New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcement Drafts from World War 1
The New Zealand Rifle Brigade was formed in early 1915 as a desire to further contribute to NZ's current (at the time) War effort. It would be a whole new Regiment, with associated reinforcements.
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).
In September 1915, advanced parties from the 1st and 2nd Battalions were sent oversea's to Egypt, while the Officers and men of the 3rd and 4th Battalions started to arrive at camp to begin training.
On the 1st of October 1915, the Regiment was designated the "The New Zealand Rifle Brigade—Earl of Liverpool's Own."
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).
In September 1915, advanced parties from the 1st and 2nd Battalions were sent oversea's to Egypt, while the Officers and men of the 3rd and 4th Battalions started to arrive at camp 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 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
Opposite are 2 early type ELO or Earl of Liverpool cap badges.
Both are gilt brass and 2 piece construction. There is also a ELO1 which I am missing in the sequence. Worn early on by some of the 1st and 2nd Battalion reinforcements in NZ while training. Both of mine are broach fitted to back.
Both are gilt brass and 2 piece construction. There is also a ELO1 which I am missing in the sequence. Worn early on by some of the 1st and 2nd Battalion reinforcements in NZ while training. Both of mine are broach fitted to back.
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 Batt, and F by the 2nd (remembering that the 3rd and 4th Battalions 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 were the 2nd Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds NZRB
The 9th were the 3rd Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds NZRB
The 10th were the 4th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds NZRB
Top Row, Left and Right: From the 8th Reinforcement, E was used by the 1st Batt, and F by the 2nd (remembering that the 3rd and 4th Battalions 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 were the 2nd Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds NZRB
The 9th were the 3rd Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds NZRB
The 10th were the 4th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds NZRB
11th and 12th NZRB Drafts
Badges as follows to the NZRB Reio's:
Top Row: 11th E (1st Batt), 11th F (2nd Batt) and a possible 11th G (3rd Batt), 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 Batt) and 12th F (2nd Batt).
The 11th were the 5th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds, and the 2nd Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 12th were the 6th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 3rd Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
Top Row: 11th E (1st Batt), 11th F (2nd Batt) and a possible 11th G (3rd Batt), 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 Batt) and 12th F (2nd Batt).
The 11th were the 5th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds, and the 2nd Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 12th were the 6th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 3rd Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
13th and 14th NZRB Drafts
Badges as follows:
Top row: Possible 13th "G" (3rd Batt), though could be a "C" and a definite 13th H (4th Batt).
Bottom row: 14th E (1st Batt)
All are two piece, brass.
The 13th were the 7th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds, and the 4th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 14th were the 8th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 5th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
Remember as mentioned above, the 13th J were also used in this draft for both Infantry and NZRB reinforcements.
15th and 16th NZRB Drafts
Badges as follows:
Top Row: 15th F (2nd Batt) and 15th H (4th Batt)
Bottom Row: Scarce frame type only to this draft to the 16th E (1st Batt), and matching collars. All are single piece, die stamped. 16th F (2nd Batt) - note matching collars below. A possible 16th G (3rd Batt), but maybe a C, and a definite gilt 16th G (3rd Batt) with broach fitting to back.
The 15th were the 9th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds, and the 6th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 16th were the 10th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 7th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
Top Row: 15th F (2nd Batt) and 15th H (4th Batt)
Bottom Row: Scarce frame type only to this draft to the 16th E (1st Batt), and matching collars. All are single piece, die stamped. 16th F (2nd Batt) - note matching collars below. A possible 16th G (3rd Batt), but maybe a C, and a definite gilt 16th G (3rd Batt) with broach fitting to back.
The 15th were the 9th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds, and the 6th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 16th were the 10th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 7th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
17th and beyond NZRB Drafts
Badges as follows:
Top Row: 17th E (1st Batt) and 17th G (3rd Batt)
Bottom Row: 20th G (3rd Batt), and two 20th H (4th Batt).
From the 18th Reinforcements the NZRB did start to wear some of the Infantry generic types, and thought these drafts also wore their own generic type as discussed below.
The 17th were the 11th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 8th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 20th were the 14th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 11th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
As mentioned above, the NZRB drafts were reduced to three between the 20th and 28th Reinforcements, so only the letters "G", "H" and "J" were used.
Top Row: 17th E (1st Batt) and 17th G (3rd Batt)
Bottom Row: 20th G (3rd Batt), and two 20th H (4th Batt).
From the 18th Reinforcements the NZRB did start to wear some of the Infantry generic types, and thought these drafts also wore their own generic type as discussed below.
The 17th were the 11th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 8th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
The 20th were the 14th Reinforcements for the 1st and 2nds and the 11th Reinforcements for the 3rd and 4th NZRB.
As mentioned above, the NZRB drafts were reduced to three between the 20th and 28th Reinforcements, so only the letters "G", "H" and "J" were used.
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. Opposite is a selection:
Top Row: Left - Two piece NZRB on a frame worn from the 12th/13th Reio onwards.
Top Row: Right - Two piece standard Cap badge, commonly encountered. Frame type is found around the 10th Reio's onwards. Note to base of the NZRB center is the motto "SOYES FERME" (Stand Fast). Depending on jeweler and soldiers preference, the motto was left on or cut off when mounted on the Reio frame.
Bottom Row: Left - Darkened version, retaining all of its black finish. Note, NO motto to base of badge.
Bottom Row: Right - same badge, but in a gilt finish
Middle Row: Two examples of the rather scarce collars. They don't often come up/appear, so may not have been popular at the time or widely worn.
Top Row: Left - Two piece NZRB on a frame worn from the 12th/13th Reio onwards.
Top Row: Right - Two piece standard Cap badge, commonly encountered. Frame type is found around the 10th Reio's onwards. Note to base of the NZRB center is the motto "SOYES FERME" (Stand Fast). Depending on jeweler and soldiers preference, the motto was left on or cut off when mounted on the Reio frame.
Bottom Row: Left - Darkened version, retaining all of its black finish. Note, NO motto to base of badge.
Bottom Row: Right - same badge, but in a gilt finish
Middle Row: Two examples of the rather scarce collars. They don't often come up/appear, so may not have been popular at the time or widely worn.
Top Row: Left - A slight varation on the above frame type, with the fern wreath tips finishing mid-crown at top of frame.
Top Row: Middle - Worn from around the 16th/17th Reinforcement drafts, the center has a NZRB badge with no motto and is in gilt brass finish.
Top Row: Right Same as the above frame, but with the Regiments motto to base of badge.
Bottom Row: Left - Scarce collar type, not often seen.
Bottom Row: Middle - Another frame type, but note the mid size NZRB cap badge to center.
Bottom Row: Right - Scarce frame type with NZRB center in gilt brass.
All badges either have hex type or wire looped lugs to back.
Top Row: Middle - Worn from around the 16th/17th Reinforcement drafts, the center has a NZRB badge with no motto and is in gilt brass finish.
Top Row: Right Same as the above frame, but with the Regiments motto to base of badge.
Bottom Row: Left - Scarce collar type, not often seen.
Bottom Row: Middle - Another frame type, but note the mid size NZRB cap badge to center.
Bottom Row: Right - Scarce frame type with NZRB center in gilt brass.
All badges either have hex type or wire looped lugs to back.
The New Zealand Rifle Brigade Cap Badge
Here is a selection of NZRB badges, worn by all Regimental members.
Left Set: British made, by J R Gaunt, of London. They were issued painted black, but over the years have been usually polished or the blackened finish worn off. Note the wavy banner to top, which is associated with the Regiments badges, opposed to the Reinforcement badges, whose set is beside it.
Right Set: New Zealand made, and not maker marked. These were private purchase items, which the soldier could purchase and wear while training. Its the type also encountered in the center of their Reinforcement badges, i.e. with straight banner. Lots of variation in Lion, tail etc...
Bottom: Shoulder titles worn by the Regiment oversea's. The top pair are maker marked to J R Gaunt of London, while the bottom is a unmarked, and possible locally NZ made. Reio's did wear them while training in NZ.
Left Set: British made, by J R Gaunt, of London. They were issued painted black, but over the years have been usually polished or the blackened finish worn off. Note the wavy banner to top, which is associated with the Regiments badges, opposed to the Reinforcement badges, whose set is beside it.
Right Set: New Zealand made, and not maker marked. These were private purchase items, which the soldier could purchase and wear while training. Its the type also encountered in the center of their Reinforcement badges, i.e. with straight banner. Lots of variation in Lion, tail etc...
Bottom: Shoulder titles worn by the Regiment oversea's. The top pair are maker marked to J R Gaunt of London, while the bottom is a unmarked, and possible locally NZ made. Reio's did wear them while training in NZ.
A example of a darkened brass, hand cut, straight shoulder title. Possible Officers, though more likely NZ made and sold to Reinforcement drafts in the camps.
Opposite is the following:
Middle Set: Unmarked and NZ made, again variations to body of Lion and banner detail.
Top Right and Bottom Right: Both are sand cast types, possible made in the middle east as the troops arrived initially in Egypt, before then moving on to the UK, France and the Western Front.
Left: A WW2 Home Guard Cap Badge - ex members enlisted again during the 2nd World War, but many of them, due to age, saw Home Service only. As a homage to their old WW1 unit, some Home Guard adopted the NZRB badge as their own again. This example is sweated onto a WW2 "Onwards" Cap Badge.
Middle Set: Unmarked and NZ made, again variations to body of Lion and banner detail.
Top Right and Bottom Right: Both are sand cast types, possible made in the middle east as the troops arrived initially in Egypt, before then moving on to the UK, France and the Western Front.
Left: A WW2 Home Guard Cap Badge - ex members enlisted again during the 2nd World War, but many of them, due to age, saw Home Service only. As a homage to their old WW1 unit, some Home Guard adopted the NZRB badge as their own again. This example is sweated onto a WW2 "Onwards" Cap Badge.