New Zealand Mounted Rifle Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
The 12 New Zealand Mounted Rifle Regiment left with the main body of men in October 1914.
They too, would need specialised reinforcements, which would need to be trained in and around New Zealand.
Like their Infantry, and later, Rife Brigade counterparts, their Reinforcement drafts wore a privately purchased cap badge, which varied and depended upon personal taste and what was available.
Like the Infantry, the 1st Reinforcements left with the Main Body of men, while the 2nd followed suit, soon after. Upon arrival in training camp in early 1915, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements adopted a Squadron system with the following letters:
- A Squadron (Auckland)
- B Squadron (Wellington)
- C Squadron (Canterbury)
- D Squadron (Otago)
This followed the Infantry's Area system which divided NZ up into four Area's.
It also meant that the Mounted Rifle Reinforcements wore the same two piece lettered/numbered badges as their Infantry counterparts. Same style and frame types.
The main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) left New Zealand on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
- Headquarters - 6 Officers & 28 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
The 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- Headquarters - 10 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
The 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
The 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 101 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 101 Other Ranks
The 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- Headquarters - 5 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 106 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 106 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
They too, would need specialised reinforcements, which would need to be trained in and around New Zealand.
Like their Infantry, and later, Rife Brigade counterparts, their Reinforcement drafts wore a privately purchased cap badge, which varied and depended upon personal taste and what was available.
Like the Infantry, the 1st Reinforcements left with the Main Body of men, while the 2nd followed suit, soon after. Upon arrival in training camp in early 1915, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements adopted a Squadron system with the following letters:
- A Squadron (Auckland)
- B Squadron (Wellington)
- C Squadron (Canterbury)
- D Squadron (Otago)
This followed the Infantry's Area system which divided NZ up into four Area's.
It also meant that the Mounted Rifle Reinforcements wore the same two piece lettered/numbered badges as their Infantry counterparts. Same style and frame types.
The main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) left New Zealand on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
- Headquarters - 6 Officers & 28 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 26 Officers & 523 Other Ranks
The 1st Reinforcements left with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) on the 15th of October 1914.
It consisted of:
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 52 Other Ranks
The 2nd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1914.
- Headquarters - 10 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
The 3rd Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Feb 1915
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
The 4th Reinforcements left NZ on the 17th of April 1915.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 101 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 101 Other Ranks
The 5th Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of June 1915.
- Headquarters - 5 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 106 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 106 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 104 Other Ranks
6th to 10th Mounted Reinforcements
The 6th and 7th Reinforcements were merged to train together (and thus just became the 6th Mounted Reinforcements), to increase the rate of trained men leaving NZ at the time. Therefore E, F, G, H and J were used as well as A, B, C, and D.
A new 7th Reinforcements was then called into camp and they were lettered A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H.
The 8th to 10th Reinforcements used A, B, C and D only and their badges are the same as what is covered in the Infantry Reinforcement badge section on the website.
- Opposite Top: H/6th and J/6th Mounted Rifle Reinforcement badges in two piece gilt brass.
- Opposite Below: F/7th and H/7th Mounted Rifle Reinforcement badges in two piece gilt brass.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The majority of the 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Aug 1915.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 7 Officers & 240 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 7 Officers & 254 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 8 Officers & 241 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 7 Officers & 242 Other Ranks
The balance of the remaining 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Sept 1915 with the 2nd Maori Contingent and advanced party for the 1st & 2nd Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 9 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 15 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 12 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 17 Other Ranks
The 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Oct 1915.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 6 Officers & 201 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 6 Officers & 200 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 6 Officers & 190 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 197 Other Ranks
The 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Nov 1915.
- Headquarters - 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 103 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 105 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 103 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 105 Other Ranks
The 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Jan 1916.
- Headquarters - 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 202 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 200 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 157 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 199 Other Ranks
Horse Transport "Dalmore" sailed on the 19th Jan 1916, it also contained:
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 27 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 25 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 71 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 23 Other Ranks
Horse Transport "Waitemata" sailed on the 12th of Feb, with no Mounted Rifle Reinforcements on board.
Horse Transport "Waihora" sailed on the 22nd of Feb with a grouped lot of Mounted Rifles Reinforcements, their specific units were not recorded.
- 4 Officers & 30 Other Ranks
Horse Transport "Apatitua" sailed on the 29th of Feb with the following Mounted Rifle Reinforcements on board.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 113 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 9 Other Ranks
The 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Mar 1916.
- Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 99 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 92 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 99 Other Ranks
A new 7th Reinforcements was then called into camp and they were lettered A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H.
The 8th to 10th Reinforcements used A, B, C and D only and their badges are the same as what is covered in the Infantry Reinforcement badge section on the website.
- Opposite Top: H/6th and J/6th Mounted Rifle Reinforcement badges in two piece gilt brass.
- Opposite Below: F/7th and H/7th Mounted Rifle Reinforcement badges in two piece gilt brass.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The majority of the 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Aug 1915.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 7 Officers & 240 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 7 Officers & 254 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 8 Officers & 241 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 7 Officers & 242 Other Ranks
The balance of the remaining 6th Reinforcements left NZ on the 16th of Sept 1915 with the 2nd Maori Contingent and advanced party for the 1st & 2nd Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 9 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 15 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 12 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 17 Other Ranks
The 7th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Oct 1915.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 6 Officers & 201 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 6 Officers & 200 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 6 Officers & 190 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 197 Other Ranks
The 8th Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Nov 1915.
- Headquarters - 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 103 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 105 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 103 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 105 Other Ranks
The 9th Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Jan 1916.
- Headquarters - 4 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 202 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 200 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 157 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 4 Officers & 199 Other Ranks
Horse Transport "Dalmore" sailed on the 19th Jan 1916, it also contained:
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 27 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 25 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Officers & 71 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 23 Other Ranks
Horse Transport "Waitemata" sailed on the 12th of Feb, with no Mounted Rifle Reinforcements on board.
Horse Transport "Waihora" sailed on the 22nd of Feb with a grouped lot of Mounted Rifles Reinforcements, their specific units were not recorded.
- 4 Officers & 30 Other Ranks
Horse Transport "Apatitua" sailed on the 29th of Feb with the following Mounted Rifle Reinforcements on board.
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 3 Officers & 113 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 9 Other Ranks
The 10th Reinforcements left NZ on the 11th of Mar 1916.
- Headquarters - 2 Other Ranks
- The Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment - 1 Other Ranks
- The Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 99 Other Ranks
- The Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 92 Other Ranks
- The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment - 2 Officers & 99 Other Ranks
- Above: A interesting image of Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. Three of the chaps above are wearing D/7th Reinforcement Cap badges, which are also found on Infantry Reinforcements. The Sergeant to the center is wearing a Cap and Collar badge set to the 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles, while the chap standing on the far left of the picture, seems to be wearing a Collar badge to the 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles. Finally, the chap at the far back row 2nd from the right is wearing collars to the 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles. To back, the postcard says "Trentham, N.Z., Sept 1915."
11th to 14th Mounted Reinforcements
The 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Reinforcements were still in New Zealand when the Allies withdrew from the Gallipoli Peninsular. Up until that time, all Mounted Rifles had fought as dismounted Infantry.
It was decided in April 1916, not to have all 12 NZ Mounted Rifles Regiments fight in the Middle East.
The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment (which consisted of the three regiments - 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles, - 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles, - 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles) would instead continue to fight as dismounted Infantry in Europe.
Surplus men were either absorbed into units destined for France, which were greatly expanded at the time, .i.e. NZ Field Artillery, Pioneer Corps NZ Army Service Corps etc.
Or men joined newly created units, such as the Pioneer Battalion or NZ Cyclist Battalion.
Some also chose not to join, and instead stayed back until further MR Reinforcements were required.
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 14th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements, no maker mark to back, but two two hex type brass lugs.
It was decided in April 1916, not to have all 12 NZ Mounted Rifles Regiments fight in the Middle East.
The Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment (which consisted of the three regiments - 5th (Otago Hussars) Mounted Rifles, - 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles, - 12th (Otago) Mounted Rifles) would instead continue to fight as dismounted Infantry in Europe.
Surplus men were either absorbed into units destined for France, which were greatly expanded at the time, .i.e. NZ Field Artillery, Pioneer Corps NZ Army Service Corps etc.
Or men joined newly created units, such as the Pioneer Battalion or NZ Cyclist Battalion.
Some also chose not to join, and instead stayed back until further MR Reinforcements were required.
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 14th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements, no maker mark to back, but two two hex type brass lugs.
- Above Left: A non-void Cap badge to J Company, 14th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements. Made from brass, with two hex type, brass lugs to back. No maker mark.
- - Above Right: A void Collar badge to J Company, 14th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements. Made from brass, with two hex type, brass lugs to back. No maker mark. I have yet to see whether they had a opposing Collar. I have a feeling the horse head was worn the same way on both collars. |
- Above: A void brass Cap badge to J Company, 14th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements. This has a brooch fitting to back, which is sadly missing the pin. No maker mark.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1916.
From the 11th Reinforcements, New Zealand Army records combine the total men which make up the Reinforcement draft to the Mounted Rifles as one figure, as follows:
- The 11th Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 133 Other ranks.
The 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st and 6th of May 1916.
- The 12th Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 119 Other Ranks.
The 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
- The 13th Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 102 Other Ranks.
The 14th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 10th of July 1916. - Note this was Mounted Rifles Only (plus 2 members of the NZ Ambulance Corps).
- The 14th MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 102 Other Ranks.
The 11th Reinforcements left NZ on the 2nd of April 1916.
From the 11th Reinforcements, New Zealand Army records combine the total men which make up the Reinforcement draft to the Mounted Rifles as one figure, as follows:
- The 11th Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 133 Other ranks.
The 12th Reinforcements left NZ on the 1st and 6th of May 1916.
- The 12th Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 119 Other Ranks.
The 13th Reinforcements left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
- The 13th Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 102 Other Ranks.
The 14th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 10th of July 1916. - Note this was Mounted Rifles Only (plus 2 members of the NZ Ambulance Corps).
- The 14th MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 102 Other Ranks.
15th to the 18th Mounted Reinforcements
The 15th to the 18th Mounted Reinforcements continued to wear the badges covered in the Infantry section on the website. They also wore generic Mounted Reinforcement badges which are covered further down the page.
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. This has traces of gilt to front detail, on a now darkened frame. To back are traces of silver plating, so possibly this started out as a sweethearts badge.
It unusually features a Mounted Rifles Trooper on his horse within a Stirrup shaped frame. To base are the words "17 NZ. Reinfts. M.R.".
Two copper looped lugs are to back, but I would imagine these are not original, and are replacements. Maybe a brooch fitting originally?
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 15th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of July 1916.
- The 15th MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 92 Other Ranks.
The 15th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th & 29th of July 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements.
The 16th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 10th of Aug 1916.
- The 16th MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 98 Other Ranks.
The 16th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th & 25th of Aug 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements.
The 17th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 24th & 26th of Sept 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements.
The 17th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of Oct 1916.
- The 17th MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 105 Other Ranks.
The 18th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of Oct 1916.
- The 18th MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 87 Other Ranks.
The 18th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th & 16th of Oct 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
- Opposite: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. This has traces of gilt to front detail, on a now darkened frame. To back are traces of silver plating, so possibly this started out as a sweethearts badge.
It unusually features a Mounted Rifles Trooper on his horse within a Stirrup shaped frame. To base are the words "17 NZ. Reinfts. M.R.".
Two copper looped lugs are to back, but I would imagine these are not original, and are replacements. Maybe a brooch fitting originally?
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 15th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 18th of July 1916.
- The 15th MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 92 Other Ranks.
The 15th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 26th & 29th of July 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements.
The 16th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 10th of Aug 1916.
- The 16th MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 98 Other Ranks.
The 16th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 20th & 25th of Aug 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements.
The 17th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 24th & 26th of Sept 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements.
The 17th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of Oct 1916.
- The 17th MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 105 Other Ranks.
The 18th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of Oct 1916.
- The 18th MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 87 Other Ranks.
The 18th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th & 16th of Oct 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
19th to the 22nd Mounted Reinforcements
Like the above mentioned MR Reinforcement drafts, the 19th to the 22nd MR drafts wore either Infantry style or generic MR style badges.
It appears that some of the 19th did have their own Cap and Collars badges.
- Opposite: A pair of Collars to the 19th Mounted Reinforcements.
- Left: A single piece Collar in brass with a silver wash. To back are two lugs. Note the center is void.
- Right: A single piece, non-void gilt brass Collar badge to the 19th Mounted Reinforcements. Lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 19th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
The 19th & part of the 20th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of Dec 1916.
- The MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 143 Other Ranks.
The balance of the 20th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1916.
- The MR Draft consisted of 2 Officers and 86 Other Ranks.
The 20th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916 and the 2nd of Jan 1917. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
The 21st general Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th & 21st of Jan 1917. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
The 21st Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Feb 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 116 Other Ranks.
The 22nd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Feb 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 116 Other Ranks.
It appears that some of the 19th did have their own Cap and Collars badges.
- Opposite: A pair of Collars to the 19th Mounted Reinforcements.
- Left: A single piece Collar in brass with a silver wash. To back are two lugs. Note the center is void.
- Right: A single piece, non-void gilt brass Collar badge to the 19th Mounted Reinforcements. Lugs to back.
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 19th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Nov 1916. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
The 19th & part of the 20th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 5th of Dec 1916.
- The MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 143 Other Ranks.
The balance of the 20th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 14th of Dec 1916.
- The MR Draft consisted of 2 Officers and 86 Other Ranks.
The 20th general Reinforcements left NZ on the 30th of Dec 1916 and the 2nd of Jan 1917. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
The 21st general Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th & 21st of Jan 1917. It contained
- 10 Other Ranks Mounted Rifle Reinforcements for the Divisional Mounted Troops, which the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment were titled.
The 21st Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 8th of Feb 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 116 Other Ranks.
The 22nd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 15th of Feb 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 116 Other Ranks.
23rd and 24th Mounted Reinforcements
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- Opposite and Above: Probably my most favorite style of Reinforcement badge.
The 23rd had their own unique designed in Cap and Collar Badge. All three badges are single piece, with two hex type brass lugs to back. The Cap has traces of gilt still to finish, while the collars are darkened either by design or with age. |
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- Opposite and Above: The 24th adopted the same badge, but instead of re-striking a new badge with "24" to bottom center, the Jeweler just made a small round brass plaque, and sweated this over the "23".
This increment of draft number on a base frame with a small plaque, became the basis for Mounted Rifle Reinforcement badges going forward. Like the above badges, the 24th are both in gilt brass, with hex type lugs to back. |
Above: A collar converted to a sweethearts badge to the 23rd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements in gilt brass. This has a brooch fitting to back.
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Above: A collar size sweethearts badge to the 24th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements in Stirling Silver. This has a brooch fitting to back, with a stamp to lower base to "Stg Silver". It is a 23rd frame with a separate "24" disc sweated to front.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 23rd & 24th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of April 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 244 Other Ranks.
The 23rd & 24th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 19th of April 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 244 Other Ranks.
25th to 47th Mounted Reinforcement Drafts
From the 25th NZ Mounted Rifle Reinforcements, a generic frame was introduced and seemed popular with the men at the time. Not all wore them, some wore the badges covered in the Infantry Reinforcement badge section and others wore the generic NZMR badges discussed further down the page.
- Opposite: This type of frame was introduced from the 25th MR Reinforcements till the 47th (though there are stories that a 48th to 50th also exist, I have yet to see for myself).
Each subsequent draft had a small brass disc sweated over the "25".
This frame type is called the "Low Tail" due to the horses stance. It came with matching collar badges. Most have hex type brass lugs to back on either the Cap or Collar, though some do have copper wire looped lugs.
All have a white metal or silver wing sweated to the front of the badge.
The Cap has the RD or Registered Design mark of "RD942" to bottom right, above the banner, while the Collar badges have the same number of "RD942" either in the bottom piece on the left, below the banner, or in the grass below the hind legs of the Horse.
Each subsequent draft had a small brass disc sweated over the "25".
This frame type is called the "Low Tail" due to the horses stance. It came with matching collar badges. Most have hex type brass lugs to back on either the Cap or Collar, though some do have copper wire looped lugs.
All have a white metal or silver wing sweated to the front of the badge.
The Cap has the RD or Registered Design mark of "RD942" to bottom right, above the banner, while the Collar badges have the same number of "RD942" either in the bottom piece on the left, below the banner, or in the grass below the hind legs of the Horse.
- Opposite: This is the other frame type, was used from the 31st to 47th MR Reinforcement drafts. This is the scarcer "High Tail type", again based on how the horse stands and the tail sits. The example here has a small round "41" brass disk sweated over the top of a base 31st MR Reio badge frame. Like their other counterparts, they too have matching opposing collars.
Usually found with copper wire lugs to back, and again all have a white metal or Silver wing, sweated to the front of the badge.
The Cap has the RD or Registered Design mark of "RD942" to bottom right, above the banner, while the Collar badges seem to have the same number of "RD942" at the bottom piece of the banner.
Usually found with copper wire lugs to back, and again all have a white metal or Silver wing, sweated to the front of the badge.
The Cap has the RD or Registered Design mark of "RD942" to bottom right, above the banner, while the Collar badges seem to have the same number of "RD942" at the bottom piece of the banner.
- Above: A 25th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 26th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note brass disc to front, over the "25". Not quite flush.
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- Above: A 27th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. This badge has been brooch fitted to back, with extra gilding applied to the brass as a Sweethearts badge.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 25th, 26th & portion of the 27th and 28th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of April 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 317 Other Ranks.
The 25th, 26th & portion of the 27th and 28th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 31st of April 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 6 Officers and 317 Other Ranks.
- Above: A 28th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 29th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 30th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. No lugs to back, they have been neatly clipped off.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The balance of the 27th and 28th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 7th of June 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 171 Other Ranks.
The 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd and 34th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 17 Officers and 732 Other Ranks.
The balance of the 27th and 28th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 7th of June 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 3 Officers and 171 Other Ranks.
The 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd and 34th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 17 Officers and 732 Other Ranks.
- Above: A 31st Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. This badge has been brooch fitted to back, with extra gilding applied to the brass as a Sweethearts badge.
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- Above: A 32nd Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 33rd Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above and Opposite: A small collection of items to 57521 Trooper Alexander Abercrombie Bruce. Alec was part of the 32nd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements and joined on the 25th of June 1917. He was to spent 1 year and 308 days overseas as member of the 1st New Zealand Machine Gun Squadron, based in the Middle East.
Above is a small silver plaque which was attached to a case of Pipes present to Alec by the Citizens of Momona (in Otago, his home town) on his final leave before departure overseas from New Zealand. In the Otago Witness - Issue 3313 Page 23 - 12th of Sept 1917: "Valedictory.—Last Thursday evening Trooper Alec Bruce, who is home on final leave, was entertained at a farewell social in the Momona Hall, and presented with a very handsome case of pipes. Mr Arthur Amos presided, and there was a very large attendance". Beside it is a British coin, which has been flattened one side and turned into a ID disc, with Alec's details. At the base of the above, is a small silver and gold (not hallmarked) brooch in the shape of a bullet. It has a brooch fitting to back, and a small broken length of safety chain attached. |
- Above: A image of 57521 Trooper Alexander Abercrombie Bruce, taken from "Onward : portraits of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (Vols 4), by Beattie, P.J. & Pomeroy, M. (2013-2020).
Alec's image show him wearing New Zealand Machine Gun Corps collar badges and I believe "NZMGS" shoulder titles. |
Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd and 34th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 17 Officers and 732 Other Ranks.
The 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd and 34th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 17 Officers and 732 Other Ranks.
- Above: A scarce 34th Mounted Rifles high tail Cap Badge. Two copper wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above: A 35th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note the change in style to the numbered disk. Larger numbers and convex.
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- Above: A 36th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd and 34th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 17 Officers and 732 Other Ranks.
The 35th and 36th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Feb 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 2 Officers and 244 Other Ranks.
The 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd and 34th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1917.
- The MR Draft consisted of 17 Officers and 732 Other Ranks.
The 35th and 36th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 21st of Feb 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 2 Officers and 244 Other Ranks.
- Above: A 37th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back. Note tip of wing has been lost.
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- Above: A 38th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 39th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two copper looped lugs to back, probably replacements, but well done.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 37th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements sailed with the 36th general Reinforcements and left NZ on the 23rd of April & 2nd of May 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 122 Other Ranks.
The 38th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 124 Other Ranks.
The 39th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Aug 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 120 Other Ranks.
The 37th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements sailed with the 36th general Reinforcements and left NZ on the 23rd of April & 2nd of May 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 122 Other Ranks.
The 38th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 12th of June 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 4 Officers and 124 Other Ranks.
The 39th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements left NZ on the 9th of Aug 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 5 Officers and 120 Other Ranks.
- Above: A 40th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A scarce 41st Mounted Rifles high tail Cap Badge. Two copper wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above: A 40th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Brooch fitting to back, with sadly the white metal/silver wing missing from front.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 40th, 41st, 42nd and 43rd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements NZ on the 1st of Oct 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 433 Other Ranks.
The 40th, 41st, 42nd and 43rd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements NZ on the 1st of Oct 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 433 Other Ranks.
- Above: A 42nd Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 43rd Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 44th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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Dates of Departure from NZ:
The 40th, 41st, 42nd and 43rd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements NZ on the 1st of Oct 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 433 Other Ranks.
The 40th, 41st, 42nd and 43rd Mounted Rifle Reinforcements NZ on the 1st of Oct 1918.
- The MR Draft consisted of 14 Officers and 433 Other Ranks.
- Above: A 45th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 46th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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- Above: A 47th Mounted Rifles Low tail Cap Badge. Two hex type brass lugs to back.
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On the 12th of November 1918, the day after the armistice came into effect in Europe, there were still 13 Officers and 553 Other Ranks Mounted Rifles in training, in New Zealand.
The 44th to the 50th, remained in New Zealand.
The Ottoman Empire had in fact signed an armistice on the 30th of October 1918 on board the British battleship Agamemnon, ending hostilities and its involvement in WW1.
New Zealand's Mounted Rifles stayed in the Middle Eastern region and were disbanded in June 1919.
The 44th to the 50th, remained in New Zealand.
The Ottoman Empire had in fact signed an armistice on the 30th of October 1918 on board the British battleship Agamemnon, ending hostilities and its involvement in WW1.
New Zealand's Mounted Rifles stayed in the Middle Eastern region and were disbanded in June 1919.
- Opposite: A rare set of matching Collar badges in the "Low Tail type" in Copper and White Metal.
All badges were private purchase, so it was down to what the Trooper could afford and style they wanted.
These Copper based badges seem to have been not as popular or maybe not widely available, as their gilt brass counterparts, so are extremely scarce.
Both have two hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration.
All badges were private purchase, so it was down to what the Trooper could afford and style they wanted.
These Copper based badges seem to have been not as popular or maybe not widely available, as their gilt brass counterparts, so are extremely scarce.
Both have two hex type lugs to back in a North/South configuration.
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- Opposite: A full length image of 78601 Trooper Arnold Hobson Maddren. Arnold was part of the 43rd Mounted Rifles Reinforcements, yet this picture shows him wearing "45" on his shoulder straps. Sadly I cannot verify as his file is not on-line. To his slouch hat is a "Low Tail type" Cap badge, but the disc cannot be made out from the picture. His collars are obscured by his bandolier.
- Above: A picture purportedly showing 78601 Trooper Arnold Hobson Maddren sitting, 1st on the right, by the tent. Taken in camp. |
- Above: Another image of 78601 Trooper Arnold Hobson Maddren. He is back row, 3rd from the left (short). Arnold sailed on the 10th of October 1918 with the 43rd's. Sadly he must have returned immediately, as he died of Peritonitis at Temuka's Te Rata Private Hospital on the 12th of April 1919. He was from Winchester, South Canterbury.
Note the "Low Tail type" of Cap and Collar badges being worn.
The Trooper to the center and also second row, right are wearing Cap and Collars to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles Regiment.
Note the "Low Tail type" of Cap and Collar badges being worn.
The Trooper to the center and also second row, right are wearing Cap and Collars to the 1st (Canterbury) Mounted Rifles Regiment.
Generic Mounted Reinforcement Draft Badges
From about the 10th MR Reinforcements onwards, a generic cap and/or collar was also worn with either specific Mounted Reio Badges or the frame types covered in the Infantry Section on the website. Opposite is a selection of what is described as the 1st type Generic MR Reio badge, and is based on the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Mounted Rifles Cap badge, but instead of a motto at the base, just has "N.Z.M.R".
There is some slight variations in opposing collar detail.
All have copper wire lugs or hex type brass to back.
There is some slight variations in opposing collar detail.
All have copper wire lugs or hex type brass to back.
- Above: A two piece gilt brass with white metal center Cap badge to the NZ Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. Generic type, with no draft number, it has a RD 812 to front base, otherwise no other maker mark. Two brass hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: A two piece gilt brass Cap badge to the NZ Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. Generic type, with no draft number, it has a RD 812 to front base, otherwise no other maker mark. Two brass hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: A darkened brass, two piece Cap badge to the NZ Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. Note the traces of black paint to detail. Two copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A two piece, brass Cap badge to the NZ Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. Two brass hex type lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Opposite: A two piece, gilt brass Cap badge to the NZ Mounted Reinforcements. The rampant horse is on a frame used by the 34th Reinforcements and onwards. Two copper wire looped lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Above: A rare two piece, brass collar badge to the NZ Mounted Rifles in rare frame type. Two small copper lugs to back. No maker mark. |