Brigadier Allan Huia Andrews, CBE

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Brigadier Allan Huia Andrews, CBE, was born on 11 January 1912 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. His journey through life encompassed significant achievements and contributions to his country and the world of sports.

Education and Early Career

Andrews studied at Thames and New Plymouth Boys’ High School before pursuing higher education at Canterbury University. There, he successfully earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Alongside his academic pursuits, Andrews also displayed immense talent in rugby. He even earned the opportunity to represent Canterbury and was on the cusp of selection as an All-Black in 1934. However, he chose to prioritise his studies, making the difficult decision to forgo his promising rugby career and complete his degree.

Military Service

Brigadier Andrews embarked on his military journey on 7 April 1936, when he joined the New Zealand Army Permanent Force as a cadet. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) on 17 June 1936. Due to the absence of the Officer in Charge of the Ordnance Workshops, Lieutenant S.B. Wallace, who was on a course in England, Andrews took on the responsibility of leading the Ordnance Workshops. In September 1937, he was appointed Temporary Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (OME), holding this position until Wallace’s return in June 1938. Afterwards, Andrews assumed the role of Assistant Ordnance Officer at the Main Ordnance Depot (MOD), where he began work on updating equipment scales and developing plans to equip and support an expeditionary force.

On 11 December 1939, Andrews was seconded to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) as the Senior OME (SOME) and promoted to Captain. That very day, he embarked on active service. His dedication led to promotions, with him becoming Deputy Assistant Director Ordnance Services (DADOS) for 2 NZEF in August 1940, followed by his appointment as Assistant Director Ordnance Services (ADOS) for 2 NZ Division in January 1941.

Upon Colonel King’s appointment as the Deputy Director of Ordnance Services (DDOS) Lines of Communication (L of C) for the 8th Army, Andrews took on the responsibilities of ADOS for 2 NZEF. When the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) was formed as a unit of 2NZEF on 1 December 1942, Andrews was appointed as the Commander EME (CEME) for 2 NZ Division.

Returning to New Zealand in July 1943, Andrews was appointed Chief Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (COME) at MOD Trentham and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Drawing from his experience in the Middle East, he introduced All Arms Military training into the schedule of the MOD Ordnance Workshops.

Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Allan Huia Andrews, Auckland Weekly News, 31 March 1943. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19430331-19-2. Image has no known copyright restrictions.

In early 1944, Andrews undertook a tour of duty with 3 NZ Division in the Pacific, and in May of that year, he was once again posted back to 2NZEF (Middle East). There, he served as CEME for 2 NZ Division.

Management of The Kiwis Rugby Team

During the early stages of World War II, General Freyberg had handpicked Andrews to manage the 2nd NZEF Rugby Team after hostilities ceased.

In 1945, fulfilling General Freyberg’s vision and under Andrews’ adept leadership, a team was assembled, famously known as “The Kiwis.” This exceptional squad consisted of men who had completed active service in North Africa and Italy, with some having endured prolonged periods in prisoner-of-war camps in Italy, Austria and Germany.

“The Kiwis” embarked on a remarkable tour across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and France, where they participated in 33 matches. Their outstanding record included 29 victories, two draws, and only two losses. Their exceptional performance earned widespread recognition, as they triumphed over formidable international opponents, including England, Wales, and France. The complete tour results were:

  • 07 October 1945 Swansea v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 22-6
  • 30 October 1945 Llanelli v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 18-8
  • 03 November 1945 Neath v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 22 – 15
  • 10 November 1945 Northern Services v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 14-7
  • 14 November 1945 Ulster v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 10-9
  • 17 November 1945 Leinster v New Zealand Army – Draw 10-10
  • 24 November 1945 England v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 18-3
  • 01 December 1945 British Army v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 25-5
  • 08 December 1945 RAF v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 11-0
  • 15 December 1945 Royal Navy v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 6-3
  • 22 December 1945 London Clubs v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 30-0
  • 26 December 1945 Cardiff v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 3-0
  • 29 December 1945 Newport v New Zealand Army – Draw 3-3
  • 05 January 1946 Wales v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 11-3
  • 12 January 1946 Combined Services v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 31-0
  • 19 January 1946 Scotland v New Zealand Army – NZEF Loss 11-6
  • 24 January 1946 Scottish Universities v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 57-3
  • 26 January 1946 North Midlands v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 24-9
  • 31 January 1946 East Midlands v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 14-0
  • 02 February 1946 Northern Counties v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 25-8
  • 09 February 1946 Lancs, Cheshire & Yorks v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 41-0
  • 14 February 1946 Oxford University v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 31-9
  • 16 February 1946 Devon & Cornwall v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 11-3
  • 20 February 1946 Cambridge University v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 15-7
  • 23 February 1946 Gloucs & Somerset v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 11-0
  • 27 February 1946 Monmouthshire v New Zealand Army – NZEF Loss 0-15
  • 02 March 1946 Aberavon v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 17-4
  • 10 March 1946 France v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 14-9
  • 13 March 1946 BAOR v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 12-0
  • 16 March 1946 Combined Services v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 20-3
  • 24 March 1946 France v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 13-10
  • 27 March 1946 France A v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 38-9
  • 31 March 1946 Ile De France v New Zealand Army – NZEF Win 24-13

Later Career and Retirement

Upon completing his role as The Kiwis’ manager, Andrews returned to New Zealand in July 1946 and took up the appointment of Chief Ordnance Officer (COO) at MOD Trentham. He was promoted to Colonel during this period. On 1 October 1947, Andrew was appointed as the first post-war Director of Ordnance Services (DOS). After relinquishing the DOS position on 11 November 1949, Andrews attended the Joint Services Command College (JSSC) in the United Kingdom.

Upon returning to New Zealand, he assumed the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General (DAQMG) role at Army HQ. His career continued to advance, and in 1953, he was posted to Waiouru as the Camp Commandant.

In 1955, Andrews was promoted to Brigadier and took up the position of Commander of the Central Military District. Subsequently, he embarked on another overseas assignment, becoming the Senior Army Liaison Officer at the New Zealand Embassy in London in late 1956. He returned to New Zealand in 1960 and was appointed Commander of the Southern Military District.

Wellington College cadet Corporal C A Beyer receiving the Berry Cup from Brigadier A H Andrews, OBE, for being the outstanding battalion shot. Photographed by an Evening Post staff photographer on 16 November 1955.

In January 1963, Andrews took up the position of Adjutant General at Army HQ, a role he held until his retirement in 1967. Following his retirement, he maintained a strong interest in the activities of the RNZAOC and authored his autobiography, “Allan Huia Andrews: A Distinguished Career,” in 2002.

Brigadier Allan Huia Andrews, CBE, passed away on 28 October 2002 and was laid to rest at Okato Cemetery, New Plymouth, New Zealand. Throughout his military career, he earned several accolades, including Mentioned in Dispatches while serving with 2 NZ Division and receiving the OBE in 1943. In the 1964 New Year’s honours, the CBE further recognised him for his exceptional contributions to the military and rugby.

Lt Col A.H Andrews. OBE, RNZAOC Director of Ordnance Services, 1 Oct 1947 – 11 Nov 1949. RNZAOC School

Defence Preparations – New Zealand Defence Stores 1911

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The passing of the Defence Act 1909 heralded a transformation of the Defence Forces of New Zealand, establishing a military system that influenced the organisation, training and recruitment of the New Zealand Army into the early 1970s. Coming into effect on 28 February 1910, The Act abolished the existing Volunteer system, in its place creating a citizen-based Territorial Army from the units, regiments and Corps of the Volunteer Army.[1]  The Territorial Army’s personnel needs would be maintained by a system of Compulsory Military Training (CMT), requiring the registration of all boys and men between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one years of age.[2] The challenge for Captain James O’Sullivan and the staff of the Defence Stores, an organisation already markedly transformed since 1900, was to meet the material need needs of the growing citizen army that New Zealand was creating.

At Buckle Street, Wellington, during the 1913 waterfront strike. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-048786-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22820606

The following article published in the New Zealand Times on 8 December 1911 provides an eyewitness account of the activities of the Defence Stores in support of the growing citizen army.[3]

While politicians are prating about the cost of the defence scheme, and its more direct enemies are peregrinating from street corner to street corner with soap boxes, the scheme itself is being steadily proceeded with. Some people probably fail to realise what it means to inaugurate an entirely new system of military defence. The necessary legislation came first, then the mapping out of the requirements in men and money, then the excitement of enrolling, and now there is proceeding the part, of which the public see little and hear little, but which perhaps is the most troublesome of all, and materially the most important, viz., the arming and the equipment of themen.

This task is being carried out at the Defence Stores in Buckle Street, Wellington. It requires a visit there to realise the thought, the work, the experience, that are necessary to carry out a big work of this description. When you enter the Buckle Street stores and see the busy toilers and the preparations for the distribution of arms and clothing over the Dominion, you realise that a big work is in progress.

For instance, the uniforms for the territorials have for the past week or two been arriving. So far the outfits for about nine thousand men in a more or less state of completion, have come, to hand. These all have to be sorted out and shelved. They are in graded in sizes, an ingenious system of measurement, the product of the brain of Captain O’Sullivan, Director of Defence Stores, has been applied, whereby almost any sized youth be fitted. Measuring has been proceeding in the various centres. A form is filled up by the regimental quartermaster for each recruit, and these forms are now arriving at the depot. Next weak commences the task of sending out the uniforms. Each man also gets an overcoat, a felt hat, and a forage cap. Every branch of the service will wear putties instead of leggings. The uniforms in hand at present fill multitudes of shelves—indeed, the place wears the appearance of a busy warehouse. Every article of clothing is the product of New Zealand mills. There is a absolute uniformity of colour, so that the whole New Zealand defence force, from the North Cape to the Bluff, will on mobilisation, present no spectacle of detached units, but one uniform whole. Distinguishing colour badges and trouser stripes will mark the branches of the service, green denoting the mounted, men, and red the infantry. The senior cadets will have neat blouses and long trousers. So far the uniforms in stock comprise only a small portion of what yet remains to be handled. A new brick building is in the later stages of completion for their safer storage. The felt hats are the product of the National Hat Mills, Wellington, and are really a very excellent article. Many large packing cases are stacked in the yards waiting to be dispatched with these goods to the territorial centres.

But this is only one branch of the industry. In other sheds are stacked camp paraphernalia, tents, marching outfits of the latest pattern, containing, in addition to bayonet, water-bottle, overcoat, etc., a handy trenching tool, bandoliers, field outfits, including telephones and heliographs; much leather goods; service boots, which the department is selling, at option, to the men at a low fee, and many other requisites.  Outside in the yard is a new pontoon bridge, lately come to hand, a rather bulky apparatus that has not yet been used. Elsewhere are stored transit water tanks, a sample transport waggon (from which others will be manufactured in the Dominion). Necessary appliances for the eighteen-pounder guns have also been coming to hand, though the guns themselves have not yet arrived.

In other sheds are many large black cases. These contain the service rifles. It is not permitted that the public should know what stock of these is kept. It is a state secret that not even an Opposition order for a “return” could cause to be divulged. Recently, however, ten thousand were added to the stock. Just at present workmen are spending busy hours cleaning up and inspecting the rifles that have been received from the old volunteer corps. Every Government arm in the Dominion has been called in, and as a result every, man will have issued to him a nice clean rifle. It will be a new start over the whole Dominion. It would grieve the heart of the military enthusiast to see the condition in which some of the rifles have been sent In. There is undoubtedly great need for the new quartermasters in the various regiments, to see that this sort of thing does not recur. Some of the Wellington corps have been rather bad offenders. The comparatively slow process of cleaning these arms has been the cause of the delay in their reissue. Every rifle has 104 parts, and these parts are stocked in large quantities.

Of the Dominion’s ammunition store, also, the outsider can know nothing. This much, however, is for public information, that every Saturday morning the Director of the Defence Stores produces his ammunition balance book, to the Commandant, who then known from glancing over the pages exactly how every packet has been distributed and how each part of the Dominion is served.

The Buckle Street stores do not yet present the aspect of a Woolwich Arsenal, but things are very busy there; the will of the people is being given effect to at as rapid a rate as opportunity will permit; evidences are offered of the effective defence scheme now in active operation; and pleasing, indeed, is the outstanding fact that local industries are benefiting to an enormous degree from a new departure in defence that after all, is an admitted necessity.

Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911
Defence Stores, Bunny Street, Wellington. Goggle Maps/Public Domain
Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington The building on the right of the photo is the original 1911 Defence Stores building. The building on the left is the 1916 extension.
Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington.
Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington The building on the right of photo is the original 1911 Defence Stores building. The building on the left is the 1916 extension.

Notes

[1] Peter Cooke and John Crawford, The Territorials (Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011), 153.

[2] I. C. McGibbon and Paul William Goldstone, The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History (Auckland; Melbourne; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000, 2000), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 109-10.

[3] “Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911.