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).
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."
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."
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
- Opposite: Are two early type ELO or Earl of Liverpool cap badges, worn by the initial drafts.
Both are gilt brass and 2 piece construction. There is also a ELO1 (1st Reinforcements to the NZRB) which I am missing in the sequence. Both of mine are broach fitted to back.
Both are gilt brass and 2 piece construction. There is also a ELO1 (1st Reinforcements to the NZRB) which I am missing in the sequence. 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 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
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.
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.
-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.
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
Above - Badges as follows: - Top row: Possible 13th "G" (3rd Battalion), though could be a "C" and a definite 13th H (4th Battalion). - Bottom row: 14th E (1st Battalion) All are two piece, brass. |
- Above: Possible 14th "G" (3rd Battalion) on a rare Kiwi frame.
The 13th Reinforcements were the 7th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and the 4th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ on the 27th of May 1916. The 14th Reinforcements were the 8th draft for the 1st and 2nds Battalions and the 5th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB. They left NZ on the 26th of June 1916. Remember as mentioned above, the 13th J Coy was also used in this draft for both Infantry and NZRB reinforcements. |
15th and 16th NZRB Drafts
Badges as follows:
- Top Row: 15th F (2nd Battalion) and 15th H (4th Battalion)
- Bottom Row: Scarce frame type only to this draft to the 16th E (1st Battalion), and matching collars. All are single piece, die stamped. 16th F (2nd Battalion) - note matching collars below. A possible 16th G (3rd Battalion), but maybe a C, and a definite gilt 16th G (3rd Battalion) with broach fitting to back.
The 15th Reinforcements were the 9th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and the 6th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
They left NZ on the 26th and 29th of July 1916.
The 16th Reinforcements were the 10th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 7th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
They left NZ on the 19th and 20th of August 1916.
- Top Row: 15th F (2nd Battalion) and 15th H (4th Battalion)
- Bottom Row: Scarce frame type only to this draft to the 16th E (1st Battalion), and matching collars. All are single piece, die stamped. 16th F (2nd Battalion) - note matching collars below. A possible 16th G (3rd Battalion), but maybe a C, and a definite gilt 16th G (3rd Battalion) with broach fitting to back.
The 15th Reinforcements were the 9th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and the 6th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
They left NZ on the 26th and 29th of July 1916.
The 16th Reinforcements were the 10th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 7th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
They left NZ on the 19th and 20th of August 1916.
17th and beyond NZRB Drafts
Badges as follows:
- Top Row: 17th E (1st Battalion) and 17th G (3rd Battalion)
- Bottom Row: 20th G (3rd Battalion), and two 20th H (4th Battalion).
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 Reinforcements were the 11th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 8th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
The left NZ on the 23rd and 25th of September 1916.
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.
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 Battalion) and 17th G (3rd Battalion)
- Bottom Row: 20th G (3rd Battalion), and two 20th H (4th Battalion).
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 Reinforcements were the 11th draft for the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 8th draft for the 3rd and 4th Battalions of NZRB.
The left NZ on the 23rd and 25th of September 1916.
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.
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 Reinforcements onwards.
- Top Row Right: Two piece standard Cap badge, commonly encountered. Frame type is found around the 10th Reinforcements onwards. Note to base of the NZRB center is the motto "SOYES FERME" (Stand Fast). Depending on jeweler and soldiers preference, the motto was either left on, or cut off when mounted on the badge 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 Reinforcements onwards.
- Top Row Right: Two piece standard Cap badge, commonly encountered. Frame type is found around the 10th Reinforcements onwards. Note to base of the NZRB center is the motto "SOYES FERME" (Stand Fast). Depending on jeweler and soldiers preference, the motto was either left on, or cut off when mounted on the badge 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 variation 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.
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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. |
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.
- Opposite: 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.