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.
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.
|
- Opposite: A advert for C M Bay for brooches in the form of Army badges (Paperspast Nelson Evening Mail 3 March 1917, Page 1
- Above: A advert from the Featherston Camp Weekly newspaper, which started in July 1918 to document camp life. Above jeweler "J. E. Fitt" advertises his Badge Brooches to the Soldiers training (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections Featherston Camp Weekly, Page 6 Vol 1 No 1, 5th July 1918). |
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 soldier was training, or after, when they had gone oversea, 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 specifically as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Badges could also be bought by members of the public at the time, and were retailed though high street Jewelers shops, many of which had representation also at the biggest training camps (Trentham and Featherston).
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 specifically as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Badges could also be bought by members of the public at the time, and were retailed though high street Jewelers shops, many of which had representation also at the biggest training camps (Trentham and Featherston).
- Above: A small photograph, taken of Trentham Camp High street, showing the shops which sprung up around the camps in WW1 to selling anything a Soldier needed while training. The first shop is just readable, which says "Kendall & Holmes, Taylors & Outfitters", then under the window it says "Also at Featherston, Ops Post Office", which refers to the Featherston Training Camp some 35km away.
|
- Above: A similar photo, this time part of the Featherston Camp High Street. Notably there is "H W Llyod, The Camp Jeweler", with a number of signs saying "Repairs". Directly in front is "J R Stewart, Photographer" and "Victoria Laundry Company Ltd, Camp Depot" (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1677-ALB332-41-08).
|
New Zealand's primary training camp was at Trentham, in the Hutt Valley, about 33km North East from Wellington. It was established in October 1914 as a central training camp for all recruits. Initially it was a canvas (tent) camp for some 2000 men, but by January 1915, the Government had decided to construct hutments for some 120 officers and 3500 men, along with a few other buildings such as a military hospital. Work began in March, but overcrowding and wet weather delayed its progress.
With new waves of recruits continuing to arrive at camp, numbers were pushed from some 4000 men in January 1915 to 7000 in May 1915.
This placed a huge strain on the camp’s basic facilities, causing eventually an outbreak of respiratory diseases, measles, and cerebra-spinal meningitis that hit the camp between May and July 1915, overwhelmed the camp’s medical facilities and killed 27 recruits.
Medical authorities called for the camp’s evacuation on 9 July 1915, with the recruits relocating to overflow camps at Waikanae (on the coast north of Wellington), Rangiotu (17 km southwest of Palmerston North), Maymorn (5 km north-east of Upper Hutt), and Tauherenikau (between Featherston and Greytown, in southern Wairarapa).
- Opposite: A rare paper recruitment poster encouraging men between the ages of 20 to 40 to sign up as Reinforcements for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. It has been stamped "General Headquarters, Received: 27. Jan 1915, Defense".
Note that men needed to be over 5 foot, 4 inches and under 12 stone and "Fit" (Expeditionary Force Recruitment Poster, R23253370 AAYS 9-169-1 Archives NZ).
A commission of inquiry blamed the outbreak on poor hygiene and overcrowding.
Featherston was selected in July 1915 as a new camp to take the overflow from Trentham and also act as a staging camp to "finish-off" collective training of recruits. Situated approximately 65km North-East from Wellington it was connected via railway to it (Trentham) and New Zealand's capital (Wellington).
The 16-week infantry training program began with three weeks of recruits’ drill and physical training at Trentham, followed by four weeks, mostly spent at Featherston, of drill (from squad to platoon levels), physical training, bayonet-fighting, elementary musketry, individual training, and elementary night training. Final leave was in the ninth and tenth weeks, followed by platoon and company drill, more night operations, physical training and bayonet-fighting, and advanced musketry. The other units (NZMR, ASC, MGC etc) shared many of these elements, but split off into more specialised training after their basic drill and musketry work was complete.
More advanced training would then take place in England, in places like Sling, Brockton, Grantham, Aldershot and Bournemouth to flesh out the men’s understanding of current conditions on the Western Front.
In general, men for the following units trained at the mentioned Camps in New Zealand:
- Avondale - (est Oct 1914 to Mar 1915 & Oct 1915 to Dec 1915) - Tunneling Corps, at Auckland
- Narrow Neck Camp - (est June 1915) - Maori, Pacific Islanders, at Auckland
- Awapuni Camp - (est Sept 1915) - Medical Reinforcements at Palmerston North
- Trentham Camp (est Oct 1914) - All drafts of Reinforcements as some stage as well as Engineers Reinforcements.
- Featherston Camp (est Jan 1916) - advance training for Mounted Rifles, Signallers, Artillery, Machine-Gun specialists, and the Army Service Corps
- Papawai Camp - served the needs of the units requiring advanced musketry and machine-gun training
- Tauherenikau - (est July 1915) - Nov 1917 the "C1" camp was established to train/prepare soldiers who just fell short of the requirements to be sent overseas.
- Rangiotu - (est June 1915)
- Waikanae - (est June to Aug 1915 Only)
- Maymorn - (est Oct 1915 to Jan 1916 Only)
- All recruits trained at Trentham Camp between October 1914 and July 1915. But the Infantry load was then split between Trentham and Featherston Camps from January 1916 onwards.
In terms of statistics, in 1914 New Zealand worked to maintain a total of 4062 infantrymen on active service through a flow of reinforcement drafts, but by 1918 this number had more than tripled to 14,371 men in the field.
Much of the above information was taken from this excellent reference on the "New Zealand History" website - Featherston Military Training Camp and the First World War, 1915–27 by historian Tim Shoebridge (2011) can be downloaded here:
nzhistory.govt.nz/files/documents/featherston-camp-high-res.pdf
With new waves of recruits continuing to arrive at camp, numbers were pushed from some 4000 men in January 1915 to 7000 in May 1915.
This placed a huge strain on the camp’s basic facilities, causing eventually an outbreak of respiratory diseases, measles, and cerebra-spinal meningitis that hit the camp between May and July 1915, overwhelmed the camp’s medical facilities and killed 27 recruits.
Medical authorities called for the camp’s evacuation on 9 July 1915, with the recruits relocating to overflow camps at Waikanae (on the coast north of Wellington), Rangiotu (17 km southwest of Palmerston North), Maymorn (5 km north-east of Upper Hutt), and Tauherenikau (between Featherston and Greytown, in southern Wairarapa).
- Opposite: A rare paper recruitment poster encouraging men between the ages of 20 to 40 to sign up as Reinforcements for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. It has been stamped "General Headquarters, Received: 27. Jan 1915, Defense".
Note that men needed to be over 5 foot, 4 inches and under 12 stone and "Fit" (Expeditionary Force Recruitment Poster, R23253370 AAYS 9-169-1 Archives NZ).
A commission of inquiry blamed the outbreak on poor hygiene and overcrowding.
Featherston was selected in July 1915 as a new camp to take the overflow from Trentham and also act as a staging camp to "finish-off" collective training of recruits. Situated approximately 65km North-East from Wellington it was connected via railway to it (Trentham) and New Zealand's capital (Wellington).
The 16-week infantry training program began with three weeks of recruits’ drill and physical training at Trentham, followed by four weeks, mostly spent at Featherston, of drill (from squad to platoon levels), physical training, bayonet-fighting, elementary musketry, individual training, and elementary night training. Final leave was in the ninth and tenth weeks, followed by platoon and company drill, more night operations, physical training and bayonet-fighting, and advanced musketry. The other units (NZMR, ASC, MGC etc) shared many of these elements, but split off into more specialised training after their basic drill and musketry work was complete.
More advanced training would then take place in England, in places like Sling, Brockton, Grantham, Aldershot and Bournemouth to flesh out the men’s understanding of current conditions on the Western Front.
In general, men for the following units trained at the mentioned Camps in New Zealand:
- Avondale - (est Oct 1914 to Mar 1915 & Oct 1915 to Dec 1915) - Tunneling Corps, at Auckland
- Narrow Neck Camp - (est June 1915) - Maori, Pacific Islanders, at Auckland
- Awapuni Camp - (est Sept 1915) - Medical Reinforcements at Palmerston North
- Trentham Camp (est Oct 1914) - All drafts of Reinforcements as some stage as well as Engineers Reinforcements.
- Featherston Camp (est Jan 1916) - advance training for Mounted Rifles, Signallers, Artillery, Machine-Gun specialists, and the Army Service Corps
- Papawai Camp - served the needs of the units requiring advanced musketry and machine-gun training
- Tauherenikau - (est July 1915) - Nov 1917 the "C1" camp was established to train/prepare soldiers who just fell short of the requirements to be sent overseas.
- Rangiotu - (est June 1915)
- Waikanae - (est June to Aug 1915 Only)
- Maymorn - (est Oct 1915 to Jan 1916 Only)
- All recruits trained at Trentham Camp between October 1914 and July 1915. But the Infantry load was then split between Trentham and Featherston Camps from January 1916 onwards.
In terms of statistics, in 1914 New Zealand worked to maintain a total of 4062 infantrymen on active service through a flow of reinforcement drafts, but by 1918 this number had more than tripled to 14,371 men in the field.
Much of the above information was taken from this excellent reference on the "New Zealand History" website - Featherston Military Training Camp and the First World War, 1915–27 by historian Tim Shoebridge (2011) can be downloaded here:
nzhistory.govt.nz/files/documents/featherston-camp-high-res.pdf
Camp Humour
|
|
Men tried to make light of their time in camp with making fun of of what was happening around them. Sometimes the humour was not that far from the truth.
- Above: The saying "am army marches on its stomach" isn't quite true, they also have their feet, and much efforts were made to ensure a soldiers feet were kept in good condition for obvious reasons. Entitled "Chiropody at Trentham" and dated 1916. The postcard is blank to back.
- Above Right: A rather striking image of a process which every Reinforcement went through. Inoculations, for Typhoid.
The syringe I'm sure has been "enlarged" for illustration and humour purposes only!
"Entitled "Inoculation, Done Here Free, Corns & Hair Cut, Undertaking Done".
A postcard with the following to back
"Featherston 12/12/1916
Dear Henry,
How are you getting along. I suppose Daddy & yourself are busy shearing now, I am sending this card to show you how they treat your Uncle John here, I will tell you all about how they pull our teeth etc when I come home. We leave here on Friday Dec 22nd arriving in Blenheim the same night. So I will be able to come up to Hloden (?) & help you & Paul catch rabbits & slash the oates. I suppose you (unreadable) & play with the Peter's boys sometimes, Does daddy take you for a ride on the old Endfield sometimes, there are a lot of motorbikes here. Tell Mummy & Daddy I received your telegram & thank you very much. Does Mr Arthur Evans come to all you sometimes he's a funny man isn't he, you ask him if he loves his girl, from your loving Uncle John".
- Opposite: A image called "Puncture Parade", which says it all. Four soldiers showing off where they have received their inoculations. There are other photo's which state that a "patch" is inspected on the soldiers chest, to confirm that the injection has "taken" or worked. The basins to the base of the photo are for washing in. Third from the left is apparently Arthur Everitt (Wairarapa Archive - RNI=1337447).
- Above: The saying "am army marches on its stomach" isn't quite true, they also have their feet, and much efforts were made to ensure a soldiers feet were kept in good condition for obvious reasons. Entitled "Chiropody at Trentham" and dated 1916. The postcard is blank to back.
- Above Right: A rather striking image of a process which every Reinforcement went through. Inoculations, for Typhoid.
The syringe I'm sure has been "enlarged" for illustration and humour purposes only!
"Entitled "Inoculation, Done Here Free, Corns & Hair Cut, Undertaking Done".
A postcard with the following to back
"Featherston 12/12/1916
Dear Henry,
How are you getting along. I suppose Daddy & yourself are busy shearing now, I am sending this card to show you how they treat your Uncle John here, I will tell you all about how they pull our teeth etc when I come home. We leave here on Friday Dec 22nd arriving in Blenheim the same night. So I will be able to come up to Hloden (?) & help you & Paul catch rabbits & slash the oates. I suppose you (unreadable) & play with the Peter's boys sometimes, Does daddy take you for a ride on the old Endfield sometimes, there are a lot of motorbikes here. Tell Mummy & Daddy I received your telegram & thank you very much. Does Mr Arthur Evans come to all you sometimes he's a funny man isn't he, you ask him if he loves his girl, from your loving Uncle John".
- Opposite: A image called "Puncture Parade", which says it all. Four soldiers showing off where they have received their inoculations. There are other photo's which state that a "patch" is inspected on the soldiers chest, to confirm that the injection has "taken" or worked. The basins to the base of the photo are for washing in. Third from the left is apparently Arthur Everitt (Wairarapa Archive - RNI=1337447).
Infantry Reinforcement badges followed the post 1911 New Zealand Army's four district system, with:
A Company - Auckland District - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B Company - Wellington District - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C Company - Canterbury District - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D Company - Otago District - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These Company letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which used a letter over number combination (and were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft), as they appear on the front of the badge to signify which Company and draft the man belong to.
Basic threads through New Zealand Reinforcement badges are as follows
- Infantry Reinforcements always used A, B, C and D throughout the course of WW1, but
- Mounted Rifles trained separately from their Infantry counterparts and also used A, B, C, and D, along with E, F, G and H for their Squadron letters. So early badges could be worn either by Mounted Rifles or Infantry.
- 6th Reinforcements - I (Eye) was only used in this draft as a Company letter.
- 8th & 9th Reinforcements - E & F Companies were Rifle Brigade Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nd Battalion respectfully.
(see both the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and Rifle Brigade Reinforcement pages for more detail).
As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army in general did make efforts to keep them together in the field. For the Infantry that meant that if a man was from the Auckland area, he joined "A" Company as a Reinforcement, and that he was sent to an Auckland reserve regiment in the UK (for further training before France), and was then attached to an Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field.
But this was not always possible, and with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, all men were mixed across the 4 battalions.
Also, like today, some parts of New Zealand were more populated than other places, so specific units did struggle to recruit solely from their geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
A Company - Auckland District - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B Company - Wellington District - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C Company - Canterbury District - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D Company - Otago District - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These Company letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which used a letter over number combination (and were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft), as they appear on the front of the badge to signify which Company and draft the man belong to.
Basic threads through New Zealand Reinforcement badges are as follows
- Infantry Reinforcements always used A, B, C and D throughout the course of WW1, but
- Mounted Rifles trained separately from their Infantry counterparts and also used A, B, C, and D, along with E, F, G and H for their Squadron letters. So early badges could be worn either by Mounted Rifles or Infantry.
- 6th Reinforcements - I (Eye) was only used in this draft as a Company letter.
- 8th & 9th Reinforcements - E & F Companies were Rifle Brigade Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nd Battalion respectfully.
(see both the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and Rifle Brigade Reinforcement pages for more detail).
As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army in general did make efforts to keep them together in the field. For the Infantry that meant that if a man was from the Auckland area, he joined "A" Company as a Reinforcement, and that he was sent to an Auckland reserve regiment in the UK (for further training before France), and was then attached to an Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field.
But this was not always possible, and with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, all men were mixed across the 4 battalions.
Also, like today, some parts of New Zealand were more populated than other places, so specific units did struggle to recruit solely from their geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
Early Infantry Reinforcement Drafts to the 6th
The main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) left New Zealand on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
New Zealand Infantry Brigade made up of:
- Headquarters - 4 Officers & 18 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 3), SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 4), SS Ruapehu (H.M.N.Z.T. 5), SS Orari (H.M.N.Z.T. 6), SS Limerick (H.M.N.Z.T. 7), SS Hawke's Bay (H.M.N.Z.T. 9), SS Arawa (H.M.N.Z.T. 10), SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 11) - Wellington to Alexandria - 48 days duration.
Vessels used from Auckland: SS Star of India (H.M.N.Z.T. 8), SS Waimana (H.M.N.Z.T. 12) - Auckland to Alexandria - 48 days duration.
The Main Body and 1st Reinforcements also had a Naval escort: HMS Minotaur, HMS Philomel, HMS Psyche, HMS Pyramus & HIJMS Ibuki.
The 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- Headquarters - 4 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Verdala (H.M.N.Z.T. 13), SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 14), SS Knight of the Garter (H.M.N.Z.T. 15) - Wellington to Suez - 46 days duration.
The 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 8 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 17), SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 18), SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 19) - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
Both the 2nd and 3rd arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli.
There is no pictorial evidence that shows reinforcement badges being worn by either the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Reinforcements.
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 hand-cut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
It consisted of:
New Zealand Infantry Brigade made up of:
- Headquarters - 4 Officers & 18 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 33 Officers & 977 Other Ranks
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 1 Officer & 99 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 3), SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 4), SS Ruapehu (H.M.N.Z.T. 5), SS Orari (H.M.N.Z.T. 6), SS Limerick (H.M.N.Z.T. 7), SS Hawke's Bay (H.M.N.Z.T. 9), SS Arawa (H.M.N.Z.T. 10), SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 11) - Wellington to Alexandria - 48 days duration.
Vessels used from Auckland: SS Star of India (H.M.N.Z.T. 8), SS Waimana (H.M.N.Z.T. 12) - Auckland to Alexandria - 48 days duration.
The Main Body and 1st Reinforcements also had a Naval escort: HMS Minotaur, HMS Philomel, HMS Psyche, HMS Pyramus & HIJMS Ibuki.
The 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- Headquarters - 4 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 4 Officers & 195 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Verdala (H.M.N.Z.T. 13), SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 14), SS Knight of the Garter (H.M.N.Z.T. 15) - Wellington to Suez - 46 days duration.
The 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 8 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 17), SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 18), SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 19) - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
Both the 2nd and 3rd arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli.
There is no pictorial evidence that shows reinforcement badges being worn by either the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Reinforcements.
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 hand-cut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
The 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 6 Officers & 291 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 6 Officers & 291 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 6 Officers & 291 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 5 Officers & 291 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 21), SS Knight Templar (H.M.N.Z.T. 22), SS Waitoma (H.M.N.Z.T. 23) - Wellington to Suez - 38 days duration.
- Opposite: A gilt brass, two piece "C" Company, 4th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. A fern frond round frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
Subsequent drafts followed (and will be discussed below), with only parts of the 7th and 8th Reinforcements participating in the final months at Gallipoli.
They and any further drafts were held back and kept for the reorganisations in Egypt in April 1916 to then form the New Zealand and ANZAC Divisions.
Most early reinforcement drafts consisted of members of the Territorial Force, who would have already seen regular service and training in New Zealand. They would have been issued with existing Regimental uniforms and sets of badges, which they would have proudly worn into camp as they began their training, therefore they may also not have bought or participated in the wearing of a Reinforcement badge.
As stores became depleted (mainly of the Gaunt made badges), it was local suppliers which stepped in, and started to make what we refer to as Reinforcement badges.
- 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: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Die stamped frame with a separate hand-cut letter/number attached (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Die stamped frame with a separate hand-cut letter/number attached. Brass wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Hand-cut frame and letter/number to center (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. Hand-cut frame and letter/number to center (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. A solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 32mm by 31mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Hand-cut letter/number to center (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A gilt brass, two piece "C" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. A fern frond round frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 5th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Hand-cut frame with separate hand-cut letter/number to center (image from the internet).
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 6 Officers & 298 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 294 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 6 Officers & 297 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 24), SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 25), SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 26) - Wellington to Suez - 39 days duration.
The 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 6 Officers & 298 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 294 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 6 Officers & 297 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 293 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 24), SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 25), SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 26) - Wellington to Suez - 39 days duration.
6th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A early gilt brass 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. Above the "C" in France is the maker initials of "CB" or Cecil Montague Bay. There is also the year of "1914". Size 31mm by 42mm.
|
Above: The same triple fern badge in Silver. This time it has a maker mark to back to "C M BAY" and is stamped "STG.SILVER. Both stamps are to the back of the base banner "ENGLAND". Brooch fitting to back and size 31mm by 42mm.
|
|
- Above Right: An image of 26/1194 Harry Stuart Norton Robinson, here wearing the above triple fern badge to his slouch hat. He appears to have a straight title (NZMR Boer War era - non-void) to his shoulder board. Harry started his service on the 9th of Sept 1915 as part of the 3rd Batt, Trentham Rifle Brigade, but was eventually to leave as a member of the 4th Battalion (A Company), NZRB on the 5th of Feb 1916 (rank of Captain - had seen service prior in South Africa (service number 4123) and listed his profession as "Soldier" - Nelson Museum collection 92174).
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 6th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. A solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 33mm by 31mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass, two piece "A" Company, 6th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. A fern frond round frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece "A" Company, 6th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 6th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. Pictured slightly at an angle, thus giving it an elliptical shape, it is round (image from the internet).
|
|
- Opposite: A uncommon Cap or Collar badge to "C" Company, 6th Reinforcement to the Canterbury Area. Three piece, this has separate hand cut letter and numbers, sweated onto a fern leaf frame (image from the internet).
- Above: A single piece, hand-cut gilt brass Cap badge to "C" Company, 6th Reinforcements. Two brass loops to back which are reminiscent of Boer War made badges, it has no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A D/6th Reinforcement sweethearts badge to the Otago Company. Possibly gold plated to front (it is NOT marked gold content to back), with a brooch fitting and safety change attached to back. Maker marked "STONEHAM" to back, who was a Dunedin jeweler (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A die-stamped frame, to "D" Company, 6th Reinforcement to the Otago Area. Die stamped frame with a separate hand-cut letter/number attached to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A gilt brass, two piece triple fern Cap or Collar badge. A "1" sweated on to the front of the frame. Two hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 27mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass, two piece triple fern Cap or Collar badge. A "2" sweated on to the front of the frame. Two hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 27mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass with silver wash, two piece triple fern Cap or Collar badge. A "3" sweated on to the front of the frame. Two hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 27mm by 37mm.
|
The above numbered triple ferns 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, with the 1st leaving with the Main Body in October 1914.
Many of these chaps were Territorials, issued with, and already wearing their unit badges.
But this left a hole in the sequence for the collector to fill on their badge boards.
Enterprising Jewelers step in and made numbered badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, very few if any were ever worn.
- Opposite: An image of 8/2874 Pte. Maurice Lindsay Clarke who started his service on the 12th of June 1915, as part of "D" Company, 7th Reinforcements (so Otago Infantry Battalion). He is wearing a plain triple fern, with NO number to front. the "NZ" can just be made out on the fern leaves (Iain Davidson collection).
A warning, these triple fern badges used to command huge prices ( (Jan 2013 - number ".1" ($,1640 NZD ),"2" ($504 NZD),"3" ($1760 NZD)), but have come down dramatically in recent years.
These original badges (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are now a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as reproductions) on the market.
These "made to order" badge are not the only ones, and care and time needs to be taken to study when the frame types appeared, how they evolved and were worn during WW1 from photographic evidence.
The following three Collar size badges are from a frame type which appeared with "A" Company, 11th Reinforcements (Dec 1915):
In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn.
What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors.
The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, with the 1st leaving with the Main Body in October 1914.
Many of these chaps were Territorials, issued with, and already wearing their unit badges.
But this left a hole in the sequence for the collector to fill on their badge boards.
Enterprising Jewelers step in and made numbered badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, very few if any were ever worn.
- Opposite: An image of 8/2874 Pte. Maurice Lindsay Clarke who started his service on the 12th of June 1915, as part of "D" Company, 7th Reinforcements (so Otago Infantry Battalion). He is wearing a plain triple fern, with NO number to front. the "NZ" can just be made out on the fern leaves (Iain Davidson collection).
A warning, these triple fern badges used to command huge prices ( (Jan 2013 - number ".1" ($,1640 NZD ),"2" ($504 NZD),"3" ($1760 NZD)), but have come down dramatically in recent years.
These original badges (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are now a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as reproductions) on the market.
These "made to order" badge are not the only ones, and care and time needs to be taken to study when the frame types appeared, how they evolved and were worn during WW1 from photographic evidence.
The following three Collar size badges are from a frame type which appeared with "A" Company, 11th Reinforcements (Dec 1915):
|
|
|
Yet they feature much earlier draft numbers, which could never have wore this type of collar. These are just made for the collector at the time and available to be purchased across the counter with the Jewelers selling in the training camps and high streets (images from the internet).
|
- Opposite & Above: Two images of 12/2745 Private Francis Lionel Izod, here a member of "A" Company, 6th Reinforcements and dated 1915. He wears a "A" over "6" on a round frame Cap badge, while his Collars are Fern badges with "A" and "6" sweated to front (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-I4350A & 31-I4351B).
|
- Above: An image of 8/2683 Private Vincent McNabb, here as part of "D" Company, 6th Reinforcements. He has a two piece "D" over "6" on a round frame badge to his Lemon Squeezer. He would later serve with the Otago Infantry Battalion, but was sadly killed in action in France on 12 July 1916 (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-N0865).
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The majority of the 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Aug 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 7 Officers & 268 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 278 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 5 Officers & 275 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 6 Officers & 276 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 27) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 28) - Wellington to Suez - 36 days duration.
The balance of the remaining 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Sept 1915 with the 2nd Maori Contingent and advanced party for the 1st & 2nd Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 1 Officers & 5 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 3 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 1 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 11 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington: SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 29) - Wellington to Suez - 38 days duration.
The majority of the 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Aug 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 7 Officers & 268 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 278 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 5 Officers & 275 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 6 Officers & 276 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 27) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 28) - Wellington to Suez - 36 days duration.
The balance of the remaining 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Sept 1915 with the 2nd Maori Contingent and advanced party for the 1st & 2nd Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 1 Officers & 5 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 3 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 1 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 11 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington: SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 29) - Wellington to Suez - 38 days duration.
7th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass A Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. A solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back. Size 32mm by 31mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass A Company 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted in circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two thread posts added to back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass A Company, 7th Reinforcement Collar badge to the Auckland Area. A slightly different solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 25mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece "A" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. A slightly different solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached (image from the internet).
- Opposite: A image of 10/4438 Captain Alton James Nimmo (MC), here wearing a "B" Company, 7th Reinforcements Cap badge similar to the above. His record indicates that he was part of the 8th Reinforcements as a 2nd Lt, but was transferred to the 11th before leaving New Zealand. Alton had also been part of the Samoan Expeditionary Force (Sgt), before returning to NZ, and then departing for France. He won his Military Cross for gallantry at Le Quesnoy for action on the 4th of Nov 1918. Note the leather patterned buttons to both his tunic and great coat. He also saw service during WW2 (Archive NZ - R24184179). |
|
- Above: A B/7th Reinforcement sweethearts badge to the Wellington Area. Possibly gold plated to front (it is NOT marked gold content to back), with a brooch fitting. Maker marked possibly "STONEHAM" to back, who was a Dunedin jeweler (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted in circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 35mm.
|
|
- Above Right: An image of 6/3201 Pte. Frederick Charles Wildman, here of "C" Company 7th Reinforcements. He is wearing the above type two piece, convex framed Cap badge to his lemon squeezer (Nelson Museum collection 88731).
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece "C" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. A slightly different solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Brass wire looped lugs to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "C" Company, 7th Reinforcements to the Canterbury Area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece "D" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. A solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 7th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. A slightly different solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A hand-cut brass C/7th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two brass loops to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 29mm by 10mm.
|
- Above: A hand-cut brass D/7th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 30mm by 13.5mm.
|
Caution with C/ letter over number combinations.
The Canadian Expeditionary Force formed at the outset of WW1. Like New Zealand, they trained their men in groups in Canada, before sending them to France and the Western Front. These "battalions", numbered 1 to 260, and some wore a collar badge with the letter "C" (for Canada) over the battalion number.
Many of these C/number badges have a "bar" between the C and the number, and sadly some unscrupulous collectors have sold them as NZ Reinforcement badges. They are NOT.
The Canadian Expeditionary Force formed at the outset of WW1. Like New Zealand, they trained their men in groups in Canada, before sending them to France and the Western Front. These "battalions", numbered 1 to 260, and some wore a collar badge with the letter "C" (for Canada) over the battalion number.
Many of these C/number badges have a "bar" between the C and the number, and sadly some unscrupulous collectors have sold them as NZ Reinforcement badges. They are NOT.
|
- Above: A small coloured card which came with 10/3048 Norman Charles Otto medals and death plaque. He was an ex-pupil of Auckland Grammar School and is commemorated on its memorial.
|
- Above: An image of 10/3048 Norman Charles Otto, here a member of "B" Company, 7th Reinforcements. Norman wears a large fern, with "NZ" to center and two Collars (tips facing in). The Cap badge we associate with the Volunteer period (circa 1900), while the Collars were worn during NZ involvement with the Anglo-Boer War, just showing that anything could be worn while training in NZ. He has a "NZR" title to his shoulder boards. Norman was sadly killed in action with the Wellington Infantry Battalion on the 25th of Sept 1916 and is remembered on the Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Oct 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 7 Officers & 273 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 271 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 7 Officers & 272 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 274 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 32), SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 33) and SS Warrimoo (H.M.N.Z.T. 34) - Wellington to Suez - 36 to 41 days duration.
The 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Oct 1915.
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 7 Officers & 273 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 271 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 7 Officers & 272 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 274 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 32), SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 33) and SS Warrimoo (H.M.N.Z.T. 34) - Wellington to Suez - 36 to 41 days duration.
8th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of gilt brass Cap badges to the 8th Infantry Reinforcements. The infantry used the Company letters A, B, C and D.
- Above: A hand-cut, semi convex "A" Company 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass "A" Company 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Semi-solid to back, with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two copper wire lugs to back. No maker mark and size 33mm by 32mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. A die stamped frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. Size 35mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "A" Company, 8th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A image of 10/3397 John Gilbert Stockham, who is part of "B" Company, 8th Reinforcements in this photo. He saw service with the Wellington Infantry Regiment in France, but early on was attached for training with the NZ Post & Telegraph Corps. He was re-attached back to his unit, but was wounded in action. Happily surviving, he eventually returned to NZ in 1919. Note he wears the above (center) Cap badge, with "B" over "8". He is also wearing a pair of shoulder strap numbers as collars, again "B" over "8" (taken from Knowledge Bank 447984).
- Above: A convex, solid frame type "B" Company, 8th Reinforcement sweethearts badge in Sterling Silver to the Wellington Area. Maker marked to "GRIEVE" to back, with "STG. SILVER". Brooch fitting (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass "B" Company 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Semi-solid to back, with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two brass wire lugs to back. No maker mark and size 33mm by 32mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. A solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back. Size 33mm by 33mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "B" Company, 8th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "C" Company, 8th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above Center: An image of 6/3231 Corporal (later Sergeant) John Donald McLeod, here a member of "C" Company, 8th Reinforcements. He wears a round, slightly convex framed "C" over "8" Cap badge to his peaked cap, and has curved "NZR" brass shoulder titles. John was sadly KIA'ed in France on the 27th of Sept 1916 (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-L1734).
- Above: A hand-cut, semi convex "D" Company 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 38mm by 36mm.
- Opposite: An image of 8/3401 Private Anthony Silich and 8/3402 Private Percy Lorenzo Silich, taken in 1915. Sadly neither is identified, as in who is who. Both wear "D" over "8" to their Cap badges, which are two different typed frames. Note the one standing wears the above Cap badge. One wears rounded framed "D" over "8" Collars, while the other wears shoulder trap letter/number on his Collar (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-S1037). |
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. A solid back frame with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back. Size 32mm by 33mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, Stirling Silver, "D" Company, 8th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. A die stamped frame with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "D" Company, 8th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Nov 1915.
- Headquarters - 3 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 7 Officers & 289 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 278 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 7 Officers & 278 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 284 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 35) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 36) - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
The 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Nov 1915.
- Headquarters - 3 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 7 Officers & 289 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 7 Officers & 278 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 7 Officers & 278 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 7 Officers & 284 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 35) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 36) - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
9th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of gilt brass Cap and Collar badges to the 9th Infantry Reinforcements. The infantry used A, B, C and D in this draft.
|
- Opposite: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 9th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. A die stamped frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. Size 35mm by 36mm.
- Above: A pair of two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 9th Reinforcement Collar badges to the Auckland Area. Copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 28mm by 28mm. |
- Above: An image of 12/3847 Private Harry Tole, here of "A" Comapny, 9th Reinforcements. He wears the above set of two piece brass "A" over "9" rounded frame Reinforcement Cap and Collar badges (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-T1219).
|
- Above: An image of 12/3809 Private Bertie Joseph Scarratt, wearing a "A" Company, 9th Reinforcement Cap and Collar badge set. The Cap badge is likely the one below (left), with "R" to bottom and "N" and "Z" in wreath, but its hard to make out. The Collars are shoulder letter/numbers with "A" over "9" (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-S1009).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "A" Company, 9th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company 9th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted in circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 35mm. (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 9th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. A die stamped frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. Size 35mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "B" Company, 9th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company 9th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted in circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 35mm.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 9th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. A die stamped frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. Size 35mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 9th Reinforcement Collar badge to the Canterbury Area. Copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 28mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: An image of Private White,, here wearing a "C" Company, 9th Reinforcements Cap badge to his peaked hat. He has curved brass "NZR" titles to his shoulder boards (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-W1314).
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "C" Company, 9th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 9th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCE" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 46mm by 38mm (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: An image of 1/322 (5th (Wellington Rifles) Infantry Regt - Samoan Advance Party) & 8/3550 (2nd Batt, Otago Infatry Regiment) Pte Norman Cummins, here in 1916, in Wellington, by Berry & Co. This picture is taken on his return from Samoa, and he is wearing "D" over "9" Reinforcement Cap and Collar badges. His tunic has the plain 4 hole (bone) buttons (Te Papa B.045351).
- Above: A matching pair of brass collar badge to the 9th Reinforcements. Both have a hex type brass set of lugs to back. These are single piece, die-stamped, with no maker mark. Size 30mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A matching pair of 2 piece, gilt brass Collar badges to the 9th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back, with large crown and small "NZ" to wreath (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A hand-cut brass A/9th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two copper loops to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A hand-cut brass C/9th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two copper loops to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 29mm by 14mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, hand-cut brass shoulder numbers or Collar badges to "D" Company, 9th Reinforcements. Two looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Jan 1916.
- Headquarters - 3 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 8 Officers, 46 NCO's & 244 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 6 Officers, 45 NCO's & 261 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers, 42 NCO's & 266 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 6 Officers, 24 NCO's & 232 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 37) - Wellington to Suez - 29 to 32 days duration.
The 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Jan 1916.
- Headquarters - 3 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 8 Officers, 46 NCO's & 244 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 6 Officers, 45 NCO's & 261 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers, 42 NCO's & 266 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 6 Officers, 24 NCO's & 232 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 37) - Wellington to Suez - 29 to 32 days duration.
10th Infantry Reinforcements
The following is a selection of badges to the 10th Reinforcements. Company letters A, B, C and D were used for the Infantry.
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "A" Company, 10th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A possible image of 24802 John George Perress, here a member of "A" Company, 10th Reinforcements. He wears the above (center) badge with "A" over "10" on a large frame with "NZ" and "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner. To his collars are a opposing pair of "Kiwi" over "Rifles" (see the generic badge section, by the 17th Reinforcement badges below). Sadly John (Jack) was KIA'ed on the 17th of Oct 1918 (Mahora School - Knowledgebank).
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. Convex frame with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCE" to lower banner. Two copper looped lugs to back (likely replacements). No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company 10th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted in circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 37mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "B" Company, 10th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington Area. Convex frame with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCE" to lower banner. Brooch fitting to back which is missing its pin. No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "C" Company, 10th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 10th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two brass hex type lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. Convex frame with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCE" to lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "D" Company, 10th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 10th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two brass hex type lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
|
- Opposite: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCE" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 46mm by 38mm.
|
- Above Right: A pair of two piece brass collar badge to the 10th Reinforcements. These have a separate "10" attached to center. Both have two hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note the large crown to top and small "NZ" to wreath. Size 29mm by 26mm.
- Above: A pair of single piece, solid backed brass Collar badges to the 10th Reinforcements. Both have two hex type brass set of lugs to back, but no maker mark. "NEW ZEALAND EXPEDIT. FORCES" to base banner. Size 30mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, die stamped brass Collar badge to the 10th Reinforcements. Two tangs to back, but likely replacements. "NEW ZEALAND EXPEDIT. FORCES" to base banner. Size 30mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, solid backed Collar badge to the 10th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, with "NEW ZEALAND EXPEDIT. FORCES" to base banner. Size 30mm by 26mm.
- Opposite: An image of a Mrs Bryne, here wearing the above 10th Collar badge in the "V" of her blouse. At her throat is a picture brooch of a man, but I'm not sure he is in military uniform. There is no "Bryne" as a 10th Reinforcement, so she may be wearing it for another relative (Brother/Nephew - Nelson Museum collection 92517). |
|
- Above: A die stamped brass B/10th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 25.5mm by 13mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass C/10th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 25.5mm by 13mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass D/10th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 25.5mm by 13mm.
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
- Headquarters - 1 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 185 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 6 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 204 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 47) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 48) - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
The 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
- Headquarters - 1 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 185 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 6 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 204 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 47) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 48) - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
11th Infantry Reinforcements
The 11th Infantry Reinforcements used the Company letters "A", "B", "C", "D", "J" and "K".
"J" and "K" Companies were made up of Mounted Rifle Reinforcements which were not required and transferred into the Infantry. Both appear to have a mix of men coming from throughout New Zealand. The transfer occurred on the 23rd of March 1916, and as these men would have mainly trained as Mounted Rifles, its unlikely that a "J" over "11" and "K" over "11" badge was ever worn or produced in the time of the transfer and their departure from New Zealand.
Between the 11th Reinforcements and 12th Reinforcements, the service number for an Officer or Soldier changed to a 5 digit number.
Prior to this, his unit was recorded in the first part of his number, i.e. 6/ for a soldier in the Canterbury, 8/ for Otago Infantry, 10/ for Wellington Infantry, 12/ for Auckland Infantry and 15/ for Headquarters.
"A", "B", "C" and "D" Company's for the 11th went with their 6/, 8/, 10/ or 12/ service numbers. "J" and "K" Company's all had 5 digit service numbers.
All members of the Infantry Reinforcements for the 12th has 5 digit service numbers.
"J" and "K" Companies were made up of Mounted Rifle Reinforcements which were not required and transferred into the Infantry. Both appear to have a mix of men coming from throughout New Zealand. The transfer occurred on the 23rd of March 1916, and as these men would have mainly trained as Mounted Rifles, its unlikely that a "J" over "11" and "K" over "11" badge was ever worn or produced in the time of the transfer and their departure from New Zealand.
Between the 11th Reinforcements and 12th Reinforcements, the service number for an Officer or Soldier changed to a 5 digit number.
Prior to this, his unit was recorded in the first part of his number, i.e. 6/ for a soldier in the Canterbury, 8/ for Otago Infantry, 10/ for Wellington Infantry, 12/ for Auckland Infantry and 15/ for Headquarters.
"A", "B", "C" and "D" Company's for the 11th went with their 6/, 8/, 10/ or 12/ service numbers. "J" and "K" Company's all had 5 digit service numbers.
All members of the Infantry Reinforcements for the 12th has 5 digit service numbers.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badges to "A" Company, 11th Reinforcement to the Auckland Area. Large framed badge, with "REINFORCEMENTS, NZ, EXPEDY FORCES" to banner. It also comes in a non-void version. No maker mark with two wire loops to back. Size 48mm by 38mm.
|
- Above: A image of 12/4178 James Stephen Gall who started his service on the 14th of Dec 1915 as part of "A" Company, 11th Reinforcements. He wears the above "A" over "XI" Cap badge to his Hat, and non-void "A" over "XI" Collar badges below (image from the Auckland Libraries).
- Above: A pair of gilt brass Collar badges to "A" Company, 11th Reinforcement for the Auckland Area. Non-void, with "REINFORCEMENTS, NZ, EXPEDY FORCES" to banner. Copper wire loops to back with no maker mark. Size 33mm by 28mm.
- Opposite: The original front die for the above collars in hardened steel. This is approximately 50mm in diameter, which fits the size of the collars. No maker mark, but note the "46" or "48" in white paint to front (image from the internet). |
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "A" Company, 11th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, "A" Company, 11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. Convex frame with "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 47mm by 38mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52mm by 42mm.
|
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "C" Company, 11th Reinforcements 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, but no maker mark. Size 37mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A unamed image of a Sergeant in "C" Company, 11th Reinforcements, which looks to be about to embark from New Zealand, overseas. He wears a large two piece C/11th gilt brass Cap badge, where the fern wreath tips touch the middle of the crown (see above center). There is also a "NZR" curved brass shoulder title on his shoulder board (Auckland Libraries).
- Above: A two piece, semi-solid, copper "C" Company, 11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. With a separate letter/number attached to center, this badge is very oxidised overall and with just one copper wire looped lug remaining. No maker mark and size 32mm by 31mm, which may indicate a Collar.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass generic Collar badges to the 11th Reinforcements in Roman numerals. Looped brass lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 31mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass pair of generic Collar badges to the 11th Reinforcements. Separate "11" soldered to a base frame. Hex brass lugs to back. Note this has the larger crown to top, but smaller "NZ" to wreath. Size 30mm by 26mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916. It included details to make up the shortages in the 10th Reinforcements.
- NZ Infantry Brigade Headquarters - 1 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 182 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 7 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 6 Officers & 163 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 3 Officers & 125 Other Ranks
- "K" Company - 4 Officers & 124 Other Ranks
Details to make up shortages in the 10th Reinforcements:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 9 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 16 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 49) and SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 50) - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
The 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916. It included details to make up the shortages in the 10th Reinforcements.
- NZ Infantry Brigade Headquarters - 1 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 182 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 7 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 6 Officers & 163 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 3 Officers & 125 Other Ranks
- "K" Company - 4 Officers & 124 Other Ranks
Details to make up shortages in the 10th Reinforcements:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 9 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 16 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 49) and SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 50) - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
12th Infantry Reinforcements
The 12th Infantry Reinforcements used the Company letters "A", "B", "C" and "D". "J" Company was used for the Wellington Infantry Battalion Reinforcements (though "Wellington" in name it had a mixed of men from throughout NZ).
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 12th Reinforcements. No maker mark and with two copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 43mm by 34mm.
|
|
- Above: A image of 11421 Private Victor William Cunningham, of "A" Company, 12th Reinforcements. He is wearing a large, flat "A" over "12" Cap badge, where the wreath tips touch the middle of the crown (see above, right, first row of this section). To his collars are two 12th Collar badges in gilt brass (image from Auckland Cenotaph).
|
|
- Above: A image of 11420 Private Frederick Cunningham (possibly Victors Brother), "A" Company. 12th Reinforcements. He wears the below left Cap badge, which is a convex type with "A" over "12" to center and with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner. His Kiwi over rifle collar badges are discussed further below (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-C1930).
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Convex frame with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A two piece, Silver "D" Company, 12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Brooch fitting to back and size 52mm by 42mm.
|
|
- Above: A rare frame type to "D" Company, 12th Reinforcements for the Otago Area. Two piece, with separate letter/number to center, and with the words "NZ EXPEDITN. FRC". Seems to have been worn by the 12th only. Two wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark and size 45mm by 42mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass Collar badges to the 12th Reinforcements. Both have brass type hex lugs to back. Note the "RD" or Registered Design number of "RD 812" to front. Size 32mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A rare style of brass Collar badge, which seems to have only to be worn by the 12th Reinforcements. Both have two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. Both are are one piece, with no maker mark. Size 34mm by 24mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass Collars badges to the 12th Reinforcements. Void to center, one has hex type brass lugs, while the other is brooched to back. No maker mark and size 30mm by 26mm.
|
|
- Above: A pair of two piece brass Collar badge to the 12th reinforcements, with separate number added to the frame (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass Collar badges to the 12th Reinforcements. Roman numerals to center. Hex type brass lugs to back to the collar on the left, while the right is brooch fitted. No maker mark. Size 31mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A 4 piece, Silver and 9ct Gold sweethearts badge to "B" Company, 12th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, it is stamped "9ct: to back if letter, which has the numbers attached to the base of the "B" (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, brass shoulder numbers or Collar badges to "A" Company, 12th Reinforcements. Two looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A die stamped pair of brass B/12th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 27mm by 13mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass C/12th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 27mm by 13mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 12th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts. The 1st draft departed on the 1st of May 1916. It consisted of
- Headquarters (Egypt) - 2 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 183 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers & 127 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 178 Other Ranks
The 2nd draft departed on the 6th of May 1916. It consisted of
- Details for The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 1 Other Rank
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "J" Company - 7 Officers & 138 Other Ranks (note the men were from throughout NZ, not just Wellington).
- Details (unassigned to a Company) - 53 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 51), SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 52) and SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 53) - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
The 12th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts. The 1st draft departed on the 1st of May 1916. It consisted of
- Headquarters (Egypt) - 2 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 183 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers & 127 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 178 Other Ranks
The 2nd draft departed on the 6th of May 1916. It consisted of
- Details for The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 1 Other Rank
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "J" Company - 7 Officers & 138 Other Ranks (note the men were from throughout NZ, not just Wellington).
- Details (unassigned to a Company) - 53 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 51), SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 52) and SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 53) - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
13th Infantry Reinforcements
The 13th Infantry Reinforcement draft used the company letters "A", "B", "C", "D" and "J", with "J" Company being used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 13th Reinforcements. No maker mark and with two copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 44mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, Silver Cap badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Stamped to back of "XIII" to "STERLING", and to base banner "STG.SILVER". Two hex type lugs to back and size 43mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, Silver Cap and gilt brass badge to the 13th Reinforcements. No maker mark and two copper looped lugs to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A image of 23999 Lance Corporal David Flynn, of "A" Company, 13th Reinforcements, who started his service on the 9th of Feb 1916. He is wearing the above "generic" 13th Reinforcement Cap badge, with similar, round 13th Collars. To his shoulder strap is a curved brass "NZR" shoulder title (image from the Auckland Cenotaph).
|
|
- Above Right: A striking sweethearts badges to a soldier in "B" Company, 13th Reinforcements to the Wellington Area. The center of the frame has had the letter/number removed, and attached via loops and a chain below. A small frame has then been inserted in the void. The solider is wearing a peaked Hat with the Cap and Collars to the 5th (Wellington) Infantry Regiment. Sadly unknown. Brooch fitting to back and size 66mm by 38mm.
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 13th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has two copper wire lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52mm by 43mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 13th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has brass, hex type lugs to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 13th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the middle of the crown to top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back. No maker mark and size 47mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A similar "D" Company, 13th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago Area (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass Collar badges to the 13th Reinforcements. Very similar in the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but these are all brass and are missing the "I" at the base so only says "NZ" instead of "NZI" (for New Zealand Infantry). Copper wire looped lugs to back and size 31mm by 30mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, generic Collars to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back and note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to front. Size 32mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 29mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back, with separate "13" hand-cut to center. No maker mark and size 29mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, Silver badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Separate roman numerals on a die stamped frame. No maker marks and no silver mark either. A brooch fitting to back which is missing the pin. Size 34mm by 33mm.
|
- Opposite: A die stamped pair of brass D/13th Shoulder letter/Number or Collar badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 27mm by 14mm.
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916. It consisted of:
- Divisional Headquarters - 1 Officer & 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 165 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 168 Other Ranks
- The Canturbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers & 169 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 181 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 3 Officers & 97 Other Ranks
While the 13th Reinforcements were at sea, it was decided that there was no longer a need to combine Infantry and Rifle Brigade reinforcements with Mounted Rifle Reinforcements, as the ANZAC and New Zealand Divisions were moving to France.
It meant that Mounted Rifle Reinforcements and their associated units would now leave on separate vessels for Suez and the Middle East, via Australia, where they would disembark and then board Australian Troop transports to continue onto the Middle East
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 54) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 55) - via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916. It consisted of:
- Divisional Headquarters - 1 Officer & 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 165 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 168 Other Ranks
- The Canturbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers & 169 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 181 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 3 Officers & 97 Other Ranks
While the 13th Reinforcements were at sea, it was decided that there was no longer a need to combine Infantry and Rifle Brigade reinforcements with Mounted Rifle Reinforcements, as the ANZAC and New Zealand Divisions were moving to France.
It meant that Mounted Rifle Reinforcements and their associated units would now leave on separate vessels for Suez and the Middle East, via Australia, where they would disembark and then board Australian Troop transports to continue onto the Middle East
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 54) and SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 55) - via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
14th Infantry Reinforcements
The 14th Infantry Reinforcements draft used the company letters of:
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements made up from ex Mounted Rifle Reinforcements which were not required for the Middle East theater.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm & "J" - 16mm by 11mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "J" which is a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
Note like everything Reinforcement, it was all private purchase, so there will be variation in letter styles and sizes. Some photo's show that these weren't worn at all by everyone.
Caution though needs to be taken when collecting these, as some British units also used brass letters on their shoulder boards in the early 20th century, notably the Guards Regiments, so there tend to be a lot of "G's", "I's" and "W's" etc... for Irish Guards, Welsh Guards and so on about.
The "A" letter in amongst Australian veterans also signified service at Gallipoli, and though slightly smaller in size, any brass "A" seems to command huge prices on certain international auction platforms.
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements made up from ex Mounted Rifle Reinforcements which were not required for the Middle East theater.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm & "J" - 16mm by 11mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "J" which is a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
Note like everything Reinforcement, it was all private purchase, so there will be variation in letter styles and sizes. Some photo's show that these weren't worn at all by everyone.
Caution though needs to be taken when collecting these, as some British units also used brass letters on their shoulder boards in the early 20th century, notably the Guards Regiments, so there tend to be a lot of "G's", "I's" and "W's" etc... for Irish Guards, Welsh Guards and so on about.
The "A" letter in amongst Australian veterans also signified service at Gallipoli, and though slightly smaller in size, any brass "A" seems to command huge prices on certain international auction platforms.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland Area. Convex frame with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 45.5mm by 36mm.
- Opposite: A superb image of 14486 Pte Percy Joseph Ryan, and his wife Phoebe Violet Lily Ryan. Percy is wearing a Large framed "A" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap badge, with single piece generic 14th Reinforcement Collars. Phoebe is wearing the above "A" Company, 14th Reinforcement badge as a sweethearts at her throat. (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-R2098). |
- Above: A single piece, "A" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland Area. A rare frame type, as this was only used for this draft. The "A" over "XIV" is hand-cut out above the Kiwi. The work involved surely made this frame uneconomical to produce, so was short-lived. Two hex type lugs to back. Note the tip of the crown has been bent back. Size 47mm by 41mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, "A" Company 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland Area. Convex frame with "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 48mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A variation, with a white metal or Silver center on gilt brass frame to "A" Company 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland Area. Same convex frame as the badge next door, with two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 48mm by 39mm (image from the internet).
|
- Opposite: A image of 14480 Albert Robert Quintal, who was part of "A" Company, 14th Reinforcements. He wears a similar badge to the above, but with A/14 and 2 partly voided 14th Reinforcement Collars. A curved brass "NZR" is on either shoulder strap (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-Q4585).
|
- Above: An image of 14482 Private William Robertson, here a member of "A" Company, 14th Reinforcements. He wears a oval shaped Cap badge with "A" over "XIV" and generic "XIV" collar badges. Note his shoulder strap numbers of "XIV" over a curved "NZR" (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-R0977).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52mm by 41.5mm.
|
|
- Opposite: A two piece, "B" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington Area. Convex frame with "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 48mm by 39mm.
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to "B" Company, 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. No maker mark and size 24mm by 25mm. |
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52mm by 42.5mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "C" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 46mm by 38mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, "C" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. Convex frame with "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 47mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "NZ EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 46.5mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, "D" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 48mm by 38mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, "D" Company, 14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "REINFORCEMENTS" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Note the center is stamped, rather than hand cut. Brooched to back. Size 48mm by 38mm.
|
- Above: A rare frame type to "J" Company, 14th Reinforcements. Used as a pool draft to augment numbers for both the Infantry and NZRB. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "EXPEDIT. FORCES". Hex type lugs to back. Size 49mm by 42mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the "J" Company, 14th Reinforcements. Used as a pool draft to augment numbers for both the Infantry and NZRB. Hex type brass lugs to back(Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, semi-void, gilt brass Collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back and size 30mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, non-void, gilt brass Collar badge to the 14th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back and size 30mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, non-void gilt brass Collar badge to the 14th Reinforcements. With two hex lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 33mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A pair of two piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Separate "14's" to center, with two hex lugs to back (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A die stamped brass, shoulder number pair to the 14th. Two thin wire brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 19mm by 18mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, brass shoulder numbers to the 14th Reinforcements. Note the different style and connecting bar location to the opposing 14th's. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916. It consisted of:
- Divisional Headquarters Staff - 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 182 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 4 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 1 Other Rank
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 119 Other Ranks, Machine Fun Section - 4 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 4 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 173 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 1 Officer & 3 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 4 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 186 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 4 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 3 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 201 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 2 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 2 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 56) and SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 57) via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 59 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916. It consisted of:
- Divisional Headquarters Staff - 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 182 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 4 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 1 Other Rank
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 119 Other Ranks, Machine Fun Section - 4 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 4 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 173 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 1 Officer & 3 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 4 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 186 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 4 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 3 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 201 Other Ranks, Machine Gun Section - 2 Other Ranks, Signal Section - 2 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 56) and SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 57) via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 59 days duration.
15th Infantry Reinforcements
The 15th Infantry Reinforcements used the company letters of:
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
|
- Above: A bi-metal, 2 piece, what appears as darkened brass frame with a white metal "XV" to center Cap badge to the 15th Reinforcements. Likely Officers, it has no maker mark to back, with two copper wire looped lugs. Overall toned to front (image from the internet).
- Opposite: An image of a member of the 15th Reinforcements. Sadly the image is not named, but dated circa 1916, and taken in Christchurch, by Alva Studio (Christchurch). Purchased 2022. The soldier wears a pair of round framed "XV" Collar badges (Te Papa PS.003757). |
|
- Above: A "A" Company, 15th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece gilt brass to the Auckland Area. Two copper looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 43mm by 33mm.
|
- Above: An image of 18879 Private Ernest George (Dick) Whitley, here a member of the 15th Reinforcements. He wears a generic "XV" Reinforcement Cap badge and matching Collars (see below for a example), but was a member of "A" Company, 15th Reinforcements. He wears a curved "NZR" brass title to his shoulder board (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-W1800).
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 50mm by 42mm (roughly, note tip of crown is bent back).
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52mm by 42.5mm.
|
- Above Center: An image of 15647 Quartermaster Sergeant Richard Hart. He is wearing the opposite type "B" over "XV" Cap badge and a pair of 15th Collar badges. Sadly I can't make out his shoulder title (maybe NZASC, which the QMS were attached to in the Camps). To his shoulder he wears a QMS star above his Sergeants rank chevrons.
- Above: A "B" Company, 15th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece Stirling Silver to the Wellington Area. Two copper looped lugs to back, with "STG.SILVER" to back of crown. Size 43mm by 33mm.
|
|
- Above: A rare frame type to "C" Company, 15th Reinforcements to the Canterbury Area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "EXPEDIT. FORCES". (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back (Ian Hamilton).
|
- Above Center: An image of 18820 Private Bert Ernest Leydon, who was part of "A" Company, 15th Reinforcements. He is wearing a "A" over "XV" Cap badge with a pair of generic NZ and Kiwi over Ferns Collar badges. On his shoulder board is a "15" over a curved "NZR" (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-L709).
- Above: A rare frame type to "D" Company, 15th Reinforcements to the Otago Area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "EXPEDIT. FORCES". Hex type lugs to back. Size 49mm by 42mm.
|
- Above: A rare frame type to "J" Company, 15th Reinforcements which was a pool draft for both the Infantry and NZRB. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "EXPEDIT. FORCES". Hex type lugs to back. Size 49mm by 42mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A image of 17398 Alexander Edwin Forrest from "J" Company, 15th Reinforcements. He wears the above frame type with "J" over XV" to its center on his Hat. Two rounded frame type 15th Collars badges (see below) are on his tunic, along with a brass curved shoulder title which I can't make out (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-F436).
- Above: A pair of Collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. They are single piece, gilt brass. The collar on the right was found under the floor boards of a house, which was being renovated in the North Island. Copper looped lugs to back to both. No maker mark and size 31mm by 28.5mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Non-voided to center, with one which has two hex lugs to back, while the other is brooched. No maker mark and size 33mm by 28mm.
|
|
- Above Left: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Die stamped, and voided to center, with two hex brass lugs to back. Lowe frame Type No. 7.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 15th Reinforcements. Two copper wire lugs to back with no maker mark. Size 32.5mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass, shoulder number pair to the 15th. Two thin wire brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 20mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 1st Draft of the 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 59) carried:
- Divisional Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 161 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 177 Other Ranks
The 2nd Draft of the 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916. It consisted of:
SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 60) carried:
- Divisional Headquarters - 1 Other Rank
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion (Details) - 3 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 197 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 133 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 1st Draft of the 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 59) carried:
- Divisional Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 161 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 5 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 177 Other Ranks
The 2nd Draft of the 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916. It consisted of:
SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 60) carried:
- Divisional Headquarters - 1 Other Rank
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion (Details) - 3 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 5 Officers & 197 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 133 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
16th Infantry Reinforcements
The 16th Infantry Reinforcements used the company letters of:
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
- Above: A generic 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Lowe frame Type No. 12.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "A" Company, 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington Area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52.5mm by 43mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A large oval image of a Soldier wearing his Lemon Squeezer with the above left B/16th Reinforcement Cap badge for the Wellington Area being worn. His two collars are generic 2 piece 16th Reinforcement collars. Sadly the image is not named.
|
|
- Above: An image of 22503 Corporal Percival (Percy) Pudney of "B" Company, 16th Reinforcements. He wears a large frame Cap badge, with wreath touching the mid of the crown. Note the large "B" over "XVI" to center. To collar, I think they are a pair of Royal Fusiliers (City Of London Regiment) Collars. He wears a curved "NZR" to his should board (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-P2072).
|
- Above: An image of 21655 Private Arthur Benjamin Ching, here a member of "C" Company, 16th Reinforcements. He wears a large framed Cap badge with "C" over "XVI". To his tunic collar are generic "XVI" Collar badges (Nelson Museum collection 95158).
|
- Above: A "C" Company, 16th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece gilt brass to the Canterbury Area. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark. Size 43mm by 33.5mm.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, Stirling Silver "C" Company, 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury Area. "C" over "XVI" on a frame with a Kiwi to base and "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner. Brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: An image of 24475 Private Ernest Henry Lister, here part of "D" Company, 16th Reinforcements He wears the opposite Cap badge to his slouch hat, and the below Collar badges. A curved "NZR" is to his shoulder boards (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-L1750).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "D" Company, 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago Area. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 45mm by 36mm.
|
|
|
|
- Above & Above Right: Four single piece collar badges to D Company, 16th Reinforcements to the Otago Area. All are actually badge centers, which have had two hex type brass lugs attached to back. Note the opposite collar is non-voided to letter. Size 25.5mm by 27mm. The above right is a sweethearts badge, which is made from silver (stamped to back) and has a brooch fitting. Marked "STG.SILVER" to back (sweethearts - image from the internet).
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "J" Company, 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge which was a pool draft for both the Infantry and NZRB. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown to top. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 52mm by 42mm.
|
- Above: A "J" Company, 16th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece gilt brass which was a pool draft for both the Infantry and NZRB. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark. Size 43mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A "J" Company, 16th Reinforcements sweethearts badge in 2 piece Stirling Silver. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass "J" Company, 16th Reinforcement Cap Badge which was a pool draft for both the Infantry and NZRB. Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 46mm by 37.5mm.
|
- Above: A rare frame type to "J" Company, 17th Reinforcements which was a pool draft for both the Infantry and NZRB. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "EXPEDIT. FORCES". Hex type lugs to back. Size 49mm by 42mm.
|
- Above: A pair of 2 piece, gilt brass Collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back, with a RD or Registered Design of "RD812" to front (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back, with a RD or Registered Design of "RD812" to front. Size 32mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass Collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two brass hex lugs to back to each. No maker mark and size 30mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Semi-void type, with two brass hex lugs to back to each. No maker mark and size 30mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Void, with two brass hex lugs to back. No maker mark and size 29mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with the left with two wire looped lugs, while the right has two hex lugs. No maker mark and size 33mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass, semi-void Collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. The one on the right has a brooch fitting to back, while the one on the left has two hex lugs to back. No maker marks to either and size 32mm by 28mm
|
- Above: A die stamped brass, shoulder number pair to the 16th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 20mm.
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, brass shoulder numbers to the 16th Reinforcements. Note the different style and connecting bar location at top and base. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration (Ian Hamilton Collection).
|
- Above: A small, single piece, silver sweethearts badge with "XVI" to center for the 16th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A small, two piece, silver sweethearts badge with "XVI" to center for the 16th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back and no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A small Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to "A" Company, 16th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "9ct" to the back of the "A/XVI". Size 30mm by 27.5mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
16th Reinforcements left NZ between the 19th & 21st of Aug 1916 as follows:
SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 61) left the 19th of Aug 1916 and carried:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 197 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 72 days duration.
SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 63) left the 20th of Aug 1916 and carried:
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 178 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 181 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 72 days duration.
SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 62) left the 21st of Aug 1916 and carried
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Companies - 5 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 72 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
16th Reinforcements left NZ between the 19th & 21st of Aug 1916 as follows:
SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 61) left the 19th of Aug 1916 and carried:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 5 Officers & 197 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 72 days duration.
SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 63) left the 20th of Aug 1916 and carried:
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 5 Officers & 178 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 181 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 72 days duration.
SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 62) left the 21st of Aug 1916 and carried
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Companies - 5 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 72 days duration.
17th Infantry Reinforcements
The 17th Infantry Reinforcements used the Company letters of:
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, die stamped Cap badge to "A" Company, 17th Reinforcements for the Auckland Area. Rounded frame, with "NZ" to ends of banner. A pair of hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 39mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "B" Company, 17th Reinforcements for the Wellington Area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "EXPEDIT. FORCES". Hex type lugs to back. Size 49mm by 42mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, die stamped Cap badge to "B" Company, 17th Reinforcements for the Wellington Area. Rounded frame, with "NZ" to ends of banner. A pair of hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 39mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A "B" Company, 17th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece brass to the Wellington Area. Two copper wire lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 43mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass "B" Company, 17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington Area. With "NZ" to center, over lower banner, it has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 40mm by 34mm.
|
- Above: A earlier, two piece, gilt brass frame to "B" Company, 17th Reinforcement for the Wellington Area. It came in a Princess Mary tin with the medals of 25630 Private John Wood and his two brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center, with two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 38mm by 35.5mm.
|
|
- Above: A possible image of 24323 Sergeant Norman Ashton, wearing a "J" over "XVII" Cap badge and pair of Kiwi "head-up" 17th Reinforcement Collar badges (image from the Auckland Library).
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, die stamped Cap badge to "C" Company, 17th Reinforcements for the Canterbury Area. Rounded frame, with "NZ" to ends of banner. A pair of hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 39mm by 33mm.
|
- Above: A two piece, darkened copper, die stamped Cap badge to "C" Company, 17th Reinforcements for the Canterbury Area. Rounded frame, with "NZ" to ends of banner. A pair of hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 39mm by 33mm.
|
- Above: A "C" Company, 17th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece brass to the Canterbury Area. Two copper wire lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 43mm by 34mm.
|
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass, die stamped Cap badge to "D" Company, 17th Reinforcements for the Otago Area. Rounded frame, with "NZ" to ends of banner. A pair of hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 39mm by 33mm.
|
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass "J" Company, 17th Reinforcement Cap badge. With "NZ" to center, over lower banner, it has two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 40mm by 34mm.
|
|
- Above: A three piece, 17th Reinforcement Collar badge. Hand cut numbers to center with no maker mark. Two hex type brass lugs to back and size 33mm by 28mm.
|
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 17th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 21mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number "RD812" was to Harry Gustav Mayer & Francis Douglas Kean (Artistic Engineers and Die Seters), trading as Mayer & Kean, 4 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 6th of December 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 17th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows:
SS Pakeha (H.N.Z.M.T. 65) - 1st draft left on the 23rd of Sept 1916 with the following
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 3 Officers & 203 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 211 Other Ranks
SS Devon (H.N.Z.M.T. 64) - 2nd draft left on the 25th of Sept 1916 with the following
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 3 Officers & 209 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 17th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows:
SS Pakeha (H.N.Z.M.T. 65) - 1st draft left on the 23rd of Sept 1916 with the following
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 3 Officers & 203 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 211 Other Ranks
SS Devon (H.N.Z.M.T. 64) - 2nd draft left on the 25th of Sept 1916 with the following
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 3 Officers & 209 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
The generic Badges
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 last of, in great quantities, of the letter/numbered frame types and the start of the more generic "patterned" or pictured badges.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 16th and beyond Reinforcements. Note no slings to rifles. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark. Size 44mm by 38mm.
- Opposite: A possible image of 20960 Rifleman George Herbert Booth, here a member of "E" Company, 16th Reinforcements. He wears a voided Cap badge, like the above, but I think there is a letter just above the Kiwi's back. "E"? looks more an "H". He wears a pair of generic 16th Collar badges and a curved "NZR" title to his shoulder boards (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-B1475). |
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 16th and beyond Reinforcements. Note the voiding, with the rifles having slings to center. Two stumps of where wire looped lugs were, and no maker mark. Size 43mm by 37mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 16th and beyond Reinforcements. Note the voiding to above the crossed rifles. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark. Size 44mm by 38mm.
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 16th and beyond Reinforcements. Note the extra voiding to the rifles slings and below Kiwi. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 16th and beyond Reinforcements. Non-voiding completely to center, and flat. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark. Size 43mm by 37mm.
|
|
The above frame type appears around the 16th Reinforcements. It is referred to as a generic 17th Reinforcement Cap badge in the books, and has no number to front. But there are examples, where the frame was modified (center completely cut out) and used by reinforcement drafts, with separate numbers and letters attached to front (see the WW1 NZ RB Reio section on the website). Both D & H Companies of the 16th Reinforcements are sighted as using this frame, and there may be other company letters.
|
- Above: A front die to make the above badges in hardened steel. 79mm in diameter, it has no maker marks (image from the internet).
- Opposite: A very cool image of Lil Fisher, in a tunic and Hat, with what I think is a letter over number 17th Reinforcement Cap badge and certainly a pair of 17th Collars. These images of Women in uniform, were done during WW1 for their loved one, serving overseas, and sent to show that they were thinking of them. We do not know who Lil was sending this to, as the postcard is empty to back, and just her name is recorded. |
|
- Above: A variation of generic Collar badge to the 17th Reinforcements. No maker mark to the badge, and with two copper wire looped lugs to back. These are referred to as the "head down" Kiwi type. Size 20mm by 34mm.
- Opposite: An image of 26949 Private Ernest Edwin Herman Weber, here a member of "A" Company, 17th Reinforcements. He wears a "A" over "17" to the center of his Cap badge, which is a wide frame type, with Kiwi at base, flanked with "N" and "Z". He wears the above 17th Collars, while has a "17" over "NZR" on his shoulder board (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-W1796). 
|
- Above Right: Generic opposing Collar badges to the 17th Reinforcements. These have a "RD" or Registered Design number of "RD859" just above the letters "ORC" in REINFORCEMENT. Two brass hex type lugs to back, and referred to as the "head up" Kiwi 17th Collars. Size 17mm by 33mm.
The following are generic Cap or Collar badges to the New Zealand Reinforcements which have no draft associated with them, but were worn by various men out of taste, and appear in photo's of the time.
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap or Collar badge depicting a Kiwi over a fern, with the letters "NZ" either side. I have also seen this in Stirling Silver with a brooch fitting to back. This Cap badge has two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark. Size 23mm by 48mm.
- Opposite: An image of 14384 Private Harold Edward Burrows, here a member of "A" Company, 14th Reinforcements. He wears a large framed "A" over "XIV" Cap badge to his peaked Cap, and two of the above badges as Collars to his tunic. Sadly Harold was KIA on the 4th of Oct 1917 (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-B1483). |
- Above: A opposing Kiwi over Rifle Collar badges pair with the words "N.Z. EXPY FCE" to lower banner. "RD" or Registered Design marked to "REGD 815" and "RD815" to back of Rifle. These seem to appear around the 10th Reinforcements and can be worn in either direction, i.e. Rifles facing forwards or backwards. Size 22mm by 44mm.
|
- Above: A sweethearts badge made of silver of the "Kiwi over Rifle" badge. I have not seen a opposing side in this metal. Brooch fitting to back, it is also stamped "REDG 815" to back of rifle. Size 22mm by 44mm.
|
- Opposite: A two piece gold and rose gold sweethearts badge of the "Kiwi over Rifle". It has a separate rose gold rifle overlayed on a 9ct gold frame. Brooch fitting to back, it is also stamped in raised letters "REDG 815" to back of rifle, and "9ct" to base banner (image from the internet)..
- Above: A pair of gilt brass, opposing Collars to the New Zealand Reinforcements. No specific draft associated with these, and they were sometimes also worn as a Cap Badge as well. Both have copper looped wire lugs to back. No maker mark. Size 30mm by 28mm.
- Opposite: An image of a Private Neilson. He wears a pair of the above badges as Collars to his tunic. The picture indicates that he is of the "3rd (Auckland) Regiment, Auckland Infantry Regiment", but there are a number of soldiers with his surname. He has a curved "NZR" brass title to his shoulder boards (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-N3421). |
|
RD or Registered Design number 815 is currently a unknown.
RD or Registered Design number 859 was to Arnold Binns (Jewelers), Trentham Camp on the 23rd of May 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 859 was to Arnold Binns (Jewelers), Trentham Camp on the 23rd of May 1916.
18th Infantry Reinforcements
The 18th Infantry Reinforcements used the company letters of:
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
- Above: A voided, gilt brass Cap badge to the 18th Reinforcements. Not maker marked and has two brass tangs or blades to back. Size 40mm by 48mm.
- Opposite: A image of Private Harrison of the 18th Reinforcements. He wears a Cap and Collar set in gilt brass to his hat and tunic. On his shoulder boards is a curved brass "N.Z.R" shoulder title (Auckland Library Collection). |
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 18th Reinforcements. Non-void, and the more common variety found. Note the large letters in the lower banner. No maker marked and has two brass hex lugs to back. Size 40.5mm by 49mm.
|
- Above: A slight variation to the 18th Reinforcements Cap Badge. Smaller letters to lower banner. This badge has been brooched, but only the hinge remains. No maker mark and size 41mm by 49mm.
|
Above: A single piece, Cap badge size Stirling Silver badge to the 18th Reinforcements. Brooched to back, with a hallmark of a "Lion", "J" and a "*" to the back of the lower banner. Size 41mm by 49mm.
|
- Above: An image of 29250 Pte. Hubert Reginald Holdaway, here part of "C" Company, 18th Reinforcements. Note the large framed Cap badge to lemon squeezer with "C" over "18". Two 18th Reinforcement Collars are to his tunic (Nelson Museum collection 93348).
|
- Above: A voided, gilt brass Cap badge with the addition of a "D" to "D" Company, 18th Reinforcements to the Otago Area. The bottom center "ray" has been removed from the star and a letter "D" sweated to front. Two hex type brass lugs to back (which can be seen, as they have been squashed to the sides), with no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to "D" Company, 18th Reinforcements to the Otago area. A 16th Reinforcement frame, which has had the Kiwi removed and a hand-cut "D" over "XVIII" added. Two thin copper wire lugs to back, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: Type 1 Collars badges to the 18th Reinforcements in gilt brass. Note the smaller "NZ" to center, and with copper wire lugs to back. No maker mark, and size 30.5mm by 25mm.
|
- Above: Type 2 Collars badges to the 18th Reinforcements in gilt brass. Note the longer central vertical ray, and large "NZ" to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back to each. No maker mark, and size 32mm by 25mm.
|
- Above: A Type 2 Collar badge to the 18th Reinforcements in gilt brass, which has been chrome plated. To back are two hex type brass lugs. No maker mark, and size 32mm by 25mm. Purpose is unknown, other than maybe for a band or just to "bling" up their badge.
|
- Above: A Stirling Silver badge to "J" Company, 18th J Reinforcements. This was a pool draft for either Infantry or New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Separate letter and numeral, hand-cut to center. To back is a brooch fitting and a small silver plaque behind the crown which has "ST. SIL.". The blue to base is a old marking paint, used by a collector to "mark" his badges. It has leaked around to front. Size 34mm by 30mm.
|
- 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.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 18th with joining bar to center. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 20mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass pair of shoulder number to the 18th. These are "joined" at the top and base. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 18mm.
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 18th Reinforcements left New Zealand as follows:
SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 67) departed on the 11th of Oct 1916 with:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 4 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 188 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 190 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 77 days duration.
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 66) departed on the 16th of Oct 1916 with:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Companies - 187 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 77 days duration.
The 18th Reinforcements left New Zealand as follows:
SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 67) departed on the 11th of Oct 1916 with:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 4 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 188 Other Ranks
- "J" Company - 4 Officers & 190 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 77 days duration.
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 66) departed on the 16th of Oct 1916 with:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Companies - 187 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 77 days duration.
19th Infantry Reinforcements
The 19th Infantry Reinforcements used the Company letters of:
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
Motto: KIA TUPATO (Be cautious)
"J" company was a pool draft used as both Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
See "14th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
Motto: KIA TUPATO (Be cautious)
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap Badge to the 19th Reinforcements draft. RD or Registered Design marked impressed to back to "RD874" (just below the "X"). To front, on the tip of the tongue is the letter "B" for Arnold Binns of Trentham Camp. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. Size 36mm by 39.5mm.
- Opposite: A image of 31681 Cowper Millichamp Moore-Jones, who was part of A Company, 19th Reinforcements. He commenced his service on the 25th of July 1916, but was rejected, and discharged on the 16th of Sept 1916. Classed as C2, he was "fit" for NZ only service. Here he wears a gilt brass Cap and Collar set to the 19th, with a "19" and "NZR" to his shoulder strap (image from Auckland Cenotaph website). |
- Opposite: This shows the back of the 19th Reinforcement Cap badge, with the RD or Registered design number of "RD 874", impressed to the back, above the eye on the left, in the eyebrow. The number was likely in the "force" used at time of strike, to make the impression. Note the badge also comes with NO registered design mark.
- Above Right: A darkened Cap Badge with better detail to front, to the 19th Reinforcements draft. To front, on the tip of the tongue is the letter "B" for Bock of Wellington. No RD number to back, with two copper wire looped lugs. Size 35mm by 40mm.
|
- Above: A "B" Company, 19th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece brass to the Wellington Area. Brooch fitting to back, which has pin and hook missing. No maker mark and size 43mm by 34.5mm.
|
- Above: A unmarked Stirling Silver and Gold badge to the "B" Company, 19th Reinforcements, for the Wellington Area. Brooch fitting to back, and size 43mm by 34mm.
|
|
|
|
- Above: Three images showing a Front Die for the 19th Reinforcements Cap badge. Much pitting to surface, it still shows good detail of the badge to center. Notice the painted "52" to front, and also the indentations to the sides of the die. There are 4, and this would have helped hold the die in place, in the head of the press. No maker mark can been seen, and size 65mm in diameter, and 1.3kgs in weight (image from the internet).
- Above: A sadly unnamed image of a man in "C" Company, 19th Reinforcements, from the Canterbury Area. He wears a "C" which looks attached to the top of his Cap badge on his Lemon Squeezer. To his collar are a pair of 19th Reinforcement Collar badges (Nelson Museum collection 311798).
|
Above: A image of 4 members of the 19th Reinforcement draft. They wear a mixture of insignia. On the left (seated), is 31401 Corporal Henry Archibald Basil Cruller, of J Company, who was sadly killed in action in France on 12 October 1917 at the Battle of Passchendaele. On the right (standing) is 31407 Private Robert Henry Flavell, also of J Company.
Three have the letter over number Cap badge, while the Corporal with the mustache has a standard 19th Reinforcement Cap badge. All wear the 19th Reinforcement Collar badge (image from Auckland Cenotaph website). |
- Above: A "C" Company, 19th Reinforcements Cap badge in 2 piece brass to the Canterbury Area. Two copper wire loops are to back. No maker mark and size 43mm by 34mm.
|
|
- Above: A pair of matching Collar badges to the 19th Reinforcements. RD or Registered Design to back, top, near lug to "RD873". Both have two copper wire lugs in a North/South configuration. Size 30mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A slight variation to the 19th Reinforcement Collar badge. Voided mouth and roman numerals at top, fretted out (opposed to just being drilled). Two copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark. Size 30mm by 35mm.
|
- Opposite: This shows the back of the 19th Reinforcement Collar badges, with the RD or Registered design number of "RD 873", impressed to the back, above the eye on the left and right, in the eyebrow of each. It raised the question on whether these are opposing, but there is no difference to detail to front.
- Above: A thin gilt brass, (half size of Cap) badge to the 19th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark. Size 29mm by 33mm (roughly).
|
- Above: A Stirling Silver (half sized Cap) badge to the 19th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, but no maker or hallmark. Size 29.5mm by 33mm (roughly).
|
- Above: A pair opposing Fern leaf Collar badges. A image shows a chap of E Company, 19th Reinforcements wearing these. Two Copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 21mm by 46mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number 873 was to Robert Robertson, Princes Street, Dunedin, N.Z. on the 27th of July 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 874 was to Arnold Binns (Jewelers), Trentham Camp, Trentham, N.Z. on the 31st of July 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 874 was to Arnold Binns (Jewelers), Trentham Camp, Trentham, N.Z. on the 31st of July 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 right, along with other members of "J" Company.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 19th with joining bar to center. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 20mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 19th. It has the "join" at the top and base. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 21.5mm.
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916 via two ships as follows:
SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 69) contained the following
- The Wellington Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 188 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Battalion - "C" Company - 3 Officers & 175 Other Ranks
- "J" Company (Part) - 3 Officers & 174 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 74 days duration.
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 68) contained the following
- The Auckland Battalion - "A" Company - 4 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
- The Otago Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
- "J" Company (Part) - (see above)
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 74 days duration.
The 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916 via two ships as follows:
SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 69) contained the following
- The Wellington Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 188 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Battalion - "C" Company - 3 Officers & 175 Other Ranks
- "J" Company (Part) - 3 Officers & 174 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 74 days duration.
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 68) contained the following
- The Auckland Battalion - "A" Company - 4 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
- The Otago Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
- "J" Company (Part) - (see above)
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 74 days duration.
20th Infantry Reinforcements
The 20th Infantry Reinforcements used the Company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm, "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm & "F" - 16mm by 13.5mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for "E" and "F" which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and a smattering of South Islanders.
Motto: KOKIRI KIA MAIA (Attack with confidence)
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm, "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm & "F" - 16mm by 13.5mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for "E" and "F" which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and a smattering of South Islanders.
Motto: KOKIRI KIA MAIA (Attack with confidence)
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 20th Reinforcements. No maker mark, and with two hex type brass lugs to back. Size 43mm by 49mm.
- Opposite: 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". Two wear the 20th Reinforcements Cap badge to their Lemon Squeezers, while 2 also have the non-void 20th Reinforcement Collars. |
|
- Above: A matching pair of gilt brass "voided" 20th Reinforcement Collar badges. Both have two hex lugs to back and no maker mark. Size 33mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A matching pair of gilt brass "non-voided" Collar badges to the 20th Reinforcements. Just a slight difference in tone to front, but both have two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 33mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A variation in Collar badge in gilt brass to the 20th Reinforcements. Note the Kings crown to top, and the "20" in an oval plaque at base. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 36mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A Silver (not marked) Collar size badge, with "voided" center to the 20th Reinforcements. Note the extra voiding to top of wreath, by crown. Brooch fitting to back and size 33mm by 36mm. This badge was in the effects of 38601 Pte. Stanley Amos Smart who started out in J Company 22nd Reinforcements.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge, to "E" Company, 20th Infantry Reinforcements. Two replacement copper looped lugs to back, but no maker mark. Size 43mm by 33.5mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, 4 piece, brass shoulder number to the 20th. Both numbers are mounted on a bar, at the top and bottom, with two copper looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. Stamped to base bar "STOKES & SONS. Size 16mm by 24mm.
|
- Above: A image of Corporal Clist taken in 1916. He is part of "A" Company, 20th Reinforcements. Note his Cap badge, which is a much earlier type frame, but has "A" over "XX" or 20 to center. His shoulder strap just shows the letter "A" and part of the "20" (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-C2236).
|
- Above: An image of 30658 Pte. Thomas William Stockham, here part of "B" Company, 20th Reinforcements. He wears a 2 piece, brass Cap badge with separate center "B" over "XX" to his peaked Cap. He is also wearing a pair of non-void 20th Reinforcement Collar badges. Thomas was KIA'ed on the 4th of Oct, 1917 (Auckland Cenotaph).
|
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 20th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Port Lyttelton (H.M.N.Z.T. 71) left NZ on the 7th of Dec 1916, it carried the following:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 2 Officers & 169 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers & 152 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 2 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 87 days duration.
SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 72) left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916, it carried the following:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 1 Other Rank
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 1 Officer
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 171 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 3 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 87 days duration.
SS Opawa (H.M.N.Z.T. 73) left NZ on the 2nd of Jan 1917, it carried the following:
- "E" Company - 2 Officers & 173 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to London - 87 days duration.
- Above Right: A silver and gold sweethearts badge with "F" over "XX" to center for "F" Company, 20th Reinforcements. Brooched to back, with "9ct" stamped to back center. Its 30mm tall (image from the internet).
The 20th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Port Lyttelton (H.M.N.Z.T. 71) left NZ on the 7th of Dec 1916, it carried the following:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 2 Officers & 169 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers & 152 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 2 Officers & 180 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 87 days duration.
SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 72) left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916, it carried the following:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 1 Other Rank
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 1 Officer
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 171 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 3 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 87 days duration.
SS Opawa (H.M.N.Z.T. 73) left NZ on the 2nd of Jan 1917, it carried the following:
- "E" Company - 2 Officers & 173 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to London - 87 days duration.
- Above Right: A silver and gold sweethearts badge with "F" over "XX" to center for "F" Company, 20th Reinforcements. Brooched to back, with "9ct" stamped to back center. Its 30mm tall (image from the internet).
21st Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 21st Infantry Reinforcement draft. They used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 21st Reinforcement draft. Clearly marked RD or Registered Design to "RD 894" to the scrolls to the lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. There is a White Metal and Copper version of this badge. Size 32mm by 49mm.
|
- Above: The same sized badge, but in Stirling Silver to the 21st Reinforcement draft. Marked "Silver" vertically to back of tail, it has a brooch fitting to back. Again marked RD or Registered Design to "RD 894" to the scrolls to the lower banner. Size 32mm by 48mm (note wing tips are bent).
|
- Above: A variation to the 21st Reinforcement Cap badge in gilt brass. This one has not been voided between the bird and the banner, nor the tips of the wings (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A bi-metal Cap badge to the 21st Reinforcements. Silver fantail with gilt brass banner. Note the RD or Registered Design number to the folds of the banner to "RD 894". Officers or Sweethearts (image from the internet)?
|
- Above: A darkened copper version of the 21st Reinforcements Cap badge. Again, note the RD or Registered Design number to the folds of the banner to "RD 894"(image from the internet).
|
- Above: A near matching pair of Collar badges to the 21st Reinforcements in gilt brass. RD or Registered Design number "RD892" to back of tail. The left has it in raised letters/numbers, while the right has it stamped or "incured" to back. Two hex type brass lugs in a North/South configuration, and size 27mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A non matching pair of Collar badges to the 21st Reinforcements in gilt brass. RD or Registered Design number "RD892" to back of tail only on the right, which is stamped or "incured". Note the beak is very long. The left is lead filled, and note it has a non-void area between legs and tail. Both have two hex type brass lugs in a North/South configuration, and size 27mm by 26mm.
|
- Opposite: A Collar badges to the 21st Reinforcements in gilt brass. RD or Registered Design number "RD892" to back of tail. This badge has a brooch fitting to back, and size 27mm by 26mm.
- Opposite: A image of 33837 Pte. Charles Ernest Cleveland who was part of "A" Company, 21st Reinforcements. He started his service on the 19th of Sept 1916 and was to spend 2 years and 256 days overseas, returning in 29th of Oct 1919. Charles is wearing a gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the 21st Reinforcements, as well as a "A" over "21" and a curved "NZR" on his shoulder strap (image from Auckland Cenotaph website). |
|
- Above: A pair of left (when worn) Collar badges to the 21st Reinforcements. The RD or Registered Design number of "RD 892" has been stamped into the tail of the bird. Note the one on the left is up-side down to the one on the right.
|
- Above: A pair of right (when worn) Collar badges to the 21st Reinforcements. The RD or Registered Design number of "RD 892" is in raised letters to the tail of the bird. This would have been done by stamping the "force" or back die, which then impresses raised letters into the back of the badge.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 21st with joining bar to center. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 21mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 21st. Both are "joined" at the top and base. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 21.5mm.
|
|
- Above: A silver sweethearts badge in the form of a Collar (full size) with brooch fitting to back. Marked "RD 892" in raised letters to back of tail (image from the internet).
|
RD or Registered Design number 892 is unknown at this stage.
RD or Registered Design number 894 was to Mayer & Kean & H.J. Edgecumbe, 4 Willis Street, N.Z. Wellington, N.Z. on the 14th of September 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917 and consisted of the following
SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 75) - carried:
- "F" Company - 2 Officers & 177 Other Ranks
SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 74) - carried:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers & 193 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
,- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 191 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 4 Officers & 191 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 68 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number 894 was to Mayer & Kean & H.J. Edgecumbe, 4 Willis Street, N.Z. Wellington, N.Z. on the 14th of September 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917 and consisted of the following
SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 75) - carried:
- "F" Company - 2 Officers & 177 Other Ranks
SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 74) - carried:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers & 193 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
,- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 191 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 189 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 4 Officers & 191 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 68 days duration.
22nd Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 22nd infantry Reinforcement draft. They used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: KIA MATARA (Be watchful)
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: KIA MATARA (Be watchful)
|
- Above: A Cap badge to the 22nd Reinforcements. In non-void darkened copper, it has two wire looped lugs to back. A RD or Registered Design numbered to "RD887" is just below "Z" to lower center. Size 48mm by 35mm.
- Opposite: A image of 26683 Lieutenant Alfred Sangster Reid wearing a bi-metal 22nd Reinforcement Cap badge with Silver or white metal Moa to center. His collar badges are also likely to be Silver (image from the Auckland Cenotaph). |
- Above: A Cap badge to the 22nd Reinforcements. In voided, darkened copper, it has two hex type lugs to back. A RD or Registered Design numbered to "RD887" is just below "Z" to lower center. Size 48mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A Cap badge to the 22nd Reinforcements. In voided, gilt brass, it has two hex type lugs to back. A RD or Registered Design numbered to "RD887" is just below "Z" to lower center. Size 48mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A image showing a faint RD or Registered Design number to the back of a pair of 22nd Reinforcement Collars. The mark is on the inside of the Moa's back, with "RD 888". I have seen clearer on a friend's pair of collars, so presumably as the "force" was used, it degraded with time, to the stage where the detail on these has nearly gone.
|
- Above: Another image of the back of a 22nd Reinforcement Collar (left when worn), with a slightly clearer "RD" then "88" the third "8" has been obliterated by the fixing of the lug over the top (image from the internet).
|
- Above: An image of 38349 Thomas Brownlee Clark, who was a member of "A" Company, 22nd Reinforcements. He is wearing his gilt brass Cap and Collar badge sent to the 22nd Reinforcements. To his shoulder strap he has a "A" over a "22" and a curved "NZR" shoulder title (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-C2227).
|
- Above: An image of 38426 Private Eric Trevor Logier Walker of "A" Company, 22nd Reinforcements. He wears a earlier frame, which is two piece, with "A" over "XXII" to center. A pair of 22nd Collar badges to his tunic, and "A" over "22" and "NZR" to his shoulder boards (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-W2573).
|
- Above : "A" Company, 22nd Reinforcement Draft Cap badge to the Auckland Military District. A two piece badge, with two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above : "A" Company, 22nd Reinforcement Sweethearts badge to the Auckland Military District in 9ct Gold, with a Silver frame. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above : A "B" Company, 22nd Reinforcement Draft Cap badge to the Wellington Military District. Extra gilt finish has been applied to the two piece badge, which has a brooch fitting to back. No maker mark and size 43mm by 33mm.
|
|
- Above: A small version of the 22nd Reinforcement Cap badge with the caption says is White Metal, but is likely Silver (Auckland Cenotaph website).
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 22nd. Two copper looped lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 23mm.
|
- Above : A "C" Company, 22nd Reinforcement Draft Cap badge to the Canterbury Military District. A two piece badge, with two wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark and size 43mm by 33mm.
RD or Registered Design number 887 was to Mayer & Kean (Engravers), Wellington, N.Z. on the 31st of August 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 888 is unknown at this stage.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 22nd Reinforcements left NZ as follows:
SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 77) left on the 13th of Feb 1917 carrying
- "E" Company - 4 Officers & 148 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers & 175 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 72 days duration.
SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 78) left on the 15th of Feb 1917 carrying
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 172 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 72 days duration.
SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 76) left on the 16th of Feb 1917 carrying
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 4 Officers & 175 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 190 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 72 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number 888 is unknown at this stage.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 22nd Reinforcements left NZ as follows:
SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 77) left on the 13th of Feb 1917 carrying
- "E" Company - 4 Officers & 148 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers & 175 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 72 days duration.
SS Navua (H.M.N.Z.T. 78) left on the 15th of Feb 1917 carrying
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 172 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 72 days duration.
SS Aparima (H.M.N.Z.T. 76) left on the 16th of Feb 1917 carrying
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 4 Officers & 175 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers & 190 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 3 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 72 days duration.
- 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
The 23rd Infantry Reinforcement used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: AKE AKE (Forever and ever)
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: AKE AKE (Forever and ever)
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 23rd Reinforcements. This is RD or Registered Design marked to "RD899" just below the Maori Warriors right foot, to front. Two hex type lugs to back and size 41mm by 42mm.
- Opposite: A superb image possible showing a J G McGuire who is showing his 23rd Reio Cap and Collar badges (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 7003-171) |
|
- Above: A matching opposing pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 23rd Reinforcements. Note the Tiki's head leans to one side. The above right collar is RD marked to back of banner with "RD902". Both have hex type brass lugs to back. Size 25mm by 25mm.
|
- Above Left: A darkened coppery bronze Collar badge to the 23rd Reinforcements. This to, has two brass type hex lugs to back. Size 25mm by 25mm.
- Above Right: A gilt brass Collar badge to the 23rd Reinforcements. This has "RD902" stamped into the back, with two brass type hex lugs to back. Size 25mm by 25mm. |
- Above: The base back of a 23rd Reinforcement Collar, with the RD or Registered Design number "RD" (left) and "902" (Right) stamped to the back of the bottom banner. Its faint, and partly cut off.
|
- Above: Another 23rd Reinforcement collar, but this time the RD or Registered Design number has been punched to back, in minute detail. It reads "RD902" in a rectangular shape.
|
- Above: The front die to make the opposite small Collar badge in the same design as the Cap. You can tell this, because the reverse of the RD or Registered Design number can just be seen at the bottom of the figures feet of "RD902". No maker mark and 50mm in diameter (image from the internet),
|
- Above: A small version of the Cap badge in gilt brass. It has the RD number "RD902" to front. Brooch fitting to back, which is missing its pin. Size 29mm by 28.5mm. Its noted in pictures that a number of "C" Company, 23rd Reinforcements wore this badge to the front of their hats.
|
|
- Above: An image of Private 40208 Clifford Griffith, here part of "C" Company, 23rd Reinforcements. He is wearing a small Cap badge to his peaked Cap (likely brooched, by the way it fits to front). To his tunic collar are two 23rd Reinforcement Collar badges. Note his shoulder strap with "C" over "23" and a curved "NZR" (Nelson Museum collection 97635).
- Above: A variation on the 23rd Cap badge, with a Maori Tiki over a "XXIII" banner. Two piece brass with two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A variation for the 23rd Collar badge, with a Maori Tiki to center. No maker marked, with two copper wire lugs to back. Size 30.5mm by 28.5mm.
|
- Above: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to the 23rd Reinforcements. Not marked to back, it has a brooch fitting, with a extra loop attached to back for safety chain (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A "A" Company, 23rd Reinforcement sweethearts badge to the Auckland Area. Two piece, with unmarked 9ct gold "A" over "XXIII" to center on a Silver frame. Brooch fitting to back, and size 44mm by 34mm (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A image of 39866 Pte. John Joseph McDonald, who was a member of "B" Company, 23rd Reinforcements. What's nice about this image is John, like many of the Reinforcements of the time, is wearing very little insignia. On is shoulder straps is just the number "23", while on his Hat, he just sports a button.
|
- Above: An image of 40614 Lance Corporal Charles Augustus Nelson, here a member of "A" Company, 23rd Reinforcements. He wears a small sweethearts type badge to his peaked cap, with "A" over "XXIII" to center. Likely gold center, with a silver frame. He wears a pair of 23rd Collars to his tunic and has a brass "23" over "NZR" to his shoulder boards. Sadly Charles was KIA'ed on the 19th of Nov 1917 (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-N3428).
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 23rd. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16.5mm by 23mm.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 23rd. Two copper wire lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 19mm by 28.5mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number 899 is to Elden Kenneth Stuart Neill, 65 Hutt Road, Petone, N.Z. on the 4th of October 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 902 is to Elden Kenneth Stuart Neill, 65 Hutt Road, Petone, N.Z. on the 12th of October 1916.
- Opposite: A two piece, silver sweethearts badge to "E" Company, 23rd Reinforcements. Brooch to back (image from the internet).
RD or Registered Design number 902 is to Elden Kenneth Stuart Neill, 65 Hutt Road, Petone, N.Z. on the 12th of October 1916.
- Opposite: A two piece, silver sweethearts badge to "E" Company, 23rd Reinforcements. Brooch to back (image from the internet).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 23rd Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Ruapehu (H.M.N.Z.T. 79) left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917 with
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers & 207 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 2 Officers & 182 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Horn to Cape Town & Devonport - 70 days duration.
SS Corinthic (H.M.N.Z.T 80) left NZ on the 2nd of Apr 1917 with
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 2 Officers & 183 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers & 193 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Horn to Cape Town & Plymouth - 70 days duration.
- Above Right: A half-size (compared to the Cap badge) silver sweethearts badge to the 23rd Reinforcements (image from the internet).
The 23rd Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Ruapehu (H.M.N.Z.T. 79) left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917 with
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers & 207 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 2 Officers & 182 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
From Wellington via Cape Horn to Cape Town & Devonport - 70 days duration.
SS Corinthic (H.M.N.Z.T 80) left NZ on the 2nd of Apr 1917 with
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers & 179 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 2 Officers & 183 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers & 193 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Horn to Cape Town & Plymouth - 70 days duration.
- Above Right: A half-size (compared to the Cap badge) silver sweethearts badge to the 23rd Reinforcements (image from the internet).
24th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 24th Infantry Reinforcements depicting the iconic British Bulldog on their badges, this was also their mascot when training in New Zealand.
They used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: HOLDFAST
They used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: HOLDFAST
- Above: A "BOCK" made, gilt copper 24th Reinforcement Cap badge. It has the makers name to front, above the "H" in HOLDFAST, and between the curl of the end of upper banner. Below the H and T of the same banner is the RD or Registered Design number of "RD" and "922". Two hex type lugs to back, with a size of 43mm by 42mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A image of 44707 Samuel Edward Davis, who started his service on the 6th of Jan 1917 as part of "A" Company, 24th Reinforcements. He saw 1 year and 304 days overseas with both the Auckland and later, the Wellington Infantry Regiments. He is wearing a 24th Reinforcement Cap and Collar badge set, with the Collars being the 1st Type (see below). On his shoulder boards are a "A", "24" and a curved "NZR" (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-D2742).
- Above: A darker, unmarked copper example, with slight differences in the detail to the 24th Reinforcements, most notably on the dogs chest. Two hex type lugs to back and size 44mm by 42mm.
- Opposite: A image of Lieutenant Ellis, taken in 1917 and showing him wearing a bi-metal Cap badge to the 24th Reinforcements. Its appears to have a silver bulldog overlayed on a darkened copper frame (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-E3105) |
|
The collars came in two types.
|
|
- Above: 1st type, and the most commonly found Collar badge type to the 24th Reinforcements, with the "bone" to the front of the mouth. The pair on the left have their two hex type lugs in a North/South configuration, while the right pair have their hex lugs in a East/West configuration. All have a faint RD or registered design mark of "RD920" to the center of the Dogs chest, just above the lower banner. Size 21mm by 27mm.
- Above: A 1st type collar badge to the 24th Reinforcements with no RD number to front, and a darkened lower banner. Two hex lugs to back in a North/South config. Size 21mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A pair of scarcer, gilt brass, 2nd type Collar badges to the 24th Reinforcements. The "bone" is at the back of the Dogs jaw, and note the extra detail to the Dogs chest. No RD number and two hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. Size 21mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A unmarked copper version of the 2nd type Collar badge to the 24th Reinforcements. Lugs have been replaced to back, with a messy single loop. Size 21mm by 27mm.
|
- Opposite: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 24th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 23mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A half-size (compared to the Cap badge) silver Sweethearts badge to the 24th Reinforcements (image from the internet).
RD or Registered Design number 920 is not known at this stage.
RD or Registered Design number 922 is to Captain F. Potter (Officer Commanding, A Company, 24th Reinforcements), Trentham Military Camp on the 24th of November 1916. Note someone has written across the entry "Certificate Not Issued 12/9/17".
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 24th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Devon (H.M.N.Z.T. 81) left NZ on the 5th of April 1917, carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers, 40 NCO's & 154 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers, 36 NCO's & 133 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 33 NCO's & 161 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 35 NCO's & 142 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Horn & Cape Town - to Devonport - 80 days duration
SS Pakeha (H.M.N.Z.T. 82) embarked on the 14th of April, disembarked on the 18th of April, left NZ on the 26th of April 1917, carrying:
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 1 Officer, 35 NCO's & 161 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 38 NCO's & 151 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 80 days duration
RD or Registered Design number 920 is not known at this stage.
RD or Registered Design number 922 is to Captain F. Potter (Officer Commanding, A Company, 24th Reinforcements), Trentham Military Camp on the 24th of November 1916. Note someone has written across the entry "Certificate Not Issued 12/9/17".
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 24th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Devon (H.M.N.Z.T. 81) left NZ on the 5th of April 1917, carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers, 40 NCO's & 154 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers, 36 NCO's & 133 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 33 NCO's & 161 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 35 NCO's & 142 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Horn & Cape Town - to Devonport - 80 days duration
SS Pakeha (H.M.N.Z.T. 82) embarked on the 14th of April, disembarked on the 18th of April, left NZ on the 26th of April 1917, carrying:
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 1 Officer, 35 NCO's & 161 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 38 NCO's & 151 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 80 days duration
REINFORCEMENT BADGES - A TECHNICAL OFFENCE.
Taken from the Evening Post - Issue 20, 23rd January 1918, page 2
"A case of interest to manufacturing jewelers designers was considered before Mr. S. E. M'Carthy, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court today, when Arnold Ashworth Binns and Eldon K. S. Neil were charged with having, on or about 14th August 1917, falsely described "Holdfast" (the badge for the 24th Reinforcements), and 29th Reinforcement badge as registered in New Zealand.
Mr. P. W. Jackson appeared for Binns, and Neil was represented by Mr. F. E. Ward.
In outlining the case, Chief-Detective Boddam said that the badge for the 29th was stamped "Rd", but the lettering was so small that it was difficult to make out with a magnifying glass, let alone with the naked eye. The Holdfast badge produced was not branded as registered, but Binns admitted selling other badges of a like design, stamped. It appeared that the offence had been committed in ignorance, and a heavy penalty was not asked for.
Mr Jackson said that Binns had acted in the belief that the design was properly registered. Binns was a manufacturing jeweler, and Neil was his manager, and the firm had made badges for the reinforcements from the 19th draft onwards. The practice followed by the defendants was to make application to the registrar and to pay the required fee. A receipt was given, and the manufacturing of the badges was got on with. Later the registered number was supplied to the defendants, and a certificate was issued by the registrar. In the case in question, application was made and fees were paid,-and the defendants thought that the certificates would be issued in due course, but for some reason the Patent Office withheld them. The badges were required in a hurry, and the defendants took it for granted that the certificates would come to hand later, as they had done before. In conclusion, Mr. Jackson said that the offence was merely a technical one which did not call for more than a warning. Mr. Ward, for Neil, pleaded guilty, and added that Neil had left the employ of Binns in July and had sold no badges since that date.
The defendants were convicted and discharged. . ."
"A case of interest to manufacturing jewelers designers was considered before Mr. S. E. M'Carthy, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court today, when Arnold Ashworth Binns and Eldon K. S. Neil were charged with having, on or about 14th August 1917, falsely described "Holdfast" (the badge for the 24th Reinforcements), and 29th Reinforcement badge as registered in New Zealand.
Mr. P. W. Jackson appeared for Binns, and Neil was represented by Mr. F. E. Ward.
In outlining the case, Chief-Detective Boddam said that the badge for the 29th was stamped "Rd", but the lettering was so small that it was difficult to make out with a magnifying glass, let alone with the naked eye. The Holdfast badge produced was not branded as registered, but Binns admitted selling other badges of a like design, stamped. It appeared that the offence had been committed in ignorance, and a heavy penalty was not asked for.
Mr Jackson said that Binns had acted in the belief that the design was properly registered. Binns was a manufacturing jeweler, and Neil was his manager, and the firm had made badges for the reinforcements from the 19th draft onwards. The practice followed by the defendants was to make application to the registrar and to pay the required fee. A receipt was given, and the manufacturing of the badges was got on with. Later the registered number was supplied to the defendants, and a certificate was issued by the registrar. In the case in question, application was made and fees were paid,-and the defendants thought that the certificates would be issued in due course, but for some reason the Patent Office withheld them. The badges were required in a hurry, and the defendants took it for granted that the certificates would come to hand later, as they had done before. In conclusion, Mr. Jackson said that the offence was merely a technical one which did not call for more than a warning. Mr. Ward, for Neil, pleaded guilty, and added that Neil had left the employ of Binns in July and had sold no badges since that date.
The defendants were convicted and discharged. . ."
25th Infantry Reinforcements
The 25th Infantry Reinforcement used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
Motto: KIA TOA (Be brave)
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
Motto: KIA TOA (Be brave)
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 25th Reinforcements.
Two hex type brass lugs to back, with "RD" under the first "N" and "916" under the "D" in the lower banner. Size 42mm by 42mm - Opposite: A image of 46260 Lance Corporal Ernest Robert Baker who was a member of "A" Company, 25th Reinforcements. Ernest is wearing a gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the draft. On his shoulder board is the letter "A", "25" and a curved "NZR" shoulder title. You can see his New Zealand Forces 4 Stars buttons to his tunic, and he would also have some small one to the side of his peaked Cap.His single rank chevron can just be seen on his sleeve.Ernest started his service on the 9th of Dec 1916 and was to spend 1 year and 316 days overseas, being discharged in NZ on the 11th of April 1919 (Auckland Library Collection). |
|
|
- Above: A pair of single piece, opposing, gilt brass Collar badges to the 25th Reinforcements. Registered Design number "RD" and "917" to the scroll ends of the lower banner. Two hex type, brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. Size 35mm by 18mm.
- Opposite: A superb, full length shot of sadly of a unknown 25th Reinforcement chap in Camp in New Zealand, in front of his hut. He also features in the other photo (below) and is kneeling down, front row, right. |
- 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.
- Above: A group of 25th Reinforcements in Camp. Note the Corporal to center, with 5th (Wellington) Infantry Cap and Collar Badges. All others appear in fatigues, with no insignia to hats or uniforms. Seated, 2nd left (with blue cross on his chest) is 44364 Robert Leonard Gill, from Fielding. He trained as part of "F" Company, 25th Reinforcements. He served 2 years 205 days overseas, and was severely wounded on the 24th of Jan 1918 with gunshot wounds to his head and left leg as part of the Otago Infantry Battalion on the Western front. Happily he survived the war, to sadly die of his injuries in 1949, in New Zealand.
|
|
- Above: A well polished and single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 25th Reinforcements. Brooched to back, but with the "RD" or Registered Design under the first "N" and "916" under the "D" in the lower banner. Size 42mm by 41mm.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 25th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 23mm. |
- Above: A generic two piece, 25th Reinforcement sweethearts badge in Silver. Two copper looped lugs, soldered messily to back. Plaque to back of crown which is impressed with "St. SIL" (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A half-size (compared to the Cap badge) stirling silver Sweethearts badge to the 25th Reinforcements (image from the internet).
|
RD or Registered Design number 916 is not known at this stage.
RD or Registered Design number 917 was to Horace W Lloyd (Watchmaker & Jeweler), Lambton Quay, Wellington, N.Z. on the 17th of November 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 83) - carried:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers, 27 NCO's & 158 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 27 NCO's & 164 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 25 NCO's & 160 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 34 NCO's & 160 Other Ranks
SS Turakina (H.M.N.Z.T 84) - carried:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers, 37 NCO's & 160 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 2 Officers, 33 NCO's & 158 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 85 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number 917 was to Horace W Lloyd (Watchmaker & Jeweler), Lambton Quay, Wellington, N.Z. on the 17th of November 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 83) - carried:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers, 27 NCO's & 158 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 27 NCO's & 164 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 25 NCO's & 160 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 34 NCO's & 160 Other Ranks
SS Turakina (H.M.N.Z.T 84) - carried:
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers, 37 NCO's & 160 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 2 Officers, 33 NCO's & 158 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 85 days duration.
26th Infantry Reinforcements
The 26th Infantry Reinforcements used the company letters of:
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
- Above: A bi-metal Cap badge in Silver or Silver plate and Copper to the 26th Reinforcements. Maker marked with a letter "B" in the silver center, just above the star in the banner. Under "NEW ZEALAND" is "RD" (on the left) and "930" (on the right). Two short copper looped lugs to back. Size 47mm by 38mm.
|
|
|
- Above: A pair of brass Collar badges to the 26th Reinforcements. Similar Lake scene as the Cap badge, but without the large mountain in the background, and addition of trees to one side. Not marked, and hex type, brass lugs to back. Size 38.5mm by 31mm.
- Opposite: A image of Private Hicks wearing a voided 26th Reinforcement Cap badge and a pair of "Canoe" Collars. To his shoulder strap looks to be the letter "J", over "26" and "NZR" (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections). |
- Above: An opposing pair of Brass collar badge to the 26th Reinforcements. These are RD or Registered Design marked to the left of the "2" in "26" to "RD931". Both have copper looped wire lugs to back. Size 17mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A variation to the brass collar badge to the 26th Reinforcements. RD or Registered Design marked, it has different detail and cutting out to top of badge. Long copper looped wire lugs to back. Size 16mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A variation in design, with the Waka or Canoe over fern leaves and with "NZ" on the fronds. I have not seen the opposing side yet, so presume they were worn two of the same. Hex type brass lugs to back and size 17mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 26th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 24mm.
|
- Above: A 9ct gold sweethearts badge to the 26th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back and size 35mm by 25mm (image from internet).
- Opposite: An image of Private C A Stewart of "E" Company, 26th Reinforcements. He likely wears what we term as a sweethearts badge to his hat, with gold "E" over "XXVI" on a sterling silver frame. The pin to back can be seen poking out to the right side of the badge. He has, I think, a darkened "E" over "NZR" on his shoulder board (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-S3236). |
|
|
- Opposite: A small size, Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 26th Reinforcements featuring the Waka to foreground and hills in the background. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
- Opposite Far Right: A small size, Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 26th Reinforcements featuring the Waka on a smaller scale, with vegetation and trees to side. Brooch fitting to back, it is stamped "STG. SILVER" at base of wreath (image from the internet). |
|
|
RD or Registered Design numbers 930 and 931 are not known at this stage.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 26th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 85) - 1st Draft left NZ on the 9th of June 1917 carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 2 Officers, 25 NCO's & 164 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers, 36 NCO's & 141 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers, 28 NCO's & 153 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 31 NCO's & 153 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 28 NCO's & 153 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 66 days duration.
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T 86) - 2nd Draft left NZ on the 12th of June 1917 carrying:
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 1 NCO - attached to "E" Company for voyage.
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 33 NCO's & 149 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
- Above Right: A small, two piece Gold center with silver framed sweethearts badge to "B" Company, 26th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 26th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows.
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 85) - 1st Draft left NZ on the 9th of June 1917 carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 2 Officers, 25 NCO's & 164 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 3 Officers, 36 NCO's & 141 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers, 28 NCO's & 153 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 31 NCO's & 153 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 28 NCO's & 153 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 66 days duration.
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T 86) - 2nd Draft left NZ on the 12th of June 1917 carrying:
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 1 NCO - attached to "E" Company for voyage.
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 33 NCO's & 149 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
- Above Right: A small, two piece Gold center with silver framed sweethearts badge to "B" Company, 26th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
27th Infantry Reinforcements
The 27th Infantry Reinforcements draft used the company letters of:
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
- Above: A scarce bi-metal version of the Cap badge in Silver (not marked) and Copper to the 27th Reinforcements. Registered Design (RD) marked at the base edge of the silver, and just above the "27" to "RD 936 & 937 RD". Two short copper looped lugs to back. Size 50mm by 46mm.
- Opposite: A image of 44193 Lieutenant Robert Witheford, here wearing a set of bi-metal Cap and Collar badges to the 27th Reinforcements. You can see the contrast in light off the Silver to the center of his Cap badge and also the Silver and copper of his Collar badges. A example of the Collar is further below (Image from the Auckland Cenotaph). |
|
- Above: A gilt brass, single piece Cap badge to the 27th Reinforcements. Registered Design (RD) marked at the base edge of the ground the Lion is walking on, and just above the "27" to "RD 936 & 937 RD". Two copper looped lugs to back. Size 50mm by 46mm.
|
- Above: A variation in gilt brass of the Cap badge to the 27th Reinforcements. This has a non-void area around the Lion, possibly to guard against the tail of the lion snapping off/getting caught. Registered Design (RD) marked at the base edge of the ground the Lion is walking on, and just above the "27" to "RD 936 & 937 RD". Two brass hex type lugs to back and size 50mm by 45mm.
|
|
- Above: A superb image of a 27th Reinforcement. He is wearing the "Lion with Mountains" center to his badge, and you can just seen the distinctive top and bottom void on his badge. Likely a "Collar size badge (see below left), he also wears a pair of gilt brass collar badges (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 7003-265).
|
- Above: A snapshot of three Officers from the 27th Reinforcement Draft. All are resplendent with their 27th Reinforcement Cap badge on their slouch hats. Only one is wearing a pair of opposing collars (standing on the right). All wear their Sam Browne belts and cross-straps.
Only one sleeve rank can be seen, showing the central Officer having just one pip to his sleeve, so therefore a 2nd Lieutenant.
Note the officer on the right is also wearing spurs to his boots. I have cropped the top and bottom of this image (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1677-ALB332-41-06).
Only one sleeve rank can be seen, showing the central Officer having just one pip to his sleeve, so therefore a 2nd Lieutenant.
Note the officer on the right is also wearing spurs to his boots. I have cropped the top and bottom of this image (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1677-ALB332-41-06).
- Above: A gilt brass collar badge to the 27th Reinforcements. Similar in design to the Cap, but with voiding also above the "27". No RD number or maker mark. Brass hex lugs to back and size 39.5mm by 34.5mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass collar badge to the 27th Reinforcements. Similar in design to the above right Cap badge, with a semi-void center and mountain scene behind the Lion. No RD number or maker mark. Brass hex lugs to back and size 38.5mm by 34mm.
|
- Above : A gilt brass, opposing pair of Collar badges to the 27th Reinforcements. These are hard to find with their Lion's tails on. Usually snapped off with time and wear. Both are marked on lower left, and just above the "New Zealand" banner to "948 & 947 RC". Note this is the first mention of "RC" or Registered Copyright. Prior to these badges its "RD" or Registered Design. Copper wire looped lugs to back, with size 32.5mm by 33.5mm.
|
|
|
- Above Right: A front die for striking the 27th Reinforcements Collar badge (left when worn). This is a rare thing, as its shows a repair to the die. If you look closely at the center, hardened steel cylinder, it has three cracks in it, one to the top and bottom, and the other on the right side (vertical). To strengthen, the manufacturer, has encased the die in another steel ring, in a effort to hold everything together and get a longer life out of the die. Size 89mm in diameter (including the extra ring (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A half size (compared to the Cap badge), Stirling Silver Sweethearts badge to the 27th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back and stamped "Stg. Silver" to back of just below the Lion. Size 32.5mm by 30.5mm.
|
- Above: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to A Company, 27th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (missing pin), along with a mark of "9ct" to the back of the "B/XXVII", and a small Stirling Silver plaque to back of crown with "St. Sil." Size 40.5mm by 33mm.
|
Above: A image of 52252 Private Gordon William McCulloch. Note he has a solid 27th Reinforcement Cap badge to his Lemon Squeezer, gilt brass collar badges and "27" t his shoulder strap above a curved "NZR" title (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-C3588).
- Above: A die stamped brass, shoulder number to the 27th. Two hex type, brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 14.5mm by 22mm.
|
- Above: A pair of cast brass, shoulder number to the 27th. Two copper looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 19.5mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, 4 piece, brass shoulder number to the 27th. Both numbers are mounted on a bar, at the top and bottom, with two copper looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. Stamped to base bar "STOKES & SONS. Size 15.5mm by 20.5mm.
|
RD or Registered Design number 936 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 23rd of January 1917.
RD or Registered Design number 937 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 23rd of January 1917.
RD or Registered Design number 947 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 6th of February 1917.
RD or Registered Design number 948 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 6th of February 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 1st Draft of the 27th Reinforcements left with the 2nd Draft of the 26th Reinforcement.
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 86) left NZ on the 12th of June 1917 carrying:
- "F" Company (part) - 6 NCO's & 78 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 87) left NZ on the 13th of June 1917 carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 2 Officers, 32 NCO's & 142 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers, 33 NCO's & 125 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers, 26 NCO's & 138 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 2 Officers, 22 NCO's & 154 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 30 NCO's & 134 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 66 days duration.
The 2nd Draft of the 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 88) - carrying:
- "F" Company (part) - 4 Officers, 27 NCO's & 117 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Liverpool - 63 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number 937 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 23rd of January 1917.
RD or Registered Design number 947 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 6th of February 1917.
RD or Registered Design number 948 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 6th of February 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 1st Draft of the 27th Reinforcements left with the 2nd Draft of the 26th Reinforcement.
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 86) left NZ on the 12th of June 1917 carrying:
- "F" Company (part) - 6 NCO's & 78 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 87) left NZ on the 13th of June 1917 carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 2 Officers, 32 NCO's & 142 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 4 Officers, 33 NCO's & 125 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 4 Officers, 26 NCO's & 138 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 2 Officers, 22 NCO's & 154 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 3 Officers, 30 NCO's & 134 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 66 days duration.
The 2nd Draft of the 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 88) - carrying:
- "F" Company (part) - 4 Officers, 27 NCO's & 117 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Liverpool - 63 days duration.
28th Infantry Reinforcements
The 28th Infantry Reinforcements used the company letters of:
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: KIA KAHA KIA TOA (Be strong and brave)
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
Motto: KIA KAHA KIA TOA (Be strong and brave)
|
|
- Above: A scarce darkened copper Collar badge to the 28th Reinforcements. It has two long tangs or brass strips to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 34mm by 25mm.
|
- Above: A image of 45311 Captain Frederick Harold Batten, who was a member of E Company, 28th Reinforcements. He is wearing a bi-metal Cap badge to his peaked Cap and a 3rd (Auckland) Infantry Collar badge to his tunic (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-B3544).
- Above Center: A scarce bi-metal Silver and Copper Cap badge to the 28th Reinforcement. RC (Registered Copyright) marked to "RC" and "938", above the "N" and "Z" in the lower banner. Two copper looped wire lugs to back. Size 48mm by 40mm.
- Above Center: A scarce bi-metal Silver and Copper Cap badge to the 28th Reinforcement. RC (Registered Copyright) marked to "RC" and "938", above the "N" and "Z" in the lower banner. Two copper looped wire lugs to back. Size 48mm by 40mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 28th Reinforcements. RC or Registered Copyright marked of "RC" and "938", above the "N" and "Z" in the lower banner. Two copper looped wire lugs to back, with size 49mm by 40mm.
- Opposite: A image of 52259 Ernest Frederick McKinstry who started his service on the 27th of Jan 1917 with "A" Company, 28th Reinforcements. When arriving in France, he initially served with the Auckland Infantry Battalion, before transferring to the 3rd Battalion of the NZ Rifle Brigade. Sadly Ernest was killed in action on the 12th of Sept 1918 and is remembered on the Grevillers (New Zealand) Memorial, Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France. Ernest is wearing a 28th Cap and Collar set (image from the Auckland Cenotaph website). |
|
- Opposite: A variation to the Cap badge. Note the smaller stars to shield and voided crown. There also appears no RC mark, though the banner is well worn. Two copper looped wire lugs to back. Size 50mm by 39mm.
- Above: A pair of matching gilt brass Collar badge to the 28th Reinforcements. Smaller in design, with two wire lugs in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 35mm by 26.5mm. |
- Above: A pair of matching gilt brass Collar badge to the 28th Reinforcements. Slightly larger in design, with larger stars. Two wire lugs in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 36.5mm by 28mm.
- Opposite: A image of 52195 Stanley Percival Glynes, who started his service on the 10th of April 1917 as part of "A" Company 28th Reinforcements. He would spend 1 year and 164 days overseas on the Western Front, initially with the Auckland Infantry Battalion, and later with the 1st Battalion of the 3rd NZRB. Stanley is again wearing a set of 28th Cap and Collar badges. Note his Collars are worn more straight up and down (image from the Auckland Cenotaph website). |
|
- Above: A Collar size, Stirling Silver Sweethearts badge to the 28th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back but no maker mark. Size 36mm by 28mm.
|
- Above: A small size (compared to the Cap badge), Stirling Silver Sweethearts badge to the 28th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back and stamped "Stg. Silver" to back of shield. Size 38mm by 33mm.
|
- Opposite: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 28th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16.5mm by 23mm.
RC or Registered Copyright number 938 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 23rd of January 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 28th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows
SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 89) - 1st Draft departed NZ on the 14th of July 1917, carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers, 20 NCO's & 128 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 2 Officers, 27 NCO's & 109 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 4 Officers, 26 NCO's & 168 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 10 NCO's & 178 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 67 days duration.
SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 90) - 2nd Draft departed NZ on the 26th of July 1917, carrying:
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 3 Officers, 25 NCO's & 163 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 25 NCO's & 157 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 67 days duration.
RC or Registered Copyright number 938 is to Arnold Binns (Jeweler), Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. on the 23rd of January 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 28th Reinforcements left NZ in two drafts as follows
SS Waitemata (H.M.N.Z.T. 89) - 1st Draft departed NZ on the 14th of July 1917, carrying:
- The Auckland Infantry Battalion - "A" Company - 3 Officers, 20 NCO's & 128 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Infantry Battalion - "B" Company - 2 Officers, 27 NCO's & 109 Other Ranks
- "E" Company - 4 Officers, 26 NCO's & 168 Other Ranks
- "F" Company - 4 Officers, 10 NCO's & 178 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 67 days duration.
SS Ulimaroa (H.M.N.Z.T. 90) - 2nd Draft departed NZ on the 26th of July 1917, carrying:
- The Canterbury Infantry Battalion - "C" Company - 3 Officers, 25 NCO's & 163 Other Ranks
- The Otago Infantry Battalion - "D" Company - 4 Officers, 25 NCO's & 157 Other Ranks
Vessel used from Wellington via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 67 days duration.
29th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 29th Infantry Reinforcement draft. They used the company letters of:
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
Motto: AKE AKE KIA KAHA (Forever and ever be strong)
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men from the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
Motto: AKE AKE KIA KAHA (Forever and ever be strong)
|
- Above: A Officers bi-metal, Silver center with Copper frame Cap badge to the 29th Reinforcements. Marked to the back of the frame, in the center to "RD 959 & 960". Two copper wire looped lugs in a East/West configuration. Size 44mm by 30mm.
- Opposite: An interesting image of 38829 2nd Lieutenant Andrew Leonard Caughy of "A" Company, 29th Reinforcements. He wears a earlier 25th Reinforcement Cap badge to his lemon squeezer. To his tunic collar are a pair of bi-metal 29th Reinforcement Collar badges like that of below (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-C3616). |
- Above: The back of the above Officers Cap badge showing the two RD or Registered Design numbers, in raised letters to the back center of the badge. Top says "RD 959", while at base its says "& 960".
|
|
- Above Right: A pair of Officer's bi-metal, Silver centered with Copper frame Collar badges to the 29th Reinforcements. To back are two copper wire looped lugs, but no maker mark. Size 30.5mm by 23mm.
|
- Opposite & Above: A gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the 29th Reinforcements. No maker mark to back of the Cap, while both Collars have to center back "RD 959 & 960". The Cap has two hex type brass lugs, while both Collars have Copper looped lugs. Note all are non-void. Size of Cap is 45mm by 32mm, and Collars 30.5mm by 22mm.
|
- Opposite: An image of the center back of one of the above Collar badges, showing the RD or Registered Design number to lower back of the center oval. It has "RD" and then in a curve "959 & 960" in raised letters.
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 29th Reinforcements. No marks to back and with two hex type brass lugs. Note the voiding to the crown and between the badge center and lower banner. Size 45mm by 32mm.
- Opposite: A possible image of 56204 Walter Thomas Williams. Walter started his service on the 13th of March 1917, as part of F Coy, 29th Reinforcements. He then joined the 4th Company of the 2nd Battalion, Otago Regiment in France, but joined the 2nd NZ Entrenching Battalion on the 27th of March 1918. At some stage just after, he was captured by the Germans, and became a POW, sadly dying on the 4th of May 1918 of a cardiac arrest whilst in Germany. He is buried in Berlin South-Western Cemetery, Berlin, Germany. Walter is wearing the non-void Cap and Collar badges to the 29th. On his shoulder straps, he has a "F" and 2 x "29", one above the other (image from the Auckland Cenotaph website). |
|
- Opposite & Above: A voided gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the 29th Reinforcements. No mark to back, with two looped wire lugs to back of Cap, while the Collars have a mix of Copper wire looped lugs to the left badge in a East/West configuration, while the right has hex type brass lugs, in a North South configuration to back. Size of Cap 44mm by 30mm, and size of Collar 30.5mm by 22mm.
|
- Above: A single gilt brass collar badge to the 29th Reinforcements. Note the extra brass which has been left to the top. Possible to strengthen the rifle muzzles, which may have bent or maybe caught with wear. Two hex type brass lugs to back, and no maker mark. Size 31.5mm by 22.5mm.
- Opposite: A image of 56184 Wilfred George Pannill who started his service on the 31st of May 1917, as part of F Coy, 29th Reinforcements, and spent 1 year 53 days overseas. Like Walter (above), he too served with 2nd Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment in France, and was sadly severely wounded, with a gunshot wound to the knee. He died aged 29 on the 20 November 1923 in Auckland. He is wearing the void type of collar badges to the 29th. We can't though see the front of his hat (image from the Auckland Cenotaph website)! |
|
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 29th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 23mm.
- Opposite: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to B Company, 29th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "9ct" to the back of the "B/XXIX", and a small Stirling Silver plaque to back of crown with "St. Sil." Size 40.5mm by 33mm. |
RD or Registered Design numbers 959 and 960 are unknown, but see the article above, within the 24th Reinforcements (Reinforcement Badges - A Technical Offense). Likely Arnold Binns, Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. made some of these badges (as admitted in his court case).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ as follows:
- The combined Drafts consisted of 28 Officers and 1347 Other Ranks.
Vessel used from Wellington on the 13th of Aug 1917.
SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 91) - "A" and "E" (part) Companies.
via Panama - to Glasgow - 50 days duration.
2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements (and 30th Reinforcements) left NZ on the 15th of Oct 1917.
Vessel used from Wellington:
SS Ruahine (H.M.N.Z.T. 92) - "B", "C", "D" and "E" (part) Companies.
via Panama - to Glasgow - 50 days duration.
"F" Company is not recorded as to which ship it left on for the 29th draft, but its members are recorded on the embarkation roll.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ as follows:
- The combined Drafts consisted of 28 Officers and 1347 Other Ranks.
Vessel used from Wellington on the 13th of Aug 1917.
SS Mokoia (H.M.N.Z.T. 91) - "A" and "E" (part) Companies.
via Panama - to Glasgow - 50 days duration.
2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements (and 30th Reinforcements) left NZ on the 15th of Oct 1917.
Vessel used from Wellington:
SS Ruahine (H.M.N.Z.T. 92) - "B", "C", "D" and "E" (part) Companies.
via Panama - to Glasgow - 50 days duration.
"F" Company is not recorded as to which ship it left on for the 29th draft, but its members are recorded on the embarkation roll.
30th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 30th infantry Reinforcement draft. They used the company letters of:
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
1st Motto: AKE AKE KIA MAIA (Forever be brave)
2nd Motto: AKE AKE KIA MANA (Forever guard your honour)
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
See "20th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter sizes.
1st Motto: AKE AKE KIA MAIA (Forever be brave)
2nd Motto: AKE AKE KIA MANA (Forever guard your honour)
|
- Above: A single piece, solid bronzed Cap Badge to the 30th Reinforcements. Marked to front to "RD" and "961", which is in the folds of the lower banner and above "Ake Kia". To back are two thick copper wire looped lugs. Size 46mm by 41mm.
|
- Above Center: An image of a 2nd Lieutenant Cousins taken in 1917. He wears to his Cap what appears to be a bi-metal 30th Reinforcement Cap badge, though it appears slightly different on the above in terms of overlay. To his lapel of his tunic are a pair of 30th Collar badges (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-C3078).
At some stage the motto in the lower banner to the 30th Reinforcements Cap badge is changed from "Ake Ake Kia Maia" to "Ake Ake Kia Mana".
|
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 30th Reinforcements. It has a smaller, non-voided crown to top and a "RD" number to front, which reads "RD" and "961". The lower banner has larger letters and a perfectly formed "N" in "MANA". Copper wire loops to back. Note the "0" is non-void. Size 46mm by 40.5mm.
|
- Above: A pair of collar badges in gilt brass to the 30th Reinforcements. Though appearing similar to front, and with two copper looped lugs to back to each, the left has "961 & 962" stamped in raised letters to back. Size 24.5mm by 28mm.
- Opposite: Three unknown soldiers in Camp in NZ as part of the 30th Reinforcements draft. All wear a example of the above Cap badges, while two also wear the Collars. Note two also have the 1888 Pat Bayonet with frog, hanging from their belts. 
- Above: An image of the 30th Reinforcement Collar to back, showing the RD or Registered Design numbers of "961 & 962" to just above the "30"
|
|
- Above: A Collar size, Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 30th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "Stg. Silver". Size 31.5mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A Collar, in Stirling Silver as a sweethearts badge to the 30th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "Stg. Silver". Size 25mm by 29mm.
|
- Above: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to B Company, 30th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "9ct" to the back of the "B/XXX". Size 39mm by 35.5mm.
|
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 30th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 24mm.
- Opposite: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to C Company, 30th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "9c" to the back of the "C/XXX". Size 39mm by 35.5mm. |
RD or Registered Design number 961 and 962 are unknown at this stage.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements (and some of the 29th) left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 39 Officers and 1568 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Corinthic (H.M.N.Z.T. 93) -carried "A", "B" (part), "C", "D" and "F" Comapnies
SS Arawa (H.M.N.Z.T. 94) - carried "B" (part) and "E" Companies
via Panama - to Liverpool - 57 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements (and some of the 29th) left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 39 Officers and 1568 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Corinthic (H.M.N.Z.T. 93) -carried "A", "B" (part), "C", "D" and "F" Comapnies
SS Arawa (H.M.N.Z.T. 94) - carried "B" (part) and "E" Companies
via Panama - to Liverpool - 57 days duration.
31st Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 31st Infantry Reinforcement draft. They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm, & "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "E", which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
"E" was a mixed company of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
Motto: WHAKATANGATA KIA KAHA (Act like a man, be strong).
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm, & "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "E", which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
"E" was a mixed company of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders and men of the British Empire.
Motto: WHAKATANGATA KIA KAHA (Act like a man, be strong).
|
- Opposite & Above: A thick, die struck, gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the 31st Reinforcements. This is the type with a thick line running through the "NZ" to top and extra vines to lower banner, around the motto of the draft. It is faintly marked "RD970" to the left of the "31" on Cap, and marked in the bottom folds of the banner to "RD" and "970", to both Collars. Two hex type brass lugs to back on each. Size of Cap 46mm by 44mm, and Collars 29.5mm by 21mm.
|
|
- Above: A Officers bi-metal darkened copper with separate white metal or silver banner to base, Collar badge to the 31st Reinforcements. Bar to base of "NZ", with the RD or Registered Design number "RD970" at base, on the banner furls on the silver or white metal. Two hex type lugs to back in a North South configuration. Size 29.5mm by 21mm.
- Opposite: A image of 52325 Edward John Hunter. Edward started his service on the 31st of Jan 1917, with E Coy of the 31st Reinforcements, and was to spend 1 year and 314 days overseas. He won the Military Medal in France with the 2nd Battalion of the Auckland Regiment. Note his Cap and Collar badges are with "Bar" behind the "NZ" to top. He just wears a "NZR" shoulder title and 4 star New Zealand Forces buttons (image from the Auckland Cenotaph website). |
|
- Opposite & Above: Again, a thick, die struck, gilt brass Cap and Collar badge set to the 31st Reinforcements. This is the type with no line running through the "NZ" to top and no vines to lower banner, around the motto of the draft. Note the two "dots: in the lower banner, either side. It is marked "RD970" to the left of the "31" on Cap, but there is no "RD" number to the front of the Collars. The Cap is brooch fitted to back, while the two Collars have hex type brass lugs to back. Size of Cap 43mm by 45mm, and Collars 29.5mm by 25mm.
|
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 31st. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 20mm.
- Opposite: A 9ct gold sweethearts badge to the 31st Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (image from internet). |
RD or Registered Design number 970 was to H. R. Potter (Camp Commandant), Colonel, Trentham Camp on the 14th of May 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 31st & 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th & 22nd of Nov 1917.
- The combined Draft consisted of 53 Officers and 2351 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 97) - carried "A", "B" and "C" Companies
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 95) - carried "D" and "E" Companies
via Panama - to Liverpool - 49 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 31st & 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th & 22nd of Nov 1917.
- The combined Draft consisted of 53 Officers and 2351 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Tahiti (H.M.N.Z.T. 97) - carried "A", "B" and "C" Companies
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 95) - carried "D" and "E" Companies
via Panama - to Liverpool - 49 days duration.
- Above: A gilt brass sweethearts bracelet made from a 31st Reinforcement shoulder number and Collar badge, with three "New Zealand Forces" buttons and a "D" Company letter for the Otago Area. All are joined together by chain links and loops added to the side of the insignia. A clasp is at each end (image from the internet)
32nd Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 32nd Infantry Reinforcement draft. They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm, "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm & "F" - 16mm by 13.5mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for "E" and "F" which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders with men of the British Empire.
These are the hardest pictorial Reinforcement badges to find, both the Cap (near impossible to find) and the Collars command high prices.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm, "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm & "F" - 16mm by 13.5mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for "E" and "F" which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
"E" & "F" were mixed companies of Infantry Reinforcements from throughout New Zealand, but tended to have more North Island men, and just a few South Islanders with men of the British Empire.
These are the hardest pictorial Reinforcement badges to find, both the Cap (near impossible to find) and the Collars command high prices.
- Above: A bi-metal Cap badge to the 32nd Reinforcements. It has a separate "32" in white metal soldered to center. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. It does have a "RD" number as the base of the South Island, but mine has been polished off. Size 47mm by 41mm.
|
- Above: Two different variations of the bi-metal Collar badge to the 32nd Reinforcements. They were NOT opposing, so two of the same collars were worn. Above right and center have a "977 RC" to the base of the South Island. Both have copper looped wire lugs to back. The above right Collar has the "topography" of New Zealand, in the form of the Southern Alps to the South Island, rivers and Stewart Island at the base. It has a "RD 977" just above the "32" disc on the center of the North Island. Hex type brass lugs to back. Size (with "32" horizontal) 32.5mm by 13.5mm (roughly)
|
|
- Opposite: A bi-metal, 32nd Reinforcement Cap badge. Note it shows the topography or relief of New Zealand to front surface, i.e. mountain ranges and also rivers. It is three piece, with a separate map of New Zealand (and Silver or white metal "32" disc) sweated to a Fern leaf frame, which has the "NZ" letters. Two hex type brass lugs to back, and size 50mm by 42mm.
- Above: A matching pair of bi-metal 32nd Reinforcement collar badges. Both have a white metal disc to center, sweated on a relief map of New Zealand, and brass type hex lugs to back. "RD 977" can just be seen above the disc on the brass of the North Island on the top one (images from the internet). |
|
- Opposite: Four 32nd Reinforcements from B Company (Wellington), with three wearing wearing their "32nd" Reinforcement Cap badges. Two are wearing their 32nd Collar badges. Note the other two are wearing early ONWARDS Collar badges. I can just see a "B" on the shoulder strap of the left, sitting chap. To back its addressed to "Ernie Rogers 4th November 1917. New Zealand" then "No. 64142 Private E Rogers., 32 Reinforcements, B. Company. 5 Platoon, C/o G.P.O., Wellington".
But it does not indicate if one of these chaps is Ernie! - Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 32nd. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 24mm. |
- Above: A variation of the 32nd Reinforcement Collar badge, in single piece gilt brass. These have hex type brass lugs to back. Note the left collar is missing the top leg in the "N". No maker mark. Size 35mm by 30mm.
- Opposite: A image of Private Bowler, taken in Auckland in 1917. He is wearing a pair of the above 32nd Reinforcement Collar badges, with rounded frame and "NZ" either side of a map of New Zealand, with "32" to center. On his shoulder strap is a letter over a "32" and "NZR" in gilt brass (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-B3577). |
|
RD or Registered Design number 977 was to Harry Rowland Potter, Reinforcement Camp Trentham on the 21st (or 22nd) of June 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 32nd Reinforcements (see above and the 31st Reinforcements, which combined with the 32nd to sail together).
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Managanui (H.M.N.Z.T. 96) - carried "C", "D", "E" and "F" Companies.
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 95) - carried "A" and "B" Companies
via Panama - to Liverpool - 49 days duration.
- Opposite: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 32nd Reinforcements. No separate disc to front, with a faint "RC" number to base of the South Island. Two long thin copper looped wire lugs to back in a East/West configuration (image from the internet).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 32nd Reinforcements (see above and the 31st Reinforcements, which combined with the 32nd to sail together).
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Managanui (H.M.N.Z.T. 96) - carried "C", "D", "E" and "F" Companies.
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 95) - carried "A" and "B" Companies
via Panama - to Liverpool - 49 days duration.
- Opposite: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 32nd Reinforcements. No separate disc to front, with a faint "RC" number to base of the South Island. Two long thin copper looped wire lugs to back in a East/West configuration (image from the internet).
33rd Infantry Reinforcements
The 33rd Infantry Reinforcements were the last draft to have their own unique styled cap badge and collar.
They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm & "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "E" which has a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to its top, either round, or like the below examples, with a flat or square top.
Motto: HUIA TATAU (Let us band together).
They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm, "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm & "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "E" which has a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to its top, either round, or like the below examples, with a flat or square top.
Motto: HUIA TATAU (Let us band together).
- Above: A darkened brass Cap badge to the 33rd Infantry Reinforcements. It has had the darkened finished polished back, showing the feathers tips in white metal on a brass body. It has a RD number in the top left fold of the banner to "RD982". In the fold on the between the words "ZEALAND" and "TATAU" is the maker mark "Bock". Size 46mm by 42mm, with two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above: A pair of opposing Collar badges in gilt brass to the 33rd Reinforcements. Both have either brass wire looped lugs or like the Cap badge, flat brass hex type lugs. They are not maker marked. Size 22mm by 52mm.
|
Above: A superb image of a 33rd Reinforcement, wearing both his Cap badge and Collars. On his shoulder straps, he has a "33" above a "NZR" title. His tunic has the "New Zealand Forces" buttons with the 4 stars to center. The image was found in the items to Corporal 43271 Alfred "Ernest" Kemp, and may possibly be a relative (Nigel Robson Collection).
|
|
- Opposite & Above: A Cap and Collar badge set to the 33rd Reinforcements. The Cap badge is again, marked in the folds to front on the lower banner to "RD982" and "BOCK". Hex brass lugs to back of Cap badge and wire looped lugs to back of Collar badges. Size of Cap is 46mm by 41mm, and Collars are 23mm by 51mm.
|
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 33rd. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 16.5mm by 23.5mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, 4 piece, brass shoulder number to the 33rd. Both numbers are mounted on a bar, at the top and bottom, with two copper looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. Stamped to base bar "STOKES & SONS. Size 16.5mm by 25.5mm.
|
- Above: A front steel die to the 33rd Reinforcements. This is 50mm in diameter, which would make it too small for a Cap badge. Instead it was for a silver sweethearts badge. No maker mark and note, no RD or registered design numbers to the banner folds either (image from the internet).
- Opposite: A variation to the 33rd Reinforcement Cap, which has rounded tips to the ends of the feathers (opposed to the more square or rectangular, shown above). This eample is worn, in terms of strike, and is missing detail and also the center white metal tip overlay. There might be a "RD" number to the folds in the banner. Two copper looped lugs to back (image from the internet).
RD or Registered Design number 982 was to Harry Rowland Potter, Trentham N.Z., Commandant Reinforcement Camp on the 10th of August 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 33rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of Dec 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 22 Officers and 992 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 99) - took all 5 Infantry Companies of the 33rd Draft.
via Panama - to Glasgow - 57 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number 982 was to Harry Rowland Potter, Trentham N.Z., Commandant Reinforcement Camp on the 10th of August 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 33rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of Dec 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 22 Officers and 992 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Athenic (H.M.N.Z.T. 99) - took all 5 Infantry Companies of the 33rd Draft.
via Panama - to Glasgow - 57 days duration.
34th Infantry Reinforcements & Beyond - the last badge
- Opposite: An earlier article from the Dominion Newspaper this time dated the 11th of September 1917 describing what would become the below badge for the 34th Reinforcements and beyond, "irrespective of regiment or draft" (Papers Past - Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3187, 11 September 1917, Page 4).
|
- Opposite & Above: The surrounding article appeared in the Dominion Newspaper on the 20th of October 1917, announcing not only the recent prohibition of Soldiers while training in NZ to purchase private items of uniform (this did NOT apply to Officers), but also a universal badge. It was sold as a way of "tidying up" the appearance of the New Zealand Soldier, and if they were issued with standard shoulder numbers and letters, then they should also wear a standard universal badge (Papers Past - Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 22, 20 October 1917, Page 3).
|
The badge worn by the 34th Infantry Reinforcement was the last to be unique.
Sweethearts badges, made from gold or silver, or modied badges, were still popular and record the subsequent company letters over the draft numbers.
Sweethearts badges, made from gold or silver, or modied badges, were still popular and record the subsequent company letters over the draft numbers.
They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm & "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration. No maker mark.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm & "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration. No maker mark.
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements. Two hex type brass lugs to back, in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 45mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: The same die stamped, brass Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements. Note the extra polishing to the "NZ" to center, which has removed the detail to the letters. Two hex type brass lugs to back, in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 45mm by 35mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements. Slight difference in crown and frame shape. Two replacement wire lugs to back, in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 45mm by 38mm.
|
|
- Opposite & Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements. A unusual badge, with it being clearly maker marked to back, to center, to "STOKES & SONS" and "MADE IN AUSTRALIA". Two thick copper looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration and size 46mm by 39mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass, die stamped Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements. Rounded frame, with hex type, brass lugs in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 44mm by 46.5mm.
|
- Above: The same Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements as the above left. With "Popped" center, and much polishing of the "NZ". Two hex type, brass lugs in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 43mm by 45mm (because of curve of badge).
|
- Above: A gilt brass, die stamped Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements. High "NZ" within the frame. Two copper wire looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 42mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: The same Cap badge to the 34th Reinforcements as the above left. Slight differences in cut of the "NZ" within the frame. Two copper wire looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 42mm by 36mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th. Both have two copper thick wire looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 36mm by 30mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass matching pair of Collar badge to the 34th Reinforcements. Slight narrower crown and fern frond leaves. To back are thin copper wire looped lugs. No maker mark and size 35mm by 30mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, gilt brass matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th reinforcements. Narrow base to crown again, but different finish to inside of "NZ" letters. Both have two copper looped lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 34.5mm by 28.5mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass Collar badge to the 34th reinforcements. Rounded type, but with large crown to top. Two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 33.5mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A gilt brass Collar badge to the 34th reinforcements. Rounded type, but with smaller, non-voided crown to top. No lugs and no marker mark. Size 30mm by 26mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, matching pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 34th reinforcements. Rounded type, but with smaller, voided crown to top. Hex type, brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No marker mark and size 29mm by 27mm.
|
- Above: A die stamp, matching pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 34th Reinforcements. Smaller "NZ" to center and less rounded wreath. Both have two hex type brass lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 33.5mm by 28mm.
|
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 34th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Feb 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 818 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Ulimarua (H.M.N.Z.T. 100) - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Panama - to Liverpool - 49 days duration.
- 34th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Feb 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 818 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Ulimarua (H.M.N.Z.T. 100) - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Panama - to Liverpool - 49 days duration.
|
|
- Opposite: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to B Company, 34th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "9ct" to the back of the "B/XXXIV". Size 39mm by 35.5mm.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 34th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 25mm. |
- Above Left: A Collar size sweethearts badge in Stirling Silver and Gold (not marked) with banner engraved "MOTHER". It's shape is based on the 34th patterned Reinforcement badge. Brooch fitting to back size 39.5mm by 28mm.
35th Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 35th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of Mar 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 829 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 101) - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
to Suez - 38 days duration. Then to Marseilles, Le Havre and onto Southampton.
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 35th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of Mar 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 829 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Tofua (H.M.N.Z.T. 101) - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
to Suez - 38 days duration. Then to Marseilles, Le Havre and onto Southampton.
- Opposite: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 35th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 24mm.
An Unknown
Some badges just don't fit. The following is a image of a Mr Carrington and a sweethearts badge to "F" Company, 35th Reinforcements. Checking the New Zealand Nominal Roll for WW1, there was no mention of "F" Company for the 35th leaving New Zealand.
The Infantry drafts, only used the letters "A", "B", "C" and "D", all others units, like Specialists, Mounted Rifles, Engineers and ASC were just refferred to as "35th Specialist Company Reinforcements" or "35th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements" or "35th Engineer Reinforcements" and "35th Army Service Corps Reinforcements".
No other Company letters were used at embarkation, but may have been used within Camp. At this stage there is no record.
Its also a personally bought item, so could means something personel to the soldier. Note Mr Carrington appears to be wearing a sweethearts badge to his hat.
The Infantry drafts, only used the letters "A", "B", "C" and "D", all others units, like Specialists, Mounted Rifles, Engineers and ASC were just refferred to as "35th Specialist Company Reinforcements" or "35th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements" or "35th Engineer Reinforcements" and "35th Army Service Corps Reinforcements".
No other Company letters were used at embarkation, but may have been used within Camp. At this stage there is no record.
Its also a personally bought item, so could means something personel to the soldier. Note Mr Carrington appears to be wearing a sweethearts badge to his hat.
- Above: A silver with gold center of "F" over "XXXV" sweethearts badge to "F" Company. 35th Reinforcements. Brooch to back with no maker mark, 40mm tall (image from the internet).
- Opposite: An image of a Mr Carrington, here wearing what appears to be a sweethearts badge with "F" over "XXXV" in gold on a silver frame. He has a pair of "NZ EXPEDITIONARY FORCES" Collar badges, with a brass "35" over a "NZR" to his shoulder boards (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-C3607). |
|
36th Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- The 36th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of April 1918 and 2nd of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 28 Officers and 1068 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 102) - carried "A", "B" and "C" Companies (23rd of April).
SS Balmoral Castle (H.M.N.Z.T. ?) - carried "D" Company (2nd of May).
via Suez - 39 days duration. Then to Taranto, Cherbourg and onto Southampton.
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- The 36th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of April 1918 and 2nd of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 28 Officers and 1068 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Willochra (H.M.N.Z.T. 102) - carried "A", "B" and "C" Companies (23rd of April).
SS Balmoral Castle (H.M.N.Z.T. ?) - carried "D" Company (2nd of May).
via Suez - 39 days duration. Then to Taranto, Cherbourg and onto Southampton.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 36th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 23mm.
- Opposite: A Collar size sweethearts badge in Stirling Silver and Gold overlay (not marked) on a 34th patterned Reinforcement badge. Brooch fitting to back with a stamp a "STG. SILVER" to back of lower banner. Size 32.5mm by 28.5mm (note tip of crown to top is missing). |
|
37th Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- The 37th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th and 16th of May 1918.
- The two Drafts consisted of 23 Officers and 769 Other Ranks & 9 Officers and 233 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 103) - carried "A", "B" and "C" Companies (9th of May).
via Panama - to Liverpool - 55 days duration.
SS Ionic (H.M.N.Z.T. 104) - carried "D" Company (16th of May).
via Panama - to London - 55 days duration.
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- The 37th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th and 16th of May 1918.
- The two Drafts consisted of 23 Officers and 769 Other Ranks & 9 Officers and 233 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
SS Maunganui (H.M.N.Z.T. 103) - carried "A", "B" and "C" Companies (9th of May).
via Panama - to Liverpool - 55 days duration.
SS Ionic (H.M.N.Z.T. 104) - carried "D" Company (16th of May).
via Panama - to London - 55 days duration.
- Opposite: A rose gold and silver sweethearts badge in the shape of a fern to the B Company, 37th Reinforcements, which would be for the Wellington Area.
Brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark.
Brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark.
|
|
Above: A Silver ID bracelet to 52314 Pte Egerton Burleigh Cooper Cecil, who was a member of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion. He initially started out as a member of "E" Company, 31st Reinforcements, but rose up through the ranks to be Sergeant, and was allocated and left with "D" Company, 37th Reinforcements (after a spell in "B" Company, C1 Camp and "Details"). He was from Auckland, and married with two children (one born in 1917, which might explain the detail in leaving NZ). ID is engaved to front to "BURLEIGH CECIL, No. 52314, CANTERBURY. N.Z.E.F, C OF E" To back it is engraved "With Love from your Sweethearts" and "REAL SILVER". Disc size 30mm by 41mm (with loops), overall length 180mm.
38th Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 38th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 5th of June 1918
- The Draft consisted of 15 Officers and 711 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T. 105 - SS Remuera - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Panama - to Liverpool - 57 days duration.
See "34th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 38th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 5th of June 1918
- The Draft consisted of 15 Officers and 711 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T. 105 - SS Remuera - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Panama - to Liverpool - 57 days duration.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 38th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 16.5mm by 23mm.
|
|
- Above Right: A silver and gold sweethearts badges to A Company, 38th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark (image from the internet).
- Opposite: A gold and silver sweetheart badge to D Company, 38th Reinforcements. A silver fern, with applied gold letters, numbers and bar. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
39th Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm & "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "E" which has a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 39th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 13th of June 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 12 Officers and 702 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 106 - SS Athenic - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Panama - to Plymouth - 82 days duration.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm & "E" - 15.5mm by 14mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for the "E" which has a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 39th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 13th of June 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 12 Officers and 702 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 106 - SS Athenic - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Panama - to Plymouth - 82 days duration.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 39th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 16mm by 23mm.
- Opposite: A Gold and Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 39th Reinforcements. Two looped lugs have been added to back, with a mark of "Stg. Silver to back base of frame. |
|
40th Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
See "39th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 40th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 10th of July 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 952 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 107 - SS Tahiti - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 64 days duration.
See "39th Infantry Reinforcements" for letter size.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 40th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 10th of July 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 952 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 107 - SS Tahiti - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 64 days duration.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 40th. Two brass hex type lugs to back to each in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 24mm.
|
- Above: A sweethearts badge in the form of a converted brass shoulder number to the 40th. Lugs have been removed, and a brooch fitting attached. Extra gilt finish applied. No maker mark and size 17.5mm by 23.5mm.
|
- Above: A gold and silver sweethearts badge in the shape of a fern with raised letter/number to the B Company, 40th Reinforcements, for the Wellington Area. Brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark. Size 14mm by 42mm.
|
|
- Above: A gold and silver sweethearts badge in the shape of a fern with raised letter/number to the C Company, 4? Reinforcements, for the Canterbury Area. Missing the 3rd Gold letter with brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark. Size 14mm by 42mm.
- Opposite: An image of a Private Wallace, of "D" Company, 40th Reinforcements. Like the above "F" Company, 35th, there was NO "D" Company in the 40th. There are three Wallace's in the 40th, and 78985 David Adam Wallace hailed from Clinton, Otago. I just wonder if this is him, and the men kept up the Company letter scheme, even though in David's case, he was assigned to "B" Company and there was no "D" Company as such. He wears a "NZ Expeditionary Force" Cap and Collar badge set, with a "D" over "40" and curved "NZR". Image is dated 1917 - 1918 (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-W4761). |
41st Infantry Reinforcements
|
They embarked used the Company letters of: "E", "F", "G" & "H" but used different letters while training in New Zealand ("A", "B", "C" and "D").
There is no explenation other than when they were in camp, the Army re-classified them as "E", "F", "G" & "H" , to maybe ensure they didn't clash with another Draft? Maybe at the time they proposed combing the 41st with another draft (42nd?) into one transport. It never happened. Date of Departure from NZ: - 41st Reinforcements - left NZ on the 27th of July 1918. - The Draft consisted of 13 Officers and 945 Other Ranks. Vessels used from Wellington: - H.M.N.Z.T 108 - SS Ulimaroa - carried E", "F", "G" and "H" Companies. via Cape Good Hope - to London - 69 days duration. - Opposite: An image of 77423 Private Cyril Appleyard, likely taken while in Camp as a "D" Company, 41st Reinforcement between 24th of May 1918 and 13th of July 1918. He started training and was transferred to "C" Company, C1 Camp (so unfit for training to Army standards), once up to standard he transferred to "D" Company, 41st Reinforcements, but was again transferred to "D" Comapny, 42nd Reinforcements, when he then left NZ and joined the NZ Rifle Brigade Reserve Brigade at Brocken Camp in the UK. The image is dated 1920. He has the generic 34th and beyond Reinforcement collars, while to his shoulder board is a "D" over "41" over a curved brass "NZR" (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 31-A4006). |
|
- Above: A sweethearts badge in Silver with gold letter and numbers to "B" Company, 41st Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A sweethearts badge in Silver with gold letter and numbers to "D" Company, 41st Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back (image from the internet).
|
|
- Above: A late Sweethearts badge to G Company, 41st Reinforcements. Interestingly it written "XXXXI" usual roman numerals for 41 are written "XLI". 9ct Gold center on a Sterling Silver frame (Ian Hamilton collection).
|
- Above: An image of 81358 Pte. Albert Arthur Love, here part of "F" Company, 41st Reinforcements. He joined camp on the 23rd of May 1918, but was transfered to Trentham Details on the 26th of July 1918. Sadly he caught Influenza and died in Camp on the 26th of Nov 1918. He wears a pair of 34th and beyond Collar badges, while to his shoulder board can just be seen a brass "F" over "41" (Albert Arthur Love, former pupil of Mahora School, Hastings, in World War I uniform - Knowledgebank).
42nd Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm & "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration. No maker mark.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 42nd Reinforcements - left NZ on the 1st of Aug 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 11 Officers and 808 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 109 - SS Tofua - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Cape Good Hope - to London - 64 days duration.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm, "C" - 16mm by 13mm & "D" - 15.5mm by 12mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration. No maker mark.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- 42nd Reinforcements - left NZ on the 1st of Aug 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 11 Officers and 808 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 109 - SS Tofua - carried all 4 Infantry Companies.
via Cape Good Hope - to London - 64 days duration.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 42nd. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 22.5mm.
- Opposite: A Collar size Silver 34th patt Reinforcement Sweethearts badge. Brooch fitting to back, with a small "STG.SILVER" stamp at back base. Size 33mm by 28mm. |
|
43rd Infantry Reinforcements
They used the company letters of:
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm & "F" - 16mm by 13.5mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for "F" which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
- All Company appears to be a mixed group of men from both Islands and the British Empire.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- The 43rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Aug 1918 and 2nd of Oct 1918.
- The 1st part consisted of 6 Officers and 246 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 110 - SS Ruahine - carried "F" Company (18th of Aug).
via Cape Good Hope - to Tilbury - 73 days duration.
- The 2nd part consisted of 5 Officers and 371 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 111 - SS Matatua - carried "A" and "B" Companies (2nd of Oct).
via Cape Good Hope - to London - 67 days duration.
Size of letters are "A" - 16mm by 16mm, "B" - 16mm by 14.5mm & "F" - 16mm by 13.5mm. All have a pair of small hex type, brass lugs to back in at North/South configuration, except for "F" which have a single hex lug to center. No maker mark.
- All Company appears to be a mixed group of men from both Islands and the British Empire.
Date of Departure from NZ:
- The 43rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Aug 1918 and 2nd of Oct 1918.
- The 1st part consisted of 6 Officers and 246 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 110 - SS Ruahine - carried "F" Company (18th of Aug).
via Cape Good Hope - to Tilbury - 73 days duration.
- The 2nd part consisted of 5 Officers and 371 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington:
- H.M.N.Z.T 111 - SS Matatua - carried "A" and "B" Companies (2nd of Oct).
via Cape Good Hope - to London - 67 days duration.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 43rd. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 16.5mm by 23mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 43rd. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 23mm.
|
The remaining Reinforcements in New Zealand
The above 43rd reinforcements were the last Infantry Reinforcement draft to leave New Zealand for the First World War.
The 44th to 51st Reinforcements for both Infantry and Mounted Rifles were held back and eventually disbanded back into civilian life.
1,592 Officers and 65,518 Other Ranks were sent overseas from New Zealand during WW1.
137 Officers and 7,969 Other Ranks were still training in New Zealand on the 12th of November 1918.
Thousands were also involved with the defense of New Zealand at home and within running the camps, trainsport, training and logistics.
The 44th to 51st Reinforcements for both Infantry and Mounted Rifles were held back and eventually disbanded back into civilian life.
1,592 Officers and 65,518 Other Ranks were sent overseas from New Zealand during WW1.
137 Officers and 7,969 Other Ranks were still training in New Zealand on the 12th of November 1918.
Thousands were also involved with the defense of New Zealand at home and within running the camps, trainsport, training and logistics.
- Above: A large group photo of E Company, 45th Reinforcements. These guys would remain in New Zealand as they were still training when hostilities ended.
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 44th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a East/West configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 25mm.
|
- Above Left: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 45th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 23.5mm.
- Above Right: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 45th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 23mm. |
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number to the 46th. Two brass hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 15.5mm by 23mm.
|
|
- Above: A die stamped, 4 piece, brass shoulder number to the 47th. Both numbers are mounted on two backing bars, with two copper looped lugs in a East/West configuration. Maker marked lower back bar to "STOKES & SONS", with size 17mm by 23mm.
|
- Above: A small snapshot of a group of soldiers likely on a march. It just has in pencil "D47" and shows members of D Company, 47th Infantry Reinforcements. Note the webbing, rifles and Lemon Squeezer hats. All have the 34th Reinforcement pattern New Zealand Expeditionary Force Cap badge (D47th Reio Group photo Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1677-ALB332-40-04).
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 48th. Two brass hex type lugs to back to each in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 23mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped, 4 piece, brass shoulder number to the 48th. Both numbers are mounted on two backing bars, with two copper looped lugs in a East/West configuration. Maker marked lower back bar to "STOKES & SONS", with size 16mm by 25mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 49th. Two brass hex type lugs to back to each in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 17mm by 24mm.
|
- Above: A die stamped brass shoulder number pair to the 50th. Two brass hex type lugs to back to each in a North/South configuration. No maker mark and size 18mm by 24mm.
|
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:
- 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.
- 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.
|
- Above: 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.
- Opposite: A image of 73242 Private Richard Oliver Daly, wearing a "C1" Cap badge to his hat. He was assigned to E Coy, C1 when he entered camp on the on the 22nd of Nov 1917, and then once "fit", he was transferred to B Coy, 37th Reinforcements. Sadly Richard died of TB in 1922 (Auckland Library Heritage Collection 31-D3658). |
- Above: A superb image of three soldiers taken in New Zealand, during WW1 by "A. A. P. Mackensie, Military Photographer, Featherston Camp". The C1 Camp was located at Tauherenikau, which was beside Featherston Camp. The man on the left wears what appears to be an Onwards badge and maybe 34th Collars (Cap lower banner appears very narrow). Note his puggaree to his hat appears khaki/black/khaki, which would denote the colours of home service. He also has shoulder titles and 4 star NZ Forces buttons.
The soldiers to center and right wear the C1 badge to their lemon squeezers. Note the cloth backing patch which could be red or scarlett (denoting Infantry, opposed to NZRB, NZMR and Corps). They both appear to be wearing khaki/khaki/khaki coloured puggarees. One man has 4 star NZ Forces buttons, while the other has plain, 4 hold bone buttons. They have no shoulder titles and no Collar badges (image from the internet).
The soldiers to center and right wear the C1 badge to their lemon squeezers. Note the cloth backing patch which could be red or scarlett (denoting Infantry, opposed to NZRB, NZMR and Corps). They both appear to be wearing khaki/khaki/khaki coloured puggarees. One man has 4 star NZ Forces buttons, while the other has plain, 4 hold bone buttons. They have no shoulder titles and no Collar badges (image from the internet).
Figures compiled at the end of WW1 showed that from 29th of Sept 1917 to the 12th Nov 1918:
- 7 187 soldiers reported to C1 Camp.
- 3 528 soldiers moved onto a Reinforcement draft after attending Camp.
- 2 899 soldiers were classed as C2 after attending Camp and were transferred to Home Service only.
- 330 soldiers were rejected again, from a Reinforcement draft after attending Camp.
- 760 soldiers were in C1 Camp on the 18th of November 1918.
- 7 187 soldiers reported to C1 Camp.
- 3 528 soldiers moved onto a Reinforcement draft after attending Camp.
- 2 899 soldiers were classed as C2 after attending Camp and were transferred to Home Service only.
- 330 soldiers were rejected again, from a Reinforcement draft after attending Camp.
- 760 soldiers were in C1 Camp on the 18th of November 1918.
Other Sweetheart Badges
The following are just a small selection of patriotic badges manufactured around WW1. They don't necessarily appear military, but are someway linked back to New Zealand War efforts.
- Above: A Gold, with coloured stones, sweethearts badge, commemorating ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). Multi piece, it has a small plaque to back with "9ct" stamped to it. No maker mark and size 32mm in diameter.
|
|
|
- Above: A silver pin backed badge. Sold by a collector in quantity, these are currently unknown in terms of purpose. Clearly New Zealand, with fern fronds to base, with a 13 to center and the letters "H" and "T" either side under a crown. No maker mark and size 27mm by 23mm.
|
Unknowns
- Above: A large gilt brass fern with purpose yet unknown. Two looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Size 19mm by 49mm.
|
- Above: A large gilt brass fern with purpose yet unknown. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark. Size 18mm by 47mm.
|
Samoan Relief Force Badges
Königreich Samoa or the Kingdom of Samoa was officially a German protectorate from 1900 until 1920.
At the outbreak of WW1, the Samoan Advance Party of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, mainly made up of the 5th (Wellington) Infantry Regiment members, were sent in early August 1914 to capture the Islands and its important wireless station at the behest of the British Imperial Government.
At the outbreak of WW1, the Samoan Advance Party of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, mainly made up of the 5th (Wellington) Infantry Regiment members, were sent in early August 1914 to capture the Islands and its important wireless station at the behest of the British Imperial Government.
- Above: a selection of Imperial German Postage stamps issued for Königreich Samoa. Issued from 1900 with the last issued in 1915, but never used other than in Germany, as the protectorate was by then, in New Zealand hands.
55 Officers, 1364 men and women set sail from Wellington on the 15th of August 1914, which included Nurses, the NZE Train Battalion and Auckland Divisional Signalers (members of the Auckland College Rifles).
They arrived on the 29th of August 1914 and landed with no opposition from the German administration.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Logan was the Advance Force commander and military administrator.
Many found that boredom was the major threat while on the Islands. After any retaliatory threat from Germany subsided (this was decided in December 1914 with the destruction of the German fleet in the pacific), New Zealand sent a number of Samoan Relief Forces, made up of older men to the Island.
This meant that many of the Samoan Advance Force, who were younger Territorials, returned early 1915 to New Zealand, and re-enlisted, forming parts of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, who then saw action in France.
New Zealand remained in Samoa throught the war until 1920, and then governed the islands, first under a League of Nations Class C Mandate, then as a United Nations Trust Territory after 1946. Samoa got its independence in 1962.
A Cap and Collar badge has been pictured worn by members of the Samoan Relief Force, whice were in efect reinforcements to the Samoan Advance Force.
Interestingly the "3 Palms" adopted by the force within the center of their badge was also proposed as a "Coat of Arms" for the Imperial German Königreich Samoa.
The Collar badge is just the center of the below badge, which has been lugged or brooched, and is less common than the below gilt brass Cap badge.
55 Officers, 1364 men and women set sail from Wellington on the 15th of August 1914, which included Nurses, the NZE Train Battalion and Auckland Divisional Signalers (members of the Auckland College Rifles).
They arrived on the 29th of August 1914 and landed with no opposition from the German administration.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Logan was the Advance Force commander and military administrator.
Many found that boredom was the major threat while on the Islands. After any retaliatory threat from Germany subsided (this was decided in December 1914 with the destruction of the German fleet in the pacific), New Zealand sent a number of Samoan Relief Forces, made up of older men to the Island.
This meant that many of the Samoan Advance Force, who were younger Territorials, returned early 1915 to New Zealand, and re-enlisted, forming parts of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, who then saw action in France.
New Zealand remained in Samoa throught the war until 1920, and then governed the islands, first under a League of Nations Class C Mandate, then as a United Nations Trust Territory after 1946. Samoa got its independence in 1962.
A Cap and Collar badge has been pictured worn by members of the Samoan Relief Force, whice were in efect reinforcements to the Samoan Advance Force.
Interestingly the "3 Palms" adopted by the force within the center of their badge was also proposed as a "Coat of Arms" for the Imperial German Königreich Samoa.
The Collar badge is just the center of the below badge, which has been lugged or brooched, and is less common than the below gilt brass Cap badge.
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Samoan Relief Force Cap Badge. A Convex frame with "EXPEDIT. FORCES" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark and size 46.5mm by 38mm (image from the internet).
|
- Above: The same badge, this time a two piece sweethearts with Gold to center on a Silver frame. Brooch fitting to back (you can see the brass pin to back. (image from the internet).
|
- Above: An Officer (due to open collared tunic and sam brown strap) wearing a peaked cap with a Samoan Relief Force Cap badge, likely in gilt brass. Sadly no name or refernce as to where this image has come from (image from the internet).
|
Dates of departure
- Samoan Expeditionary Force - 55 Officers & 1364 Other Ranks - 15th Aug 1914
- Samoan Expedtionary Force Reinforcements - 3 Officers & 1 Other Ranks - 15th of Aug 1914
- Samoan Relief Force - 13 Officers & 345 Other Ranks - 27th of Mar 1915
- Samoan Relief Force (2nd Relief Force) Steamship Talune - 27 Other Ranks - 13th of Dec 1915
- Samoan Relief Force (3rd Relief Force) Steamship Talune - 25 Other Ranks - 10th of Jan 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 2 Officers & 21 Other Ranks - 29th of May 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 2 Other Ranks - 24th of July 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 1 Officer & 1 Other Rank - 21st of Aug 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 1 Officer & 15 Other Ranks - 18th of Sept 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 2 Other Ranks - 16th of Nov 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 17 Other Ranks - 5th of Feb 1917
- Samoan Relief Force - 34 Other Ranks - 5th of Apr 1917
- Samoan Relief Force - 26 Other Ranks - 28th of May 1917
- Samoan Relief Force - 37 Other Ranks - 11th of Feb 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 4 Other Ranks - 11th of Mar 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 14 Other Ranks - 4th of May 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 1 Officer & 36 Other Ranks - 24th of Aug 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 20 Other Ranks - 21st of Sept 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 12 Other Ranks - 30th of Oct 1918
Total sent - 76 Officers and 2003 Other Ranks.
121 Horses were also sent between the dates of the 15th of Aug 1914 to 13th of Dec 1915.
- Samoan Expeditionary Force - 55 Officers & 1364 Other Ranks - 15th Aug 1914
- Samoan Expedtionary Force Reinforcements - 3 Officers & 1 Other Ranks - 15th of Aug 1914
- Samoan Relief Force - 13 Officers & 345 Other Ranks - 27th of Mar 1915
- Samoan Relief Force (2nd Relief Force) Steamship Talune - 27 Other Ranks - 13th of Dec 1915
- Samoan Relief Force (3rd Relief Force) Steamship Talune - 25 Other Ranks - 10th of Jan 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 2 Officers & 21 Other Ranks - 29th of May 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 2 Other Ranks - 24th of July 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 1 Officer & 1 Other Rank - 21st of Aug 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 1 Officer & 15 Other Ranks - 18th of Sept 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 2 Other Ranks - 16th of Nov 1916
- Samoan Relief Force - 17 Other Ranks - 5th of Feb 1917
- Samoan Relief Force - 34 Other Ranks - 5th of Apr 1917
- Samoan Relief Force - 26 Other Ranks - 28th of May 1917
- Samoan Relief Force - 37 Other Ranks - 11th of Feb 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 4 Other Ranks - 11th of Mar 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 14 Other Ranks - 4th of May 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 1 Officer & 36 Other Ranks - 24th of Aug 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 20 Other Ranks - 21st of Sept 1918
- Samoan Relief Force - 12 Other Ranks - 30th of Oct 1918
Total sent - 76 Officers and 2003 Other Ranks.
121 Horses were also sent between the dates of the 15th of Aug 1914 to 13th of Dec 1915.
Reserves.
In late 1915, early 1916, Companies of Reserves were briefly established in New Zealand.
This seems to be due to the over-abundance of men training at the time, and the military events occurring overseas.
Already the focus of Gallipoli was waning, and instead the Military authorities were looking to move New Zealand forces to Europe, and establishment the New Zealand and ANZAC Divisions.
Reinforcements were held back, some sent to Egypt, while existing formations were built out and new ones established.
It looks like the "Reserves" were formed to keep the men training while the changes to New Zealand's Army structure took place.
The Infantry Reserve Companies were numbered from 1 to 4, while a single 1st Mounted Rifle Reserve was formed.
Here are some examples of their badges.
This seems to be due to the over-abundance of men training at the time, and the military events occurring overseas.
Already the focus of Gallipoli was waning, and instead the Military authorities were looking to move New Zealand forces to Europe, and establishment the New Zealand and ANZAC Divisions.
Reinforcements were held back, some sent to Egypt, while existing formations were built out and new ones established.
It looks like the "Reserves" were formed to keep the men training while the changes to New Zealand's Army structure took place.
The Infantry Reserve Companies were numbered from 1 to 4, while a single 1st Mounted Rifle Reserve was formed.
Here are some examples of their badges.
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the Infantry Reserves. This is a generic type, with no number. Two brass hex lugs to back, and note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD818" to center.
|
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 2nd Infantry Reserves. Brooch fitting to back, and note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD818" to center (image from the internet).
|
- Above: A image of Corporal F Levet. He has a "3rd" Reserve Cap badge to his Lemon Squeezer. Two curved "NZR" titles are to his shoulder straps ( (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-L0707).
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 3rd Infantry Reserves. Two brass hex lugs to back, and note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD818" to center.
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 4th Infantry Reserves. This has had extra gilt applied and a brooch fitting to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD818" to center.
- Opposite: A image of 22945 Rifleman Nathaniel Craig. He is wearing a "4th" Reserve Cap badge to his peaked Cap. To his tunic collars, he has the "Kiwi over Rifle" Reinforcement badge and curved "NZR" shoudler title (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-C0327). |
|
|
- Above: A image of Private T Stewart again, but with his friend, a Private J Smith. Smith (on the right) wears a 4th Infantry Reserve Brigade Cap badge. To his collar are two "Kiwi over Rifle" type Collar badges. His shoulder boards are not visible (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-S1076).
|
- Above: A image of Private T Stewart of the 3rd Infantry Reserve Brigade. He wears a two piece Cap badge with "3" beside the Kiwi to center. To his collars are the below "RESERVE" Kiwi collar. Note he wears two of the same side. To his shoulder boards is a curved "NZR" title (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-S1156)
|
- Above: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 1st Mounted Rifles Reserves. Two copper looped lugs to back in a north/south configuration. No maker mark.
- Opposite: An image of 10747 Corporal Clifford Stuart Des Barres, of the 1st Mounted Rifle Reserves. His service file confirms that he was a member of the Squadron from the 9th of March 1916. He wears a similar Cap badge to the above (but no "NZ" to frame), and interestingly I believe to centers of the badge as Collars. Note that they face the same way as the center of the badge, and would likely have a banner with "1st RESERVE". He wears a "NZMR" curved shoulder title. Cliff initially joined "A" Squadron, 11th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements, but I imagine due to the reogansiation at the time, he was transferred to the reserves. Eventually he proceeded overseas and joined the New Zealand Cyclist Corps, where he was sadly KIA on the 3rd of Sept 1916 (Auckland Library Heritage Collections 31-B0053). |
- Above: A opposing gilt brass Collar badge pair to the Reserves. The left has two hex lugs to the back, while the right has copper wire loops. Both have "RD818" to center. Note these are faked, and are cast instead of die stamped. The fakes also are one piece (lugs are part of the badge), so care needs to be taken.
|
- Above: A cast pair of gilt brass shoulder titles to the Reserves. These have two brass hex lugs to the back of each. No maker mark.
|
RD or Registered Design number 818 was to Montague Bay, Engraver & Jeweler, 66 Willis Street, Wellington, N.Z. on the 15th of December 1915.
Fakes & Forgeries
The following is a known fake of the Reserve Collar badge. It is cast one piece, which includes the lugs to back.
This was sold as a "copy", but attention needs to be followed when purchasing.
This was sold as a "copy", but attention needs to be followed when purchasing.
- Above: A front image of the reproduction Reserve Collar. Note the detail is "rounded" and there is pitting in the Banner, under the letters "ERV" in RESERVE (image from internet).
|
- Above: A back image of the reproduction Reserve Collar. Pitting again to the back of the Kiwi, and there are "flat" areas on the Kiwi's back and just below the banner, where excess brass has been removed from the mold (image from internet)
|
- Above: A image just showing the lugs. They are in fact cast part of the back, and there is no "join" where the hex lugs on the originals would be attached by lead solder. It is all one piece (image from internet).
|