New Zealand Infantry Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
A unique chapter in New Zealand Army badge history, is that of the World War 1 Reinforcement draft badge's.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a brooch fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Infantry Reinforcements followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These area letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify where the soldier/Reinforcement was from. As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts that if a man was from the Auckland area, that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field. But this was not always possible.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their Geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
It only existed between 1915 and 1918, and was purely a private purchase item, coming out of the pocket of the soldier who served in a particular draft, and were furnished by enterprising private Jewelers who set up shop in and around the training camps which sprang up throughout NZ due to her commitments to WW1.
The badge was to be worn only in New Zealand, and was often discarded once the soldier left its shores. Many were retained though, and swapped/traded for other items and badges once the Kiwi got to his destination with other Allied soldiers. Others were given to loved ones, either while the solder was training, or after, when they had gone oversea's, as both a memento, but also proudly worn to show that their Husband, Brother or Son was doing his bit.
Many of these "given" badges had their lugs cut off and a brooch fitting attached, some where silver or gilt washed to enhance their appearance. Others where made in silver and gold and sold as Sweetheart badges, and worn by the loved one as a piece of jewellery.
Infantry Reinforcements followed the New Zealand Army's area system, with:
A - Auckland Area - covering from the middle to the top of the North Island of NZ.
B - Wellington Area - covering from the middle to lower half of the North Island of NZ.
C - Canterbury Area - covering from the middle to the top half of the South Island of NZ.
D - Otago Area - covering from the middle to the lower half of the South Island and including Stewart Island.
These area letters will become important when discussing the early Infantry Reinforcement badges, which were generally used up to the 17th Infantry Reinforcement Draft, as they appear on the front of the badge to signify where the soldier/Reinforcement was from. As these men were grouped and trained together, the NZ Army did make efforts that if a man was from the Auckland area, that he was sent to a Auckland reserve Regiment in the UK (for further training before France) and then attached to a Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field. But this was not always possible.
Like today though, some parts of New Zealand are more populated than other places, so Regiments did struggle to recruit solely from their Geographical area (12th Nelson for example), and did rely on outside recruits to bolster their numbers.
Early Infantry Reinforcement Drafts to the 6th
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in October 1914. The subsequently the 2nd and 3rd followed to arrive in time for the landings at the cliffs and beaches of Gallipoli. The 4th and subsequent drafts followed, with parts of the 7th and 8th participating in the final months on the peninsular, before being held back and kept for the reorganisations in Egypt in April 1916 to then form the NZ and ANZAC Divisions.
Badges do exist for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th drafts, but are extremely scarce. They tend to be handcut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
The triple Fern badge below has been accepted as one of the first badges worn, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente, France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1.
As time went by, and Training camps established themselves with facilities, the manufacture of badges also advanced, and the start of the frame, with a handcut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force which included 1st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1914
- 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
Badges do exist for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th drafts, but are extremely scarce. They tend to be handcut, and maybe because of the crudeness of the early Training camps (initially tents before huts were created), where not widely available or popular.
The triple Fern badge below has been accepted as one of the first badges worn, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente, France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1.
As time went by, and Training camps established themselves with facilities, the manufacture of badges also advanced, and the start of the frame, with a handcut number and letter gain popularity and prevalence.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force which included 1st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1914
- 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915.
- 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- Above: A postcard showing the 3rd Reinforcements Camp at Trentham, Upper Hutt, Wellington in 1914. This is a early image, as it show much of the camp as a tent City than anything. But this would soon change with wooden huts and barrack construction as thousands and thousands of Men and Women trained here during WW1 and later. It its still in use today as a NZ Defense force base.
- Above: The early triple fern, with the bottom banner shown the Triple-Entente - France, England and Russia as the main powers on the Allied side at the beginning of WW1. This example has no lugs.
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- Above: C/5th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
6th Infantry Reinforcements
- Opposite Left: A/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Auckland area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Aug 1915.
- Opposite Right: C/6th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Aug 1915.
7th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above Left: A/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Auckland area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Above Center: 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 Right: A/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two bolts have been soldered to back to act as lugs. |
- Above Left: B/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Wellington area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Brooch fitting to back, which is broken.
- Above Right: B/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. A brooch fitting to back. |
- Above Left: C/7th Reinforcements Cap badge to the Canterbury area. This is a solid backed frame, with separate handcut letter over number soldered to center. Wire looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: C/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two thick looped lugs to back. |
- Above: D/7th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Sept 1915.
- 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of Sept 1915.
8th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of gilt brass Cap badges to the 8th Infantry
- Left: A semi-solid backed, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached to center. Copper wire looped to back.
- 2nd 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.
- 2nd Right: A die-stamped, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- 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.
- Left: 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.
- 2nd 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.
- 2nd Right: A die-stamped, A/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- 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.
- Left: A semi-solid backed, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- 2nd Left: A hand-cut, semi convex B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A semi-solid, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Right: B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Left: A hand-cut, semi convex B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 2nd Right: A semi-solid, B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Right: B/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above: C/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A semi-solid backed, D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Above Middle: A hand-cut, semi convex D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Brooch fitting to back. - Above Right: D/8th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
- 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
9th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of gilt brass Cap and Collar badges to the 9th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Left: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Center: A pair of A/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge to the Auckland area. Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Collars are still quite rare though. Copper wire looped lugs.
- Right: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Center: A pair of A/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge to the Auckland area. Care needs to be taken when purchasing this frame type, as I have been sold what I thought was a Cap badge, but it turns out to be a collar!! There is not much difference in the size!! Collars are still quite rare though. Copper wire looped lugs.
- Right: A/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped to back.
- Center: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Mine has two replaced, wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Center: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Mine has two replaced, wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: B/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Left: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Hex type brass lugs to back, probably replacements.
- Left Bottom: C/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge in same frame type as above. Copper looped lugs to back.
- Center: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Right: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Left Bottom: C/9th Reinforcement Collar Badge in same frame type as above. Copper looped lugs to back.
- Center: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Right: C/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N" and "Z" highlighted circles on the wreath . Separate letter/number to center. Broken brooch fitting to back.
- Left: 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.
- Center: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Center: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Frame with a separate letter/number attached. Copper wire looped lugs to back.
- Right: D/9th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite: A matching pair of brass collar badge to the 9th Reinforcements. These are generic, in that they don't mention a particular letter or Company. Both have a hex type brass set of lugs to back. These are single piece, die-stamped.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Jan 1916.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Jan 1916.
10th Infantry Reinforcements
The following is a selection of badges to the 10th Reinforcements.
All have either copper wire or hex type, brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and is oxidised to front.
All have either copper wire or hex type, brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and is oxidised to front.
- Above: B/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above Left: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Center: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back. - Above Right: C/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit Force" to middle lower banner. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no "N" and "Z" to sides of wreath. |
- Opposite Left: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Center: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and "N" and "Z". Two hex type brass lugs to back
- Opposite Center: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Two hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/10th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and "N" and "Z". Two hex type brass lugs to back
- Opposite Left: Three single piece brass collar badge to the 10th Reinforcements. These are generic, in that they don't mention a particular letter or Company. Two have a hex type brass set of lugs to back, while the third to the far left has two brass tangs, which bend closed. These are single piece, die-stamped.
- Opposite Right: A near matching pair of two piece brass collar badges to the 10th Reinforcements. The separate "10" to center is handcut and soldered to top and bottom of backing frame. They have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
- Opposite Right: A near matching pair of two piece brass collar badges to the 10th Reinforcements. The separate "10" to center is handcut and soldered to top and bottom of backing frame. They have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 4th of Mar 1916.
11th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 11th Infantry Reinforcements Badges.
- Opposite Left Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Bottom Row: A set of single piece Cap and matching collar badges to the A/11th Reinforcement. The Cap is a large framed badge, with a triple banner at base with "Reinforcements, NZ, Expedy Forces". The collars are the same, but solid background. All have copper wire loops to back.
- Opposite Left Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top Row: A/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Bottom Row: A set of single piece Cap and matching collar badges to the A/11th Reinforcement. The Cap is a large framed badge, with a triple banner at base with "Reinforcements, NZ, Expedy Forces". The collars are the same, but solid background. All have copper wire loops to back.
- Opposite Left: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/11th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A semi-solid backed, C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Base with a separate letter/number attached. Very oxidised overall and with Copper wire looped lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and has had extra gilt added.
- Opposite Middle: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. Hex brass type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/11th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has a brooch fitting to back and has had extra gilt added.
- Opposite Left: A pair of single generic brass collar badges to the 11th in Roman numerals. Looped brass lugs to back.
- Opposite 2nd from the Left: A two piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Separate "11" soldered to base frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite 2nd from the Right: A single piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A single piece generic collar badge in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. This has a broken brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916.
- Opposite 2nd from the Left: A two piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Separate "11" soldered to base frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite 2nd from the Right: A single piece pair of generic collar badges in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A single piece generic collar badge in brass to the 11th Reinforcements. This has a broken brooch fitting to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of April 1916.
12th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of badges to the 12th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Above: A two piece, generic type, with no letter to the 12th Reinforcements. Separate hand-cut number to center, with two wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above 2nd Left: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. - Above 2nd Right: A/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N' or "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. - Above Right: A/12th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. Again large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back. |
- Opposite Left: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: B/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, but no N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has been brooched, with a silver wash applied over the gilt finish.
- Opposite Middle: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- 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.
- Opposite Middle: D/12th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to middle lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
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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: Variations on the same frame. To the left is a non-void version of the same collar, 2 brass wire looped lugs to back, while on the right is 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.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of May 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of May 1916.
- 1st Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st of May 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 6th of May 1916.
13th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 13th Infantry Reinforcements.
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 13th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite: A generic 13th Reinforcements Cap and its collars. These are all die stamped, one piece, gilt brass. They are very similar in the design of the 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Infantry Regiment, but are brass only, while the North Canterbury and Westland Cap badge and Collars are bi-metal, with a white metal "XIII" to center. The Reinforcement version on the collars also is missing the "I" at the base so only says "NZ" instead of "NZI" (for New Zealand Infantry). All have copper wire loops to back. |
- Above: A/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
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- Above: B/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
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- Above: 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 to below. A small frame has then been inverted in the void. The solider is wearing a peaked Cap with Cap badge and Collars to the 5th (Wellington) Infantry Regiment.
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- Opposite Left: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Another large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above: D/13th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. This is on a large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting midway on the crown on top. The badge has been brooched to back.
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- Above Left: A pair of single piece, generic collars to the 13th Reinforcement. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Right Top: A two piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back. - Above Right Bottom: A single piece, brass collar badge to the 13th Reinforcements. Hex type brass lugs to back. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
- 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
14th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of 14th Infantry Reinforcement Cap and collar badges.
- Opposite Left: A/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. 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.
- Above Center: 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
- Opposite Left: A/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Auckland area. 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.
- Above Center: 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
- Opposite Left: B/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: B/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. Hex brass lugs to back.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Right: C/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note no voiding between roman numerals to center.
- Opposite Left: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Large, convex frame, with a letter and roman numeral, separately soldered onto frame. This badge has a brooch fitting to back, and extra gilt applied.
- Opposite Middle: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Same frame again, but note the difference in letter/numbers to center. Hex type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: D/14th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Same frame again, but note the difference in letter/numbers to center. Hex type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: D/14th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "NZ Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and no "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Left: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 14th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the B/14th Reinforcements or the Wellington area. These are actually badge centers, which have had 2 brass hex lugs attached to back in a North/South config.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 14th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the B/14th Reinforcements or the Wellington area. These are actually badge centers, which have had 2 brass hex lugs attached to back in a North/South config.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 14th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
15th Infantry Reinforcements
A group of single and 2 piece cap and collar badges to the 15th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite: A generic 15th Reinforcements Cap and its Collars. All are single piece, gilt brass. The collar to the left was found under the floor boards of a house, which was being renovated in the North Island. Copper looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916.
- Opposite: A generic 15th Reinforcements Cap and its Collars. All are single piece, gilt brass. The collar to the left was found under the floor boards of a house, which was being renovated in the North Island. Copper looped lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 15th Reinforcements left NZ on the 29th of July 1916.
- Above: A/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back. Note the tip of the crown is bent back.
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- Above Left: B/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: B/15th Reinforcement Silver Sweethearts Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. The badge has a brooch fitting to back, and marked "Stg Silver". |
- Above Left:: C/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: C/15th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Two wire looped lugs to back. |
- Above: A rare frame type to the D/15th Reinforcements Cap Badge to the Otago area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "Expedit. Force". Hex type lugs to back.
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- Opposite Left: A two piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 15th Reinforcements. Two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Non-voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Die stamped, and voided to center, with two hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Non-voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Voided to center, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 15th Reinforcements. Die stamped, and voided to center, with two hex brass lugs to back.
16th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap bad Collar badges to the 16th Infantry Reinforcements.
- Opposite Left: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has had a brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Left: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Auckland area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has had a brooch fitting to back.
- Above Left: B/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Above Right: B/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Two wire looped lugs to back. - Opposite: A large oval image of a Soldier wearing his Lemon Squeezer with the above B/16th Reinforcement Cap badge for the Wellington Area being worn. To his collars are generic 2 piece 16th Reinforcement collars. Sadly the image is not named. |
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- Opposite Left: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Middle: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Large frame, with the fern wreath tips meeting at the base of the crown on top. The badge has brass hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: C/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, with "N.Z" to base. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Middle: D/16th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Convex frame with "Expedit. Force" to lower banner, and "N" and "Z" to wreath. Two hex brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Surrounding: Three single piece collar badges to the D/16th Reinforcements to the Otago area. All are actually badge centers, which have had two hex type brass lugs attached to back.
- Opposite Surrounding: Three single piece collar badges to the D/16th Reinforcements to the Otago area. All are actually badge centers, which have had two hex type brass lugs attached to back.
- Opposite Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with a extra void part beneath the number. Two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Aug 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th of Aug 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Aug 1916.
- Opposite Second Left: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Top: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Void type, with a extra void part beneath the number. Two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Second Right Bottom: A single piece, gilt brass collar badge to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, void type, with two hex lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A pair of single piece, gilt brass collar badges to the 16th Reinforcements. Larger, non-void type, with two hex lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Aug 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th of Aug 1916.
- 3rd Draft - 16th Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Aug 1916.
17th Infantry Reinforcements
The following are a selection of letter/number badges to the 17th Reinforcements.
- Above: It is with the 17th Reinforcements that the single piece, die stamped Cap badge really started to take off. Above a Rounded frame to the A/17th Reinforcements for the Auckland area. Brass hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: A rare frame type to the B/16th Reinforcements Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Wide frame with "N.Z" to base and a Kiwi over the words "Expedit. Force". Hex type lugs to back.
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- Opposite Left: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. This much earlier frame, is out of sequence and not expected for this draft. It was found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
and his brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, two piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs and was found in the same tin as the above badge.
- Opposite Right: B/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
and his brothers. This has the "N", "Z" and "R" to base of frame. Separate letter/number to center. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle: B/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Wellington area. Smaller frame, two piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs and was found in the same tin as the above badge.
- Opposite Right: B/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Wellington area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back.
- Above Left: C/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Canterbury area. Smaller frame, 2 piece, with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs.
- Above Right: C/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Canterbury area. Single piece, die stamped, with "NZ" to center, over lower banner. Hex type brass lugs to back. |
- Above Left: D/17th Reinforcement Cap Badge to the Otago area. Smaller frame, two piece. with "N.Z" to base. This badge has wire looped lugs.
- Above Middle: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the non-voiding to center numerals. - Above Right: D/17th Reinforcement Cap badge to the Otago area. Single piece, die stamped, rounded frame. Brass hex type lugs to back. Note the voiding to center numerals. |
- Opposite Left: A pair of single piece, die stamped collar badges to the 17th Reinforcements. Note the crossed rifles above the roman numeral to center. Brass hex type lugs to back.
- Opposite Right: A non-matching pair of 17th Reinforcement collars on the same frame type. Hand cut numbers to center on each, which has been soldered onto the frame. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of Sept 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 25th of Sept 1916.
- Opposite Right: A non-matching pair of 17th Reinforcement collars on the same frame type. Hand cut numbers to center on each, which has been soldered onto the frame. Both have hex type brass lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 23rd of Sept 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 17th Reinforcements left NZ on the 25th of Sept 1916.
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-Above: The J Reinforcements draft was used as a pool draft for both Infantry and NZ Rifle Brigade. So they trained along side other drafts, but could be used to augment numbers in the UK if reserves were short. The 13th J Reinforcement draft was used entirely just for the Rifle Brigade, along with the 20th to 28th J Reinforcement drafts. I presume these above were all Infantry Reinforcement drafts.
All are 2 piece construction except for the two J/17th, which are single piece, die stamped.
They have a mix of wire or hex type lugs to back. Note the 16th J to top row, center, has a brooch fitting to back.
All are 2 piece construction except for the two J/17th, which are single piece, die stamped.
They have a mix of wire or hex type lugs to back. Note the 16th J to top row, center, has a brooch fitting to back.
The generic Badges - 17th Infantry Reinforcements & Others
The 17th Infantry Reinforcements seems to be the apex of the Reinforcement badge manufacturing during WW1. It is also the draft where we see the end in great quantities to the letter/numbered frame type and the start of the more generic "patterned" or pictured badges.
- Above Left: Referred to as a generic 17th Reinforcement Cap badge, but it has no number. This is the version with no slings to the rifles, and voided.
Two copper wire looped luge to back and no maker mark. - Above Right: A generic Cap badge to the 17th Reinforcements. This has slings to the rifles. Again two copper wire looped luge to back and no maker mark. |
- Above 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.
- Above 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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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.
- 1st Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Oct 1916.
- 2nd Draft - 18th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Oct 1916.
19th Infantry Reinforcements
- Above: A Cap Badge to the 19th Reinforcements draft. RD or Registered Design marked to back to "RD874". Two copper 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. |
- 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.
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. - 2nd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916. - 3rd Draft - 20th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of Jan 1917. |
- Above: A photo of a Lance Corporal and his mates in A Coy, 20th Reinforcements. The "A" can just be seen on his shoulder boards, above the Number "20" and "NZR". 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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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).
- 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 21st Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of Jan 1917.
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.
Dates of Departure from NZ: - 1st Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Feb 1917. - 2nd Draft - 22nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Feb 1917. |
- 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 "RD839" 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1917.
He was to spend 2 years and 41 days overseas in France and the Western Front, initially with the 9th Coy, 3rd Battalion of the Wellington Regiment. Towards the end of 1918, he joined the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Entrenching Battalion.
In May 1919, he returned to New Zealand.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Mar 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 23rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1917.
24th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap and collar badges to the 24th Infantry Reinforcements depicted the iconic British Bulldog on their badges, this was also their mascot when training in NZ. The Cap badge is of gilded copper construction, die stamped, with hex type flat lugs to back. Just a ever so slight difference between the two badges.
- 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of April 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
The 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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of April 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 24th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
25th Infantry Reinforcements
- 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. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
- 25th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of April 1917.
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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of June 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 26th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917.
27th Infantry Reinforcements
A selection of Cap and Collar badges to the 27th 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 Dates of Departure from NZ: - 1st Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1917. - 2nd Draft - 27th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of July 1917. |
28th Infantry Reinforcements
Cap badges and collars to the 28th 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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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
- 1st Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of July 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 28th Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th of July 1917.
29th Infantry Reinforcements
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."
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Aug 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Aug 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Aug 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 29th Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Aug 1917.
30th Infantry Reinforcements
Badges to the 30th Reinforcements.
- 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 Left: 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. - Above Right: 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. |
- 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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Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 30th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
- 30th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Oct 1917.
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. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
- 1st Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 31st Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
32nd Infantry Reinforcements
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.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
- 1st Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Nov 1917.
- 2nd Draft - 32nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 22nd of Nov 1917.
33rd Infantry Reinforcements
The 33rd Infantry Reinforcements were the last to have their own unique styled cap badge and collar.
The three Huia feathers comes in a different style to top, either round, or like 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.
Both collars are in gilt brass with either brass wire looped lugs or like the Cap badge, with flat hex type lugs.
- 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 hex type lugs, while both collars are copper wire looped lugs to back.
34th Infantry Reinforcements & Beyond
The badge worn by the 34th Infantry Reinforcement was the last to be unique. Subsequent drafts used the same badge, whether it was out of economy or rather the Army prescribed its wear, this badge remained in use until the end of hostilities. It also formed the bases in design for the WW2 "Onwards" version, some 20 years later.
Note the variation in design, with some wider and a more pronounced rounded fernleaf border. There are also differences in size of collar, with some being 1/2 and others 3/4 the size of the Cap Badge.
The majority are die stamped gilt brass, with copper looped lugs to back. There are also sandcast examples, with a large coppery brass slider cast into the back. They indicate Middle Eastern manufacture, but there is no pictorial evidence they were worn there.
Note the variation in design, with some wider and a more pronounced rounded fernleaf border. There are also differences in size of collar, with some being 1/2 and others 3/4 the size of the Cap Badge.
The majority are die stamped gilt brass, with copper looped lugs to back. There are also sandcast examples, with a large coppery brass slider cast into the back. They indicate Middle Eastern manufacture, but there is no pictorial evidence they were worn there.
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. |
C1 Fit Badge.
As each man either signed up or was drafted for training during WW1 in one of the Reinforcement Camps in New Zealand, he had to undergo a medical examination. At the end of it, he was classified as either "fit" or as follows:
- A - Fit for active service beyond the seas.
- B1 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after operation in camp or public hospital).
- B2 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after recovery at home).
- C1 - Likely to become fit for active service after special training.
- C2 - Unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand.
- D - Wholly unfit for any service whatsoever.
- Opposite: A C1 Reinforcement Cap badge, worn by those men classified to attend a special camp withing the Reinforcement Camps, for further training. Often it meant a case of feeding or fattening a chap up, for those underweight, while physical exercise for those underdeveloped/with narrow chests. I have not come across any other of the classifications having their own badge. There are period photographs of soldiers wearing these C1 badges on their hats.
- A - Fit for active service beyond the seas.
- B1 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after operation in camp or public hospital).
- B2 - Fit for active service beyond the seas (after recovery at home).
- C1 - Likely to become fit for active service after special training.
- C2 - Unfit for active service beyond the seas, but fit for service of some nature in New Zealand.
- D - Wholly unfit for any service whatsoever.
- Opposite: A C1 Reinforcement Cap badge, worn by those men classified to attend a special camp withing the Reinforcement Camps, for further training. Often it meant a case of feeding or fattening a chap up, for those underweight, while physical exercise for those underdeveloped/with narrow chests. I have not come across any other of the classifications having their own badge. There are period photographs of soldiers wearing these C1 badges on their hats.
Shoulder Letters and Numbers.
This photo shows the type separate gilt brass letters worn on the shoulder strap of the Reinforcement Drafts.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
We have discussed A though to D, but E though to J were also used by Mounted Rifle, Rifle Brigade and Specialist Reinforcements.
All of these have either a single or two, hex type brass lugs to back, except for the "H", which has two copper wire looped lugs.
Some of the Reinforcement Draft numbers, worn separately under the above letters, on the Shoulder straps of the Tunic which the Reinforcement drafts wore while training. These are just over 19mm in height, so larger than the regular numbers adopted by the New Zealand Army. The "2" is casyt brass, with a single lug, while the "9" has two hex type brass lugs to back. All others have a thick pair of copper looped lugs to back.
- 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, Fakes and Made to Order
So Someone once said "you can put anything in a frame, and call it a Reinforcement Badge".
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught.
Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer like all other fields of collecting.
They fall into three categories.
Not quiet correct, but not far from it either!
Careful attention needs to be followed and a study of frame types for each reinforcement to ensure that the collector is not caught.
Where there is money, there are fakes, and sadly Kiwi reinforcement badges do suffer like all other fields of collecting.
They fall into three categories.
Put Togethers
- Opposite: A bad badge - made from original parts. The industry of providing brass insignia at the camps was large, and meant that spare bits of numbers, frames and lugs were left over and have over time, made their way into collectors hands. The 8th Reinforcements never used this type of frame, which appeared later, with the 14th Reinforcements. To top it off, the crown is also the wrong shape/style, and just not found on NZ Reinforcement badges. With this separate crown, this ends up being a 3 piece badge, when it should be only 2. All parts are original, but just not correctly assembled/found together.
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Example 2. A unusual variation 2nd left, top row - just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a Kiwi, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
- Opposite: A unusual variation, and just not found. A silver washed 11th to 16th Reinforcement frame with a gilt Bugle cap or collar (note corded tassels, so more likely a British badge than a New Zealand, which had Ribbons instead of rope). So meant to be a Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Badge?
Cast Fakes
- Opposite: This is becoming more and more an issue with New Zealand Badges in general.
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which will easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years. Note it is also smaller than its original counter-part, sadly this doesn't help if you don't have a original to compare!
In recent years, fakers have gaining better expertise and technology, and this is allowing them to obtain superb detail to front, and some inverse detail to back which will easily fooling the novice collector.
There is still some tell-tail signs when casting, which if looked for, should steer the collector away from the fake.
- Pock marks and small holes to front (visible under a magnifying glass)
- Non-crisp lines to detail and banners. If the badge displays mushy detail (like on the current round of NZ Scottish White Metal King Crowned badges), they should stay clear from them.
- the current round of injection mold fakes, do show the reverse detail you would get on a die stamped, original, but usually there is a thick edge or flat section (which has file marks often) at the back (often the base edge), which shows where it was molded or injected from.
Above is a old fake (on the left) of the 3rd Infantry Reserve (appeared in the 1980's/90's) and a original cap badge (right), die stamped and two piece.
From a distance, the fake 3rd does show all the correct detail, but the colour is wrong, as you would expect tone to gilt finish after 100+ years. Note it is also smaller than its original counter-part, sadly this doesn't help if you don't have a original to compare!
- Opposite: The reverse of this fake 3rd Infantry Reserve Badge.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
As its cast from a original badge, it has the lip and folds as if it was a two piece badge, but on closer analysis, its completely one piece. The lugs are rough, and appear cast into the back of the badge. they have a mess, around the base of the lug.
This fake also included a plaque to base, which is never on originals.
The back clearly lacks the detail of a die stamped version.
- Above and Opposite: A injected molded reproduction Cap badge to the New Zealand Military Police. They have done a good job of the front, with the detail just slightly flat, otherwise it would fool most collectors. The key is to the back, which is a funny coppery colour to finish, but note the area's circled in Red. They are flat, with no inverse detail and are where the ends of the brass was injected into the mold, and then crudely filed away.
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(continued) The Lugs are also two small for the badge and not the correct type. The braze to their base is messy to back, and which has run and what you don't see on originals.
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Made to Order
- Opposite: The Triple Fern, with separate number sweated to the front of "1", "2" and "3". These were once toted as the Reinforcement badges to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Reinforcements.
In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn.
What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors. The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, before the craze of collecting the Reinforcement Draft badges taking hold, leaving a hole in the sequence for collector to find. Again enterprising Jewelers step in and made these badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, none were actually worn by these drafts. A warning also, as these used to command huge prices, but have come dramatically down in price in recent years. The originals (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as fakes/reproductions) on the market.
In reality no one (yet) has found a picture of them being worn.
What is more likely is that even right at the beginning of the Reinforcement badge phenomenon there were collectors. The 1st to 3rd left very quickly from New Zealand, before the craze of collecting the Reinforcement Draft badges taking hold, leaving a hole in the sequence for collector to find. Again enterprising Jewelers step in and made these badges to order, so that collectors could have a representation of the 1st to the 3rd, even though, none were actually worn by these drafts. A warning also, as these used to command huge prices, but have come dramatically down in price in recent years. The originals (they were made during WW1) are die stamped, gilt brass, but there are a number of sandcast copies currently being sold (as fakes/reproductions) on the market.
Caveat - Out of Sequence
- Opposite: So if we follow the above mentioned reasoning, one of these two badges its not correct.
On the left, is a B 17th (Wellington Area) Reinforcement Cap badge, correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. i.e. with frame and separate letter number attached utilised at the time.
Next to it (right) is a much earlier frame, but with a similar B 17th center.
This frame was only worn by the 8th to 11th Reinforcement drafts.
Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
- 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt
- 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C.
It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them. I can only presume he liked the earlier frame so much that he asked the Jeweler to add his draft number to it.
Collecting Reinforcement badges is both complicate but fascinating.
On the left, is a B 17th (Wellington Area) Reinforcement Cap badge, correct and perfect for the Reinforcement Draft it represents. i.e. with frame and separate letter number attached utilised at the time.
Next to it (right) is a much earlier frame, but with a similar B 17th center.
This frame was only worn by the 8th to 11th Reinforcement drafts.
Both badges came together and where found in a WW1 Princess Mary tin with the medals of
- 25630 Pte J Wood, N.Z.E.F
- 32268 Pte. H Wood The Queens Regt
- 35294 Pte. C Wood R.A.M.C.
It highlights the nature of these badges, as a private purchase item, and that it very much depended on the taste of the Soldier who purchased and wore them. I can only presume he liked the earlier frame so much that he asked the Jeweler to add his draft number to it.
Collecting Reinforcement badges is both complicate but fascinating.