The Honourable and Ancient Appointment of Conductor

The appointment of Conductor stands as one of the oldest and most esteemed roles in military history, dating back to its first mention in the Statute of Westminster of 1327. Originally, Conductors were responsible for guiding soldiers to assembly points, ensuring order and efficiency during the mass movement of medieval armies. Over subsequent centuries, the role evolved significantly, becoming a cornerstone of military logistics.

By the mid-16th century, “Conductors of Ordnance” were formally recorded during the siege of Boulogne in 1544, tasked with overseeing the movement and management of vital military stores. Through the 17th and 18th centuries, Conductors increasingly specialised in the handling and distribution of military supplies, acting as assistants to senior commissaries and ordnance officers​.

The critical importance of Conductors to military operations was formally recognised by the Royal Warrant of 11 January 1879, which established Conductors of Supplies (Army Service Corps) and Conductors of Stores (Ordnance Stores Branch) as senior Warrant Officers, ranked above all Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)​. This recognition underscored their profound expertise, trustworthiness, and leadership within military logistics.

New Zealand’s connection to the appointment began during the New Zealand Wars (1860s), when Conductors accompanied British Imperial forces in support roles. However, it was not until the First World War that New Zealand formally adopted the Conductor appointment within its forces. During this period, Conductors played a pivotal role in rectifying earlier logistical failings and ensuring New Zealand’s forces remained among the best-equipped in the British Empire.

Throughout the 20th century, Conductors became central figures in the New Zealand Army’s logistics operations, exemplifying technical mastery and professional leadership. Despite periods of dormancy, the appointment was revived several times: first in the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) in 1977, and most recently, in 2025, when the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR) reintroduced the Conductor appointment to restore professional excellence and mentorship within the Logistic Specialist and Ammunition Technician Trades.

The Evolution of the Conductor Appointment

The role of Conductor reflects an unbroken lineage of logistics leadership stretching across nearly seven centuries:

Year	Milestone	Description
1327	Statute of Westminster	First formal mention of Conductors responsible for assembling soldiers.
1544	Siege of Boulogne	“Conductors of Ordnance” recorded managing stores and ammunition.
17th–18th centuries	Expansion of Duties	Conductors served as assistants to the Commissary of Stores and Field Train Departments.
19th century	New Zealand Wars	Conductors supported British forces in colonial campaigns in New Zealand.
11 January 1879	Royal Warrant	Official establishment of Conductors in the British Army as senior Warrant Officers, ranking above all NCOs. Conductors of Supplies and Conductors of Stores are recognised separately.
1892	Rationalisation	Conductors of Supplies phased out; Conductors of Stores retained within the Army Ordnance Corps.
1915–1916	NZEF Formation	New Zealand formally adopts Conductors and Sub-Conductors into the NZEF NZAOC.
1917	Home Service NZAOC	Conductors were integrated into the newly established NZAOC for home service.
Post-1918	Decline	Following post-war cutbacks, the appointment was last filled in 1931 and was formally removed from New Zealand Army regulations in 1949.
1977	RNZAOC Reintroduction	Appointment revived within the RNZAOC, with up to five senior WO1s appointed as Conductors.
1996	RNZALR Formation	The conductor appointment was discontinued to encourage unity in the newly amalgamated RNZALR.
2024	RNZALR Reintroduction	Conductors were reintroduced into the RNZALR Logistic Specialist and Ammunition Technician Trade, restoring a prestigious leadership and mentorship role​.

International Comparisons

The importance and prestige of the Conductor appointment are affirmed by its continued use and recognition within allied forces:

• British Royal Logistic Corps (RLC):
  Conductors remain a senior appointment across key trades, including Supply, Transport, and Catering. Each major trade maintains at least one serving Conductor as a symbol of professional mastery.
• Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC):
  The conductor appointment was reintroduced in 2005 after a lapse since the Second World War. In the RAAOC, Conductors serve as Senior Trade Mentors (STM) and Subject Matter Advisors (SMA), providing expert advice to Corps leadership and upholding trade standards.

New Zealand’s recent decision to reintroduce the Conductor appointment ensures parity with its closest military allies and reflects an enduring commitment to leadership, expertise, and regimental tradition.

Conductors of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 1916–1920

Establishing a Professional Ordnance Corps

At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, New Zealand possessed no dedicated Ordnance Corps to manage the vast logistical demands of expeditionary operations. Early experiences, particularly the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915, exposed significant deficiencies in supply management, prompting urgent reforms.

In response, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was hastily formed within the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in late 1915, with formal recognition granted in January 1916. Modelled closely on British Army practices, the NZEF NZAOC immediately adopted the appointments of Conductor and Sub-Conductor — senior Warrant Officer Class One roles — to provide technical leadership, accountability, and management of stores, munitions, and equipment.

The introduction of these appointments marked a critical transformation in New Zealand’s military logistics, laying the foundation for a structured and professional supply system on the battlefield.

The Role and Importance of Conductors

Within the NZEF, Conductors and Sub-Conductors were responsible for:

• Supervising the receipt, storage, accounting, and distribution of ordnance supplies.
• Advising senior commanders on the status and requirements of stores.
• Ensuring the maintenance of logistic support lines from depots to the frontlines.

These senior Warrant Officers provided the vital backbone of supply chains across multiple theatres, including Egypt, Sinai, Palestine, France, and Belgium. Their leadership directly addressed the failures experienced at Gallipoli and elevated New Zealand’s forces to be among the best-equipped and administratively supported units within the wider British Empire forces​.

The Conductors’ role demanded technical competence, leadership, innovation, and resilience under the demanding conditions of modern warfare.

Notable Conductors and Their Contributions

Mainly drawn from veterans of Gallipoli and experienced military personnel, NZEF Conductors set a standard of excellence. Many were later recognised for their distinguished service through awards and promotions.

Prominent NZEF Conductors included:

• William Coltman: The first New Zealand Conductor; later commissioned as an officer.
• Charles Gossage: Promoted to Conductor in 1916; ultimately rose to the rank of Major.
• Arthur Gilmore (MSM): Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for distinguished service.
• Walter Geard: Provided critical ordnance support in multiple campaigns.
• William Simmons (MSM): Served for the duration of the war from the Samoa Advance party in 1914 to the NZEF rear details in late 1920.
• Clarence Seay: Died of influenza while serving as a Conductor in 1919.

Their leadership underpinned the logistical success of New Zealand forces during the war and played a vital role in sustaining combat operations across multiple fronts.

Detailed Roll of NZEF NZAOC Conductors and Sub-Conductors

Appointment	Name	Dates as Conductor	Notes
Acting Sub-Conductor	William Coltman	Feb 1916 – Mar 1917	Later commissioned
Conductor	Charles Gossage	24 Jul 1916 – 24 Jan 1917	Later Major
Conductor	Arthur Gilmore, MSM	Dec 1916 – Feb 1919	Awarded MSM
Conductor	Walter Geard	1 Jan 1917 – 20 Jun 1917
Conductor	William Simmons, MSM	1 Jan 1917 – Jun 1917	Awarded MSM
Conductor	Clarence Seay	23 Mar 1917 – 20 Feb 1919	Died of Influenza
Conductor	Walter Smiley	23 Apr 1917 – Oct 1919
Sub-Conductor	Frank Hutton	1 Dec 1917 – Sep 1919
Conductor	Edward Little	15 Apr 1917 – Oct 1919
Conductor	John Goutenoire O’Brien, MSM	18 Oct 1918 – Mar 1920	Awarded MSM
Sub-Conductor	Edwin Green	20 Oct 1918 – Dec 1919
Conductor	Charles Slattery	6 Jan 1919 – 25 Feb 1919	Died of Influenza
Sub-Conductor	Harold Hill	21 Feb 1919 – Oct 1919
Acting Sub-Conductor	Arthur Richardson	3 Feb 1919 – 13 Feb 1919
Acting Sub-Conductor	Hubert Wilson, MM	3 Mar 1919 – May 1920	Awarded MM

Legacy and Influence

The professionalism and leadership demonstrated by the NZEF Conductors had a profound influence on the future of New Zealand military logistics:

• They established the core standards for accountability, efficiency, and resilience in military supply chains.
• Their model would be replicated in the home service NZAOC (formed in 1917) and influence subsequent developments throughout the twentieth century.
• Many Conductors continued to serve post-war, shaping the permanent New Zealand Army’s approach to logistics and ordnance.

Although other conflicts would later overshadow the First World War, the NZEF Conductors’ contributions to New Zealand’s military legacy remain pivotal. Their example continues to inspire modern logisticians within the New Zealand Defence Force.

Conductors of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1917–1930

Formation and Role

In response to the growing need for a permanent and professional logistics organisation to support the New Zealand Army, the NZAOC for home service was established on 1 February 1917. Building on the foundations laid by the Defence Stores Department, the NZAOC adopted British military practices to structure its personnel and appointments.

Key among these was the appointment of a Conductor, a prestigious senior Warrant Officer Class One position integrated into the Clerical and Stores Sections. Unlike its counterpart in the NZEF, the home service NZAOC exclusively employed the conductor’s appointment, with no provision for Sub-Conductors.

The Conductor was entrusted with critical responsibilities: managing stores, munitions, and military supplies; maintaining accountability and record-keeping standards; and leading and mentoring subordinate personnel. Their appointment symbolised the Corps’ commitment to expertise, precision, and integrity.

Early Conductors: A Foundation of Excellence

The first Conductors of the NZAOC were selected for their experience, professionalism, and leadership qualities. Many were veterans of the British Army, while others brought extensive service from New Zealand’s Defence Stores Department. Their expertise ensured the Corps’ rapid establishment as a reliable and efficient logistical support organisation.

Notable early Conductors included:

• William Henry Manning: Former Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, British Army; joined the NZ Defence Forces in 1915.
• William Ramsay: British Army veteran, whose appointment at the age of 63 demonstrated the value placed on experience.

Their combined service represented a bridge between traditional British ordnance practices and the emerging logistical needs of New Zealand’s military forces.

Insignia and Status

The prestige of the Conductor appointment was formally recognised through the adoption of distinctive insignia. Following British Army Order 305 of 1918, New Zealand Conductors wore the Royal Arms within a Laurel Wreath, symbolising their authority and expertise. This insignia was incorporated into New Zealand Army Dress Regulations in 1923, and their seniority was codified in the 1927 Defence Regulations, confirming Conductors as ranking above all other Warrant Officers.

The Conductor stood as a symbol of mastery in logistics, their appointment conveying both a mark of personal achievement and an assurance of professional excellence within the NZAOC.

Decline and Disuse

Despite the high standing of the Conductor appointment, wider economic and political pressures soon affected the NZAOC. The onset of the Great Depression forced significant reductions in military expenditure. In 1931, the government initiated the civilianisation of many military logistics functions, effectively ceasing new Conductor appointments.

Although technically remaining within regulations for some years, the appointment of Conductor fell into disuse after 1931. It was formally removed from the New Zealand Army’s rank structure in 1949, marking the end of this distinguished period of service.

NZAOC Conductors, 1917–1930

	Name	Service Dates
Conductor	William Henry Manning	3 February 1917 – 4 July 1918
Conductor	William Ramsay	3 February 1917 – 4 July 1918
Conductor	James Murdoch Miller	1 July 1917 – 3 July 1918
Conductor	Eugene Key	5 July 1917 – 16 January 1918
Conductor	Donald McCaskill McIntyre	30 July 1917 – 10 July 1919
Conductor	George William Bulpitt Silvestre	1 November 1918 – 22 August 1920
Conductor	Mark Leonard Hathaway, MSM	1 November 1918 – 30 September 1919
Conductor	Henry Earnest Erridge	1 October 1919 – 31 July 1926
Conductor	Walter Edward Cook	1 November 1919 – 5 July 1920
Conductor	Michael Joseph Lyons, MSM	1 April 1922 – 1 July 1927
Conductor	Thomas Webster Page, MSM	1 August 1922 – 22 December 1925
Conductor	David Llewellyn Lewis	1 October 1928 – 31 March 1931

Each of these Conductors upheld the traditions of professionalism, leadership, and service that remain a benchmark for military logisticians today.

Conductors of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1977–1996

Revival of an Appointment

After nearly half a century of dormancy following the economic and structural cuts of the 1930s, the appointment of Conductor was reintroduced into the RNZAOC in 1977. This decision was championed by Lieutenant Colonel A.J. Campbell, then Director of Ordnance Services, who recognised the enduring value of the Conductor as a symbol of professional excellence, leadership, and logistical expertise.

Unlike earlier eras where the appointment was often tied to specific roles, the reintroduced Conductor appointment within the RNZAOC was awarded on merit, based on seniority, technical mastery, leadership ability, and unwavering loyalty to the Corps​. Up to five Conductors could be appointed at any one time, maintaining the appointment’s exclusivity and prestige.

Conductors were distinguished by wearing the Warrant Officer Class One badge on a crimson backing, visually marking them as exemplars of the Corps’ highest professional standards.

Early Appointments and Roles

The first three RNZAOC Conductors appointed under the 1977 reintroduction were:

• Warrant Officer Class One George Thomas Dimmock
  (Chief Ammunition Technical Officer, 3 Supply Company, Burnham Camp)
• Warrant Officer Class One Brian Arthur Gush
  (Regimental Sergeant Major, Ordnance School, Trentham)
• Warrant Officer Class One Barry Stewart
  (Stores WO1, 1 Base Ordnance Depot, Trentham)

Their appointments demonstrated the broad applicability of the Conductor’s leadership role across different specialist areas within the Corps: ammunition, training, and stores management​.

Roll of RNZAOC Conductors (1977–1996)

Throughout the period between 1977 and 1996, a total of 20 Warrant Officers held the esteemed appointment of Conductor within the RNZAOC:

	Name	Service Notes
WO1 (Cdr)	Barry Stewart	Early appointee; Base Ordnance Depot
WO1 (Cdr)	George Thomas Dimmock	Ammunition expertise
WO1 (Cdr)	Brian Arthur Gush	Regimental Sergeant Major Ordnance School
WO1 (Cdr)	Robert James Plummer
WO1 (Cdr)	Brian Joseph Quinn
WO1 (Cdr)	Dennis Leslie Goldfinch
WO1 (Cdr)	Bryan Edward Jackson
WO1 (Cdr)	Roy Douglas Richardson
WO1 (Cdr)	David Andrew Orr
WO1 (Cdr)	John Christopher Goddard
WO1 (Cdr)	Karen Linda McPhee	One of the first female Conductors
WO1 (Cdr)	Kevin Robert Blackburn
WO1 (Cdr)	Brian William Calvey
WO1 (Cdr)	Philip Anthony Murphy
WO1 (Cdr)	Anthony Allen Thain
WO1 (Cdr)	Wilson Douglas Simonsen
WO1 (Cdr)	John Cornelius Lee
WO1 (Cdr)	Mark Melville Robinson
WO1 (Cdr)	Tony John Harding
WO1 (Cdr)	Gerald Shane Rolfe

These individuals stood as paragons of technical and professional mastery within the RNZAOC. Many of them served not just in administrative or supply roles but also as mentors and professional advisors within their units and across the Corps.

The End of an Era

The appointment of Conductor within the RNZAOC remained a cornerstone of professional identity and excellence until 1996, when the RNZAOC was amalgamated into the newly created RNZALR.

As part of efforts to break down perceived “tribalism” between the various antecedent Corps (the RNZAOC, RNZCT, and RNZEME), the decision was made to discontinue the Conductor appointment during the formation of the RNZALR. Existing Conductors retained the honour until their promotion, retirement, or discharge, but no new appointments were made after 1996.

While well-intentioned, the discontinuation had unintended long-term consequences, contributing to a gradual erosion of identity and professional pathways within the RNZALR Logistic Specialist Trade.

Legacy

The RNZAOC Conductors of 1977–1996 left a lasting legacy of:

• Upholding the highest professional standards in military logistics.
• Providing leadership and mentorship across a broad range of logistic functions.
• Strengthening the Corps’ reputation both nationally and internationally.

Their service remains a model for future efforts to restore excellence and tradition within New Zealand’s military logistics community. Within this spirit, reintroducing the Conductor appointment in 2024 within the RNZALR seeks to draw inspiration, reaffirming the importance of senior Warrant Officers as custodians of professional mastery, leadership, and tradition.

The Reintroduction of the Conductor Appointment by the RNZALR, 2024

Background and Context

Following years of concern over the gradual erosion of professional standards, leadership pathways, and trade identity within the RNZALR Logistic Specialist and Ammunition Technician Trades, there was growing recognition that a strategic intervention was necessary. These concerns reflected trends noted in multiple trade reviews since the 1990s, highlighting that modern logistic soldier often lacked their predecessors’ professional mastery, trade cohesion, and leadership development pathways.

Drawing inspiration from international best practices — notably the continued success of the Conductor appointment in the British Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) and its reintroduction into the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC) in 2005 — the RNZALR sought to realign with these standards.

In this context, a formal proposal to reintroduce the Conductor appointment within the RNZALR was submitted to the RNZALR Regimental Matters Conference on 30 October 2024.

Decision and Implementation

The proposal was unanimously adopted, reflecting strong endorsement across the Regiment for restoring this prestigious and historically grounded appointment.

The key elements of the 2024 reintroduction included:

• Designation of Three Positions: Three senior WO1 positions — two from the Logistic Specialist Trade and one from the Ammunition Technician Trade — were redesignated as Conductors.
• Alignment with Allies: This structure aligned RNZALR practices with allied forces, notably the RLC and RAAOC, where Conductors serve as Senior Trade Mentors (STM) and Subject Matter Advisors (SMA).
• Merit-Based Appointment: Selection was tied to professional mastery, leadership reputation, and commitment to the Regiment, ensuring only the most qualified WO1s could be considered.

Purpose of the Reintroduction

The reintroduction of the Conductor appointment was not a symbolic gesture. It was a deliberate, strategic action intended to strengthen the RNZALR’s core leadership and trade standards through four key purposes:

• Leadership and Mentorship:
  Conductors serve as senior professional leaders, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and career development support to junior personnel. They represent the pinnacle of leadership within their trades.
• Professional Standards:
  Conductors are tasked with upholding and enhancing professional, ethical, and technical standards across the Logistic Specialist and Ammunition Technician Trades, acting as role models and custodians of excellence.
• Heritage and Pride:
  The appointment reconnects the RNZALR with its distinguished logistics heritage, honouring the contributions of generations of military logisticians and reinforcing regimental identity and esprit de corps.
• International Alignment:
  The revival ensures New Zealand remains aligned with allied logistic forces, maintaining professional parity and strengthening New Zealand’s standing within the broader military logistics community.

Implementation in Practice

The reintroduced Conductors:

• Are incorporated into leadership structures, such as the Senior Trade Advisory Board (STAB), ensuring their influence extends beyond their immediate appointments into broader trade development.
• Act as formal Senior Mentors, providing a structured approach to leadership development across the RNZALR trades.

Significance and Strategic Impact

The 2024 reintroduction of the Conductor appointment is a pivotal milestone for the RNZALR. It:

• Reaffirms the Regiment’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and professionalism.
• Provides a tangible and visible career pinnacle for WO1s within the Supply and Ammunition trades.
• Strengthens the identity, cohesion, and operational capability of the RNZALR’s logistic elements.
• Ensures that the next generation of New Zealand’s military logisticians is mentored, developed, and inspired by the best the Regiment has to offer.

Parchment Presentation

On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, the reintroduction of the Conductor role in the RNZALR was marked with a parchment presentation ceremony at Buckle Street, Wellington, the historic home of Army logistics, where three RNZALR Warrant Officers were formally recognised and presented with their Conductor parchments. With effect from 30 October 2024,

• D1000043 WO1 Te Whaea Edwards was appointed RNZALR Conductor Ammunition Technician,
• D52351 WO1 David Alexander was appointed RNZALR Conductor Quartermaster, and
• P56156 WO1 Terry McGeough was appointed RNZALR Conductor Supply Chain.

Looking Forward

By restoring this Honourable and Ancient Appointment, the RNZALR has taken a critical step towards safeguarding its future, ensuring that its logistic trades remain strong, professional, and capable amid the challenges of an evolving operational environment.

The Conductors of 2024 and beyond stand proudly in a tradition dating back nearly 700 years — a living testament to the enduring principles of leadership, professionalism, and service.

Conclusion

Across nearly seven centuries, the appointment of Conductor has stood as a symbol of the enduring principles that define military logistics: leadership, technical mastery, trust, and service. From its earliest mention in the Statute of Westminster of 1327, to its formal establishment within the British Army in 1879, and its adoption by New Zealand forces during the First World War, the Conductor appointment has continually evolved to meet the operational and professional needs of the military.

In New Zealand, Conductors became foundational figures during the First World War, ensuring the efficient and resilient supply chains that underpinned the success of New Zealand forces on the Western Front and beyond. Their influence continued into the interwar years, shaping the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps’ professional culture even as economic pressures forced the appointment’s dormancy. Revived in 1977 within the RNZAOC, Conductors again served as paragons of excellence until the mid-1990s, mentoring soldiers, maintaining high standards, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational effectiveness.

The disestablishment of the RNZAOC and the formation of the RNZALR in 1996 led to the unfortunate cessation of the Conductor appointment. While intended to foster unity within the newly amalgamated Regiment, this decision contributed to a gradual decline in the visible leadership pathways, professional mentorship, and trade identity that the Conductor role had previously upheld so effectively.

Recognising these challenges, reintroducing the Conductor appointment in 2024 marks a bold and necessary reaffirmation of the RNZALR’s commitment to leadership excellence, professional development, and honouring its regimental heritage. By realigning with international best practice and by elevating the most experienced and capable Warrant Officers into visible leadership roles, the RNZALR has taken a decisive step towards restoring pride, cohesion, and operational effectiveness within its logistic trades.

Today’s Conductors—and those who follow—are not merely a continuation of tradition but active leaders entrusted with shaping the future. They embody the lessons of history, the spirit of professionalism, and the vital role that skilled logisticians play in ensuring the success of military operations.

As the RNZALR moves forward in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment, the reintroduced Conductors will ensure that New Zealand’s military logistics capability remains strong, adaptive, and anchored in a proud tradition of service — living proof that while times and technologies may change, the core values of leadership, stewardship, and excellence remain timeless.