New Zealand Infantry Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
A unique chapter in New Zealand Army badge history, is that of the World War 1 Reinforcement draft badge's.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a brooch fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Badges could also be bought by members of the public, are were retailed though high street Jewelers shops, many of which had representation also at the camps.
Infantry Reinforcement badges followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A Company - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B Company - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C Company - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D Company - Otago Area - 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 were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify which Company the man belong to.
Basic threads through New Zealand Reinforcement badges
- 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 for their Squadron letters. So early badges could be worn by either Mounted Rifles or Infantry.
- I (Eye) was used by the 6th Reinforcements only as a Company letter.
- E & F Companies from the 7th to 10th Reinforcements were Rifle Brigade Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nd Battalion respectfully.
- G & H Companies from the 11th Reinforcements were Rifle Brigade Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th Battalion respectfully.
But even E, F, G and H were NOT consistently used throughout the war, i.e. E & F Companies for the 21st Reinforcements were Infantry.
J Company was classed as a pool draft, so could be used as either Infantry or Rifle Brigade.
- J & K Companies 11th Reinforcements were Infantry Reinforcements. This was the only time "K" was used.
- J Company 12th Reinforcements - Wellington Infantry Battalion Reinforcements
- J Company 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Reinforcements were Infantry Reinforcements only.
- J Company 22nd to 28th Reinforcements were Rifle Reinforcements only.
As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts with the Infantry, that if a man was from the Auckland area, he joined A Company, and that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field.
But this was not always possible, and with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, all men were mixed across the 4 battalions.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a brooch fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Badges could also be bought by members of the public, are were retailed though high street Jewelers shops, many of which had representation also at the camps.
Infantry Reinforcement badges followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A Company - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B Company - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C Company - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D Company - Otago Area - 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 were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify which Company the man belong to.
Basic threads through New Zealand Reinforcement badges
- 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 for their Squadron letters. So early badges could be worn by either Mounted Rifles or Infantry.
- I (Eye) was used by the 6th Reinforcements only as a Company letter.
- E & F Companies from the 7th to 10th Reinforcements were Rifle Brigade Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nd Battalion respectfully.
- G & H Companies from the 11th Reinforcements were Rifle Brigade Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th Battalion respectfully.
But even E, F, G and H were NOT consistently used throughout the war, i.e. E & F Companies for the 21st Reinforcements were Infantry.
J Company was classed as a pool draft, so could be used as either Infantry or Rifle Brigade.
- J & K Companies 11th Reinforcements were Infantry Reinforcements. This was the only time "K" was used.
- J Company 12th Reinforcements - Wellington Infantry Battalion Reinforcements
- J Company 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Reinforcements were Infantry Reinforcements only.
- J Company 22nd to 28th Reinforcements were Rifle Reinforcements only.
As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts with the Infantry, that if a man was from the Auckland area, he joined A Company, and that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field.
But this was not always possible, and with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, all men were mixed across the 4 battalions.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
Early Infantry Reinforcement Drafts to the 6th
The 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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Ruapehu, Orari, Limerick, Hawke's Bay, Arawa, Athenic - Wellington to Alexandria - 48 days duration.
Vessels used from Auckland: Star of India, Waimana - 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: Verdala, Willochra, Knight of the Garter - 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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
Both the 2nd and 3rd arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli.
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: Willochra, Knight Templar, Waitomo - Wellington to Suez - 38 days duration.
Subsequent drafts followed (and will be discussed below), 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 hand-cut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
Most early reinforcement drafts consisted of Territorials, who would have already seen regular service and training in New Zealand as part of its scheme. They would have also belonged to existing Regiments, who's badge they would have worn into camp as they began their training, therefore they may also not have bought/participated in the wearing of a Reinforcement badge. Pictures of the time tend to back this up.
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 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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Ruapehu, Orari, Limerick, Hawke's Bay, Arawa, Athenic - Wellington to Alexandria - 48 days duration.
Vessels used from Auckland: Star of India, Waimana - 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: Verdala, Willochra, Knight of the Garter - 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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
Both the 2nd and 3rd arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli.
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: Willochra, Knight Templar, Waitomo - Wellington to Suez - 38 days duration.
Subsequent drafts followed (and will be discussed below), 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 hand-cut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
Most early reinforcement drafts consisted of Territorials, who would have already seen regular service and training in New Zealand as part of its scheme. They would have also belonged to existing Regiments, who's badge they would have worn into camp as they began their training, therefore they may also not have bought/participated in the wearing of a Reinforcement badge. Pictures of the time tend to back this up.
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 hand-cut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
- Above: A postcard showing the 3rd Reinforcements Camp at Trentham, Upper Hutt, Wellington in 1914. This is a early image, as it show much of the camp as a tent City than anything. But this would soon change with wooden huts and barrack construction as thousands and thousands of Men and Women trained here during WW1 and later. It its still in use today as a NZ Defense force base.
- Above: The early triple fern, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente - France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1. This example has no lugs. Above the "C" in France is the maker initials of "CB" or Cecil Bay. There is also the year of "1914".
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- Above: C/5th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima - 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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima - Wellington to Suez - 39 days duration.
6th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Auckland area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above: C/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
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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: Willochra and Tofua - 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: Waitemata - 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: Willochra and Tofua - 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: Waitemata - Wellington to Suez - 38 days duration.
7th Infantry Reinforcements
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- Above & Opposite: The Triple Fern frame with separate hand-cut number sweated to the front of "1", "2" and "3". All are two piece, gilt brass (though my 3rd has had a silver wash applied). All have two hex type brass lugs to back. They are not maker marked.
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, with the 1st leaving with the Main Body.
Many of these chaps would have been Territorials, and already wore their own unit badge.
But this left a hole in the sequence for the collector to fill.
Enterprising Jewelers probably 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 worn.
A picture has been discovered of a D 7th Reinforcement chap wearing this frame, but it has NO number to center. He wears it as a collar badge.
A warning, 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 reproductions) on the market.
These "made to order" badge are not the only ones. There are a number, and care needs to be taken to study the frame types and when they were worn and to also compare them to photographic evidence of the time.
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, with the 1st leaving with the Main Body.
Many of these chaps would have been Territorials, and already wore their own unit badge.
But this left a hole in the sequence for the collector to fill.
Enterprising Jewelers probably 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 worn.
A picture has been discovered of a D 7th Reinforcement chap wearing this frame, but it has NO number to center. He wears it as a collar badge.
A warning, 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 reproductions) on the market.
These "made to order" badge are not the only ones. There are a number, and care needs to be taken to study the frame types and when they were worn and to also compare them to photographic evidence of the time.
- Above Left: A/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Auckland area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate hand-cut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Above Right: A scarce Collar badge to the A/7th or Auckland Area. Hand cut A over 7 to center, on a frame which is solid to back. Two looped wire lugs to back. |
- Above: A/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two bolts have been soldered to back to act as lugs.
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- Above Left: B/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Wellington area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate hand-cut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back, which is broken.
- Above Right: B/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. A brooch fitting to back. |
- Above Left: C/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate hand-cut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: C/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two thick looped lugs to back. |
- Opposite: D/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima, Navua and Warrimoo - Wellington to Suez - 36 to 41 days duration.
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: Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima, Navua and Warrimoo - Wellington to Suez - 36 to 41 days duration.
8th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of gilt brass Cap badges to the 8th Infantry
- Above Left: A hand-cut, semi convex A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A semi-solid backed, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Copper wire looped to back with no maker mark. |
- Above Left: A die-stamped, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A gilt A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above Left: A hand-cut, semi convex B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A semi-solid backed, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. No maker mark. |
- Above Left: A semi-solid, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Broken brooch fitting to back. No maker mark.
- Right: B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: C/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A hand-cut, semi convex D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A semi-solid backed, D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. No maker mark. |
- Opposite: D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
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: Willochra and Tofua - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
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: Willochra and Tofua - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
9th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of gilt brass Cap and Collar badges to the 9th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Above Left: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. Beside are a pair of matching collars. A comparison in size.
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- Opposite: A pair of A/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge to the Auckland area. Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Collars are still rare though. Copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above Left: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Mine has two replaced, wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back, probably replacements. No maker mark.
- Above Right: C/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge in same frame type as above. Copper looped lugs to back and no maker mark. |
- Above Left: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Broken brooch fitting to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: A hand-cut, semi convex D/9th 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.
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- Center: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Right: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back. No maker Mark. |
- Opposite: 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Jan 1916.
- Headquarters - 3 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 8 Officers & 315 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 6 Officers & 313 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 5 Officers & 318 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 6 Officers & 300 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui, Tahiti and Warrimoo - Wellington to Suez - 29 to 32 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Jan 1916.
- Headquarters - 3 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 8 Officers & 315 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 6 Officers & 313 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 5 Officers & 318 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 6 Officers & 300 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui, Tahiti and Warrimoo - Wellington to Suez - 29 to 32 days duration.
10th Infantry Reinforcements
The following is a selection of badges to the 10th Reinforcements.
- Above Left: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and is oxidised to front. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: B/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit Force" to middle lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no "N" and "Z" to sides of wreath. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and "N" and "Z". Two hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- 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.
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- Above: A similar pair of single piece brass collar badges to the 10th Reinforcements. Both are die-stamped, with a impression to the back. The one on the left has two tangs to back, while on the right it is brooch fitted. No maker mark to either.
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- Opposite: 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Mar 1916.
- Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 5 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 5 Officers & 204 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: Willochra and Tofua - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Mar 1916.
- Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Auckland Battalion - 5 Officers & 187 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Wellington Battalion - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Canterbury Battalion - 5 Officers & 184 Other Ranks
- The 1st & 2nd Otago Battalion - 5 Officers & 204 Other Ranks
Vessels used from Wellington: Willochra and Tofua - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
11th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 11th Infantry Reinforcements Badges.
- Above Left: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A single piece Cap badges to the A/11th Reinforcement. The Cap is a large framed badge, with a triple banner at base with "Reinforcements, NZ, Expedy Forces". This also comes in a non-void version. No maker mark with two wire loops to back. |
- Above: A matching pair of Collar badges to the A/11th Reinforcement. Non-void, with a triple banner at base with "Reinforcements, NZ, Expedy Forces". Copper wire loops to back with no maker mark.
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- Above Left: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Above Right: A/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. The badge has brass hex lugs to back, but no maker mark. |
- Above Left: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front.
- Above Right: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: B/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above Left: C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Above Right: A semi-solid backed, C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. This badge is very oxidised overall and with just one copper wire looped lug remaining. No maker mark and its size could indicate a Collar badge and not a Cap. |
- Above Left: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark.
- Above Right: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and has had extra gilt added. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to base front. |
- Above: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Hex brass type lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A single piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Hex brass lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to base front.
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- Above: A pair of single generic brass collar badges to the 11th in Roman numerals. Looped brass lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A two piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Separate "11" soldered to base frame. Hex brass lugs to back. Note this has the larger crown to top, but smaller "NZ" to wreath.
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- Above: A single piece generic collar badge in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, which has snapped off. Note small crown to top, but large "NZ" to wreath compared to opposite.
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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 2nd of April 1916.
From the 11th Reinforcements, New Zealand Army records combine the total men which make up the Reinforcement draft to the Infantry with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade as one figure, as follows:
- The 11th Draft consisted of 48 Officers and 1766 Other ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui and Tahiti - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1916.
From the 11th Reinforcements, New Zealand Army records combine the total men which make up the Reinforcement draft to the Infantry with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade as one figure, as follows:
- The 11th Draft consisted of 48 Officers and 1766 Other ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui and Tahiti - Wellington to Suez - 35 days duration.
12th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of badges to the 12th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Above: A two piece, generic type, with no letter to the 12th Reinforcements. Separate hand-cut number to center, with two wire looped lugs to back. Note the blob of solder to front, below the crown. This is possible a re-worked badge, which had something else to its center in the past.
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- Above Left: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to frame to front.
- Above Right: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above Left: A/12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above Right: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N' or "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above Left: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to frame to front.
- Above Right: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to frame to front.
- Above Right: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- Above: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: A Stirling Silver D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. Note the RD or Registered Design number to front of "RD812". Just below that is the Silver stamp of "Stg. Silver".
- Above Right: A rare frame type to the D/12th Reinforcements for the Otago area. Two piece, with separate letter/number to center, and with the words "NZ Expeditionary Force". Seems to have been worn by the 12th only. Two wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. |
- Above: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A single piece, non-void Collar badge pair to the 12th with 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.
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- Above: A single piece, pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 12th. Both have brass type hex lugs to back. Note the "RD" or Registered Design number to front of "RD 812".
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- Above: A rare style of brass Collar badge, which seems to have only to be worn by the 12th. Both have two hex type brass lugs to back in a North/South configuration. Both are are one piece, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A single piece pair of gilt brass Collars badges to the 12th. One has hex type brass lugs, while the other is brooched to back. No maker mark.
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- Above Left: Variations on the same frame. A non-void version of the same collar to the 12th Reinforcements. Two brass wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
- Above Right: A two piece brass Collar badge to the 12th, with separate number added to the frame. It has two brass hex type lugs to back. Note the large crown to top and smaller "NZ" to wreath. No maker mark. |
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:
- 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st and 6th of May 1916.
- The 12th Draft consisted of 49 Officers and 1654 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Ulimaroa, Mokota and Navua - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st and 6th of May 1916.
- The 12th Draft consisted of 49 Officers and 1654 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Ulimaroa, Mokota and Navua - Wellington to Suez - 40 days duration.
13th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 13th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Above: A generic 13th Reinforcements Cap badge. This is die stamped, one piece, gilt brass. It is very similar in the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but are brass only, while the North Canterbury and Westland Cap badge and Collars are bi-metal, with a white metal "XIII" to center.
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- Above: A generic 13th Reinforcements Cap badge in Silver. Marked to the back of the "XIII" to "Stirling" and then to back base of the banner "Silver". It has two brass hex type flat lugs to back.
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- Above: A/13th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Two piece, large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. Two brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to front base.
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- Above: B/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back, with no maker mark.
- Opposite: A striking sweethearts badges to a soldier in the 13th B Infantry Reinforcements. The center of the frame has had the 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 Cap with the Cap and Collars to the 5th (Wellington) Infantry Regiment. Sadly unknown. |
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- Above Left: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has two brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to front base.
- Above Right: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has two brass hex lugs to back. |
- Above: D/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has been brooched to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 13th Reinforcements. Again 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.
- Above Right: A pair of single piece, generic collars to the 13th Reinforcement. Hex type brass lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to front.
- Opposite Left: A two piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back, with separate "13" hand-cut to center.
- Opposite Right: A single piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Right: A pair of single piece, generic collars to the 13th Reinforcement. Hex type brass lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD812" to front.
- Opposite Left: A two piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back, with separate "13" hand-cut to center.
- Opposite Right: A single piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back.
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.
- The 13th Draft consisted of 45 Officers and 1339 Other Ranks.
From the 13th Reinforcements onwards, there was no longer a need to ferry troops associated with the ANZAC and New Zealand Divisions via Suez, as both Divisions had moved to France. It meant that Mounted Rifle Reinforcements and their associated units would now leave on separate vessels for Suez and the Middle East, often, via Australia to take advantage of that countries reinforcement transports.
The 13th Reinforcements were at sea, when their route changed
Vessels used from Wellington: Willochra and Tofua via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
- The 13th Draft consisted of 45 Officers and 1339 Other Ranks.
From the 13th Reinforcements onwards, there was no longer a need to ferry troops associated with the ANZAC and New Zealand Divisions via Suez, as both Divisions had moved to France. It meant that Mounted Rifle Reinforcements and their associated units would now leave on separate vessels for Suez and the Middle East, often, via Australia to take advantage of that countries reinforcement transports.
The 13th Reinforcements were at sea, when their route changed
Vessels used from Wellington: Willochra and Tofua via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
14th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. A rare frame type. This was apparently only used for the 14th Reio draft, and then a slightly different frame used below for the 15th to the 18th. This is a single piece, gilt brass badge, with the A over XIV 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. The tip of the crown has been bent back.
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- Above Left: A/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Above Right: A/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. |
- Above Left: B/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front.
- Above Right: B/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back. |
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the B/14th Reinforcements or the Wellington area. These are actually badge centers, which have had 2 brass hex lugs attached to back in a North/South config.
No maker mark. |
- Above Left: C/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has two brass hex lugs to back. Note the RD or Registered design number to frame to "RD812".
- Center: C/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back. - Above Right: C/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no voiding between roman numerals to center. |
- Above: C/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
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- Above: D/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above Left: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. This badge has a brooch fitting to back, and extra gilt applied.
- Above Right: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Same frame again, but note the difference in letter/numbers to center. Hex type lugs to back. |
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 14th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 14th Reinforcements. Non-voided to center, with two hex lugs to back. No maker mark. |
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.
- The 14th Draft consisted of 43 Officers and 1650 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui and Tahiti 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.
- The 14th Draft consisted of 43 Officers and 1650 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui and Tahiti via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 59 days duration.
15th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the 15th Reinforcements. No maker mark and with two copper wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above: A/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the tip of the crown is bent back. RD or Registered Design "RD812" to base.
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- Above Left: B/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back and "RD 812" to base of frame.
- Above Right: B/15th Reinforcement Silver Sweethearts Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. The badge has a brooch fitting to back, and marked "Stg Silver" to back of crown. |
- Above Left:: C/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back and "RD 812" to base of frame.
- Above Right: C/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Two wire looped lugs to back. |
- Above: A rare frame type to the D/15th Reinforcements Cap Badge to the Otago area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "Expedit. Force". Hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: Again a rare frame, two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 15th Reinforcement Draft. Used as a pool draft to augment numbers for the reserve Regiments in the UK at Sling. Hex type brass lugs to back.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Above: A single piece, void gilt brass collar badge to the 15th Reinforcements. With two hex lugs to back, but no maker mark.
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- 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.
- Above Right: A two piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 15th Reinforcements. Two copper wire lugs to back. |
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:
- 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th & 29th of July 1916.
- The 15th Draft consisted of 47 Officers and 1613 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Waitemata and Ulimaroa via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th & 29th of July 1916.
- The 15th Draft consisted of 47 Officers and 1613 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Waitemata and Ulimaroa via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 66 days duration.
16th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap bad Collar badges to the 16th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite Left: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has had a brooch fitting to back, with extra gilt applied.
- Opposite Right: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has had a brooch fitting to back, with extra gilt applied.
- Opposite Right: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Left: B/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base.
- Above Right: B/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Two wire looped lugs to back. - Opposite: A large oval image of a Soldier wearing his Lemon Squeezer with the above B/16th Reinforcement Cap badge for the Wellington Area being worn. To his collars are generic 2 piece 16th Reinforcement collars. Sadly the image is not named. |
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- Opposite Left: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. RD or Registered Design number "RD812" to front base.
- Opposite middle: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Right: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite middle: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Right: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Brooch fitting to back.
- Above: D/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex brass lugs to back.
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- Above: Three single piece collar badges to the D/16th Reinforcements to the Otago area. All are actually badge centers, which have had two hex type brass lugs attached to back. Note the base collar is non-voided.
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- Opposite Left: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 16th Reinforcement Draft. Used as a pool draft to augment numbers for the reserve Regiments in the UK at Sling. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A rare frame type in two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 17th Reinforcement Draft. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A rare frame type in two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 17th Reinforcement Draft. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above: A pair of single piece, gilt brass Collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two hex lugs to back to each. No maker mark.
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- Opposite Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Semi-void type, with two hex lugs to back to each. No maker mark.
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- Above: A single piece, gilt brass Collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Void, with two hex lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- 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.
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- Above Left: A single piece, gilt brass collar, semi-void Collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back, but no maker mark.
- Above Right: A similar, 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. Note the stars to the end of the lower banner also. |
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 on the 20th & 25th of Aug 1916.
- The 16th Draft consisted of 46 Officers and 1734 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Aparima, Mokota & Navua via Cape Good Hope - to Newport - 72 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th & 25th of Aug 1916.
- The 16th Draft consisted of 46 Officers and 1734 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Aparima, Mokota & Navua via Cape Good Hope - to Newport - 72 days duration.
17th Infantry Reinforcements
The following are a selection of letter/number badges to the 17th Reinforcements.
- Above: It is with the 17th Reinforcements that the single piece, die stamped Cap badge really started to take off. Above a Rounded frame to the A/17th Reinforcements for the Auckland area. Brass hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: A rare frame type to the B/16th Reinforcements Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "Expedit. Force". Hex type lugs to back.
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- Opposite Left: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This much earlier frame, is out of sequence and not expected for this draft. It was found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
and his brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, two piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs and was found in the same tin as the above badge.
- Opposite Right: B/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
and his brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, two piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs and was found in the same tin as the above badge.
- Opposite Right: B/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: C/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Two piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to base, over the lower banner, and separate "C/17". Copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Opposite Center: C/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Opposite Right: C/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Two piece, with "N.Z" to outside of frame. Hex type lugs to back, with no maker mark.
- Opposite Center: C/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Opposite Right: C/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Two piece, with "N.Z" to outside of frame. Hex type lugs to back, with no maker mark.
- Opposite Left: D/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Two piece. with "N.Z" to base. This badge has copper wire looped lugs.
- Opposite Center: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the non-voiding to center numerals.
- Opposite Right: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the voiding to center numerals.
- Opposite Center: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the non-voiding to center numerals.
- Opposite Right: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the voiding to center numerals.
- Opposite Left: A single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 17th Reinforcement Draft. Used as a pool draft to augment numbers for the reserve Regiments in the UK at Sling. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A similar single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 17th Reinforcement Draft. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A similar single piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the J 17th Reinforcement Draft. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above: A non-matching pair of 17th Reinforcement collars on the same frame type. Hand cut numbers to center on each, which has been soldered onto the frame. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A pair of single piece, die stamped collar badges to the 17th Reinforcements. Note the crossed rifles above the roman numeral to center. One has copper looped lugs, while the other has brass wire lugs.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 24th & 26th of Sept 1916.
- The 17th Draft consisted of 39 Officers and 1883 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Devon and Pakeha via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
- 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 24th & 26th of Sept 1916.
- The 17th Draft consisted of 39 Officers and 1883 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Devon and Pakeha via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 58 days duration.
The generic Badges - 17th Infantry Reinforcements & Others
The 17th Infantry Reinforcements seems to be the apex of the Reinforcement badge manufacturing during WW1. It is also the draft where we see the end in great quantities to the letter/numbered frame type and the start of the more generic "patterned" or pictured badges.
This frame type appeared around the 16th/17th Reinforcements. It is referred to as a generic 17th Reinforcement Cap badge, and has no number. But the frame was then modified and used by reinforcement drafts, with separate numbers and letters attached to front.
- Above Left: This is the version with slings to the rifles, and voiding. Gilt brass, but no lugs to back (they have been clipped off). No maker mark - Above Right: A similar Cap badge to the 17th Reinforcements. This has again slings to the rifles. With two copper wire looped luge to back and no maker mark. |
- Above: A similar Cap badge to the 17th Reinforcements. This has no slings to the rifles. With two copper wire looped luge to back and no maker mark.
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- Opposite Left: Variation again to the 17th Reinforcement Cap badge, with it being solid and probably easier to produce. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark.
- Opposite Right: Same again, but a very convex version of the Cap badge to the 17th Reinforcements. Possible just done by the owner, by bashing it to make it "pop" or stand out on his hat. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark.
- Opposite Right: Same again, but a very convex version of the Cap badge to the 17th Reinforcements. Possible just done by the owner, by bashing it to make it "pop" or stand out on his hat. Two copper wire looped lugs to back and no maker mark.
- Above: Generic 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. Referred to the "head up" 17th Collars, as the Kiwi has its head higher, opposed to opposite.
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- Above: Another variation of generic Collar badges to the 17th Reinforcements. No maker mark to the badge, and with two copper wire looped lugs to back. These are the "head down" type.
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the following are Generic collar badges to the New Zealand Reinforcements which have no draft associated with them, and were worn by a variety of drafts.
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge depicting a Kiwi over a fern, with the letters "NZ" either side. I have recently seen this also in Stirling Silver as a sweethearts badge. This Cap badge has two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge depicting a Kiwi over a fern, with the letters "NZ" either side. I have recently seen this also in Stirling Silver as a sweethearts badge. This Cap badge has two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: Opposing Kiwi over Rifle collar badges 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 started to appear to be worn by the 10th Reinforcements and onwards.
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- Above: 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.
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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
- Above: A voided, gilt brass Cap badge to the 18th Reinforcements. Not maker marked and has two tangs or blades to back.
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- Above Left: 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.
- Above Right: 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. |
- Above: Collars to the 18th Reinforcements in gilt brass. Slight variation is found with the top pair having copper wire looped lugs to back. Note the smaller "NZ" to center.
The bottom pair, have a larger "NZ" to center, and the center top and bottom ray in the star border is elongated. Hex brass lugs to back on these. |
- Above: A Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 18th J Reinforcements. This would have been a pool draft for either Infantry and 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. |
- 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.
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.
- The 18th Draft consisted of 40 Officers and 1820 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Willochra and Tofua via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 77 days duration.
- 1st Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Oct 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1916.
- The 18th Draft consisted of 40 Officers and 1820 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Willochra and Tofua via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 77 days duration.
19th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A Cap Badge to the 19th Reinforcements draft. RD or Registered Design marked to back to "RD874". To front, on the tip of the tongue is the letter "B" for Bock or Wellington. Two copper wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A 19th B Reinforcements badge in 2 piece brass to the Wellington Area. Brooch fitting to back, which has pin and hook missing.
- Above Right: A 19th C Reinforcements badge in 2 piece brass to the Canterbury Area. Two looped lugs to back. |
- 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.
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- Above Left: 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.
- Above Right: A thin gilt brass, Collar sized Cap badge which is brooch fitted to back. Probably a sweethearts badge. - Opposite: A opposing pair of generic Fern leaf Collar badges. A friend showed a picture of these being worn by a chap of E Company, 19th Reinforcements. They don't appear to fit anywhere else, so we can presume at this stage that these are Reinforcement Collar badges. Two Copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. |
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: A Stirling Silver (half sized Cap badge) sweethearts badge to the 19th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, but no maker or hallmark.
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- Above: A unmarked Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to the B Company, 19th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back.
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- Above: A unmarked Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to the J Company, 19th Reinforcements. This was a pool draft, so a mix of Infantry and Rifle Brigade Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, but missing the pin.
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- 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916.
- The 19th Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 1687 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui and Tahiti via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 74 days duration.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 19th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916.
- The 19th Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 1687 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Maunganui and Tahiti via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 74 days duration.
20th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A Cap badge to the 20th Reinforcements in gilt brass. No maker mark, and with two hex type, brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A pair of gilt brass 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 note the solid centers.
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- Above: A matching voided pair of 20th Reinforcement Collar badges. Hex lugs brass lugs to back and no maker mark.
- Above: A variation in Collar badge to the 20th Reinforcements. Note the Kings crown to top, these also have two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
Dates of Departure from NZ: - 1st Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 7th of Dec 1916. - The Draft consisted of 12 Officers and 665 Other Ranks. - 2nd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916 & 2nd of Jane 1917. - The Drafts consisted of 27 Officers and 932 Other Ranks. |
- Above: A photo of a Lance Corporal and his mates in A Coy, 20th Reinforcements. The "A" can just be seen on his shoulder boards, above the Number "20" and "NZR". Two wear the 20th Reinforcements Cap badge to their Lemon Squeezers, while 2 also have the non-void 20th Reinforcement Collars.
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Vessels used from Wellington: Port Lyttelton, Athenic and Opawa via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 87 days duration.
21st Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 21st Reinforcements.
- 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.
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- Above: The same sized badge, but in Stirling Silver and a sweethearts badge to the 21st Reinforcement draft. Marked "Silver" vertically to back of tail, it has a brooch fitting to back.
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- Opposite: Gilt brass collars to the 21st Reinforcements.
Note the variations, with some with larger beaks than others. The center bottom Collar is non-voided between the legs, and is also lead filled to back. I imagine this 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. Some look different to others, but what I can make out is "RD822" on at least two of them. Some are impressed, while others have raised letters.
All have hex, brass type lugs to back (except one collar, which has been converted to a sweethearts badge, with brooch fitting to back).
Note the variations, with some with larger beaks than others. The center bottom Collar is non-voided between the legs, and is also lead filled to back. I imagine this 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. Some look different to others, but what I can make out is "RD822" on at least two of them. Some are impressed, while others have raised letters.
All have hex, brass type lugs to back (except one collar, which has been converted to a sweethearts badge, with brooch fitting to back).
RD or Registered Design number 822 is unknown at this stage.
- Opposite: A Stirling Silver and Gold sweethearts badge to A Company, 21st Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "9ct" to the back of the "A/XXI", and "Stg. Silver" to base of frame.
RD or Registered Design number 822 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 & 21st of Jan 1917.
- The 21st Draft consisted of 37 Officers and 1764 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Waitemata & Ulmaroa via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 68 days duration.
RD or Registered Design number 822 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 & 21st of Jan 1917.
- The 21st Draft consisted of 37 Officers and 1764 Other Ranks.
Vessels used from Wellington: Waitemata & Ulmaroa via Cape Good Hope - to Plymouth - 68 days duration.
22nd Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: Variations to the 22nd Reinforcement Cap Badge. Left is in gilt brass, center is non-void darkened copper, and right is in darkened void copper. All have hex type lugs to back, and all are "RD" or Registered Design numbered to "RD887". It is just below the "NZ" to lower center.
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- Above Left: A standard reinforcement frame type with C/22nd to center for the Canterbury Area. Two wire looped lugs to back.
- Above: A personalised 22nd Infantry Reinforcement Cap Badge which has had its center wreath and Moa removed and a "J 22", hand-cut letter/number added. "J" Company was used as a pool draft for both Infantry and Rifle Brigade reinforcements for the 22nd.. - Opposite: A pair of brass collar badges to the 22nd Reinforcements. These are not maker marked, and have two hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration.
RD or Registered Design number 887 was to Mayer & Kean (Engravers), Wellington, N.Z. on the 31st of August 1916. Dates of Departure from NZ: - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th & 16th of Feb 1917. - They consisted of 40 Officers and 1692 Other Ranks. |
Vessels used from Wellington: Aparima, Mokoia and Navua via Cape Good Hope - to Devonport - 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
Badges to the 23rd Reinforcement.
- 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.
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- Above Top Row: A matching opposing pair of gilt brass Collar badges to the 23rd Reinforcements. Note the Tiki's head leans to one side. To back some (not all) are RD marked to back of banner with "RD902". Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Bottom Row: A darkened Copper Collar badge to the 23rd Reinforcements. This to, has two brass type hex lugs to back. |
- Above Left: A small size version of the Cap badge in gilt brass. This could just be a sweethearts badge, but it does have the RD number "RD902" to front. It has a brooch fitting to back, which is missing its pin.
- Above Right: A variation on the 23rd Cap and Collar badge. This is a collar, with the Cap having a similar center on the frame type opposite. They are not marked, and this collar has two Copper wire lugs to back. - Opposite: A B/23rd Reinforcement Draft Cap badge to the Wellington Area. By this stage, this type of frame was loosing its popularity compared to the pictured frames. So are scarce. Copper wire loops to back. |
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- Opposite: a superb image of 39866 Pte. John Joseph McDonald, here as a member of B/23rd Reinforcements. What's nice about this image is John is showing the other side of many of the reinforcements of the time, in that he is wearing very little insignia. On is shoulder straps is just the number "23", while on his Hat, he just sports a button.
He was to spend 2 years and 41 days overseas in France and the Western Front, initially with the 9th Coy, 3rd Battalion of the Wellington Regiment. Towards the end of 1918, he joined the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Entrenching Battalion.
In May 1919, he returned to New Zealand.
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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 18 Officers and 871 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 3rd of April 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 22 Officers and 944 Other Ranks.
He was to spend 2 years and 41 days overseas in France and the Western Front, initially with the 9th Coy, 3rd Battalion of the Wellington Regiment. Towards the end of 1918, he joined the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Entrenching Battalion.
In May 1919, he returned to New Zealand.
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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 18 Officers and 871 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 3rd of April 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 22 Officers and 944 Other Ranks.
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.
- Opposite Left: A "Bock" made 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"
- Opposite Right: A darker, unmarked example, with slight differences in the detail, most notably on the dogs chest.
- Opposite Left: A "Bock" made 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"
- Opposite Right: A darker, unmarked example, with slight differences in the detail, most notably on the dogs chest.
The collars came in two types.
- Opposite Top Row: Unmarked collar badges to the 24th Reinforcement Draft in gilt brass. Note the bone is at the back of the Bulldog's jaw.
Lugs are again the hex type, brass and in a North/South configuration to back.
- Opposite Lower Center: A Unmarked Copper version of the same Collar badge to the 24th Reinforcements. Lugs have been replaced to back, with a messy single loop.
- Opposite Top Row: Unmarked collar badges to the 24th Reinforcement Draft in gilt brass. Note the bone is at the back of the Bulldog's jaw.
Lugs are again the hex type, brass and in a North/South configuration to back.
- Opposite Lower Center: A Unmarked Copper version of the same Collar badge to the 24th Reinforcements. Lugs have been replaced to back, with a messy single loop.
- Opposite: Registered Design (RD) marked collar badges to the 24th Reinforcement Draft.
The RD number is just above the "HOLDFAST" on the Bulldog's chest and is "RD920"
Note the bone is at the front of the Bulldog's mouth.
Lugs are again the hex type, brass and can be either in a North/South (top pair) or East/West (center pair) configuration to back.
Note the bottom collar has NO RD mark, and in fact the lower banner has been darkened compared to the dog above it.
All are in copper.
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:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of April 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 21 Officers and 897 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 927 Other Ranks.
The RD number is just above the "HOLDFAST" on the Bulldog's chest and is "RD920"
Note the bone is at the front of the Bulldog's mouth.
Lugs are again the hex type, brass and can be either in a North/South (top pair) or East/West (center pair) configuration to back.
Note the bottom collar has NO RD mark, and in fact the lower banner has been darkened compared to the dog above it.
All are in copper.
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:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of April 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 21 Officers and 897 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 927 Other Ranks.
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
- Above: A single piece, Gilt Brass Cap badge to the 25th Reinforcements.
Hex brass lugs to back, with "RD" under the first "N" and "918" under the "D" in the lower banner. |
- Above: Single piece, opposing collar to the 25th Reinforcements in Gilt Brass. 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.
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- Opposite: A superb, full length shot of sadly a unknown 25th Reinforcement chap in Camp in front of his hut. He also features in the other photo (above) 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. |
RD or Registered Design number 917 was to Horace W Lloyd (Watchmaker & Jeweler), Lambton Quay, Wellington, N.Z. on the 17th of November 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 918 was to Horace W Lloyd (Watchmaker & Jeweler), Lambton Quay, Wellington, N.Z. on the 17th of November 1916.
RD or Registered Design number 918 was to Horace W Lloyd (Watchmaker & Jeweler), Lambton Quay, Wellington, N.Z. on the 17th of November 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
- The 25th Draft consisted of 38 Officers and 1816 Other Ranks.
- 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
- The 25th Draft consisted of 38 Officers and 1816 Other Ranks.
26th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 26th Reinforcements.
- Above: A bi-metal Cap badge in Silver (?) and copper to the 26th Reinforcements. A letter "B" in the silver center, 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.
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- Above Left: A Gilt Brass, single piece, Cap badge to the 26th Reinforcements. This badge again, as a "B" to center, above the star, and the Registered Design number of "RD930" to front base. Looped wire lugs to back.
- Above Right: A Copper, single piece, non-void Cap badge to the 26th Reinforcements. Again, as a "B" to center, above the star, and the Registered Design number of "RD930" to front base. Hex type lugs to back, though this is messy, so may be old replacements. |
- 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.
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- Above Top: A 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.
- Above Center: A variation in design, with the Waka or Canoe over fern leaves with "NZ" on the fonds, and instead of water. Not seen a opposing side yet. Hex type brass lugs to back. |
- Opposite: 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. Copper looped wire lugs to back.
RD or Registered Design numbers 930 and 931 are not known at this stage.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 23 Officers and 1167 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 26th with part of the 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 35 Officers and 1728 Other Ranks.
RD or Registered Design numbers 930 and 931 are not known at this stage.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 23 Officers and 1167 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 26th with part of the 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 35 Officers and 1728 Other Ranks.
27th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 27th Reinforcements.
- 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.
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- Above Left: 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.
- Above Right: 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 or 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. |
- Above Left: 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.
- Above Left: 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. 
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- Above Top Row: 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.
- Above Center: A bi-metal, copper, with upper Silver over-lay Collar badge to the 27th Reinforcements. Brooched to back, and I have only seen this side. It has a faint "948 & 947 RC" to the left, above the word "New Zealand". There is also a "B" on the copper, just above the "27". - Opposite: 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 |
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:
- 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements (plus some of the 26th) left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 35 Officers and 1728 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 16 Officers and 724 Other Ranks.
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:
- 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements (plus some of the 26th) left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 35 Officers and 1728 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 16 Officers and 724 Other Ranks.
28th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap badges and collars to the 28th Reinforcements.
- Above: 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.
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- Above Left: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 28th Reinforcements. Again RC (Registered Copyright) marked to "RC" and "938", above the "N" and "Z" in the lower banner. Two copper looped wire lugs to back.
- Above Right: A variation to the badge on the left. 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. |
- Above: Two pairs of Collar badges to the 28th Reinforcements. They are not opposing, but the top par are slightly smaller in design to the bottom pair. Both have wire looped lugs attached to back in a North/South Configuration. No RC number or maker.
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- Above: A scarce darkened copper Collar badge to the 28th Reinforcements. Same size as its brass counterpart, it has two long tangs or brass strips to back in a East/West configuration. No RC number or maker.
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- Above: A half 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.
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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:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 893 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 891 Other Ranks.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 893 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
- The Draft consisted of 19 Officers and 891 Other Ranks.
29th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 29th Reinforcements.
- Above Left: A scarce bi-metal, Silver center with Copper frame Cap badge to the 29th Reinforcements. Marked to the back of the frame, in center to "RD 959 & 960". To back are two copper looped lugs.
- Above Right: A voided gilt brass Cap badge to the 29th Reinforcements. No mark to back, with two looped wire lugs. |
- Above Left: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 29th Reinforcements. No marks to back and with two hex type brass lugs. Note the non-voiding to the whole badge.
- Above Right: 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 and lower banner. |
- Above Top: A bi-metal Copper and Silver Collar badge pair to the 29th Reinforcements. Both have a mark to center back to "RD959 & 960". Copper looped lugs to back.
- Above Bottom: A voided gilt brass Collar badge pair to the 29th Reinforcements. 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. |
- Above Top: A pair of Gilt brass collar badge to the 29th Reinforcements. Both are marked to center back to "RD959 & 960". Both have copper looped lugs to back.
- Above Bottom: A single gilt brass collar badge to the 29th Reinforcements. Note the extra brass left to top. Possible to strengthen the rifle muzzles, which may have bent or maybe caught with wear. Two hex type brass lugs to back. No maker mark. |
- 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."
RD or Registered Design numbers 959 and 960 are unknown, but see the 24th Reinforcements above. Likely Arnold Binns, Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. made some of them (as admitted in court case).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th & 15th of Aug 1917.
- The combined Drafts consisted of 28 Officers and 1347 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements (and 30th Reinforcements) left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
RD or Registered Design numbers 959 and 960 are unknown, but see the 24th Reinforcements above. Likely Arnold Binns, Trentham Military Camp, Trentham N.Z. made some of them (as admitted in court case).
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th & 15th of Aug 1917.
- The combined Drafts consisted of 28 Officers and 1347 Other Ranks.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements (and 30th Reinforcements) left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
30th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 30th Reinforcements.
- 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.
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- Above: A single piece, gilt brass 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 copper wire looped lugs.
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At some stage the moto 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 large voided crown, but no "RD" number to front. The lower banner has been modified crudely with the "I" in "Maia" modified to a "N". Hex type brass lugs to back.
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- 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.
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- Above: A pair of collar badges in Gilt brass to the 30th Reinforcement Draft. Though appearing similar to front, and with two copper looped lugs to back to each, the "RD" numbers to back, differ slightly.
- Above Left: Has "RD 961 & 962" stamped in raised letters to back. - Above Right: Has just "RD 962" to back. - 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. |
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- Above: A Collar size, Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 30th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, along with a mark of "Stg. Silver".
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- 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".
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- 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".
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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.
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.
31st Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 31st Reinforcements.
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- Opposite: A thick, die struck Cap badge 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 base of the left Fern end, and above the "WH" in Whakatangata". Two hex type brass lugs are to back.
- Above: A matching pair of Gilt brass Collar badges which match the opposite Cap badge. They are RD or Registered Design marked in the bottom folds of the banner to "RD970", and have the Bar and vines to around the Roman numerals to base of "XXXI". Two hex type brass lugs to back on each. |
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- Opposite: A Cap badge to the 31st Reinforcements. This type has no line running through the "NZ" to top and plain lower banner. It is clearly marked "RD970" to the base of the left Fern end, and above the "WH" in Whakatangata". A brooch fitting to back.
- Above: A unmarked, gilt brass Collar badge pair to the 31st Reinforcements. Note the lack of bar to top, through the "NZ" and a plain banner around the "XXXI". Two copper wire looped lugs to the back of each. |
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.
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.
32nd Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 32nd Reinforcements. 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 hex type brass lugs to back. It does have a "RD" number as the base of the South Island, but mine has been polished off.
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- 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 lugs to back. The above right Collar has the "topography" of New Zealand, in the form of the Southern Alps to the South Island. It has a "RD 977" just above the "32" disc on the center of the North Island. Hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Opposite: 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.
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:
- 31st & 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th & 22nd of Nov 1917.
- The combined Draft consisted of 53 Officers and 2351 Other Ranks.
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:
- 31st & 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th & 22nd of Nov 1917.
- The combined Draft consisted of 53 Officers and 2351 Other Ranks.
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 the below examples, with a flat or square topped.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to top, either round, or like the below examples, with a flat or square topped.
- Opposite: A Cap and collar set to the 33rd Infantry Reinforcements. Here the feathers are tipped in white metal on a brass body.
Both collars are in gilt brass with either brass wire looped lugs or like the Cap badge, with flat hex type lugs.
The Cap has a RD number in the top left fold of the banner to "RD982". In the fold on the between the words "ZEALAND" and "TA" is the maker mark "Bock".
Both collars are in gilt brass with either brass wire looped lugs or like the Cap badge, with flat hex type lugs.
The Cap has a RD number in the top left fold of the banner to "RD982". In the fold on the between the words "ZEALAND" and "TA" is the maker mark "Bock".
- Opposite: A Cap and collar set to the 33rd Infantry Reinforcements in darkened finish. The body of both the Cap and Collars appears copper.
The Cap has hex type lugs, while both collars are copper wire looped lugs to back.
The Cap has a RD number in the top left fold of the banner to "RD982". In the fold on the between the words "ZEALAND" and "TA" is the maker mark "Bock".
The Cap has hex type lugs, while both collars are copper wire looped lugs to back.
The Cap has a RD number in the top left fold of the banner to "RD982". In the fold on the between the words "ZEALAND" and "TA" is the maker mark "Bock".
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.
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.
34th Infantry Reinforcements & Beyond
The badge worn by the 34th Infantry Reinforcement was the last to be unique. Subsequent drafts used this 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.
- Above: A near matching pair of Cap badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both have similar strike to front, with just a slight difference in voiding between letters (top of NZ) and end of fern leaves. Both have copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A matching pair of Cap badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both are the same strike to front, with just the "N.Z" on the right Cap receiving extra polishing by the previous owner. Both have hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Opposite & Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 34th and beyond 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.
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- Above: A matching pair of Cap badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both are the same strike to front, with a more rounded frame, and just the "N.Z" on the right Cap receiving extra polishing by the previous owner. Both have hex type brass lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A cast brass Cap badge to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Sadly with no fixing to back, though it looks to have had a slider in the past, with a short copper stump to behind the crown to top back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A strikingly different matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Slight different wear and tone to front. Note the rounded frame with rounded "NZ" to center. To back are two flat brass, hex lugs, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A similar Collar badge to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Slight larger crown and thicker fern wreath. To back are two flat brass, hex lugs, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both have two flat brass hex lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both have two copper thick wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note the stork ends below the bottom banner.
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- Above: A matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both have two copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark. Note the top of the crown with the "beads" to top.
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- Above: A matching pair of Collar badges to the 34th and beyond Reinforcements. Both have two copper wire looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 34th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Feb 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 818 Other Ranks.
- 35th Reinforcements left NZ on the 3rd of Mar 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 829 Other Ranks.
- 36th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 23rd of Apr & 2nd of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 28 Officers and 1068 Other Ranks.
- 37th Reinforcements - 1st Draft - left NZ on the 9th of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 23 Officers and 769 Other Ranks.
- 37th Reinforcements - 2nd Draft - left NZ on the 16th of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 9 Officers and 233 Other Ranks.
- 38th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 5th of June 1918
- The Draft consisted of 15 Officers and 711 Other Ranks.
- 39th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 13th of June 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 12 Officers and 702 Other Ranks.
- 40th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 10th of July 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 952 Other Ranks.
- 41st Reinforcements - left NZ on the 28th of July 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 13 Officers and 945 Other Ranks.
- 42nd Reinforcements - left NZ on the 2nd of Aug 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 11 Officers and 808 Other Ranks.
- 43rd Reinforcements - 1st Draft - Ruahine - left NZ on the 18th of Aug 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 246 Other Ranks.
- 43rd Reinforcements - 2nd Draft - Matatua - left NZ on the 3rd of Oct 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 371 Other Ranks.
Sweethearts badges still were produced for higher draft numbers beyond the 34th.
- 34th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Feb 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 818 Other Ranks.
- 35th Reinforcements left NZ on the 3rd of Mar 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 25 Officers and 829 Other Ranks.
- 36th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 23rd of Apr & 2nd of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 28 Officers and 1068 Other Ranks.
- 37th Reinforcements - 1st Draft - left NZ on the 9th of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 23 Officers and 769 Other Ranks.
- 37th Reinforcements - 2nd Draft - left NZ on the 16th of May 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 9 Officers and 233 Other Ranks.
- 38th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 5th of June 1918
- The Draft consisted of 15 Officers and 711 Other Ranks.
- 39th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 13th of June 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 12 Officers and 702 Other Ranks.
- 40th Reinforcements - left NZ on the 10th of July 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 952 Other Ranks.
- 41st Reinforcements - left NZ on the 28th of July 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 13 Officers and 945 Other Ranks.
- 42nd Reinforcements - left NZ on the 2nd of Aug 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 11 Officers and 808 Other Ranks.
- 43rd Reinforcements - 1st Draft - Ruahine - left NZ on the 18th of Aug 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 246 Other Ranks.
- 43rd Reinforcements - 2nd Draft - Matatua - left NZ on the 3rd of Oct 1918.
- The Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 371 Other Ranks.
Sweethearts badges still were produced for higher draft numbers beyond the 34th.
- Above: 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. The 37th left New Zealand on the 9th and 16th of May 1918, in two different drafts. Brooch fitting to back, but no maker mark.
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- Above: A Gold and Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the 39th Reinforcements. The 39th left New Zealand on the 13th of June 1918. Two looped lugs have been added to back, with a mark of "Stg. Silver to back base of frame.
- Opposite Left: A Collar size sweethearts badge in Stirling Silver and Gold (not marked) and is based on the 34th and onwards Reinforcement badge. Brooch fitting to back with a stamp stating "Stg. Silver" to back of lower banner.
- Opposite Right: A WW1 shaped "Onwards" badge in gilt metal and enamel. Brooch fitting to back and the maker mark of "SSL" |
- Above: A Stirling Silver, brass and enamel Sweethearts badge with mother of Perl backing. Brooch fitting to back (missing pin) but no marker mark.
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- Above Left: A Gold, with coloured stones brooched badge, commemorating ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). Formed in December 1914 in Egypt, it operated during the Gallipoli campaign. It disbanded in 1916, but the name was used again with the establishment of 1 ANZAC Corps and 2 ANZAC Corps, which fort on the Western Front. In November 1917, elements of the New Zealand Regiments in both Corps were removed to be solely part of the New Zealand Division.
- Above Right: A brass title, with safety pin soldered to back with the letters "A.N.Z.A.C". No maker mark. |
Unknowns
- Above: A Silver and Gold or Gold plate badge which looks similar to collars (worn in pairs) to Kiwi recuperating in the UK from Gallipoli in late 1915/early 1916. Due to size and clarity of the photo's its hard to confirm whether they are wearing to of these on their tunics. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker marks.
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- Above: A large gilt brass fern with purpose yet unknown. Two looped lugs to back, with no maker mark.
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C1 Fit Badge.
As each man either signed up or was drafted for training during WW1 in one of the Reinforcement Camps in New Zealand, he had to undergo a medical examination. At the end of it, he was classified as either "fit" or as follows:
- A - Fit for active service beyond the seas.
- B1 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after operation in camp or public hospital).
- B2 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after recovery at home).
- C1 - Likely to become fit for active service after special training.
- C2 - Unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand.
- D - Wholly unfit for any service whatsoever.
- Opposite: A C1 Reinforcement Cap badge, worn by those men classified to attend a special camp withing the Reinforcement Camps, for further training. Often it meant a case of feeding or fattening a chap up, for those underweight, while physical exercise for those underdeveloped/with narrow chests. I have not come across any other of the classifications having their own badge. There are period photographs of soldiers wearing these C1 badges on their hats.
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.
- A - Fit for active service beyond the seas.
- B1 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after operation in camp or public hospital).
- B2 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after recovery at home).
- C1 - Likely to become fit for active service after special training.
- C2 - Unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand.
- D - Wholly unfit for any service whatsoever.
- Opposite: A C1 Reinforcement Cap badge, worn by those men classified to attend a special camp withing the Reinforcement Camps, for further training. Often it meant a case of feeding or fattening a chap up, for those underweight, while physical exercise for those underdeveloped/with narrow chests. I have not come across any other of the classifications having their own badge. There are period photographs of soldiers wearing these C1 badges on their hats.
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.
Shoulder Letters and Numbers.
This photo shows the type separate gilt brass letters worn on the shoulder strap of the Reinforcement Drafts.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
Some of the Reinforcement Draft numbers, worn separately under the above letters, on the Shoulder straps of the Tunic which the Reinforcement drafts wore while training. These are just over 19mm in height, so larger than the regular numbers adopted by the New Zealand Army. The "2" is casyt brass, with a single lug, while the "9" has two hex type brass lugs to back. All others have a thick pair of copper looped lugs to back.
- Above: A selection of single piece shoulder strap letter/number combinations, with two hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration. This seems to be popular between the 7th to 13th Reinforcement drafts, and then there was a move to separate letter and number being worn.
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- Above: A sequence of shoulder strap numbers to the 14th to 20th Reinforcements. Note the variations in cutting to the 18th and 19th numbers, and where the support bar was positioned.
The early numbers to the 14th and 15th have thin wire lugs, while the rest have hex type, flat brass lugs to back. Note the 20th in the picture. This is a Stokes and Son made title, stamped to back and based in Australia (Melbourne), they made a variety of Corps badges and titles as well as a sequence of Reinforcement shoulder numbers. They tend to be multi piece, with separate numbers, sweated onto two brass bars. They are also stamped to back "STOKES & SONS". |
- Opposite: Reio shoulder numbers 21 to 30. Note the slightly large 23, which has wire looped lugs. The 27th is also a Stokes and Son made title, with copper looped lugs. All the rest have hex type, thin brass lugs.
- Opposite: Reio shoulder numbers 31 to 40. Sadly missing a "37".
- Opposite: Reio shoulder numbers 41 to 50. The 47th and one of the 48th's are Stokes and Son made title, with copper looped lugs. All the rest have either hex type, thin brass or wire lugs.
- Opposite: A pair of large numbers to the 14th and 27th Reinforcement drafts. Unsure what these are for, but the 14th is maker marked to the back to "Bock, Wellington", which is a WW1 New Zealand maker. The 14 is chromed, while the 27 is brass. Both are 26mm high. The 14 to center, is for scale and is the standard shoulder number size of 19mm high.
Reserves
In 1916, The British Government proposed the establishment of Reserves of Men, who would be ready at a moments notice to argument numbers required for overseas service. The NZ Government took this on-board and established groups of soldiers either in training (but outside the above reinforcement training system) or still in Civilian life.
While in uniform, a number of badges were worn, and the following are a selection of Reserve cap badges and their 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.
While in uniform, a number of badges were worn, and the following are a selection of Reserve cap badges and their 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.
- 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.
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- Above: A two piece, silver Cap badge to the 1st Infantry Reserves. A brooch fitting to back, and note the RD or Registered Design number of "RD818" to center. No hallmark to back.
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- 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.
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- Opposite: 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.
- 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, 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.
- Opposite: 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. |
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New Zealand National Reserve.
The New Zealand National Reserve, was a civilian home front organisation which had existed prior to WW1.
It formed with the New Zealand Defence Act of 1909, and was based on the UK Reserve system.
It was open to all Volunteers who had had previous Military service or were members of organisations such as the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance.
Regional units were set up throughout New Zealand, and these had their own badge.
They came in two forms, with a button-hole attachment to back, or a brooch fitting.
The brooch fitting enabled the Female members to attache it to their blouse, but also it allowed the badge to be worn as a Cap badge.
Active members were coloured gilt crown within a enamel border, while honorary members were a silver crown within a enamel border.
It formed with the New Zealand Defence Act of 1909, and was based on the UK Reserve system.
It was open to all Volunteers who had had previous Military service or were members of organisations such as the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance.
Regional units were set up throughout New Zealand, and these had their own badge.
They came in two forms, with a button-hole attachment to back, or a brooch fitting.
The brooch fitting enabled the Female members to attache it to their blouse, but also it allowed the badge to be worn as a Cap badge.
Active members were coloured gilt crown within a enamel border, while honorary members were a silver crown within a enamel border.
- Above: A gilt and enamel button-hole badge to the National Reserve Auckland New Zealand. Numbered "313" to back and marked "Rubin Watts"
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- Above Left: A gilt and enamel button-hole badge to the New Zealand Defence Rifles. No maker mark to back.
- Above Right: A gilt and enamel button-hole badge to the National Reserve NZ Railways. Maker mark to "Bock, Wellington" |
- Above Left: A silver and enamel brooched badge to the National Reserve Wellington New Zealand. Maker stamped to back to "Bock Wellington".
- Above Right: Another silver and enamel brooched badge to the National Reserve Wellington New Zealand. No maker mark to back, and note the darker blue enamel. |
- Above Left: A silver and enamel brooched badge to the G7 Napier Branch in the Wellington Military District. No maker mark to back.
- Above Right: A gilt button-hole badge to the G7B Ruahine Branch in the Wellington Military District. No maker mark to back. |
- Above Left: A gilt and enamel button-hole badge to the National Reserve Wellington. No maker mark to back.
- Above Right: A gilt and enamel button-hole badge to the National Reserve Marlborough. Maker impressed to back to "Bock Wellington". |
- Above Left: A silver and enamel brooched badge to the National Reserve Canterbury. No maker mark to back.
- Above Right: A gilt and enamel button-hole badge to the National Reserve Otago. Maker marked to back to "Moller" |
Others National Reserve badges known:
Hamilton, Cambridge, Hawera, Hawera DRC (Defence Rifle Club with blue, red and green boarders), Patea, Palmerston North,
Well. Mil. Dist, G6, Oroua,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7, Wairoa,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7, Hastings,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7, Gisborne,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7a,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7c, Gisborne,
Greymouth, Southland (blue border), Southland (maroon border) Women’s National Reserve - Canterbury, Post and Telegraph.
Note Officers of the National Reserves attached rank stars to the top and sides of their badge (I have seen examples in the past come up for sale), while Warrant Officers and below, wore chevrons to their uniform sleeves. Many units did NOT adopt a uniform as it was beyond many of its members pockets. But many did adopt a civilian Cap, and wore it with their badge.
The above information was taken from Barry O'Sullivans article "National Reserve badges of WW1".
Hamilton, Cambridge, Hawera, Hawera DRC (Defence Rifle Club with blue, red and green boarders), Patea, Palmerston North,
Well. Mil. Dist, G6, Oroua,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7, Wairoa,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7, Hastings,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7, Gisborne,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7a,
Well. Mil. Dist, G7c, Gisborne,
Greymouth, Southland (blue border), Southland (maroon border) Women’s National Reserve - Canterbury, Post and Telegraph.
Note Officers of the National Reserves attached rank stars to the top and sides of their badge (I have seen examples in the past come up for sale), while Warrant Officers and below, wore chevrons to their uniform sleeves. Many units did NOT adopt a uniform as it was beyond many of its members pockets. But many did adopt a civilian Cap, and wore it with their badge.
The above information was taken from Barry O'Sullivans article "National Reserve badges of WW1".
Put Togethers and Fakes
So Someone once said "you can put anything in a frame, and call it a Reinforcement Badge".
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught.
Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer like all other fields of collecting.
They fall into two categories.
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught.
Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer like all other fields of collecting.
They fall into two categories.
Put Togethers
- Opposite: A bad badge - made from original parts. The industry of providing brass insignia at the camps was large, and meant that spare bits of numbers, frames and lugs were left over and have over time, made their way into collectors hands. The 8th Reinforcements never used this type of frame, which appeared later, with the 14th Reinforcements. To top it off, the crown is also the wrong shape/style, and just not found on NZ Reinforcement badges. With this separate crown, this ends up being a 3 piece badge, when it should be only 2. All parts are original, but just not correctly assembled/found together.
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
- Opposite: A unusual variation, and just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a New Zealand, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Cast Fakes
- Opposite: This is becoming more and more an issue with New Zealand Badges in general.
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which will easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years. Note it is also smaller than its original counter-part, sadly this doesn't help if you don't have a original to compare!
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which will easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years. Note it is also smaller than its original counter-part, sadly this doesn't help if you don't have a original to compare!
- Opposite: The reverse of this fake 3rd Infantry Reserve Badge.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
- Above and Opposite: A injected molded reproduction Cap badge to the New Zealand Military Police. They have done a good job of the front, with the detail just slightly flat, otherwise it would fool most collectors. The key is to the back, which is a funny coppery colour to finish, but note the area's circled in Red. They are flat, with no inverse detail and are where the ends of the brass was injected into the mold, and then crudely filed away.
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(continued) The Lugs are also two small for the badge and not the correct type. The braze to their base is messy to back, and which has run and what you don't see on originals.
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Caveat - Out of Sequence
- Opposite: So if we follow the above mentioned reasoning, one of these two badges its not correct.
On the left, is a B 17th (Wellington Area) Reinforcement Cap badge, correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. i.e. with frame and separate letter number attached utilised at the time.
Next to it (right) is a much earlier frame, but with a similar B 17th center.
This frame was only worn by the 8th to 11th Reinforcement drafts.
Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
- 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt
- 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C.
It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them. I can only presume he liked the earlier frame so much that he asked the Jeweler to add his draft number to it.
Collecting Reinforcement badges is both complicate but fascinating.
On the left, is a B 17th (Wellington Area) Reinforcement Cap badge, correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. i.e. with frame and separate letter number attached utilised at the time.
Next to it (right) is a much earlier frame, but with a similar B 17th center.
This frame was only worn by the 8th to 11th Reinforcement drafts.
Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
- 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt
- 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C.
It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them. I can only presume he liked the earlier frame so much that he asked the Jeweler to add his draft number to it.
Collecting Reinforcement badges is both complicate but fascinating.