New Zealand Infantry Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
A unique chapter in New Zealand Army badge history, is that of the World War 1 Reinforcement draft badge's.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a broach fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Infantry Reinforcements followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These area letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify where the soldier/Reinforcement was from. As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts that if a man was from the Auckland area, that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their Geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers. Also with the decision not to take the 3 Otago Area Mounted Rifle Regiments passed the Gallipoli campaign, it acted to scatter the men from that region through the New Zealand Forces.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a broach fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Infantry Reinforcements followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These area letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify where the soldier/Reinforcement was from. As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts that if a man was from the Auckland area, that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their Geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers. Also with the decision not to take the 3 Otago Area Mounted Rifle Regiments passed the Gallipoli campaign, it acted to scatter the men from that region through the New Zealand Forces.
Early Infantry Reinforcement Drafts to the 6th
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in October 1914. The subsequently the 2nd and 3rd followed to arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli. The 4th and subsequent drafts followed, with parts of the 7th and 8th participating in the final months on the peninsular, before being held back and kept for the reorganisations in Egypt in April 1916 to then form the NZ and ANZAC Divisions.
Badges do exist for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th drafts, but are extremely scarce. They tend to be handcut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
The triple Fern badge below has been accepted as one of the first badges worn, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente, France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1.
As time went by, and Training camps established themselves with facilities, the manufacture of badges also advanced, and the start of the frame, with a handcut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force which included 1st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1914
- 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Aug 1915.
Badges do exist for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th drafts, but are extremely scarce. They tend to be handcut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
The triple Fern badge below has been accepted as one of the first badges worn, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente, France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1.
As time went by, and Training camps established themselves with facilities, the manufacture of badges also advanced, and the start of the frame, with a handcut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force which included 1st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1914
- 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Aug 1915.
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7th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of badges to the 7th Infantry Reinforcements
Note my A, B and D 7th are brooched to back, otherwise all others have either copper wire lugs or hex type, brass to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Sept 1915.
Note my A, B and D 7th are brooched to back, otherwise all others have either copper wire lugs or hex type, brass to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Sept 1915.
Opposite are shoulder numbers to the A, C & D 7th (a word of caution - the C numbers of these type do cause issues. Some Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during and after (early 1920's) WW1, wore a C/ number on their collars. The New Zealand versions are handcut, whereas the CEF tend to be die stamped and may have a line between the C and the number below).
Some drafts members chose to wear these on their tunic shoulder straps, but they also wore separate numbers and letter combinations. See for further info below.
Some drafts members chose to wear these on their tunic shoulder straps, but they also wore separate numbers and letter combinations. See for further info below.
8th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of gilt brass Cap badges to the 8th Infantry Reinforcements. Mainly 2 piece to this draft and various frame designs, with a handcut letter and number to center. Wire copper looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
9th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of gilt brass Cap and Collar badges to the 9th Infantry Reinforcements. Note three principle frame types for the Cap badge, and the collar pair to A Coy and a single to C Coy, 9th Draft.
Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Both are still quite rare though.
All have either flat type hex or copper wire lugs to back.
Note my D Coy 9th, with a "R" to base has a brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Jan 1916.
Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Both are still quite rare though.
All have either flat type hex or copper wire lugs to back.
Note my D Coy 9th, with a "R" to base has a brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Jan 1916.
10th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of two and single piece, gilt brass badges to the 10th Infantry Reinforcements.
All have either copper wire or hex type, brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
All have either copper wire or hex type, brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
11th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 11th Infantry Reinforcements Badges. In this draft, they start to move away from the rounded fernleaf type frame, into a more elongated and with Kings crown to top.
A mix of single piece or two piece construction.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916.
A mix of single piece or two piece construction.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916.
12th Infantry Reinforcements
Above: A selection of badges to the 12th Infantry Reinforcements. Again all gilt brass, either single piece, or two piece, with handcut numbers and letters to the center. Again a mix of copper wire lugs and flat brass, hex type to back.
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Above: A variation of collar to the 12th Reinforcements, in gilt brass.
Dates of Departure from NZ: - 1st Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of May 1916. - 2nd Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of May 1916. |
13th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 13th Infantry Reinforcements. All are either single piece die stamped gilt brass or two piece, with handcut numbers/letters to center and a die stamped gilt brass frame.
Note the generic 13th Cap and its collars. Very similar to the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but are gilt brass only, while the North Canterbury and Westland Cap badge and Collars are bi-metal, with a white metal "XIII" to center. The Reinforcement version on the collars also is missing the "I" at the base so only says "NZ" instead of "NZI" (for New Zealand Infantry) found on the Regimental collars. The Reio cap badge also has "REINFORCEMENTS" in lower banner, instead of "Kia Pono Tonu".
My D 13th depicted here is a broach fitted badge to back, otherwise all others have copper looped lugs or hex type, flat brass.
Note the generic 13th Cap and its collars. Very similar to the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but are gilt brass only, while the North Canterbury and Westland Cap badge and Collars are bi-metal, with a white metal "XIII" to center. The Reinforcement version on the collars also is missing the "I" at the base so only says "NZ" instead of "NZI" (for New Zealand Infantry) found on the Regimental collars. The Reio cap badge also has "REINFORCEMENTS" in lower banner, instead of "Kia Pono Tonu".
My D 13th depicted here is a broach fitted badge to back, otherwise all others have copper looped lugs or hex type, flat brass.
Opposite: A C Coy, 13th Infantry Reinforcement Cap badge. This is the high-crown type, and matches the above A Coy.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
14th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 14th Infantry Reinforcement Cap and collar badges. Note the collars to the B XIV to top right. These are badge centers, which have been lugged and worn as collars. All are gilt brass and either one or two piece in construction. They have a mix of copper wire lugs and flat hex type to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
15th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of single and 2 piece cap and collar badges to the 15th Infantry Reinforcements.
All are gilt brass and have a mix of copper wire and hex type lugs in pairs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916.
All are gilt brass and have a mix of copper wire and hex type lugs in pairs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916.
16th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap bad Collar badges to the 16th Infantry Reinforcements. All gilt brass, with either hex brass, flat type lugs or thin copper wire. Note the D XVI collars, which are very similar to the center of the above D XVI Cap badge, but with "N" & "Z" added to either side. The other single piece collars in the left corner are all variations with regards to non-void or void or partly void.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Aug 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th of Aug 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Aug 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Aug 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th of Aug 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Aug 1916.
17th Infantry Reinforcements
Above: A selection of gilt brass one and two piece Cap badges and their collars (bottom row) to the 17th Infantry Reinforcements. Most have a pair of thin wire looped lugs to back. |
Above: A rarer frame type with Kiwi to base to B Coy (Wellington) 17th Infantry Reinforcements.
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17th Infantry Reinforcements & Others
The 17th Infantry Reinforcements seems to be the apex of the Reinforcement badge manufacturing during WW1. It is also the draft where we see the end in great quantities to the lettered/numbered frame type and the start of the more generic "patterned" badge.
This group represents generic badges worn up to and around the period of the 17th Reinforcements, and shows the various variations found. The 4 Cap badges (three at top and one below) show the differences in manufacture, i.e. (from left to right) rifles without slings, rifles with slings, non-void flat and a non-void convex badge.
The pair of collars to the left depict a Kiwi and the words "17th Reinforcements", and is often referred to as "Kiwi head down type", while the pair on the right, also to the 17th, depict the Kiwi with it "head up".
The Kiwi above the rifle collars are much earlier than the others, and could have been worn as far back as before the 10th Reinforcements.
All badges are gilt brass, and have a pair of either hex type, flat brass lugs or thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
-Above: The J Reinforcements draft was used as a pool draft for both Infantry and NZ Rifle Brigade. So they trained along side other drafts, but could be used to augment numbers in the UK if reserves were short. The 13th J Reinforcement draft was used entirely for the Rifle Brigade, along with the 20th to 28th J Reinforcement drafts. I presume these above were Infantry drafts.
All are 2 piece construction and have wire or hex type lugs to back. Note the 16th J to top row, center, has a broach fitting to back. |
- Above: A rarer frame type with Kiwi to base. This is to J Coy, 17th Infantry Reinforcements.
Dates of Departure from NZ: - 1st Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of Sept 1916. - 2nd Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 25th of Sept 1916. |
18th Infantry Reinforcements
Gilt brass Cap and collar badges to the 18th Infantry Reinforcements.
Some slight variation in both Cap and Collar. Note the two top cap badges, with the one on the left having a larger "NEW ZEALAND" to the one on the right.
Likewise the gilt brass collars have different sized "N.Z" to center and the collar pair on the left seem to have a more pronounced/elongated center top and bottom ray.
The cap to the center has a void central part and tang type lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Oct 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1916.
Some slight variation in both Cap and Collar. Note the two top cap badges, with the one on the left having a larger "NEW ZEALAND" to the one on the right.
Likewise the gilt brass collars have different sized "N.Z" to center and the collar pair on the left seem to have a more pronounced/elongated center top and bottom ray.
The cap to the center has a void central part and tang type lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Oct 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1916.
19th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Caps and Collar badges to the 19th Infantry Reinforcements.
A gilt brass cap badge to the C XIX next to the standard generic version for this draft.
Bellow is a matching pair (outer) of gilt brass collars with a partly void variation to centre.
All have a copper wire pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916.
A gilt brass cap badge to the C XIX next to the standard generic version for this draft.
Bellow is a matching pair (outer) of gilt brass collars with a partly void variation to centre.
All have a copper wire pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916.
20th Infantry Reinforcements
A cap and collar set (with variation) to the 20th Infantry Reinforcements.
The cap badge is in gilt brass and I have only seen void centers to this draft. But there is variation in the collar, and you do get a void or non-void examples as depicted.
To lower bottom is a variation, again, not often seen.
All depict the extinct NZ Moa to centre.
All have a flat type, brass hex pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 7th of Dec 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of Jan 1917.
The cap badge is in gilt brass and I have only seen void centers to this draft. But there is variation in the collar, and you do get a void or non-void examples as depicted.
To lower bottom is a variation, again, not often seen.
All depict the extinct NZ Moa to centre.
All have a flat type, brass hex pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 7th of Dec 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of Jan 1917.
21st Infantry Reinforcements
Gilt brass Cap and Collars to the 21st Infantry Reinforcements.
They feature the Tui (a native Bird of New Zealand).
Note the variation in the collar. Some with larger beaks than others. The center collar is non-voided between the legs. This badge is also lead filled to back and I imagine was a step to try and stop the badges from breaking at their weakest point, the legs of the birds.
All collars have their RD (Registered Design) number to the reverse of the tail of the bird.
I have seen a bi-metal version of the cap, copper with the tips of the tail and lower banner in white metal.
All have hex, brass type lugs to back (except one collar, which has been converted to a sweethearts badge, with broach fitting to back).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917.
They feature the Tui (a native Bird of New Zealand).
Note the variation in the collar. Some with larger beaks than others. The center collar is non-voided between the legs. This badge is also lead filled to back and I imagine was a step to try and stop the badges from breaking at their weakest point, the legs of the birds.
All collars have their RD (Registered Design) number to the reverse of the tail of the bird.
I have seen a bi-metal version of the cap, copper with the tips of the tail and lower banner in white metal.
All have hex, brass type lugs to back (except one collar, which has been converted to a sweethearts badge, with broach fitting to back).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917.
22nd Infantry Reinforcements
A set of badges to the 22nd Infantry Reinforcements, which depict the now extinct NZ Moa.
The cap badges come in a darkened copper, either void or non-void, and also gilt brass.
The collars appear to be gilt brass, and all badges have the hex type, flat pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Feb 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Feb 1917.
The cap badges come in a darkened copper, either void or non-void, and also gilt brass.
The collars appear to be gilt brass, and all badges have the hex type, flat pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Feb 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Feb 1917.
23rd Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of badges to the 23rd Infantry Reinforcement.
The B XXIII is a earlier frame type often encountered around the 13th Infantry Reinforcements and up. The top middle cap badge is the standard badge for this draft and comes in a couple of sizes, though the smaller could be just a brass sweethearts badges rather than a collar.
Top left is a collar who's center can also be found on the B XXIII frame type. Note the Tiki does slant to one side indicating that there may have been opposing pairs. This is a rare collar though (like the cap) and not often seen to confirm.
The below are two opposing collars to the 23rd.
All badges for this draft are in gilt brass and with either copper wire lugs or brass hex, flat type to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1917.
The B XXIII is a earlier frame type often encountered around the 13th Infantry Reinforcements and up. The top middle cap badge is the standard badge for this draft and comes in a couple of sizes, though the smaller could be just a brass sweethearts badges rather than a collar.
Top left is a collar who's center can also be found on the B XXIII frame type. Note the Tiki does slant to one side indicating that there may have been opposing pairs. This is a rare collar though (like the cap) and not often seen to confirm.
The below are two opposing collars to the 23rd.
All badges for this draft are in gilt brass and with either copper wire lugs or brass hex, flat type to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1917.
24th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap and collar badges to the 24th Infantry Reinforcements depicted the iconic British Bulldog on their badges, this was also their mascot when training in NZ. The Cap badge is of gilded copper construction, die stamped, with hex type flat lugs to back. Just a ever so slight difference between the two badges, with the darker example on the right having more detail to the dogs chest than the left example.
The collars came in two types. The lower left depict a Bulldog with a bone forward in its mouth, and overall they are shorter than the other example encountered. They seem to also always be in gilded copper.
The lower right examples have the bone in the back of the dogs mouth and are tall in comparison to the other type.
They come in either gilded copper or gilt brass. Again, mainly hex type, flat lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of April 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
The collars came in two types. The lower left depict a Bulldog with a bone forward in its mouth, and overall they are shorter than the other example encountered. They seem to also always be in gilded copper.
The lower right examples have the bone in the back of the dogs mouth and are tall in comparison to the other type.
They come in either gilded copper or gilt brass. Again, mainly hex type, flat lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of April 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
25th Infantry Reinforcements
Left: A gilt brass set to the 25th Infantry Reinforcements. I haven't come across much variation (yet!) to this draft. They seem happy to have worn this set.
The badges come with either copper wire lugs or the flat brass hex type. 
Above: A group shot of 7 Infantry Reinforcements in Camp in New Zealand. Four of the above Soldiers are wearing the 25th Infantry Reio Cap. The Soldier to the top right, is wearing a different frame, with a Kiwi at its base and separate numbers/letter attached. Sadly I can't make it out.
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Above: A superb shot of sadly a unknown 25th Reinforcement in Camp in front of his hut. He also features in the other photo (left) and is kneeling down, front row, right.
Dates of Departure from NZ: - 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917. |
26th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 26th Infantry Reinforcements
- Top left - die stamped copper cap badge, with no void to center
- Top middle - bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
- Top right - standard gilt brass cap badge to this draft. Now a dull, dark colour due to age.
- Middle left and middle right - 3/4 size collar badges to the 26th. Note change of scene to center.
- Middle - a pair of opposing gilt brass collars (note the ends of the boat) to this draft. This is the standard type for the 26th
- Bottom - a scarcer variation to the 26th Collar. I only have one side, but is the "Boat over ferns" rather than water, example/variation.
All have two copper wire or hex type, flat brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- Top left - die stamped copper cap badge, with no void to center
- Top middle - bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
- Top right - standard gilt brass cap badge to this draft. Now a dull, dark colour due to age.
- Middle left and middle right - 3/4 size collar badges to the 26th. Note change of scene to center.
- Middle - a pair of opposing gilt brass collars (note the ends of the boat) to this draft. This is the standard type for the 26th
- Bottom - a scarcer variation to the 26th Collar. I only have one side, but is the "Boat over ferns" rather than water, example/variation.
All have two copper wire or hex type, flat brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
27th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 27th Infantry Reinforcements.
Top left - a variation on the standard version of this badge, with a mountainous scene behind the Lion. The collar below depicts the same, and I think this is a manufacturing change as 7 out of 10 of these badges you come across (without this background) the Lion's tail has snapped off.
Top Center - a bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
Top Right - a standard version of the 27th, in Gilt brass, though now well toned
Middle left - a 3/4 sized version of the cap which we presume is a collar. Note the non-void background behind the Lion.
Middle right - a 3/4 sized version of the cap in gilt brass.
Bottom row - standard collar badge for the 27th Infantry Reinforcement. Happily both Lions have their tails.
All badges have either copper looped lugs or a flat brass, hex type pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
Top left - a variation on the standard version of this badge, with a mountainous scene behind the Lion. The collar below depicts the same, and I think this is a manufacturing change as 7 out of 10 of these badges you come across (without this background) the Lion's tail has snapped off.
Top Center - a bi-metal, copper and white metal cap badge
Top Right - a standard version of the 27th, in Gilt brass, though now well toned
Middle left - a 3/4 sized version of the cap which we presume is a collar. Note the non-void background behind the Lion.
Middle right - a 3/4 sized version of the cap in gilt brass.
Bottom row - standard collar badge for the 27th Infantry Reinforcement. Happily both Lions have their tails.
All badges have either copper looped lugs or a flat brass, hex type pair of lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
28th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap badges and collars to the 28th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Left - a bi-metal copper with white metal stars Cap badge.
- Right - a gilt brass cap badge, standard type, though much of the gilt has now dulled with age and been polished off in the past.
- Bottom Row _ Collar badges to the 28th, depicting the Southern Cross star constellation, which is one of NZ's symbols and appears on their countries flag today. Note the ever-so-slight variation in size between the two pairs, most noticeable is the large number 28 on the right-hand pair.
All badges have pairs of thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
- Left - a bi-metal copper with white metal stars Cap badge.
- Right - a gilt brass cap badge, standard type, though much of the gilt has now dulled with age and been polished off in the past.
- Bottom Row _ Collar badges to the 28th, depicting the Southern Cross star constellation, which is one of NZ's symbols and appears on their countries flag today. Note the ever-so-slight variation in size between the two pairs, most noticeable is the large number 28 on the right-hand pair.
All badges have pairs of thin copper wire looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
29th Infantry Reinforcements
The grouping of 29th Infantry Reinforcement shows the scale and variation encountered with regards to manufacture.
- Top left - a bi-metal cap and collar set in white metal and copper
- Top center - gilt brass collar with much of the surrounding brass to the die left on.. maybe to combat the rifle muzzles catching or breaking off
- Top right a fretted out center on both cap and collar set
- Bottom Row, left - standard collar with two cap badges. Note the fretting again, the left cap badge has voids to both crown and base, between fern ends and banner, while the cap badge to the lower right matches the low row collars in terms of manufacture.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Aug 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Aug 1917.
- Top left - a bi-metal cap and collar set in white metal and copper
- Top center - gilt brass collar with much of the surrounding brass to the die left on.. maybe to combat the rifle muzzles catching or breaking off
- Top right a fretted out center on both cap and collar set
- Bottom Row, left - standard collar with two cap badges. Note the fretting again, the left cap badge has voids to both crown and base, between fern ends and banner, while the cap badge to the lower right matches the low row collars in terms of manufacture.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Aug 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Aug 1917.
30th Infantry Reinforcements
The cap badge to the 30th Infantry Reinforcement comes in two variations, as the motto was changed as some stage through production. So "Ake Ake Kia Maia" was changed to "Ake Ake Kia Mana.
All badges were in die stamped gilt brass, but I have seen examples of cap and collar in Copper with white metal.
All have copper wire lugs to back that I have come across.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
All badges were in die stamped gilt brass, but I have seen examples of cap and collar in Copper with white metal.
All have copper wire lugs to back that I have come across.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
31st Infantry Reinforcements
The next three reinforcement sets in collecting terms seem to be the hardest to find. There may have been a wane in the popularity of each draft having its own badge amongst the men, and it seems the 31st, 32nd and 33rd weren't worn or produced in great numbers.
The 31st is a heavy gilt brass, die struck badge, with either hex type flat lugs or wire looped lugs to back.
Note the variation in collar design. The top pair are slight wider construction and have the tips of the letters NZ touching the ferns. They also have a plain bottom banner with just the Roman numerals of XXX1.
The bottom pair are much like the Cap badge, and have the NZ letters supported from the back, with a arch. The lower scroll is smaller and has a design on either side of the XXX1.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
The 31st is a heavy gilt brass, die struck badge, with either hex type flat lugs or wire looped lugs to back.
Note the variation in collar design. The top pair are slight wider construction and have the tips of the letters NZ touching the ferns. They also have a plain bottom banner with just the Roman numerals of XXX1.
The bottom pair are much like the Cap badge, and have the NZ letters supported from the back, with a arch. The lower scroll is smaller and has a design on either side of the XXX1.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
32nd Infantry Reinforcements
The 32nd Infantry Reinforcements wore the following white metal and gilt brass cap and collars.
The number "32" seems to have been sweated on separate to the gilt brass frame, and you usually find the lugs to be either copper wire or the flat, brass, hex type.
There is some variation in the collars worn, with either the NZ Islands framed in a fernleaf wreath or by themselves with a separate "32" to center. The latter also come with relief of the mountain ranges on the brass Islands to front (see center badge below in more detail), and are super rare.
The number "32" seems to have been sweated on separate to the gilt brass frame, and you usually find the lugs to be either copper wire or the flat, brass, hex type.
There is some variation in the collars worn, with either the NZ Islands framed in a fernleaf wreath or by themselves with a separate "32" to center. The latter also come with relief of the mountain ranges on the brass Islands to front (see center badge below in more detail), and are super rare.
A close up shot of the rare 32nd collar (on the right). Note the mountain relief and the inclusion of Stewart Island at the bottom. RD or Registered Design numbers appear on both types and was a early "patent" system adopted by manufacturers in NZ.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
33rd Infantry Reinforcements
The 33rd Infantry Reinforcements were the last to have their own unique styled cap badge and collar.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to top, either round or like this example, flat or square topped.
The feathers have a silver or white metal top (mine is rather dirty/toned), while the rest of the badge is made out of die stamped darkened copper. They usually come with a hex type, flat pair of lugs to back.
The collars come in either gilt brass or darkened copper, and both die stamped types have either copper wire looped lugs or flat type hex to back.
I have not seen (yet) a gilt brass cap badge, so do not know the reason why there are gilt collars.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 33rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of Dec 1917.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to top, either round or like this example, flat or square topped.
The feathers have a silver or white metal top (mine is rather dirty/toned), while the rest of the badge is made out of die stamped darkened copper. They usually come with a hex type, flat pair of lugs to back.
The collars come in either gilt brass or darkened copper, and both die stamped types have either copper wire looped lugs or flat type hex to back.
I have not seen (yet) a gilt brass cap badge, so do not know the reason why there are gilt collars.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 33rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of Dec 1917.
34th Infantry Reinforcements & Beyond
The badge worn by the 34th Infantry Reinforcement was the last to be unique. Subsequent drafts used the same badge, whether it was out of economy or rather the Army prescribed its wear, this badge remained in use until the end of hostilities. It also formed the bases in design for the WW2 "Onwards" version, some 20 years later.
Note the variation in design, with some wider and a more pronounced rounded fernleaf border. There are also differences in size of collar, with some being 1/2 and others 3/4 the size of the Cap Badge.
The majority are die stamped gilt brass, with copper looped lugs to back. There are also sandcast examples, with a large coppery brass slider cast into the back. They indicate Middle Eastern manufacture, but there is no pictorial evidence they were worn there.
Note the variation in design, with some wider and a more pronounced rounded fernleaf border. There are also differences in size of collar, with some being 1/2 and others 3/4 the size of the Cap Badge.
The majority are die stamped gilt brass, with copper looped lugs to back. There are also sandcast examples, with a large coppery brass slider cast into the back. They indicate Middle Eastern manufacture, but there is no pictorial evidence they were worn there.
Shoulder Letters and Numbers
This photo shows the type separate gilt brass letters worn on the shoulder strap of the Reinforcement Drafts.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
Some of the Reinforcement Draft numbers, worn under the above letters, on the Shoulder straps of the Tunic which the Reinforcement drafts wore while training. Some wore separate numbers, i.e. a "1" and a "2" for say the 12th, while other drafts had a handcut or die stamped number for a specific draft.
Most had hex type, flat brass lugs to back , but some did have copper wire lugs.
Note the 27th in the picture. This is a Stokes and Son made title, stamped to back and based in Australia (Melbourne), they made a variety of Corps badges and titles as well as a sequence of Reinforcement shoulder numbers. They tend to be 2 piece, with separate numbers, sweated onto two brass bars. They are also stamped to back "STOKES & SONS".
Most had hex type, flat brass lugs to back , but some did have copper wire lugs.
Note the 27th in the picture. This is a Stokes and Son made title, stamped to back and based in Australia (Melbourne), they made a variety of Corps badges and titles as well as a sequence of Reinforcement shoulder numbers. They tend to be 2 piece, with separate numbers, sweated onto two brass bars. They are also stamped to back "STOKES & SONS".
- Opposite: A pair of large numbers to the 14th and 27th Reinforcement drafts. Unsure what these are for, but the 14th is maker marked to the back to "Bock, Wellington", which is a WW1 New Zealand maker. The 14 is chromed, while the 27 is brass. Both are 26mm high. The 14 to center, is for scale and is the standard shoulder number size of 19mm high.
Reserves
In 1916, The British Government proposed the establishment of Reserves of Men, who would be ready at a moments notice to argument numbers required for oversea's service. The NZ Government took this on-board and established groups of soldiers either in training (but outside the above reinforcement training system) or still in Civilian life.
While in uniform, a number of badges were worn, and opposite are a selection of Reserve cap badges and the collars. The Infantry Reserve was numbered from 1 to 4 (I'm missing No. 2), while two Mounted Rifle Reserves were established and badges produced. The Cap Badge pictured is for the 1st Mounted Rifle Reserve (its number as such on the small banner to center, below the horse).
The shoulder titles are cast brass.
While in uniform, a number of badges were worn, and opposite are a selection of Reserve cap badges and the collars. The Infantry Reserve was numbered from 1 to 4 (I'm missing No. 2), while two Mounted Rifle Reserves were established and badges produced. The Cap Badge pictured is for the 1st Mounted Rifle Reserve (its number as such on the small banner to center, below the horse).
The shoulder titles are cast brass.
The NZ Army Reserve of Officers was formed in April 1913. It was redesignated the NZ Forces Motor Services Corps in May 1915. The Corps was disbanded in Feb 1920.
Top Row: A Cap and Collar set to the NZ Forces Motor Service Corps. Locally made, they have wire looped lugs to back.
Bottom Row: Two Cap badges to the NZ Military Forces Motor Reserve. Note the left is chromed. Both are marked to J R Gaunt of London.
Top Row: A Cap and Collar set to the NZ Forces Motor Service Corps. Locally made, they have wire looped lugs to back.
Bottom Row: Two Cap badges to the NZ Military Forces Motor Reserve. Note the left is chromed. Both are marked to J R Gaunt of London.
Here is a selection of gilt brass and coloured enamel pin back or button-hole Reserve badges to be worn on civilian clothes during WW1 in New Zealand.
Most are maker marked to back from local NZ makers like "BOCK" of Wellington or "C M Bay".
Most are maker marked to back from local NZ makers like "BOCK" of Wellington or "C M Bay".
Fakes and Made to Order
So Someone once said "you can put anything in a frame, and call it a Reinforcement Badge".
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught. Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer slightly of this scourge.
Example 1. - a bad badge is top left. The 8th Reinforcements never used this type of frame, which appeared later, with the 14th Reinforcements. To top it off, the crown is also the wrong type/style, and has been added, so this ends up being a 3 piece badge, when it should be only 2. All parts are original, but just not correctly assembled/found together.
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught. Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer slightly of this scourge.
Example 1. - a bad badge is top left. The 8th Reinforcements never used this type of frame, which appeared later, with the 14th Reinforcements. To top it off, the crown is also the wrong type/style, and has been added, so this ends up being a 3 piece badge, when it should be only 2. All parts are original, but just not correctly assembled/found together.
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Example 3: Top row, 3rd and 4th - Correct but a variation. So the 3rd from the Left, B 17th is correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. Next to it (Top right) is a much earlier frame, but with a B 17th center. Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F, 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt and 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C. It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them.
Example 4: Middle and Bottom Rows: The Triple Fern with separate number sweated to the front of "1", "2" and "3". These were once toted as the Reinforcement badges to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reinforcements. In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn. What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors. The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, before the craze took hold, leaving a hole in the sequence for collector to find. Again enterprising Jewelers step in and made these badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, very few, if any, were actually worn by these drafts. A warning also, as these used to command huge prices, but have come dramatically down in price in recent years. The originals (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as fakes/reproductions).
Example 4: Middle and Bottom Rows: The Triple Fern with separate number sweated to the front of "1", "2" and "3". These were once toted as the Reinforcement badges to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reinforcements. In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn. What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors. The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, before the craze took hold, leaving a hole in the sequence for collector to find. Again enterprising Jewelers step in and made these badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, very few, if any, were actually worn by these drafts. A warning also, as these used to command huge prices, but have come dramatically down in price in recent years. The originals (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as fakes/reproductions).
Cast Fakes. This is becoming more and more an issue with New Zealand Badges.
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which is easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is dramatically wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years.
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which is easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is dramatically wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years.
The reverse of this fake 3rd Infantry Reserve Badge.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.