For 80 years, Linton Camp has played a pivotal role in military logistics for the New Zealand Army. Initially established to support ordnance storage and supply, it has become a key logistics hub. Despite its strategic significance, much of its infrastructure has remained unchanged for decades, reflecting a broader trend of neglect and underinvestment in military logistics. This article explores the historical development of Linton Camp’s warehousing functions, infrastructure challenges, and the long-overdue investment in modern facilities to enhance its operational effectiveness. While this article serves as a starting point for discussions on NZDF logistics modernisation, it is not intended to provide a strategic and comparative analysis of broader defence policies.

Early Developments: Palmerston North’s Ordnance Store (1914–1921)

In 1914, Major James O’Sullivan, Director of Equipment and Stores, recommended establishing a district store in Palmerston North to improve distribution efficiency and reduce transport costs. This led to the creation of the Palmerston North Ordnance Store in early 1915, managed by District Storekeeper Frank Edwin Ford.

With the formation of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) on 1 July 1917, the Palmerston North Ordnance Store was incorporated as the “Palmerston North Detachment – NZAOC.” However, by December 1921, the detachment was disbanded as part of post-war reorganisation efforts.

World War II and Post-War Expansion (1941–1957)

The onset of World War II necessitated a major expansion of military logistics infrastructure. In early 1942, the Central Districts Ordnance Depot (CDOD) was established at the Palmerston North Showgrounds. This was later renamed No. 2 Ordnance Sub Depot on 1 August 1942. By 1943/44, the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham established a Bulk Sub-Depot at Linton Camp to support Central District operations.

A fire at No. 2 Ordnance Sub Depot on 31 December 1944 caused stock losses amounting to £225,700 ($38.5 million in 2024). Despite this, the depot remained operational until 14 December 1945, when its functions were transferred to Trentham’s Main Ordnance Depot and Linton’s Bulk Sub-Depot.

Recognising the need for sustained logistical support, No. 2 Ordnance Depot was re-established at Linton Camp on 1 October 1946, absorbing the Bulk Sub-Depot from Trentham. Under Captain W.S. Keegan’s command, the depot also maintained ammunition sub-depots at Belmont, Makomako, and Waiouru, a vehicle sub-depot at Trentham, and a stores sub-depot at Waiouru. In 1948, the depot was officially reverted to its 1942 designation of CDOD.

Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, storage facilities at Linton, which utilised many of the wartime buildings, were expanded, including the construction of warehouses CB26 and CB27 on Dittmer Road between 1949 and 1950. However, infrastructure challenges persisted, culminating in another fire in one ordnance store on 15 February 1953, destroying a significant quantity of stores and records valued at £11,695 ($1.4 million NZD in 2024).

Infrastructure Challenges and Growth (1957–1990s)

In 1957, the Central Districts Vehicle Depot (CDVD) was relocated from Trentham to Linton, requiring the transfer of prefabricated buildings from Fort Dorset (CB14, CB15, CB16, and CB17). Storage limitations remained a persistent issue, prompting a 1958 site investigation that recommended constructing a 125,000 sq. ft. (11,612.88 sq. m) ordnance depot as part of a broader Logistic Precinct, integrating RNZASC and RNZEME elements. However, the project never materialised, leaving temporary prefabricated buildings—intended as a short-term solution—still in use today.

Infrastructure expansion continued, with CDOD completing a new headquarters building (CB18) in 1961 and a dedicated clothing store (CB4) in 1963. In 1968, the depot was rebranded as 2 Central Ordnance Depot (2COD), and plans were made to expand the clothing store by 45,000 sq. ft. (4,180.64 sq. m). Budget constraints later reduced the extension to 25,000 sq. ft. (2,322.57 sq. m), with construction completed by 2 Construction Squadron, RNZE in 1972. 5 Movements Company, RNZALR, now utilises this building.

On 16 October 1978, the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) transferred supply responsibilities to the RNZAOC, leading to the formation of 2 Supply Company. This company absorbed 24 Supply Platoon (Rations) and assumed control of the RNZASC Ration Store. By 1990/91, the original 24 Supply Platoon Ration Store located by the railhead outside of Linton Camp was decommissioned and replaced with a purpose-built ration store.

Reorganisations continued, with 2 Supply Company being redesignated as 5 Composite Supply Company in 1985 and 21 Supply Company in 1990. In 1992, the Ready Reaction Force Ordnance Support Group (RRF OSG) was transferred from 3 Supply Company in Burnham and absorbed into 21 Field Supply Company, supported by the construction of additional low-cost shelters (CB34a, CB34b, and CB35).

Modernisation Efforts and the Linton Regional Supply Facility (2024–Present)

Despite ongoing structural changes, Linton’s logistical buildings have remained largely unchanged for decades, with some of its warehouses now over 80 years old. The reliance on ageing infrastructure has long underscored the broader challenges facing NZDF logistics, with minimal investment in modernisation.

Recognising these deficiencies, the NZDF has finally committed to a major infrastructure upgrade with the construction of the Linton Regional Supply Facility. Ground was broken in late 2024, with work commencing in February 2025. This long-overdue project will consolidate multiple logistics functions into a single, modern building designed to streamline military supply operations.

According to Deputy Chief of Army, Brigadier Hamish Gibbons:

“The Linton Regional Supply Facility will provide a modern and fit-for-purpose capability for our logistics personnel. It will allow us to effectively and efficiently manage and control the limited resources we have, ensuring they are available to enable training and operations.”

This investment marks a significant step towards addressing Linton’s decades-long neglect of logistics infrastructure. While Linton’s legacy in army warehousing is one of adaptability and endurance, its continued effectiveness in a modern defence environment will depend on sustained commitment to infrastructure development and logistical efficiency.

Conclusion

Linton Camp’s role in New Zealand’s military logistics has evolved significantly since its early days as an ordnance sub-depot. From the fires of 1944 and 1953 to decades of infrastructure neglect and challenges, the camp has persevered as a vital logistics hub. The construction of the Linton Regional Supply Facility represents a long-overdue but crucial modernisation effort. As the NZDF moves forward, ensuring continued investment in military logistics will be essential to maintaining operational readiness and efficiency.