New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
The New Zealand Rifle Brigade was formed in early 1915, and was initially called the Trentham Regiment, as this was where it was based and formed
It was granted the title "Earl of Liverpool's Own" on the 1st of May in honor of the then Governor of New Zealand, Arthur William de Brito Savile Foljambe, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool (1912–20).
Initially at its formation, there were just two Battalions of the NZRB, the 1st and 2nd. But in August 1915, the Regiment was expanded to include a 3rd and 4th Battalion. They would fight as individual units in the field, and also have individual Reinforcement drafts associated with each Battalion. At the end of August 1915, the crest of Liverpool was adopted as their Badge, it was also here that they changed the Regimental title to "The Trentham Rifle Brigade" (Earl of Liverpool's Own).
On the 18th of September 1915, advanced parties from the 1st and 2nd Battalions were sent overseas to Egypt, while the Officers and men of the 3rd and 4th Battalions started to arrive at camp in New Zealand to begin training.
On the 1st of October 1915, the Regiment was designated the "The New Zealand Rifle Brigade—Earl of Liverpool's Own."
It was granted the title "Earl of Liverpool's Own" on the 1st of May in honor of the then Governor of New Zealand, Arthur William de Brito Savile Foljambe, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool (1912–20).
Initially at its formation, there were just two Battalions of the NZRB, the 1st and 2nd. But in August 1915, the Regiment was expanded to include a 3rd and 4th Battalion. They would fight as individual units in the field, and also have individual Reinforcement drafts associated with each Battalion. At the end of August 1915, the crest of Liverpool was adopted as their Badge, it was also here that they changed the Regimental title to "The Trentham Rifle Brigade" (Earl of Liverpool's Own).
On the 18th of September 1915, advanced parties from the 1st and 2nd Battalions were sent overseas to Egypt, while the Officers and men of the 3rd and 4th Battalions started to arrive at camp in New Zealand to begin training.
On the 1st of October 1915, the Regiment was designated the "The New Zealand Rifle Brigade—Earl of Liverpool's Own."
NZRB Reinforcements
Like their Infantry and Mounted Rifle counterparts, the NZRB Reinforcement was allowed to privately purchase and wear a brass cap and collar badges. These were exactly the same as their Infantry counterparts, except that a different "Draft" letter was used on the front with the Reinforcement number.
They were as follows:
E - 1st Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
F - 2nd Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
G - 3rd Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
H - 4th Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
J - used as both Infantry and NZRB Reinforcements for the 13th draft and drafts between the 20th and 28th Reinforcements
They were as follows:
E - 1st Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
F - 2nd Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
G - 3rd Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
H - 4th Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements
J - used as both Infantry and NZRB Reinforcements for the 13th draft and drafts between the 20th and 28th Reinforcements
Early Generic Type NZRB Badges
Below are some examples of the early type ELO or Earl of Liverpool Own Cap badges, worn by the initial drafts. Nearly all I have encountered seem to have a brooch fitting to back. The handful I have seen with lugs, show signs that they have been modified later, and maybe initially had a brooch fitting.
- Above: A two piece ELO Cap badge. This is the frame type with NZ in circles on the wreath. Die stamped frame with the center soldered onto front. Brooch fitting to back which is missing the pin.
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- Above: A two piece ELO2 Cap badge. This is a solid backed with the center soldered onto front. Brooch fitting to back, with no maker mark.
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- Above: A two piece ELO2 Cap badge. This is the frame type with NZ on the wreath and "R" for Reinforcement to base. Die stamped frame with the center soldered onto front. Brooch fitting to back.
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There is also a ELO1 which I am missing in the sequence.
8th Draft and Onwards
As well as the above, from the 8th Reinforcement onwards, the NZRB Reio's wore:
- Top Row, Left and Right: From the 8th Reinforcement, E was used by the 1st Battalion, and F by the 2nd Battalion (remembering that the 3rd and 4th Battalions of the NZRB formed much later in 1915 and therefore their Reinforcement Drafts were of later, higher numbered badges)
- Mid Row: Badges to the 9th E and F, all two piece and note on two types of different frame. The 9th F at the end also has a matching collar below, just slightly smaller.
- Bottom Row: Badges to the 10th E and F.
The 8th Reinforcements were the 2nd draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalion of NZRB, and left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
The 9th Reinforcements were the 3rd draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalion of NZRB. They left NZ on the 5th Feb 1916.
The 10th Reinforcements were the 4th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalion of NZRB, and left NZ on the 4th March 1916.
The 1st draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB left NZ earlier, with the 9th Reinforcements on the 5th of Feb 1916.
- Top Row, Left and Right: From the 8th Reinforcement, E was used by the 1st Battalion, and F by the 2nd Battalion (remembering that the 3rd and 4th Battalions of the NZRB formed much later in 1915 and therefore their Reinforcement Drafts were of later, higher numbered badges)
- Mid Row: Badges to the 9th E and F, all two piece and note on two types of different frame. The 9th F at the end also has a matching collar below, just slightly smaller.
- Bottom Row: Badges to the 10th E and F.
The 8th Reinforcements were the 2nd draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalion of NZRB, and left NZ on the 13th of Nov 1915.
The 9th Reinforcements were the 3rd draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalion of NZRB. They left NZ on the 5th Feb 1916.
The 10th Reinforcements were the 4th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalion of NZRB, and left NZ on the 4th March 1916.
The 1st draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB left NZ earlier, with the 9th Reinforcements on the 5th of Feb 1916.
11th and 12th NZRB Drafts
- Above: Badges as follows to the NZRB Reio's:
-Top Row: 11th E (1st Battalion), 11th F (2nd Battalion) and a possible 11th G (3rd Battalion), but reading these G's, it could be a C... all have handcut letters to center, so there is much variation. - Bottom Row: 12th E (1st Battalion) and 12th F (2nd Battalion). The 11th Reinforcements were the 5th draft for the 1st and 2nds Battalions, and the 2nd draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ on the 1st April 1916. |
- Above: A possible 12th G (3rd Battalion) Cap badge to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
The 12th Reinforcements were the 6th draft for the 1st and 2nds Battalions and the 3rd draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ on the 1st and 6th of May. |
13th and 14th NZRB Drafts
- Opposite - Badges as follows:
- Left: Possible G/13th (3rd Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge, though could be a "C"
- Right: H/13 (4th Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge
The 13th Reinforcements were the 7th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions (E and F), and the 4th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions (G and H) of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
They left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
Remember as mentioned, the 13th J Coy was also used in this draft for a pool draft for the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
- Left: Possible G/13th (3rd Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge, though could be a "C"
- Right: H/13 (4th Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge
The 13th Reinforcements were the 7th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions (E and F), and the 4th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions (G and H) of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
They left NZ on the 27th of May 1916.
Remember as mentioned, the 13th J Coy was also used in this draft for a pool draft for the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements.
- Above Left: E/14th (1st Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge.
- Above Right: F/14th (2nd Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge |
- Above Left: G/14th (3rd Battalion) Reinforcement Cap Badge.
- Above Right: H/14th (4th Battalion) Sweethearts Badge in Silver with Gold (9ct) to center. Note one arm of the "V" in XIV has been snapped off. |
The 14th Reinforcements were the 8th draft for the 1st and 2nds Battalions (E and F) and the 5th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions (G and H) of New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
They left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
They left NZ on the 26th of June 1916.
15th and 16th NZRB Drafts
- Above Left: F/15th Reinforcement Cap badge (2nd Battalion). Two piece, with small frame and crown. NZ to base above a lower banner. Two looped lugs to back.
- Above Right: G/15th Reinforcement Cap badge (3rd Battalion). Two piece, large frame, with wreath touching the base of the crown. Brooch fitting to back. |
- Above: H/15th Reinforcement Cap badge (4th Battalion). Darkened brass, with a red cardboard backing. Two piece, with hex type lugs to back.
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The 15th Reinforcements were the 9th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions (E and F), and the 6th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions (G and H) of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
They left NZ on the 26th and 29th of July 1916.
They left NZ on the 26th and 29th of July 1916.
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Above Left: A Scarce single piece frame type only to this draft of E/16th Reinforcement (1st Battalion), and matching collars (there is also a similar badge for F/16th with collars). All have hex type brass lugs to back.
Above Right: F/16th Reinforcement Cap badge (2nd Battalion). Two piece cap badge, with matching F/16th Collars. The bottom left collar has been brooched, with extra gilt applied. |
Above Left: G/16th Reinforcement Cap badge (3rd Battalion). Two piece, gilt brass with a brooch fitting to back.
Above Right: H/16th Sweethearts Silver and Gold badge (4th Battalion). 9ct marked gold to center, with a brooch fitting to back. |
- Opposite: Another Gold and Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to H Company, 16th Reinforcements. Brooch fitting to back, with a "9ct" to the back of the "H/XVI", and a "Stg. Silver" to the back of the crown at the top of the frame.
The 16th Reinforcements were the 10th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions (E and F), and the 7th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions (G and H) of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
They left NZ on the 19th and 20th of August 1916.
The 16th Reinforcements were the 10th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions (E and F), and the 7th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions (G and H) of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
They left NZ on the 19th and 20th of August 1916.
17th and beyond NZRB Drafts
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th E Reinforcements (1st Battalion). Single piece, die stamped, with two brass hex type lugs to back.
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- Above Left: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th F Reinforcements (2nd Battalion). Single piece, die stamped, with two brass hex type lugs to back. Note the "NZ" to lower center.
- Above Right: A similar gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th F Reinforcements (2nd Battalion). Single piece, die stamped, with two brass hex type lugs to back. The "NZ" is on either side, outside the wreath. |
- Above: A gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th G Reinforcements (3rd Battalion). Single piece, die stamped, with two brass hex type lugs to back. Note the "NZ" to lower center.
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- Above : A gilt brass Cap badge to the 17th H Reinforcements (4th Battalion). Single piece, die stamped, with two brass hex type lugs to back. The "NZ" is on either side, outside the wreath.
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The 17th E and F Reinforcements were the 11th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and G and H were the 8th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
They left NZ on the 23rd and 25th of September 1916.
From the 18th Reinforcements many of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade start to wear some of the Infantry generic types, and also their own generic type as discussed below, so the letter/number on frame type Reinforcement badges become scarcer and less popular.
They left NZ on the 23rd and 25th of September 1916.
From the 18th Reinforcements many of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade start to wear some of the Infantry generic types, and also their own generic type as discussed below, so the letter/number on frame type Reinforcement badges become scarcer and less popular.
- Above: A 19th G (3rd Battalion) Reinforcement Cap badge to the NZRB. Generic frame with handcut number and letter sweated onto the frame.
The 19th Reinforcements were the 13th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 10th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ between the 15th of November 1916. |
- Above: Either a 20th E (1st Battalion) or 20th F (2nd Battalion) Reinforcement Cap badge. Generic frame with handcut number and letter sweated onto the frame.
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- Above: Reinforcement badges to 20th G (3rd Battalion), and two 20th H (4th Battalion).
The 20th Reinforcements were the 14th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 11th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ between the 7th of December 1916 and the 2nd of January 1917. |
- Above: A Silver frame, with a Gold center to the G 21st Reinforcements in the shape of a sweethearts badge. Brooch fitting to back.
The 21st Reinforcements were the 15th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 12th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ on the 19th of January 1917. |
- Above: A WW1 image of No. 27 Platoon, G Coy, (Reinforcements for the NZRB), 26th Reinforcements in training camp in NZ. Most are wearing a generic NZRB Reio Cap Badge (see below) on a slouch hat, with NZRB Collar badges. One or two are though wearing the Infantry 26th Reio Cap Badge and "Canoe" Collars.
Note the NCO's wear a peaked cloth Cap instead of the Slouch hat.
Note the NCO's wear a peaked cloth Cap instead of the Slouch hat.
Generic NZRB Reinforcement Badges
As well as the above badges, numbered and lettered for each draft, the NZRB wore their own generic cap badge and collar, and it was down to taste or preference as to which one was worn.
- Above: A two piece, standard Cap badge, commonly encountered for the NZRB Reinforcements. Note the motto has been left on the Cap badge size center.
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- Above: Same frame type again, this time in added gilt to the center. Note the Cap badge to center does NOT have the Motto to bottom. Two hex type lugs to back.
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- Above: Same frame again, this time in a darkened, black finish overall, which was the colour used on all NZRB insignia. They earned the nicknamed the "Black Button Bastards" by the Germans on the Western Front.
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- Above: A darkened brass, two piece NZRB Reinforcement Cap Badge, made from a frame worn from the 12th/13th Reinforcements onwards. The badge to center is about 2/3rds normal size. Wire copper loops to back.
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- Above: The frame was worn from around the 16th/17th Reinforcement drafts, the center has a NZRB badge with motto and is in gilt brass finish. Two wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above:Same frame again, but with added gilt finish. Note the Cap badge size badge to center does not have the motto. Two wire looped lugs to back.
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- Above: A slight variation on the above frame type, with the fern wreath tips finishing mid-crown at top of frame.
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- Above: Another frame type, but note the mid size NZRB cap badge to center.
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- Above: Scarce frame type with NZRB center in gilt brass.
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- Above: A scarce NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Cap badge on a "Expedit. Forces" frame, with Kiwi at base. The separate NZRB badge is half size to front, and the whole brass badge has been darkened. Two hex type brass flat lugs to back. No maker mark.
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- Above: A variation to the NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Cap badge. This time on a "Expeditionary Forces" frame more associated with the 34th Reinforcements. Note the NZRB faces also the other way (so a collar badge). This is a full size NZRB badge to center. Two rounded copper looped lugs to back. No maker mark but the frame has the characteristics of being Stokes & Sons.
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- Opposite left: A scarce NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Cap badge on a "Expedit. Forces" frame, with Kiwi at base. The separate NZRB badge is half size to front, and the whole brass badge has been darkened. Two hex type brass flat lugs to back. No maker mark.
- Opposite Middle & Right: Two examples of the rather scarce collars worn by the NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements. They don't appear often, so may not have been popular at the time or widely worn. Hex or wire lugs to back.
- Opposite Middle & Right: Two examples of the rather scarce collars worn by the NZ Rifle Brigade Reinforcements. They don't appear often, so may not have been popular at the time or widely worn. Hex or wire lugs to back.
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- Left: A full length photo of 40548 Rifleman Ernest Alfred Grindrod. Here, Ernest is a Reinforcement, in G Company 23rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements. He is wearing a generic pattern NZRB Cap badge, high crown, with a separate NZRB badge to center. He also has two NZRB collars.
- Above: A later photo of 40548 Rifleman Ernest Alfred Grindrod. Possibly taken in the UK or France, where he joined B Coy, 2nd Battalion of the NZRB. Note the Puggaree on his Lemon Squeezer, which will have a Khaki/Red/Khaki band (initially a all Khaki band was worn, but this later changed to the colours worn by all New Zealand Infantry). He also has a black square patch to his left sleeve, which shows he is a member of the 2nd Battalion, NZRB. Ernest went on to serve with with the NZRB in France from Sept 1917 to October 1918. He then transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment. Happily he survived the war and returned safely to New Zealand in May 1919. |
- Opposite Left: A multi piece gilt brass, enamel, mother of pearl and Stirling Silver sweethearts badge to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Brooch fitted to back of brass backing, with a mark which says "Real Silver Rim".
- Opposite Right: A Stirling Silver (not marked) Cap badge size sweethearts badge to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Brooch fitting to back.
- Opposite Right: A Stirling Silver (not marked) Cap badge size sweethearts badge to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Brooch fitting to back.