The strength of the NZAOC on the 31st May 1938 was 34 consisting of:
6 Officers
28 Permanent Other Ranks
Establishment Review
It was identified due to the recent and pending increases in armament, instruments, and equipment generally, and in the proposed further distribution of mobilization equipment to districts. then an increase in the NZAOC establishment would be required in the following areas;
armament and armourer sections,
clerical division,
General division with store-men and tradesmen.
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Major Thomas Joseph King, NZAOC
Assistant Chief Ordnance Officer Trentham Camp
Captain W. R. Burge, M.C., NZSC
Ordnance Officers
Captain E.L.G Bown, NZSC
Ordnance Officer (Provision)
Captain H. E. Erridge
Northern Command Ordnance Officer
Lieutenant D. L. Lewis
Central Command Ordnance Officer
Captain W. R. Burge, M.C, NZSC
Southern Command Ordnance Depot
Lieutenant D. Nicol
Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Lieutenant I. R. Withell, RNZA
Assistant Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Assistant Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Lieutenant S. B. Wallace
Officer In Charge, Ordnance Workshop, Trentham
Lieutenant A.H Andrews, BE
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition, Auckland
Honorary Lieutenant J.W Fletcher, NZPS
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1938
New Ordnance Badges
By 1936, stocks of the 1917 pattern Cap badge had been exhausted, with only collar badges remaining in stock. The Director of Ordnance Services of the time proposed to the Quartermaster General that existing stocks of the NZEF NZAOC badge (180 Cap Badges, 319 Pairs of Collar Badges) be used as a replacement, and the current badge be made obsolete. The Quartermaster General did not authorise the replacement of the 1917 Badge but did allow the use of the NZEF NZAOC Badge until the provision of new badges could be arranged from the UK.
The Director of Ordnance Services counted with a proposal in February 1937 with a design for a new NZAOC badge, which was a similar pattern to the current RAOC Badge which had been introduced in 1918. The New Zealand Badge differed from the RAOC version by having the Inscription “New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps” in the Annulus field, and the inscription “Sua Tela Tonanti” in the Riband. The new design was approved on the 31st of May 1937.
RNZAOC hat and collar 1937-1947. Robert McKie collection
Ordnance Services
The NZAOC was responsible for;
the provision, distribution, repair, examination, and maintenance of small arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing, equipment, and general stores;
the inspection and repair of armament and inspection of gun ammunition ;
the receipt, testing, storage, and issue of small-arms ammunition;
the organization and control of ordnance workshops.
The constant changes in the organisation of units and in equipment generally, as adopted in England, had very much complicated and increased the Ordnance work in New Zealand. Much remained to be done in the repair, maintenance, and modernization of arms and equipment, in the receipt, storage, and issue of stores and equipment from abroad, and in preparation for mobilisation.
Credits
The sum of £24,776 had been received as credits for the sale of rifles, ammunition, and cordite, cloth and trimmings to contractors, obsolete and unserviceable stores, waste products, etc.
Arms
Good progress had been made with the stripping, cleaning, and preservation of rifles S.M.L.E., Mark III. The stock of barrels brought in 1920 for sale to rifle clubs had now become exhausted. The question of the provision of a suitable barrel was referred to the National Rifle Association, and, as a result of the recommendation received, inquiries are being made from Australia regarding the provision of such a barrel.
Small-arms Ammunition
Proof of ammunition held in magazines throughout the Dominion manufactured between the years 1929-33 was carried out, all ammunition tested was passed as fit for rifle use.
Clothing
The provision of a blue uniform for the Territorial Force had been approved. Four thousand uniforms were manufactured for issue this year.
Store Buildings and Workshops
The extension to the fitters’ shops at the Ordnance Workshops, Trentham, was completed, and the erection of the new carpenters’ shop planned for construction. A contract for the first section of the large Ordnance Store required at Trentham was let and it was proposed to accelerate the construction of the remainder of the buildings. Plans were prepared for the buildings required at the Ordnance Depots at Ngaruawahia and Burnham, and for the rebuilding of the Ordnance Workshop, Devonport.
Four Armourer recruits were enlisted during the year, they had undergone training and made good progress. In addition, two Armourer recruits for the RNZAF had also made satisfactory progress. In November 1936 a course of instruction for all Armourers was held. This course was very successful and helped to coordinate the work of inspection of arms throughout the Dominion.
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1937
NZAOC Activities
NZAOC personnel has been engaged throughout the year in the following activities :
Care, preservation, turnover, and accounting for all stores, arms, equipment, and clothing held in Ordnance Depots.
Receipt and classification of clothing returned from Territorials and Cadets. Allocation of clothing for dry-cleaning and renovation, and examination on return from dry cleaning contractors.
Examination of new clothing supplied by contractors.
Annual inspection of rifles and light machine guns on charge to Territorial Units and Cadets, and half-yearly inspection of Vickers guns.
The issue of camp equipment and training stores for camps, bivouacs, and courses of instruction throughout the Dominion, also hire of stores to various organizations.
Sales of rifles and barrels to gunsmiths, to rifle clubs, and to the general public, and sales of S.A.A. to rifle clubs.
Routine issues of clothing, arms, equipment, S.A.A. and expendable stores. No progress has been made during the year with the stripping, cleaning, and preservation of the balance of the rifles, S.M.L.E. Mark III, held in store, and which have not been examined since receipt from the United Kingdom in 1920. Authority had been obtained, however, for the engagement of four arms-cleaners, and the work has now started.
Credits
Received as credits for the sale of rifles, ammunition, and cordite – £16,573 Is. 10d.
Provision of cloth and trimmings to contractors; waste products, etc. £4,751 5s. 11d. (This represents the proceeds of sales of cloth and trimmings to contractors for use in the manufacture of Territorial clothing.)
Accommodation
The accommodation for mobilization stores at Trentham remained very unsatisfactory.
Arms Sales
The sales of small arms to rifle clubs and the general public continued during the year. The total value of rifles, barrels, and components sold during the year, ending 31st March 1937 was £3,166 75, which was about £1,000 more than any previous total during recent years. These sales involve a considerable amount of work for the NZAOC Armourers, but this was counterbalanced by the returns.
Director of Ordnance Services visit to Australia
As the guest of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, The Director of Ordnance Services paid a six-week visit to Australia at the end of 1936. During this visit, he inspected the munition establishments of the Commonwealth and visited the Ordnance establishments at Melbourne and Sydney. He also carried out an investigation into the accounting system of the Royal Australian Air Force. Much of the information obtained will be of value in the future.
Workshops
The new instrument workshop at Trentham was occupied in August 1936 and provides greatly increased facilities for repairs. There was a large amount of Armourers’ work in arrears, but owing to the shortage of staff, it was not been possible to undertake it.
Cap Badges
By 1936, stocks of the 1917 pattern Cap badge had been exhausted, with only collar badges remaining in stock. The Director of Ordnance Services of the time proposed to the Quartermaster General that existing stock of the NZEF NZAOC badge (180 Cap Badges, 319 Pairs of Collar Badges) be used as a replacement, and the current badge be made obsolete. The Quartermaster General did not authorise the replacement of the 1917 Badge but did allow the use of the NZEF NZAOC Badge until the provision of new badges could be arranged from the UK.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Badge, 1916-1919 (Robert McKie Collection 2017)
The Director of Ordnance Services counted with a proposal in February 1937 with a design for a new NZAOC badge, which was a similar pattern to the current RAOC Badge which had been introduced in 1918. The New Zealand Badge differed from the RAOC version by having the Inscription “New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps” in the Annulus field, and the inscription “Sua Tela Tonanti” in the Riband. The new design was approved on the 31st of May 1937.
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, Officer Gilt, Silver and Enamel Badge. 1937-1947, Robert McKie Collection.
RNZAOC hat and collar 1937-1947. Robert McKie collection
[1] Alan Huia Andrews, BE to be Lieutenant, 17 June 1936. “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfers of Officers of the NZ Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 44 (1936).
Some improvement had been effected in the position that existed last year. One junior officer was sent to England to attend the Ordnance Mechanical Engineers’ Course, another with a B.E. degree had been identified for appointment after experience in a civilian workshop to be posted to the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham. An additional officer should be appointed this year for administrative work at the Main Ordnance Depot.
Other Ranks (Including Civilians)
Four men were selected for appointment as armourers and will be trained under a Warrant Officer (Armourer Sergeant-Major) from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, England, who had recently been appointed. An additional instrument-repairer (ex-Warrant Officer, R.A.0.C.) had also been appointed. Two armourers for the Royal N.Z. Air Force will receive their initial training at the same time. A laboratory foreman, whose duties comprise the testing of gun ammunition, had received training in Australia during the year.
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1936
Ordnance Services
The NZAOC was responsible for;
the provision, distribution, repair, examination, and maintenance of small arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing, equipment, and general stores;
the inspection and repair of armament and inspection of gun ammunition ;
the receipt, testing, storage, and issue of small-arms ammunition;
the organization and control of ordnance workshops.
Equipment and stores required for the Territorial Force had been maintained during the year in serviceable condition. Very careful attention had been paid to the inspection and testing of small-arms ammunition, some of the older stocks of which showed signs of serious deterioration. All ammunition issued for use in rifles was carefully tested before issue, and ammunition found unfit for rifles were either issued for use in machine guns or broken up, according to its condition.
Equipment and Stores
It had not been possible to effect any improvement in the very unsatisfactory position regarding reserves of equipment and stores, as reported in the previous year.
Stores Buildings and Workshops
Sketch plans of additional storage and workshop accommodation at Trentham had been prepared for inclusion in the latest estimates. The buildings required comprise two large storehouses, to be served by an extension of the existing railway siding, and various additions and alterations to the workshops. A substantial economy in staff and administrative expenses would result from the carrying out of this work.
At Burnham Camp, a small building to accommodate single civilian personnel of the Ordnance Depot had been erected, but additions were required to meet an increase in the number of men employed at this camp.
[1] Relinquished the appointment of Assistant IOO and OEM to attend a course in England 15 February 1936. “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfers of Officers of the NZ Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 19 (1936).
Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Captain R. Withell, RNZA
Assistant Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Assistant Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Lieutenant S. B. Wallace.
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition, Auckland
Honorary Lieutenant J.W Fletcher, NZPS.
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1935
It had not been possible, for financial reasons, to follow any progressive policy during the past few years in the appointment of officers to the NZAOC. The officers of the corps are of two classes;
Administrative, and
Technical.
The small numbers involved made it essential that appointments be made with careful regard to age and the necessity for technical training abroad. It was planned that two junior officers —one for administrative work and one for technical work—would be appointed as soon as funds permit, with one officer to attend the Ordnance Mechanical Engineers’ Course in England in 1936. Special attention was being paid to the provision of armourers and instrument artificers. The position as regards armament-artificers was satisfactory, but appointments of young men for training as armourers and for instrument-repair work needed to be made as soon as practicable.[4]
Ordnance Services
The NZAOC was responsible for;
the provision, distribution, repair, examination, and maintenance of small arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing, equipment, and general stores;
the inspection and repair of armament and inspection of gun ammunition;
the receipt, testing, storage, and issue of small-arms ammunition;
the organization and control of ordnance workshops.
Equipment and stores required for the Territorial Force had been maintained during the year in serviceable condition. Very careful attention had been paid to the inspection and testing of small-arms ammunition, some of the older stocks of which showed signs of serious deterioration. All ammunition issued for use in rifles was carefully tested before issue, and ammunition found unfit for rifles was either issued for use in machine guns or broken up, according to its condition.
Equipment and Stores
The situation regarding equipment and stores was far from satisfactory. Financial limitations had made it impossible to build up an adequate reserve of equipment and stores or to maintain those reserves that existed. These stores could not be obtained in New Zealand, nor would they be available until at least six months after the outbreak of war. Apart from the provision of stores, a considerable amount of leeway had to be made up in carrying out alterations and additions to existing equipment. Shortage of skilled personnel and small stores, and inadequate workshops and machinery, together with the increased demands made upon them, were responsible for the present situation. Unfortunately, financial limitations permitted no progress made in remedying this position. An issue of boots has been made to all ranks of the Territorial Force during the past year which proved satisfactory in every way.
Stores Buildings and Workshops
The Ordnance Depots were situated at Ngaruawahia, Trentham, and Burnham. The storage accommodation at Ngaruawahia and Burnham was reasonably satisfactory. At Trentham, where the greater quantity of reserve stores was held, the store buildings consist of the wooden hutments erected to accommodate troops during the war. Most of these buildings still have a considerable ” life,” but the layout is uneconomical in staff and administration and insufficient to accommodate any considerable increase in the quantity of stock held. The stores required on mobilization cannot, under present conditions, be segregated and laid out as they should be. It was proposed that when finance became available, to erect a modern store building at Trentham which will increase the storage available and anticipate the deterioration of the present wooden buildings.
The principal workshop is at Trentham. Small workshops exist at North Head, Auckland, and Burnham, Canterbury. These workshops carry out repair and maintenance work on guns, howitzers, vehicles, machine guns, rifles, optical and other instruments, and miscellaneous small items. A marked increase in this work was expected with the advent of the new armament for coast defences and other equipment. A considerable extension of the workshop at Trentham is overdue, but could not be undertaken with the finances available in the vote.
Cricket
The Trentham Ordnance Depot contributed a team to the Upper Hutt League of the Wellington Cricket Association competition playing the known games
17 November 1934 – Ordnance Vs Methodist
24 November 1934 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt
31 November 1934 – Ordnance Vs Trentham A
8 December 1934 – Ordnance Vs St Josephs
14 December 1934 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt B
11 January 1935 – Ordnance Vs Training Depot
14 February 1935 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt A
22 February 1935 – Ordnance Vs St. Josephs
29 February 1935 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt A
2 March 1935 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt B
9 March 1935 – Ordnance vs Training Depot
16 March 1935 – Ordnance Vs Trentham B
The position of the teams at the end of the first round in the 1934/Upper Hutt Cricket League competition was :
Ordnance – 45 points
Training Depot – 44
Trentham – B 40
Upper Hutt A – 26
St. Joseph’s – 25
Methodist – 7
Trentham A – 16
Upper Hutt B – 11
Ordnance Cricket Team – 1934-35 Maidstone Park Upper Hutt. RNZAOC School
[1] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 1 June 1934 to 31 May 1935,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1935).
[2] Promoted to Captain 1 December 1934 “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers of the NZ Forces “, New Zealand Gazette No 87, 29 November 1934.
[3] Appointed Ordnance Office (Provision) Main Ordnance Depot July 1934.”Personal Items Nicol, Erridge,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21862, 26 July 1934.
[4] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 1 June 1934 to 31 May 1935.”
Mr W Ramsy a former member of the NZAOC passed away at New Plymouth after a brief illness on 15 May 1932. The late Mr Ramsay was a native of Glasgow, and before coming to New Zealand had seen service with the British Army in various parts of the world. He attained the rank of sergeant-major in the 18th. Hussars and later was stationed with the Army- Service Corps in Malta. Shortly after’ his arrival’ in Wellington, the war broke out, and almost immediately he joined up with the Defence Department staff. Transferring into the NZAOC on it formation as a Conductor, Ramsey was soon promoted to Lieutenant, taking his release when reaching the retiring age for his rank in 1920.[5]
[1] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces June 1931 to May 1932,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1932).
[2] 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, 118.
[3] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces June 1933 to May 1934,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1934): 1.
[4] Appointed 1 Sept 1931 NZ General Order 353/1931
[5] “Obituary Ramsey,” Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 114, 16 May 1932.
Inspecting Officer Ordnance and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Major W Ivory, RNZA
Assistant Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Lieutenant I. R. Withell, RNZA
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition
Lieutenant M.J Lyons
Captain I. R. Withell, RNZA
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1931
Mass Retrenchment
With the Depression affecting the New Zealand economy, the NZAOC was forced to retrench many of its staff. This was achieved by using the provisions of section 39 of the Finance Act, 1930 (No. 2) and by transferring staff to the Civil service.[16]
The Finance Act, 1930 (No. 2) authorized the retirement on superannuation of any member of the Permanent Force or the Permanent Staff under the Defence Act, 1909, or of the clerical staff of the Defence Department whose age or length of service was such that if five years was added thereto they would have been enabled as of right or with the consent of the Minister of Defence to have given notice to retire voluntarily. Using this act a total of six officers and Thirty-eight other ranks of the NZAOC were retired on superannuation as from the 31st March 1931. Seventy-four NZAOC staff (excluding officers and artificers) who were not eligible for retirement were transferred to the civil staff to work in the same positions but at a lower rate of pay. [17]
1931 Napier Earthquake Relief
On account of the disastrous earthquake that struck Napier and Hastings on the 3rd February 1931, the NZAOC was called upon at short notice to supply tents, blankets, bedding, cooking and eating utensils, for use in the stricken areas. The total value of the stores issued from the Ordnance Stores at Trentham was £35,000. The Ordnance staff did particularly good work in dispatching these stores and equipment. All members of the military staff in the earthquake area were detailed for relief work, as well as personnel from other centres, and on the 6th March 1931, there were twelve officers and forty-six other ranks employed in connection with the relief camps. All ranks engaged in the relief effort were deserving of great credit for the manner in which they carried out their duties under trying conditions.[18]
Obituary
Staff Sergeant Sydney C. Tennyson of the Burnham Ordnance Depot passed away on 22 July 1930. Born at Peckham, London, in 1892, Staff-sergeant Tennyson enlisted with H Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery in 1906. He saw hard fighting during the Great War, serving with the famous H Battery throughout the campaign. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant fitter in 1917 and gained his discharge from the British Army in 1920, with a total service of 13 years 142 days. Coming to New Zealand, Staff-sergeant Tennyson joined the NZAOC in 1923. SSgt Tennyson was accorded a military funeral.[19]
The funeral of Staff Sergeant S. C. Tennyson, of the N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps, entering the Bromley Cemetery. Members of the firing party lined the pathway leading to the graveside. Christchurch City Libraries
Ordnance Workshops Mount Cook
The Ordnance workshop located at Mount Cook was relocated to Trentham Camp.[20]
Personnel Movements -June 1930 to May 1931
Releases
62 Private Frank Jewiss
665 Private William Alexander Sammons
714 Lance Corporal Kenneth Hoare
966 Lance Corporal William Terrington Popple
1001 Private Gordon Cumming Bremner
75300 Private William Valentine Wood
1004 Lance Corporal James Johnston Bolt
1009 Lance Corporal John Campbell Myers
39 Corporal Simon Alexander Fraser
55 Corporal John Francis Hunter
111 Corporal John Sawyer
19 Sergeant Alfred Charles Butler
920 Corporal Gordon James Francis Arenas
961 Corporal Edgar Charles Beal Boult
965 Corporal Philip Alexander MacKay
974 Corporal Henry William Le Comte
978 Corporal Earnest John Williams
960 Sergeant Frank William Ching
968 Sergeant Thomas Alexander Hunter
166 Sergeant William John Rabbidge
956 Staff Sergeant Saddler George Alexander Carter
213 Staff Sergeant William Saul Keegan
995 Staff Sergeant Wilfred Robert White
268 Staff Quartermaster Sergeant James Alexander Kenning
143 Armament Sergeant Major Joseph Warren
1018 Sergeant Major James Oliver Pringle Southgate
[1] “Permanent Forces,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20619, 18 July 1930.
[2] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces June 1930 to May 1931,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1 January 1941 (1931): 6.
[3] “B-07 Appropriations Chargeable on the Consolidated Fund and Other Accounts for the Year Ending 31 March 1931,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1931).
[4]relinquished appointment of OO Main Depot 15 December 1930 “Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 27 (1931): 969.
[5] Appointed Ordnance Officer Main Ordnance Depot 22 April 1931. “Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 40 (1931): 1549.
[6] Relinquished appointment of OO Northern Command 30 Jan 1931 “Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” 969.
[7] Released 30 January 1931 “Defence Cuts,” Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 84, 10 April 1931.
[8] Seconded for Service with NZAOC as Ordnance Officer Northern Command 31 January 1931. “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers of the NZ Forces “, New Zealand Gazette No 16 (1931).
[9] Appointed Officer in Charge Waikato Camp, Ngaruawahia in addition to appointment of OO Northern Command. “Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 73 (1931): 2154.
[10] Relinquished appointment of OO Main Ordnance Depot 20 December 1930″Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 16 (1931): 515.
[11] Relinquished appointment of OO Southern Command 19 December 1930. “Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” 969.
[13] Appointed Ordnance Officer Southern Command 31 January 1931 “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers of the NZ Forces “.
[14] Appointed Officer in Charge Burnham Camp in addition to Ordnance Officer Appointment 20 December 1930. “Appointment, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers from the NZ Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 70 (1931).
[15],from December 20 1930 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, 118.
[16] “Attitude of Members “, New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20644, 16 August 1930.
[17] “Big Cut in Defence Force,” Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 144,, 16 December 1930.
[18] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces June 1930 to May 1931.”
[1] Retired 29 July 1929 “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 58 (1930).
[1] “Bibliographic Details,” The Evening Post, Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 88, 14 April 1930.
[2] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1930).
[3] “B-07 Appropriations Chargeable on the Consolidated Fund and Other Accounts for the Year Ending 31 March 1930,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1930).
[4] “Modern Military Camp,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929.
[5] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces.”
To make good the normal wastage due to retirements, discharges, etc 10 Other Ranks were enlisted into the NZAOC during this year.[17]
Artillery Artificers
Artillery Artificers were transferred to the NZAOC during 1929.
Ordnance Depots
Northern Command
Ngaruawahia Camp
Construction of the Small-arms Ammunition Magazine, magazines Nos. 8, 9, and 10 (for high explosives) Ordnance Workshops was completed. The erection of the laboratory was still to be completed.[18][19]
Mount Eden
With the removal of stores to Ngaruawahia Camp, the buildings at Mount Eden were no longer required, so they were disassembled and re-erected at Narrow Neck Camp.[20]
Central Command
The Upper Hutt water-supply now served this camp in lieu of the previous camp system, the fire-fighting facilities had been considerably strengthened and some economy in maintenance effected. The buildings and roads had been maintained in good order.[21]
Southern Command
A concrete strong-room and Ordnance Workshops had been erected, and the buildings and the surrounding area generally maintained.[22]
Accounting irregularities
Early in 1929 the DOS identified some irregularities in connection with the sale of rifles and invited the Audit Department to investigate the matter. The result of the investigation identified that contrary to the provision of instructions relating to the Accounting of Stores Captain Whyte had;
Sold stores on credit contrary to instructions from superiors
Concealed the transactions by tampering with the documentation and ordering a NCO to produce doctored packing lists
Cashed cheques received as payment for Government stores that were endorsed as payable to “The Director of Ordnance Services or Bearer” and used the proceeds for his own purposes.
A disturbing breach of procedures Captain Whyte was questioned about the irregularities identified by the Audit report and with all the outstanding amounts repaid was given the opportunity of resigning his commission or facing disciplinary action. Captain Whyte took the opportunity of resigning his commission resulting in a loss of accrued leave and benefits.
Examinations for Promotions
The 1928 examinations for promotion were conducted in all Depots on the following dates;
Monday 19 November -Technical – Armament Section
Monday 19 November – Technical – Stores Section
Monday 19 November – Technical – Ammunition Section
Tuesday 20 November – Technical – Clerical Section
Wednesday 21 November – Arithmetic – All Sections
Thursday 22 November 1928 – Accounting for Stores – All Sections Staff Sergeant and above
Friday 23 November 1928 – Discipline – All Sections Staff Sergeant and above
Courses
A course of Instruction for Armourers was held at the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham over the period 4-22 January 1929, attending were;
14 Armourer Sergeant Major B Buckley (Trentham)
2 Armourer SQMS J.A Adamson (Burnham)
132 Armourer Staff Sergeant A.P Young (Trentham)
915 Armourer Staff Sergeant E.J Hunter (Trentham)
25 Armourer Sergeant F.A Clapshaw (Burnham)
7 Armourer Corporal R.C Austin (Burnham)
992 Armourer Corporal H.C Cooper (Trentham)
141 Armourer Corporal R.S H Lyons (Trentham)
The following passed and became eligible for promotion to the next highest rank;
915 Armourer Staff Sergeant E.J Hunter (Trentham) 79% eligible for promotion to Armourer SQMS
25 Armourer Sergeant F.A Clapshaw (Burnham) 78% eligible for promotion to Armourer Staff Sergeant
7 Armourer Corporal R.C Austin (Burnham) 77% eligible for promotion to Armourer Sergeant
992 Armourer Corporal H.C Cooper (Trentham) 72% eligible for promotion to Armourer Sergeant
Personnel Movements -June 1928 to May 1929
Enlistments
1024 Armament-Artificer E.W Jepson
1025 Tent-Repairer-Artificer H.R Griffin into “D Section” of the Permanent Section of the NZAOC
1026 Private J.S Jefcoate into “B Section” of the Permanent Section of the NZAOC
1027 Artificer W.C Brizzel into “D Section” of the Permanent Section of the NZAOC
1028 Private P.N Erridge into “A Section” Burnham of the Permanent Section of the NZAOC
Postings
35 Lance Corporal H Ekins from “E Section” Trentham Detachment to “F Section” Wellington Detachment.
363 SQMS D.L Lewis from Burnham to Trentham in September 1928
915 Armourer Staff Sergeant J.A Kenning from Trentham to Ngaruawahia
Sergeant Peterson from Trentham to Ngaruawahia
Corporal P Henry from Trentham to Ngaruawahia
996 Lance Corporal A.G McCurdy from Trentham to Ngaruawahia
1009 Lance Corporal J.L Myers from “F Section” Trentham to “A Section” Burnham
7574586 Armourer Staff Sergeant R.R Grieve from Northern Command to Trentham
Promotions
363 SQMS D.L Lewis to Warrant Officer Class 1 (Conductor) on 1 October 1928
894 Staff Sergeant J Moroney to SQMS 1 October 1928
951 SQMS A Martin to Warrant Officer Class 1 on 15 of September 1928
989 Lance Corporal P.R Hunter to Corporal on the 19th of January 1929
1002 Lance Corporal S.P Stewart to Corporal 1 March 1929
1026 Private J.S Jefcoate to Armament-Sergeant on the 13th of December 1928
Appointments
Lieutenant H. E. Erridge NZAOC, appointed Ordnance Officer. Main Depot, Trentham and Ordnance Officer Central Military Command from 14 May 1929.[23]
Transfers
Capitan W.M Bell from the reserve of Officers to the NZAOC with the rank of Capitan with seniority to 1 August 1919. To be Ordnance Officer Main Ordnance Depot and Office in Charge Trentham Camp from 15 March 1929.[24]
Captain W.C Burge, New Zealand Staff Corps seconded to NZAOC as Assistant Chief Ordnance Officer from 18 April 1929.[25][26]
Lieutenant I. R. Withell, RNZA seconded to NZAOC as Assistant Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer from 16 May 1929[27][28]
Releases
1 Private Hugh John Adams
17 Armament Staff Quartermaster Sargent George Bush, MSM
995 Staff Sergeant Wilfred Robert White
102 Armourer Staff Quartermaster-Sergeant Harold Victor Coyte Reynolds, MSM
[1] “”H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces. June 1928 to May 1929,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1929).
[2] “B-07 Appropriations Chargeable on the Consolidated Fund and Other Accounts for the Year Ending 31 March 1929,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1929): 136-37.
[3] Major J.S Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Trentham: RNZAOC, 1992).
[4] Appointed Assistant COO 18 April 1929 “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 48, 27 June 1929, 1761.
[5] “New Zealand Army,” Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 150, 29 June 1929.
[6]Appointed 15 March 1929 was also Officer in Charge Trentham Military Camp. “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Military Forces,” 1761.
[14] Appointed Command Ordnance Officer 18 April 1929. The War Office, The Monthly Army List, February 1939 (London: His Majestys Stationary Office, 1939).
[15] Appointed 16 May 1929 “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Military Forces,” 1761.
The Strength of the NZAOC on the 31st of May 1928 was 118, consisting of;
8 Officers
103 Permanent Other Ranks
7 Temporary Other Ranks
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Major Thomas Joseph King, NZAOC
Ordnance Accounting Officer
Lieutenant T.W Page, NZAOC
Ordnance Officer (Provision)
Lieutenant H. E. Erridge, NZAOC
Northern Command Ordnance Officer
Captain F. E. Ford, NZAOC
Central Command Ordnance Officer
Captain H. H. Whyte, M.C, NZAOC.
Southern Command Ordnance Officer
Captain A.R.C White, NZAOC
Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Acting Inspector of Ordnance Machinery
Captain W. Ivory, RNZA,
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition
Captain E.H Sawle.
Lieutenant M.J Lyons
Enlistments
To make good wastage due to retirements, Six Other Ranks were enlisted into the NZAOC during this year.
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1928
Ordnance Depots
Northern Command
The development of Ngaruawahia Camp was now in its final stages. During the year the large Ordnance Store building had been completed, and the stores from the Ordnance Depot at Mount Eden were being transferred to it. Two additional short railway-sidings: one off the main siding, and one off the Ordnance Depot siding, to facilitate sorting of trucks and disposal of empties had also been completed. The Ordnance Office was in use, while the Ordnance workshop and small-arms-ammunition magazine areas were approaching completion. Four married quarters for Ordnance personnel were erected and completed during the year. Two high-explosive magazines were completed with an additional three high-explosive magazines and laboratory, and the provision of mains and equipment for fire-prevention nearing completion.[1][2]
Central Command
At Trentham Camp, minor improvements had been undertaken, and the electrical change-over enabling the independent-power plant to be dispensed with was completed. Roads in the camp were receiving attention, while the numerous wooden buildings had been painted and otherwise maintained in good order.
Southern Command
Burnham Camp had been maintained, and the water-supply system completed.
Personnel Movements -June 1927 to May 1928
Transfers into the NZAOC
1018 Sergeant Major James Oliver Pringle Southgate.[3]
The roles, responsibilities and dress regulations pertaining to the NZAOC were detailed in the New Zealand Gazette of May 19, 1927. Excerpts of which are detailed here.[6]
SECTION II
27 (b) The Director of Ordnance Services, assisted by, the Chief Ordnance Officer, The Inspecting Ordnance Officer and the Ordnance Mechanical Engineer, is responsible to the Quartermaster-General for;
The provision, receipt, storage, distribution, repair, examination and maintenance of small-arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing and necessaries, equipment and general stores (including medical and veterinary), and camp and barrack equipment,
The inspection and repair of armament and warlike stores, and the inspection of gun ammunition,
The provision, receipt, storage and distribution of small arms ammunition.
The receipt, storage, issue and repair of fixed armament, field armament and artillery vehicles,
The organisation and control of ordnance workshops,
The preparation and periodic revision of Equipment regulations and barrack and hospital schedules,
The organisation, administration and training of the NZ Army Ordnance Corps,
The maintenance of statistics of the Ordnance Department.
He is the Commanding Officer of the NZ Army Ordnance Corps and responsible for the interior economy, including enlistment, training, pay, promotion, postings, transfers, clothing, equipment and discharges within the unit.
He will issue Regimental Orders dealing with training, administration and personnel.
The promotion of Officers in the NZAOC will be the same conditions as those governing promotion in other branches of the NZ Permanent Forces, except that the necessary qualifying examinations will be one set specially for the NZAOC.
SECTION IV
Enlistment, Promotion, Transfer and Discharge, NZAOC
Applicants for enlistment must fulfil the following conditions;
Be between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years,
Be unmarried
Have passed the Sixth Standard of education or its equivalent
Be physically fit for active service in any part of the world
In special cases with the approval of the General Officer Commanding, these conditions may be modified.
For the purpose of administration and promotion the corps will be organised into six sections;
A Section – Clerks and Ledger keepers
B Section – Armament artificers
C Section – Armourers
D Section – Tradesmen and specialists
E Section – Storeholders and storemen
F Section – Ammunition details
Personnel in Sections A, E and F will require to qualify for promotion by examination, while personnel in Sections B, C and D will require to pass both trade test and examination in order to qualify for promotion.
Promotion to Non-Commissioned and Warrant ranks in the various sections will, subject to the soldier being recommended by his immediate commanding officer as being in all respects fit for promotion and to passing the prescribed examination and trade test, be as set out in paras 229 to 236.
Section A – Clerks and Ledger keepers
Cadets on reaching the age of eighteen years will, if qualified and recommended by the OC Corps, be appointed privates. Subsequent promotion will be as under:
To Lance Corporal after one year’s service as private
To Corporal after three years’ service as a Lance Corporal
To Sergeant after five years’ service as a Corporal
Promotion above the rank of Sergeant within the establishment will be by selection.
Section B – Armament artificers
(1) Fitters, Turners and machinists
On completion of his term or probation (twelve months) a fitter, turner or machinist will if qualified and recommended, be promoted, Lance Corporal, Subsequent promotion will be as under:
To Corporal after three years’ service as a Lance Corporal
To Sergeant after five years’ service as a Corporal
To Staff Sergeant after four years as service as Sergeant
To Quartermaster Sergeant after three years’ service as Staff Sergeant
Subsequent promotion will be governed by establishment and by selection.
Promotion to Armament Sergeant Major will be made by the selection of the most highly qualified mechanic possessing the necessary experience and ability to control the Armament Section.
Boys will be apprenticed for five years on the conclusion of which they will receive their indenture-papers, and will be appointed fitters, turners or machinists on probation (twelve months). Conditions for future promotion and service will then be in accordance with para 230.
(2) Other Trades
When suitable candidates are available, vacancies in other trades of this section will be filled by the transfer of serving soldiers from the Royal NZ Artillery or from other sections of the NZAOC. A tradesman of this section will be appointed Lance Corporal on probation provided he has already had one years’ service in the Permanent Forces or has come direct from his trade. On completion of his term of probation (twelve months) a tradesman will, if qualified and recommended, be confirmed in the appointment, Subsequent promotion will be as under:
To Corporal after four years’ service as a Lance Corporal
To Sergeant after six years’ service as a Corporal
On the recommendation of the OC Corps, a tradesman showing exceptional ability and zeal may be promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and a blacksmith, if he is also efficiently carrying out the work of a moulder and welder, may be placed on the same footing for pay and promotion as fitters, turners and machinists.
Section C- Armourers
On completion of his term or probation a mechanic will, if qualified and recommended, be promoted, Armourer Lance Corporal, Subsequent promotion will be as under:
To Armourer Corporal after three years’ service as a Armourer Lance Corporal
To Armourer Sergeant after five years’ service as a Armourer Corporal
To Armourer Staff Sergeant after four years as service as Armourer Sergeant
To Armourer Staff Quartermaster-Sergeant after three years’ service as Armourer Staff Sergeant
Promotion to Armourer Sergeant Major will be made by the selection of the most highly qualified mechanic possessing the necessary experience and ability to control the Armourer Section.
Sections D and F Section – Tradesmen and specialists and Ammunition details
When suitable candidates are available, vacancies in other trades of this section will be filled by the transfer of serving soldiers from the Royal NZ Artillery. If qualified personnel are not obtainable from the Royal NZ Artillery or other units of the NZ Permanent Forces, special enlistment may be made.
A tradesman will be appointed Lance Corporal on probation, provided he has already had one years’ service in the Permanent Forces or has come direct from his trade. On completion of his term of probation (twelve months), a tradesman will, if qualified and recommended, be confirmed in the appointment. Subject to passing the necessary trade tests, Subsequent promotion will be as under:
(a) Carpenter: To Corporal after four years’ service as a Lance Corporal, To Sergeant after six years’ service as a Corporal. On the recommendation of the OC Corps a Carpenter showing exceptional ability and zeal may be promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant
(b) Saddlers: To Corporal after four years’ service as a Lance Corporal, To Sergeant after six years’ service as a Corporal.
(c) Tent Repairers, clothing- examiners, painters and other tradesmen not specified: To Corporal after six years’ service as a Lance Corporal. Promotion to Sergeant may be made under special circumstances e.e when tradesmen are controlling a staff or acting as store holders in addition to working at their trades.
(d) Ammunition Details. Non-Commissioned Officers in charge Ammunition Section, to Staff Sergeant after five years as service as Sergeant, and to Quartermaster Sergeant after seven years’ service as Staff Sergeant.
Section E – Storeholders and storemen
Promotion will be governed by establishment and will be subject to passing the necessary qualifying examination.
(ii) Those Warrant Officers, Non Commissioned Officer and men who during the year 1917 were transferred from the Civil Service to the NZAOC, may subject to the approval of the General Officer Commanding, be allowed to continue to serve until they reach the age of Sixty Five years, or until such earlier age when they will have completed forty years’ service towards a retiring allowance from the Public Service Superannuation Fund.
Precedence of Corps
766A. The position of Warrant Officer is inferior to that of all Commissioned Officers but superior to that of all Non-Commissioned Officers.
766B. The order of precedence or Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers will be as follows;
Dress Distinctions
Gorget Patches. As per Para 916. (b) (i) the Director of Ordnance Services wore Blue Gorget-Patches, Blue Cap Bands, lion and crown cap badge.
NZAOC Gorget patch pair (with post 1953 RNZAOC Button). Robert McKie Collection
918 Armlets. All Staff Officers holding Staff appointments at General Headquarters or Command Headquarters will, when o duty wear armlets in in-depth on the right arm above the elbow as follows;
General Headquarters – Red and Blue armlet
Command Head Quarters – Red and White armlet
To distinguish the branch which the officer represents armlets will bear the following letters:
Ordnance Officers attached to staff – “O”
Orders of Dress Other ranks
Khaki Service Dress only will be worn by Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned officers and men of the Permanent Forces, as under;
Full dress will be as above, with the following modifications;
(a) Decorations and medals will be worn
(C) NZ Army Ordnance Corps will wear felt hats with puggaree
Working dress. Drill Khaki and Trousers are authorised for “working Dress” for
Royal NZ Artillery
NZ Permanent Air Force
NZ Permanent Army Service Corps
NZ Army Ordnance Corps
Shoulder Titles. The shoulder titles of the unit or corps in brass letters will be worn by Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and men in the shoulder straps of jackets (service and blue) and greatcoats.
The approved shoulder titles for the NZAOC are illustrated below;
Ordnance Depots
Northern Command
The development of Ngaruawahia Camp was continuing satisfactorily.[7] The large Ordnance Store was nearing completion with the building walls up and two of the smaller bays roofed in. The Ordnace Store would consist of a large building 322 ft by 100 ft (98.14m x 30.48m) divided into seven bays;
Four 25ft by 100 ft. (7.62m x 30.48m)
Three 74ft by 100 ft, (22.55m x 30.48m)
Other buildings projected and to be constructed including;
The Ordnance workshop, 61ft by 50ft, (19m x 15.24m)
a vehicle shed, 520ft by 25ft. (156m x 7.62m)
The railway-siding serving the Ordnance buildings has been completed. The construction of the Ordnance Office and small-arms ammunition magazine has been commenced, and two high-explosive magazines and three married quarters will be put in hand immediately. [8][9]
Central and Southern Commands
Various small improvements have been effected at Trentham and Burnham Camps. At Trentham, the work of changing over from the present independent electrical installation to the Mangahao power was practically completed. This work would result in a very considerable saving in annual charges. At Burnham, a camp equipment building had been provided.[10]
Featherston Camp
Apart from some final administrative work, Featherson Camp was closed. The bulk of the stores previously held at Featherston Camp had been removed to Trentham Camp with a smaller quantity required to support Territorial training in the Northern Command, to the Mount Eden Ordnance Store. Several buildings were transferred to Fort Dorset to provide accommodation there, and, with the exception of six retained for possible similar transfer elsewhere, only two brick buildings retained on the site. the remainder of the buildings had been sold to the general public for removal. The land was retained and was leased for grazing purposes. [11]
Personnel Movements -June 1926 To May 1927
Promotions
Captain (Temporary Major) Thomas Joseph King to Major 18 October 1926. [12]
Enlistments into the Permanent Section of the NZAOC
[1] Relinquished appointment of Ordnance Officer, Northern Command 1 August 1926.”Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Staff Corps, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and Territorial Force,” New Zealand Gazette No 77, 18 November 1926, 3254.
[2] Relinquished appointment of Ordnance Officer Featherston Camp form 1 September 1926, appointed Ordnance Officer Northern Command. Ibid
[3] Relinquished appointment of Ordnance Officer, Ordnance Depot when appointed Officer In Charge Trentham Camp 2 November 1926. “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfers of Officers of the NZ Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette, 23 December 1926.
[4] Captain Ivory was seconded to the RNZAOC as the IOO and Acting IOM on 12 January 1927 “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Staff Corps, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and Territorial Force,” New Zealand Gazette No 11, 3 March 1927.
[5] Relinquished the appointment of Acting IOO on 11 January 1927 ibid.
[6] “Regulations for the Military Forces of the Dominion of New Zealand,” New Zealand Gazette, May 19 1927.
[7] “Military Training,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19544, 25 January 1927.
[8] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1927).
[9] “Asc in Camp,” Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 19, 24 January 1927.
[10] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces.”
[12] “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfer of Officers of the New Zealand Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 17, 24 March 1927, 705.
