The Evolution of Army Catering in New Zealand (1845-1948)

“If you were an army cook on leave and met some of the troops accompanied by their girlfriends, wives or mothers, which would you rather hear them say: “There’s the chap who turns out the great meals I’ve told you about”; or, “That’s the bloke who murders good food?”

Question placed to trainee cooks by Sergeant-Cook Instructor Bourke (Paddy to all the camp) at Waikato Camp, 1942

Over the last two hundred years, the adage attributed to Napoleon, “An army marches on its stomach,” underscored the paramount importance of sustenance in military operations. In the annals of the New Zealand army, this principle has been diligently upheld, with meticulous attention paid to ensuring soldiers are well-fed, notwithstanding the challenges posed by varying locations and conditions. Establishing the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) units during the tumultuous periods of the First and Second World Wars is a testament to this commitment. NZASC units were principally charged with baking bread, butchering meat, and procuring and distributing fresh and packaged provisions to frontline units, playing a pivotal role in sustaining the morale and effectiveness of New Zealand forces during these conflicts. Even in more recent conflicts, such as those in Southeast Asia during the 1950s and 60s, New Zealand troops operated on ration scales notably more generous than their British counterparts, a testament to the nation’s dedication to the well-being of its service members. However, despite the recognition of logistical efforts in military history, a notable gap remains in the literature concerning the contributions of New Zealand Army cooks. While Julia Millen’s comprehensive work, Salute to Service: A History of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport, acknowledges the significance of Cooks from when they became part of the RNZASC in 1948, scant attention has been paid to the preceding 103 years, from 1865 to 1948.

This article draws upon primary sources and aims to redress this oversight by delving into the hitherto unexplored realm of New Zealand Army catering. By shedding light on the endeavours of these unsung culinary heroes, it seeks to enrich our understanding of the multifaceted efforts required to sustain a fighting force, thereby honouring their indispensable contributions to New Zealand’s military heritage.

Since the first New Zealand Militias were created in 1845, there was always a need to feed the militias when called out for service. Given the nature of Militia service and the fact that they would not serve far from their home location, their messing requirements would have been minimal. Some individuals would likely have been selected from within the ranks to collect any rations provided and prepare meals.

With the advent of the volunteer era in 1858, the New Zealand military became a mixed force of Infantry, Cavalry and artillery who, on occasion, would assemble for annual camps where units within a district would assemble and conduct combined training. While rations were paid through District Headquarters and Defence Stores, messing arrangements would be rudimentary, with men selected from within the ranks preparing the meals from the rations sourced from local vendors. This situation was mirrored in the Permanent Militia, which had staffed coastal defence forts and the military depot at Mount Cook in Wellington since the 1880s.

During New Zealand’s involvement in the war in South Africa, the issue of messing arose as large numbers of mobilising men were stationed in camps. Messing arrangements involved a combination of civilian contractors and regimental cooks. However, an inquiry into soldiers’ comfort, housing, and victualling at the Newtown Park Camp and Volunteer Billets revealed widespread dissatisfaction. Numerous complaints were lodged regarding the quality and quantity of rations provided, the low standard, and, at times, the lack of meals prepared by contractors and regimental cooks.[1] In South Africa, rations, following the British scale, were supplied by the British Army Service Corps (ASC), supplemented by fresh mutton acquired from the enemy and cooked by members of the contingent.[2]

After the conclusion of the South Africa War, interest in the military surged, prompting a reorganisation of the volunteer movement into a more robust and structured system of regiments and battalions. Despite discussions in 1904 regarding establishing a New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC), no decision was indicated in the Commandant of the Forces’ annual report on its formation.[3]

Further reorganisation in 1908 saw the ASC matter addressed by the Adjutant General, with discussions continuing into 1909. The Defence Act of 1909 disbanded volunteer forces and established the Territorial Force, supported by conscription. Major General Alexander Godley’s appointment as Commandant of the New Zealand Military Forces in December 1910 provided momentum for reform. In his first year, Godley revitalised the military’s organisational structure, made crucial command and staff appointments, and laid plans to develop the NZASC, which, though officially designated in May 1910, remained only a force on paper.[4]

Despite the Defence Stores Department’s existence since 1869, an ASC nucleus was lacking for forming new units. The proposed NZASC envisioned eight Transport and Supply Columns, divided into Mounted and Mixed Brigade units allocated to each of New Zealand’s four Military Districts and was to be organised by British ASC officer Henry Owen Knox, who arrived in New Zealand in June 1911 and later supported by four ASC officers and Warrant Offices from early 1913. While the NZASC would handle the procurement and distribution of rations, receipt and cooking remained a Regimental responsibility.

Under Godley’s command, the Territorial Army underwent rapid organisation, culminating in the inaugural brigade camps held in 1913. During these camps, the newly established NZASC established its initial depots, receiving supplies previously ordered by the Quartermaster General based on expected strength states and ration scales.

Forty-seven candidates across the Territorial Army were selected in October 1912 to undergo a comprehensive month-long training at Trentham. This pioneering catering course encompassed kitchen work and cooking techniques for field conditions, including practical exercises such as constructing and operating field ovens, fry pans, 8 and 20-gallon boilers and camp kettles.

Of the initial candidates, thirty-eight successfully qualified to supervise cooking for a regiment, with an additional seven attaining certification as company cooks. Unfortunately, two candidates were unable to qualify due to illness. For the 1913 camp, the establishment allowed for a Sergeant Cook per regiment, each granted an additional allowance of 1 Shilling 6 Pence a day (equivalent to 2024 NZD $16.16), while qualified company cooks received 1 Shilling a day (equivalent to 2024 NZD $10.10). Those who served as cooks during the camps were excused from further military training for the rest of the year.[5]

At Trentham, an additional course of instruction was conducted in October 1913, attended by sixty-two territorial soldiers. Thirty-two qualified as competent to supervise cooking for a regiment, making them eligible for appointment as sergeant cooks if vacancies existed within their units. Twenty-seven soldiers qualified as assistant or company cooks; unfortunately, three did not meet the qualifications.

By the end of 1913, this initiative provided the New Zealand Military with a potential pool of 104 trained cooks. However, it was recognised that further efforts were necessary to ensure a sufficient number of cooks would be available to meet the messing needs of the Territorial Force in the event of mobilisation.[6]

The declaration of war and subsequent mobilisation halted any plans for further peacetime training of cooks, as all efforts shifted towards providing trained personnel for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The NZASC expanded its role at home and as part of the NZEF, taking on responsibility for bakeries and butcheries. However, despite ensuring the provision of necessary food items to units, cooking remained the responsibility of each unit. Cooks were trained at the Army School of Instruction at Trentham, with further training conducted at NZEF camps in the United Kingdom.In New Zealand, military and civilian cooks fulfilled the necessary messing functions at various mobilisation and Territorial Camps, while unit cooks supported units in the field.

Cooks with first frozen mutton received in the desert during WWI. Hood, D : Photographs relating to World War I and II. Ref: 1/2-067444-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23212994
Wellington Regiment cooker, and men, within 1000 yards of the front line, Colincamps, France. Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association :New Zealand official negatives, World War 1914-1918. Ref: 1/2-013209-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22604005

During the interbellum period, the Army School of Instruction in Trentham ceased operations in 1921, with few records of formal training for Army cooks until 1938.

In 1937, the Special Reserve Scheme was introduced to provide personnel for the coast defence batteries and three infantry battalions of Fortress troops. Under this scheme, single soldiers underwent three months of continuous training, followed by a three-year commitment to attend training for 10 days annually, with an obligation to report for service within New Zealand in the event of a national emergency. During their three months of training, they were also allowed to attend technical college, free of charge, on a course of their choice. Facilitating the necessary training, the Army School of Instruction (ASI) was re-established at Trentham, supported by District Schools of Instruction (DSI) at Narrow Neck, Trentham, and Burnham.[7]

The first account of cooks participating in this training scheme saw a batch of seventy-two, nine of whom were cooks, enter Trentham in August 1938 for their initial military training, beginning their vocational training in January 1939 with three of the cooks going to Narrow Neck in Auckland and the other six to Fort Dorset.[8] Reviewing the work of the officers and men under his command, the Officer Command the Central Military District, Colonel E Puttick, commented in April 1939 that “there had never been any complaint about the food, and it was clear that the special reservists who had taken cookery training as their vocational course in the Army Training School at Trentham had received excellent instruction”.[9]

While Colonel Puttick may have been satisfied with the catering arrangements in his district, there was dissatisfaction with the quality of rations and cooks in the northern and Southern Districts. In May 1939, reports of sub-standard rations, the performance of civilian cooks at territorial Camps resulting in their packing up and walking out mid camp and the refusals of Territorial soldiers to work on mess fatigue parties led the District Commander, Colonel P.H Bell to call an all-day conference with his Quartermaster and Quartermaster Sergeants to consider the Army’s food problems, including the quality of rations and most importantly how to resolve the fundamental problem that the Army had no cooks of its own, engaging civilians for the period of camps. [10] In the Northern District, a deputation of civilian cooks led by Mr W. R Connolly, a cook with 37 years’ experience of cooking in military camps, went directly to the officer of the Star Newspaper with their grievances following a ten-day camp with A Squadron of the 4th Mounted Regiment. Joining the squadron on 3 May at Cambridge, they deployed to Rotorua, Tauranga, and Paeroa, finishing up at Narrow Neck on 12 May. The cook’s issue was that they were civilians contracted to work in a fixed camp and not on the march, and they were at much reduced rates than they had received before the depression.[11]

Despite these challenges, the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939 prompted a renewed focus on army catering. On the declaration of war, it was decided that New Zealand would contribute an Expeditionary Force. Initially, a “Special Force” was planned, with one battalion in each of the three military districts. The Special Force was later expanded into the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2 NZEF).

Three weeks before the Special Force encamped at Trentham, Acting Prime Minister Mr Peter Fraser and Minister of Defence Mr Frederick Jones visited the site to inspect preparations for the new mobilisation camp. During their visit, the Commandant of the ASI, Major J I Brook, hosted them for lunch. Impressed by the meal, they specifically requested the Regular Force Mess diet sheet and received positive feedback from regular soldiers on the meal quality. The Ministers inquired about the possibility of providing similar meals to the men of the Special Force. In response, Major Brook suggested that providing the same meals to the Special Force could be achieved if cooks were available and ample rations were provided. Following this discussion, permission was granted to establish an Army School of Cookery under the ASI.[12]

By December 1939, under the tutelage of a fully qualified army cookery instructor, the first batch of thirty-two men had completed their training at the Army School of Cookery, with a second batch completing their training on 8 December. Initial training was on the standard equipment found in any camp, typically three ovens able to bake for 120 men. Once qualified in the basics of camp cooking, training on oil-fired portable cookers and other field cookery followed.[13]

As the 2NZEF established itself in Egypt, the significance of quality cooking was duly recognised. Although the Cooks selected for the First Echelon underwent training courses at the Trentham School of Cookery,  they were not qualified cooks under Middle East conditions. They required instruction on breaking down bulk rations and handling food in the field, so arrangements were made to train New Zealand cooks at the Army School of Cookery in Cairo. Additionally, the services of a non-commissioned officer (NCO) from the 7th British Armoured Division was enlisted as an instructor to the 2 NZEF under the supervision of the Divisional Supply Column officer. With the second Echelon diverted to England, General Freyberg consulted the manager of the Lyons chain of restaurants, who was an adviser to the War Office on army catering, with arrangements made with the War Office in London for the secondment of four NCOs to the 2 NZEF to form the nucleus of the 2 NZEF cookery school. These NCOs accompanied the Second Echelon troops from England to Egypt.[14]

A typical New Zealand field cookhouse in the desert during World War II. New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency. Ref: DA-00798-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23050225

With this reorganisation and expansion, the NZEF cookery school conducted thorough training and testing for cooks. Starting from February 1941, all cooks were required to be qualified either at the NZEF school or the Middle East school before being eligible for extra-duty pay.[15]

As the war progressed, the Army School of Cookery at Trentham continued to run regular courses. However, the demand for cooks necessitated the DSIs to conduct cookery instruction to train men as they were called up for the NZEF and Home Defence. In addition to male soldiers training as cooks, from 1939, the first females from Auckland Womans Service Corps were employed as cooks in Papakura Camp to supplement the civilian and military cooks. Although on the Army payroll, the initial female cooks were not considered serving soldiers. By June 1941, fifteen female cooks were working across all the Military districts. However, it was not until July 1942 that approval was given for the New Zealand Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)  in New Zealand, formally establishing these female cooks as part of the military establishment.[16]

Cook from the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps putting meat in an oven to roast, for men at a World War II military camp in New Zealand. New Zealand Free Lance : Photographic prints and negatives. Ref: PAColl-8602-40. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22895614

By October 1942, three hundred men of the Territorial Force had received training at Ngawahiwaha Camp. The established ratio for cooks to troops was one cook for every 50 men, two for 100, three for 150, and an additional cook for every 100 additional men. Throughout the Army, the standard of cooking, in terms of variety and quality, had seen significant improvement. It was widely acknowledged that a properly trained army cook could secure employment in a civilian hotel or restaurant upon demobilisation.[17]

Sergeant “Paddy” Bourke, veteran army cook, turns the roast. He was in Egypt with the Expeditionary Force of a generation ago; (Evening Post, 13 April 1940). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/17717327

In May 1944, the use of WACs as cooks had become a normalised and essential function of the war effort, with an article in the Dominion newspaper detailing the work of the 65 WAACs on the messing staff of Trentham Camp and providing details of the training of the latest batch of eighteen female cooks who had just completed a three-week cooking course the Trentham ASI.[18]It’s essential to recognise that New Zealand was not operating in isolation but rather observing developments across the armies of the British Empire as they transitioned from the regimental cook system to a more centralised and professional model. In the United Kingdom, the Cook trade was under the control of the Army Catering Corps (ACC) upon its creation in March 1941, forming as a subsidiary element of the Royal Army Service Corps Supply Branch. Australia followed suit in 1943, establishing the Australian Army Catering Corps. Canada took a similar approach, forming the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) Catering Wing at No. 1 Reinforcement Unit in Britain in August 1942 to train cooks for the Army.

The Canadian Army’s experience was that many cooks had previously been members of their unit. However, experience revealed that they were not necessarily skilled soldiers and often functioned as poor cooks tasked with feeding their comrades. Consequently, starting in 1942, all cooks were transferred to the RCASC, which then assigned them to the various units they were to serve. This change resulted in a rapid improvement in cooking standards.[19]  Although New Zealand had adopted other British logistical organisational changes, such as the formation of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, with enthusiasm, it was more reserved about any changes to its cooks, combining cooks into a single corps was not a wartime priority.

In 1944, New Zealand commenced the demobilisation process, which included disbanding the Home Guard and the standing down of elements of the Territorial Force. By the war’s conclusion in 1945, most of the forces stationed at home underwent rapid demobilisation. The 2NZEF was disbanded by 1946, aligning with the downsizing trend seen in many Western militaries. However, despite this size reduction, the Government and the Army hesitated to revert the military to its pre-war dimensions and structure. Instead, they opted to reorganise it into what became known as the Interim Army.

New Zeland Army Order 60/1947 of 1 August 1947 detailed the trade classification and promotion requirements of the Regular Force. This order retained cooks as two specific All Arms trades;

  • Cooks, Hospital. A Group A trade applicable to All Arms, including the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS)
  • Cooks (other than hospital cook). A Group B trade applicable to All Arms, including the NZWAAC

The Commandant of the ASI set the syllabus for the Cooks, hospital, and Cooks (other than hospital cooks). During his period, there was no steward’s trade.[20]

In 1947, three officers and four NCOs were brought out from Britain to raise the standards of catering in the New Zealand Army. This task included providing training and instruction in cooking and catering and guidance on ration scales and meal planning. With the New Zealand Army perceived as too small for a stand-alone Catering Corps, considering that the NZASC was responsible for the Supply function, Butchers and Bakers, it made sense to emulate the Canadian model and bring all cooks under the umbrella of the RNZASC.

To facilitate this transition, the Army Board approved the formation of a Catering Group as a section of the RNZASC. It issued New Zealand Army Instruction (NZAI) 2049 on 15 February 1948 detailing the Supplies and Transport Catering Group (STCG) formation. Initially, the STCG comprised of;

  • A Staff Officer (Catering) in the Directorate of Supplies and Transport at Army Headquarters.
  • District Catering advisers (NC0s) on the staff of the Districts Assistant Director Supply and Transport (ADST)
  • Instructors on the staff of the Army School of Instruction to operate a Catering Wing.
  • Cooks and kitchenhands on unit peace establishments.

The function of the STCG was to

  • To train and provide unit cooks and kitchen hands.
  • Instruction in and supervision of the management of the Army ration scale.
  • Improvement of standard of food preparation and cooking.
  • Advice on the installation and instruction in the operation of cooking appliances and kitchen equipment.
  • Advice on the layout of mess buildings.[21]

Despite NZAI 2049 bringing all army catering services under the jurisdiction of the RNZASC, the Cooks trade remained dispersed among various units. However, this issue was addressed with the implementation of NZAI 2147 in September 1948.[22]

No 2147. SUPPLIES AND TRANSPORT CATERING GROUP, RNZASC
NZAI 1319 and 2049 are hereby cancelled.

  1. Approval has been given for the formation of a catering Group in RNZASC.
    This group will be known as the Supplies and Transport Catering Group (abbreviated title STCG).
  2. The functions of the STCG are –
    a. To train and provide unit, &c, cooks and messing staffs.
    b. Instruction in and supervision of the management of the Army Ration Scale.
    c. The preparation, cooking and serving of all rations.
    d. Advise on the installation and instruction in the operation of cooking appliances and kitchen equipment.
    e. Advise on the layout of mess buildings.
  3. Initially the STCG will comprise-
    a. A Staff Officer (Catering) on the Directorate of Supplies and Transport at Army HQ.
    b. District catering advisers (NCOs) on the staff of ADs ST District.
    c. Instructors on the staff of ASI to operate a “Catering Wing”.
    d. Messing Staff of all units
  4. In order to implement para 3 above, the following action will be taken:-
    a. From the date of publication of this instruction soldiers classified as “kitchen hands” or “Mess Orderly” will be classified as “probationer cook” or “mess steward” respectively. The terms “kitchen hands” or “mess orderly” will no longer be used.
    NOTES: –
    (i) For star classification purposes “probationer cooks” will form the “learner: class of the group “B” trade of cook and will be treated as Group “D” tradesmen
    (ii) Whenever the term “messing staffs” is used in this instruction, it will included “cooks,” “probationary cooks,” and “mess stewards”
    b. All cooks, probationer cooks, and mess stewards, other than of the NZWAC, will be posted to RNZASC.
    c. All messing staffs. including NZWAC messing staffs, in districts will be carried on the establishments of district ASC Coys under the sub heading of STCG.
    d. OsC Districts will allot messing staffs to units on the recommendations of DA DsST.
    e. Messing staffs, including NZWAC messing staffs, of Army HQ units will be carried on the establishments of the respective units under the sub heading STCG.
  5. STCG messing staff strengths will be assessed according to unit messing strengths as follows:-
    a. Unit messing strengths will be taken as establishment strength less 20 per cent (to allow for personnel Living out).
    b. Cooks. – Cooks will be allocated to units on the following scale:
    i. One cook per unit all ranks (or portion thereof) on unit messing strength up to a total of 650.
    ii. One extra cook p er 90 all ranks (or portion thereof) on unit messing strength in excess of 650.
    iii. One extra cook for each cookhouse in excess of one.
    iv. In addition, one chief cook (WO or NCO) for each unit. The rank of this WO or NCO shall be dependent on the strength of the messing staff serving in the unit concerned,
    in accordance with the scale laid down in para 6 below.
    c. Probationer Cooks:-
    i. Two probationer cooks to each kitchen where cooking is carried out for messing strength of 65 or under.
    ii. Four probationer cooks to each kitchen where cooking is carried out for messing strength in excess of 65
    d. Mess Stewards:
    i. One mess steward for each 25 all ranks (or portion thereof) on unit messing strength.
    ii. In addition, one mess steward for each 6 officers (or portion thereof) on unit messing strength up to a total of 42 officers.
    iii. When the number of officers exceeds 42, one extra mess steward for each 9 officers ( or portion thereof) on unit strength in excess of 42).
    iv. Mess stewards in any mess to include at least one NCO, except when total number of mess stewards is less than 3.
  6. In calculating ranks of messing staff, the following guide will be used: In every 69 messing staff OR’s carried on establishment under STCG there may be 21 NCOs from Corporal upwards on the following scale:
    One Warrant Officer.
    Two Staff Sergeants.
    Six Sergeants.
    Twelve Corporals.
  7. The chief cook in any unit will rank as the senior member of the messing staff, irrespective of the rank of the senior mess steward. He will be responsible for:
    a. The proper functioning of the messing staff.
    b. Close co-operation with the unit messing officer.
    c. Training of probationer cooks.
  8. Amended establishments will be issued shortly.
New Zealand Army Instruction 2147, 15 September 1948

With this new directive, New Zealand Army cooks, (NZWAC cooks and stewards reminaed a seperated coprs but for catering purposes were under technical control of the RNZASC until 1977 when they joined the RNZASC) were finally consolidated into a single corps, allowing for a standardised training syllabus. Additionally, to enhance the catering function and provide a comprehensive messing service, the Stewards trade was formalised as part of the RNZASC. By the end of 1948, the groundwork had been laid for the RNZASC Catering trade to support the evolving New Zealand army.

In conclusion, the evolution of Army catering in New Zealand from 1845 to 1948 reflects a journey marked by adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to sustaining the morale and effectiveness of New Zealands military forces. During this period New Zealand’s military catering underwent significant transformation from rudimentary messing arrangements in the early militia days. However, the importance of well-fed troops was consistently recognised, as evidenced by the efforts to improve messing arrangements, the establishment of training programs for cooks, and the integration of civilian and military personnel into the catering function. Despite challenges such as dissatisfaction with rations and the shortage of trained cooks, the New Zealand Army continually sought to enhance its catering capabilities, particularly in response to the demands of wartime mobilisation.
The establishment of the Army School of Cookery, the integration of female cooks into the military establishment, and the adoption of international best practices, such as those observed in the British and Canadian armies, demonstrate New Zealand’s commitment to modernising its catering services and ensuring the provision of quality meals for its troops.
By consolidating army catering services under the umbrella of the RNZASC and formalising the Cooks and Stewards trades, the New Zealand Army laid the groundwork for a more structured and professional catering function as the country transitioned into the post-war era. By 1948, the stage was set for the RNZASC Catering trade to play a pivotal role in supporting the evolving needs of the New Zealand army, reflecting a legacy of culinary excellence and dedication to service.


Notes

[1] “Newtown Park Camp (Inquiry into Conduct of),” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, H-19a  (1901).

[2] “New Zealand Contingent (No 1): Extracts from Reports by Major Robin, Commanding New Zealand Contingent, to Officer Commanding Forces,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, H-06a  (1900).

[3] J Babington, “Defence Forces of New Zealand (Report on the) by Major General J.M Babington, Commandant of the Forces.,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1904 Session I, H-19  (1904).

[4] Based on the British logistics system the NZASC was to be responsible for the Transport and the supply of forage, rations and fuel. The supply and maintenance of all small-arms, ammunition, accoutrements, clothing, and field equipment Stores was to remain a responsibility of the Defence Stores Department which in 1917 became the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Robert McKie, “Unappreciated Duty: The Forgotten Contribution of New Zealand’s Defence Stores Department in Mobilising the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1914: A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand” (Massey University, 2022).

[5] “H-19 Report on the Defence Forces of New Zealand for the Period 28 June 1912 to 20 June 1913,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives  (1913).

[6] “Military Forces of New Zealand (Report by the Inspector General of Ther Overseas Forces on the),” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1914 Session I, H-19a  (1914).

[7] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the Chief of the General Staff,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, (1938).

[8] “Vocational Training,” Wairarapa Times-Age, , 17 January 1939.

[9] “Military Camps,” Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 80, , 5 April 1939.

[10] “Army Cooks,” Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 103, , 4 May 1939.

[11] “Walked out Army Cooks,” Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 114, , 17 May 1939.

[12] “Soldier Cooks,” King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4856,, 1 November 1939.

[13] “Diet for Troops,” King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4856,, 1 December 1939.

[14] William Graham McClymont, To Greece, vol. 4 (War History Branch, Department of Internal Affairs, 1959), 23.

[15] Thomas Duncan MacGregor Stout, New Zealand Medical Services in Middle East and Italy, vol. 12 (War History Branch, Department of Internal Affairs, 1956), 47.

[16] Iris Latham, The Waac Story (Wellington, New Zealand1986), 1-4.

[17] “Moral Builders NZ Army Cooks,” Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13760,, 1 October 1942.

[18] “Waac’s New Role,” Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 207, , 30 May 1944.

[19] Arnold Warren, Wait for the Waggon: The Story of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (McClelland, 1961).

[20] “Special New Zealand Army Order 60/1947 – the Star Classification and Promotion of Other Ranks of Ther Regular Force,”(1947).

[21] “New Zealand Army Instruction 2049 – Supplies and Transport Catering Group, Rnzasc,”(1948).

[22] “New Zealand Army Instruction 2147 – Supplies and Transport Catering Group, Rnzasc,”(1948).


Lessons from History: New Zealand Military Procurement and Logistics 1857-1861

The object is to make these forces (New Zealand Militia and Volunteer Forces) as effective as possible against irregular infantry, whose mode of warfare is skirmishing on broken ground, generally covered in fern and scrub”.

Memoradium Frederick Whittaker to Colonial Secertary, 27 April 1860

The military logistics history of New Zealand in the 19th century unfolds as a saga of strategic vision, administrative challenges, and coordination amidst escalating tensions and clashes between settlers and Māori in the mid-1800s. This era was characterised by legislative endeavours, notably marked by the passage of the Militia Act of 1858 by the New Zealand Parliament. At the heart of implementing this legislation were the logistical requisitions directed towards Hebbert and Co, a London-based military outfitter with extensive contracts across various British territories. These requisitions underscored the planning and resource allocation needed to equip New Zealand’s burgeoning militia and volunteer forces.

The initial requisition, initiated in June 1859, marked the first step towards enhancing the colony’s defensive capabilities. It encompassed a comprehensive array of arms, ammunition, and accoutrements, reflecting the latest standards utilised by the British Army and deemed essential for military readiness. Subsequent requisitions, driven by evolving strategic needs and logistical deficiencies, further highlighted the intricacies of managing the supply chain within a colonial context.

Recognising the broader implications for contemporary military logisticians is imperative for grasping the significance of these requisitions. Beyond their historical narrative, procurement, transportation, and inventory management complexities offer timeless insights into the enduring challenges logistics professionals face in ensuring operational readiness. As we delve deeper into the complexities of these requisitions and their outcomes, it becomes evident that the legacy of strategic foresight and logistical prowess perseveres. The lessons extracted from this historical chapter stand as a testament to the enduring relevance of effective logistical planning and execution in military operations, both past and present.

Preparing for conflict

The escalating tensions between settlers and Māori and the lessons of the conflicts of 1845/6 led to the acceptance that a robust force capable of deployment throughout New Zealand was necessary. In response, in May 1858, the New Zealand Parliament enacted the Militia Act of 1858. This legislation maintained the Militia’s role in defending fixed locations, obliging all eligible men to serve within their designated areas. However, it also introduced provisions for establishing volunteer units, granting them the flexibility to operate anywhere in the colony and exempting their members from militia duty. [1]

The Act restructured the country into militia districts supported by a small permanent training staff. It established a central command hub in Auckland, administered by Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel) Henry Colin Balneavis as the Deputy Adjutant General of Militia and Volunteers.[2]

Colonel Balneavis, circa 1900, by William Francis Gordon, Hartley Webster. Purchased 1916. Te Papa (O.011955/02)

Since the inception of the first New Zealand Militia units in 1845, the government had assumed responsibility for supplying arms and equipment to the Militia. The supply of Arms and equipment was initially sourced through commercial purchases and government sources such as the Colonial Store in Australia, the Ordnance Department and British Regiments, including 500 flint muskets acquired and distributed in 1845. However, as Militia units were disbanded, arms on distribution to the Militia were recalled and returned to the local magistrate, police or Ordnance Stores for safekeeping.[3] In August 1850, Major General George Dean Pitt, the Commander of the forces 1848-51, initiated a military enhancement program, which included upgrades to Wellington’s Mount Cook Barracks, Auckland’s Albert Barracks, and Fort Britomart. As part of this initiative, he also requested 500 percussion muskets from England to replace 500 flint muskets then stored by the Ordnance Store on behalf of the New Zealand Government. In May 1852, the 500 flint muskets were returned to England, while the new percussion weapons remained in the Ordnance Store.[4] However, many more Flint muskets inevitably remained in storage in the provinces.

While the Ordnance Store and British Regiments were naturally considered the primary source of military supplies for the colony, their capacity to provide stores during peacetime was constrained by an order issued by Lord Panmure, the Secretary of State for War, on 17th April 1856.[5] This directive stipulated that supplies could only be allocated to the colonial government following approval from the Secretary of State for War. However, in cases of emergency declared by the Governor, stores could be released under the condition that the colonial government reimbursed the British Government for the expenses incurred, including a 15% fee for packaging, transportation, warehousing, etc.

Panmure’s directive came into question in March 1857 when Colonel Robert Wynyard of the 58th Regiment imported 1,600 percussion rifles and 669,000 rounds of ball ammunition. Since these goods arrived before Balneavis assumed the role of Militia adjutant, the distribution of these arms remains somewhat ambiguous. Nevertheless, records indicate that 200 weapons were assigned to the Taranaki Militia, while the allocation of 1,000 rifles to Auckland was less transparent. This issue was eventually resolved, affirming the New Zealand Government’s responsibility for providing and supplying militia stores to its military and volunteer forces.

From May 1858, Balneavis began taking on charge government arms held in the 58th Regiment Armoury and the Ordnance Store, yielding varying results. During the handover of arms from the 58th armoury in May 1858, Balneavis only received 200 percussion muskets, 66 flint muskets, and 12 cases containing cutlasses, boarding spikes, old belts and other assorted accoutrements. However, the arms taken on charge from the Ordnance Store proved more fruitful. Balneavis acquired the 500 percussion muskets received in 1852 and four cases containing 120 percussion carbines with bayonets, scabbards, and additional equipment. The carbines, unused and in pristine condition, were of the same type utilised by the Auckland Police. However, there was no record of how they had been incorporated into Government service. It was speculated that they might have been included in a batch brought to New Zealand by Governor Grey in 1846 for settlers or friendly Māori. However, they were placed into the Ordnance Stores and remained unissued.

Fuelled by the potential of escalating conflict in Taranaki, the Militia experienced a resurgence, along with the formation of volunteer units, prompting the Legislative Council to place a requisition in June 1859 for arms and accoutrements on London merchants Messrs Hebbert and Co to meet its commitment to supply all militia and volunteer forces.

Messrs Hebbert and Co, a London-based military outfitter/contractor established in 1815, held contracts with Her Majesty’s Home, Indian, and Colonial Governments. Initially focused on army clothing, accoutrements, and cap-making, they also brokered contracts with external manufacturers for equipment they did not produce. In addition to their contracts with colonial governments like New Zealand, Messrs Hebbert and Co supplied items to the Confederate Navy during the United States Civil War.

First Requisition

Sent by the fastest mail to Britain in June 1859, the first requisition consisted of the following items:

  • 500 (increased to 1000) Rifles of the most improved type used by Her Majesty’s troops, with Sword Bayonets, Belts and Pouches
  • 100000 (increased to 200000) Rounds of Ball Cartridges
  • 200000 (increased to 400000) Percussion Caps, and
  • 25000 (increased to 50000) Blank rounds.

Hebbert and Co confirmed receipt of the requisition on 18 October 1859. Although, at this early stage, they could not confirm the manufacturing details, the suggestion was made that to mitigate any possible rejections taking place in Auckland and the inability to provide replacements prior to delivery, inspections under the direction of General Charles Hay, the Commander and Inspector General of Musketry be arranged and on the recommendation of the Deputy Adjutant General of Militia and Volunteers, the New Zealand Government approved this course of action.

Second Requisition

In January 1860, the issue of inadequate arms supply in the colony was brought to the attention of the Colonial Secretary. Given the burgeoning formation of Volunteer and Militia units, it became evident that the current order for rifles would not suffice. Moreover, while Cavalry Arms had been procured for 200 men, there was a pressing need for more to equip the additional Volunteer Cavalry Corps in the process of being established.

Believing that Percussion Muskets might be available in the Military or Government Stores in Australia, arranging for arms to be temporarily lent to New Zealand and returned once the rifles arrived was considered an option. Additionally, a small quantity of rifles and revolvers from Sydney and Melbourne were purchased at a reasonable cost. Ultimately, on 27th April 1860, a decision was made to supplement the initial requisition with a second rerquistions for additional arms, accoutrements and ammunition.:

  • 1000 Rifles and accoutrements to arm Militia and volunteers.
  • 300 arms and accoutrements for Cavalry Volunteers, the desired arms been.
    • 200 Revolving Carbines
    • 100 Revolving Pistols with movable shoulder stocks
  • 500000 Rounds of Ball Cartridges
  • 805000 Percussion Caps
  • 50000 Blank rounds

Additionally, separate from the primary requisition, an order for six Prize revolvers was placed on 28 April 1860.[6] These requisitions were acknowledged by Hebbert and Co on 19 May 1860, noting that communications with General Hay confirming that the Rifles were to be the same pattern as the ones to be supplied for the first order, the type of Carbines was yet to be decided.

Third Requisition

On 3 July 1860, a third request for an additional order of 1000 rifles and accoutrements was placed with Hebbert and Co, bringing the total purchase to 3000. Hebbert and Co acknowledged receipt of this third requisition on 26 September 1860, confirming that the order for rifles would be expedited without delay.

However, Hebbert and Co informed that, upon the advice of General Hay, work on manufacturing revolving carbines had ceased. It was determined that no existing model of revolving carbine was suitable for military purposes, and those produced for civilian use had been discontinued. Consequently, it was decided to replace revolving carbines with a superiorly manufactured breech-loading carbine.

The carbines eventually selected by General Hay were of the type then in use by the Indian Cavalry, resembling the pattern of artillery carbines issued by the British Government. These carbines offered several advantages, including compatibility with the bore, cartridges, and caps used for the rifles. Their sights were initially set for 300 yards but could easily be adjusted for 500 to 600 yards.

Cavalry Carbine. Terry Shattock Collection

The rifles produced by Hollis & Sheath of Birmingham for New Zealand were the latest .577-inch calibre rifles developed under General Hay’s direction. This updated design incorporated changes to the stock and barrel length and weight, rifling, and other specifications, resulting in a firearm that boasted improved accuracy and a more extended range compared to the earlier Enfield pattern. However, these modifications to the rifle design and the necessary adjustments to manufacturing machinery caused production delays. Consequently, instead of delivering the rifles in a single consignment for each requisition, the delivery schedule was divided into seven consignments. The first of these consignments was dispatched from England on 25 August 1860, with the final shipment reaching New Zealand on 19 October 1861.

Hay Pattern Rifle. Terry Shattock Collection

Logistics Preparation to receive arms

As the Deputy Adjutant General of Militia and Volunteers, Balneavis, with a small staff based in the Militia armoury at Albert Barracks, undertook multiple administrative and organisational tasks to establish the various units and satisfy the many requests for equipment submitted by unit commanders.

As the tempo of work in receiving and distributing equipment increased during 1860, assisting Balneavis as militia and volunteer storekeeper was his Sergeant Major and Clerk John Mitchell.[7] Initially employed in 1856, Mitchell was formally employed as a sergeant in May 1858. In recognition of the additional work required in organising and equipping the Militia and Volunteers, Mitchell was awarded an annual salary increase of £80 in 1861.[8] Additional assistance was provided to Balneavis and Mitchell by Mr T Gibbins, who had been employed as an arms cleaner and labourer since January 1859.[9] In October 1861, James Bloomfield joined Balneavis staff as a clerk, remaining part of the Defence Stores until December 1888. [10] To manage periods of increased activity, Balneavis regularly sought permission to hire additional arms cleaners to help with the upkeep of the Arms and Accoutrements in the Militia Armoury. For instance, on 5 December 1861, he submitted a request to employ three arms cleaners at a rate of five shillings per day (equivalent to approximately NZD $9.21 in 2024) for the month. This request was granted on 10th December.[11]

In anticipation of receiving Arms and Accoutrements, on 25th February 1861, Balneavis sought authorisation for the Colonial Secretary to inspect and mark arms arriving from England with a number and to carry out necessary alterations to accoutrements. Regarding the marking of arms, Balneavis obtained a quotation from Auckland gunsmith David Evitt, who proposed a cost of six shillings each (equivalent to approximately NZD $9.21 in 2024) to number up to 4000 arms, including Bayonets, Muzzle Stoppers, and ramrods. The Colonial Secretary sanctioned this proposal on 9th April 1861.[12]

Tawera Shipment

The initial batch of rifles comprised 410 units, with 200 being inspected on 10 August and 210 on 25 August by an armourer sergeant provided by General Hay. Each rifle underwent disassembly, with the locks examined and sights tested. Subsequently, 40 rifles underwent testing by General Hay himself. Throughout this process, 18 rifles were rejected, prompting a reduction of the consignment to 390 to avoid having a partial box of 2 rifles. The first consignment consisted of:

  • 390 Rifles, General Hay Pattern, Calibre .577 in
  • 390 Bayonets
  • 390 Bayonet Scabbards
  • 1000 Muzzle Stoppers
  • Extras for 1000 Rifles
    • 100 Lock Vice Nipple Keys
    • 100 Jags (Ball Drawer)
    • 1000 Nipples
    • 100 Snap Caps
    • 500 Snap Cap leather
    • 100 Muzzle Stoppers
  • Rifle Accoutrements
    • 360 Black Leather Pouches – 50 Rounds
    • 360 Black Leather Pouch Belts
    • 360 Black Leather waist Belts with Brass Snake hook Furniture
    • 180 Black Leather Frogs
    • 360 Black Leather Ball Bags with Oil Bottles
    • 360 Black Leather Cap Pockets
    • 360 Black Leather Gun Slings with Brass Buckles
  • Ammunition
    • 200000 Rounds Ball Cartridges
    • 50000 Rounds Blank Cartridges
    • 400000 Percussion Caps
Extracr from the Tawera Invoice

The consignment was packed into 51 cases for transport on the Brigantine Tawera, departing Gravesend on 5 September 1860. The Tawera arrived in Auckland on 22 December 1860.[13]

Included in this consignment was the order for the six Adams Pattern 54 Bore revolvers, with Bullet moulds, extra nipples, and cleaning rods specially engraved with names and inscriptions.[14]

A presentation Beaumont-Adams. Puke Ariki Accession number A57.362
A presentation Beaumont-Adams. Puke Ariki Accession number A57.362

On receipt in New Zealand, the consignment was inspected by Balneavis, who noted that the consignment had been received in good order except for some Bayonets, which required fitting, and some rifles required cleaning, which was done.

Sevilla Shipment

On 21 September, General Hay’s team inspected the second batch of 320 rifles, with 10 Rifles rejected. The consignment that was packed into 38 cases consisted of

  • 310 Rifled General Hay Pattern with Snap Caps
  • 310 Bayonets
  • 310 Bayonet Scabbards
  • Rifle Accoutrements
    • 180 Black Waxed leather frogs to complete 360 sets sent on the Tawera
    • 340 Black waxed Leather Pouches – 50 rounds
    • 340 Black waxed Leather Pouch Belts
    • 340 Black waxed Leather waist Belts
    • 340 Black waxed frogs
    • 340 Black waxed Ball bags and Oil Bottles
    • 340 Black waxed Leather Cap Pockets
    • 340 Black waxed Leather Gun Slings[15]
Extract from the Sevilla Invoice

In addition to  the Arms, accoutrements and ammunition associated with the existing requisitions, the Sevilla had also loaded an additional consignment of 76 cases of Breech-loading Carbines and ammunition ordered on behalf of the Government by Gilfillan and Company consisting of:

  • 45 Calisher & Terry Breech Loading Carbines
  • 34000 rounds of Breech-loading ammunition
  • 68000 Percussion Caps

These constituted part of a requisition placed on merchants Gilfillan and Company by the New Zealand Government on 4 April 1860 for One Hundred Revolving Carbines. [16] However, Gilfillan and Co failed to procure any Revolving Carbines and instead provided 100 Terry Breech Loading Carbines, which were delivered in three instalments.

  • First Instalment – 20 Calisher & Terry Breech Loading Carbines from Sydney on the Kate, received on 8 May 1860
  • Second Instalment – 45 Calisher & Terry Breech Loading Carbines from the United Kingdom on the Sevilla, received on 22 April 1861
  • Third Instalment – 35 Calisher & Terry Breech Loading Carbines from the United Kingdom on the Bosworth, received on 22 April 1861
Example of a Calisher & Terry .30 bore breech loading percussion carbine. Puke Ariki Accession number A76.911

Loaded onto the barque Sevilla, this consignment of Hay Rifles and accoutrements departed London and, as part of the build-up of Imperial troops in New Zealand, called into Queenstown (now Cork, Ireland) on 20 October to embark two officers and 110 men of the 14th Regiment, along with 20 saloon passengers. After a lengthy voyage of 128 days, the Sevilla anchored in Auckland Harbour on 25 February 1861.

After the unloading of the Sevilla, on 22 April, Lieutenant Colonel Balneavis chaired two inspection boards, with Captain Campbell, the Adjutant of the Auckland Militia, and Lieutenant Wayne of the Auckland Cavalry Guard serving as members. Their task was to thoroughly examine and report on the arms, accoutrements, and ammunition received from England on the Sevilla. [17]

The board’s inspection of the 310 rifles and accoutrements confirmed that the consignment was accurate and of satisfactory quality, noting that an earlier Board Consisting of Captain Campbell, Adjutant 1st Battalion Auckland Regiment and Captain Joyce Adjutant Auckland Volunteers had condemned five rifles on 14 March due to damage caused by rust.[18]

Inspecting the carbines, accoutrements, and ammunition, the board noted that, in comparison to a consignment of 20 Calisher & Terry Breech-loading carbines received from Sydney on the Kate on 8 May 1860, the carbines received from England, while serviceable, were of somewhat inferior quality, this indicates the consignment of carbines from England were Terry’s Breech-loading carbines. Nevertheless, they met the requirements for inspection. The ammunition was deemed suitable; however, it was observed that the inserts in the pouches designed for fitting cartridges were too small to accommodate the carbine ammunition adequately. Though still functional, they would require modification for optimal use.[19]

Bosworth Shipment

In October, General Hay’s team inspected the remaining rifles needed to fulfil the initial requisition of 1000 rifles. On 6 October, 300 rifles were inspected, but 12 were rejected. Another ten rifles underwent inspection on 15 October and passed. Together with the two rifles held over from the first consignment, this completed the consignment of 300 rifles.

The final consignment included the remaining equipment from the first requisition and the total amount of ammunition from the second requisition. These items were packed into 36 cases, comprising:

  • 300 Rifles General Hay Pattern
  • 300 Bayonets
  • 300 Bayonet Scabbards
  • Rifle Accoutrements
    • 300 Black waxed Leather Pouches – 50 rounds
    • 300 Black waxed Leather Pouch Belts
    • 300 Black waxed Leather waist Belts
    • 300 Black waxed frogs
    • 300 Black waxed Ball bags and Oil Bottles
    • 300 Black waxed Leather Cap Pockets
    • 300 Black waxed Leather Gun Slings
  • Ammunition
    • 500000 Rounds Ball Cartridges
    • 50000 Rounds Blank Cartridges
    • 805000 Percussion Caps[20]
Extract from the Bosworth Invoice

In addition to  the Arms, accoutrements and ammunition associated with the existing requisitions, the Bosworth had also loaded an additional consignment of 193 cases of Terry Breech-loading Carbines and ammunition ordered on behalf of the Government by Gilfillan and Company consisting of

  • 35 Terry Breech Loading Carbines contained in 5 cases
  • An unknown quantity of Breech Loading Carbine ammunition in 188 cases[21]

These consignments were transported on the vessel Bosworth, sailing from Gravesend and arriving in Auckland on 6 March 1861, making the passage from England in 108 days.

After the unloading process on the Bosworth, Lieutenant Colonel Balneavis chaired two inspection boards, with Captain Campbell, the Adjutant of the Auckland Militia, and Lieutenant Wayne of the Auckland Cavalry Guard serving as members. Their task was to thoroughly examine and report on the arms, accoutrements, and ammunition received from England on the Bosworth.

The board’s inspection of the 300 rifles, ammunition, and accessories confirmed that the consignment was accurate and satisfactory. However, it was noted that one keg of rifle ammunition, containing 700 rounds and caps, was missing, presumably lost during transit. The ship’s agent reimbursed the government for the missing keg with a cheque of £3.9.6. (2024 NZD $1067.55) [22]

Upon inspecting the carbines, accoutrements, and ammunition, the board noted that in comparison to a consignment of 20 Terry’s Breech-loading carbines received from Sydney on the Kate on 8 May 1860, the carbines received from England, while serviceable, were of somewhat inferior quality. Nevertheless, they met the requirements for inspection. The ammunition was deemed suitable; however, it was observed that the inserts in the pouches designed for fitting cartridges were too small to accommodate the carbine ammunition adequately. Though still functional, they would require modification for optimal use.[23]

African Shipment

As the Bosworth was midway through its voyage, preparations were underway to dispatch the first batch of rifles from the second requisition. On 21 December 1860, General Hay reported that 720 rifles had undergone testing and met the required standards; thus, they were accepted. The consignment, packed into 105 cases, was scheduled for shipment on the vessel African. It included additional stores and accoutrements for 1000 rifles and 300 carbines.:

  • 720 Rifles General Hay Pattern
  • 720 Bayonets
  • 1000 Bayonet Scabbards
  • 1000 Muzzle Stoppers
  • Extras for 1000 Rifles
    • 100 Lock Vice Nipple Keys
    • 100 Jags
    • 1000 Nipples
    • 100 Snap Caps
    • 500 Snap Cap leather
    • 100 Muzzle Stoppers
  • Rifle Accoutrements
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Pouches – 50 rounds
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Pouch Belts
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather waist Belts
    • 1000 Black waxed frogs
    • 1000 Black waxed Ball bags and Oil Bottles
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Cap Pockets
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Gun Slings
  • 300 Cavalry Swords, Steel Moulded with Steel Scabbard
  • Cavalry Accoutrements
    • 300 Patent Leather pouches – 20 Rounds
    • 300 Buff Leather Pouch Belt
    • 300 Buff Leather Carbine Swivel Heads and carriages
    • 300 Buff Leather Waist Belts
    • 300 Buff Leather Cap Pockets
    • 300 Brown Leather Ball Bags
    • 300 Brown Leather Ball Bag Slings
    • 300 Brown Leather Ball Bag Slings
    • 300 Brown Leather Carbine Pockets
    • 300 Brown Leather Carbine Pocket Straps
    • 300 Buff Leather Sword Knots[24]
Extract of the African Invoice

Scheduled to depart from Gravesend on 2 January 1861, the African encountered delays due to being icebound in St. Katherine’s Dock. Consequently, its departure was postponed until 8 February, arriving in Auckland on 7 June 1861. Alongside the transportation of New Zealand Arms and Accoutrements, the African also accommodated two officers from the 57th Regiment of Foot and a contingent of logistics personnel destined for New Zealand as part of the Imperial reinforcements. This contingent included Deputy Assistant Commissary General Innes, five Commissariat officers and their families, two members of the Armourers Corps, five Royal Artillery Conductors, two Stores Clerks, and one Purveyor’s Clerk.

Waterlily Shipment

Departing London on 11 February 1861 and arriving in Auckland on 18 June, the Schooner Waterlily carried the following items ordered on the second requisition.

  • 100 Best Plain Adams Revolvers with all the latest improvements, 54 Guage
  • 100 Movable Stocks with fittings
  • 10 Bullet Moulds to cast two conical Bullets
  • 10 Cleaning Rods with Jags
  • 10 Nipple Keys
  • 10 Turnscrews
  • 10 Powder Flasks with regulated tops
  • 200 Nipples
  • Revolver Ammunition
    • 30000 Pistol Cartridges
    • 45000 Caps Percussion[25]
Extract of the Waterlily Invoice
Beaumont-Adams with stock. Puke Ariki Accession number A73.333
A flat rectangular wooden case for an Adams patent revolver. The case is lined with green felt and contains the revolver, a wooden skeleton stock, a cleaning rod, two bags of bullets and a wooden percussion cap phial. Puke Ariki Accession number A73.334

Broadwater Shipment

On 4 January 1861, General Hay reported that 303 Rifles had been tested, with 21 rifles rejected, prompting a reduction of the consignment to 280 rifles to avoid having a partial box of 2 rifles. This batch of 280 completed the rifle order for the second requisition. Added to this was an additional batch of 290 rifles of the third requisition, which had also been tested and passed, making a total consignment of 570 rifles for dispatch on the Broadwater. The total consignment consisted of:

  • 570 Rifles General Hay Pattern
  • 570 Bayonets
  • 1000 Bayonet Scabbards
  • Accoutrements for 1000 Rifles
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Pouches – 50 rounds
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Pouch Belts
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather waist Belts
    • 1000 Black waxed frogs
    • 1000 Black waxed Ball bags and Oil Bottles
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Cap Pockets
    • 1000 Black waxed Leather Gun Slings[26]
Extract from Broadwater Invoice

After departing Gravesend on 3 April and a voyage of 114 days, the Broadwater arrived in Auckland on 29 July.

Northumberland Shipment

Following the final acceptance tests by General Hay of the final batches of Rifles and Carbines, the consignment was prepared and included spare parts for the entire 3000 rifles and 300 Carbines supplied. Packed into 98 cases, the consignment consisted of:

  • 710 Rifles General Hay Pattern
  • 710 Bayonets
  • Extras for 1000 Rifles
    • 100 Lock Vice Nipple Keys
    • 100 Jags
    • 1000 Nipples
    • 100 Snap Caps
    • 500 Snap Cap leather
  • Extras for 3000 Rifles
    • 15 Rough Stock15 Stocks complete15 Sights60 Finished Hammers60 Hammers in the rough90 Tumbler Pins60 Main Springs60 Sears30 Forged Main Springs60 Sear Springs30 Tumblers15 Bridles60 Left Lock Pins60 Lock Swivels30 Left Bands60 Left Nail30 Rammers30 Bayonets60 Bayonet Rings9 Guards in the rough15 Trigger Plates30 Trigger Plates30 Butt Swivels30 Band Swivels30 Hammer Springs45 Sets Wood Screws
    • 150 Light slides
  • 300 Cavalry Carbines Rifled sighted to 300 yards, to pattern selected by General Hay
  • Extras for 300 Carbines
    • 30 Cramp Keys300 Nipples30 Jags30 Snap caps30 Muzzle stoppers150 Snap Cap Leather2 Finished Stocks2 Sights5 Hammers10 Hammers in the rough10 Tumbler Pins5 Sets Wood Screes8 Main Springs4 Main Springs in the rough8 Sear Springs8 Sears3 Tumblers2 Bridles8 Sets lock Pins10 Lock Swivels3 Bands5 Rammers5 Rammer Springs1 Guard and 2 Trigger Plates4 Triggers3 Slide Bars10 Rings for Bars
    • 3 Rough Stocks[27]
Extract from Northumberland Invoice

This shipment, delivering the final items of the three requisitions initiated in June 1859, departed London on 10 May 1861 on the vessel Northumberland, arriving in Auckland on 13 September 1861.

As with other shipments, on 19 October, Balneavis assembled a board consisting of Captain Campbell, the Adjutant of the 1st Battalion Auckland Militia and Captain Wilson, the Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion Auckland Militia, to examine and report on the stores landed from the Northumberland. Their report concluded that the consignment was of sound and serviceable quality and that the rifles and Carbines received bore the same as rifles received in previous shipments.[28]

Cost

As detailed in Table One, the aggregate expenditure for all arms and accoutrements procured from Hebbert and Co amounted to £22,272.16.1 (equivalent to 2024 NZD $6,797,770.77). While existing appropriations covered the expenses for the prize pistols, the remaining costs for arms and accoutrements were charged against the 1860 War Loan.

Table One: Arms, Accoutrements and Ammunition procured from Hebbert and Co

Given New Zealand’s constrained revenue, the government found the Taranaki conflict financially challenging. Consequently, in September 1860, a War Loan of £150,000 (2024 NZD $46,765,267.07) was raised to address expenses associated with the conflict, encompassing costs incurred from 1857 up to September 1860.[29]

Table Two: Expenditure on Arms, Accoutrements and Ammunition against the 1860 War Loan
 

Distribution

Since assuming the role of Deputy Adjutant General, Balneavis faced a significant challenge due to his lack of comprehensive information on the total inventory of arms belonging to the New Zealand government and their distribution. However, by September 1860, returns from the districts detailed in Table 3 revealed that 3,417 arms of various types were distributed across all districts.[31]

Table 3 – Distribution of Arms belonging to the Government of New Zealand, 1 September 1860

With this information in hand, Balneavis could confirm the following:

  • Militia units were adequately equipped.
  • Volunteer Cavalry in the Auckland Province were armed with revolvers, breech-loading rifles, and swords.
  • Volunteer Rifle Corps in Auckland and Taranaki were also equipped.
  • Apart from the Auckland and Taranaki units listed above, no other Volunteer Corps across New Zealand were armed.
  • Approximately 550 rounds of ball ammunition were available for every rifle in use, with Taranaki and Wellington holding stock of 2000 rounds each.
  • There was a much larger supply of percussion ammunition for every musket in use.

This information empowered Balneavis to prioritise the redistribution of arms between military and volunteer units, thus expediting the dispatch of new arms upon their arrival from England. With the arrival of the Tawera, Sevilla, and Bosworth, Balneavis issued instructions on 6 and 8 March 1861 to redistribute arms.

  • 200 1856 Pattern (Sword) Short Rifle in use by the Auckland Rifle Volunteers be issued to the different sergeants of all volunteer corps and those remaining to Bands
  • 100 Enfield Pattern 53 Rifles in use by the Auckland Rifle Volunteers be issued to the 1st Battalion Auckland Militia
  • 300 Hay Pattern Rifles to be issued to the Auckland Rifle Volunteers
  • 200 Hay Pattern Rifles be issued to the two companies of Onehunga Volunteers
  • 100 Hay Pattern Rifles be issued to the Southern Rifle Volunteers
  • Hay Pattern Rifles be issued to the Auckland Coast Guard Volunteers (No Qty Provided)
  • As many of the Enfield Pattern 53 Rifles and Enfield Pattern 1839/Pattern 1842 Muskets in possession of the Onehunga Volunteers that Lieutenant Colonel Kenny can spare be returned to the Store in Auckland
  • All further shipments of Hay Pattern Rifles be prioritised for the issue to Southern Volunteer units
  • 80 Terry Carbines be issued to the:
    • Royal Cavalry Volunteers
    • Auckland Cavalry Guard[32]

Summary

In the 19th century, New Zealand’s military logistics history was characterised by strategic foresight, administrative hurdles, and coordination efforts amidst rising tensions and conflicts between settlers and Māori. A significant turning point came with the implementation of the Militia Act of 1858, which led to extensive requisitions for arms, ammunition, and equipment from Hebbert and Co., a military outfitter based in London. Lord Panmura’s directive in 1855, placing constraints on the provision of British military stores to colonial forces, prompted New Zealand to develop a requisition program that relied less on British sources. This initiative, initiated in 1859 and expanded in 1860, aimed to outfit New Zealand’s growing militia and volunteer forces while adhering to the latest standards of the British Army as closely as possible.

The initial requisition in June 1859 marked the beginning of efforts to enhance the colony’s defensive capabilities, with subsequent requisitions driven by evolving strategic needs and logistical deficiencies. The introduction of modern Hays rifles and Calisher and Terry carbines showcased the planning and resource allocation required within a colonial context. Despite delays in production and transportation, the procurement process persisted, facilitated by the dedication of individuals like Lieutenant Colonel Balneavis and his team, who conducted the logistics preparation and organisational tasks, including inspection, marking, alteration and distribution of arms and equipment. The distribution of arms among militia and volunteer units was prioritised based on strategic considerations and the availability of existing inventory. Additionally, financial constraints necessitated raising a War Loan to address expenses associated with the Taranaki conflict and arms procurement.

The lessons from this historical chapter resonate with military logisticians’ enduring challenges, emphasising the significance of strategic foresight, administrative efficiency, and resource management in ensuring operational readiness. As New Zealand navigated the complexities of colonial defence, its military logistics history is a testament to the enduring relevance of effective logistical planning and execution in military operations.


Notes

[1] Parliamentary Counsel Office, “Militia Act 1858,”  http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/ma185821a22v1858n8223/.

[2] Under-Secretary William Gisborne, Commission for Captain Balneavis as Deputy Adjutant General, Archives New Zealand Item Id  r24487365 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1859).

[3] It remains unclear whether the 500 Flint muskets mentioned were intended for all the militias (Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, and Taranaki) or solely for the Auckland Militia.

[4] Major of Brigade, Arms and Ammunition Issued for New Plymouth Militia Are to Be Paid For, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24118692 (New Zealand Archives, 1858).

[5] Notice to Foreign Stations from War Department, 19 April 1856 ibid.

[6] It is probable that these prize pistols were for awarded for service associated with the Battle of Waireka on 28 March 1860. Hayden Hughes, “The Adams Percussion Revolver in New Zealand Wars.”

[7] Captain Balneavis, Requesting to Be Allowed Another Assistant to Keep Arms in Order, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24099683 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1858).

[8] “Report of the Audit Committee of 1861,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives 1861 Session I, B-01a  (1861).

[9] “Nominal Return of All Officers in the Employ of the Governmant: Their Duties, Salaries, Location and Dates of Appointment,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1866 Session I, D-03  (1866): 12.

[10] “Reductions in Civil Service,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1888 Session I, H-30, 11 May 1888.

[11] Deputy Adjutant General to Colonial Secretary, Authority to employ Arms Cleaners 5 December 1861.  F.D Fell, “To Forward Return of Arms Issued and in Store,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24075932  (1861).

[12] Deputy Adjutant-General, “Authority to Mark Arms Received from England,” ibid.

[13] Hebbert and Co Invoice Tawera 25 August 1860. Acknowledging Instructions to Pay Hebbert and Company, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24133820 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1862).

[14] Probable recipients were Beaumont Adams Patent: No 36204R “Presented by the N.Z. Government to John Phillips for gallantry at Taranaki AD 1860”  – (Puke Ariki Collection)

Beaumont Adams Patent: No 26174 “Presented by the N.Z. Government to James Ball for gallant conduct in the field at Taranaki, AD 1860” – (Puke Ariki Collection)

Beaumont Adams Patent: No 34367R “Presented by the N.Z. Government to member Frank Mace of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers for gallantry in the field on 28 March 1860 at Waireka, New Plymouth, Taranaki.” – (Puke Ariki Collection)

Beaumont Adams Patent: No 33550R “Presented by the N.Z. Government to member Charles Messenger of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers for gallantry in the field on 28 March 1860 at Waireka, New Plymouth, and Taranaki.” – (Puke Ariki Collection)

Beaumont Adams Patent: No 36203R “Presented by the N.Z. Government to Robert Old for gallant conduct in the field at Taranaki, AD 1860” (Auckland War Museum)

Beaumont Adams Patent: No ?????: “Presented by the N.Z. Government to member Edward Messenger of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers for gallantry in the field on 28 March 1860 at Waireka, New Plymouth, Taranaki.” (Location unknown) Terry Shattock, 26 February 2024.   “Taranaki,” Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1740, 15 July 1862.

[15] Hebbert and Co Invoice Sevilla 20 September 1860, Acknowledging Instructions to Pay Hebbert and Company.

[16] Gilfillan and Co, Have Ordered Carbines Etc from Sydney, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24487421 (New Zealand Archives, 1860).

[17] Deputy Adjutant General, Proceedings of a Board ‘Sevilla’, 310 Rifles, 180 Frogs, 340 Sets Accoutrements, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24488115 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1861).

[18] Proceedings of a Board ‘Sevilla’, 5 Condemmed, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24488054 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1861).

[19] Proceedings of a Board ‘Sevilla’, 45 Breech-Loading Carbines, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24488117 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1861).

[20] Hebbert and Co Invoice Bosworth 10 October 1860. Acknowledging Instructions to Pay Hebbert and Company.

[21] Letter Gilfillan to Colonial Secretary 4 March 1861. John Alexander Gilfillan, Received Arms for the Govt by the “Bosworth”, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24131367 (New Zealand Archives, 1861).

[22] Deputy Adjutant General, Proceedings of a Board ‘Bosworth’, 300 Rifles,, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24488116 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1861).

[23] Proceedings of a Board “Bosworth’, 35 Breech Loading Carbines, Ammunition, Accoutrements, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24488114 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1861).

[24] Hebbert and Co Invoice African 31 December 1860. Acknowledging Instructions to Pay Hebbert and Company.

[25] Hebbert and Co Invoice Waterlily 13 January 1861. Ibid.

[26] Hebbert and Co Invoice Broadwater 19 March 1861. Ibid.

[27] Hebbert and Co Invoice Northumberland 22 April 1861. Ibid.

[28] Proceedings of a Board ‘Northumberland’ 710 Rifles, 300 Carbines  ibid.

[29] “Return of the Amount Expended out of the War Loan of 150000 from 1 October 1860 to 12 June 1861,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1861 Session I, B-05  (1861).

[30] “Return of the Amount Expended out of the War Loan of 150000 from 13th June 1861 to 31st March 1862,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1862 Session I, B-04  (1862).

[31] Schedule of Accounts and Papers Laid Upon the Table – Arms and Ammunition, a Return Showing the Distribution of Arms Belonging to the Government of New Zealand, Archives New Zealand Item Id  r17684521 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1860).

[32] Deputy Adjutant General, Distribution of Rifles and Carbines, Archives New Zealand Item Id R24488026 (New Zealand Archives, 1861).


Captain Sam Cosgrave Anderson, Defence Storekeeper 1879-1899: A Life of Service and Dedication

Captain Sam Cosgrave Anderson, a figure often overshadowed but undeniably significant in New Zealand’s military logistics history, came into this world in 1841, born to Frank Anderson and Margaret Cosgrove in Belfast, Ireland. Although details of Anderson’s formative years and education remain elusive, a pivotal juncture emerged in 1863 when he embarked on a journey that led him to the Colony of New Zealand. This marked the genesis of a path that would shape an illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark on New Zealand’s military logistics landscape.

Upon his arrival in New Zealand, Captain Anderson’s commitment to service saw him mustered into the ranks of No 7 Company, Waikato Militia, where he served for nineteen months across the Waikato and Thames districts. Following his stint in the militia, Anderson transitioned to the Commissariat Department in Auckland as a clerk. This seemingly modest role laid the bedrock for his subsequent contributions to New Zealand’s military logistical operations.[1]

Unfazed by the challenges of his era, Captain Anderson ventured to the West Coast Goldfields on an unsuccessful quest to find his fortune. By 1868, his journey led him to Wanganui, and on 25 October that year, he assumed the role of Clerk to the Militia Quartermaster at Patea. The journey of Captain Anderson continued to unfold as he accepted the position of Clerk in Wellington under the Defence Inspector of Stores, Lieutenant Colonel. Edward Gorton, on 27 April 1869.[2]

Captain Anderson’s ambition and dedication propelled him to seek a transfer from the Inspector of Stores office to become the Defence Storekeeper in July 1869. His subsequent elevation to the role of Armed Constabulary Storekeeper on 1 December 1869 marked a pivotal point in his career trajectory. This position, equivalent in grade and compensation to the Defence Storekeepers in Auckland, Whanganui, and Wellington, was stationed at the Mount Cook Barracks on Buckle Street, serving as the epicentre of New Zealand’s Armed Constabulary and Defence Forces.

A prominent figure under the jurisdiction of the Under Secretary of Defence, Captain Anderson assumed command of the Defence Stores on 18 May 1878 to 9 January 1877. [3] This phase of Anderson’s career was one of transition for the military as it evolved from a force focused on domestic defence to one oriented towards external security, which brought new challenges and responsibilities to Anderson’s purview.[4] Notably, over the next thirty years, he spearheaded the systematic reception and distribution of weaponry, overseeing the progression from Snider rifles and carbines to the introduction of the Martini-Henry Rifle in the 1890s.[5]

Captain Anderson’s indomitable spirit and commitment were exemplified in his involvement in the closing chapters of the New Zealand Wars. The Parihaka campaign of 1881 saw him participate in a government-led expedition to restore order and conclude a period of civil disobedience. While morally dubious, this campaign ended the dispute but left enduring emotional and social scars. Captain Anderson’s logistical prowess earned acclaim, particularly in providing provisions, transportation and accommodation for the Volunteers and  Constabulary.[6]

Officers of the NZ Armed Constabulary at Parihaka. Back, left to right: Captains W E Gudgeon, H Morrison, Gordon, Taylor, Powell, Fortescue, S Newall and Major A Tuke. Front, left to right: Captains Baker and Anderson, Lieutenant-Colonel John Mackintosh Roberts, Captains Gilbert Mair, Henry William Northcroft, W B Messenger and Major F Y Goring. Cowan, James, 1870-1943 :Collection of photographs. Ref: 1/1-017952-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23057608

Officers of the NZ Armed Constabulary at Parihaka. Back, left to right: Captains W E Gudgeon, H Morrison, Gordon, Taylor, Powell, Fortescue, S Newall and Major A Tuke. Front, left to right: Captains Baker and Anderson, Lieutenant-Colonel John Mackintosh Roberts, Captains Gilbert Mair, Henry William Northcroft, W B Messenger and Major F Y Goring. 

Captain Anderson was recommended for a commission for his exemplary efforts during the Parihaka campaign, culminating in his gazetting as a New Zealand Constabulary Quartermaster with the Rank of Captain in the New Zealand Militia in January 1882.[7] Simultaneously, he undertook the mantle of Quartermaster for the Permanent Militia, cementing his multifaceted contributions to the nation’s defence.[8]

Captain Anderson’s narrative transcends his military endeavours alone. A significant chapter unfolded with the birth of his son, Frank Lionel, on 9 February 1871 in Wellington. Frank Lionel’s arrival preceded his parents’ official marriage. It was the product of a relationship with Sarah Ann Fryson/Tyson née Gyde, which adds depth to Captain Anderson’s life story.

1872 Captain Anderson married Mary Ann White, a union that brought companionship and shared aspirations. However, life’s challenges were not far behind, and the passing of his wife on 12 September 1889 in Wellington marked a poignant moment of loss and reflection.

The evolution of the military demanded adaptive measures in logistics and management. In conjunction with Sergeant Majors Robert George Vinning Parker and Frederick Silver of the Permanent Artillery, Captain Anderson contributed to establishing a system of Artillery Stores Accounting that endured into the early 20th century, showcasing his willingness to embrace innovation and optimise resource utilisation.[9]

Despite the evolving landscape of military organisation, Captain Anderson’s role as Defence Storekeeper retained its essential structure. Delegating responsibilities to his chief Clerk, Thomas Henry Sewell, Anderson ensured the smooth operation of the Wellington Defence Stores while he focused on supporting the force on a national level.[10] Amidst economic downturns, changing armament, and a shifting military landscape, his steadfast leadership navigated challenges, fostering stability and readiness.

In 1893 the Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, Colonel Francis John Fox, commended Anderson stating that,

Captain Anderson is Storekeeper. This officer has a great deal of responsibility, keeps his stores in good order, and is thoroughly competent and to be relied on.[11]

Fox’s commendation in 1893 underscored Captain Anderson’s pivotal role as Storekeeper, a position demanding both reliability and competence. This acknowledgement resonated throughout his years of dedicated service, only interrupted by a three-month leave of absence prompted by medical advice in April 1899.

The eve of the 20th century heralded a significant test of Captain Anderson’s capabilities. With the outbreak of the South Africa war, the New Zealand Government committed a contingent to the Imperial forces. Urgent mobilisation necessitated rapid procurement and distribution of equipment and uniforms. Captain Anderson and his team worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the assembling contingent, showcasing their commitment to the nation’s defence.

Tragically, Captain Anderson’s life was cut short on 7 December 1899, succumbing to a brief illness believed to be attributed to the stress and extended work hours that characterised his dedication.[12] Captain Anderson found his final resting place alongside his wife at St. John’s Anglican Churchyard Cemetery in Johnsonville, Wellington.

His legacy is a testament to his service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defence, which until now has gone unrecognised. However, from now on, his story should influence and inspire future generations of New Zealand military logisticians, reflecting the epitome of selfless dedication to duty and the betterment of his country.


Notes

[1] Cyclopedia Company Limited, The Cyclopedia of New Zealand. [Wellington Provincial District] (Cyclopedia Company, 1897), 330. https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc01Cycl-t1-body-d4-d17-d1.html#name-413980-mention.

[2] “Death of Captain Anderson,” Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 138 (Wellington), 8 December 1899, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18991208.2.55.

[3] “Appointment of Defence Storekeepers,” New Zealand Gazette, Issue 47, 23 May 1878.

[4] “Appointment of Defence Storekeepers.”

[5] “Report on the New Zealand Permanent and Volunteer Forces “, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1893 Session I, H-09  (1893), https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1893-I.2.3.2.10.

[6] “Native affairs,” Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2386, 25 November 1881, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GLOBE18811125.2.13.

[7] “Parihaka News,” Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3527, 25 November 1881, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18811125.2.14.

[8] Cyclopedia Company Limited, The Cyclopedia of New Zealand. [Wellington Provincial District].

[9] Archives New Zealand, “Frederick Silver,” Personal File, Record no R23513983 (Wellington) 1976-1900, https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19149654.

[10] J Balance, “Thomas Henry Sewell appointed as Assistant Storekeeper,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24280543  (24 March 1886).

[11] “Report on the New Zealand Permanent and Volunteer Forces “.

[12] “Death of Captain Anderson.”


NZ Defence Stores July 1870 – June 1871

Head Office – Wellington

  • Inspector of Stores – Edward Gorton
  • Clerk – George Simpson Lockie

Wellington Defence Stores -Mount  Cook Depot, Buckle Street

  • Storekeeper – Henry Elmhirst Reader
  • Clerk – Alexander Crowe
  • Armourer Edward Metcalf Smith
  • Armourer – Edwin Henry Bradford
  • Arms Cleaners
    • William Warren
    • John Shaw
    • James Smith
    • Walter Christie
  • Magazine Keeper –  William Corliss

Auckland Defence Stores – Albert Barracks

  • StoreKeeper – William St Clair Tisdall
  • Clerk – John Blomfield
  • Clerk – John Price
  • Armourer – George Evitt
  • Arms Cleaners
    • Thomas Gibbins
    • Charles Phillips
    • William Cook Rockley
    • John Penligen
  • Magazine Keeper – John Broughton

District Sub Storekeepers

District Sub Storekeepers at:[1]

  • Hamilton
  • Tauranga
  • Opotiki
  • Te Wairoa (Rotorua)
  • Tauranga
  • Napier
  • Marton
  • Wanganui
  • Patea
  • New Plymouth
  • Blenheim
  • Nelson
  • Christchurch
  • Hokitika
  • Dunedin
  • Invercargill

Defence Stores Stock Holdings

As of 17 August 1870, Small Arms, Ordnance and Ammunition in military use in New Zealand consisted of:[2]

In Store

Small Arms

  • Snider (All Patterns)  2293
  • Medium Hay Pattern                                                                   7726
  • Enfield Pattern 1853                                                                   1460
  • Rifle Breech Calisher & Terry                                                       26 
  • Rifle Sword Short Enfield Pattern 1853                               33
  • Rifle Spencer                                                                                     4
  • Rifle Mont Storm                                                                              5
  • Percussion Muskets Pattern 1839                                    222
  • Carbine Breech Calisher & Terry                                                284
  • Carbine Muzzle Enfield Artillery Carbine                                 67
  • Carbine Revolver Colt                                                                     4
  • Carbine Percussion Various Types                                             12
  • Revolvers, Various types                                                               215
  • Swords Cavalry                                                                                  153

Ordnance

  • RBL 40 Pounder                                                                                2
  • RBL 6 Pounder                                                                                  2
  • 24 Pounder Howitzer                                                                     3
  • 42/5 inch Mortars                                                                            11
  • 6 Pounder Carronade                                                                     1
  • 3 Pounder Smooth Bore                                                                 1

Small Arms Ammunition

  • Snider                                                                                                   470228
  • Enfield                                                                                  1804983
  • BL Carbine                                                                          251324
  • Revolver                                                                              287148
  • Precussion Muisket                                                         160152

Ordnance

  • Cartridge                                                                             14145
  • Shot/Shell                                                                           22806

On Issue

Small Arms

  • Snider (All Patterns)                                                       208
  • Medium Hay Pattern                                                      9263
  • Enfields Pattern 1853                                                      6473
  • Rifle Breech Calisher & Terry                                       7
  • Rifle Sword Short Enfield Pattern 1853                     224
  • Rifle Spencer                                                                      4
  • Percussion Muskets Pattern 1839                              1007
  • Carbine Breech                                                                  1271
  • Carbine Muzzle Enfield Artillery Carbine                 218
  • Carbine Revolver Colt                                                     2
  • Carbine Percussion Various Types                             267
  • Revolvers, Various types                                               934
  • Swords Cavalry                                                                  903

Ordnance

  • RBL 12 Pounder                                                                6
  • RBL 6 Pounder                                                                  4
  • 6 Pounder Brass Gun                                                      1
  • 24 Pounder Howitzer                                                     7
  • 32 Pounder Iron Guns                                                    3
  • 24 Pounder Iron Guns                                                    8
  • 12 Pounder Iron Guns                                                    5

By August 17, 1870, the inventory of Camp Equipment, Implements, and Saddlery utilised by the New Zealand Military comprised the following items:

In Store

  • Tents, Circular                    326
  • Tents, Indian                      30
  • Tents, F.O Marquee        13
  • Waterproof Sheets         523
  • Blankets                               647
  • Axe Felling                          166
  • Axe Pick                               1036
  • Hook Fern                           115
  • Hook Bill                               91
  • Spade                                   1298
  • Shovel                                  1214
  • Wheel Barrow                   413
  • Mattocks                             111
  • Cross Cut Saw                    41
  • Saddle Riding                     285
  • Bridles                                  262
  • Pack Saddles                      101

On Issue

  • Tents, Circular                    130
  • Tents, Indian                      14
  • Waterproof Sheets         58
  • Blankets                               275
  • Axe Felling                          235
  • Axe Pick                               239
  • Hook Fern                           90
  • Hook Bill                               35
  • Spade                                   400
  • Shovel                                  291
  • Wheel Barrow                   85
  • Mattocks                             18
  • Cross Cut Saw                    14
  • Saddle Riding                     48
  • Bridles                                  48
  • Pack Saddles                      47[3]

Inspections

While not a comprehensive compilation, Gorton, in his role as Inspector of Stores, carried out inspections during the specified period at the following locations:

  • July 1870, Auckland
  • August 1870, Wanganui and Napier
  • December 1870, Wanganui and Auckland
  • April 1871, Christchurch
  • May 1871, Dunedin
  • June 1871, Auckland, Tauranga, Thames

Mount Albert Powder Magazine

In February of 1871, newspapers carried reports about a rumour circulating regarding the arrest of an individual suspected of attempting to ignite the powder magazine at Albert Barracks. These allegations’ accuracy remained uncertain, spurring a call to implement strict measures to safeguard the magazine from potential incidents. Interestingly, changes had occurred after the British Garrison’s departure; formerly, not even a lit pipe or cigar would have been permitted past the vigilant sentry at the gates. However, the entry regulations had since been relaxed, even allowing for firing rockets within the Barrack-square on multiple occasions. This alteration raised concerns about the decline in vigilance.[4]

Adding to the discomfort was the realisation that the amount of powder stored within the Albert Barrack magazine exceeded the quantity recorded in official documents. The concern stemmed from the potential for an explosion capable of causing catastrophic damage to Auckland, resulting in the loss of numerous lives across a wide area. Given the magazine’s central location within a densely populated city, urgent appeals were directed towards the authorities, urging them to exercise the utmost caution and explore the possibility of relocating the magazine to a safer site.. Satisfyin the demand of the local population, an announcement was made in March that the Powder Magazine was to be transferred from Albert Barrack to Mount Eden.[5] In May of 1871, the process of soliciting bids for the construction of a powder magazine at Mount Eden was initiated.[6]

Rifle Sights

After a thorough inspection of a batch of rifles by the armourers revealed unauthorised modifications to the sights, Gorton issued a directive in November 1870. This directive brought attention to the fact that specific rifles had been subject to unauthorised alterations to their back sights. Gorton’s instruction explicitly stated that any rifles found to have been altered should be immediately returned to the stores. Additionally, he warned that volunteers using the modified rifles during Government prize competitions would be disqualified.

Iron Sand Experiments

Armorurer and Artificer Edward Metcalf Smith had amassed several years of experience in the iron industry before commencing a gunsmith apprenticeship at the Royal Small Arms factories in London and Enfield, followed by a tenure at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Arriving in New Zealand in 1861 as the Garrison Armorer, he progressed to the role of armourer for the Taranaki Militia and Taranaki Rifle Volunteers in 1864. While in Taranaki, he developed a keen interest in establishing a viable iron industry using Taranaki iron sands.[7]

By 1871, Smith had relocated to Wellington, assuming the position of Defence Armourer. Leveraging the resources of the Armourers shop, he persisted in refining his iron sand smelting process through experimentation and innovation.[8]


Notes

[1] District Sub Storekeepers roles encompassed dual responsibilities. These holders often held other functions, such as Militia Drill Instructors or Sub Storekeepers for the Public Works Department. In certain instances, Armed Constabulary Sub-Storekeepers also undertook the role of District Sub Storekeepers.

[2] Inspector of Stores Edward Gorton, Reporting on system of Store Accounts and with returns of Arms Ordnance Ammunition ans various Stores, Archives New Zealand Item ID R24174887, (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 17 August, 1870).

[3] Edward Gorton, Reporting on system of Store Accounts and with returns of Arms Ordnance Ammunition ans various Stores.

[4] “The Power magazine  “, New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2196 (Auckland), 8 February 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18710208.2.11.

[5] “Local Epitome,” New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 22i8 (Auckland), 6 March 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18710306.2.5.

[6] “The Power magazine  “, New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2278 (Auckland), 15 May 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18710515.2.14.

[7] “Edward Metcalf Smith,” NZETC.victoria.ac.nz. , 1993, accessed 9 April, 2023, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2s31/smith-edward-metcalf.

[8] “Experiments with Iron Sand,” Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4901, 27 May 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18710527.2.19.


The identity of Ngāti Tumatauenga

Met by a combination of mutual mistrust on the one hand and a sense of opportunity on the other, the earliest contacts between Māori and Europeans would grow into a mutually beneficial economic relationship by the 1840s and 1850s. The Treaty of Waitangi sealed the relationship, with a vital element becoming amalgamation. Māori were granted the rights and privileges of British subjects under a universal system under the treaty’s terms and early colonial laws. Unfortunately, the relationship was often one-sided, favouring the Crown and settlers who would set the terms of the amalgamation process into one of assimilation, intending to absorb Māori into the white settler world. This path led to conflict, followed by erecting barriers between Māori and Settlers that would endure for generations. One Hundred and Seventy-Nine years after the treaty’s signing, the relationship between Māori and Europeans has matured, with many colonial-era grievances reconciled or on the path of reconciliation. A sign of how far the nation’s relationship between Māori and Europeans has matured is found in one of the institutions of the state, the Army, now recognised as the standalone iwi: Ngāti Tumatauenga – ‘Tribe of the God of War’.

Ngāti Tumatauenga is the youngest iwi of New Zealand, established in 1994 as the result of an initiative by the Chief of General Staff (CGS), Major General Anthony Leonard Birks, CB, OBE. The CGS intended to regenerate the Army’s culture into a “uniquely New Zealand Military culture by combining appropriate aspects of European and Māori heritage to enhance further the cohesion, morale and esprit de corps of the Army”.[1]Established with the blessing of the veterans of the 28th Maoi Battalion, the Māori Queen and iwi surrounding Waiouru; Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Tuhoe. [2] Ngāti Tumatauenga blends the customs and warrior traditions of Māori and Europeans into a fusion of both, laying the basis of the New Zealand Army’s ethos and values.[3] Although Ngāti Tumatauenga is a modern conception, it has a strong whakapapa drawn from its Māori and European ancestry, reflecting its position as the guardian of all the peoples of New Zealand regardless of race, religion or creed.[4]

The path towards Ngāti Tumatauenga has been long as, for most of its existence, the New Zealand Army, like those of Canada, South Africa and Australia, embraced British military traditions. Regardless of the British Military influence, there has always been a desire to identify New Zealand as a unique military entity. In both World Wars, Canada, South Africa, and Australia sent expeditionary forces filled with units bearing English, Scottish and Irish names, motifs and identities to battlefields worldwide; New Zealand would be the exception. Although there were Territorial units in New Zealand with Scottish identities, the New Zealand Military authorities felt that New Zealand was too small to allow these identities to be embodied as separate units within the Expeditionary Forces. New Zealand Forces would march in one khaki uniform and wore distinctive New Zealand badges up to the Second World War, often including Māori phrases and symbology.[5]

The only logical exception to this was the Māori, who participated as a distinct subunit, representing a subset of New Zealand in a manner that the Scots or Irish did not.[6] In their quest to establish New Zealand Forces as a recognisable national entity, New Zealand Military authorities inadvertently paved the way for the eventual establishment of Ngāti Tumatauenga in later years.

In addition to the British Military traditions, it is Māori Tikanga (cultural customs and practices) that serves as the binding force for Ngāti Tumatauenga. These distinct and unique cultural practices and traditions enhance the loyalty, cohesion, and tribal identity of the Modern New Zealand Warrior. [7] Contrary to popular belief, Māori warfare was not a permanent fixture of Māori culture and life; rather, it was a practice employed depending on circumstances, such as acquiring land, countering threats, or defending Mana (prestige and authority). Māori refined their warfighting traditions as participants on both sides of the conflicts during the nineteenth-century New Zealand land wars.

In the twentieth century, Māori leaders like Sir Apirana Ngata viewed military service for the Crown as an extension of their warrior heritage and a path to equality. In his 1943 pamphlet “Price of Citizenship,” Ngata asserted, “We are of one house, and if our Pākehā (non-Māori) brothers fall, we fall with them. How can we even hold our heads up when the struggle is over if asked, ‘Where were you when New Zealand was at war?'” [8] Māori made significant and honorable contributions during the Second World War, solidifying their place in the post-war Army. A 1977 survey indicated that Māori comprised 34 percent of the Regular Force and 16 percent of the Territorial Force, a higher proportion than Māori employment in the general civilian workforce.[9] With the Māori cultural resurgence of the late twentieth century, the Army was well-prepared to embrace change as this resurgence brought about transformations within the Army.

The rejuvenation of the New Zealand Army’s culture, initiated by the Chief of the General Staff (CGS) in 1994, was swiftly implemented. While the Army badge retained its traditional British design, it was modified to include a taiaha (a traditional Māori weapon) in place of a sword, and a scroll was added, bearing the inscription “Ngāti Tumatauenga” at its base.[10]

The Army Marae, known as Rongomaraeroa-o-ngā-hau-e-whā, was officially dedicated during Labour Weekend in 1995. It holds a special place within the New Zealand Army, serving as the central point that all members, regardless of their race, gender, or creed, pass through on their military journey. What sets this Marae apart is its unique orientation, facing west towards the setting sun. This symbolic positioning conveys a powerful message: Ngāti Tumatauenga is the guardian of the nation, protecting it both day and night.

The rejuvenation of the army’s culture was not without its share of challenges. The Army Marae, in contrast to traditional Maraes, has a less formal atmosphere. One recruit even commented, “The Māori culture here is quite different! I come from a place where it’s deeply ingrained. I told my dad that when we went to the Marae, they spoke English!” [11] Despite this critique, another soldier of Māori descent explained that “Ngāti Tumatauenga symbolizes the fusion of the Imperial soldier’s spirit with the Mana of the Māori warrior. This reflects the positive partnership principle of the Treaty of Waitangi and fills many with pride when including Ngāti Tumatauenga in their pepeha.”[12]

The introduction of Ngāti Tumatauenga faced initial resistance and skepticism. Its swift implementation caught many Army members off guard, leading to an abrupt and sometimes aggressive cultural shift. However, over time, many of the original detractors and skeptics have come to embrace and appreciate the benefits of adopting Ngāti Tumatauenga.[13]

Approaching its twenty-fifth year, Ngāti Tumatauenga has gained acceptance within the community as a legitimate iwi (tribe). Māori performing arts play a significant role in promoting and preserving the Army’s cultural ethos. Ngāti Tumatauenga participates in national-level Kapa Haka competitions, sometimes with non-Māori individuals leading performances.[14] [15]Additionally, Māori performing arts, such as Kapa Haka, serve as a military and diplomatic tool on the international stage, highlighting how the shared Māori and European military heritage upholds the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and advances the interests of the New Zealand people.[16]

In conclusion, the transformation of the New Zealand Army into Ngāti Tumatauenga, the “Tribe of the God of War,” reflects the aspirations of early Māori and European settlers in New Zealand and their vision of unity under the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi. The journey from 1840 to 1994 was marked by conflicts between Māori and the Crown, shaping the Māori and Pākehā relationship into one that acknowledges each other’s martial capabilities. The World Wars of the early twentieth century saw New Zealand Expeditionary Forces and Māori Battalions earning respect from both allies and adversaries, ultimately paving the way for Māori integration into the post-war New Zealand Army. Riding the wave of a resurgent Māori culture, the leadership of the New Zealand Army took a significant risk by embarking on the path of cultural rejuvenation. The New Zealand Army, transformed into the iwi (tribe) of Ngāti Tumatauenga, has evolved into a unique entity, shaped and defined by the influences of a resurgent Māori culture and the combined martial traditions of European soldiers and Māori warriors. Their shared history, heritage, and wartime experiences have cemented this transformation.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

Major-General A.l.Birks. “Chief of General Staff Directive 9/94; the Army’s Culture.” Wellington: Army General Staff, HQ New Zealand Defence Force, 1994.

New Zealand Army. “The Army Culture.” NZ Army Publication (NZ P77) Why? Chapter 3, Section 1  (2014).

Secondary Sources

Published

Brosnahan, Seán. “Ngāti Tūmatauenga and the Kilties: New Zealand’s Ethnic Military Traditions.” In A Global Force: War, Identities and Scotland’s Diaspora, edited by David Forsyth, 168-92: Edinburgh University Press, 2016.

Cooke, Peter, and John Crawford. The Territorials. Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011.

Corbett, D. A. The Regimental Badges of New Zealand: An Illustrated History of the Badges and Insignia Worn by the New Zealand Army. Auckland, N.Z. : Ray Richards, 1980, Revised Edition, 1980.

Harding, Nina Joy. “You Bring It, We will Bring It Out”: Becoming a Soldier in the New Zealand Army: A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Anthropology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. 2016.

Hohaia, Debbie. “In Search of a Decolonised Military: MāOri Cultural Learning Experiences in the New Zealand Defence Force.” Kōtuitui (Online)  (2016).

McKenzie, Peter. “How the NZ Army Became an Iwi.”  https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/11/25/331569/peter-mckenzie-on-army-as-an-iwi-for-monday.

Oldham, Geoffrey P. Badges and Insignia of the New Zealand Army: An Illustrated Price Guide to Cap and Collar Badges, Insignia and Shoulder Titles of the N.Z. Army, Police & Militia, from 1847 to the Present Day. New and rev. Ed ed.: Milimem Books, 2011.

Soutar, Monty. Ngā Tama Toa = He Toto Heke, He Tipare Here Ki Te Ūkaipo : Kamupene C, Ope Taua (Maori) 28 1939-1945 : I Tuhia Tenei Pukapua I Roto I Te Reo Maori. David Bateman, 2014.

Taylor, Richard Tribe of the War God: Ngati Tumatauenga. Heritage New Zealand, 1996. .

Te Ao Māori News. “Te Matatini 2015 – Te Kapa Haka O Kairanga.”  https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/te-matatini-2015-te-kapa-haka-o-kairanga.

Unpublished

“Discussions conducted by author with various members of the New Zealand  Army “. 2019.


Notes

[1] Major-General A.l.Birks, “Chief of General Staff Directive 9/94; the Army’s Culture,” (Wellington: Army General Staff, HQ New Zealand Defence Force, 1994).

[2] Peter McKenzie, “How the NZ Army Became an Iwi,”  https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2018/11/25/331569/peter-mckenzie-on-army-as-an-iwi-for-monday.

[3] New Zealand Army, “The Army Culture,” NZ Army Publication (NZ P77) Why? Chapter 3, Section 1  (2014).

[4] Richard  Taylor, Tribe of the War God : Ngati Tumatauenga (Heritage New Zealand, 1996), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 110-11.

[5] Although many NZ badges follow British badge design conventions and in many cases are direct copies, many badges have also included many unique New Zealnd features such as the adoption of Māori iconography and symbols and use Te Reo Māori in place of the traditional English or latin for mottoes. D. A. Corbett, The Regimental Badges of New Zealand : An Illustrated History of the Badges and Insignia Worn by the New Zealand Army (Auckland, N.Z. : Ray Richards, 1980, Revised enl. edition, 1980), Non-fiction, 9-17.

[6] Seán Brosnahan, “Ngāti Tūmatauenga and the Kilties: New Zealand’s Ethnic Military Traditions,” in A Global Force: War, Identities and Scotland’s Diaspora, ed. David Forsyth (Edinburgh University Press, 2016), 168-83.

[7] New Zealand Army, “The Army Culture.”

[8] Monty Soutar, Ngā Tama Toa = He Toto Heke, He Tipare Here Ki Te Ūkaipo : Kamupene C, Ope Taua (Maori) 28 1939-1945 : I Tuhia Tenei Pukapua I Roto I Te Reo Maori (David Bateman, 2014), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 35.

[9] Peter Cooke and John Crawford, The Territorials (Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011), 371.

[10] Geoffrey P. Oldham, Badges and Insignia of the New Zealand Army : An Illustrated Price Guide to Cap and Collar Badges, Insignia and Shoulder Titles of the N.Z. Army, Police & Militia, from 1847 to the Present Day, New and rev. ed ed. (Milimem Books, 2011), Bibliographies,Non-fiction, 92.

[11] Nina Joy Harding, “You Bring It, We’ll Bring It Out” : Becoming a Soldier in the New Zealand Army : A Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Anthropology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand (2016), Non-fiction, 130.

[12] McKenzie, “How the NZ Army Became an Iwi”.

[13] “Discussuions Conducted by Author with Various Members of the New Zealsnd  Army Command Chain.,”  (2019).

[14] Te Ao Māori News, “Te Matatini 2015 – Te Kapa Haka O Kairanga,”  https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/te-matatini-2015-te-kapa-haka-o-kairanga.

[15] Debbie Hohaia, “In Search of a Decolonised Military : MāOri Cultural Learning Experiences in the New Zealand Defence Force,” Kōtuitui (Online)  (2016): 52.

[16] Ibid.


Auckland Defence Store, 1861 – 1903

Throughout the early 1860s, elements from the Militia and Volunteers supported the Imperial troops undertaking the bulk of the military operations in the early years of the New Zealand Wars. In 1861 as George Grey assumed the role of Governor for a second term, Grey undertook a policy of conciliation while also preparing for war.  As General Cameron built up his Imperial forces, Gray reviewed and overhauled the citizen forces of New Zealand. In January 1862, new regulations for the volunteer force were issued, followed on 18 September by the Colonial Defence Act of 1862.  This Act saw the formation of the Colonial Defence Force, the first regular Force in New Zealand. Under the Quartermaster General of the Colonial Defence Force, Captain Robert Collins, the Colonial Store Department and the Militia Store Department assumed the store’s responsibility for the Militia, Volunteer and Regular Forces of New Zealand.

In Auckland, the Colonial Store Department and the Militia Store Department initially operated out of offices on Princes Street. However, approval was granted in October 1863 for the erection of a store adjacent to the Imperial Armoury near the Symonds street entrance to the Albert Barracks.[1]  The two Store Departments essentially carried out the same functions, and in 1865 the post of Superintended of Militia Stores held by Mr E.D King was disestablished with the responsibility for colonial defence stores centralised under the Colonial Storekeeper, Captain John Mitchell.

Military Store Albert Barracks 1871

A review of colonial defence with a reliance on local forces taking over from Imperial Forces saw the passing of the Armed Constabulary Act of 10 October 1867. This Act combined police and military functions into the regular Armed Constabulary (AC) Force. The AC Force was supported by Maori loyal to the crown, Militia and Volunteer units, with Defence Storekeepers in Auckland, Whanganui and Wellington providing the required logistic support.[2]

In April 1869, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gorton was appointed as the Inspector of Defence Stores, establishing his office at Molesworth Street in Wellington, bringing all New Zealand’s Defence storekeepers under his control.  By January 1869, as the withdrawal of Imperial units became imminent, the dismantling of their central logistic hub at Auckland’s Fort Britomart and Albert Barracks had commenced, with military stores, including guns and ammunition that were not auctioned off to the public or purchased by the New Zealand Government, shipped to the United Kingdom. The departure of the British Military Storekeeper Joseph Osbertus Hamley in July 1870 marked the final withdrawal of Imperial Forces from New Zealand, with the Auckland Defence Store taking over ownership of the Armoury and Magazines located in Albert Barracks.

In May 1869, Captain John Mitchell was suspended as the Auckland Storekeeper due to unauthorised absences. Resigning in July, Major William St Clair Tisdall replaced Mitchell as acting Storekeeper. A small staff assisted Tisdall, some of whom had served in the stores since 1861, including

  • John Blomfield, Clerk
  • John Price, Clerk
  • David Evitt, Armourer Sergeant
  • Arms Cleaners
    • Mr’s F Gibbons,
    • J Penligan and
    • C.C Rockley

Following the departure of Imperial units, the future of Albert Barracks came under debate. In addition to the Defence Stores, the only other military use of the former barracks was by the local Militia and Volunteers, who retained a drill hall and utilised the parade round. The Auckland Improvement (Albert Barrack Reserves) Act of 1872 repealed previous Acts relating to the status of Albert Barracks and placed responsibility for the management and disposal of the land under the Auckland Improvement Commissioners.[3] The Auckland Improvement Commissioners drew up and oversaw plans to develop the bulk of the Barracks into a recreational reserve, with other areas subdivided into roads and plots of land for further development.

By 1871 the growth of Auckland now placed the ageing powder magazine in the centre of a built-up area, raising concerns about its safety. New powder magazines were constructed at Mount Eden, with the first stocks transferred from Albert Park to Mount Eden in September, following which the Albert Barracks magazines were demolished.[4]  With the Auckland district’s supply of ammunition now safely stored at Mount Eden under the care of the Defence Stores magazine keeper, Tisdall and the remaining staff of Storemen and Armourers remained at Albert Barracks.[5] Initially located in the old Imperial Armoury building at the Symonds Street entrance of Albert Barracks, it was considered an obstruction to the Commissioner’s projected improvements.[6] To allow the extension of Princes Street and subdivision of the land between Princes and Symonds Street, in July 1873,  the Defence Stores had been moved into the well-constructed stone building that had previously been the Barracks hospital.[7] The new building included ample accommodation for warlike stores, including small workshops and a forge.[8] The only remnant of the site of the old Armoury were two Russian 18-pounder guns taken at the Crimea and presented by the Imperial Government to the colony of New Zealand in the late 1850s.[9]

The Defence Stores building in Albert Park was described by the Auckland Star as the “hideous eyesore in Albert Park’ and considered a blight on the skyline as it obstructed the view from the park that had been established to replace the Barracks.[10]  By 1883 an agreement was reached between the Auckland Council and the Government, with a plot of land in O’Rourke Street provided to allow the relocation of the Defence Stores.[11] 

Queen St with Albert Barracks on the left hillside C1870-1979. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 898-9969

When the proposal was first mooted to relocate the Defence Store, plans were prepared in the Auckland Public Works office for a three-storied building equal in space to the present location. However, as it intended to centralise the operations of the Defence Stores in Wellington, the original design was countermanded with a design for a smaller building substituted. Tenders for the erection of the new Defence Stores building were published on 10 May 1883 for a building meeting the following specifications,

  • to be constructed of brick, two storeys in height, with a concrete foundation,
  • to have a frontage of 25 feet with a depth of 36 feet.
  • the ground floor was to have
    • a passage seven feet wide,
    • two 18×18 apartments,
    • a staircase leading from the ground floor to the upper storey
  • The upper floor subdivided into
    • An 18×8 office, compartment with lift,
    • a 14 x18 room
    • an 11 x 18 room
  • To the rear of the building
    • a 14×25 shed with an asphalted floor for gun carriages
    • a 6×14 coal shed,
    • a 14×20 Armourer’s shop.

Due to the considerable amount of material accumulated in the old Defence Stores over its many years of operation, Captain Sam Anderson, the Chief Defence Storekeeper, assisted in a stocktake of the old store as it was decommissioned, ensuring only essential materials were transferred to the new building.  Surplus stores were disposed of by tender or redistributed, including over 2000 obsolete muzzle-loading muskets relocated to the Defence Store in Wellington.[12] The old Stores building was soon demolished with much of the material used in the construction of the new building, with the only reminder of the military’s residence of Albert Park being a small portion of the Barracks wall and a few old cannons on display in the new ornamental gardens.

The New Defence Store in O’Rourke Street was one of the earliest purpose-built Storehouses built for New Zealand’s Military. Up to this period, many of the buildings utilised by the Defence Stores were inherited from the Imperial Forces or requisitioned commercial premises.

By 1888, the cost of maintaining a peacetime military had reached the point where cutbacks and savings across the Defence budget had to be made. As part of several reductions across the Defence Department, the Auckland Defence Store was drastically downsized, resulting in the retirement or redundancy of most of the staff. The closure of the Auckland Defence Stores was met with dismay, with the press questioning it as an absurd decision, with the New Zealand Herald noting in an editorial that the closure of the Auckland Defence Store was” solely arising from the Wellington authorities having want of local knowledge and of the requirements of the place.” This pushback on the closure of the Auckland Defence Store resulted in a short reprieve for  James Bloomfield, the Defence Storekeeper in Auckland, who had served since 1861, was granted a reprieve from redundancy and allowed to extend his tenure, retiring in December 1888, handing over the responsibilities of Defence Storekeeper for Auckland to Major John William Gascoyne of the New Zealand Permanent Militia.[13] Following Gascoyne’s departure in 1891, the responsibilities of Auckland Defence Storekeeper were assumed by the Adjutant of the Auckland Brigade Office, who oversaw the duties of the Magazine Keeper at Mount Eden, Mr J Hawthorn.[14]

Concurrent with the Adjutant taking over the Defence Storekeepers’ responsibilities, the Auckland Brigade Office was moved from its offices in the Auckland Supreme Court into the Defence Store O’Rourke Street building, from where the Adjutant conducted his duties related to the Auckland Volunteers and the Defence Stores.[15] This shared arrangement remained in place into the early years of the twentieth century and even saw a telephone installed in 1902.

Routine activities conducted by the Auckland Defence Stores in O’Rourke Street included various tenders to provide uniforms and repair equipment. Following the bloodless Dog Tax War of 1898, the Defence Store in O’Rourke street took custody of the surrendered arms, including [16]

  • one Winchester repeating rifle
  • one Winchester carbine
  • two Green’s American patent Snider breech-loading rifles
  • one Snider rifle
  • one muzzle-loading carbine
  • one Lee Bolt shotgun, single barrel
  • three breech-loading single-barrel guns.
  • three double-barrel breech loaders (nearly new)
  • ten double-barrel muzzle-loading guns
  • two single-barrel guns
  • four bundles of ammunition (various)

 In 1903 the Police expressed an interest in taking over the building as accommodation for the Auckland Police Commissioner. Following an inspection by the Defence Storekeeper, Mr James O’Sullivan, arrangements were made to transfer the Defence Stores from the O’Rourke Street Property to Mount Eden and hand the building over to the Police.[17] In 1904, the Defence Stores building handover to the Police was concluded, ending the sixty-year relationship between Auckland’s Albert Park and the Military.

The Police fully refurbished the former Defence Store Building into a residential villa. The building survived into the 1960s when it was demolished to allow the construction of Auckland University.

1905 view of the refurbished Defence Store building(Center of the photo next to Police Station)

Despite the construction of new buildings for the Defence Stores in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin during the early 1900s, no new permanent buildings were constructed for the Auckland Defence Stores as the existing powder magazines at Mount Eden, constructed in 1871, were deemed sufficient to meet current and projected needs. Following the transition of the Defence Stores into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in 1917, a new Ordnance Depot was constructed for the Northern Region to replace the infrastructure at Mount Eden in the late 1920s. However, it was not in Auckland but at Hopuhopu in the Waikato. Temporary Ordnance Stores were established in Auckland during World War Two, utilising rented commercial premises.  In the post-war era, ordnance warehouses established at Syliva Park utilised buildings constructed for the United States Forces. Besides Explosive Store Houses at Ardmore, no permanent dedicated storage infrastructure was ever constructed for the RNZAOC in Auckland. 

The significance of the Defence Store building in O’Rourke Street is that, excluding smaller unit storehouses and ammunition storehouses, it remains the only purpose-built military warehouse constructed for the New Zealand Army in Auckland.


Notes

[1] Queen’s Redoubt Assistant Military Secretary, “Correspondence Stating That There Is No Objection to the Erection of a Store for Colonial Purposes Adjoining Armoury Albert Barracks,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24075932 (1863).

[2] M. R. Wicksteed, The New Zealand Army: A History from the 1840s to the 1980s ([Ministry of Defence, 1982), Non-fiction, 2-3.

[3] Under the provisions of the Public Domains Act 1860, the Auckland Military Reserves Act 1871 established the land that Albert Barracks occupied as Crown land.

[4] “New Power Magazine at Mount Eden,” New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2377, 7 September 1871.

[5] The Magazine Keeper was Mr J Broughton; Tindall’s other staff consisted of his Clerk Mr J Blomfield. Armourer Mr D Evitt and Three Arms Cleaners Mr’s F Gibbons, J Penligan and C.C Rockley. “D-13 Nominal Roll of the Civil Establishment of New Zealand on the 1st July 1872,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1872); “Nominal Return of Officer in Defence Department and Armed Constabulary Force on 1 July 1872,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, H-24a (1872).

[6] “Deputation from the Auckland Improvement Commissioners,” New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2859, 28 March 1873.

[7] “Militia Store Move,” Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1087, 17 July 1873.

[8] “Wooden Building in Albert Barracks,” New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 09, 30 September 1873.

[9] “Russian Guns,” New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 3927, 13 June 1874.

[10] “Albert Park Armoury,” Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3523, 22 November 1881.

[11] Linking Princes and Symonds Streets, O’Rourke Street is now occupied by Auckland University, Captain Anderson, “Old Defence Store to Be Sold by Tender, All the Muzzle Loading Rifles to Be Sent by “Hinemoa”,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24280543 (1883).

[12] “Flashes,” Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5047, 27 April 1883.

[13] “Reductions in Civil Service,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1888 Session I, H-30, 11 May 1888.

[14] A. H. McLintock, ” Frederick John William Gascoyne,” http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/gascoyne-or-gascoigne-frederick-john-william.

[15] “Volunteer Gossip,” Observer, Volume XI, Issue 656, (1891).

[16] “The Maori Trouble,” Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 114, 16 May 1898.

[17] Wellington Defence Storekeeper, ” Subject: Report of Inspection of Defence Stores Auckland. Again Urges Removal of Store from O’Rourke [O’rorke] Street to Mount Eden Cost to Be Met by Police Department ” Archives New Zealand Item No R24743403 (1903).



New Zealand Arms to Afghanistan

Following the war in South Africa, the British Empire was at the height of its power and prestige. The Royal Navy ruled the oceans, and if British interests were threatened on land, Canada, Australia and New Zealand had proven their commitment to support the empire by contributing men and materiel. As the economic powerhouse of the empire, British India was the most significant jewel in the British Imperial crown. However, British India’s confidence that it had the support of British dominions was put to the test in 1909 when it was discovered that firearms from Australia and New Zealand were being provided to tribes on the North-West Frontier who were actively opposed to the interests of British India. So how did firearms from New Zealand end up in the hands of Pathan Tribesmen on the borders of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan?

As the New Zealand military reorganised and reequipped following the war in South Africa, new uniforms and equipment were introduced, and the .303inch cartridge adopted as the standard calibre for rifles, carbines and machine guns, resulting in the Defence Stores holding over 17,000 Snider, Martin-Henry and Remington Lee rifles, carbines and accoutrements and just under a million rounds of obsolete ammunition. The disposal of this stockpile was the most significant disposal of Arms and Ammunition undertaken by the Defence Stores throughout its existence which had the unintended consequence of arming Pathan tribesmen on the borders of British India.

Snider rifles were introduced into New Zealand service starting from 1868.

Top: Snider Long Rifle, Middle: Snider Medium (Hay) Rifle, Bottom: Snider Short (Sword) Rifle Photo J Osborne New Zealand Arms Register. http://www.armsregister.com/

The Sniders served thru to 1890, when they began to be superseded by Martini-Henry rifles and carbines.

Rifle, Martini-Henry, 1896, Enfield, by Royal Small Arms Factory. Gift of the Police Department, date unknown. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (DM000372)

The introduction of cordite or smokeless powder ushered in the introduction of the .303 Martini-Enfield rifle leading to the progressive withdrawal of the Sniders and Martini-Henrys following the introduction of bolt action Lee Metford and Enfield rifles. With sufficient .303 calibre Martini-Enfield’s and an increasing amount of bolt action, magazine-fed Lee Metford and Enfield rifles available to arm the forces and provide a reserve, the Defence Council authorised a Board of Survey to be formed to investigate the disposal of the obsolete Sniders and Martinis in store.[1] In addition to Sniders and Martinis, there was also a quantity of .340 Remington-Lee rifles. In a bold move to provide New Zealand’s forces with the most modern of rifles, these were imported into New Zealand in 1887. However, due to unsatisfactory ammunition, the Remington-Lees were withdrawn from service in 1888.

Sitting in early 1907 and consisting of three officers, the Board of Survey weighed up the options for the disposal of the stockpile of obsolete weapons. Dumping the entire stock at sea was considered, but an anticipated outcry from the New Zealand press, as this means of disposal, would have been seen as another example of needless government waste, and this option was ruled out. A small but guaranteed financial benefit resulted in sale by tender being decided upon as the most practical means of disposal.[2]

The early 20th Century was a turbulent time in world history. The late 19th-century race by the European powers had left them all fighting colonial bush wars to suppress opposition and maintain control in their various colonial possessions. In Eastern Europe, the Balkans were aflame as the former European vassals of the Ottoman empire fought the Turks and each other as they struggled to gain their independence. Closer to New Zealand, as the emerging American and Japanese empires undertook colonial expansion in the Philippines and Korea, conflict and insurrection followed and were only quelled by the most brutal measures.

In this environment, the New Zealand Government was cognisant that there was a ready market for firearms, however as the Arms Act of New Zealand limited the bulk export of weapons from New Zealand, the conditions of the tender were clear that for any arms not purchased for use in New Zealand, the remainder were not to be exported to any country or place other than Great Britain.

The entire stock of firearms was stored at the Defence Stores at Wellington and packed 50 to 90 weapons per case. The tender terms allowed tenderers to quote for not less than 100 of any weapon. The quantities and types of weapons were,

  • .577 Snider rifles, short sword bayonets with scabbards – 6867
  • .577 Snider rifles, long – 978
  • .577 Snider carbines, artillery; sword bayonets with scabbards – 1957
  • .577 Snider carbines, cadet – 849
  • .577 Snider carbines, cavalry – 669
  • .577/450 Martini-Henry rifles, sword bayonets with scabbards – 4686
  • .577/450 Martini-Henry carbines – 520
  • Enfield carbines, Sword bayonets and scabbards – 103
  • .340 Remington Lee Rifles – 840
  • Swords, cavalry, with scabbards – 600

The ammunition was all of the black powder types, which, when fired, created a large amount of smoke exposing the rifleman’s position. An interesting ammunition type included in the tender was 106,000 rounds of Gardner-Gatling ammunition. This ammunition had been imported in the late 1880s as part of a demonstration lot, resulting in the purchase of a single Gardiner Machine Gun by the New Zealand Government. The ammunition was stored in the magazines at Wellington and Auckland, with the tender terms allowing bids of less than 50,000 rounds of any mixture of ammunition. The ammunition types tendered were.

  • .577/450 Martini-Henry, ball, rifle, solid case – 189000 rounds
  • .577/450 Martini-Henry, ball, rifle, rolled case – 170000 rounds
  • .577/450 Martini-Henry, ball, carbine, rolled case – 120000 rounds
  • .577/450 Martini-Henry, blank – 240000 rounds
  • .577 Snider Ball – 150000 rounds
  • .45 Gardner Gatling, ball – 106,000 rounds

Notice of the tender was published by the Director of Military Stores, Captain James O’Sullivan, in the New Zealand press from 4 June 1907, with 14 June set as the final day for bids.[3]

The Tender Board accepted the highest tender in July 1907 with all the arms purchased by a Manchester firm through their New Zealand agents.

Much of the powder within the ammunition had caked and was unsuitable for use, leading to a significant part of the stocks being broken down into salvageable components in New Zealand. Under the supervision of Captain O’Sullivan, a record of each weapon was taken, recording the brands and serial numbers stamped on each weapon. As the weapons were packed into cases, the contents of each case were also recorded. The entire consignment was loaded onto the S.S. Mamari at Wellington, which sailed directly to London via the New Zealand Shipping Company’s usual route.  Included in the mail carried on the same voyage was a notification to the War Office in England providing complete shipment details. Providing these details to the War Office was not obligatory and only made on Captain O’Sullivan initiative. Four months later, the War Office received a reply asking why they had been sent all that information.

Approximately £6000 (2021 NZ$1,095,722) was realised by the entire sale of arms and ammunition.

Captain O’Sullivan’s attention to detail in dispatching the New Zealand firearms to England proved wise when in May 1909, the Calcutta Englishman, the leading daily newspaper in India, published an article stating that Weapons bearing Australian and New Zealand markings had been smuggled across the Pathan border.[4]

Rifle, Martini-Henry, 1896, Enfield, by Royal Small Arms Factory. Gift of the Police Department, date unknown. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (DM000372)

While the Calcutta Englishman was accurate in its report that weapons bearing Australian and New Zeland Military markings had been found in the hands of Pathan tribesmen. The path the New Zealand weapons had taken to India was not the result of poor accounting by New Zealand’s Defence Stores, but rather the shady dealing of British second-hand arms dealers.


Notes

[1] “Defence Forces of New Zealand: Report by the Council of Defence and Extracts from the Report of the Inspector-General of the NZ Defence Forces, for the Year Ended 28th February 1908,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909 Session II, H-19  (1909).

[2] “The Smuggled Rifles,” Star (Christchurch), Issue 9546, 19 May 1909.

[3] “Obsolete Arms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6231, 10 June 1907.

[4] “Australasian Arms Smuggled into India,” Evening News (Sydney, NSW ) 12 May 1909.



Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps

In British and Commonwealth military doctrine, there has long been a separation of responsibility for Supplies and Stores

  • Supplies – The provisioning, storing, and distributing of food for soldiers, forage for animals; Fuel, Oil and Lubricants (FOL) for tanks, trucks and other fuel-powered vehicles and equipment; and the forward transport and distribution of ammunition. In the NZ Army, Supplies were managed by the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) from 1911 to 1979.
  • Stores – The provisioning, storage and distribution of weapons, munitions and military equipment not managed by RNZASC. Stores were the Responsibility of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) until 1996.

Despite the separation of responsibilities, the RNZASC and RNZAOC had a long and cooperative relationship.

During early colonial days, the early actions of the New Zealand Wars proved that the New Zealand bush and the elusive tactics of the Māori presented unfamiliar problems of supply and transport. An Imperial Supply and Transport Service was established and operated with the Imperial troops.

From the end of the New Zealand Wars until 1910, there was no unit of ASC in New Zealand, with the supply functions required by the New Zealand Military provided by the Defence Stores Department. However, in 1911 the formation of the Divisional Trains saw the beginnings of the NZASC as part of the Territorial Army. NZASC units served in World War One, during which the NZASC and NZAOC would, especially in the early years of the war, often share personnel, facilities, and transportation.

In 1917 the NZAOC was established as a permanent component of the New Zealand Military Forces, however, it would not be until 1924 that the Permanent NZASC was formed. The alliance between the NZASC and the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was approved in 1925.

The RASC has its roots much deeper in history. Up to the time of Cromwell, armies lived by plunder. The RASC came into being in 1888. but the work it would perform was being done long before that.

Cromwell and then the Duke of Marlborough, and later Napoleon organised a system of civilian commissaries. The Duke of York established the Corps of Royal Waggoners in 1794. This purely transport organisation continued until 1869 under various names, eventually, as the Military Train, fighting as light cavalry in the Indian Mutiny.

The birth of the Supplies and Transport Service dates from 1869. when the Commissariat and the officers of the Military Train along with the Military Stores Department came under one department called the Control Department, it remained for General Sir Redvers Buller, in 1888, to organise the first Army Service Corps. Since its formation, the RASC has been a combatant corps, trained and armed as infantry and responsible for its own protection. Considered a more technical Corps the NZAOC was not granted the status of a combatant Corps until 1942.

During World War Two, many units and establishments represented the NZASC in all the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) theatres. Again, as in the earlier World War, the NZASC would have a cooperative relationship with New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) Ammunition Examiners (AEs) were on the establishments of the RNZASC Ammunition platoons, with NZASC Warrant Officers attached to the NZ Divisional Ordnance Field Park (OFP) to provide technical advice on vehicle spares. As a tribute to the service of the NZASC in WW2, the title, “Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps,’’ was bestowed in 1946.

In the post-war era, the NZASC and from 1946 the RNZASC would serve with distinction in J Force in Japan and then contribute the second-largest New Zealand contingent to K Force in Korea by providing 10 Transport Company.

Throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the RNZASC would be an integral part of the New Zealand Army. Its functions ranging from the everyday task of cooking and serving food to the more spectacular operation of dropping supplies by air.

To purchase, store, rail, ship, and otherwise distribute the amount of food, fuels and oils needed to supply a modern army, the RNZASC maintained Supply Depots and employed many kinds of tradespeople, including Butchers. Supply Depots located in Papakura, Waiouru, Linton, Trentham, Burnham, and Singapore, holding supplies in bulk and distributing them as required. A section of the RNZASC would be a feature of every army camp with smaller Supply and Transport depots to handle goods received from the central supply depots and provide drivers and transport for many purposes at Devonport/Fort Cautley, Hopuhopu, Papakura, Waiouru. Linton. Trentham, Wellington/Fort Dorset, Christchurch/Addington, and Burnham.

ANZUK Supply Platoon, Singapore – 1972 Standing L to R: Cpl Parker, RAASC. Cpl Olderman, RAASC, Cpl Mcintyre, RAOC. Sgt Frank, RAOC. Cpl Rangi, RNZASC. Sgt Locke, RNZASC. Sgt Bust, RAOC. Pte Mag, RAASC. Cpl David, RAASC. Sitting L to R: Sgt Kietelgen, RAASC. WO2 West, RAOC. Capt Mcnice, RAOC. Maj Hunt, RAASC. Lt Fynn, RAASC. WO2 Cole, RAASC. WO2 Clapton. RAASC

Following the Macleod report that recommended the streamlining of logistic support for the British Army, the RASC merged in 1965 with the Royal Engineers Transportation and Movement Control Service to form the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT). This would see the RASC Supply functions transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC). In 1973, following the British lead, the Australians also reformed their Royal Australian Army Service Corps (RAASC) into the Royal Australian Army Corps of Transport (RAACT).

Acknowledging the British and Australian experience, the RNZASC would also undergo a similar transition, and on 12 May 1979, the RNZASC ceased to exist, and its Supply functions transferred to the RNZAOC, while the Transport, Movements and Catering functions were reformed into the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT).

The RNZASC supply functions would be integrated into the RNZAOC, with the Camp Supply Depots becoming NZAOC Supply Platoons numbered as.

  • 14 Supply Platoon, Papakura/Hopuhopu
  • 24 Supply Platoon, Linton
  • 34 Supply Platoon, Burnham
  • 44 Supply Platoon, Waiouru
  • 54 Supply Platoon, Trentham
  • NZ Supply Platoon, Singapore

In recognition of its long RNZASC service, 21 Supply Company was retained as a Territorial Force(TF) unit, initially as the TF element of 4 Supply Company in Waiouru and later as the TF element of 2 Supply Company, Linton. Today 21 Supply is the main North Island Supply unit of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR).

For a brief period following the RNZAOC assumption of Supply functions, some RF and TF RNZAOC would periodically be employed within the RNZCT transport Squadrons Combat Supplies sections.

The RNZAOC Butcher trade inherited from the RNZASC would be discontinued in the mid-1980s, with the last of the butchers reclassifying as RNZAOC Suppliers. By the mid-1990s, it was decided as a cost-saving measure to allow the RNZCT catering staff to order directly from commercial foodstuff suppliers, effectively ending the RNZAOC foodstuffs speciality. The only RNZASC trade speciality remaining in the RNZAOC on its amalgamation into the RNZALR was that of petroleum Operator.

The RNZASC and RNZCT like the RNZAOC, have passed their combined responsibilities to the RNZALR. However, the RNZASC and RNZCT maintain a strong association that provides many benefits and opportunities for comradeship to RNZASC/CT Corps members and past and present members of the RNZALR. Another role of the RNZASC/CT association is to ensure that the rich and significant history of the RNZASC/CT is not lost to the future generations of the RNZALR.

Copies of the RNZASC/CT association newsletter from issue 92 can be viewed here


NZ Defence Stores July 1869 – June 1870

Military Storekeeping has been a feature of New Zealand’s military experience since 1840, and it is well known within the military storekeeping fraternity how Governor Hobson appointed Henry Tucker as the Colonial Storekeeper.  From 1840 to 1845, Tucker, as Colonial Storekeeper, managed the Ammunition, Arms and accoutrements for the Militias hastily organised in the early days of colonial New Zealand. However, it is not until 1917, and the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps formation that New Zealand Military Storekeeping’s history begins with the period from 1845 to 1917 remaining as an empty void in the histography of New Zealand’s Military Storekeeping.  In this article, the period from July 1869 to June 1870 is examined. In this specific period, as New Zealand’s military “Self-Reliance” policy reached its culmination with the final Imperial Forces withdrawing from New Zealand and conflict that had raged since 1860 in its last throes. The conflict had placed an enormous financial burden on the young nation as it formed and equipped Regular, Militia and Volunteer units and as the country looked forward, the Defence Stores Department was formalised as a component of the New Zealand Forces to manage the large amount of war material that had been acquired.

Initially, Militia units in New Zealand were raised and equipped under the auspice of the Colonial Secretary. As Militia units could only be used for local defence, the Militia Act of 1858 allowed Volunteer Units to be formed for service anywhere in the colony. Like Militia units, Volunteer units were administered and equipped by the Colonial Secretary.  As conflict increased in the early 1860s with Imperial troops undertaking the bulk of the military burden, a call for the colony to take on more responsibility was advocated by Francis Weld, a member of the House of Representatives. Weld’s position became known as the “self-reliant” policy.

As Weld’s “self-reliant” policy gained traction, New Zealand’s Military Forces’ shape and how they were administered and equipped undertook a transformation with the reliance on Imperial Forces gradually decreasing until they were fully withdrawn in 1870.  A regular New Zealand Military Force was initiated with the passing of the Colonial Defence Force Act 1862 by the Government in 1863. This Act created a small Regular Force and formalised the Defence Minister’s role and created a Defence Department to administer the colony’s Defence Forces. The Colonial Store Department and Militia Store Department’s role and responsibilities were formalised, maintaining the separation between the Regulars and the Militia and Volunteers.  

In 1865 with local units taking on more of the defence burden with the scaling down and withdrawal of Imperial units well underway, a review of colonial defence proposed that the shape of New Zealand’s Military be changed to an Armed Constabulary Force supported by friendly natives with Militia and Volunteer units providing additional support when required. In October 1867 the Colonial Defence Force was disbanded by the Armed Constabulary Act 1867 with the regular members of the Colonial Defence Force transferred to the Armed Constabulary.[1]  Concurrent to implementing the Armed Constabulary Act 1867, the New Zealand Government also passed the Public Stores Act of 1867. The Act provided for the first time a comprehensive policy on the responsibility for the management of Government Stores, which as Government entities the Armed Constabulary, Militia and Volunteers were required to adhere too.[2]

With the Imperial withdrawal almost completed and military operations ongoing across the North Island, the first significant changes in stores’ management did not occur until 1869 when the entire Defence Stores Structure undertook substantial changes. One of the significant changes was recognising the Defence Stores as a permanent component of the Military.  Allocated a budget as part of the Militia, Volunteer and Armed Constabulary vote in the 1870 Government Estimates passed by Parliament in 1869, the Defence Stores were budgeted to function as follows;[3]

  • Head Office, Wellington
    • Inspector of Stores @ £500 PA
    • Inspector of Stores, Clerk @ £150 PA
  • Auckland
    • Storekeeper @ £250 PA
    • 2 x Clerks @ £160 PA ea.
    • Armourer @ £182 PA
    • 4 x Arms Cleaner @ £109 PA ea.
  • Wellington
    • Storekeeper, Militia and Volunteers @ £100 PA[4]
    • Clerk @ £150 PA
    • Armourer@ £182 PA
    • 4 x Arms Cleaner@ £109 PA
  • Wanganui
    • Storekeeper@ £100 PA[5]
    • Clerk @ £130 PA
  • Patea
    • Sub-Storekeeper @150 PA (from Jan 1870)[6]

With only a skeleton staff in the Auckland, Wellington and Wanganui, the Defence Stores had no presence in many parts of the nation and faced many challenges supporting its nationwide dependency.

Armed Constabulary

As of 15 June 1870, the Armed Constabulary was organised into six districts supported by a depot in Wellington.[7]

Sam Cosgrave Anderson, a clerk in the Defence Stores, was appointed as the Armed Constabulary Storekeeper late in 1869, a position equal in grade and pay to the Defence Storekeepers in Auckland, Whanganui and Wellington.

  • Waikato with 108 men, dispersed across seven stations at;
    • Hamilton
    • Cambridge
    • Ngāruawāhia
    • Kihikihi
    • Alexandra
    • Raglan
    • Auckland
  • Taranaki with 170 men, dispersed across eleven stations at;
    • Wai-iti
    • Mimu
    • Urenui
    • Tupari
    • Takapu
    • Taipikiri
    • New Plymouth
    • Tikorangi
    • Okato
    • Te Arei
    • Waitara
  • Hawke’s Bay with 273 men dispersed across six stations and a Transport Corps at;
    • Opepe
    • Napier
    • Runanga
    • Tapuarharuru
    • Tarawera
    • Te Haroto
  • Turanganui (Poverty Bay) with 95 men dispersed across four stations
    • Turanganui (Gisborne)
    • Ormond
    • Te Wairoa
    • Te Kepa
  • Wanganui-Patea, with 199 men dispersed across seven stations
    • Patea
    • Manutahi
    • Waihi
    • Hawera
    • Werorou
    • Wanganui
    • Wairoa (Waverley)
    • Wanganui
  • Bay of Plenty with 157 dispersed across seven stations
    • Tauranga
    • Maketu
    • Whakatane
    • Kaiteriria
    • Opitiki
  • Wellington Depot with 82 men.
New Zealand Armed Constabulary garrison at Ōpepe, near Taupō, early 1870s. Alexander Turnbull Library, Reference: 1/2-003116-F Artist: Samuel Carnell.

Militia and Volunteers

The Militia and Volunteers force was organised into districts and allocated a small permanent military staff to administer both the militia and volunteer units. Depending on the District’s size and the Militia and Volunteer units within the district, the permanent Military Staff consisted of an Officer Commanding or Adjutant, a Sergeant Major or Sergeant and a Bugler. Responsibility for stores issued to the Militia and Volunteers was assumed by an officer in the district appointed as Quartermaster in addition to their existing duties. In Some districts, the District Quartermaster was responsible for the Armed Constabulary, Militia and Volunteer Stores.

Militia

The Militia Act of 1870 obliged all male inhabitants of New Zealand between the ages of seventeen and fifty-five liable for service in the Militia.[8] However, due to the many exemptions allowed under the Act, the actual number available for call-up was limited, with few undertaking the necessary short training periods.  As of June 1870, approximately four thousand militiamen had been called up and participated in actual service or training. Militia Districts were.

  • Mongonui District
  • Bay of Islands District
  • Hokianga District
  • Kaipara District
  • Mangawhai District
  • Whangarei District
  • Auckland District
  • Wairoa District
  • Waiuku District
  • Wkangape District
  • Rangiriri District
  • Hamilton District
  • Raglan District
  • Alexandra District
  • Cambridge District
  • Thames District
  • Coromandel District
  • North Shore District
  • Tauranga District
  • Matala District
  • Opotiki District
  • White Cliffs District
  • New Plymouth District
  • Cape Egmont District
  • Patea District.
  • Whanganui District
  • Rangitikei District
  • Otaki District
  • Wellington District
  • Grey town District
  • Masterton District
  • East Coast (Native) District
  • Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay) District
  • North Napier District
  • South Napier District
  • South and Stewart Island District
Private of the New Zealand Militia in campaign dress. Harding, William James, 1826-1899 :Negatives of Wanganui district. Ref: 1/4-006785-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22807152

Volunteer Corps

Volunteer Corps were more established and drilled and met regularly and at times, deployed on operations. As of 31 May 1870, the Volunteer Corps was reorganised into Calvary, Artillery, Engineer, Rifle, Naval and Cadet Corps.

Auckland Province

2600 men organised into 40 Adult and 13 Cadet Corps located at;

  • Auckland
    • 4 Cavalry Corps
    • 1 Artillery Corps
    • 1 Engineer Corps
    • 9 Rifle Corps
    • 2 Naval Corps
    • 11 Cadet Corps
  • Wairoa
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 2 Rifle Corps
  • Waiuku
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 6 Rifle Corps
  • Waikato
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
  • Thames
    • 1 Engineer Corps
    • 5 Rifle Corps
    • 1 Naval Corps
    • 2 Cadet Corps
  • Bay of Plenty
    • 2 Cavalry Corps
    • 1 Rifle Corps
  • Poverty Bay
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 1 Rifle Corps

Taranaki Province

166 men organised into 4 Adult Corps located at

  • New Plymouth
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 1 Rifle Corps
  • Patea
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 1 Rifle Corps

Wellington Province

1821 men organised into 39 Adult and 8 Cadet Corps located at

  • Wanganui
    • 4 Cavalry Corps
    • 3 Rifle Corps
  • Rangitikei
    • 4 Cavalry Corps
    • 6 Rifle Corps
    • 2 Cadet Corps
  • Wellington
    • 1 Artillery Corps
    • 13 Rifle Corps
    • 5 Cadet Corps
  • Greytown
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 2 Rifle Corps
    • 1 Cadet Corps
  • Masterton
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 2 Rifle Corps

Hawkes Bay Province

304 men organised into 4 Adult and 1 Cadet Corps located at

  • Napier
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 1 Artillery Corps
    • 1 Rifle Corps
    • 1 Cadet Corps
  • Wairoa
    • 1 Rifle Corps

Nelson Province

295 men organised into 3 Adult and 3 Cadet Corps

  • Nelson
    • 1 Artillery Corps
    • 2 Rifle Corps
    • 3 Cadet Corps

Marlborough Province

235 men organised into 5 Adult and 2 Cadet Corps

  • Marlborough
    • 5 Rifle Corps
    • 2 Cadet Corps

Canterbury Province

710 men organised into 13 Adult and 5 Cadet Corps

  • Canterbury
    • 1 Cavalry Corps
    • 3 Artillery Corps
    • 2 Engineer Corps
    • 7 Rifle Corps
    • 5 Cadet Corps

Otago and Southland Province

1303 men organised into 18 Adult and 3 Cadet Corps

  • Otago
    • 1 Artillery Corps
    • 13 Rifle Corps
    • 2 Naval
    • 2 Cadet Corps
  • Invercargill
    • 1 Rifle Corps
    • 1 Cadet Corps
  • Riverton
    • 1 Rifle Corps

Westland Province

207 men organised into 3 Adult Corps

  • Hokitika
    • 1 Rifle Corps
  • Ross
    • 1 Rifle Corps
  • Greymouth
    • 1 Rifle Corps

Defence Store Department

The Defence Stores was not a new organisation but an amalgamation of the Militia Stores Department and the Colonial Stores Department, which had both been created in the early 1860s. The notable change was the appointment in April 1869 of Lieutenant Colonel, Edward Gorton as Inspector of Stores. [9] Appointed as Inspector of Stores at the age of Thirty-One, Gorton had come to New Zealand with the 57th Regiment where he had spent time as Cameron’s aide-de-camp. Taking his release from Imperial service in 1863, Gorton was appointed as Major in the Militia assuming command of the Wellington Militia District. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Gorton was placed in command of the Whanganui and Rangitikei Militia Districts and served as Quartermaster to General Whitmore during the Tītokowaru War of 1868/69.[10]

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gorton

Establishing his office in Wellington, Gorton was assisted by a Clerk, Mr C.S Lockie. Shortly after his appointment, Gorton drafted new rules and regulations for keeping store accounts and the proposed forms to the defence minister for approval.[11]

Auckland Defence Stores

Located at Albert Barracks, the Auckland Defence Store was the most extensive and principal Defence Store in New Zealand.  Although the Storekeeper in Auckland was Capitan John Mitchell, he had been suspended as Colonial Storekeeper in May 1869 due to a dispute about some absences.[12] Mitchell resigned on 5 July 1869, with and Major William St Clair Tisdall was appointed as acting Sub-Storekeeper of the Auckland Defence Stores.[13]

Major Tisdall was assisted by a small, long-serving and experienced staff consisting of;[14]

  • John Blomfield, Clerk
  • John Price, Clerk
  • D Evitt, Armourer Sergeant
  • 4 x Arms Cleaners
  • J Broughton, Magazine keeper Appointed Jan 1870

Wellington Defence Stores

The Wellington Defence Store located at Mount Cook was divided into two functions.

  • The Armed Constabulary Stores
  • The Defence Store

Storekeeper Sam Anderson controlled the Armed Constabulary Stores. Anderson’s position was paid from within the Armed Constabulary budget and, as part of the Armed Constabulary Depot, was technically not part of the Defence Store organisation. However, records indicate that the two organisations were closely associated.

The Wellington Defence Store was under Lieutenant Colonels HE Reader’s supervision who as the Commander of the Wellington District Militia was also the Wellington Defence Storekeeper. In his Defence Store duties Reader was assisted by;[15]

  • Sergeant Alexander Crowe, Clerk
  • Armourer Sergeant E. H Bradford, Armourer
  • 4 x Arms Cleaners, including
    • Mr John Shaw
    • Mr James Smith
    • Mr Walther Cristie
  • Magazine Keeper, Appointed in January 1870

Whanganui Defence Stores

Due to the Tītokowaru War, Whanganui had been a significant military hub, with the Defence Store post graded as one requiring a Storekeeper assisted by a Clerk. The Storekeeper position was filled by the Officer Commanding and Adjutant of the Wanganui Militia and Volunteers, Major Chas Chalkin. In January 1870, the military situation had changed, and the Storekeeper position in Whanganui was downgrade to that of Sub-Storekeeper.

Patea Defence Stores

With the cessation of hostilities after the Tītokowaru War, Patea prospered and became a significant regional hub. A Sub-Storekeeper was appointed to manage Defence Stores affairs in the area in January 1870

Tours of Inspection

Gorton had a tremendous job ahead in organising and transforming the Defence Stores into an effective organisation. Since 1860 the New Zealand Government had purchased thousands of weapons such as Enfield, Terry and Snider rifles and carbines, and the associated sets of accoutrements from Australia and the United Kingdom to equip the various New Zealand Forces. All this war material needed to be accounted for and redistributed to the Armed Constabulary and Volunteer units or placed into Militia storage.

Gorton was a hands-on leader and during his first year, conducted several tours of inspection to inspect the stockpiles of military material distributed across New Zealand. On one such outing, Gorton left Auckland on the Friday 13 November 1869 on the NZ Government Paddle Steamer Sturt to inspect the military depots and garrisons on the East Coast of the North Island.  Landing at Port Charles, Tauranga, Opotiki, Hicks Bay, Port Awanui, Tūpāroa, Tologa Bay, Poverty Bay Gorton found many stores that had been stockpiled as part of the recent East Coast campaign but not utilised. Gorton took the opportunity to revise the holdings at each location and redistribute as necessary, handing over the balance to Captain Bower, the District Quartermaster at Napier.[16]

The Imperial Withdraw

Since 1842, an Imperial Storekeeping organisation was based in New Zealand with the Ordnance Department establishing Store’s offices in Auckland and Wellington. The Ordnance Department was then reorganised into a new organisation called the Military Store Department on 1 February 1857. With its primary location at Fort Britomart in Auckland, the Military Store Department principal role was to support the Imperial Garrison, with support provided to colonial forces when necessary.  By 1866 the conflict in New Zealand had reached a stage where with the “Self-reliance” policy the colonial forces had reached a level of independence allowing them to conduct the bulk of military operations, resulting in a drawdown and withdrawal of Imperial units. As the Imperial commitment decreased with the departure of five Imperial Regiments in 1866, the Military Store Department also had to reduce and optimise its operations.

Further reductions of Imperial troops necessitated the closing of its regional Depots such as the Depot in Whanganui in March of 1867.[17] With the departure of four more regiments in 1867, the Tauranga Depot closure soon followed.[18]  The final Imperial Regiment departed New Zealand in February 1869.[19]

Fort Britomart’s dismantling had commenced in January 1869, with all the military content of Fort Britomart and Albert Barracks belonging to the Imperial Government, such as guns, ammunition and stores shipped to the United Kingdom on the SS Himalaya.[20]  With the withdrawal of Imperial Forces completed by July 1870.[21] Although the Military Store Department had provided valuable support and advice to the Colonial Defence Force over the years and had provided a useful logistic backstop, the New Zealand Defence Stores under Gorton were now required to stand alone.

Burglary from Wellington Militia Store

A testament to the importance and accuracy of Gorton’s stocktaking endeavours was demonstrated in August 1869. Gorton had finalised a stocktake and reorganisation of the Wellington Militia Store on 29 July 1869. Two days later the Militia Store was broken into and several items of clothing stolen. On discovery of the break-in, a quick inventory by Sergeant Crowe was able to identify the nature and quantity if the stolen items and an accurate report provided to the Wellington Police. Within a short time, the thief and his accomplices were apprehended while wearing some of the stolen items.[22]

Gorton faced many challenges in establishing Defence Stores as an organisation. Active Military Operations were still being undertaken along with a sizeable force of Militia, Volunteers and Armed Constabulary positioned in redoubts and blockhouses in the frontier regions, with each of these presenting unique logistical challenges. Concurrently the Defence Stores were required to manage Militia and Volunteers units’ stores and equipment in all parts of the country to allow them to maintain their efficiency status. However, Gorton had come into the job with the Defence Stores’ foundations already established with staff who had learned military storekeeping skills through the busy conflict years of the 1860s. To complement his team’s existing experience and strengthen to the Defence Stores’ effectiveness, early in his tenure, Gorton set new rules, regulations, and forms for keeping store accounts, beginning the journey to professionalise New Zealand’s Military Storekeeping.


Notes

[1] General Assembly of New  Zealand, “Armed Constabulary Act 1867,”  (1867).

[2] “The Public Stores Act 1967,”  (1867).Notes

[3] “Estimates for General Government Services for the Year Ending  30th June, 1870, as Voted by the General Assembly,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1869, Session I, B-01d  (1869).

[4] The Storekeeper in Wellington was also the Officer Commanding and Adjutant of the Wellington Militia and Volunteers with salaries for these duties covered under another allocation of the Defence vote

[5] The Storekeeper in Wanganui was also the Officer Commanding and Adjutant of the Wanganui Militia and Volunteers with salaries for these duties covered under another allocation of the Defence vote

[6] Nominal Roll of Officers in the Store Department – August 1870 – for Printing, Item Id R24174657, Record No Cd1870/2744 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1870).

[7] “Papers and Reports Relating to the Armed Constabulary,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1870 Session I, D-07  (1870).

[8] General Assembly of New  Zealand, “The Militia Act 1870,”  (1870).

[9] “Estimates for General Government Services for the Year Ending  30th June, 1870, as Voted by the General Assembly.”

[10] “Colonel Gorton,” Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 1072, Page 2, 31 December 1909.

[11] Edward Gorton, Forwarding Rules and Regulations for Keeping Store Accounts, Also Proposed Forms for Approval of Defence Minister, Item Id R24142601 Record No Cd1869/2900               (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1869 ).

[12] Suspension of Captain Mitchell Colonial Storekeeper for Absence from Duty. Major Tisdall Is Placed in Temporary Charge of Stores, Item Id R24175550 Record No Cd1869/2824 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1869).

[13] Gorton, Forwarding Rules and Regulations for Keeping Store Accounts, Also Proposed Forms for Approval of Defence Minister.

[14] Nominal Roll of Officers in the Store Department – August 1870 – for Printing.

[15] Ibid.

[16] “Arrival of the P.S. Sturt.,” Hawke’s Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1103, 23 November 1869.

[17] “Wanganui,” Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3003, 11 March 1867.

[18] “Page 2 Advertisements Column 5,” New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1079, 30 April 1867.

[19] A. H. McLintock, “British Troops in New Zealand,”  http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/british-troops-in-new-zealand; “The Troops and the Home Government,” Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXV, Issue 3643, 23 March 1869.

[20] “Dismantling of Fort Britomart,” Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXV, Issue 3616, 19 February 1869.

[21] “Projected Departure of Mr Hamley,” Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4007, 25 June 1870.

[22] “Supreme Court, Criminal Sittings,” Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2885, Page 6, 4 September 1869.


The Pātaka of Ngāti Tumatauenga: NZ Ordnance Corps Locations 1840 to 1996

The New Zealand Army evolved out of the British troops deployed during the 19th century New Zealand Wars into a unique iwi known as Ngāti Tumatauenga – ‘Tribe of the God of War’. While Ngāti Tumatauenga has an extensive and well-known Whakapapa,[1] less well known is the whakapapa of the New Zealand Army’s supply and warehousing services.

Leading up to 1996, the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) was the New Zealand Army organisation with the responsibility in peace and war for the provision, storage and distribution of Arms, Ammunition, Rations and Military stores. As the army’s warehousing organisation, the RNZAOC adopted the Pātaka (The New Zealand Māori name for a storehouse) as an integral piece of its traditions and symbology. On 9 December 1996, the warehousing functions of the RNZAOC were assumed by the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR).

Unpacked on this page and on the attached Web Application “the Pātaka of Ngati Tumatauenga” the evolution of New Zealand’s Army’s Ordnance services is examined. From a single storekeeper in1840, the organisation grew through the New Zealand Wars, the World Wars and Cold War into an organisation with global reach providing support to New Zealand Forces in New Zealand and across the globe.

Scan the QR code to view the Web App:

Pataka (1)

Description of Ordnance Units

In general terms, Ordnance units can be described as:

  • Main/Base Depots– A battalion-sized group, commanded by a lieutenant colonel. Usually a significant stock holding unit, responsible for the distribution of stock to other ordnance installations.
  • Central Ordnance Depots/Supply Company– Company-sized units, commanded by a major. Depending on the role of the unit, the following subunits could be included in the organisation:
    • Provision, Control & Accounts
    • Stores sub-depot/platoon
      • Traffic Centre
      • Camp Equipment
      • Technical Stores
      • Expendables
      • Clothing
      • Returned Stores & Disposals
        • Textile Repair
        • Tailors
        • Boot Repair
      • Ammunition Sub-Depot/Platoon
      • Vehicles Sub-Depot/Platoon
      • Services Sub-Depot/Platoon
        • Bath and Shower
        • Laundry
      • Rations Sub-Depot/Platoon (after 1979)
      • Fresh Rations
      • Combat Rations
      • Butchers
      • Petroleum Platoon (after 1979)
      • Vehicle Depots
    • Workshops Stores Sections – In 1962, RNZAOC Stores Sections carrying specialised spares, assemblies and workshops materials to suit the particular requirement of its parent RNZEME workshops were approved and RNZEME Technical Stores personnel employed in these were transferred to the RNZAOC.[2] [3]
    • Workshops. Before 1947, Equipment repair workshops were part of the Ordnance organisation, types of Workshop included:
      • Main Workshop
      • Field/Mobile Workshop
      • Light Aid Detachments

Unit naming conventions

The naming of Ordnance units within New Zealand was generally based upon the unit locations or function or unit.

Supply Depots were initially named based on the district they belonged to:

  • Upper North Island – Northern District Ordnance Depot
  • Lower North Island – Central Districts Ordnance Depot
  • South Island – Southern Districts Ordnance Depot

In 1968 a regionally based numbering system was adopted

  • 1 for Ngaruawahia
  • 2 for Linton
  • 3 for Burnham
  • 4 for Waiouru

Some exceptions were:

  • 1 Base Depot and 1st Base Supply Battalion, single battalion-sized unit, the name were based on role, not location.
  • 1 Composite Ordnance Company, a unique company-sized group, the name was based on function, not location

When the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) became the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT) in 1979, the supply functions were transferred to the RNZAOC with the 1st number signifying the location with the 2nd number been 4 for all Supply Platoons:

  • 14 Supply Platoon, Papakura
  • 24 Supply Platoon, Linton
  • 34 Supply Platoon, Burnham
  • 44 Supply Platoon, Waiouru
  • 54 Supply Platoon, Trentham

Exceptions were:

  • 21 Supply Company – Retained its name as a historical link to the unit’s long history in the RNZASC.
  • 47 Petroleum Platoon, originally 7 Petroleum Platoon RNZASC, when Transferred to the RNZAOC, as it was based in Waiouru it added the Waiouru unit designation ‘4’ and became 47 Petroleum Platoon RNZAOC

Unit locations New Zealand, 1907–1996

Alexandra

9 Magazines Operational from 1943, closed1962.

Ardmore

20 Magazines operational from 1943

Auckland

There has been an Ordnance presence in Auckland since the 1840s with the Colonial Storekeeper and Imperial forces. The Northern Districts Ordnance Depot was situated in Mount Eden in the early 1900s. In the 1940s the centre for Ordnance Support for the Northern Districts moved to Ngaruawahia, with a Sub depot remaining at Narrow Neck to provided immediate support.

RNZAOC units that have been accommodated at Auckland have been:

Stores Depot

  • Defence Stores Department, District Stores – Albert Barracks 1961-1883
  • Defence Stores Department, District Stores – O’Rourke Street, 1883-1903
  • Defence Stores Department, District Stores – Goal Reserve, Mount Eden 1903 -1917
  • Northern District Ordnance Depot – Goal Reserve, Mount Eden 1917 -1929.[4]
  • Northern District Ordnance Depot, Narrow Neck, 1929 to? [5]
  • 1 Supply Company, from 1989, Papakura
  • 12 Supply Company
  • 12 Field Supply Company
  • 15 Combat Supplies Platoon, 1 Logistic Regiment
  • 52 Supply Platoon, 5 Force Support Company

Vehicle Depot

  • Northern Districts Vehicle Depot, Sylvia Park, 1948-1961
  • Northern Districts Ordnance Depot, Vehicle Sub Depot, Sylvia Park, 1961 – 1968
  • 1 Central Ordnance Depot (1 COD), Vehicle Sub Depot, Sylvia Park, 1968 to 1979
  • 1 Supply Company, Vehicle Sub Depot, Sylvia Park, 1979 to 1989

Ammunition Depot

  • Mount Eden Magazines – 1873-1929
  • Northern Districts Ammunition Depot, Ardmore – 1942 – Present

Other Units

  • Bulk Stores Mangere, the 1940s (Part of MOD Trentham)
  • DSS Fort Cautley.

Workshops

Located at the Torpedo Yard, North Head

  • Ordnance Workshop Devonport, 1925-1941
  • No 12 Ordnance Workshop, Devonport, 1941–1946

Workshop Stores Section

  • 1 Infantry Workshop, Stores Section, Papakura 1962–1986
  • 1 Field Workshop Store Section, Papakura
  • 1 Transport Company Workshop, Stores Section, Fort Cautley

Belmont

Operational from 1943

  • MOD Trentham, Ammunition Group, Ammunition Section

Burnham

Stores Depot

1921 saw the establishment of a single Command Ordnance Depot to service all military units in the newly organised Southern Military Command. Before this, Ordnance stores had operated from Christchurch and Dunedin. The new Depot (later renamed the Third Central Ordnance Depot) was established in the buildings of the former Industrial School at Burnham. Re-structuring in 1979 brought a change of name to 3 Supply Company.[6] [7] [8]

  • Stores Depot titles 1921–1996
    • Area Ordnance Department Burnham, 1920 to 1939,
    • Southern Districts Ordnance Depot, 1939 to 1942,
    • No 3 Sub Depot, 1942 to 1948,
    • Southern Districts Ordnance Depot, 1948 to 1968,
    • 3 Central Ordnance Depot (3 COD), 1968 to 1979, [9]
    • 3 Supply Company, 1979 to 1993,
    • Burnham Supply Center,1993 to 1994,
    • 3 Field Supply Company, 1994 to 1996.

Vehicle Depot

  • Southern Districts Vehicle Depot, 1948-1961.

Ammunition Depot

  • Southern Districts Vehicle Ammunition 1954-1961.

Other Ordnance Units

  • Combat Supplies Platoon. 1979 to 19??,
  • Ready Reaction Force Ordnance Support Group (RRF OSG), 19?? To 1992, moved to Linton,
  • 32 Field Supply Company (Territorial Force Unit).

Ordnance Field Parks

  • 3 Infantry Brigade Group OFP Platoon, 21 October 1948 – 28 June 1955.
  • 1 (NZ) Division OFP, Tech Stores Platoon, 28 June 1955 -,

Workshops

  • No 14 Ordnance Workshop, until 1946.

Workshop Stores Section

  • Southern Districts Workshop, Stores Section,
  • 3 Field Workshop, Store Section.

Christchurch

Stores Depot

  • Canterbury and Nelson Military District Stores Depot, King Edwards Barracks, Christchurch, 1907 to 1921.

Workshop Stores Section

  • Southern Districts Workshop, Stores Section, Addington,
  • 3 Infantry Brigade Workshop, Stores Section, Addington,
  • 3 Transport Company Workshop, Stores Section, Addington.

Devonport

Ordnance Workshop – Located at the Torpedo Yard, North Head

  • Ordnance Workshop Devonport, 1925-1941
  • No 12 Ordnance Workshop, Devonport, 1941–1946

Dunedin

Stores Depot

  • Otago and Southland Military Districts Stores Depot, 1907 to 1921

Fairlie

Nine magazines Operational 1943.

Featherston

Featherston Camp was New Zealand’s largest training camp during the First World War, where around 60,000 young men trained for overseas service between 1916 – 1918. An Ordnance Detachment was maintained in Featherston until 1927 when it functions were transferred to Northern Districts Ordnance Depot, Ngaruawahia.[10]

Glen Tunnel

16 magazines Operational from 1943

Hamilton

Proof Office, Small Arms Ammunition Factory, 1943-1946

Kelms Road

55 Magazines Operational from 1943 to 1976

Linton Camp

RNZAOC units that have been accommodated at Linton have been;

Stores Depot

  • No 2 Ordnance Depot, 1 October 1946  to 1948,
  • Central Districts Ordnance Depot,  1948 to 1968,
  • 2 Central Ordnance Depot (2 COD), 1968 to 16 Oct 1978,[11]
  • 2 Supply Company,  16 October 1978 to 1985,
    • Static Depot
      • Tech Stores Section
    • Field Force
      • 22 Ordnance Field Park
        • General Stores
        • Bath Section
  • 5 Composite Supply Company, 1985 to 1990.
  • 21 Field Supply Company 1990 to 1996

Vehicle Depot

  • Central Districts Vehicle Depot, 1957-1961

Ammunition Depot

Ordnance Field Parks

  • 2nd Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon 1948-48
  • 22 Ordnance Field Park

Workshop Stores Section

  • 1 General Troops Workshop, Stores Section
  • Linton Area Workshop, Stores Section
  • 5 Engineer Workshop, Store Section

Other Ordnance Units

  • 24 Supply Platoon
  • 23 Combat Supplies Platoon
  • 47 Petroleum Platoon 1984 to 1996
  • Ready Reaction Force Ordnance Support Group (RRF OSG), from Burnham in 1992 absorbed into 21 Field Supply Company. [12]

Lower Hutt

Ordnance Field Parks

  • 1 (NZ) Division OFP, Tech Stores Platoon, 28 June 1955 –

Mangaroa

First used as a tented camp during the First World War and in the Second World War Mangaroa was the site of an RNZAF Stores Depot from 1943. The depot with a storage capacity of 25,000 sq ft in 8 ‘Adams type’ Buildings was Handed over to the NZ Army by 1949.[13] The units that have been accommodated at Mangaroa have been:

Supply Depot

  • Main Ordnance Depot,1949–1968,
  • 1 Base Ordnance Depot, 1968–1979,
  • 1st Base Supply Battalion,
    • ACE(Artillery and Camp Equipment) Group
    • 5 Composite Supply Company, 1978 – Dec 1979

Ordnance Field Parks

  • 2nd Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon, 1950–1963,
  • 1 Infantry Brigade Group, OFP, 1963–1968,
  • 1st Composite Ordnance Company (1 Comp Ord Coy), 1964–1977,
    1 Comp Ord Coy was the Ordnance Bulk Holding unit for the field force units supporting the Combat Brigade Group and the Logistic Support Group and held 60–90 days war reserve stock. 1 Comp Ord Coy was made up of the following subunits: [14]

    • Coy HQ
    • 1 Platoon, General Stores
    • 2 Platoon, Technical Stores
    • 3 Platoon, Vehicles
    • 4 Platoon, Ammo (located at Makomako)
    • 5 Platoon, Laundry
    • 6 Platoon, Bath

Mako Mako

39 magazines operational from 1943

  • MOD Trentham, Ammunition Group, Ammunition Section
  • 2 COD Ammunition Section

Mount Eden

Defence Stores/Ordnance Depot, 1871-1927

  • Defence Stores Department Powder Magazines 1871
  • Defence Stores Department, District Stores – Goal Reserve, Mount Eden 1903 -1917
  • Northern District Ordnance Depot – Goal Reserve, Mount Eden 1917 -1929.[4]

Proof Office, Small Arms Ammunition Factory, 1898-1967

Mount Somers

10 Magazines operational from 1943, closed 1969

Ngaruawahia

Ngaruawahia also was known as Hopu Hopu was established in 1927, [15] and allowed the closure of Featherston Ordnance Depot and the Auckland Ordnance Depot and was intended to service the northern regions. During construction, Ngaruawahia was described by the Auckland Star as “Probably the greatest Ordnance Depot”[16] Ngaruawahia closed down in 1989, and its Ordnance functions moved to Papakura and Mount Wellington.
RNZAOC units that have been accommodated at Ngaruawahia have been:

Stores Depot

  • Area Ngaruawahia Ordnance Department 1927 to 1940,
  • Northern District Ordnance Depot, 1940 to 1942,
  • No 1 Ordnance Sub Depot, 1942 to 1948, In addition to the main stores at Ngaruawahia Camp, No 1 Ordnance Sub Depot also maintained Sub-Depots at the following locations:
    • Bulk Store at Federal Street, Auckland
    • Clothing and Boot Store at Mills Lane, Auckland
    • Clothing Store at Glyde Rink, Kyber Pass/Park Rd, Auckland
    • The Ray Boot Store, Frankton
    • Area 4 Ordnance store, Hamilton.
    • Pukekohe Show Grounds Buildings
  • Northern District Ordnance Depot, 1948 to 1968,
  • 1 Central Ordnance Depot (1 COD), 1968 to 1979,
  • 1 Supply Company, 1979 to 1989,
  • 1 Field Supply Company, 1984, from 1989, Papakura.  [17]

Ammunition Depot

25 Storehouses

  • Thirteen Constructed 1927-29
  • Twelve Constructed 1942-45

Ordnance Field Parks

  • 1st Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon, 1948 to 1955
  • 1 Infantry Brigade Group, Ordnance Field Park(OFP), 1968 to 1979, support to Combat Brigade Group

Workshop Stores Section

  • 1 Infantry Brigade Group LAD, Stores Section

Other Ordnance Units

  • Northern Districts Ammunition Depot, Kelms Road

 Palmerston North

  • Palmerston North Detachment, NZAOC, 1914 to 1921.[18] [19] [20]
  • Depot Closed and stocks moved to Trentham.
  • Ordnance Store, 327 Main Street Circa 1917-1921.[21]
  • No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot, Palmerston North showgrounds, 1942 to 1946 when depot moved to Linton.

Trentham

Stores Depot

  • Main Ordnance Depot (MOD), 1920 to 1968
  • Base Ordnance Depot (BOD), 1968 to 1979
  • 1st Base Supply Battalion (1BSB), 1979 to 1993
  • 5 Logistic Regiment (5LR), 1993 to 8 December 1996 when Transferred to the RNZALR.

Ordnance School

  • RNZAOC School, 1958 to 1994
  • Supply/Quartermaster Wing and Ammunition Wing, Trade Training School 1994 to 1996. [21]

Workshops

  • Main Ordnance Workshop, 1917 to 1946.[22]

Workshop Stores Section

  • 1 Base Workshop, Stores Section

Ordnance Field Parks

  • 4(NZ) Division Ordnance Field Park(OFP), 1950–1963

Vehicle Depot

  • Central Districts Vehicle Depot, 1948 – 1957

Ammunition Units

  • HQ Ammunition Group, sections at Belmont, Makomako, Kuku Valley, Waiouru
  • Ammunition Proof and Experimental Centre, Kuku Valley
  • Central Military District Ammunition Repair Depot, Kuku Valley

Waiouru

Ordnance Sub Depots were established at Waiouru in 1940, which eventually grew into a stand-alone Supply Company.[23]

RNZAOC units that have supported Waiouru have been;

Stores Depot

  • Main Ordnance Depot, Waiouru Sub-Depot, 1940–1946, Initially managed as a Sub-Depot of the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham, Ordnance units in Waiouru consisted of:
    • Artillery Sub Depot
    • Bulk Stores Depot
    • Ammunition Section
  • Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Waiouru Sub Depot (1946–1976).[24] In 1946 Waiouru became a Sub-Depot of the Central Districts Ordnance Depot in Linton, consisting of:
    • Ammo Group
    • Vehicle Group
    • Camp Equipment Group.
  • 4 Central Ordnance Deport, (1976–1979) On 1 April 1976 became a stand-alone Depot in its own right. [25]
  • 4 Supply Company, (1979–1989)
    when the RNZASC was disbanded in 1979 and its supply functions transferred to the RNZAOC, 4 Supply gained the following RNZASC units:[26]

    • HQ 21 Supply Company,(TF element)(1979–1984)
      21 Supply Company was retained as a Territorial unit for training and exercise purposes and was capable of providing a Supply Company Headquarter capable of commanding up to five subunits.
    • 47 Petroleum Platoon (1979–1984)
    • 44 Supply Platoon
  • Central Q, (1989–1993)
  • 4 Field Supply Company, (1993–1994)
  • Distribution Company, 4 Logistic Regiment, (1994–1996)

Workshop Stores Section

  • Waiouru Workshop, Stores Section
  • 4 ATG Workshop, Stores Section
  • 1 Armoured Workshop, Store Section
  • QAMR Workshop, Store Section

Wellington

The Board of Ordnance originally had a warehouse in Manners Street, but after the 1850 earthquake severely damaged this building, 13 acres of Mount Cook was granted to the Board of Ordnance, starting a long Ordnance association with the Wellington area.

Stores Depot

  • Defence Stores Department, Lower Mount Cook Barracks, 1869 – 1917
  • Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Mount Cook, 1917 to 1920.[27]

 Workshops

  • Armament Workshop, Alexandra Military Depot.[29]

Ammunition Storage

  • Mount Cook, Powder Magazine,  1847 – 1879
  • Kaiwharrawharra Powder Magazines, 1879-1920
  • NZAOC Ammunition Section, Fort Ballance Magazine Area, 1920 -1943

Ammunition Inspection and Repair

  • New Zealand Ordnance Corps Section, RNZA, Fort Ballance, Wellington, 1915 to 1917.[28]

Unit locations overseas, 1914–1920

Few records trace with any accuracy New Zealand Ordnance units that served overseas in the First World War. Although the NZAOC was not officially created until 1917.[30] The New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps was constituted as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in 1914 for overseas service only and in 1919 its members demobilised, returned to their parent units or mustered into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (Officers) or New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (other Ranks) on their return to New Zealand.

Egypt

  • Ordnance Depot, Zeitoun Camp, 1914-16
  • Ordnance Depot Alexandra, 1915-16
    • 12 Rue de la, Porte Rosette, Alexandria. [31]
    • New Zealand Ordnance Store, Shed 43, Alexandria Docks.[32]
  • NZ Ordnance Section, NZEF Headquarters in Egypt
    • Qasr El Nil Barracks, Cairo.[33]

Fiji

  • NZAOC Detachment, Fiji Expeditionary Force, Suva – February- April 1920

Germany

  • Ordnance Depot, Mulheim, Cologne

 Greece

  • Ordnance Depot, Sapri Camp, Lemnos Island, October – December 1915

Samoa

  • 1 Base Depot

 Turkey

  • Ordnance Depot, ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli, April – Dec 1915

 United Kingdom

  • New Zealand Ordnance Base Depot Farringdon Street, London
  • Ordnance Depot, Cosford Camp

Unit locations overseas, 1939–1946

Egypt

Headquarters

  • Office of the DDOS 2NZEF, 22 Aig 1941 to Sept 1942
  • Office of the ADOS 2NZEF, Sept 1942 to 1 Sept 1945

Base Units

Supply

  • New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot, Maadi, 1940 to 19 Feb 1944
  • No 1 New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot,  16 Feb 1944 to 1946

Workshops (until Sept 1942 when transferred to NZEME)

  • NZ Base Ordnance Workshop

Laundry

  • NZ Base Laundry, 30 Sept 1942 – 30 Sept 1943

Training

  • Engineer and Ordnance Training Depot, Maadi Camp

Field Units

Supply

  • 2 NZ Divisional Ordnance Field Park, 28 Jul 1941 – 29 Dec 1945
  • NZ Divisional Mobile Bath Unit, 6 Sept 1941  –  30 Sept 1942
  • NZ Divisional Mobile Laundry & Decontamination Unit, 22 Sept 1941 – 27 Mar 1942
  • NZ Divisional Mobile Laundry, 27 Mar 1942 – 30 Sept 1942
  • NZ Salvage Unit, 16 Aug 1941 – 20 Oct 1942

Workshops (until Sept 1942 when transferred to NZEME)

  • 2 NZ Divisional Ordnance Workshops
  • 1 NZ Field Workshop
  • 2 NZ Field Workshop
  • 3 NZ Field Workshop
  • 14 NZ Anti-Aircraft Workshop Section
  • 9 NZ Light Aid Detachment (attached 4 Fd Regt)
  • 10 NZ LAD (attached 5 Fd Pk Coy)
  • 11 NZ LAD (attached HQ 4 NZ Inf Bde)
  • 12 NZ LAD (attached 27 NZ (MG) Bn) Disbanded 15 Oct 1942
  • 13 NZ LAD (attached 2 NZ Div Cav)
  • 14 NZ LAD (attached 2 NZ Div Sigs)
  • 15 NZ LAD (attached 7 NZ A Tk Regt)
  • 16 NZ LAD (attached HQ 5 Fd Regt)
  • 17 NZ LAD (attached HQ 5 NZ Inf Bde)
  • 18 NZ LAD (attached 6 NZ Fd Regt)
  • 19 NZ LAD (attached HQ 6 NZ Inf Bde)

Greece

  • 2 Independent (NZ) Brigade Group Workshop.[34]
  • 5 Independent (NZ) Brigade Group Workshop. [35]
  • Light Aid Detachments x 11
  • 1 Ordnance Field Park (British OFP attached to NZ Division).[36]

Italy

Headquarters

  • Office of the ADOS 2NZEF, 6 Jun 1945 to 1 Sept 1945

Base units

  • No 2 New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot, Bari, 16 Feb 1944 – 2 Feb 1946.[37]
    •  Advanced Section of Base Depot, Senegallia, Sept 44 – Feb 46.
  • NZ Advanced Ordnance Depot,   1943- 14 Feb 1944 (Absorbed into OFP)

Field units

  • NZ Division Ordnance Field Park OFP, – 29 Dec 1945
  • NZ Advanced Ordnance Depot, 27 Oct 1945- 1 Feb 1946
  • NZ Mobile Laundry Unit, 1 Oct 1943 – 16 Feb 1944
  • NZ Mobile Bath Unit, 18 Oct 1943 – 16 Feb 1944
  • MZ Mobile Laundry and Bath Unit, 16 Feb 1944 – 8 Dec 1945
  • NZ Vehicle and Stores Reception Depot, 27 Oct 1944 – 1 Feb 1946
    • Vehicle Depot, Assisi, 27 Oct 1945 – Jan 1946.[38]
    • Stores Depot, Perugia, 27 Oct 1945 – Feb 1946.[39]

Fiji

  • Divisional Ordnance Headquarters
  • Base Ordnance Depot
  • Division Ordnance Workshop
  • ‘A’ Workshop Section
  • ‘B Workshop Section
  • 20th Light Aid Detachment
  • 36th Light Aid Detachment
  • 37th Light Aid Detachment

New Caledonia

  • Base Ordnance Depot
  • Division Ordnance Workshop
  • 20th Light Aid Detachment
  • 36th Light Aid Detachment
  • 37th Light Aid Detachment
  • 42 Light Aid Detachment
  • 64 Light Aid Detachment
  • 65 Light Aid Detachment
  • 67 Light Aid Detachment

Solomon Islands

  • Advanced Ordnance Depot, Guadalcanal. Officer Commanding and Chief Ordnance Officer, Captain Noel McCarthy.

Tonga

  • 16 Brigade Group Ordnance Field Park
  • 16 Brigade Group Workshop

Unit locations overseas, 1945–1996

Japan

  • Base Ordnance Depot, Kure (RAOC unit, NZAOC personnel attached)
  • 4 New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot, November 1945.
  • 4 New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot, November 1946.
  • 4 New Zealand Ordnance Field Park – August 1947 to July 1948 when closed.

ADO Gate

Korea

No Standalone units but individual RNZAOC personnel served in 4 Ordnance Composite Depot (4 OCD) RAOC.

Malaya

No standalone RNZAOC units, but individual RNZAOC personnel may have served in the following British and Commonwealth Ordnance units:

  • 3 Base Ordnance Depot, RAOC, Singapore
  • 28 Commonwealth Brigade Ordnance Field Park, Terendak, Malaysia.

Singapore

Stores Depot

  • 5 Advanced Ordnance Depot, 1970–1971
    5 Advanced Ordnance Depot (5 AOD) was a short-lived Bi-National Ordnance Depot operated by the RAAOC and RNZAOC in Singapore, 1970 to 1971.
  • ANZUK Ordnance Depot, 1971–1974
    ANZUK Ordnance Depot was the Tri-National Ordnance Depot supporting the short-lived ANZUK Force. Staffed by service personnel from the RAOC, RAAOC and RNZAOC with locally Employed Civilians (LEC) performing the basic clerical, warehousing and driving tasks. It was part of the ANZUK Support Group supporting ANZUK Force in Singapore between 1971 to 1974. ANZUK Ordnance Depot was formed from the Australian/NZ 5 AOD and UK 3BOD and consisted of:

    • Stores Sub Depot
    • Vehicle Sub Depot
    • Ammunition Sub Depot
    • Barrack Services Unit
    • Forward Ordnance Depot(FOD)
  • New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot, 1974–1989
    From 1974 to 1989 the RNZAOC maintained the New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot(NZAOD) in Singapore as part of New Zealand Force South East Asia (NZFORSEA).

Workshops Stores Section

  • New Zealand Workshops, RNZAOC Stores Section
  • 1RNZIR, Light Aid Detachment Stores Section

Somalia

The RNZAOC (with RNZCT, RNZEME, RNZSig, RNZMC specialist attachments) contributed to the New Zealand Governments commitment to the International and United Nations Operation in Somalia(UNOSOM) efforts in Somalia with:

  • Supply Detachment, Dec 1992 to June 1993
  • Supply Platoon x 2 rotations, July 1993 to July 1994 (reinforced with RNZIR Infantry Section)
  • RNZAOC officers to UNOSOM headquarters, 1992 to 1995.[40]

South Vietnam

During New Zealand’s commitment to the war in South Vietnam (29 June 1964 – 21 December 1972). The Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps did not contribute a standalone unit but provided individuals to serve in New Zealand Headquarters units, Composite Logistic units or as part of Australian Ordnance Units including:

  • Headquarters Vietnam Force (HQ V Force)
  • 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF)
  • 1st Australian Logistic Support Group (1 ALSG)
  • 161 Battery Attachments (161 Bty Attached)
  • New Zealand Rifle Companies
  • 161st (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight

Copyright © Robert McKie 2018

Notes

[1] Whakapapa is a taxonomic framework that links all animate and inanimate, known and unknown phenomena in the terrestrial and spiritual worlds. Whakapapa, therefore, binds all things. It maps relationships so that mythology, legend, history, knowledge, Tikanga (custom), philosophies and spiritualities are organised, preserved and transmitted from one generation to the next. “Rāwiri Taonui, ‘Whakapapa – Genealogy – What Is Whakapapa?’, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Http://Www.Teara.Govt.Nz/En/Whakapapa-Genealogy/Page-1 (Accessed 3 June 2019).”

[2] Major J.S Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Trentham: RNZAOC, 1992).

[3] A.J. Polaschek and Medals Research Christchurch, The Complete New Zealand Distinguished Conduct Medal: Being an Account of the New Zealand Recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal from the Earliest Times of the South African War to the Present Time, Together with Brief Biographical Notes and Details of Their Entitlement to Other Medals, Orders and Decorations (Medals Research Christchurch, 1983).

[4] “Dismantling of Buildings at Mt Eden and Reassembling at Narrow Neck,” New Zealand Herald, vol. LXVI, p. 5, 2 February 1929.

[5] “The Narrow Neck Camp,” New Zealand Herald, vol. LVIII, no. 17815, p. 6, 23 June 1921.

[6] 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.

[7] “Camp at Burnham,” Star, no. 16298, p. 8, 13 December 1920.

[8] “RNZAOC Triennial Conference,” in Handbook – RNZAOC Triennial Conference, Wellington,”  (1981).

[9][9] “NZ P106 Dos Procedure Instructions, Part 1 Static Support Force. Annex F to Chapter 1, Rnzaoc Director of Ordnance Services,”  (1978).

[10] ” Featherston Military Training Camp and the First World War, 1915–27,”  https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/featherston-camp.

[11] “NZ P106 Dos Procedure Instructions, Part 1 Static Support Force. Annex F to Chapter 1, Rnzaoc Director of Ordnance Services.”

[12] “Stockholding for Operationally Deployable Stockholding Units,” NZ Army General Staff, Wellington  (1993.).

[13] L Clifton, Aerodrome Services, ed. Aerodrome Services Branch of the Public Works Department War History (Wellington1947).

[14] “1 Comp Ord Coy,” Pataka Magazine, February 1979.

[15] “D-01 Public Works Statement by the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1 January,”  (1925).

[16] “Great Military Camp,” The Auckland Star, vol. LVI, no. 83, p. 5, 8 April 1925.

[17] “1st Field Supply Company Standing Operating Procedures, 1st Supply Company Training Wing, Dec “,  (1984).

[18] W.H. Cunningham and C.A.L. Treadwell, Wellington Regiment: N. Z. E. F 1914-1918 (Naval & Military Press, 2003).

[19] “Defence Re-Organisation,” Manawatu Times, vol. XLII, no. 1808, p. 5, 5 May  1921.

[20] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 25th June 1914 to 26th June, 1915.,” “, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives  (1915).

[21] “NZ Army Ordnance Stores, ,”  https://manawatuheritage.pncc.govt.nz/item/c7681d2d-c440-4d58-81ad-227fc31efebf.

[22] “Pataka Magazine. RNZAOC, P. 52,,”  (1994).

[23] “Waiouru Camp  “, Ellesmere Guardian, vol. LXI, no. 90, p. 2, 12 November 1940

[24] Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps.

[25] Ibid.

[26] Ibid.

[27] “Ordnance Stores,” Evening Post, vol. c, no. 95, p. 8, 19 October 1920.

[28] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 25th June 1914 to 26th June 1915.”

“, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives  (1915).

[29] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces, from 1st June 1916 to 31st May 1917,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives  (1917).

[30] “Colonel Rhodes,” Dominion, vol. 9, no. 2718, p. 9, 13 March 1916. .

[31] Ibid.

[32] Ibid.

[33] Glyn Harper, Johnny Enzed: The New Zealand Soldier in the First World War 1914-1918, First World War Centenary History (Titirangi, Auckland, New Zealand: Exisle Publishing, 2015

[Limited Leather Bound Edition], 2015), Bibliographies, Non-fiction.

[34] A.H. Fernyhough, History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1920-1945 (Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1958).

[35] Ibid.

[36] Ibid.

[37] New Zealand War Histories – Italy Volume Ii : From Cassino to Trieste,  (Victoria University of Wellington, 1967).

[38] Ibid.

[39] Ibid.

[40] “Somalia: 1992 – 1995,” NZ Army,” http://www.army.mil.nz/about-us/what-we-do/deployments/previous-deployments/somalia/default.htm.