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.

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.

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.