 18th Infantry Reinforcements pictured with a number who have their Cap Badge to their hats. 29311 Pte. John Thomas Victor Snowden is marked again. He would gain the rank of Lance Corporal with the 18th, and then on the 3rd of October 1918, was transferred to H Company, 22nd New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements. We will see more of him below.
19th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Caps and Collar badges to the 19th Infantry Reinforcements.
A gilt brass cap badge to the C XIX next to the standard generic version for this draft.
Bellow is a matching pair (outer) of gilt brass collars with a partly void variation to centre.
All have a copper wire pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916.
A gilt brass cap badge to the C XIX next to the standard generic version for this draft.
Bellow is a matching pair (outer) of gilt brass collars with a partly void variation to centre.
All have a copper wire pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916.
- Above: J Company. 19th Reinforcements on the 11th of September 1916. The owner of the photo was 32853 Pte. Robert Nelson Holmes, pictured in the back row, 4th from the left (wearing a dark waistcoat over his shirt). Hailing from Invercargill, Robert trained with the N.Z. Rifle Brigade Reinforcements, but ended up serving with the Auckland Infantry Regiment. He gained the rank of Staff Sergeant by the end of the conflicted and happily survived to return to New Zealand. Note the Bugler to front, with double Bugle badge to sleeve. The chap on the far left (sitting) seems to have that days lunch or dinner on his lap (a roast with potatoes). Some are wearing the 19th's Collar badges.
- Above: An elaborate mosaic in stones of the 19th Reinforcements Badge, in camp (see the tents behind in the background). 32853 Pte. Robert Nelson Holmes is pictured 2nd from the left, along with other members of J Company.
20th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A cap and collar set (with variation) to the 20th Infantry Reinforcements.
The cap badge is in gilt brass with a void centers. But there is variation in the collar, and you do get a void or non-void examples as depicted. To lower bottom is a variation, again, not often seen. All depict the extinct New Zealand Moa to center. All have a flat type, brass hex pair of lugs to back. Dates of Departure from NZ: - 1st Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 7th of Dec 1916. - 2nd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916. - 3rd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of Jan 1917. |
- Above: A photo of a Lance Corporal and his mates in A Coy, 20th Reinforcements. The "A" can just be seen on his shoulder boards, above the Number "20" and "NZR".
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21st Infantry Reinforcements
Gilt brass Cap and Collars to the 21st Infantry Reinforcements.
They feature the Tui (a native Bird of New Zealand).
Note the variation in the collar. Some with larger beaks than others. The center collar is non-voided between the legs. This badge is also lead filled to back and I imagine was a step to try and stop the badges from breaking at their weakest point, the legs of the birds.
All collars have their RD (Registered Design) number to the reverse of the tail of the bird.
I have seen a bi-metal version of the cap, copper with the tips of the tail and lower banner in white metal.
All have hex, brass type lugs to back (except one collar, which has been converted to a sweethearts badge, with broach fitting to back).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917.
They feature the Tui (a native Bird of New Zealand).
Note the variation in the collar. Some with larger beaks than others. The center collar is non-voided between the legs. This badge is also lead filled to back and I imagine was a step to try and stop the badges from breaking at their weakest point, the legs of the birds.
All collars have their RD (Registered Design) number to the reverse of the tail of the bird.
I have seen a bi-metal version of the cap, copper with the tips of the tail and lower banner in white metal.
All have hex, brass type lugs to back (except one collar, which has been converted to a sweethearts badge, with broach fitting to back).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917.
22nd Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A set of badges to the 22nd Infantry Reinforcements, which depict the now extinct NZ Moa.
The cap badges come in a darkened copper, either void or non-void, and also gilt brass. The collars appear to be gilt brass, and all badges have the hex type, flat pair of lugs to back. |
- Above: A personalised 22nd Infantry Reinforcement Cap Badge which has had its center wreath and Moa removed and a "J 22", hand-cut letter/number added. "J" Company was used as a pool draft for both Infantry and Rifle Brigade reinforcements for the 22nd..
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Feb 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Feb 1917.
- 1st Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Feb 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Feb 1917.
- Above: A postcard shot of the Officers and NCO's of H Company, 22nd New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements. Though reinforcements for the 4th Battalion of the NZRB, the majority of the men wear the 22nd Infantry Reinforcement badge above. This is again from the collection of 29311 John Thomas Victor Snowden, who by this stage is a Corporal in H Company, 22nd Reinforcements after transferring from C Company 18th Reinforcements while in New Zealand. He has again, highlighted himself, and is middle row, 2nd from the right.
- Above: The following is a sequence of postcards taken while the 22nd Reinforcements completed their route march over the Rimutaka. 29311 John Snowden is again highlighted in the center of the picture. He is wearing a generic NZRB Cap badge, with the NZRB badge sweated onto a Reinforcement frame. All the other chaps around him are wearing the 22nd Reinforcement Cap Badge.
- Above: At rest, but with rifles ready. 29311 John Snowden is to the back of the picture, at the front of the car.
- Above: Similar picture, but this time holding cups and not rifles. 29311 John Snowden is in a similar position at the front of the car.
- Above: Starting to look a bit tired, with less smiles. 29311 John Snowden is standing to the right in the picture.
- Above: Another image of the 22nd at rest. These route matches attracted a lot of attention from the local civilian population, who came out to offer support and encouragement. There is a lady in white up the back. 29311 John Snowden is in the center of the picture. He did not record who the other man is, who is highlighted.
- Above: Hopefully getting towards the end of the march. John is looking tired like the rest of the 22nd, and is in the bottom left of the picture.
- Above: A superb postcard of all the Officer and NCO's of the 22nd Reinforcements Draft. It just shows the scale and numbers of men involved in these drafts. 29311 John Snowden has again highlighted where he is in the picture. John would be appointed Sergeant by the end of his time in H Company, 22nd Reinforcements. When he got to England, like all reinforcement promotions, he started again as Lance Corporal, eventually holding the rank of Temporary Warrant Officer 2nd Class. John was severely gassed in March 1918, but survived to return to duty and then New Zealand at the end of hostilities in early 1919.
23rd Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of badges to the 23rd Infantry Reinforcement.
The B XXIII is a earlier frame type often encountered around the 13th Infantry Reinforcements and up. The top middle cap badge is the standard badge for this draft and comes in a couple of sizes, though the smaller could be just a brass sweethearts badges rather than a collar.
Top left is a collar who's center can also be found on the B XXIII frame type. Note the Tiki does slant to one side indicating that there may have been opposing pairs. This is a rare collar though (like the cap) and not often seen to confirm.
The below are two opposing collars to the 23rd.
All badges for this draft are in gilt brass and with either copper wire lugs or brass hex, flat type to back.
The B XXIII is a earlier frame type often encountered around the 13th Infantry Reinforcements and up. The top middle cap badge is the standard badge for this draft and comes in a couple of sizes, though the smaller could be just a brass sweethearts badges rather than a collar.
Top left is a collar who's center can also be found on the B XXIII frame type. Note the Tiki does slant to one side indicating that there may have been opposing pairs. This is a rare collar though (like the cap) and not often seen to confirm.
The below are two opposing collars to the 23rd.
All badges for this draft are in gilt brass and with either copper wire lugs or brass hex, flat type to back.
- Opposite: a superb image of 39866 Pte. John Joseph McDonald, here as a member of B/23rd Reinforcements. What's nice about this image is John is showing the other side of many of the reinforcements of the time, in that he is wearing very little insignia. On is shoulder straps is just the number "23", while on his Hat, he just sports a button.
He was to spend 2 years and 41 days overseas in France and the Western Front, initially with the 9th Coy, 3rd Battalion of the Wellington Regiment. Towards the end of 1918, he joined the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Entrenching Battalion.
In May 1919, he returned to New Zealand.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1917.
He was to spend 2 years and 41 days overseas in France and the Western Front, initially with the 9th Coy, 3rd Battalion of the Wellington Regiment. Towards the end of 1918, he joined the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Entrenching Battalion.
In May 1919, he returned to New Zealand.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1917.
24th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap and collar badges to the 24th Infantry Reinforcements depicted the iconic British Bulldog on their badges, this was also their mascot when training in NZ. The Cap badge is of gilded copper construction, die stamped, with hex type flat lugs to back. Just a ever so slight difference between the two badges, with the darker example on the right having more detail to the dogs chest than the left example.
The collars came in two types. The lower left depict a Bulldog with a bone forward in its mouth, and overall they are shorter than the other example encountered. They seem to also always be in gilded copper.
The lower right examples have the bone in the back of the dogs mouth and are tall in comparison to the other type.
They come in either gilded copper or gilt brass. Again, mainly hex type, flat lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of April 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
The collars came in two types. The lower left depict a Bulldog with a bone forward in its mouth, and overall they are shorter than the other example encountered. They seem to also always be in gilded copper.
The lower right examples have the bone in the back of the dogs mouth and are tall in comparison to the other type.
They come in either gilded copper or gilt brass. Again, mainly hex type, flat lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of April 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
25th Infantry Reinforcements
Left: A gilt brass set to the 25th Infantry Reinforcements. I haven't come across much variation (yet!) to this draft. They seem happy to have worn this set.
The badges come with either copper wire lugs or the flat brass hex type. 
Above: A group shot of 7 Infantry Reinforcements in Camp in New Zealand. Four of the above Soldiers are wearing the 25th Infantry Reio Cap. The Soldier to the top right, is wearing a different frame, with a Kiwi at its base and separate numbers/letter attached. Sadly I can't make it out.
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Above: A superb shot of sadly a unknown 25th Reinforcement in Camp in front of his hut. He also features in the other photo (left) and is kneeling down, front row, right.
Dates of Departure from NZ: - 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917. |
26th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 26th Infantry Reinforcements
- Top left - die stamped copper cap badge, with no void to center
- Top middle - bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
- Top right - standard gilt brass cap badge to this draft. Now a dull, dark colour due to age.
- Middle left and middle right - 3/4 size collar badges to the 26th. Note change of scene to center.
- Middle - a pair of opposing gilt brass collars (note the ends of the boat) to this draft. This is the standard type for the 26th
- Bottom - a scarcer variation to the 26th Collar. I only have one side, but is the "Boat over ferns" rather than water, example/variation.
All have two copper wire or hex type, flat brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- Top left - die stamped copper cap badge, with no void to center
- Top middle - bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
- Top right - standard gilt brass cap badge to this draft. Now a dull, dark colour due to age.
- Middle left and middle right - 3/4 size collar badges to the 26th. Note change of scene to center.
- Middle - a pair of opposing gilt brass collars (note the ends of the boat) to this draft. This is the standard type for the 26th
- Bottom - a scarcer variation to the 26th Collar. I only have one side, but is the "Boat over ferns" rather than water, example/variation.
All have two copper wire or hex type, flat brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
27th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 27th Infantry Reinforcements.
Top left - a variation on the standard version of this badge, with a mountainous scene behind the Lion. The collar below depicts the same, and I think this is a manufacturing change as 7 out of 10 of these badges you come across (without this background) the Lion's tail has snapped off.
Top Center - a bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
Top Right - a standard version of the 27th, in Gilt brass, though now well toned
Middle left - a 3/4 sized version of the cap which we presume is a collar. Note the non-void background behind the Lion.
Middle right - a 3/4 sized version of the cap in gilt brass.
Bottom row - standard collar badge for the 27th Infantry Reinforcement. Happily both Lions have their tails.
All badges have either copper looped lugs or a flat brass, hex type pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
Top left - a variation on the standard version of this badge, with a mountainous scene behind the Lion. The collar below depicts the same, and I think this is a manufacturing change as 7 out of 10 of these badges you come across (without this background) the Lion's tail has snapped off.
Top Center - a bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
Top Right - a standard version of the 27th, in Gilt brass, though now well toned
Middle left - a 3/4 sized version of the cap which we presume is a collar. Note the non-void background behind the Lion.
Middle right - a 3/4 sized version of the cap in gilt brass.
Bottom row - standard collar badge for the 27th Infantry Reinforcement. Happily both Lions have their tails.
All badges have either copper looped lugs or a flat brass, hex type pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
28th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap badges and collars to the 28th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Left - a bi-metal copper with white metal stars Cap badge.
- Right - a gilt brass cap badge, standard type, though much of the gilt has now dulled with age and been polished off in the past.
- Bottom Row _ Collar badges to the 28th, depicting the Southern Cross star constellation, which is one of NZ's symbols and appears on their countries flag today. Note the ever-so-slight variation in size between the two pairs, most noticeable is the large number 28 on the right-hand pair.
All badges have pairs of thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
- Left - a bi-metal copper with white metal stars Cap badge.
- Right - a gilt brass cap badge, standard type, though much of the gilt has now dulled with age and been polished off in the past.
- Bottom Row _ Collar badges to the 28th, depicting the Southern Cross star constellation, which is one of NZ's symbols and appears on their countries flag today. Note the ever-so-slight variation in size between the two pairs, most noticeable is the large number 28 on the right-hand pair.
All badges have pairs of thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
29th Infantry Reinforcements
The grouping of 29th Infantry Reinforcement shows the scale and variation encountered with regards to manufacture.
- Top left - a bi-metal cap and collar set in white metal and copper
- Top center - gilt brass collar with much of the surrounding brass to the die left on.. maybe to combat the rifle muzzles catching or breaking off
- Top right a fretted out center on both cap and collar set
- Bottom Row, left - standard collar with two cap badges. Note the fretting again, the left cap badge has voids to both crown and base, between fern ends and banner, while the cap badge to the lower right matches the low row collars in terms of manufacture.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Aug 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Aug 1917.
- Top left - a bi-metal cap and collar set in white metal and copper
- Top center - gilt brass collar with much of the surrounding brass to the die left on.. maybe to combat the rifle muzzles catching or breaking off
- Top right a fretted out center on both cap and collar set
- Bottom Row, left - standard collar with two cap badges. Note the fretting again, the left cap badge has voids to both crown and base, between fern ends and banner, while the cap badge to the lower right matches the low row collars in terms of manufacture.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Aug 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Aug 1917.
30th Infantry Reinforcements
The cap badge to the 30th Infantry Reinforcement comes in two variations, as the motto was changed as some stage through production. So "Ake Ake Kia Maia" was changed to "Ake Ake Kia Mana.
All badges were in die stamped gilt brass, but I have seen examples of cap and collar in Copper with white metal.
All have copper wire lugs to back that I have come across.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
All badges were in die stamped gilt brass, but I have seen examples of cap and collar in Copper with white metal.
All have copper wire lugs to back that I have come across.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
31st Infantry Reinforcements
The next three reinforcement sets in collecting terms seem to be the hardest to find. There may have been a wane in the popularity of each draft having its own badge amongst the men, and it seems the 31st, 32nd and 33rd weren't worn or produced in great numbers.
The 31st is a heavy gilt brass, die struck badge, with either hex type flat lugs or wire looped lugs to back.
Note the variation in collar design. The top pair are slight wider construction and have the tips of the letters NZ touching the ferns. They also have a plain bottom banner with just the Roman numerals of XXX1.
The bottom pair are much like the Cap badge, and have the NZ letters supported from the back, with a arch. The lower scroll is smaller and has a design on either side of the XXX1.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
The 31st is a heavy gilt brass, die struck badge, with either hex type flat lugs or wire looped lugs to back.
Note the variation in collar design. The top pair are slight wider construction and have the tips of the letters NZ touching the ferns. They also have a plain bottom banner with just the Roman numerals of XXX1.
The bottom pair are much like the Cap badge, and have the NZ letters supported from the back, with a arch. The lower scroll is smaller and has a design on either side of the XXX1.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
32nd Infantry Reinforcements
The 32nd Infantry Reinforcements wore the following white metal and gilt brass cap and collars.
The number "32" seems to have been sweated on separate to the gilt brass frame, and you usually find the lugs to be either copper wire or the flat, brass, hex type.
There is some variation in the collars worn, with either the NZ Islands framed in a fern leaf wreath or by themselves with a separate "32" to center. The latter also come with relief of the mountain ranges on the brass Islands to front (see center badge below in more detail), and are super rare.
The number "32" seems to have been sweated on separate to the gilt brass frame, and you usually find the lugs to be either copper wire or the flat, brass, hex type.
There is some variation in the collars worn, with either the NZ Islands framed in a fern leaf wreath or by themselves with a separate "32" to center. The latter also come with relief of the mountain ranges on the brass Islands to front (see center badge below in more detail), and are super rare.
A close up shot of the rare 32nd collar (on the right). Note the mountain relief and the inclusion of Stewart Island at the bottom. RD or Registered Design numbers appear on both types and was a early "patent" system adopted by manufacturers in NZ.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
33rd Infantry Reinforcements
The 33rd Infantry Reinforcements were the last to have their own unique styled cap badge and collar.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to top, either round, or like this example, flat or square topped.
The feathers have a silver or white metal top (mine is rather dirty/toned), while the rest of the badge is made out of die stamped darkened copper. They usually come with a hex type, flat pair of lugs to back.
The collars come in either gilt brass or darkened copper, and both die stamped types have either copper wire looped lugs or flat type hex to back.
I have not seen (yet) a gilt brass cap badge, so do not know the reason why there are gilt collars.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 33rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of Dec 1917.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to top, either round, or like this example, flat or square topped.
The feathers have a silver or white metal top (mine is rather dirty/toned), while the rest of the badge is made out of die stamped darkened copper. They usually come with a hex type, flat pair of lugs to back.
The collars come in either gilt brass or darkened copper, and both die stamped types have either copper wire looped lugs or flat type hex to back.
I have not seen (yet) a gilt brass cap badge, so do not know the reason why there are gilt collars.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 33rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of Dec 1917.
34th Infantry Reinforcements & Beyond
The badge worn by the 34th Infantry Reinforcement was the last to be unique. Subsequent drafts used the same badge, whether it was out of economy or rather the Army prescribed its wear, this badge remained in use until the end of hostilities. It also formed the bases in design for the WW2 "Onwards" version, some 20 years later.
Note the variation in design, with some wider and a more pronounced rounded fernleaf border. There are also differences in size of collar, with some being 1/2 and others 3/4 the size of the Cap Badge.
The majority are die stamped gilt brass, with copper looped lugs to back. There are also sandcast examples, with a large coppery brass slider cast into the back. They indicate Middle Eastern manufacture, but there is no pictorial evidence they were worn there.
Note the variation in design, with some wider and a more pronounced rounded fernleaf border. There are also differences in size of collar, with some being 1/2 and others 3/4 the size of the Cap Badge.
The majority are die stamped gilt brass, with copper looped lugs to back. There are also sandcast examples, with a large coppery brass slider cast into the back. They indicate Middle Eastern manufacture, but there is no pictorial evidence they were worn there.
C1 Fit Badge.
As each man either signed up or was drafted for training during WW1 in one of the Reinforcement Camps in New Zealand, he had to undergo a medical examination. At the end of it, he was classified as either "fit" or as follows:
- A - Fit for active service beyond the seas.
- B1 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after operation in camp or public hospital).
- B2 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after recovery at home).
- C1 - Likely to become fit for active service after special training.
- C2 - Unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand.
- D - Wholly unfit for any service whatsoever.
- Opposite: A C1 Reinforcement Cap badge, worn by those men classified to attend a special camp withing the Reinforcement Camps, for further training. Often it meant a case of feeding or fattening a chap up, for those underweight, while physical exercise for those underdeveloped/with narrow chests. I have not come across any other of the classifications having their own badge. There are period photographs of soldiers wearing these C1 badges on their hats.
- A - Fit for active service beyond the seas.
- B1 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after operation in camp or public hospital).
- B2 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after recovery at home).
- C1 - Likely to become fit for active service after special training.
- C2 - Unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand.
- D - Wholly unfit for any service whatsoever.
- Opposite: A C1 Reinforcement Cap badge, worn by those men classified to attend a special camp withing the Reinforcement Camps, for further training. Often it meant a case of feeding or fattening a chap up, for those underweight, while physical exercise for those underdeveloped/with narrow chests. I have not come across any other of the classifications having their own badge. There are period photographs of soldiers wearing these C1 badges on their hats.
Shoulder Letters and Numbers.
This photo shows the type separate gilt brass letters worn on the shoulder strap of the Reinforcement Drafts.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
Some of the Reinforcement Draft numbers, worn separately under the above letters, on the Shoulder straps of the Tunic which the Reinforcement drafts wore while training. These are just over 19mm in height, so larger than the regular numbers adopted by the New Zealand Army. The "2" is casyt brass, with a single lug, while the "9" has two hex type brass lugs to back. All others have a thick pair of copper looped lugs to back.
Some wore separate numbers, i.e. a "1" and a "2" for say the 12th, while other drafts had a handcut or die stamped number for a specific draft.
- Opposite Top Row: A selection of single piece shoulder strap letter/number combinations, with two hex type lugs to back. This seems to be popular between the 7th and 13th Reinforcement drafts, and then a separate letter and number was worn.
- Opposite Middle and Bottom Row: A sequence of shoulder strap numbers to the 14th to 20th Reinforcements. Note the variations in cutting to the 18th and 19th numbers, and where the support bar was positioned.
The early numbers to the 14th and 15th have thin wire lugs, while the rest have hex type, flat brass lugs to back.
Note the 20th in the picture. This is a Stokes and Son made title, stamped to back and based in Australia (Melbourne), they made a variety of Corps badges and titles as well as a sequence of Reinforcement shoulder numbers. They tend to be 2 piece, with separate numbers, sweated onto two brass bars. They are also stamped to back "STOKES & SONS".
- Opposite Top Row: A selection of single piece shoulder strap letter/number combinations, with two hex type lugs to back. This seems to be popular between the 7th and 13th Reinforcement drafts, and then a separate letter and number was worn.
- Opposite Middle and Bottom Row: A sequence of shoulder strap numbers to the 14th to 20th Reinforcements. Note the variations in cutting to the 18th and 19th numbers, and where the support bar was positioned.
The early numbers to the 14th and 15th have thin wire lugs, while the rest have hex type, flat brass lugs to back.
Note the 20th in the picture. This is a Stokes and Son made title, stamped to back and based in Australia (Melbourne), they made a variety of Corps badges and titles as well as a sequence of Reinforcement shoulder numbers. They tend to be 2 piece, with separate numbers, sweated onto two brass bars. They are also stamped to back "STOKES & SONS".
- Opposite: Reio shoulder numbers 21 to 30. Note the slightly large 23, which has wire looped lugs. The 27th is also a Stokes and Son made title, with copper looped lugs. All the rest have hex type, thin brass lugs.
- Opposite: Reio shoulder numbers 31 to 40. Sadly missing a "37".
- Opposite: Reio shoulder numbers 41 to 50. The 47th and one of the 48th's are Stokes and Son made title, with copper looped lugs. All the rest have either hex type, thin brass or wire lugs.
- Opposite: A pair of large numbers to the 14th and 27th Reinforcement drafts. Unsure what these are for, but the 14th is maker marked to the back to "Bock, Wellington", which is a WW1 New Zealand maker. The 14 is chromed, while the 27 is brass. Both are 26mm high. The 14 to center, is for scale and is the standard shoulder number size of 19mm high.
Reserves
In 1916, The British Government proposed the establishment of Reserves of Men, who would be ready at a moments notice to argument numbers required for overseas service. The NZ Government took this on-board and established groups of soldiers either in training (but outside the above reinforcement training system) or still in Civilian life.
While in uniform, a number of badges were worn, and opposite are a selection of Reserve cap badges and the collars. The Infantry Reserve was numbered from 1 to 4 (I'm missing No. 2), while two Mounted Rifle Reserves were established and badges produced. The Cap Badge pictured is for the 1st Mounted Rifle Reserve (its numbered as such on the small banner to center, below the horse).
The shoulder titles are cast brass.
While in uniform, a number of badges were worn, and opposite are a selection of Reserve cap badges and the collars. The Infantry Reserve was numbered from 1 to 4 (I'm missing No. 2), while two Mounted Rifle Reserves were established and badges produced. The Cap Badge pictured is for the 1st Mounted Rifle Reserve (its numbered as such on the small banner to center, below the horse).
The shoulder titles are cast brass.
The NZ Army Reserve of Officers was formed in April 1913. It was re-designated the NZ Forces Motor Services Corps in May 1915. The Corps was disbanded in Feb 1920.
- Top Row: A Cap and Collar set to the NZ Forces Motor Service Corps. Locally made, they have wire looped lugs to back.
- Bottom Row: Two Cap badges to the NZ Military Forces Motor Reserve. Note the left is chromed. Both are marked to J R Gaunt of London.
- Top Row: A Cap and Collar set to the NZ Forces Motor Service Corps. Locally made, they have wire looped lugs to back.
- Bottom Row: Two Cap badges to the NZ Military Forces Motor Reserve. Note the left is chromed. Both are marked to J R Gaunt of London.
New Zealand National Reserve.
The New Zealand National Reserve, was a civilian home front organisation which had existed prior to WW1. It formed with the New Zealand Defence Act of 1909, and was based on the UK Reserve system.
It was open to all Volunteers who had had previous Military service or were members of organisations such as the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance.
Here is a selection of gilt brass and coloured enamel pin back or button-hole Reserve badges to be worn on civilian clothes during WW1 in New Zealand.
Most are maker marked to back from local NZ makers like "BOCK" of Wellington or "C M Bay".
It was open to all Volunteers who had had previous Military service or were members of organisations such as the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance.
Here is a selection of gilt brass and coloured enamel pin back or button-hole Reserve badges to be worn on civilian clothes during WW1 in New Zealand.
Most are maker marked to back from local NZ makers like "BOCK" of Wellington or "C M Bay".
Put Togethers, Fakes and Made to Order
So Someone once said "you can put anything in a frame, and call it a Reinforcement Badge".
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught.
Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer like all other fields of collecting.
They fall into three categories.
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught.
Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer like all other fields of collecting.
They fall into three categories.
Put Togethers
- Opposite: A bad badge - made from original parts. The industry of providing brass insignia at the camps was large, and meant that spare bits of numbers, frames and lugs were left over and have over time, made their way into collectors hands. The 8th Reinforcements never used this type of frame, which appeared later, with the 14th Reinforcements. To top it off, the crown is also the wrong shape/style, and just not found on NZ Reinforcement badges. With this separate crown, this ends up being a 3 piece badge, when it should be only 2. All parts are original, but just not correctly assembled/found together.
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
- Opposite: A unusual variation, and just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a New Zealand, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Cast Fakes
- Opposite: This is becoming more and more an issue with New Zealand Badges in general.
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which will easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years. Note it is also smaller than its original counter-part, sadly this doesn't help if you don't have a original to compare!
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which will easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years. Note it is also smaller than its original counter-part, sadly this doesn't help if you don't have a original to compare!
- Opposite: The reverse of this fake 3rd Infantry Reserve Badge.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
- Above and Opposite: A injected molded reproduction Cap badge to the New Zealand Military Police. They have done a good job of the front, with the detail just slightly flat, otherwise it would fool most collectors. The key is to the back, which is a funny coppery colour to finish, but note the area's circled in Red. They are flat, with no inverse detail and are where the ends of the brass was injected into the mold, and then crudely filed away.
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(continued) The Lugs are also two small for the badge and not the correct type. The braze to their base is messy to back, and which has run and what you don't see on originals.
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Made to Order
- Opposite: The Triple Fern, with separate number sweated to the front of "1", "2" and "3". These were once toted as the Reinforcement badges to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reinforcements.
In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn.
What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors. The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, before the craze of collecting the Reinforcement Draft badges taking hold, leaving a hole in the sequence for collector to find. Again enterprising Jewelers step in and made these badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, none were actually worn by these drafts. A warning also, as these used to command huge prices, but have come dramatically down in price in recent years. The originals (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as fakes/reproductions) on the market.
In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn.
What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors. The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, before the craze of collecting the Reinforcement Draft badges taking hold, leaving a hole in the sequence for collector to find. Again enterprising Jewelers step in and made these badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, none were actually worn by these drafts. A warning also, as these used to command huge prices, but have come dramatically down in price in recent years. The originals (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as fakes/reproductions) on the market.
Caveat - Out of Sequence
- Opposite: So if we follow the above mentioned reasoning, one of these two badges its not correct.
On the left, is a B 17th (Wellington Area) Reinforcement Cap badge, correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. i.e. with frame and separate letter number attached utilised at the time.
Next to it (right) is a much earlier frame, but with a similar B 17th center.
This frame was only worn by the 8th to 11th Reinforcement drafts.
Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
- 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt
- 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C.
It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them. I can only presume he liked the earlier frame so much that he asked the Jeweler to add his draft number to it.
Collecting Reinforcement badges is both complicate but fascinating.
On the left, is a B 17th (Wellington Area) Reinforcement Cap badge, correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. i.e. with frame and separate letter number attached utilised at the time.
Next to it (right) is a much earlier frame, but with a similar B 17th center.
This frame was only worn by the 8th to 11th Reinforcement drafts.
Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
- 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt
- 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C.
It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them. I can only presume he liked the earlier frame so much that he asked the Jeweler to add his draft number to it.
Collecting Reinforcement badges is both complicate but fascinating.