Given the rich tapestry of New Zealand’s World War II history, the spotlight often shines on the battlefield heroics of the combat units of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Middle East, Italy, and the Pacific. Yet beneath these narratives lies a network of unsung combat enablers whose logistical efforts ensured the execution of military operations. Among them were the men and women of the New Zealand Army Movements Control, whose largely unrecognised efforts were vital to the war effort.
New Zealand military historians often overlook New Zealand’s military logistic functions, it’s as if logistics just happened in the background with no real consequences on the eventful outcome. However, these operations required meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. As part of New Zealand’s broader Military Logistic efforts, Movements Control was pivotal in managing the complex logistics of troop and equipment movements across various theatres of war.
Since its origins during World War II, the role of Army Movements Operators has evolved significantly. Post-war, movement operations became a core trade within the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC), later passing to the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT), and now residing within the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). Today, RNZALR Movement Operators are crucial in managing military logistics and ensuring the efficient transportation of personnel and equipment.
Their responsibilities are divided into three main areas:
- Terminal Operations: Movement Operators handle the loading and unloading of cargo from various transport modes, including aircraft, ships, and trucks. They operate vehicles like trucks and forklifts.
- Movement Control: Movement Control Operators focus on planning and coordinating the transportation of defence personnel and equipment domestically and internationally. They manage travel logistics, including route planning, ticketing, accommodation, and customs clearance.
- Aerial Delivery: Aerial Delivery Operators specialise in preparing and packing supplies for airdrops, calculating loads and drop zones to ensure safe delivery.
Over the years, the role has adapted to meet the changing needs of military logistics and advancements in technology and transportation methods. However, the modern RNZALR Movement Operator trade has its roots in the movement organisations built up during World War II to support New Zealand operations at home and abroad. This article aims to provide a snapshot of this often-overlooked aspect of New Zealand’s military logistics and challenges faced by the New Zealand Army Movements Control during World War Two.
Movements Within New Zealand
During wartime, the Quartermaster-General’s Branch (QMG) was crucial in managing the movement of troops and materials within New Zealand and overseas. Its responsibilities included coordinating transport by road, rail, sea, and air and issuing travel warrants. To manage these extensive tasks, the QMG delegated movement operations to two Assistant Quartermaster Generals: AQMG (2) Movements, who oversaw general troop movements, and AQMG (4) Shipping, who was responsible for sea transport.
A small but essential unit, the Transport Shipping Office, operated under Army Headquarters in Wellington. It was tasked with overseeing the receipt and dispatch of all military stores and equipment at the port and ensuring accurate records. Despite its nominal establishment of 40 personnel, it often worked with reduced numbers, reflecting the resource constraints of the time.
The organisation of overseas deployments was complex, with troops mobilised from camps across New Zealand and transported to ports via special trains and ferries. Before departure, troopships underwent thorough inspections, with adjustments made to ensure adequate accommodations. Early in the war, ships retained peacetime fittings, offering cabins for most troops. However, as shipping space became scarce, ships were reconfigured to maximise capacity with hammocks and tiered bunks.
Between 1939 and 1944, New Zealand dispatched over 64,000 troops overseas in regular reinforcement drafts. For instance, the 1st Echelon, comprising 6,529 soldiers, departed in January 1940, while the 10th Reinforcements, comprising 6,063 troops, embarked in May 1943. Dispatching reinforcement drafts required meticulous planning, especially in arranging final leave for troops and securing timely transport despite occasional delays.
Deployments were not limited to the Middle East and Europe. Forces were also sent to Fiji and New Caledonia, requiring additional logistical arrangements. The deployment of the 3rd Division to New Caledonia in late 1942 involved moving 13,000 personnel in nine stages, highlighting the scale of planning and challenges posed by wartime conditions.
The return of troops from overseas required equally detailed organisation. Movement Control ensured that soldiers disembarked efficiently, underwent medical checks, and received travel documents, ration cards, and leave passes. Large-scale returns, such as the 6,000-strong Ruapehu draft in 1943, involved special trains and ferries transporting men to their homes. In cases of furlough drafts arriving from Australia, disembarkation staff boarded ships at Fremantle to complete administrative tasks during the voyage, ensuring a seamless process upon arrival in New Zealand.
Within New Zealand, troop movements were frequent and extensive. Movement Control coordinated the initial mobilisation of forces, weekend leave, furloughs, and transfers between camps. Given the geography of New Zealand and the distances involved, special trains or ferries were often required, particularly during peak periods such as Christmas and New Year. For example, in late 1942 and early 1943, around 40,000 troops were granted leave, necessitating careful scheduling to avoid disruptions to civilian travel.
The cooperation of the Railways Department was invaluable, with over 22,800 special trains transporting more than 12 million troops between 1939 and 1943. Steamer ferries supplemented rail transport, often allocating large portions of passenger capacity to military movements. In some cases, civilian travel was suspended to prioritise troop transfers.
Ensuring troop welfare during travel was another significant responsibility. Meals were provided in transit, ranging from dining room services to “bag meals” for larger groups. Army catering teams occasionally managed ferry services, particularly on long daytime voyages.
Air transport was an increasingly vital option, especially for urgent travel. It was used for compassionate leave, medical evacuations, and the movement of senior officers. By late 1943, over 500 personnel had been transported by air to destinations such as Fiji, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island, demonstrating its growing importance in military logistics.
The QMG faced considerable challenges, including resource shortages, fluctuating troop numbers, and the logistical demands of coordinating movements with allied forces. The arrival of American troops in New Zealand required a collaborative approach, with joint efforts between New Zealand and U.S. military authorities ensuring smooth operations. Innovations such as adopting the cafeteria system for shipboard meals and leveraging American transport systems were vital in addressing these challenges.[1]
Movements in 2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Within the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF), Shipping and Movements was assigned to the Assistant Quartermaster-General 2NZEF (AQM 2NZEF). This role was further delegated to the ‘Q’ Branch at HQ 2NZEF, which managed general troop movements, shipping operations, and the administration of 2NZEF Port Detachments.[2]
To support the New Zealand Division with reinforcements and supplies, 18 to 30 soldiers were attached to British movement authorities at key ports as New Zealand “missions”. The first Port Detachment was established at Suez on 25 October 1940.[3] The New Zealand Port Detachments were pivotal in facilitating the efficient delivery of cargo and mail to New Zealand units stationed in the Middle East during World War II. As the volume of supplies pouring into the region increased in early 1941, the need for a specialised unit became apparent, and the unit was formalised as 1 NZ Port Detachment on 20 December 1942.[4] Comprising experienced shipping personnel, the NZ Port Detachments established themselves as beacons of efficiency, significantly reducing cargo losses from 15% to less than 1%, well below the peacetime average.
Operating from its headquarters in the Suez area, the detachment meticulously handled all aspects of logistics: examining manifests, overseeing unloading operations, and ensuring that shipments destined for New Zealand forces were promptly dispatched to their final destinations. It also guarded cargoes, managed personnel movements, and handled incoming and outgoing mail—a lifeline for troops far from home.
As the theatre of war shifted, so did the detachment’s responsibilities. Following the movements of the New Zealand Division, the No 2 Port Detachment was established. It was located in Benghazi and later Tripoli, continuing its vital operations despite enemy actions. Tripoli’s duties extended beyond logistics to include the distribution of morale-boosting parcels and tobacco, a gesture appreciated by the troops.
The detachment’s operational equipment mirrored its adaptability and resourcefulness. The launch “Olive Jean,” once a familiar sight in Auckland, was repurposed and renamed “New Zealand,” symbolising its new role under Kiwi command.[5] A second launch, christened “New Zealand II,” was an enemy vessel salvaged, refurbished and equipped with a truck engine after being stranded on a Tripoli beach. It became instrumental in navigating the challenges of a battered port environment.
Following the invasion of Italy and the establishment of Bari as a New Zealand base, the No 3 Port Detachment was formed on 8 November 1943.[6]
By 1943, the No1 Port Detachment had consolidated its operations in Suez, significantly reducing the pilfering of goods from New Zealand shipments. Their resilience and dedication persisted through hazardous conditions, often operating under the cover of darkness during the advances of the 8th Army.[7]
The tasks of the NZ Port Detachments were highly complex. Amid vast quantities of cargo, they faced the daunting challenge of locating individual cases among thousands of tons and retrieving consignments mistakenly diverted to remote ports. Their operations spanned from bustling Haifa to strategic North African and Italian ports, showcasing their dedication to ensuring every shipment reached its intended destination.[8]
The No 1 Port Detachment was disbanded on 1 November 1945, the No 2 Port Detachment on 30 January 1946, and the No 3 Port Detachment on 26 February 1946. A Port Detachment was included in the 2NZEF contribution to J Force as part of the Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan.[9] [10]
Movement Control in the Pacific
The Third Division’s Movement Control Unit (MCU) played an overlooked role in the Pacific during World War II. Despite being one of the most minor units, it was integral to the third division’s operations, acting as the “Divisional Shipping Company.” The unit was responsible for coordinating troop movements by sea and air, liaising with American port authorities, and managing the receipt and dispatch of mail and cargo.
Initially formed in Fiji, the unit was redeployed with the division back to New Zealand. After reorganisation and training, it was deployed to New Caledonia in 1943, facing significant challenges. Lacking local harbour facilities and reliant on overworked American resources, the MCU often had to be resourceful, sometimes acquiring essential equipment through unconventional means.
Operating primarily from Nouméa and Népoui, the MCU adapted to differing conditions at each port. In Nouméa, they contended with intense activity amidst heat, mosquitoes, mud, and the bustle of a massive U.S. military presence. Limited dock space meant most ships were worked with wooden barges, leading to delays and occasional cargo losses. The staff had to negotiate with local workers and navigate a complex and evolving logistical environment.
At Népoui, with minimal American presence, the MCU took full responsibility for port operations. However, only one ship could be handled at a time—and only half of it without repositioning—the absence of bureaucratic hurdles allowed for more efficient unloading. The small team worked tirelessly, often around the clock, to manage the steady flow of ships and supplies.
Over time, the MCU expanded its reach, establishing representatives in the New Hebrides and Guadalcanal. During their tenure in New Caledonia, they handled 476 ships— averaging 20 boats per week—with a staff that never exceeded 17 men. Their duties broadened to include boats, wharves, and harbour activities.
When the division advanced to Guadalcanal in August 1943, MCU members established operations in the new combat zone. They faced the unique challenges of unloading ships on open coasts under the threat of Japanese air raids. Lacking proper harbour facilities, they innovated methods to ensure supplies reached the front lines despite frequent interruptions and the complexities of coordinating with American forces.
The remaining MCU staff in New Caledonia continued facilitating reinforcements and equipment shipments to the forward areas. They efficiently managed the division’s return from Guadalcanal, ensuring rapid disembarkation and distribution of troops and equipment. Their expertise allowed thousands of soldiers to be processed in under three hours, with equipment unloaded in record time.
The MCU’s success was mainly due to cooperation with other New Zealand units and American organisations. The Base Supply Depot No. 1 and the Wharf Operating Company supported their operations. American counterparts provided invaluable assistance, offering trucks, harbour transport, and logistical support, greatly enhancing efficiency.
As one of the first units to arrive and the last to depart from New Caledonia, the MCU’s contributions were significant and far-reaching. They ensured the division remained supplied and mobile, directly impacting the success of New Zealand operations in the Pacific theatre.[11]
Post War
As early as 1944, New Zealand’s military leadership began planning for the post-war era, determined to preserve the valuable experiences and lessons learned during the war. Their primary goal was to prevent the Army from reverting to the neglect of the pre-war era, characterised by a minimal regular force. Both the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) and the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) developed post-war establishments to align with the projected needs of the Regular and Territorial Forces. However, the responsibility for Movement Control, a critical logistics function, was not assigned to these logistics corps. Instead, it became the responsibility of the Provost Corps.
To qualify as a 4-Star Military Police, members of the Provost Corps, individuals were required to complete basic training in core areas such as Military Law, police procedures, traffic control, map reading, and weapons handling. In addition to this foundational training, members of the Provost Corps also had the option to become fully qualified in the following specialised subjects:
- Functions of Movement Control
- Embarkation and Disembarkation
- Freight Movement
- Prevention of Pilfering of Materials[12]
Further research is needed to determine when Movement Control functions were transferred from the Provost Corps to the RNZASC.
Conclusion
This account of New Zealand’s Army Movements Control during World War II offers a glimpse into New Zealand logistics units’ critical role during this conflict. This snapshot is not intended to be an in-depth history but rather a starting point—an invitation for further research and study into the contributions of these essential yet often overlooked enablers.
Amid the chaos of global conflict, the planning, coordination, and execution carried out by New Zealand’s Army Movements Control ensured the seamless transit of troops and supplies. These units exemplified resilience and adaptability from managing complex embarkation and disembarkation processes and orchestrating domestic and international transport routes to innovating under resource constraints in the Pacific theatre. Their efforts were vital in minimising logistical inefficiencies, delivering supplies to their intended destinations, and sustaining the morale of New Zealand’s Forcers during one of the most challenging periods in history.
This legacy continues in the modern RNZALR, where Movement Operators uphold the tradition of excellence in military logistics. Their work underscores the enduring significance of logistics in operational success while honouring the dedication and ingenuity of those who laid the groundwork during World War II.
By recognising these contributions, we fully appreciate the intricate machinery behind New Zealand’s war effort and the unsung logisticians who ensured its smooth operation. This story deserves further exploration and study, shining a light on the individuals whose quiet competence underpinned the feats of those on the front lines.
Notes
[1] “QMG (Quartermaster-Generals) Branch – September 1939 to March 1944,” Archives New Zealand Item No R25541150 (1944): 73-86.
[2] W. G. Stevens, Problems of 2 NZEF, Official history of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939-45, (Wellington, N.Z. : War History Branch, Dept of Internal Affairs, 1958, 1958), Non-fiction, 139. http://ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat00245a&AN=massey.b1793365&site=eds-live&scope=site
http://nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Prob.html.
[3] “Formation and Disbandment of Units – Middle East – October,” Archives New Zealand Item No R26020907 (1940), https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE55765754.
[4] “Formation and Disbandment of Units – Middle East – December,” Archives New Zealand Item No R26020933 (1942), https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE55766664.
[5] “Sent Overseas,” New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24192, 6 February 1942, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19420206.2.55.
[6] “Formation and Disbandment of Units – Middle East – November,” Archives New Zealand Item No R26020944 (1943), https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE55765610.
[7] “Cargo and Mail,” Evening Star, Issue 24974, 20 September 1943, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19430920.2.46.
[8] “Mentioned in Dispatches,” Southland Times, Issue 25336, 12 April 1944, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ST19440412.2.26.
[9] “Formation and Disbandment of Units – Japan – October,” Archives New Zealand Item No R26020973 (1945), https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE55763893.
[10] “Areas NZ is Taking over in Japan,” Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 68, 23 March 1946, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19460323.2.52.
[11] E.V Sale, Base Wallahs: Story of the units of the Nase Organisation, NZEF IP (A.H. and A.W. Reed for the Third Division Histories Committee, 1947), Non-fiction, 243-50.
[12] “The Star Classification and Promotion of Other Ranks of the Regular Force,” New Zealand Army Order 60/1947, 9 August 1947.
