In the lexicon of New Zealand Ordnance, the term “Rickshaw” holds significance in various Ordnance-related contexts. It has been woven into the fabric of Ordnance-associated activities, exercises, and even social clubs within units. The moniker “Rickshaw” found its way into the titles of exercises carried out by Ordnance units. Moreover, the social clubs and bars affiliated with these units proudly adopted the name “The Rickshaw Club.”

In the post-Ordnance era, following the establishment of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR), certain facilities within the Trade Training School bore the distinctive names of “Rickshaw,” “Playtime,” and “Bluebell.” The “Rickshaw” room, alongside the “Playtime” room for Transport and the “Bluebell” room dedicated to the Equipment Support (EME) trades, were integral parts of this educational institution. These rooms served as spaces for learning and camaraderie, preserving the legacy and traditions of the Ordnance Corps in the evolving landscape of the RNZALR.

What is a Rickshaw?

A “Rickshaw” is a unique type of wheeled passenger cart, typically drawn by a single individual who can transport either passengers or goods. This mode of transportation first emerged in Japan in 1869. It quickly gained popularity, becoming a prevalent means of getting around in various parts of Asia well into the mid-twentieth Century.

The term “Rickshaw” finds its roots in the Japanese word “jinrikisha” (人力車), where each component holds a specific meaning:

• “Jin” signifies “human” or “person.”
• “Riki” denotes “power” or “force.”
• “Sha” translates to “vehicle.”

Therefore, “jinrikisha” essentially translates to “human-powered vehicle,” accurately capturing the essence of this unique form of transport.

What is the Ordnance Connection?

Adopting the term “Rickshaw” in the New Zealand Army during World War II traces its origin back to the British Army. This transition coincided with a pivotal revolution in radio communications, transitioning from Morse code to voice systems. This transformation was necessitated by the dynamic nature of warfare unfolding in the Western Desert. It became increasingly evident that the enemy was eavesdropping on and intercepting communications, highlighting the need for a more secure approach. Consequently, the Radio Telephone Procedure (RTP) was developed to ensure concise and discreet radio communications.

As part of this RTP evolution, the “Appointment Titles” concept was introduced. Appointment Titles consisted of specific words chosen to designate the holder of a particular appointment. This served as a means to conceal the precise command level, thereby enhancing security. Some familiar Appointment Titles included:

The primary purpose of Appointment Titles was to ensure they were inherently meaningless, avoiding any immediate association with specific military branches or corps. This strategic ambiguity enhanced the security of communications.

According to the REME history and journal, the appointment title “Bluebell” was introduced with the establishment of the REME in 1942. This newly formed Corps needed A new designation for the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME). “Bluebell” was chosen, inspired by “Bluebell Polish,” a popular product similar to “Brasso.” Although this explanation seems plausible, it remains unconfirmed. Anyone who can provide the definitive origin of “Bluebell” is promised lifelong free access to the R.E.M.E. museum.

The origin of the appointment title “Rickshaw” for Ordnance remains somewhat mysterious. One hypothesis suggests that, like a Rickshaw driver tirelessly transporting heavy loads, Ordnance was symbolically seen as both driver and carriage, responsible for supplying the entire army. This analogy highlights the crucial logistical role of Ordnance in supporting the military.

In the 1970s, the British Army in Northern Ireland adopted “Felix” as the appointment title for RAOC bomb disposal teams.

The practice of using Radio Appointment Titles was discontinued in the early 1990s due to incompatibility with NATO STANAGs (Standardisation Agreements). However, these titles continued to be used informally. In New Zealand, the use of “Rickshaw” began to decline after establishing the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment in 1996. Despite this, the Supply Wing of the Trade Training School preserved the tradition, continuing to use “Rickshaw” for various exercises and activities.