New Zealand Army Shoulder Titles C1979. Robert McKie Collection
Brass Shoulder Titles
Authorised in Army Dress Regulations for 1912 [1], shoulder titles were to be affixed to the shoulder strap (Epaulette) of the Service jacket. Shoulder titles were to be metal denoting the Corps or Regiment of the wearer. With the establishment of the NZEF, New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) in 1916 and the Home Service NZAOC and New Zealand Army Ordnance Department in 1917, the introduction of brass NZAOC and NZAOD shoulder titles soon followed.
The Dress Regulations of 1923 further clarified their use “The shoulder titles of the unit or corps, in brass letters will be worn by Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and men on the shoulder straps of jackets (service and blue) and great coats. They will not be worn on mess jackets”. The approved Ordnance shoulder titles were, [2]
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department – NZAOD
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps – NZAOC.
NZAOC Shoulder Titles. Robert McKie Collection
With the disestablishment of the NZAOD on the 27th of June 1924 [3], and official use of the NZAOD shoulder title was discontinued, and the NZAOC shoulder title remained in use for all ranks, its use confirmed in the 1927 Dress regulations. [4]
Early in World War Two saw the establishment of the NZEF and Territorial Army ‘New Zealand Ordnance Corps’, again as in the case of the NZAOC 24 years earlier, shoulder titles were soon provided.[5]
Worn early in the war, the adoption of new uniforms and universal “New Zealand” flashes saw that existing stocks of brass shoulder titles, including the NZAOC and NZOC shoulder titles, were wasted out until stocks were exhausted. [6]
Cloth Titles
The adoption of cloth shoulder titles was first proposed in 1948. Screen printed samples like the current British pattern were proposed in 1949.
RAOC 1940’s screen printed shoulder titles. Robert McKie Collection
Desiring something more durable and presentable, it was decided that embroidered shoulder titles were the way ahead. After much deliberation, the Army Board approved the introduction of shoulder titles in 1954. After much bureaucratic discussion over costings and developing requirements, it was not until 1961 that the first samples were approved. The shoulder titles for the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps were to have a Post Office red background with purple navy lettering in “Serif” Font. Over time there were variations in colour and size of lettering due to manufacture variations, with the final versions featuring lettering in a “Sans Serif” font and an overlocked edge. [2]
As part of a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s Army Service Dress, corps shoulder patches, including the RNZAOC pattern, were replaced with a universal “NEW ZEALAND” shoulder title from 1 January 1996.
Notes
Dress Regulations 1912, GHQ Circular No 5, Wellington: General Headquarters, 1912.
M. Thomas and C. Lord, NZ Army Distinguishing Patches 1911-1991, Wellington: Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, 1995.
“NZAOD and NZAOC,” New Zealand Gazette, p. 1605, 3 July 1924.
“Shoulder Titles,” New Zealand Gazette, p. 1599, 19 May 1927.
G. Oldham, Badges and Insignia of the New Zealand Army, 2 ed., Auckland: Milimen Books, 2011.
B. O’Sullivan and M. O’Sullivan, New Zealand Army Uniforms and Clothing 1910-1945, Christchurch: Wilson Scott, 2009.
The strength of the NZAOC on the 31st of May 1924 was 108, consisting of:[1][2]
6 Officers
69 Permanent Other Rank
33 Temporary Other Ranks
Director of Ordnance Services
Lieutenant Colonel H. E. Pilkington, RNZA
Chief Ordnance Officer
Captain T.J King
Ordnance Accounting Officer
Lieutenant T.W Page
Northern Command Ordnance Officer
Lieutenant A. W. Baldwin
Central Command Ordnance Officer
Lieutenant H.H Whyte
Southern Command Ordnance Officer
Captain A.R.C White
Featherston Camp Ordnance Officer
Captain F. E. Ford
Ordnance Accounting Officer
Lieutenant T.W Page
Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Acting Inspector of Ordnance Machinery
Captain William Ivory, RNZA
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition
Captain E.H Sawle
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1924
Ordnance Stores
The provision of proper Ordnance Depots in all three commands had become an urgent matter, for economic as well as strategic and tactical reasons. Valuable equipment was stored in temporary structures, which in most cases was quite unsuitable for the purpose. As a necessity, the bulk of the equipment was held at Trentham and Burnham in wooden buildings erected as temporary accommodation for troops, not as permanent storage for valuable equipment. The development of Burnham and Ngaruawahia as ordnance depots was a matter of some urgency and would be put in hand as soon as funds for the purpose are available.[3]
At Burnham and Ngaruawahia, high charges for maintenance of the temporary buildings were being incurred, the cost of transportation of stores and equipment was increasing, and proper supervision and control was becoming very difficult.[4]
Northern Command
The Northern Command was the worst off in this respect. The site at Ngaruawahia was suitable, but with no buildings there, equipment for Northern Command was held partly at Featherston and partly at Trentham.[5]
Southern Command
The Southern Command was in a better position. The buildings at Burnham, though inadequate for the storage of all the equipment for Southern Command, were more or less satisfactory.[6]
Central Command
The Central Command had ample accommodation, of a kind at Trentham and Featherston, but proper fireproof stores needed to be erected at Trentham, and the buildings at present in use for storage of equipment can then be taken into use for the purpose for which they were built, the accommodation of troops. Featherston will be dismantled when Ngaruawahia depot is built.[7]
Magazines
The magazine accommodation for both gun and small-arms ammunition was quite insufficient for the army’s requirements, and all sorts of temporary accommodation in unsuitable buildings was being utilized. In consequence, the usual safety precautions could not be adhered to, and there was the danger of accidents and deterioration of ammunition. Proposals had been submitted for the erection of up-to-date magazines at Ngaruawahia for gun ammunition, and for small-arms-ammunition magazines in each command at Ngaruawahia, Trentham, and Burnham.[8]
Stores and Equipment
Stores and equipment generally were in a satisfactory position, but as a consequence of the unsuitable accommodation, they were subjected to considerable deterioration. The capacity and efficiency of the Ordnance workshops were considerably increased by the installation of new machinery; and the arrears of work which were accumulating overhauled, and that the deterioration that was threatening material, vehicles through lack of attention as prevented.[9]
The Cost Accounting system of accounting for stores was proving successful, and everything in connection with this was satisfactory with few losses occurring.[10]
The sale of surplus stores was still proceeding, although the returns had fallen off, for various reasons. The total receipts for the year were approximately £52,000, making a grand total, to date of approximately £424,000. The present method of sale was considered more satisfactory in every way than a sale by auction; it enabled the general public throughout New Zealand to obtain the stores at low prices and provided an efficient organization to deal with surplus stores as they became available from time to time. The dyeing of surplus khaki uniforms for sale to the public was proving a successful venture and was the only satisfactory method of disposing of those large stocks.
Vacancies
Applications were requested to fill Vacancies for Armourers in the NZAOC. The call was for Qualified Armourers and Gunsmiths who had previous experience in the repair of small-arms and machine guns. Mechanics would be considered if they had had training in armourer s duties.
Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 114, 15 May 1924. Papers Past
Gallant Conduct
On 11 March 1924 Corporal Artificer John William Dalton, NZAOC was instrumental in saving the lives of four non-swimmers during extreme flash flooding which destroyed the encampment of the 6th Battery, NZA during their camp at Eskdale.[11][12][13]
General Order 164
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Artificer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Articifer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
Corporal Articifer Dalton supervising the recovery of guns after the Eskdale flood 1924. Norm Lamont Collection
New Zealand Rifle Team
Sergeant Ching a member of NZAOC, was invited to join the New Zealand Rifle Team for the shooting competition to be held at Bisley in the United Kingdom in September.[14]
NZ Army Dress Regulations 1923
The following extracts are from the 1923 NZ Army Dress Regulations that relate to the NZOC. The 1823 Dress Regulations were the first update to the Dress Regulations since 1912.[15]
Director of Ordnance Services
The Director or Ordnance Services was authorized to wear the following dress distinctions
Blue Gorget Patches
Blue Cap Band on the Khaki Service Dress Cap
Lion and Crown Cap Badge
Overalls (Trousers)
Ordnance Corps – Two 1/4 in stripes, maroon cloth 1/2 in apart
Mess Kit Jacket
Blue Cloth with Scarlet cloth roll collar and pointed scarlet cloth cuffs. Cuffs 6in deep at the points and 23/4in behind, a 1in slit at the seams. Shoulder straps of blue cloth 11/2 wide at the base, tapering to about 1in at the points, rounder points fastened with a small button, the shoulder straps to be sewn at the shoulder. Badges of rank in metal. No buttons on the front of the jacket and no gold braid or piping. Collar Badges as on service Jacket.
Mess Kit Waist Coat
Blue cloth, open in front, no collar, fastened with four ½ in mounted buttons
Forage Cap Band
Scarlet.
Shoulder Titles
Brass letters, worn by officers, warrant officers, Non-commissioned officers and men on the shoulder straps of jacks (service and blue) and greatcoats. The will not be worn on mess-jackets.
NZAOC Shoulder Titles. Robert McKie Collection
Puggaree
Ordnance Corps – Red-Blue-Red
NZAOC Puggaree. Robert McKie Collection
Obituary
Corporal Peter Gow Scrimgeour passed away at his residence at William Street, Upper Hutt, on Wednesday 24 October 1923. Joining the NZEF with the Eighth Contingent, Scrimgeour saw considerable service in France and at the time of his death was employed with the Trentham Detachment of the NZAOC.[16] Scrimgeour was provided with a military funeral on 26 October 1923.[17]
Personnel Movements -July 1923 to June 1924
Releases
176 Armorer Private Reginald Albert Percival Johns
[1] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 1 June 1923 to 30 June 1924,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1924).
[2] “B-01-Part02 Public Accounts for the Financial Year 1923-1924,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1924).
[11] “Caught by the Flood “, New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18659, 15 March 1924.
[12] “Gallant Conduct,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18725, 3 June 1924.
[13] “Courageous Conduct,” in New Zealand Army General Order 164 (Wellington1924).
[14] “Personal Matters – Ching,” Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 113, 14 May 1924.
[15] Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, New Zealand Army Distinguishing Patches, 1911-1991 (Wellington, N.Z.: M. Thomas and C. Lord, 1995, 1995), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 34.
[16] “Scrimgeour, Peter Gow “, Personal File, Archives New Zealand (1914-1918).
When it comes to Trade embellishments, The RNZAOC and its predecessors had very few.
Quartermaster Sergeants
Although not technically an Ordnance embellishment, many of the original members of the NZAOC in the NZEF spent time as Regimental or Company Quartermaster Sergeants.
Quartermaster Rank Insignia
Warrant Officer
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant-Major, 1895-1915. Robert McKie CollectionRegimental Quartermaster Sergeant-Major, 1915-1918. Robert McKie CollectionRegimental Quartermaster Sergeant-Major, From 1918. Robert McKie Collection
Non-Commissioned Officers
Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 1895-1915. Robert McKie CollectionRegimental Quartermaster Sergeant-Major, From 1917. Robert McKie CollectionQuartermaster Sergeant (Other than Company of Squadron) From 1917. Robert McKie Collection
Armourers
Traditionally considered part of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, New Zealand Army Armourers had their roots as part of the NZAOC until 1946 when they became part of the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps.
Armourers Rank Insignia
Armourer Sergeant Major, From 1917. Robert McKie CollectionArmourer Quartermaster Sergeant, 1914-1917. Robert McKie CollectionArmourer Quartermaster Sergeant, From 1917. Robert McKie CollectionArmourer Staff Sergeant, From 1914. Robert McKie CollectionArmourer Sergeant, From 1914. Robert McKie Collection
Wheelers
Before the introduction and wide use of motorised vehicles and pneumatic wheels, wagons, carts and artillery with wooden and iron wheels were the main means of battlefield transportation. The repair of wheels was carried out by Wheelwrights, who, due to their specialisation in working with wheels made of wood and iron, were classed as specialist artificers called “Wheeler Articifers”. The New Zealand Expeditionary Force initially deployed in 1914 with:
2 Wheeler/Fitters with each Artillery Battery,
2 Wheeler/Fitters with the Artillery Ammunition Column,
4 Wheelers with the Army Service Corps Divisional Train, and
1 Wheeler with the Mounted Rifles Field Ambulance.
As the war progressed, the growth of the Wheeler trade was commensurate with the development of the NZEF. As the war shifted into a war of attrition with little movement, unit tradesmen, including Wheelers, were brigaded at the Divisional Ordnance and ASC workshops.
After the war, army tradesmen were progressively placed under the control of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC). In 1924 all Artificers. (Armament, Saddlers and Wheelers) were reclassified as Artificers and all adopted the Tong and Hammer trade identifier. With no delineation between Artificers, tracing the status of Wheelwrights in the interwar period is difficult. Still, in 1938 there was one civilian Wheelwright on the strength of the Main Ordnance Workshop in Trentham. In 1946 the workshop functions separated from the NZAOC and amalgamated into the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RNZEME).
Wheeler Quartermaster Sergeant. Robert McKie CollectionWheeler Staff Sergeant. Robert McKie CollectionWheeler Staff Sergeant. Robert McKie CollectionWheeler Corporal. Robert McKie CollectionWheeler Lance Corporal. Robert McKie CollectionWheeler. Robert McKie Collection
Ammunition Technicians
In 1961 the New Zealand Army Ammunition appointments of Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ammunition Examiner were renamed as follows;
‘Ammunition Technical Officer’ (ATO) replaced that of “Inspecting Ordnance Officer’ (IOO) and
‘Ammunition Technician’ (AT) that of ‘Ammunition Examiner’ (AE).
ATOs and ATs at this time were still not permitted to wear any trade badges.
On 16 June 1971, the RNZAOC Chief Ammunition Technical Officer Major Bob Duggan oversaw the adoption of the RAOC Ammunition Technician’ Flaming A’ as the qualification badge for New Zealand Army ATOs and ATs. The “A” in the New Zealand badge had little to do with Ammunition but a carryover from the British Army AT badge where the “A” represented the ammunition trades position as one of the army “A” Class trades, and that was identified by the “A” on the qualification badge.
Qualification for the badge was;
Ammunition Technical Officers: Completion of one year’s practical experience after graduating from the ATO course in either Australia or the United Kingdom
Ammunition Technicians: Qualified in all aspects of the trade (on average 5 to 6 years of service),
1st pattern Ammunition Technician Badge Mess Kit Badge. Robert McKie Collection 1st pattern Ammunition Technician Badge. Robert McKie Collection
As the badge was identical to the RAOC AT badge, it was decided in 1988 to include fern fonds to give it a significant New Zealand Character.
When the RNZAOC was disestablished in 1996, the use of this badge was carried over to the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.
Conductors
The Honourable and Ancient Appointment of Conductor has origins dating back to 1327. They are mentioned in the Statute of Westminster as the men whose job was to conduct soldiers to places of assembly. The “Conductor of Ordnance” is also mentioned in the records of the siege of Boulogne in 1544. Surviving as an appointment directly related to the handling of stores in the British army until the late 19th century, the appointment was formalised by Royal Warrant on 11 January 1879. This established conductor of supplies (in the Army Service Corps) and conductors of stores (in the Ordnance Store Branch) as warrant officers, ranking above all non-commissioned officers.
The first New Zealand Conductor was appointed in 1916, and the appointment remained in use until 1930 and again from 1977 to 1996.
Conductor Badges 1916 – 1930
During this period, Ordnance Warrant Officers, Class One, could be granted the appointment of either.
Conductor, or
Sub-Conductor
Conductors wore the Crown in Laurel Wreath (Now worn by the Warrant Officer Class II) while the Sub-Conductor wore the Royal Arms.
In 1918, British Army Order 309 of 1918 changed the Conductor’s badges to the Royal Arms in a Laurel Wreath for Conductors, and the Royal Arms continued to be worn by Sub-Conductors. Although the regulations to change badges were issued in 1918, NZEF Conductors were still wearing the original pattern badge in 1919.
The appointment of Conductor remained extant in New Zealand Ordnance until 1930, when due to the mass civilianisation of the NZ Ordnance Corps, the appointment of Conductor fell into abeyance.
Conductor Badges 1977 – 1996
The Honourable and Ancient Appointment of Conductor was approved for selected RNZAOC Warrant Officers Class Ones in 1977. The Modern Conductor badge was the Royal Arms (updated with the Queen’s crown), with either a red backing for metal badges or surrounded by a red border on cloth badges.
The RNZAOC Conductor appointment was discontinued in 1996 following the formation of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). In 1993 when the United Kingdom Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) was disestablished, the appointment of Conductor was carried over to the new Royal Logistic Corps. The RNZAOC did not follow the lead of the RAOC and carried the appointment over to the new Logistic Regiment. RNZAOC Warrant Officers who held the appointment of Conductor in 1996 retained the appointment until they were either commissioned or left the service.
Director of Ordnance Services
Dress regulations promulgated in the New Zealand Gazette of 19 May 1927 (Para 916. (b) (i) ) detailed that the Director of Ordnance Services was to wear the following dress embellishments.
Blue Gorget-Patches,
Blue Cap Band with lion and crown cap badge.
The use of these items was discontinued in the early 1940s.
RNZAOC School Instructors
Established at Trentham in 1958 and formalised by charter on 5 September 1960, the RNZAOC school’s initial function was to.”
“Conduct courses as directed by Army HQ, to recommend personnel for re-employment within the Corps, to assess and test personnel for star classification (later called Band courses) and to recommend improvements in methods and procedures affecting the Corps.”
Over the years, the school developed into one of the most important units of the Corps, with responsibility for
RNZAOC Supply Training,
RNZAOC Ammunition Training,
Tri-Service IED/EOD Training,
Hosting of major Corps Conferences,
The development and maintenance of the Corps technical publications,
The development and conduct of training in all aspects of Corps activities,
The maintenance of the Corp’s history and heritage.
During the school’s existence, it is known that the following two armlets were worn by School Staff.
The first RNZAOC Instructor armlet was approved for wear on 6 November 1985 and worn until 1994 when the RNZAOC School became the Supply and Ammunition wings of the Army Logistic Center.
The armlet was a 100mm high red band with a 32mm blue stripe sewn centrally around it, mounted with a centrally mounted Ordnance Shield facing outwards.
RNZAOC School Instructors armlet (First Pattern). Malcolm Thomas Collection
With the reorganisation of the RNZAOC School into the Army Logistic Center in 1994, a new armlet was introduced. Worn by instructors of the Supply and Ammunition wings of the Army Logistic Center, this armlet was the exact dimensions as the original armlet but with the Crest of the Earl of Liverpool in place of the Ordnance Shield. This armet remained in use until RNZAOC was disestablished and the Trade Training School was established as part of the RNZALR.
RNZAOC School Instructors armlet (Second Pattern). Malcolm Thomas Collection
Proposed Trade Badges
In 1960 the New Zealand army conducted a comprehensive review of uniform dress embellishments, including trade appointment badges. Comparing the range of trade and Skill at Arms badges authorised in the British and Canadian armies, it was acknowledged that the New Zealand Army was poorly served in compassion, and there was no good reason for the New Zealand Army not to have a comparable range of trade and skill at arms badges.
To close the gap in trade badges, it was recommended that the New Zealand Army approve that new trade badges be approved across many all the army trades. Proposed badged for the RNZAOC were
The Flaming “A” Badge for Ammunition Examiners
A Crossed Needle and Awl badge for Leather and Textile trades
A Crossed Keys badge for Storemen
However, despite the report’s recommendations, the army remained conservative and final approval was not granted.
Canadian Army Badge for Leather and Textile trades. Robert McKie Collection
Canadian Army Storeman’s Badge 1958 to late 1960s. Robert McKie Collection
Stable belts (also known as Corps or Regimental Belts in the New Zealand Army) have their origins in the British Army. where they were initially worn by cavalrymen as part of their working dress.
During the mid 19th Century, British Cavalrymen realised that by modifying a Cavalry “Surcingle,” they would have a belt that was very useful in providing lower back support when cleaning stables and tending horses.
Initially worn by cavalrymen (and ASC and AOC personnel from trades associated with horses) the modified Surcingles were wider at 4″ than the 2½” width of modern stable belts. predominately made out of canvas, the buckles were worn on the left so not to scratch and catch on on horses and equipment.
With the adoption of coloured belts by officers in the British Indian Army in the mid-1800’s, the British Army at home started to adopted the practice in the late 1800’s as the coloured belts added a splash of colour and individuality to the drab khaki working uniforms the use of stable belts spread to other branches of the British Army during the 1950’s.
A modern stable belt is a wide webbing belt, usually of a single solid colour or horizontally striped in two or more different shades. Worn around the waist, either through the trouser belt loops or over a jersey.
With the original cavalry stable belts having the buckles at the side, later versions of stable belts were buckled at the front with a metal buckle bearing the badge of the Regiment or Corps.
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
The 1st pattern RAOC Belt was introduced before World War II and would be continued to be worn into the early 1950’s. This pattern of belt was 4” (10cm) wide and was fitted with leather side fastening straps (worn to the left)
1st Pattern RAOC Stable Belt. Mike Comerford Collection
The 2nd pattern RAOC Belt was introduced in the mid-1950’s and was fitted with the buckles at the side. It had a single yellow stripe bordered on either side by thin blue and red stripes and a broad blue stripe on the outside edges
The 3rd RAOC Belt adopted at around 1961 was initially fitted with buckles at the side, the leather side buckles were soon replaced with a brass buckle bearing the badge of the RAOC on the Right (male) fitting and the words ‘Royal Army Ordnance Corps’ in a circlet on the left (Female) fitting. The belt had four wide blue stripes with 3 narrow red stripes and would become the pattern for most Commonwealth Ordnance Corps Stable Belts. The Brass buckle was in time replaced with a chrome metal buckle.
2nd Pattern RAOC Stable Belt with brass buckle. Robert McKie Collection
3rd Pattern RAOC Stable Belt. Robert McKie collection
RAOC personnel posted to the Commando Ordnance Squadron and 82 Airborne Ordnance Company, exchanged the RAOC buckle for the buckle of the parent unit they belonged to.
The RNZAOC was slow to introduce stable belts, and it is mentioned in a 1969 edition of the Pataka magazine that plans for the introduction of a stable belt had been rejected and would not proceed. However, still keen on a distinctive dress distinction to identify members of the RNZAOC, a Red and Blue Lanyard was proposed but subsequently rejected by the Army Dress committee in 1970.
Reconsidering the requirement for an RNZAOC Stable belt, a submission was submitted to the Army Dress committee in January 1972. Approved by the Army Dress Committee on 5 April 1972, the new RNZAOC stable belt was based on the RAOC belt having four wide blue stripes with 3 narrow red stripes, the buckle departed from the RAOC pattern, having a 7–6 cm chromed buckle on which an RNZAOC Badge was mounted.
RNZAOC Stable Belt. Robert McKie Collection
Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps
The Australian Army adopted the stable belt in the late 1970s; however, they were removed from service in 1995 and are no longer worn.
Based on the 2nd pattern RAOC Belt, the RAAOC belt was fitted with a buckle with the RAAOC badge on the Right (male) fitting and the words ‘Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps’ in a circlet on the left (Female) fitting.
Used by the Royal Canadian Army Ordnance Corps between 1953 and 1974, the RCOC stable belt was based on the 2nd pattern RAOC Belt. The RCOC belt was fitted with a buckle with the Ordnance Shield mounted with a St Edwards Crown on the Right (male) fitting and the words ‘Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps’ in a circlet on the left (Female) fitting.
Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Stable Belt. Robert McKie collection
Malaysian Kor Ordnans DiRaja (Royal Ordnance Corps)
In Malaysia, during the 32nd Army Corps/Regiment Chairman Committee Meeting on June 7, 2005, a mandate was issued requiring all Army personnel to wear the Stable Belt corresponding to their Corps/Regiment. This accessory is specifically designated for wear with the No. 3 uniform. Notably, the Malaysian Army Kor Ordnans Diraja (Royal Ordnance Corps) stable belt draws inspiration from the 2nd pattern RAOC Belt, distinguished by its side buckles.
From 1915 to 1996 the following Honours and Awards were awarded to members of the;
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZEF), 1915 – 1921
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department, 1917 – 1924
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1917 – 1947
New Zealand Ordnance Corps, 1940 – 1946
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1947 – 1996
Military Cross
Military Cross. NZDF
The Military Cross was created on 28 December 1914 to be awarded to officers in recognition of “an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.
1942
Temporary Captain Frank David Barry
For extreme devotion to duty, great determination and remarkable skill under difficult and hazardous circumstances. As OME of 15 Light Aid Detachment in the Libyan campaign of November – December 1941 he displayed great coolness under fire and inspired both his unit and other nearby units with confidence during the critical days of 29-30 November at Bel Hamed. During the recent fighting on the El Alamein line he constantly displayed initiative of the highest degree in repairing vehicles under extremely difficult conditions whist his recovery work was particularly outstanding. Night after night he recovered vehicles and guns from our forward minefields, and on many occasional he recovered vehicles and guns, both our own and enemy, from ‘No Mans Land’ and even German minefields. Due almost entirely to his efforts, eight 6-pdrs and three 50mm anti-tank guns were recovered and pout into fighting order in a very short time at a critical stage of the Al Alamein battle , and all this was done in addition to the normal repair and maintenance of his own unit – the 7th NZ Anti-Tank Regiment. His work has been really outstanding in this respect and he has been an inspiration to the whole NZ Ordnance Corps.
Military Medal
Military Medal. Wikipedia Commons
The Military Medal was created on 25 March 1916 to be awarded as the Other Ranks equivalent to the Military Cross.
1941
Private Mervyn William Curtis
During a heavy air attack on Maleme aerodrome on 15 May 1941, Pte Curtis was acting as a member of a machine gun section which had been located on the eastern perimeter of the aerodrome. A British ‘Gladiator’ machine was shot down and made a forced landing on the beach in front of one of the gun pits. the plane overturned and the pilot was pinned in his seat, upside dawn and was unable to extricate himself. Although an enemy plane was attempting to set fire to the damages British plane with incendiary bullets, Pte Curtis ran forward and freed the pilot from his parachute harness and took him back to safety.
1943
Sergeant Claude Rex Pulford
Companions of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
COMPANION OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER. NZDF
The Distinguished Service Order was instituted in 1886 and awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime. The DSO was awarded to over 300 New Zealanders during both World Wars.
1916
Captain William Thomas Beck
For distinguished service in the field during the operations at the Dardanelles
1917
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Henry Herbert
This officer had paid the greatest attention to his work and by his care and
attention to detail has very considerably reduced the wastage in the Division,
thereby effecting very material economy. I confidently recommend him for an award.
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The five classes of appointment to the Order are, in descending order of precedence:
Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE)
Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
The British Empire Medal is affiliated with the order, but its members are not members of the order.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. NZDF
1919
Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Edward Pilkington
1945
Brigadier Thomas Joseph King
1964
Brigadier Allan Huia Andrews
1993
Brigadier Piers Martin Reid
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire with 1917-35 Ribbon. NZDF
1919
Temporary Major Charles Ingram Gossage
Major Norman Joseph Levien
Major Thomas James McCristell
1943
Lieutenant-Colonel Allan Huia Andrews
Lt-Col Andrews as ADOS 2 NZ Division in the campaigns in Greece, Libya and the Western Desert displayed conspicuous skill and organising ability under difficult circumstances. As ADOS he has had the responsibility of the initial equipping of units of the Division, and by far the most difficult part of keeping units equipped to strength during battle, as well as the responsibility to the technical services of the NZOC. His organising ability, determination and skill have been an inspiration to all with whom he came in contact. In the battle of El Alamein he displayed executional organizing ability and untiring zeal in replacing unit equipment which had been lost or damaged in battle, and by his efforts in this direction fighting units were given added striking power.
1946
Lieutenant-Colonel Ernest Leonard Guy Bown
1953
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Reid
1960
Major Francis Anness Bishop (For service in Malaya 1Jan-31 July 1960)
1961
Lieutenant-Colonel Henry McKenzie Reid
1965
Lieutenant-Colonel Edward William Whiteacre
1984
Brigadier Malcolm John Ross
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire MOD UK
1919
Major Norman Joseph Levien
1939
Captain David Nicol
1941
Temporary Captain George Douglas Pollock
1942
Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Kelsey
Second Lieutenant Neville John Rollison
1944
Warrant Officer Class Two Alan Frank Curgenven
Captain William Charles Hastings
Lieutenant George Rupert Gable
This officer has, by ingenuity and improvisation, showed great initiative and ability in overcoming difficulties and in carrying out his work during the whole period of his services in Fiji, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Vella Lavella and Green Island. In so doing he has set an outstanding example to his men in carrying out their work of maintaining the division’s equipment at a high standard of serviceability.
1945
Captain (Temporary Major) Harold Cordery
Major Frank Arthur Jarrett
Second Lieutenant Desmond Godfrey Leitch
Temporary Warrant Officer Class One Herbert James Shepherd
1946
Lieutenant Bernard Ewart Woodhams
1949
Warrant Officer Class One Edward Coleman
1950
Warrant Officer Class One William Sampson Valentine
1953
Colonel Geoffrey John Hayes Atkinson
1960
Major Francis Anness Bishop
1961
Lieutenant and Quartermaster Henry Williamson
1962
Staff-Sergeant Robert James Plummer
1964
Major Jack Harvey
1974
Warrant Officer Class One Henry Eric Luskie
1975
Warrant Officer Class Two Ian Mac Stevenson
1977
Warrant Officer Class One Barry Stewart
1978
Warrant Officer Class Two Brian Michael Colbourne
1983
Major and Quartermaster Edward Vennel Sweet
1994
Captain Michael Anthony Mendonca
British Empire Medal (BEM)
British Empire Medal. NZDF
1945
Staff Sergeant Patrick Arthur Fear
1946
Staff Sergent William Alexander Sammons
1953
Sergeant (temporary) James Russell Don
“Sgt Don consistently carried out his duties in the Korean Sub-Depot of the Commonwealth Ammunition Depot in a most praiseworthy manner by his personal conduct and leadership he set a find (sic) example at all time to the troops under his command. He worked with untiring energy in supervising the receipt and issue of ammunition and never failed when day and night demands from the forward areas were heavy. He rendered services in excess of what is normally expected of an NCO of his rank”
1959
Staff-Sergeant (Temporary) Maurice William Loveday
1961
Warrant Officer Class Two (Temporary) Ian McDonald Russell
1962
Staff-Sergeant Robert James Plummer
1967
Staff Sergeant Leslie Mullane
1981
Corporal Tere William Kururangi
1983
Temporary Warrant Officer Class Two Peter Gordon Barnes (Territorial Force)
1994
Warrant Officer Class Two Tony John Harding
Corporal Richard Stuart Tyler
1995
Warrant Officer Class Two Ross Charles Fearon
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
Meritorious Service Medal. NZDF
The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded between 1898 and 2013. initially instituted by British Royal Warrant on 28 April 1898 as an award for Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Army.
Between 1985 and October 2013, the Meritorious Service Medal was awarded for meritorious service of twenty-one years or more and recipients must have already held a long service and good conduct medal. The number of army personnel holding the award was restricted to twenty serving Army personnel.
Nearly all recipients of this medal have been of the rank of Sergeant or above. However, in the early 20th Century some awards were made to lower ranks. The last Royal Warrant (1985) specified that only those with the substantive rank of Sergeant could be considered for award of the medal.
1917
Warrant Officer Class One Wilhelm Henchcliffe Simmons
This NCO has performed all his duties with conspicuous ability and has contributed to the efficiency of his Corps.
1918
Armourer Sergeant Quartermaster Sergeant George Bush
Armourer Sergeant Clarence Guy Charles Wagg
For conspicuous ability as Armourer Sergeant in charge of Divisional Armourers and through his energy and application, over one hundred Lewis and Vickers Guns, brought in by Salvage Companies, were repaired and put into action at a critical period of the Passchendaele offensive
1919
Staff Sergeant Major (Honorary Lieutenant) Albert Austin
Warrant Officer Class One (Conductor) Arthur Gilmore
Armourer Sergeant Percival James Lister
For consistent devotion to duty. 9/119 Arm Sergeant Percival James Lester has done consistently good work as Armourer Sergeant of this Battalion. Possessing exceptional mechanical and good inventive ability, he has to his routine duties, designed and constructed several forms of apparatus intended to improve the handling of Lewis gun etc., He has been unsparing in his endeavours to keep efficient the arms and other mechanical appliances in use by the unit, working long hours to do everything possible for the good of the ordnance of the Battalion
Conductor John Goutenoire O’Brien
Conductor Mark Leonard Hathaway
Warrant Officer Class One (Conductor) Clarence Adrian Seay
For long and valuable service. This NCO has done continuous good work and has performed his duties in a most excellent manner. As Senior Warrant Officer, with the New Zealand Ordnance Department, his work has been of a most arduous character and has frequently involved him in situations which have called for a display of energy and initiative. In an advance the necessity of clean clothing and socks etc., for the fighting troops is sometimes very acute. Conductor Seay on his energy and ability has at times been of the greatest assistance to the DADOS in administrating a very important branch of the service.
1920
Armourer Sergeant Quartermaster Sergeant John Alexander Adamson
Private Patrick Keeshen
Staff Sergeant David Llewellyn Lewis
1921
Corporal John Francis Hunter
1922
Private Charles William Marshall
Warrant Officer Class One Thomas Webster Page
1923
Staff Sargent Saddler George Alexander Carter
Armourer Staff Quartermaster Sergeant Thomas Reid Inch
Armourer Sergeant Harold Victor Coyle Reynolds
1924
Corporal Edgar Charles Boalt
Armourer Sergeant Andrew Archibald Young
1926
Warrant Officer Class One Michael Joseph Lyons
1927
Private William Valentine Wood
1929
Lance Corporal William Terrington Popple
Sergeant Albert Edward Shadbolt
Corporal Earnest John Williams
1930
Warrant Officer Class Two Samuel Thomson
1931
Corporal Philip Alexander Mackay
Sergeant Edward Ashton Waters
1943
Warrant Officer Class One Arthur Sydney Richardson
1946
Warrant Officer Class One Percy Charles Austin
Warrant Officer Class One John William Dalton
Warrant Officer Class One Eric John Hunter
1947
Warrant Officer Class One Bertram Buckley
Warrant Officer Class One Willian Charles Hastings
1955
Warrant Officer Class One William Galloway
1957
Warrant Officer Class One Bernard Percy Banks
Warrant Officer Athol Gilroy McCardy
1967
Warrant Officer Class One Maurice Sidney Phillips
1968
Staff Sergeant Kevin Patrick Anderson
Warrant Officer Class One Murray Alexander Burt
1969
Warrant Officer Class One Earnest Maurice Bull
Warrant Officer Class One John Bernard Crawford
Warrant Officer Class One Alick Claud Doyle
Warrant Officer Class One Hector Searl McLachlan
Warrant Officer Class One Douglas Keep Wilson
1972
Warrant Officer Class One Barry Stewart
Warrant Officer Class One David Gwynne Thomas
1976
Warrant Officer Class One George Thomas (Rockjaw) Dimmock
1978
Warrant Officer Class Two Ian McDonal Russell
1979
Warrant Officer Class One Bryan Nelson Jennings
1981
Warrant Officer Class One Alexander Harvey McOscar
1982
Warrant Officer Class One David Andrew Orr
Warrant Officer Class One (Conductor) Dave Orr receiving his MSM from the Commander NZ Force SEA, Brigadier Burrows 1982. Joe Bolton Collection
1986
Warrant Officer Class One Anthony Allen Thain
1994
Warrant Officer Class One David Wayne Kneble
The Efficiency Medal
The Efficiency Medal and clasps are rewards for long and meritorious service by warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the New Zealand Territorial Force who have performed the requisite qualifying service under these regulations.
1937
E.T Prichard (18-Year Clasp)
31289 R.H Miller (24-Year Clasp)
34927 R.B Mendoerwcroft (18-Year Clasp)
1942
A Paton (24-Year Clasp)
1946
31690 J.H Bell (18-Year Clasp)
1954
30224 F.A Bishop
1955
31365 J.A.G Bremner
35454 E.C Pedersen
31246 D.K Wilson
1956
37462 D.H Driver
1969
717032 L.A Cairns-Cowan (24-Year Clasp)
1973
209062 I.M Stevenson
1977
J839140 R.J.R Peterson (18-Year Clasp)
1978
4 76998 R.D Cryer
1981
G728945 G.N Young
1982
F484385 R.C Kiddie
1985
W853550 P.V Collins
G755280 J.R Ealker
1986
V44294 B.A Goldstone
G76566 P.W Finnerly
1987
F744929 C.C Olsen
1988
X7 59734 B.R Neal
E755278 B.G Gooch
1989
G20933 B Bremner
R42335 G.L McGhie
K478041 W Pautapa
1990
841470 B.R Swain
K632808 R.J.R Webb
J768576 C.W Cormack, 1 Bde Wksp
1993
W75890 M.J Emery, 1 Log Regt
V75096 K.L Monk, 1 Log Regt
U748162 G.J West, 1 Log Regt
Mentioned in Dispatches (MID)
A Mentioned in Dispatches award was awarded when a serviceman’s name appeared in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which his or her gallant or meritorious service was described.
1916
Captain William Thomas Beck
1917
Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Henry Herbert
1918
Staff Quartermaster-Sergeant Reginald Pike
1919
Armourer-Sergeant Charles Mervyn Abel
For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period 16th September 1918 to 15th March 1919
Captain Charles Ingram Gossage
For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period 16th September 1918 to 15th March 1919
Corporal Matthew Henderson
For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period 16th September 1918 to 15th March 1919.
Warrant Officer First Class (Conductor) Clarence Adrian Seay
1941
Staff Sergeant Stanley Copley Bracken
Private John Wilson Wallace
1942
Second Lieutenant Thomas Lindsay Cooper
Captain Donald Edward Harper
Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Kelsey
1944
Captain John Brodie Andrews
Captain Gordon Stanley Brash
Staff Sergeant Allen Anthony McMahon
Lance Corporal Colin James Ross
Staff Sergeant John Bell Taylor
Warrant Officer Class One Robert William Watson
1945
Staff Sergeant Francis William Thomas Barnes
Honorary Major Conrad William Owen Brain
Staff Sergeant Henry France
Corporal Lewis James Garnham
Corporal Robert Love Gibbs
Lieutenant Colonel Donald Edward Harper
Captain Robert Clay Jones
Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Kelsey
Warrant Officer Class Two Thomas Edward Lawson
Corporal Charles Hector Lorrett
Private William McCullough
Warrant Officer Class Two Alexander Douglas McKenzie
Captain Harrison Lee McLaren
Warrant Officer Class Two Robert Morrison
Sergeant Arthur William Thomas Pearce
Staff Sergeant Lionel Pedersen
Corporal Stanley Hewitson Phillips
Warrant Officer Class Two James Pilgrim
Staff Sergeant John Frederick Popenhagen
Warrant Officer Class Two James Roughan
Private John Edwin Sanders
Corporal Gilbert Scarrott
Warrant Officer Class One Julius John Charles Schultz
Private Charles Edward Sumner
Corporal Thomas Henry Sunley
Sergeant Peter Llewellyn Wagstaff
1946
Corporal Harding George Bommer
Warrant Officer Class Two Thomas Clifford Catchpole
Sergeant John Earnest Donoghue
Private Vernon Charles Goodwin
Lance Corporal Herbert Ernest Edwin Green
Sergeant Leslie Louis Merlin Hallas
Major Hugh France Hamilton
Private Charles Wesley Helliwell
Corporal Douglas Haig Spence Hunter
Lance Corporal Arthur Leask
Corporal William Hugh McIntyre
Lance Corporal Jack Clifford Miller
Captain Harold Oakley Nuttall
Private Albert Nuttridge
Private Edwin Albert Oberg
Captain Ronald Stroud
Captain Edwin Charles Sutcliffe
Second Lieutenant Ian Talbot
Driver Maurice Joseph Trewarn
Private Charles Sutcliffe West
Corporal Robert Yates
1947
Corporal Jack Stanley Wooster (Recommended)
1968
Captain and Quartermaster (temporary) David Ralph Hughes
Legion of Merit
Legion of merit. Wikipedia Commons
The Legion of Merit is a United States military award that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the United States and foreign militaries.
1947
Lieutenant-Colonel Maurice Salmon Myers.
Colonel Myers has been head of the Ordnance Service of this division since its arrival in the South Pacific area in November 1942. Throughout his employment in this capacity he has rendered signal service to the division, notably in regard to the procurement of equipment which has been supplied to us through American sources. Without his careful foresight and planning the equipment problems of the Third New Zealand Division would have been much greater than they proved to be.
Armed Forces Honour Medal 2nd Class
South Vietnam Honour Medal 2nd class
The Armed Forces Honour Medal was a South Vietnamese medal awarded to any member of the military who actively contributed to the formation and organisation of the Vietnamese military in South Vietnam. The medal was intended for non-combat achievements. The second class medals were awarded to warrant officers and enlisted personnel.
Staff Sergeant G.W. Byrom
Sergeant B.R. Swain
Sources
Beattie, P., & Pomeroy, M. (2016). Gallant acts & noble deeds: New Zealand Army honours and awards for the second World War. Auckland: Fair Dinkum Publications.
Chamberlain, H. (1995). Service Lives Remembered: The Meritorious Service Medal in New Zealand and Its Recipients, 1895-1994. H. Chamberlain.
McDonald, W. (2001). Honours and Awards to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War, 1914-1918. Hamilton, New Zealand: Richard Stowers.
Polaschek, A. (1983) The complete New Zealand Distinguished Conduct Medal. Christchurch, Medals Research Christchurch.
To meet SEATO commitments, the New Zealand Army was reorganised in 1964, with an Infantry Battalion based in Malaysia as part of the British Commonwealth Strategic Reserve. The remainder of the Army was organised to reinforce the overseas elements at short notice and, with a more extended notice period, forces able to meet other commitments outside of the scope of the Strategic Reserve. To achieve this the Army was organised as:
Field Force
The Combat Brigade Group – Organised as a combat force for commitments outside of the scope of the Strategic Reserve.
The Logistic Support Group – Organised to provide support in the field to the Combat Brigade Group.
The Combat Reserve Brigade Group – Designed to backfill personnel from the Combat Brigade Group and Logistic Support Group on their mobilisation, to provide trained reinforcements.
Static Support Force – all the static non-deployable units.
RNZAOC Locations and Roles
The RNZAOC maintained units on a regional basis.
Combat Brigade Group units based in the Northern region,
Logistic Support Group units based in the Central region,
Combat Reserve Brigade Groupunits based in the Southern region, and
Static Support Force units base throughout the country in non-operational support roles.
Units classed as Operating units had a real-time peacetime support role, all others only had training roles.
Up to 1968 Ordnance units, their locations and dependencies are detailed in the following three tables.
Ordnance In the Northern Military District
1st Central Ordnance Depot – 25 June 1971. RNZAOC School
Ordnance In the Central Military District
Central Districts Ordnance Depot 1965. Dave Morris Collection
Ordnance In the Southern Military District
Dress Embellishments
Circular Coloured patches 1½ inch in diameterwere worn on the shoulder Battledress and then Service Dress just below the Corps Shoulder Title, these patches were discontinued in the mid-1970’s.
Combat Brigade Group – Black
Logistic Support Group – Red
Combat Reserve Brigade group – Green
Static Support Force – Blue
Combat Brigade Group Patch – Malcolm Thomas collection
Logistic Support Group Patch – Malcolm Thomas collection
Combat Reserve Brigade Group Patch – Malcolm Thomas collection
Static Support Force Patch – Malcolm Thomas collection
1968 Reorganisation
In 1968 it was decided to refine the RNZAOC organisation to better suit its outputs, resulting in name changes, roles changes, relocation and disestablishment for some units.
Unit Name Changes
The Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham was renamed 1 Base Ordnance Depot.
Northern District Ordnance Depot – 1 Central Ordnance Depot
Central District Ordnance Depot – 2 Central Ordnance Depot
Southern District Ordnance Depot – 3 Central Ordnance Depot
Note: It was mooted that ‘Command’ instead of ‘Central’ be used as the name of the Ordnance Depots, and some correspondence does refer to the COD as Command Ordnance Depots.
Roles Changes and Re-locations
1 Infantry Brigade Group Ordnance Field Park based at Trentham and already partly scaled but with no role other than training this was moved to Ngaruawahia, with the task of maintaining the Equipment Tables of Combat Brigade group units.
1 Composite Ordnance Company Plaque. Peter Cox collection
1 Composite Ordnance Company assumed the role as the significant bulk Ordnance stock-holding unit in the Field Force, with responsibility for issuing bulk to 1 Ordnance Field Park and all Workshop Stores Sections and detailed Issues to all Logistic Support Group units. This unit had a peacetime holding of 60 -90 days of War Reserve stocks which were transferred from 1 Base Ordnance Depot. All Platoons were centralised at Mangaroa, less 4 (Ammo) Platoon, located at Makomako and loaned back to 2 Central Ordnance Depot.
3 Infantry Brigade Group Ordnance Field Park situated at Ngaruawahia with no stocks held and performing only a Training Role, this unit was relocated to Burnham where the majority of Combat Reserve Brigade Units were located, continuing to have no stock-holding responsibility and only have a training role.
There was no change to the Role and locations of the Workshops Stores section and RNZAOC school.
Disestablishment
The Small Arms and Proof Office co-located at Mount Eden with the Colonial Ammunition Company was closed down, and the Army ended its long relationship with the Colonial Ammunition Company when that company closed down.
The Ammunition Proof and Experimental Centre operations were also closed down, and its operations moved to the new Joint Services Proof Establishment, a Tri-service unit established as part of the Naval Ammunition Depot ad Kauri Point in Auckland.
RNZAOC Overseas
Throughout the 1960s the RNZAOC provided individuals for overseas service, with the bulk serving with the Australians in South Vietnam and 1 RNZIR at Ternadak Barracks in Malaysia.
In 1970 due to a proposed British withdrawal from Singapore, the RNZAOC made a commitment with the RAAOC to form 5 Advanced Ordnance Depot in Singapore. 5 Advanced Ordnance Depot was the first RNZAOC unit overseas since Kayforce during the Korean War, and the RNZAOC retained a unit in Singapore until 1989.
Future Reorganisations
The RNZAOC retained this organisation until the late 1970s, when the Rations and Fuel functions were gained on the disestablishment of the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps, and the RNZAOC underwent another Reorganisation, which will be covered in another article.
Ordnance badges in the United Kingdom and many present and former Commonwealth countries indeed have their origins in the Coat of Arms of the Board of Ordnance. The Board of Ordnance was a British government department responsible for the supply and maintenance of the army’s ordnance and equipment. Its coat of arms and insignia were adopted for use on various military badges and insignia. Here’s some additional information about this history:
Coat of Arms of the Board of Ordnance: The Board of Ordnance adopted its coat of arms, which featured various elements symbolizing its role in supplying and managing ordnance, in the 17th century.
Royal Approval: While the badge came into use in the 17th century, it wasn’t officially granted royal approval until 1806. This royal approval signified official recognition and authorization for the use of the coat of arms on military items and badges.
Confirmation by the College of Arms: In 1823, the Arms of the Board of Ordnance were confirmed by a grant from the College of Arms. The College of Arms is the official body responsible for regulating and granting coats of arms in England, and its confirmation further solidified the legitimacy of the badge.
Commonwealth Adoption: As the British Empire expanded and evolved, the badge of the Board of Ordnance was often adopted by Commonwealth countries that were part of the empire. These countries included Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various African and Caribbean nations. The use of this badge by Commonwealth forces helped maintain a sense of continuity and tradition within the military.
Legacy: While the Board of Ordnance itself was disbanded in the 19th century, its coat of arms and insignia continue to be part of the military heritage of the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries. These badges are often seen on military uniforms, especially on items related to logistics, supply, and ordnance.
The adoption of the Board of Ordnance’s coat of arms and insignia into the military traditions of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries reflects the historical significance of this organisation in supplying and equipping armed forces. It also underscores the continuity and historical ties among these nations within the Commonwealth.
The insignia of the Board of Ordnance comprises the following elements:
Shield
Background: The shield features a blue background.
Field Pieces: Three gold field pieces (cannons or artillery pieces) are displayed on the blue background.
Cannonballs: In the top portion of the shield, there are three silver/white cannonballs, likely representing ammunition or firepower.
Crest
Silver/White Crown: Rising from a silver/white crown is a right arm.
Grasping a Thunderbolt: The right arm is grasping a thunderbolt.
Wings Against a Flaming Background: The design includes wings against a flaming background. This imagery could symbolize the power, speed, and force associated with the work of the Board of Ordnance.
Supporters
Cyclops Figures: The supporters are two cyclops figures, each with a specific tool. Certain accounts describe the cyclops figures as England’s legendary guardians, Gog and Magog, who are believed to awaken in times of national peril. Additionally, there is historical reference to the use of the names Gog and Magog for the barges used to transport sizable cannons up the River Thames for testing purposes.
Right-hand Cyclops: The right-hand cyclops is holding a hammer, symbolizing craftsmanship or construction.
Left-hand Cyclops: The left-hand cyclops is holding a pair of forceps, possibly representing precision or delicate work.
Resting on the Shoulder: Each cyclops rests their respective tools on their shoulder, emphasizing their readiness to carry out their tasks.
Motto
In the Riband: The motto is written in a riband, a narrow band or scroll.
Motto Translation: The Latin motto “sua tela tonanti” is loosely translated as “To the warrior his arms.” This motto underscores the organization’s commitment to providing arms and equipment to support military efforts.
The standard component of the Coat of Arms featured on Ordnance cap badges consists of a shield adorned with three cannons and three cannonballs. Variations of these badges may include a riband below the shield, bearing either the Corps motto or a descriptor of the corps to which the insignia belongs.
In the early versions of Australian and New Zealand Ordnance badges, an annulus encircled the shield, inside of which was inscribed the name of the respective Corps.
Internationally, many Ordnance badges have included national identifiers placed above the shield. For instance, Canada featured a beaver on their 1903 badge, and New Zealand used the letters “NZ” on various versions of their badge.
A consistent characteristic of these badges is that the cannons are always directed to the right (known as “Dexter” in heraldic terms). However, there are exceptions, such as the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (1917-23) and South Africa Ordnance Corps (1923-33) badges, where the cannons face to the left (known as “Sinister” in heraldic terms).
Upon receiving Royal status, most badges received two additional features. First, permission was granted to display the Royal garter in a buckled circle or oval, bearing the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense.” Translated from Old French, this motto means “Shame be to him who thinks evil of it.” It can also be interpreted as “Evil (or shame) be to him that evil thinks” or “shame on anyone who thinks ill of it.”
Second, the badges incorporated crowns to signify the reigning monarchs:
From 1918 to 1953, the Tudor or “Kings Crown” was used on badges.
Starting in 1953, the St. Edward’s or “Queens crown” became the standard for these insignias.
These details contribute to the rich history and symbolism of Ordnance badges, reflecting changes in royal representation and the unique attributes of each corps.
The St Edwards or “Queens crown” from 1953. Robert McKie CollectionThe Tudor or “Kings Crown” on badges from 1918 to 1953. Robert McKie Collection
Listed below are examples of some of the various ordnance badges of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India and South Africa. Examples of New Zealand pages can be found at Ordnance Badges of New Zealand 1916-1996.
Great Britain
Beginning in 1896, the United Kingdom maintained two distinct Ordnance entities:
The Army Ordnance Department, which consisted of officers.
The Army Ordnance Corps, which comprised other ranks.
In July 1896, following a recommendation from the War Office, Queen Victoria granted approval for the incorporation of the arms of the Board of Ordnance into the badge of both the Army Ordnance Department and the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC). This incorporation involved using the shield from the Board of Ordnance arms, excluding the crest and the supporters, as a central element in the badge design.
These two cap badges were crafted in a similar design, differing primarily in the wording displayed on the scroll beneath the shield. These badges served as the predecessors to all Imperial and subsequently Commonwealth Ordnance Corps badges. Elements of their design were later adopted by various Commonwealth Ordnance Corps throughout their histories.
Army Ordnance Corps 1896-1918. Robert McKie CollectionArmy Ordnance Department 1896-1918. Robert McKie Collection
The Army Ordnance Department and Corps were combined in 1918 to form the ‘Royal Army Ordnance Corps,’ remaining in existence until 1993 when it was disestablished to form the ‘Royal Logistic Corps‘.
AOC 1918-1947. Robert McKie CollectionRAOC 1947-1949. Robert McKie CollectionRAOC 1949-1953. Robert McKie CollectionRAOC Bi-Metal and Anodised 1953-1993 Badges. Robert McKie Collection
Australia
The Australian Army Ordnance Stores Corps was established on July 1, 1902, concurrently with the civilian-administered Australian Army Ordnance Department, which operated under Civil Service management.
In a significant transition in 1942, the corps was brought entirely under military jurisdiction and rebranded as the Australian Army Ordnance Corps. This transformation marked a turning point in its history, and in 1948, it was honored with Royal status.
The badge design, featuring a King’s crown, received official approval in 1948. Initially, this design was exclusively worn as a collar badge. However, in 1956, a cap badge bearing a Queen’s Crown was introduced, which has continued to be in use to this day.
As King Charles ascends to the throne, it is likely that the crown on the badge will be updated to reflect his heraldry, possibly reverting to the Tudor Crown.
Australian Army Ordnance Corps, 1930 to 1942. Robert McKie collectionRoyal Australian Army Ordnance Corps 1942-1953RAAOC 1953 – Present. Robert McKie collection
Canada
Established in 1903 under the name ‘Ordnance Stores Corps,’ this organisation underwent several transformations in its history. In 1907, it was rebranded as the ‘Canadian Ordnance Corps.’ In a significant development in 1919, it was bestowed with the prestigious Royal designation, becoming the ‘Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps.’
In 1968, with the creation of the ‘Logistic Branch,’ which merged the ‘Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps’ and the ‘Royal Canadian Army Service Corps,’ the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps was formally disbanded on July 2, 1974.
Canadian Ordnance Corps badge, 1903-1922. Robert McKie collectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps 1922-1926. (Right Hand Collar Badge). Robert McKie CollectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps 1926-1953. Robert McKie CollectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps, 1953-1961. Robert McKie collectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps, 1961 -1974. Robert McKie Collection
Malaysia – Royal Ordnance Corps – Kor Ordnans Diraja (KOD)
India
The origins of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps can be traced back to the 15th century when the three Presidencies of the East India Company, namely Bengal, Madras, and Bombay, were formed. The formal recognition of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps took place in 1775 with the establishment of the ‘Board of Ordnance.’
However, in 1855, as part of a global restructuring effort, the Board was disbanded. This led to the creation of the Ordnance State Department and Corps. Subsequently, in 1885, these entities were reorganized into the Army Ordnance Department for officers and the Army Ordnance Corps for soldiers.
1901-1922 badge of the Indian Army Ordnance DepartmentWW1 period Pagri (Turban) Badge of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps
In 1922, a significant reorganisation took place, resulting in the amalgamation of the Army Ordnance Department and the Army Ordnance Corps, which were then collectively renamed the Indian Army Ordnance Corps. During this transition, a new corps badge was introduced, closely resembling the previous one but featuring a scroll inscribed with the words “Indian Army Ordnance Corps.”
This badge remained in use until 1954 when the current badge was officially adopted. Interestingly, the IAOC badge should have been discontinued after India became a republic in 1950. However, a delay in finalizing the new crest led to its continued usage until 1954.
Indian Army Ordnance Corps cap, collar badges 1922-1950 and shoulder title. Robert McKie Collection
Following India’s attainment of independence in 1950, the “Indian” prefix was removed from the corps’ name, and it is now simply referred to as the Army Ordnance Corps.
India Army Ordnance Corps- post-1947
Additional Indian Ordnance badges from 1884 to 1922 included:
Pagri (Turban) Badge: This badge featured an Ordnance shield surmounted by a fist rising from a coronet while grasping lightning rods. Below this imagery, there was a scroll with the inscription “SUA TELA TONANI.”
Waist Belt Clasp: During the King’s Crown period, this clasp displayed the King’s Crown over an Ordnance shield in the center. The word “ORDNANCE” appeared around the top, and “INDIA” was inscribed around the bottom.
Pagri (Turban) Badge – WW1 Period: From the World War I era, this badge featured a fist rising from a coronet, grasping lightning rods, and surmounted by two wings. It did not include a scroll.
Pakistan
Upon the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan introduced a modified Ordnance badge based on the Indian Army Ordnance Corps (IAOC) badge. In this adaptation, the crown in the IAOC badge was replaced by the Pakistan ensign, featuring a crescent and a star, and the word “Indian” was substituted with “Pakistan.”
On August 15, 1954, a newly designed badge was officially adopted. Modeled after the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) Pattern badge, this badge featured the following elements:
The Ordnance shield displaying three cannons and three cannonballs.
The Pakistan ensign, which included a five-pointed star.
An annulus, or circular band, inscribed with the words ‘Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps.’
The Ordnance motto ‘Sua Tela Tonanti,’ translated into English as ‘To the Thunder his Weapons,’ was inscribed onto the riband encircling the badge.
1st Pattern Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps badge. Robert Mckie Collection2nd Pattern Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps badge. Robert Mckie Collection3rd Pattern Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps Badge. Robert Mckie Collection
Hyderabad
Hyderabad was a princely state during the British Raj. However, following India’s attainment of independence in 1947, Hyderabad initially maintained its independence. It wasn’t until 1948, when the Indian Army executed Operation Polo, an invasion operation, that Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian union.
Hyderabad Army Ordnance Corps.
Burma
South Africa
Drawing inspiration from the British model, South Africa established the South African Ordnance Department for officers and the South African Ordnance Corps for enlisted personnel in 1923. These two entities were later merged into a unified corps in 1933. In 1939, further reorganization occurred with the creation of the Technical Services Corps and the ‘Q Services Corps.’
South African Ordnance Department 1923-1933. Robert McKie CollectionSAOC badge 1933-1949South African Ordnance Corps 1923-1933
Rhodesia and Nyasaland
During the existence of the Short-lived Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953-1963), the Federation’s army maintained the Rhodesia and Nyasaland Army Services Corps, which played a crucial role in providing logistical support to the Federal Army. This corps comprised three distinct branches:
Ordnance & Supply Branch: This branch was responsible for the provisioning of all Army arms, supplies, and equipment. It consisted of 150 soldiers.
Workshop Branch: Within this branch, artificers and mechanics were tasked with the essential maintenance of vehicles, firearms, and other equipment deployed by the Federal Army. The Workshop Branch had a strength of 270 personnel.
Supply & Transport Branch: Comprising one Askari Platoon, two Coloured Afro-Asian Platoons, and one Eurasian Platoon, the Supply & Transport Branch had the critical responsibility of delivering supplies allocated by the Ordnance & Supply Branch to troops in the field. In total, this branch consisted of 180 personnel.
These branches collectively formed the backbone of logistical support for the Federation’s military operations during this period.
Rhodesian and Nyasaland Army Service Corps cap badge 1955-1962. Robert McKie Collection
Bibliography
J.L. Chapple Indian Army Collection catalogue, Part II – Arms and Services, AFI, IST-ISF. (2017). Retrieved from Indian Military History Society: http://durbaronline.co.uk/PDF/PDF6arms-svces.pdf
New Zealand Supply Depot Staff at Zeitoun Camp, 1915. National Army Museum of New Zealand
I was recently made aware of this photo of New Zealand Supply Depot Staff at Zeitoun Camp, Egypt, in 1915; it was taken from the album of Major Alexander Charters, CMG, DSO, of the Wellington Infantry Battalion. The picture shows a group of men of the No 1 Depot Unit of Supply (DUS) New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC).
Badges of the NZASC 1910-1947. Robert McKie collection
Based at Zeitoun Camp from August 1915 until 16 March 1916, No 1 DUS was responsible for the supply and distribution of over 28000000 Kilograms of forage, foodstuffs, firewood and other goods to its subordinate units during that time. It is, on the surface, an unremarkable picture but shows the variety of headwear and uniforms at the time. Most are wearing Wolseley pattern sun helmets, two are wearing Forage Caps, two individuals are wearing felt hats with NZASC Khaki/White/Khaki Puggaree, and one is wearing a Mounted Rifles bandoleer. Most interestingly of all is an individual wearing a Lemon Squeezer hat, with an unidentified Puggaree (most likely an infantry Puggaree) with a British Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) badge.
The question must be asked, why is a New Zealand soldier in 1915 wearing a British Army Ordnance Corps badge?
At the time of the photo, New Zealand did not have an Ordnance Corps, and one was not created in the NZEF until February 1916, (see NZAOC 1916-1919) and at home until 1917. (NZAOC, 1917-1923) In the context of the NZEF, ad-hoc Ordnance Sections had been established as staff under the New Zealand Division Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (DADOS). On the arrival of the NZ advance party in 1914, Sergeant (later Major) Norman Joseph Levien had been attached to the British Ordnance Corps Depot at the Citadel in Cairo to study the Ordnance systems in use with the Imperial forces in Egypt to integrate New Zealand into the British Supply System.
Rue de la, Porte Rosette, Alexandria, Egypt. Public Domain
Early in 1915, to support the Zealand Forces, Levien, now promoted to Lieutenant, established a New Zealand Ordnance Depot in Alexandra at No. 12 Rue de la, Porte Rosette and a warehouse at Shed 43, Alexandra Docks.
Given the need to outfit New Zealand units as they arrived in Egypt and as the New Zealand Forces returned from Gallipoli, there was a significant effort to refit, refurbish and re-equip units as they reorganised for future service in France and the Middle East. This put a considerable strain onto the nascent New Zealand Ordnance Corps, requiring, in addition to the original DADOS staff, the drafting in of additional soldiers with clerical, stores and maintenance experience from within NZEF. Records analysed so far identify 13 Other Ranks (Private to Company Sergeant Major), who joined the NZAOC on its formal creation in Feb/Mar 1916, some of whom had been working in Ordnance roles since 1914.
Ordnance Member, New Zealand Supply Depot Staff at Zeitoun Camp, and was definitely taken in 1915. National Army Museum of New Zealand
Unlike the soldiers of the NZASC who deployed as part of the established NZASC organisation and wore the NZASC cap badge. Soldiers posted to NZ Ordnance deployed from NZ on the strength of the unit or Battalion that they had enlisted into and were posted to the Ordnance establishment after their arrival in Egypt and retained the cap badge of their parent unit. This might have caused some confusion and based on the evidence of the Zeitoun photo, at least one Ordnance soldier utilised a British AOC badge to identify himself as Ordnance.
UK Army Ordnance Corps Badge 1895-1918. Robert McKie Collection
Judging by the puggaree on this soldier’s lemon squeezer hat, this soldier has transferred to Ordnance from one of the New Zealand Infantry Battalions and quite possibly retains his parent unit’s collar badges. Unfortunately, the quality of the picture doesn’t provide enough detail to identify the group with any certainty.
This picture raises several questions.
Was this an officially endorsed dress embellishment to identify individuals employed in Ordnance roles, possibly with the endorsement of the British Ordnance establishment in Egypt?
Was it just a case of an individual employed in an Ordnance role using the renowned Kiwi initiative and acquiring an AOC badge to show that he was Ordnance?
Was it just an ASC soldier displaying an AOC badge he had just swapped as a keepsake? (A thriving trade caused a shortage of badges)
Was it, in fact, a British Ordnance Soldier wearing an acquired lemon Squeezer?
In 1914 there were several British Army Ordnance Corps Armourers posted to Alexandra barracks at Mount Cook in Wellington. Are they part of this mystery? Did some of these Armourers deploy with the NZEF to the Middle East?
Does the use of its badge have its origins back in 1913 when the first Ordnance Depots were established for the New Zealand Territorial Amy annual camps, and this individual was one of the original members?
Until further photographic evidence or written documentation is discovered, this picture raises more questions than answers, but this photo does provide a starting point for later research to unravel this cap badge mystery. I have seen some examples of this badge with the letters “NZ” affixed on top of the shield. Are these modified badges part of the same story?
Eventually, the NZAOC in the NZEF adopted its own badge either in 1916/1917 and on the creation of the Home Service NZAOC in 1917, the adoption of its own badge. The use of both badges evolved several times into the 1955 pattern that served the RNZAOC until 1996.
Military buttons are as varied as cap badges. It was common for individual Regiments or Corps to have their own unique regimental button. The New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps was no exception, with buttons featuring the Ordnance Crest between 1917 and 1996.
Button Background
Uniform Button Sizes & Types
Military buttons, specifically those used by the United Kingdom, New Zealand and other Commonwealth nations, fall into 3 size categories:
Small – about 14mm diameter and used for caps, mess dress waistcoats (vests) and gorgets (red or blue tabs worn by Staff Officers on the collar).
Medium – about 19mm diameter and used on pockets and shoulder straps (epaulettes) of most parade uniforms and service dress.
Large – about 25mm diameter and used on great-coats and Service Dress jackets.
Button Ligne – the traditional way of measuring buttons
As with many military items, buttons have their own measurement system, which is known as ‘Lines’ or ‘Lignes’, where the diameter of buttons is measured, and the measurement in Lignes equates to 40L = 1 inch = 25.4 millimetres. The common Lignes are;
14L – 9mm
16L – 10.5mm
18L – 11.5mm
20L – 12.5mm
22L – 14mm
24L – 15mm
26L – 17mm
28L – 18mm
30L – 19mm
32L – 20.5mm
36L – 23mm
40L – 25.5mm
44L – 28mm
48L – 30mm
New Zealand Ordnance Buttons
Seven different types of Buttons used by the New Zealand Ordnance Corps from 1917 have been identified
Brass 1911 New Zealand Forces button
Brass New Zealand Army Ordnance Department, 1917-1924,
Brass New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps circa 1917-1924,
Brass New Zealand Ordnance Corps, 1924-47,
Brass New Zealand Army Ordnance pre-1953,
Gilt Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1947-1955,
Anodised Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1955- 1996.
The dates listed were not the actual dates when the buttons were in service but the period that the particular iteration of the Ordnance Corps was in existence. It could be assumed that some buttons remained in service after newer versions were introduced.
1911 New Zealand Forces button
The first New Zealand Ordnance Soldiers initially wore the standard New Zealand Forces buttons, which were introduced in 1911. There is ample photographic evidence depicting these buttons being worn by both the NZEF NZAOC and the home service NZAOC. However, the use of the 1911 button gradually declined with the introduction of Corps brass buttons, and by 1960, supplies of anodised aluminum buttons for all corps were received from the United Kingdom, leading to the fading of the 1911 button from widespread use.
The 1911 button resurfaced in widespread use thirty years later in the late 1990s, as all individual corps buttons were phased out and replaced by anodised aluminum versions of the 1911 button.
New Zealand Forces Button 1911. Robert McKie Collection
New Zealand Ordnance Corps(NZOC)
Manufactured by J.R Gaunt & Sons of London, the New Zealand Ordnance Corps buttons are brass and are embossed with an ordnance shield of three cannons, with the standard three cannonballs in the top part of the shield. The shield is mounted with a Kings (Tudor) crown and has the words “New Zealand Ordnance Corps” circling the shield.
New Zealand Ordnance Corps. Robert McKie Collection
It is highly probable that this button, closely resembling the 1901–1918 Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) button worn by officers and warrant officers of the British Army Ordnance Department, belongs to the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC), established in 1912.
Recognising the need for technical expertise, New Zealand initiated a significant step in 1900 by recruiting two Armourer Sergeants from the British Army Ordnance Corps, with a third joining in 1903. This move marked the foundation of a professionalised Armourer role within New Zealand’s defence framework.
On 1 May 1912, General Order 118 formally established the NZOC, transferring all Armourers from the Defence Stores Department into this newly created corps. The NZOC functioned as an independent entity until 1917, when it was absorbed into the newly formed New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD)
Gazetted by regulations published on 1 February 1917, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) was established as part of the permanent staff of the Defence Forces of New Zealand and consisted only of Officers.
Manufactured by Hobson & Sons of London and Extra Super, NZAOD buttons are brass, embossed with an ordnance shield of three cannons. Instead of the standard three cannonballs, there are two stars in their place with the letters NZ in between. The shield is mounted with a Kings (Tudor) crown and has the words “Army Ordnance Department” circling the shield.
The NZAOD was combined with the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in 1923. Given that the larger Ligne sizes are relatively common, they probably remained in use for several years after 1923.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department, 1917-1924. Robert McKie Collection
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1948-1953
Manufactured by J.R Gaunt & Sons of London, the Royal New Zealand Ordnance Corps buttons are brass and embossed with a badge similar to the 1947-55 RNZAOC badge with a Kings (Tudor) crown and NZ between the Garter and Riband. The standard wording “Honi Soit Oui Mal Y Pense” is not included in the Garter, but a series of large and small dots have been included where the usual script was normally placed.
Brass Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1948-1955. Robert McKie collection
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, Gilt Mess Buttons
On the 6th of May 1948, an order was placed in the United Kingdom for six hundred anodised aluminium buttons of the pattern illustrated in the following picture.
Anodised Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps buttons
Anodised aluminium buttons for all New Zealand Army Corps and Regiments were first introduced into service in May 1960. Manufactured by various companies, including Gaunt and Firmin, these buttons remained in use until the disbandment of the RNZAOC in 1996. The buttons feature the badge of the RNZAOC, with the St. Edward’s Crown embossed onto them.
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1955-1996. Robert McKie Collection
British Ordnance Buttons
The following British Ordnance buttons are familiar in New Zealand and, as with Ordnance badges, share many standard design features.
Army Ordnance Department 1901 -1918
Army Ordnance Department 1896 – 1901 Robert McKie Collection
Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1918 – 1949
Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1918 – 1949 Robert McKie Collection
Manufacturers Marks
Located on the rear of the button, manufacturer marks identify the various button manufacturers that produced buttons for the NZ Army over the last one hundred years, of which some examples are shown below.
From the First World War to the Corps’ amalgamation into the RNZALR in 1996, Ordnance soldiers wore a small family of badges that evolved with the organisation. Despite variations in metal finish and detail, the core design language stayed remarkably consistent: crown, garter, the “Ordnance shield” of three guns and three round-shot, the Corps motto on a riband, and “NZ” to mark national service.
This page summarises the main patterns and clears up a few persistent misconceptions..
The Crown
1937 – 1955 – the Kings (Tudor) crown
1955 – 1996 – the Queens (St Edwards) Crown
Annulus
1937-47 pattern badge – annulus inscribed with the words “New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
1948 -96 pater badges – annulus was the royal Garter inscribed with the motto of the British Order of the Garter ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’
Riband
The Riband has had Many variations since 1916. Inscriptions have included.
Ordnance
Army Ordnance Dept
Army Ordnance Corps
Sua Tela Tonanti
Shield
The most recognisable feature on all Ordnance badges is the Ordnance shield of three cannons and three cannonballs.
Collar badges
Collar badges were either a variation or copy of the cap badge, coming in pairs with the cannons facing inwards.
THE BADGES
Pre-war
Before the First World War, the New Zealand Military Forces had no dedicated ordnance organisation. Responsibilities were split between two bodies: the Defence Stores Department, which handled the supply and maintenance of clothing, accoutrements, small arms, machine-guns, and associated ammunition; and the Royal New Zealand Artillery, which managed the storage and maintenance of artillery equipment and ammunition.
The need for a New Zealand ordnance organisation was recognised as early as 1900. While Canada and Australia moved to establish an indigenous ordnance corps on the British model, New Zealand proceeded more cautiously.
From 1900, three armourers of the British Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) were seconded to the New Zealand Defence Stores. By 1912, they had trained enough local armourers that a formal trade and career pathway, from apprentice to senior armourer, was required. To provide this structure, the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) was established on 1 May 1912. While seconded, the AOC armourers were expected to wear a New Zealand uniform and embellishments; however, with the NZOC’s establishment, it is possible that, as members of a specialist corps, the British NCOs reverted to wearing their AOC badges.
Badge of the Army Ordnance Corps 1895-1918. Robert McKie Collection
General ordnance services began to take shape at the 1913 annual camps, where temporary Ordnance Store Depots were piloted as a proof of concept. The experiment created the nucleus of an ordnance corps, with selected Territorial Force personnel trained in ordnance duties.
Under this temporary scheme, a small ordnance cadre operated at each annual camp from 1913 under the Director of Equipment and Stores. It remains unclear whether these depot personnel wore any distinctive insignia.
First World War 1914-1921
As mobilisation began, Ordnance Depots were raised and staffed by personnel who had received ordnance training at earlier annual camps. One example is Temporary Sergeant Norman Levien, who transferred from the 3rd Auckland Regiment to the Ordnance Department as In charge of Stores and Equipment, playing a key role in equipping troops for overseas service.
Levien later enlisted in the NZEF and became a founding member of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) when it was formed within the NZEF in March 1915. He remained with the Corps throughout the war, rising to Major and serving as Chief Ordnance Officer for the NZEF in the United Kingdom.
Royal New Zealand Artillery Ordnance Corps Section
To offset distance from traditional supply sources and wartime constraints, an Ordnance Corps Section for inspecting and manufacturing artillery ammunition was established on 1 April 1915 at Fort Balance, Wellington. As part of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, its personnel wore the RNZA badge.
NZEF New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1916-1919.
The NZAOC began as an ad hoc arrangement during NZEF mobilisation in 1914 and was formally constituted in March 1915, with Sergeants T. J. King and N. J. Levien commissioned as Second Lieutenants. The exact date the Corps adopted its own insignia is unknown; photographic evidence from Zeitoun Camp (1915) shows a New Zealand ordnance soldier wearing British AOC badges, likely used for identification until New Zealand patterns were issued.
New Zealand Supply Depot Staff at Zeitoun Camp, 1915. National Army Museum of New Zealand
There is no reliable photographic or documentary evidence that New Zealand ordnance soldiers modified British AOC badges by adding “NZ”. Such field-made alterations may have been tried, but they were never authorised and, if they occurred at all, were short-lived.
1895-18 AOC modified into an NZAOC Badge. Robert McKie Collection
An official NZAOC cap badge—derived from the British Army Ordnance Department device—was introduced for the NZEF and became the recognised insignia of the Corps, superseding any unofficial experiments..
Official NZEF NZAOC Badge
The official NZEF NZAOC badge was derived from the British AOD device, with the letters “NZ” superimposed on the shield. The exact pathway to its introduction is not documented.
In late 1916, Norman Levien was promoted to Captain and appointed Chief Ordnance Officer for the NZEF in the United Kingdom. Through liaison with other Commonwealth ordnance services—particularly the Canadian Ordnance Corps (COC)—he may have been influenced by their approach to national distinction. The COC, authorised in 1903, used an AOD-based badge with a beaver as its crest, signalling a national identity atop the common ordnance motif.
Canadian Ordnance Corps badge, 1903-1922. Robert McKie collection
.
Army Ordnance Department. 1895-1918. Robert McKie Collection
J. R. Gaunt, London, manufactured the NZEF NZAOC cap badge. It was die-struck, with the “NZ” separately made and then soldered (“sweated on”). This suggests two possibilities: either surplus British AOD badges were reworked by adding the NZ cypher, or new badges were produced from purpose-made dies for the NZEF. The precise method is not documented.
Matching collar badges were produced as miniature versions of the cap badge. Issued as facing pairs, they had the guns pointing inwards.
The badge was likely introduced in late 1916 and remained in use until NZEF demobilisation in 1919. Some personnel on residual duties in the United Kingdom continued to wear it until 1921. Surplus stocks were repatriated to New Zealand as part of the NZEF wind-down.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Badge, 1916-1919 (Robert McKie Collection 2017)
Major Gossage, DADOS HQ NZ Division Leverkusen, Germany Feb 1919.
Variations of the NZEF NZAOC Badge
Documented examples show the NZEF NZAOC cap badge—with matching, facing collar badges—produced in both brass and bronze.
Some former NZEF ordnance personnel continued to wear the NZEF pattern in the inter-war years. A 1934 photograph shows Armament Staff Sergeant Arthur Stewart Richardson wearing the NZEF-pattern cap badge, while Armament Staff Sergeant John William (“Bill”) Dalton wears the 1917 pattern.
Armament Staff Sergeant John William(Bill) Dalton and Armament Staff Sergeant Arthur Stewart Richardson, Artillery camp, Waipukurau March 1934. Photo courtesy Norm Lamont
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department and New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1917-1923
On 1 February 1917, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) was established for commissioned ordnance officers, alongside the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) for warrant officers, NCOs, and other ranks. Together they were responsible for the supply, maintenance, and repair of equipment, small arms, and ordnance stores for the Defence Force.
At formation, the NZAOD/NZAOC drew personnel from the Defence Stores Department, NZOC armourers, and gunners from the RNZA Ordnance Corps Section.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department Badge 1917-1924
Derived from the British Army Ordnance Department (AOD) device, the New Zealand version introduced two clear changes: the central round shot in the top panel of the shield was replaced by the letters “NZ”, and the scroll beneath the shield was inscribed “Army Ordnance Department.”
New Zealand Army Ordnance Department badge 1917-1924. Robert McKie collection
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Badge 1917-1937
Inspired by the British AOC device, the New Zealand version introduced clear national distinctions: the centre round shot in the top panel of the shield was replaced by “NZ”, and the scroll beneath the shield read “Army Ordnance Corps.”
The 1917 pattern is unusual among ordnance cap badges in that the guns face in the opposite direction to those on the British AOC pattern.
The collar badge, shared by both the NZAOD and NZAOC, was a simplified shield: inward-facing guns, the centre round shot replaced by “NZ”, and no scroll.
In 1924, the NZAOD was reorganised into the NZAOC; the NZAOC cap badge continued in service as the Corps badge until 1937.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps badge 1917-1937. Robert McKie Collection
Variations of the NZAOC 1917-1937 Badge
Examples of the NZAOC 1917-1937 Badge can be found in;
Brass, and
Bronze
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1937-1947
By 1936, stocks of the 1917-pattern cap badge had been exhausted, leaving only collar badges. The Director of Ordnance Services (DOS) proposed to the Quartermaster-General (QMG) that existing NZEF NZAOC stocks—180 cap badges and 319 pairs of collar- were to be replaced.
In February 1937, the DOS initiated a competition within the NZAOC to select a new design. Sergeant C. Bryant’s entry won, drawing on the contemporary style of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC).
The New Zealand badge followed the RAOC pattern but with national distinctions: the annulus carried “New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps”, and the riband bore “Sua Tela Tonanti”. The design received formal approval on 31 May 1937.
Variations of the NZAOC 1937-1947 Badge
Documented examples of the 1937–1947 NZAOC cap badge—usually with matching, facing collar badges—exist in the following finishes:
Brass
Bronze
Plastic (wartime economy issue)
Gilt silver and enamel (officers’ pattern)
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, Officer Gilt, Silver and Enamel Badge. 1937-1947, Robert McKie Collection.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps,1937-1947. (This picture illustrates the Brass OR’s Cap badge and Officers Bronze Collar Badge) Robert McKie collection
Plastic New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps,1937-1947. Robert McKie collection
Second World War
Wartime use of the NZEF NZAOC Badge 1939-1947
During the war, earlier NZEF NZAOC badges were recycled for home-service use, primarily by the New Zealand Temporary Staff (NZTS) and within NZAOC units.
New Zealand Temporary Staff 1939-1947
New Zealand Temporary Staff. Robert McKie Collection
From September 1939, the rapid expansion of the home army created acute manpower gaps. The NZTS was raised as a wartime measure to staff new establishments, drawing on older personnel and those medically unfit for overseas service but suitable for home duty—particularly in NZAOC and Motor Transport (MT) Branch units.
Although the official NZTS badge was the Fernleaf, special permission allowed NZTS personnel serving in Ordnance and MT Branch units to wear the earlier NZEF NZAOC cap badge.
The NZTS was disestablished in January 1947 with the creation of the post-war interim army.
New Zealand Ordnance Corps 1940-1947
In December 1940 the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) was constituted as an independent corps to provide the ordnance component of the home-service Territorial Force (then often called the Territorial Army). It supported home defence and supplied trained personnel to the Expeditionary Force.
In 1947, a reorganisation removed the distinction between Regular and non-Regular soldiers. The NZOC ceased as a separate corps, with its personnel and functions absorbed into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC).
Variations of the NZTS & NZOC 1939-1947 Badge
Examples of the NZTS & NZOC 1939-1947 Badge can be found in
Brass
Bronze
Lead
White Metal
Interim Army 1946-48
With the creation of the post-war Interim Army, the Fernleaf cap badge was adopted as its emblem on 11 September 1946. To preserve esprit de corps and continuity with pre-war formations, on 26 September 1946 authorities authorised personnel affiliated with recognised corps—Engineers, Artillery, Ordnance, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, and Signals—to continue wearing their corps or unit badges.
During this period, many NZOC, NZTS, and Motor Transport Branch personnel transferred to the newly formed NZEME but continued to wear the ordnance badge. With only 881 NZOC cap badges remaining in store, a direction issued on 1 October 1946 required all NZOC, NZTS, and MT Branch personnel now serving in NZEME to adopt the Fernleaf badge.
New Zealand Army Ordnance, Christchurch. 1947. Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, Christchurch R1309080
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1947-1955
On 12 July 1947 the NZAOC was granted Royal status and adopted a new cap badge. The RNZAOC device featured a Tudor Crown above the Garter bearing Honi soit qui mal y pense. Beneath the garter, the letters “NZ” were set above a riband inscribed “Sua Tela Tonanti” (“To the warrior his arms”), signalling the Corps’ elevated standing.
Initial procurements
United Kingdom (officers’ pattern): 175 gilt/silver/enamel cap badges; 158 pairs of gilt/silver/enamel collar badges.
New Zealand (other ranks’ pattern): 1,600 brass cap badges; 850 pairs of brass collar badges.
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1947-55 badge (Robert McKie Collection 2017)
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, Officer Gilt, Silver and Enamel Badge. 1947-1955, Robert McKie Collection.
In 1947, Army Order 36/1947 authorised a 2-inch diamond backing patch to be worn on the Cap, GS or beret behind corps cap badges. For Ordnance, the patch was vertically divided red and blue (example below).
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 47-55 Badge with Ordnance diamond backing patch. Robert McKie collection
Variations of the RNZAOC 1947-1955 Badge
Examples of the RNZAOC 1947-1955 Badge with matching collar badges can be found in.
Brass,
Gilt Silver and Enamel.
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1955-1996
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s accession on 6 February 1952, a replacement design featuring the St Edward’s Crown was approved in 1955. Due to production delays with the new anodised aluminium cap badges, distribution did not begin until 1962; anodised collar badges became available earlier, from May 1960. Consequently, the 1947–55 Tudor-crown pattern remained in service well into the 1960s.
Anodised Badges
To retain a brass-like appearance, the first post-1955 issue was a plain gilt anodised cap badge. Although approved in 1955, distribution did not begin until 31 May 1962.
In 1964, the Corps moved towards coloured anodised badges. J. R. Gaunt submitted three trial patterns:
Sample A — blue applied to the riband background, excluding the garter buckle and the letters “NZ”.
Sample B — blue applied to the riband background, excluding the garter buckle.
Sample C — blue applied to the riband background, including the garter buckle.
Sample C was accepted and progressively intruded into service from October 1965.
Matching collar badges were provided for both the plain and coloured anodised badges.
Gilt Silver and Enamel
As with the two preceding RNZAOC patterns, an officers’ gilt, silver and enamel version of the 1955–96 cap badge—with matching collar badges—was produced for wear by officers and warrant officers.
Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1955-1996 Gilt, Silver & Enamel Officers Badge. Robert McKie collection
Bullion Woven
RNZAOC Bullion Woven Cap Badge. Robert McKie Collection
The Final Badges
In the early 1990s, the New Zealand Army rationalised cap and collar badges to reduce the cost of maintaining separate officers’ and other ranks’ patterns.
The last RNZAOC cap badge closely followed the officers’ gilt, silver and enamel design, but with a white-metal insert of three round shot mounted above the shield. During production, some inserts were fixed at a slight angle, leading to the batch being quarantined; only a small number were issued before the RNZAOC was disestablished.
The final collar badge was metal with a gilt finish and painted coloured details.
Last Patten RNZAOC Badges. Robert McKie Collection
A note on the “mark of shame” myth
A persistent rumour suggests that adopting RAOC-style devices somehow signified second-rate status. In reality, New Zealand’s use of the shared Ordnance heraldry signalled professional continuity within a global technical corps family—while the “NZ” distinction and local variations clearly marked national identity. Recent research on the insignia’s evolution sets this record straight.
After 1996
On 8 December 1996, the RNZAOC amalgamated into the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). RNZALR cap badges and trade insignia form a separate, ongoing story; see the RNZALR insignia guide for details.
THE BADGES
