NZ Divisional Salvage Unit 1941-1942

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Badge of the 2nd NZEF

During the Second World War, the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) provided a variety of Ordnance Services to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF). The most well know of the Ordnance Service proved are those of the Base Ordnance Depot, Advanced Ordnance Depot, Ordnance Field Park, Laundry and Bath Units, and up to the end of 1942, the Base and Field Workshops and Light Aid Detachments which separated from the NZOC to form the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME). However, there remains one Ordnance unit which, although appearing on the 2nd NZEF Order of Battle, only rates a very obscure mention in only one of nine official campaign histories published after the war and has mostly been forgotten; this is the NZ Divisional Salvage Unit.

World War One Origins

New Zealand’s first experience of Salvage units was during the 1914-18 war. Each British formation (including Dominion forces) was required as part of an army salvage plan to appoint a Salvage Officer for each brigade, and a Division Salvage Company, which in turn was supported by a Corps Salvage Company.  Formed on 5 May 1916, the NZ Divisional Salvage Company was under the command of Lieutenant Macrae, NZAOC. The duties of the NZ Divisional Salvage Company were:

  • The care and custody of packs of troops engaged in offensive operations.
  • The care of tents and canvas of the Division.
  • The salvage of Government property, and enemy property, wherever found.
  • The sorting of the stuff salved and dispatch thereof to base.
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WW1 salvage dump notice. Photo by British Pictorial Service; public domain image taken from The Business of War at the Internet Archive website

An indication of the type of work carried out by the NZ Division Salvage Company can be found in the work of the British Army’s 34th Divisional Salvage Company, which was active on the Somme during July 1916. During this period, the 34th Divisional Salvage Company recovered,1

Rifles – 12,998
Bayonets – 6,050
Revolvers – 8
Very Pistols – 28
Machine Guns – 51
Trench Mortars – 12
Small Arms Ammunition – 1,580,000 rounds
S.A.A. fired cases – 145,000
Bombs – 40,000
Sets of equipment complete – 5,500
Groundsheets – 700
Steel Helmets – 9,869
Gas Masks – 13,280
Picks & shovels – 2,000
Wire Cutters – 950
Bully Beef Tins – 16,000
Bagpipes – 6 sets

Total value of one month’s salvage = £1,500,000.

events-WW1-Salvage-of-the-battlefield-near-Bapaume
Salvage of the battlefield near Bapaume: Photo by David McLellan; taken from the National Library of Scotland’s First World War ‘Official Photographs’ website; adapted, used and made available for re-use under a Creative Commons licence

American author Isaac F Marcosson, writing in 1918, described this recycling operation in some detail.2

“At the ‘sharp end,’ there was “Battle Salvage, which deals with the debris of actual fighting and includes all trench materials such as wood and iron, shell-cases, guns, rifles, equipment, clothing, tools and other stores that have been damaged in actual fighting.” There was also “so-called Normal Salvage, which is material such as empty packing cases, [fuel] cans and other articles which never reach the battlefield.”

The Salvage system proved to be a success, with statistical records published of what each unit had recovered, with competition between units not uncommon. To outdo the New Zealand Division, one of the Australian Divisions went to the effort of stealing copper appliances and hardware from a derelict brewery to accrue additional credits.3 Following the success of the Salvage system in the First World War, provision was made on war establishments for Salvage units on a ratio of one Salvage unit per Division and one Salvage unit as Corps troops.

Western Desert 1941

As the New Zealand Division became established in Egypt in early 1941, General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Middle East requested information on 2 April 1941 on the establishment of the New Zealand Divisional Salvage Unit and when its equipment would be ready. With no Salvage Unit yet formed, an establishment for an NZ Salvage Unit, consisting of 1 Officer and 43 Other Ranks, was published on 18 April 1941, with no further action towards the formation of the NZ Divisional Salvage Unit taken until August of 1941.4

Estab 18 April 41
NZEF, NZ Divisional Salvage Unit Establishment 18 April 1941

The role of Field Salvage Units was to sort salvage. All RASC motor transport units serving divisions and corps were tasked with carrying salvage on the return journey. This included containers which could be reused, small equipment which could be recycled and ammunition that had been unpacked but not used. T

With Australian and South African Salvage units already operating in the Middle East and with Indian and New Zealand units expected to begin operating shortly, GHQ Middle East called a conference to define the relationship of these units with the Salvage Directorate GHQ.

At the conference held on 13 August 1941, it was established that the Dominion Divisions were formed with a war establishment of one Salvage unit per Division and one per Corps troops. No Salvage units were provided at present for British Divisions, or Corps, although they were allowed for in the War Establishment.

The pressing question of the conference was if the Dominion Salvage units were to be part of the Middle East Salvage Organisation or regarded as separate units working under their own headquarters.

The Australians were satisfied with existing arrangements and stated that full cooperation from the AIF could be expected.

The representatives of the 1st and 2nd South African Divisions stated that they were willing to cooperate and that the available Salvage units should be used for the common good but wished that the SA Salvage units remain administered by their Headquarters and the units should accompany their divisions into action.

The Representatives of the 4th and 5th Indian Divisions stated that when formed, they favoured using them as a GHQ asset rather than as Div troops.

New Zealand, represented by its DDOS Colone King, stated that a New Zealand Salvage unit was not yet formed, but could be if requested. As a Divisional unit, it was expected that the unit remained with the Division, with the Salvage Directorate assured of the cooperation of the NZ Division in every conceivable way.

Base Salvage Depots under the control of GHQ received all Salvage irrespective of the unit that it was collected from. GHQ conducted all sales with the proceeds credited to His Majesty’s Government. The War Office was approached to consider the value of salvage collected in the future when setting capitation rates for equipment.

The consensus was that Salvage Units remain with their divisions but that the Salvage Directorate exercise technical control.

Armed with the knowledge that the Salvage unit was to remain with the New Zealand Division, approval for the formation of the NZ Divisional Salvage unit as a unit of the NZEF was granted by Headquarters 2 NZEF on 16 August 1941. The NZ Divisional Salvage unit was to be a unit of the NZOC with the NZEF DDOS in conjunction with the Military Secretary, HQ NZEF and HQ Maddi Camp arranging for a suitable officer and Other Ranks to be posted to the unit and equipment to be assembled.

Formation

On 12 September 1941, the New Zealand Division begun to move into Baggush in the Western Desert as it began to assemble for the upcoming Operation Crusader. On 11 November, the New Zealand Division together for the first time joined at an assembly point near the Matruh-Siwa road. On 18 November Operation Crusader began with the New Zealand Division crossing the Libyan frontier into Cyrenaica and after some hard fighting linking up with the garrison at Tobruk on 26 November. It is in Tobruk that the Salvage unit get sits only mention in the New Zealand War history series of books in the volume “The Relief of Tobruk” it stares: 5

“The NZASC companies provided working parties at the ammunition depot, and the docks, Workshops and Ordnance Field Park overhauled vehicles, and the Salvage Unit for the first time found plenty of work to do.”

On 23 December 1941 the NZ Salvage Unit lost a member of the unit when Private Leo Gregory Narbey died as the result of an accident. Private Narby now rests in the Commonwealth War Grave Commission Alamein cemetery.6

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Western Desert, Egypt, 12 August 1942. Men of the 9th Australian Divisional Salvage Unit checking over captured arms at El Alamein. Public Domain Australian War Memorial

Operation Crusader was a success but one that inflicted heavy losses on British and Dominionarmour and Infantry, as the Axis forces withdrew under pressure, large quantities of enemy equipment and war material was abandoned leaving the battlefield to the battered 8th Army. Due to the magnitude of the Salvage work to clear the battlefield, GHQ request that all Divisional Salvage units be placed under 8th Army control as Army troops to allow their coordinated use. This request was agreed to by the GOC 2 NZEF on 1 January 1942 on the condition that the Salvage unit was released back to the NZ Divison if required. As the NZ Salvage unit was at Baggush, its transfer to 8th Army control was immediate.

Libya and Syria 1942

Badly mauled in Operation Crusader and the subsequent operations, the New Zealand Division had suffered 879 dead, and 1700 wounded and was withdrawn from Libya back to Egypt and then at the instance of the New Zealand government moved to Syria during February to recover but also prepare defences for a possible German offensive through Turkey.

As the NZ Divison rebuilt itself in Syria the NZ Divisional Salvage unit remained in Libya under 8th Army command. During March the delay in receiving reinforcements from New Zeland hastened the need to make estimates for replacement drafts, and HQ 2NZEF approached GHQ Middle East with an enquiry on the expected release dates of 2NZEF units including the NZ Salvage Unit who were under direct 8th Army command. The presumption was that the detached units remain under 8th Army control until the operational situation allowed their release.

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Australian 9th Div Salvage Unit under fire 5th October 1942. El Alamein, Egypt. image 013351 Australian War Memorial.

Remaining detached from the Division, the NZ Salvage units establishment was increased to a strength of 1 Officer and 45 Other Ranks, its transport assets were also increased to include one car and five trucks and given the tactical situation, ammunition allocation per man was increased from 20 rounds of .303 to 50 rounds per man.

Estab 28 May 42
NZEF, NZ Divisional Salvage Unit Establishment 28 May 1942

With the NZ Divison rushed back into the fight in the Western Desert in June 1942, the NZ Salvage unit remained detached. August 1942 found the NZ Salvage Unit in Syria and under the command of the 9th Army and operating as Army Troops rather than a Divisional unit as initially intended.  On 24 August 1942, the ADOS of 2 NZ Div sent a submission to HQ 2NZEF recommending the disbanding of the NZ Salvage unit. The main point of the submission was that the NZ Salvage Unit since its formation had always been employed as Arny troops outside of the Division. Also given the reinforcement situation its personnel could be better employed within the main NZOC Divisional organisation.  The GOC 2NZEF approved the proposal in principle but felt that the NZ Salvage Unit might still be usefully employed by the 8th Army in the current theatre. 8th Army rejected the offer, and the decision was made by HQ NZEF to recall the unit from Syria to Maadi Camp while a decision could be made on its future employment or disbandment.

Rolling through to September 1942 the NZ Salvage Unit was still detached to the 9th Army in Syria when on 19 Sept HQ NZEF sent a warning order to Headquarters 9th Army of the intent to recall the NZ Salvage unit to Egypt for disbandment. Final Order instructing the Unit to return to Egypt was issued on 3 October 1942, with the NZ Divisional Salvage Unit formally disbanded as a unit of the NZEF on 20 October 1942.7

Disbandment

After 15 months of service, the NZ Divisional Salvage Unit was disbanded and its men distributed to other NZEF and NZ Divison Ordnance Units. The Salvage units contribution to the war effort in the Middle East alongside the other Dominion Salvage Units provided an essential function, collecting, sorting and dispatching battlefield salvage, captured allied and enemy equipment to Workshops and Salvage Depots for repair, recycling and redistribution fighting units. It is unfortunate that this crucial administrative war work carried out by one of New Zealand forgotten Ordnance units have been forgotten, and it is hoped that future research into this unit will expand on their story.

Video

British Pathe Newsreel providing an example of Salvage work carried out in the Western Desert.  Desert Salvage

Copyright © Robert McKie 2018

 Notes

1 Marc Barkman-Astles, “The Archaeology of Star Wars Strikes Back!,”  https://www.heritagedaily.com/2016/05/the-archaeology-of-star-wars-strikes-back/111007.

2 Steve Atcherley, “Llewellyn Atcherley’s World War One,”  http://www.atcherley.org.uk/wp/remembrance-day-seven/.

3 Arthur Forbes, A History of the Army Ordnance Services (London: The Medici society, ltd., 1929), 76.

4 2nzef – Organisation and War Establishments – Ordnance – Field Item Idr20107590 Record No  Da 1/9/Sd81/21 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1941).

5 473W. E. Murphy, The Relief of Tobruk, Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939-45 (Wellington, N.Z.: War History Branch, Dept. of Internal Affairs, 1961, 1961), Non-fiction.

6 “Leo Gregory Narbey,”  http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C30146?n=Leo%20Gregory%20Narbey&ordinal=0&from=%2Fwar-memorial%2Fonline-cenotaph%2Fsearch.

7 2nzef – Organisation and War Establishments – Ordnance – Field

Gordon Cumming Bremner

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Gordon Cumming Bremner was born at Wanganui on 30 October 1891. Completing his schooling, Gordon took up a career as a farm hand in the central North Island of New Zealand. Fulfilling his obligation to participate in Compulsorily Military Training, Gordon enlisted in the 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles of the Territorial Army on 1 March 1911. Serving in the Territorial Army for three years, Gordon enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in January 1915.

Taking his attestation on 11 January 1915, Gordon spent three months training at Trentham before embarking on Troopship No 23, the SS Waitoma, on 17 April 1915 as part of the 4th Reinforcements for the voyage to Egypt. Disembarking at Suez on 25 May 1915, Gordon underwent further training at Zeitoun Camp. Early in June, Gordon departed Alexandra, joining the 11th (Taranaki) Company of the Wellington Battalion in the Dardanelles on 9 June.

Bremner GC 01 B Coy 4th Reinfs

Gordon Bremner with B Company 4th Reinforcements, Norm Lamont Collection

Bremner GC 01a B Coy 4th Reinfs

Gordon spent the uncomfortably hot months of June and July with the Taranaki Company rotating between Courtney and Quinn’s Posts at Gallipoli as the Wellington Battalion consolidated its position. Participating in the Battle of Chunuk Bair and wounded in action on 8 August, the injury saw Gordon evacuated from Gallipoli on HMS Alaunia.  Gordon arrived back in Alexandra on 13 August and was admitted to the 1st Australian (No.3 Auxiliary) Hospital at Heliopolis on 14 August, where in addition to his battle injuries, Gordon received treatment for appendicitis. Diagnosed with neurasthenia, the term used to describe “shell shock” or what is referred to in modern times as a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) saw the transfer of Gordon to the New Zealand General Hospital at Abbassia on 13 September. With Gordon’s condition classifying him as unfit for service, he was transferred to the Lady de Walden’s Hospital at Alexandria on 8 October in preparation for his repatriation to New Zealand, departing on the SS Tahiti on 20 November. Arriving in New Zealand on boxing day 1915 and admitted to a convalescent home at Rotorua, Gordon spent several months recuperating. Recovery was slow, and although his health had improved, Gordon remained classified as medically unfit for military service resulting in his discharge from the NZEF on 19 April 1916.

Bremner GC 07a Otago Witness Sep 1915

Motivated to continue serving, Gordon re-joined the Territorial Army on 1 June 1916 and applied for enlistment into the NZEF on 10 December, but his C2 medical grading precluded his reenlistment to the NZEF. Gordon’s records do not record his activities during 1917, but in February 1918, Gordon was medially reclassified as C1 – Likely to become fit for active service after special training. Gordon’s medical upgrading was well timed, as on 15 September 1917, authorisation for men medically unfit for active service was granted so they could replace Territorials who remained on duty at the coast defence forts in the main centres. Gordon was ordered to report to the Officer Commanding of the RNZA Wellington on 26 Feb 2018, and on 27 February 1918, Gordon was enlisted as a guard with the Garrison Artillery at Fort Ballance at Wellington.

Bremner GC 09 Garrison Artillery

Gordon Bremner Garrison Artillery. Norm Lamont Collection

On 31 December 1918, Gordon married Irene Pearl Williams at Wellington. Their marriage saw the birth of eight children and the adoption of another.

  • Zita Millicent (adopted), born 27 Dec 16 Christchurch,
  • Jean Kathleen, Born 21 Sept 20 Wellington,
  • James Alexander Gordon, born 31 Jan 22 Taumarunui,
  • Allan Duff, born 21 Apr 24 Wellington,
  • Jessie Elizabeth, born 20 Sept Wellington,
  • Louise Gladys, born 29 Sept Wellington.
  • Nancy Irene, born in 1930,
  • John Keith, born in 1934,
  • Joyce Kay, born 9 Feb 1936

After four years, the armistice of 11 November 1918 brought the First World War to a close, and by late 1919 Gordon was at a crossroads regarding his future. As a Bombardier (Corporal) in the Artillery, he was well placed to transfer from the Territorials into the Permanent Force and, with his savings, purchase a comfortable house and pursue a peacetime army career or he could take his discharge and seek fresh pastures. Gordon chose to seek fresh pastures and, with his pre-war experience as a farm hand, decided to become a farmer. Utilising the Soldiers Resettlement Scheme, Gordon invested his savings in a farm in the King Country. With marginal and isolated land allocated to returned servicemen, Gordon’s attempt to develop and farm the land was an experience shared by many other returned servicemen and was a futile and hopeless endeavour. After two years of backbreaking and heart-breaking work, Gordon and his family abandoned their farm and, now homeless with savings expended, returned to Wellington in October 1922.

Attempting to find work with the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham in October 1923 and again in March 1924, Gordon was initially unsuccessful but did secure work at the Trentham Racecourse and later as a foreman with the Public Works Department in Trentham Camp. Gordon eventually secured a position as the relieving Camp Firemaster and was in charge of the night patrol, with accommodation for his family in a target shed adjacent to the rifle range. The delivery of the first motorised ambulance to Trentham Camp saw Gordon appointed as the driver. In July 1925, Gordon’s luck changed as he was accepted for service into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) and was attested as a Private into “E” Section of the Main Ordnance Depot on 21 July. Up to his enlistment in the NZAOC, Gordon had remained efficient in the Territorial Army, with his service between 1916 and 1925 equalling four years and 211 days.

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Gordon Bremner as Trentham Camp Ambulance Driver C1925. Trentham News 1 September 1955 Norm Lamont Collection

Gordon’s enlistment into the NZAOC in normal circumstances allowed him to retire at the age of fifty-five with a comfortable pension, but this was not to be. Due to the worldwide depression and economic recession, the government was forced to savagely reduce the strength of the Army by using the provisions of section 39 of the Finance Act, 1930 (No. 2)  military staff could be either.

  • Transferred to the Civil service, or
  • Retired on superannuation.

Using this act, Gordon was discharged out of the NZAOC and transferred to the Civil Service on 31 January 1931 to work in the same position as a lorry driver but at a lower rate of pay.

Discharge 1930

Less than a week after Gordon’s transfer to the NZAOC Civilian staff, a disastrous earthquake struck Napier and Hastings on 3 February 1931. The NZAOC was called upon at short notice to supply tents, blankets, bedding, cooking and eating utensils for use in the stricken areas. As part of the civilian ordnance staff, Gordon’s skills as a lorry driver were put to full use delivering these stores and equipment to Napier and Hastings. All military employees, including the civilian staff such as Gordon, who engaged in the relief effort, deserved major credit for how they carried out their duties under trying conditions.

Gordon’s wounds continued to cause him issues, and in February 1933, Gordon was admitted to hospital for an operation on a duodenal ulcer which was causing him some discomfort. As a result of the surgery, a souvenir of Chunuk Bair, a piece of Turkish shrapnel, was removed from Gordon’s stomach.

Gordon continued to serve with the NZAOC in a civilian capacity for the remainder of the 1930s. Although New Zealand entered the Second World War in 1939, the NZAOC did not transition into a full wartime footing until 1942, when the threat of invasion by Japan was perceived as possible, saw the mobilisation of the full military potential of New Zealand. The NZAOC transitioned from an organisation primarily staffed by civilians into one with a military establishment, with many of the NZAOC civilian staff, including Gordon returning to uniform. Gordon was attested into the Temporary Service of the NZAOC at Trentham on 24 August 1942 and allocated the service number 814628. Promoted to Corporal on 1 September 1942 with promotion to Sergeant following on 1 August 1944.

Bremner GC 15 1950s

Gordon Bremner. Norm Lamont Collection

Bremner GC 14b

Gordon Bremner. Norm Lamont Collection

With the end of the Second World War, Gordon transitioned into the post-war Interim Army as a Sergeant on 26 June 1946 and then into the Home Service Section (HSS) of the Regular Force as a Sergeant in the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC). As a driver in the Receipts and Issues Group of the Main Ordnance Depot, Gordon was often out on runs around the Wellington region collecting and delivering stores to units and to transport agencies such as the railways. His pleasant manner, willingness to oblige and friendly ways ensured that he was a respected and popular member of Trentham Camp. Gordon’s activities were not limited to Trentham Camp, and throughout his post-war service at Trentham, he undertook many tours of duty to the other Ordnance depots at Linton, Waiouru and Hopuhopu. Receiving three extensions to his service Gordon served throughout the 1950s.

Bremner GC 14 1950s

Gordon Bremner. Norm Lamont Collection

In 1955 a review of Gordon’s service was undertaken, and in acknowledgement of his Sixteen Years and Nineteen days of qualifying service in the Territorial Army, NZEF and NZAOC from 1911 to 1931, Gordon was awarded the New Zealand Long & Efficient Service Medal on 12 May 1955. The New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal was rendered obsolete with the standardisation of awards on 23 September 1931, and Gordon’s award of this medal is notable as due to its late claim, Gordon award was the last one of this type awarded.

LSES Medal Bremner

Reaching retiring age in 1956, Gordon was discharged from the New Zealand Army on 6 August 1956 after close to Forty-Five years’ service, the majority of which was spent at Trentham Camp, where he had been a witness of its growth from a rudimentary Training Camp in 1915 to a modern Military Camp.

Gordon retired in Upper Hutt and passed away at the age of 76 on 28 November 1967. Gordon now rests at the Wallaceville Cemetery, Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand.

Tombstone

Gordon Bremner Tombstone, Wallaceville Cemetery, Upper Hutt. Courtesy Dave Morris

During his service, Gordon was awarded the following medals.

  • 1914-15 Star
  • British War Medal
  • Victory Medal War Medal 1939-45
  • New Zealand. War Service Medal.
  • New Zealand Long & Efficient Service Medal

Gordon had also been issued with the Silver War Badge. The Silver War Badge, also known as the “Wound Badge” or “Services Rendered Badge” was issued during the First World War to personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service.

In August 1967, Gordon received his Gallipoli lapel badge in the post with a letter apologising for the delay in sending out the Medallion. Gordon Gallipoli’s medallion would arrive a week after his funeral.

Gordon’s son James also pursued a military career in the Ordnance Corps. Working as a civilian storeman at the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham, James was attested into the Army on 12 June 1940. Serving in Italy with the New Zealand Ordnance Corps with the 2nd NZEF from 1943 to 1945. Remaining in the NZAOC at the Main Ordnance Depot, James retired from the RNZAOC as A Warrant Officer Class Two on 21 April 1961.

MOD Cricket 1952

Copyright © Robert McKie 2018

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Dunedin Ordnance Depot Fire

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A warehouse is usually a building of ample space, filled with commodities of all descriptions packed high and often close together, making them conducive to the spread of fire. In the brief history of the New Zealand Army Ordnance services, the risk of warehouse fires has always been taken seriously. As a small army at the end of an exceptionally long supply chain, the loss of expensive and hard-to-replace stores is something the Army could ill afford, not to mention the loss and replacement of infrastructure. Shortly after the formation of the New Zealand Ordnance Services in 1917, the Dunedin Ordnance Depot experienced a fire which, although destroying some stock, was prevented by the fast response of the Dunedin Fire Brigade from becoming a catastrophic event.

The Dunedin Ordnance Depot started its life in 1907 as a purpose-built Mobilisation Store at 211 St Andrews Street. With a Civilian storekeeper Mr Owen Paul McGuigan, employed under the technical control of the Defence Stores organisation, the store was under the day-to-day control of the Officer Commanding of the Otago and Southland Military District, becoming part of the new Ordnance organisation on its formation in 1917.[1]  Mr McGuigan was granted Honorary rank as a Captain in 1914 and commissioned as a Captain in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) in 1917, holding the appointment of Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores for the Otago and Southland Military District. This position was responsible for the Territorial Army units, the various army establishments in the Otago and Southland Military District and the providing of Ordnance Stores to troopships.[2] The Dunedin Ordnance Depot is known to have a staff of at least 6 Other Ranks.

mob store Dunedin
Dunedin Mobilisation Stores, 211 St Andrews Street, Dunedin. Google Maps/ Public Domain

At around 5 pm on Monday, the 11th of June 1917, Captain McGuigan conducted a final check of his ordnance store, ensuring that all the fireplaces had been extinguished and satisfied that the building was safe to secure for the night, locked the doors. At approximately 5 am on the morning of the 12 of June, a passing policeman saw nothing suspicious. At 5.15 am, the alarm was raised from the alarm on the corner of St Andrews Street that there was a fire underway on the upper floors of the Defence building.[3]

The Dunedin Fire Brigade consisted of the central fire station and substations at Māori Hill, Roslyn, and Mornington. The Dunedin Brigade had retired its horse-drawn appliances in 1913 and had just recently received three modern Dennis 60 HP motor hose-tenders, each fitted with a telescopic trussed ladder and first-aid pumping outfits. For 1917, it was a well-equipped brigade.[4],[5] As the central station was located less than a Kilometre from the defence buildings, it fell upon Superintendent Napier and the men of the central fire station to respond to the fire alarm.

Old Picture-124
Dunedin Fire Brigade appliance No5 C1917. Courtesy of Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society
Old Picture-171
Dunedin Fire Brigade appliance No6 C1917. Courtesy of Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society

Promptly arriving at the defence buildings, the responding fire brigade found an active fire emerging from the front portion of the second floor of the Defence Stores. The ferocity of the fire indicated that it had been alight for some time and had a firm grip on the contents. Described as “a very hot and Stubborn little fire”, the blaze proved challenging to overcome, requiring three hose lines and an hour and a half of hard and smart work by the fire brigade to bring the fire under control and extinguish the blaze.[6]

Postfire examinations revealed severe damage to the stock, including,

  • Khaki overcoats,
  • forage caps,
  • saddlery,
  • uniform jackets, and other assorted

The damaged stock was confined to items stacked close to the window on the second floor, while stock close to the fireplace located on the rear wall was limited to smoke damage, eliminating embers from the fireplace as the cause. Surprisingly, the damage to the building was superficial except for the roof, which was beyond repair. With a total loss valued at £1237 (NZD 155422.62).[7] The Cause of the blaze was never determined. There was no insurance on the property, with the cost born by the crown with final appropriations for the losses made in 1921.[8]

How the fire affected the work at the Dunedin Ordnance Depot is unknown. Still, it continued to service the Otago and Southand Military districts until 1921, when the South Island military districts amalgamated into the Southern Military Command. To support the new Southern Military Command, a single Ordnance Depot was established at Burnham Camp, combining the Ordnance Depots of Christchurch and Dunedin stores and staff.[9] The Dunedin fire was a narrow escape. With the risk of fire to Ordnance stores well recognised by the Ordnance leadership, fire pickets remained an essential regimental duty for Ordnance Other Ranks in Ordnance Depots for many years.[10] The most severe fire to strike a New Zealand Ordnance Store was the 1944/45 New Year’s Eve fire, which resulted in the loss of £225700 (2017 NZD 18,639,824.86) of stock from No2 Ordnance Depot in Palmerston North.[11] The Palmerston North fire encouraged a review of all New Zealand Ordnance Depots to ensure the robustness of fire prevention measures.[12]

Despite the initial fire in Dunedin in 1917 and the Palmerston North fire in 1944, the spectre of fire remained a constant threat. Fire prevention and precautions remain a continuous component of Ordnance training and procedures until the amalgamation of the RNZAOC into the RNZALR in 1996. Because of such diligence, there were few fire-related incidents in New Zealand Ordnance Depots.

Copyright © Robert McKie 2018

Notes

[1] Joseph S. Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Wellington: RNZAOC, 1992), 53.

[2] “Annals from a Forgotten Ordnance Depot (Author Unknown),” https://rnzaoc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/no-2-72.pdf.

[3] “Fire at Dunedin Defence Store,” Evening Star, Issue 16448, 12 June 1917, 4.

[4] “H-06a Fire Brigades of the Dominion (Report on the) by the Inspector of Fire Brigades for the Year Ended 30 June 1917,” AJHR (1917): 4.

[5] Shawn McAvinue, “Party Time for Old Dennis Fire Engines,” Otago Daily Times, 28 March 2016.

[6] “Fire at Dunedin Defence Store,” 4.

[7] “Appropriation Act,” General Assembly of New Zealand (1920): 29.

[8] Ibid.

[9] John J. Storey and J. Halket Millar, March Past: A Review of the First Fifty Years of Burnham Camp (Christchurch, N.Z.: Pegasus Press, 1973, 1974 printing, 1973), Non-fiction, 127.

[10] “Ordnance Corps Circulars 1928-1940 Ad1 1235 /256/10/4,” Defence Archives, Archives New Zealand (1928).

[11] “Fire in Army Stores,” Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24524, 24 March 1945.

[12] “Army Stores in Christchurch Fire Protection Report,” Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24515, 14 March 1945.

RNZAOC First Day Covers

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A first-day cover, is a special postage stamp affixed to an envelope and officially postmarked on the very first day the stamp becomes valid for use. Additionally, these covers are occasionally created to commemorate significant events, featuring a unique design on the left side of the envelope known as a “cachet.” This cachet typically provides information about the event or anniversary being celebrated.

In 1978, to honor the RNZAOC Corps Day, Military Covers of Christchurch produced two distinct First Day Covers dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC).

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Cachet

These covers were crafted using standard postal envelopes but incorporated an RNZAOC-themed cachet on the left side. This cachet prominently displayed the RNZAOC Badge within a square, divided into four sections, each representing various facets of the RNZAOC:

  1. Top left – Featuring the Crest of the Board of Ordnance, symbolizing the British military heritage of the RNZAOC.
  2. Top right – Depicting a warehouse forklift to symbolize the warehousing responsibilities of the RNZAOC.
  3. Bottom right – Showcasing Lcpl/Cpl Gina Pirikahu operating an NCR Accounting Machine in the Machine Room at 1 Base Ordnance Depot Trentham, representing the advanced accounting systems employed by the RNZAOC during that era.
  4. Bottom left – Displaying an array of ammunition to signify the crucial responsibility of ammunition management within the RNZAOC.
Cachet
RNZAOC First Day Cover Cachet

Stamps

In terms of stamps, the RNZAOC First Day Cover included 1 and 2 Cent Stamps designed for use with ‘Coin-in-slot’ machines and 5 and 10 Cent Stamps designed for ‘postafix’ machines. These stamps featured a simple left-hand profile of Queen Elizabeth II and were colored as follows:

  • 1 Cent: Violet on White
  • 2 Cent: Orange on White
  • 5 Cent: Brown on White
  • 10 Cent: Blue on White

Issued for use on June 13, 1978, the 1, 2, and 5 cent stamps were discontinued after just five months due to postal rate increases.

stamp

Franking Marks

Franking marks on the RNZAOC First Day Cover included two types. The first was an RNZAOC stamp based on the RNZAOC Badge, bearing the inscription “CORPS DAY” above the badge. Below the badge, you would find the continuity number “AZAFC 16” and “ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS.” “NZAFC” was used on all New Zealand Military First Day Covers until 1979, with different numbers assigned to each unit. Post-1979 covers used “NZFPO.”

RNZAOC Stamp
Franking Mark RNZAOC Corps Day

The second franking mark was from Trentham Camp, New Zealand, and was dated July 12, 1978.

Trentham post mark
Franking Mark, Trentham Camp NZ

Signed Covers

Some of these RNZAOC First Day Covers featuring the 2 and 10 Cent stamps were signed by notable individuals:

  • Brigadier A.H. Andrews, CBE, Colonel Commandant of the RNZAOC from April 1, 1969, to September 30, 1977.
  • Lieutenant Colonel J. Harvey, MBE, Colonel Commandant of the RNZAOC from October 1, 1977, to March 31, 1979.
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Another version of the RNZAOC First Day Cover, featuring the 1 and 10 Cent stamps, bore the signature of:

  • Lieutenant Colonel A.J. Campbell, Director of Ordnance Services, from December 7, 1976, to April 9, 1979.

Ordnance 2

 

Inserts

These covers were also accompanied by insert cards providing a detailed history of the RNZAOC up to 1977.

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Examples of similar New Zealand Military Covers

RNZCT
Rnzct2
Army Museum
HMS Welligton 1978

Copyright © Robert McKie 2018

New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Shoulder Titles

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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

  1. Dress Regulations 1912, GHQ Circular No 5, Wellington: General Headquarters, 1912.
  2. M. Thomas and C. Lord, NZ Army Distinguishing Patches 1911-1991, Wellington: Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, 1995.
  3. “NZAOD and NZAOC,” New Zealand Gazette, p. 1605, 3 July 1924.
  4. “Shoulder Titles,” New Zealand Gazette, p. 1599, 19 May 1927.
  5. G. Oldham, Badges and Insignia of the New Zealand Army, 2 ed., Auckland: Milimen Books, 2011.
  6. B. O’Sullivan and M. O’Sullivan, New Zealand Army Uniforms and Clothing 1910-1945, Christchurch: Wilson Scott, 2009.

1st NZ Army Tank Brigade Ordnance

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Formation Sign 1 NZ Tank Brigade

Established at Waiouru in October 1941, the 1st NZ Army Tank Brigade was formed with the clear objective of undergoing six months of training in New Zealand before its deployment to the Middle East. This brigade was earmarked to furnish armored support for the 2nd NZ Division, and its structure encompassed three Tank Battalions along with various auxiliary units. Among these supporting units were those from the Medical Corps, ASC (Army Service Corps), Signals, and Ordnance. The Ordnance contingent included:

  • A Second Line Workshop.
  • A Third Line Workshop.
  • Two Ordnance Field Parks, each aligned with a workshop.
  • Three Light Aid Detachments, one assigned to each Tank Battalion.

These Ordnance units played a vital role in maintaining and servicing the brigade’s equipment and vehicles, ensuring they remained operational and battle-ready.

TANK BDE ORD
Ordnance within the 1st NZ Tank Brigade

The leadership of the Ordnance units within the Brigade was selected from the ranks of the 2nd NZ Division and returned to New Zealand in late 1941. Given that the New Zealand Ordnance Corps was a newly established unit, the majority of new recruits had to be sourced from civilian garages, workshops, and industries. Some specialists were also drawn from NZAOC workshops and individuals who had returned from the Middle East. Most of these specialist personnel underwent training at the Main Ordnance Workshop in Trentham, while the remaining few were prepared at the new AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle) school in Waiouru.1

New Zealand is ready.

However, as of December 1941, when Japan entered the war and swiftly advanced, capturing a significant portion of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the priority shifted to home defense. Consequently, plans to deploy the 1st NZ Army Tank Brigade to the Middle East were postponed, and the unit’s role was adapted to meet the immediate defense needs of New Zealand.2

Following a period of reorganisation, the Brigade received orders for deployment in April 1942. Its elements were dispersed as follows:

  • Brigade HQ was renamed Independent Squadron and deployed to the South Island.
  • 1 Tank Battalion was deployed to Northland.
  • 2 Tank Battalion was deployed to Manawatu.
  • 3 Tank Battalion was deployed to Pukekohe.

This dispersion presented significant challenges for the Ordnance organisation, which had initially been designed to support the Brigade as a cohesive unit within a 70-mile radius in the flat North African desert. Now, Ordnance struggled to provide support to the dispersed Brigade units scattered across rural New Zealand, where suitable roads were scarce, and limited railway capacity could handle ancillary equipment like specialist workshop bins and machinery trucks.

To ensure optimal support for the Brigade units, the Ordnance organisation underwent a reorganization by July 1942. This restructuring led to the establishment of what could be described as “Super-LADs,” encompassing the Army Tank Ordnance Workshop and 32, 33, and 34 Light Aid Detachments (LADs). These Super-LADs provided both 1st and 2nd line support for A and B vehicles, armaments, and specialist spares.

Third-line support was furnished by the Tank Brigade Ordnance Workshop at Trentham and the Railway Workshops at Otahuhu. Subsequent changes unfolded in November 1942 with the gradual disestablishment of the 1st NZ Tank Brigade:3

  • No. 1 Tank Battalion and 32 LAD remained in the home defense role in the Auckland/Northland area.
  • No. 2 Tank Battalion, the Army Tank Ordnance Workshop, and the Ordnance Field Park were dissolved and became part of the 3 NZ Division Independent Tank Battalion Group for service in the Pacific.
  • No. 3 Tank Battalion and 33 LAD were deployed to the Middle East for service with the 2nd NZ Division, where they were dissolved and formed the nucleus of the 4th NZ Armored Brigade.
  • 34 LAD was stationed with the Independent Tank Squadron at Harewood on the South Island.
  • The Tank Brigade Ordnance Workshop and Ordnance Field Park remained at Trentham, eventually being fully integrated into the Base Ordnance Workshops.

tank

A Valentine Mk V of the Brigade HQ Squadron, Dunedin,1943. http://kiwisinarmour.hobbyvista.com

By June 1943, the remaining units of the 1st NZ Army Tank Brigade had been disbanded. The 1 Tank Battalion Group and 32 LAD, based at Pukekohe, and the Independent Tank Squadron and 34 LAD, based at Harewood, were all demobilised. Ordnance personnel from these disbanded units were faced with two options: they were either deployed to the 2nd or 3rd Divisions in Italy and the Pacific to serve as reinforcements, or they were assimilated into other ordnance units within New Zealand for the duration of the war.

It’s worth noting that the 1st NZ Army Tank Brigade held a unique distinction during this time. While it was the only unit authorised to wear the 2NZEF ‘Onward’ badge, its members also sported a distinctive insignia on both arms. This insignia consisted of a one-inch square patch in the arm of service colors, which were purple for the Navy and Post Office Blue for Ordnance. Superimposed onto this patch was a miniature RTR (Royal Tank Regiment) ‘Tank’ symbol.3,4

Tank Brigade Ordnance Workshops and OFP identifying patch. Malcolm Thomas Collection
Army Tank Ordnance Workshops, OFP and LAD identifying patch. Malcolm Thomas Collection

Copyright © Robert McKie 2017

 

 

Notes

  1. Cooke, Warrior Craftsmen, Wellington: Defence of NZ Study Group, 2016.
  2. Henley, “The Tanks an Unofficial History of the Activities of the Third New Zealand Division Tank Squadron In the Pacific,” in TANKS, MMGS & ORDNANCE, Wellington, Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, 1947.
  3. Plowman and M. Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, Christchurch: Jeffrey Plowman, 2001.
  4. Documents Relating to New Zealand’s Participation in the Second World War, Wellington, New Zealand: R. E. Owen, Government Printer, 1951.
  5. Oldham, Badges and insignia of the New Zealand Army, Auckland: Milimen Books, 2011.
  6. M. Thomas and C. Lord, NZ Army Distinguishing Patches 1911-1991, Wellington: Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, 1995.
  7. J. Bolton, A History Of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps., Wellington: RNZAOC, 1992.

New Zealand Ordnance Corps 1940-1946

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From 1939 to 1946, the New Zealand Army Ordnance underwent a series of significant transformations, each crucially bolstering New Zealand’s military efforts during World War II.

The New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the war. Despite a significant downsizing in 1930, the corps embarked on a substantial rebuilding process, expanding its personnel and facilities. This led to establishing a robust network of depots and workshops across New Zealand, including key locations such as Trentham, Burnham, and Hopuhopu, ensuring unwavering ordnance support across the nation’s military districts.

In contrast, the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) – Expeditionary Forces played a pivotal role as the ordnance component for the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces (NZEF) deployed abroad. From the Middle East to Italy and the Pacific, the NZOC provided indispensable support through various units, including base and field workshops, ordnance depots, and salvage units. This structure was instrumental in enabling the NZEF to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness across diverse theatres of war.

The New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) – Territorial Army was the ordnance branch within the Territorial Army from 1940 to 1946. Initially established to support the mobilisation of reserve forces, the NZOC Territorial units provided vital maintenance and repair services. Although the need for mobilisation waned by 1943, leading to the deactivation of most units, the NZOC remained an integral part of New Zealand’s military framework until it was eventually integrated into the NZAOC in 1946.

NZAOC

At the outset of World War II, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was a component of the New Zealand Permanent Army, still recovering from a significant downsizing on 14 July 1930. This downsizing saw nearly all uniformed staff, except for Officers, Armaments Artificers, and Armourers, transferred to the civil service as a cost-saving measure. [1]

With its reduced uniformed workforce, the NZAOC began gradually rebuilding by enlisting new personnel and employing temporary staff. Most of the Corps’ personnel were civilians stationed across the country at critical locations, including:

  • The Main Ordnance Depot and Workshops at Trentham,
  • An Ordnance Depot and Workshop at Burnham,
  • An Ordnance Depot at Hopuhopu,
  • Ordnance Workshops at Devonport.

As the war progressed and eventually drew to a close, the NZAOC established a well-distributed presence across New Zealand, ensuring adequate ordnance support through various units stationed at key locations:

Trentham

Warehousing

  • Main Ordnance Depot with rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the Wellington and Central region. With Sub Depots at:
    • Linton
    • Lower Hutt
    • Māngere
    • Wanganui

Workshops

  • Main Ordnance Workshop

Northern Military District

Warehousing

  • No1 Ordnance Sub Depot, Hopuhopu

Workshops

  • 11 Ordnance Workshop, Whangarei
  • 12 Ordnance Workshop, Devonport

Ammunition Depot

  • Ardmore
  • Kelms Road
  • Hopuhopu

Rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the Northern region.

Central Military District

Warehousing

  • Ordnance stores detachments at Waiouru
  • No2 Ordnance Sub Depot, Palmerston North

Ammunition Depot

  • Waiouru
  • Makomako
  • Belmont
  • Kuku Valley

Rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the Central region.

Southern Military District

Warehousing

  • No3 Ordnance Sub Depot, Burnham

Workshops

  • 13 Ordnance Workshop, Blenheim
  • 14 Ordnance Workshop, Burnham
  • 15 Ordnance Workshop, Dunedin

Ammunition Depot

  • Alexandra
  • Burnham
  • Glen Tunnel
  • Fairlie
  • Mt Sommers

Rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the South Island.

This comprehensive distribution of NZAOC units and resources ensured the effective functioning of ordnance support services throughout New Zealand during the war.

2NZEF (the Middle East/Italy)


Established as a component of the newly formed 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) in 1939, the NZOC was initially described by the Evening Post as comprising “11 Light Aid Detachments of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps, numbered 9 to 19.” Their primary role was assisting and conducting repairs on mechanical transport and anti-tank units. [3]

Starting with these 11 units, the NZOC’s contribution to the New Zealand Division quickly expanded to include various critical functions, such as:

  • Base and Field Workshops,
  • Base and Advanced Ordnance Depots,
  • Divisional Ordnance Field Parks,
  • Laundry and Bath Units,
  • Salvage units.

Initially, there was some confusion regarding the use of the designations NZAOC and NZOC within the context of the NZEF. This was resolved in March 1941 by NZEF Order 221, officially establishing NZOC as the title for Ordnance within the NZEF.

NZOC

A significant development occurred in 1942 with the separation of maintenance and repair functions from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) in the British Army, leading to the creation of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME).[4] Following this model, the New Zealand Division established the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) on 1 December 1942. This reorganisation distinctly separated the repair, maintenance, and ordnance store functions previously handled by the NZOC.

With the conclusion of World War II, the NZEF NZOC was disbanded along with the 2NZEF.

2NZEF (Pacific)

Similarly to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) deployed in the Middle East, units of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) were also established to serve with the NZEF in the Pacific (NZEFIP). Initially, their role included providing a Base Ordnance Depot, two Workshop Sections, and a Light Aid Detachment (LAD) to support the 8th Infantry Brigade Group in Fiji, starting in November 1940. The NZOC expanded into a divisional-sized organisation comprising 23 units and detachments as the war progressed. These units provided comprehensive ordnance services to support the NZEFIP’s operations across Fiji, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga. [5]

It is worth noting that New Zealand did not follow suit in the Pacific, unlike the British Army’s establishment of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1942. Consequently, repair and maintenance functions remained integral to the Ordnance Corps throughout the war.

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Following the successful conclusion of campaigns in the Solomon Islands, the 3rd NZ Division and its equipment were returned to New Zealand and disbanded. Upon their return, many NZOC members were found to be physically unfit due to the demanding conditions of the tropical campaign. As a result, they resumed their civilian occupations, while some were redeployed as reinforcements to the 2NZEF in Italy. Others remained stationed at the division’s Mangere base near Auckland or Wellington, where their duties involved checking, sorting, and reconditioning various stores and vehicles. This work continued until September 1945, at which point they handed over the entire inventory of equipment and clothing to the Main Ordnance Depot. [5]

Territorial Army Ordnance

Both the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) and the New Zealand Permanent Army Service Corps (NZPASC) coexisted within the Permanent Army. However, only the NZPASC had a Territorial Army component known as the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC). Since the 1930s, Light Aid Detachments (LADs) and workshop sections had been included in the establishments of ASC units for activation during mobilisation. When war broke out in 1939 and the Territorial Army was mobilised in 1940, Colonel H.E. Avery, the Quartermaster General, decided that LADs should fall under the responsibility of Ordnance. Consequently, the NZOC was established as the Ordnance component of the Territorial Army in December 1940. [6]

NMD JUNE 1942
Territorial Force Ordnance Units, Northern Military District June 1942
CMD JUNE 1942
Territorial Force Ordnance Units, Central Military District June 1942
SMD JUNE 1942
Territorial Force Ordnance Units, Southern Military District June 1942

By late 1943, the mobilisation of the Territorial Forces was no longer required, and most units were deactivated and placed on care and maintenance status, maintained by a small Regular Force cadre. As of 1 April 1944, all home defence units established during wartime had been disbanded. [6]

Although the NZOC was not originally part of the pre-war Territorial Army, it remained in active service on official records. In 1946, the distinction between Regular and non-regular soldiers was eliminated during a reorganisation of New Zealand Military Forces. Consequently, the NZOC ceased to exist as a separate Corps and was integrated into the NZAOC. [7]

Dress Distinctions


As with all units within the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF), the traditional unit and corps badges were no longer worn. Instead, the NZEF “Onward” badge became the standard insignia.

In the Pacific and New Zealand, the NZOC adopted the WW1 NZEF Ordnance badge. This emblem is prominently featured on the cover of the unofficial history of the NZEFIP NZOC and Territorial Army Unit pennants.

New Zealand Ordnance Corps Badge 1940-44 (Copyright © Robert McKie 2017)

WH2IP-TankTit-2(h280)

Copyright © Robert McKie 2018

Notes

[1]J. Bolton, A History of the RNZAOC, Wellington: Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1992.
[2]P. Cooke, Warrior Craftsmen, Wellington: Defence of NZ Study Group, 2016.
[3]“2nd NZ Division,” EVENING POST, vol. CXXVIII, no. 102, 27 OCTOBER 1939.
[4]A. Fernyhough, A short history of the RAOC, London: C B Printers Ltd, 1965.
[5]P. Henley, “ORDNANCE, The Unofficial History of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps in the Pacific from 1940 until 3rd Division was disbanded in 1944,” in Tanks, MMGs & Ordnance, Wellington, Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, 1947, pp. 137-227.
[6]P. Cooke and J. Crawford, The Territorials, Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011, p. 258.
[7]“MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF,” Journals of the House of Representatives, vol. H19, no. 1947 Session, 1 January 1947.
[8]G. Oldham, Badges and insignia of the New Zealand Army, Auckland: Milimem Books, 2011.
[9]R. KAY, “FROM CASSINO TO TRIESTE,” in Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45, WELLINGTON, HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS BRANCH DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, 1967.
  

New Zealand Army Ordnance Department, 1917-1924

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NZ Army Ordnance Department badge 1917-1924. Robert McKie collection

Before the 1st World War, there was no single Organisation responsible for the provision of Ordnance Services to the New Zealand Forces. Responsibility for Ordnance Services was split between the Defence Stores Department, a civilian organisation and the Royal New Zealand Artillery. The need for an Ordnance Organisation was identified much in the preceding years, including as early as 1901 [1] and again in 1907 [2], but it wasn’t until 1917 that a formal Ordnance organisation was established in New Zealand.

Based on the British Ordnance model (which itself was abolished on 28 November 1918 with the formation of the RAOC) [3] [4], two separate organisations were established for the supply, maintenance and repair of equipment, small arms and all stores required for the Defence Force.

  • An Ordnance Department for Officers, and
  • An Ordnance Corps for Warrant Officers, SNCOs and Other ranks

Establishment

The regulations establishing the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) were published in the New Zealand Gazette on the 7th of June 1917. Established under the authority of the Defence Act,1909, the NZAOD was constituted and established as part of the Permanent Staff of the Defence Forces of New Zealand on 1 February 1917.  Superseding the New Zealand Defence Stores Department, absorbing its existing staff and those handling military equipment and stores in the districts and training camps. Previously the Defence Stores Department had been under the control of the Public Service Commission, the NZAOD was now under the direction of the Quartermaster General. The establishment of the new Ordnance organisations ended the anomaly of having civilians in the army who are outside it and were not subject to military discipline and control and placed staff who had worn civilian clothes into uniform and under army discipline [5] [6].

Organisation

The Gazetted regulations that established the NZAOD laid out the foundation of the department; the same Gazette also detailed the establishment of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, which was a separate organisation made up of Warrant Officers, Non- Commissioned Officers, soldiers and civilians. The NZAOD was to consist of [7]:

Directing Staff

  • Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores,
  • Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores,
  • Four Ordnance Officers attached to district commands,
  • Two Ordnance Officers of the expeditionary force camps.

Executive Staff

  • Three Accounting Officers at/headquarters, graded as Ordnance officers, fourth class.

Inspectorate Staff

  • The Inspector of Ordnance Machinery, graded as Ordnance officer, third class
  • The Inspector, Engineer, Electric light and Defence vessels stores, graded as Ordnance officer, third class.

In the NZ Gazette of January 10, 1918, the Inspectorate Staff was restructured on 18 December 1917 as follows.

  • The Inspector of Ordnance Machinery, graded as Ordnance officer, third class
  • The Inspector, Engineer, Electric light and Defence vessels stores, graded as Ordnance officer, third class.
  • Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition, graded as Ordnance Officer, third class

Officers of the Department were ranked as:

  • Ordnance officer First class: – Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, or Major.
  • Ordnance officer Second class: – Major or Captain.
  • Ordnance officer Third class: – Captain.
  • Ordnance officer Fourth class: – Lieutenant.

NZAOD 1917

Foundation Staff

Approved with effect 1 April 1917, the foundation staff of the NZAOD on its formation were [8];

Directing Staff

  • Honorary Major T. McCristell– Director of Equipment and Ordnance stores, graded Ordnance Officer, 1st class, with the rank of Major
  • Temporary Captain T. J. King – Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores to be graded Ordnance Officer, 2nd class, with the rank of Captain
  • Honorary Captain W.T Beck DS0 – Ordnance Officer Auckland, graded as Ordnance Officer, 4th class, with the rank of lieutenant, but retained the rank of Captain (temp) whilst performing the duties of ordnance officer, 3rd class
  • Honorary Captain A.R.C White – Ordnance Officer Christchurch, graded as Ordnance Officer, 3rd class, with the rank of Captain
  • Honorary Captain O.F. McGuigan – Ordnance Officer Dunedin, graded as Ordnance Officer, 4th class, but retained the rank of Captain (temp) whilst performing the duties of Ordnance Officer, 3rd class.
  • Honorary Lieutenant F.E Ford – Ordnance Officer Wellington, graded as Ordnance Officer, 3rd class, with the rank of Captain

Executive Staff

  • Honorary Lieutenant L.F McNair – graded as Ordnance Officer, 4th class, with the rank of lieutenant
  • Honorary Lieutenant A.W Baldwin – graded as Ordnance Officer, 4th class, with the rank of lieutenant.

Inspectorial Staff

  • Honorary Captain and Quartermaster B.G.V Parker – Inspector of Ordnance Machinery, graded as Ordnance Officer, 3rd class, with the rank of captain
  • Honorary Lieutenant and Quartermaster G.J. Parrell – Inspector Engineer, Electrical light and Defence Vessels Stores, graded as Ordnance Officer 3rd class, with the rank of captain.
  • Captain Arthur Duvall – Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition as Ordnance Officer 3rd Class (From 10 January 1918).

Stores Regulations

To complement the creation of the new Ordnance Services, new regulations for the management of the equipment of the New Zealand Military Forces were published in the New Zealand Gazette on the 14th of June 1917 [9].

Operations

The NZAOD, in conjunction with the NZAOC in New Zealand and the NZEF NZAOC in Europe, continued to support New Zealand’s war effort up to the end of the war and then play a significant role in the demobilisation of the NZEF and the return, inspection, repair and redistribution of equipment. On 14 February 1920, Lieutenant Colonel H. E. Pilkington was appointed Staff Officer for the Ordnance Services, effectively replacing McCristell as the Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores with the new title Director of Ordnance Stores [10]. As the NZEF demobilised, the NZAOD absorbed some of the officers who had served with the NZEF NZAOC providing much operation experience which became invaluable as both the NZAOD and NZAOC consolidated their position and started to centralise themselves as an organisation in Trentham, Burnham and Auckland.

Badges

Badges of the NZAOD are detailed in my earlier Blog Ordnance Badges of New Zealand 1916-1996.

Reconstitution

On the 27th of June 1924, the regulations establishing the NZAOD on the 7th of June 1917 were revoked, and the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department was reconstituted as part of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, resulting in one Ordnance organisation for the New Zealand Army [11].

References

[1] J. Babington, “Defence Forces of New Zealand,” House of Representatives, Wellington, 1904.
[2] J. Ward, “Defence Forces of New Zealand,” House of Representatives, Wellington, 1907.
[3] F. Steer, To The Warrior his Arms, Barnsley: Pen and Sword Books, 2005.
[4] A. Fernyhough, A short history of the RAOC, London: C B Printers Ltd, 1965.
[5] J. Bolton, A History of the RNZAOC, Wellington: RNZAOC, 1992.
[6] “Defence Stores,” Otago Daily Times, no. 17033, p. 6, 18 June 1917.
[7] New Zealand Gazette, p. 2292, 7 June 1917.
[8] “New Zealand Army,” Evening Post, vol. XCIV, no. 24, p. 7, 28 July 1917.
[9] “Regulations for the Equipment of the New Zealand Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette, no. 99, pp. 2369-2498, 14 June 1917.
[10] “Ordnance Services,” Evening Post, vol. XCIX, no. 38, p. 5, 14 February February 1920.
[11] “NZAOD and NZAOC,” New Zealand Gazette, p. 1605, 3 July 1924.

Copyright © Robert McKie 2017