A Snapshot of the RNZAOC – 4 December 1996

2 Comments Apr 2, 2023 Robert McKie

Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1955-1996 Gilt, Silver & Enamel Officers Badge. Robert McKie collection

On 4 April 1996, the New Zealand Army Chief of the General Staff, Major General Piers Reid, signed a directive to establish a fully integrated logistic function in the New Zealand Army, intending to improve logistic support in both operational and operational and non-operational environments. The integrated logistic organisation would combine the three separate Corps into a single Regiment.

On 9 December 1996, Offices and Soldiers of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport, Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Storemen and Stores Managers of the

Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps
Royal New Zealand Engineers
Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals
Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps

marched onto parade grounds on each camp and base, where the Flags of the RNZCT, RNZAOC and RNZEME were lowered, the headdress of parading soldiers replaced, the flag of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR) was raised, and all parading Officers and Soldiers marched off as members of the RNZALR.

With the formation of the RNZALR approved on 4 April 1996 and the ceremonial establishment facilitated on 9 December, the administrative changeover of Officer sand Soldier from their legacy Corps into the RNZALR had been processed as of 5 December 1996. This article provides a snapshot of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps on 4 December 1996.

Key Appointments

RNZAOC Colonel-in-Chief

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Regimental Colonel

Col L Gardiner, 19 September

Colonel Commandant

Lieutenant Colonel AJ Campbell

Supply Wing, Army Logistic Centre

Chief Instructor

Major H.B Cockburn

Warrant Officer Supply

Warrant Officer Cass One W.N Vince

Strength

The strength of the RNZAOC on 4 December 1996 was 371 Officers and Soldiers

By Rank

By Trade

The Other Rank Trades of the RNZAOC consisted of five trades

On 5 December 1996, the RNZAOC other ranks trades were reclassified as

Suppliers, Instructor Supply, AP’s, Storemen and Store managers were reclassified as Supply Quartermasters (SupQM) RNZALR
Ammunition Technicians to Ammunition Technicians RNZALR
Clerks and Manager Administration as Administrators RNZALR

Note: The RNZAOC Motor Trimmer’s Trade was transferred to RNZEME on 7 November 1994.

Rank by Trade

Officers

Note: Ten Officers were qualified as Ammunition Technical Officers (ATOs)

By Arm

Age

Gender

Length of Service

Note: Five serving RNZOAC members had previous service in Corps, which had been previously disbanded.

One from the New Zealand Army Woman’s Corps (NZWRAC).
Five from the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC).

2 Supply Company – Unit History 1977-1983

Leave a comment Jan 8, 2023 Robert McKie

Units of the New Zealand Army must maintain a diary in which all matters connected with the unit are concisely but clearly recorded. Using Army Form New Zealand 144 (AFNZ 144), a unit provides a daily account of the unit’s activities, with entries providing the location and a brief description of the key events. Entries can be listed merely as” Ordinary Routine”, with others providing a more detailed account of the unit’s activities.

The following transcripts of 2 Supply Companys have been copied from the original typed and handwritten AFNZ144 sheets. Much of the original wording has been retained, but most abbreviated words and phrases have been included in full to improve readability. Some additional information from the 1979 and 1982 Paraka Newsletter related to 2 Supply Company has also been included.

1977

1 February 1977

Acting upon a directive from Army General Staff, 2 Central Ordnance Depot’s Unit History Sheet was initiated, and below gives an outline of 2 Central Ordnance Depot’s history to date.

Palmerston North has had a 26 Year association with 2 Central Ordnance Depot. This association began with the setting up of No 2 Ordnance Sub-Dept, in the Palmerston North Showgrounds in 1941. The No 2 Ordnance Sub-Depot continued to operate until 31 Jan 1945. At which point it was destroyed by fire.

In early 1946 the Depot was moved out to Linton Camp, and in 1948 was renamed Central District Ordnance Depot.

1959 signified the beginning of 2 Central Ordnance Depot, as it is known today, with the construction of a vehicle sub- depot. The re-building was continued, and in 1963 a new clothing store was completed, on the site that is now the main store.

2 Construction Squadron commenced work on 2 Central Ordnance Depot’s new stores building in 1969. It was originally planned to measure 45000 square feet; however, this was eventually reduced to the present 25000 square feet. The new building was designed to be an extension of the store built in 1963.

On 7 Nov 1972, 2 Central Ordnance Depot’s new store’s building was completed. At a cost of $143,000 and 43298 man-hours, and 2 Central Ordnance Depot took on its present shape.

15 April 1977

1430 -The depot began Exercise Makomako. Twenty-three personnel moved, by convoy, to the exercise area, the Makomako ammunition area.

1515 – Tentage (11 x 11), was erected around the cookhouse. The weather had taken a turn for the worse and by 1815 everyone was wet and cold. Dinner was served, cooked by one of 2CODs civilian staff Mr “Charles” Jones (Ex Chef).

16 April 1977

0600 – Reveille, breakfast and clean up

0830 – The group was divided into two sections. Each section was then given as sketch map with four rendezvous marked. Aim: To reach each rendezvous and complete the task assigned to the rendezvous. Both sections achieved the aim.

1600 – Debrief

17 April 1977

0700 – Reveille, breakfast, broke camp and returned to Linton by 1130hrs

1978

12 July 1978

The highlight of July was RNZAOC Corps Day. It started ln the usual manner with Coffee Royale. Then it was back to work for the rest of the morning.

The afternoon began with the annual Necker Trophy (Senior V Junior Volleyball). It was won by the Seniors, three games to nil, (there’s still life in the old timers). For the remainder of the afternoon a debrief on the game was held.

A formal dinner was held in the 600 Man Mess that night and a good time was had by all.

27 July 1978

On the 27 July 1978 the account was handed over from Lt Knutson (W ) to Lt D’Ath (W ).

28 July 1978

2 COD have adopted an ex-RAOC Officer who served in both wars and now resides at an old folks home in Fielding. This gentleman, Capt H.J Harris, celebrated his 84^th Birthday on this date. To mark the occasion the Depot Sergeant Major (WO1 B.J Quinn) travelled to Feilding, wished the old soldier “Happy Birthday” from 2COD and gave him a birthday cake that WO1 Quinn’s wife had made. Suffice to say the old boy was delighted, as were the staff of the old folks home.

15-17 August 1978

The WO1s attended the second Corp Warrant Officers Seminar at Trentham (the last one was held in 1073), and a Formal Dinner was held on the 16 Aug. The Seminar itself was very informative with all WO1s being brought up to date on the problems and changes which are happening within the Corps.

22-24 August 1978

The Inter-Corp Rugby Tournament was held at Linton, with four members from the unit included in the Ordnance team. The Director of Ordnance Services visited the Depot on the 23-24 an gave his moral support to the Rugby Team. The Ordnance team did very well been narrowly beaten in the Semi Final by 10-9 against the Engineers.

31 August 1978

The Depot was visited by 40 children (ages ranginfn5-12) from the Masterton YMCA.

6 September 1978

DADOS FF Command and Unit Q Officers held a conference with 2 COD staff to allocate items in short supply during the Annual Camp of units.

8 September 1978

A class of twelve Massey University Students of a Strategy and Warfare Class visited for a discussion on Logistics.

19 September 1978

Major Quested spent the day in 2 COD on a familiarisation tour.

28 September 1978

All military personnel had a grouping practice on Sappers Line Range prior to Annual Battle Shoot, which is to be held next month.

29 September 1978

Five personnel posted into the unit to increase establishment for its new role next month.

4-5 October 1978

All military personnel of the Depot took part in the Annual Range Classification Shoot at Putiki Range Wanganui

11-14 October

Two members of the Depot (Sgt B.C Smith and WO1 D.J Keen) participated in the first regional Bowls Tournament at Burnham. Both players for the Central Region which won the Hamilton Shield, and also the North Versus South which was also won by the North. SSgt Smith also played against the Canterbury election which was lost 1^1/2points to 2^1/2points.

16 October 1978

The Depot had a change of role and has been renamed 2 Supply Company. The new role involves a Static Depot with a Tech Stores Section, a Gen Stores Section and a Bath Section, which is known as 22 OFP, which is the Field Force part of the Company. Approximately 2500 cards were raised for initial scaling of these sections. Quantity 25 receipts have been received at this time.

30 October 1978

Brig R.W Morris, Director of Supply Australia visited the Company.

6- 8 November 1978

Major K.A Watson, WO1 R.A Bird and Mr D Walker attended Support Finance Conference at Fort Dorset to finalise Financial Allocations for 1978/79.

9-29 November 1978

Capt D.A D’Ath attended the Foodstuffs and POL Course at RAAOC Centre, Bandiana, Australia. The Course was to assist in the rationalisation and re-organisation.

14-16 November 1978

WO1 E.A Bird was present at the Supply Depot Commanders Conference held at Trentham. At the Conference the proposed transfer of the Supply Role from RNZASC to RNZAOC was discussed.

12-14 December 1978

Major K.A Watson attended the Senior Officers Corps Conferenced at Burnham. During the conference the first RNZAOC Association Meeting was held, and disposal of Corps Funds discussed.

22 December 1978

2 Supply Company closed down for the Christmas Breaks with only a Skelton staffing on call until 3 January 1979.

1979

15 January 1979

2 Supply Company staff commenced preparations for Annual Camp Issues of Camp Equipment. A Mobile Ordnance team was activated to assist 2 Fd Hosp, 7 WnHb and 5 WWCT’s Annual Camp. This team was organised and run by WO1 J.A Sayers. SSgt Hawthorn assisted in the tailoring requirements for the issue of Dacrons to personnel of 7 RNZIR at their Camp.

1 February 1979

Captain M Telfer (TF) was posted from 2 Fd Wksp Stores Sect to 22 OFP as Officer Commanding.

22 OFP consists of:

The Headquarters – accommodation Capt Max Telfer (TF) the OC, Sgt Bob Hodgetts the Admin Sgt/Park Quartermaster Sergeant/Recruiting NCO/TF Administrator of Part Time Soldiers, and 2Lt Lindstrom, when he arrives from OCTU to take up the appointments of SCO/Trg Officer.
PC & A – manages and controlled by SSgt K/J Moore (Manager Stock Control) and his work force. K.J is currently the leader of 22 OFP pack
Gen and Bath Section – according to the establishment this section will be manned by part time soldiers (TF).
Tech Stores Section – is commanded by Sgt (Peewee) Haerewa and a faction of young up and coming soldiers who will assist in the smooth operation of the OFP ‘Pataka’.

7 February 1979

Recruiting for 22 OFP commenced

22 February 1979

Wing Commander J Penny visited 2 Sup Coy as part of his programme to see all Supply Companies. He briefed unit personnel on the purification programme on System S7 and the enhancement to the existing system.

23-25 March 1979

22 OFP held their first Training Weekend as a Unit. Unfortunately, due to adverse conditions they were unable to hold the weekend as planned in Makomako. Instead, personnel used the time to update their bookwork.

30 Mar 1979

OC and SCO attended the Commanders Conference chaired by Col D.R Kenning Commander 2 TFR. This was the first to be held by 2 TFR since the Army Re-organisation took place.

2-4 April 1979

A Regional Seminar on Stores Accounting was held at SME Linton. The Seminar was run by the Q Wing of School of Army Administration and was attended by all. Regional Q Reps. Capt D.A D’Ath, WO1 Sayers and.WO2 Lyle were 2 Sup Coy Reps.

6-8 April 1979

22 OFF held a Field. ·Training Weekend for RF and TF personnel at Makomako.

16-19 April 1979

The RNZAOC Senior Officers Conference was held at Trentham and OC 2 Sup Coy attended.

18 April

All SNCOs attended a Formal Dinner at Trentham in honour of Lt Col A.J. Campbell on his retirement from RF.

19-20 April 1979

An Accounting Officers Conference was held at RNZAOC School to coincide with DOS Formal Dinner. The Dinner was to farewell Lt Col A.J. Campbell from the Regular Force. Capt D’Ath attended.

20-22 April 1979

22 OFP carried out training on Infantry Minor Tactics for both RF and TF Personnel at Makomako.

12 May 1979

RNZAOC assumed responsibility of providing POL and Rations to the Army. Those RNZASC personnel wishing to change their Corps to RNZAOC did so and were presented with Corps Belts and Hat Badges by the OC. The Following are those who changed

WO1 R.A Bird
Sgt Y.F Tasker
Cpl I.T Bovey
Pte H.A Clifton
Pte G.J Hassan
Pte E.D Russell

14 May 1979

CATO Major B Squires visited 2 Sup Coy to inspect, discuss location and view in operating the new Link Belt machine.

24 May 1979

Capt P.M. Cunninghame attended the DOS Mini Conference in Auckland. This was the first to be held at HQ NZLF

29 May 1979

A Support Finance Procedures Conference was held at 2 Sup Coy. All Regional QMs and RQMSs attended, and the meeting was chaired by May Stevenson from NZLF.

3-4 July 1979

OC and SCO attended a Logistic/Works Conference held by NZLF at Papakura Camp. The two day Conference covered most aspects of Logistics such as Finance, MD 6s etc

14-15 July 1979

22 OFP held a Training Weekend for TD Personnel. At this weekend lectures on Ordnance Procedure were held on Saturday with an introduction to Truck Driving and Maintenance on the Sunday.

18 July 1979

SCO & T, RNZAOC Directorate visited 2 Sup Coy to look at various areas of training withing the Company.

23-24 July 1979

The Director of Ordnance Services, Lt Col P.M Reid visited 2 Sup Coy on a Staff Liaison visit. While at Linton he visited the other Ordnance establishments.

27 July 1979

Sgt R.J Eden was released from the Regular Force.

30 July 1979

WO2 D.L Lyle was posted to 4 Sup Coy, Waiouru and tool up the appointment of SWO.

30 July 1979

SSgt P.F Neilson was posted to 2 Sup Coy as MSC and promoted to WO2.

6 August 1979

Capt P.W Cunninghame set sail for Great Britain to commence a four month tour on Exercise Long Look. It is intended that he be stationed at a vehicle depot during his stay.

6 August 1979

Capt D.A D’Ath attended Grade 3 Staff and Tactics Course

17 August 1979

WO2 J.A Sayers relinquished his position as SWO and departed on a two year tour of Singapore at NZAOD.

25 August 1979

WO2 B.T Thompson, after completing two years in Singapore, takes up the position of WO Vehicles.

21-24 September 1979

Inter-Corps Rugby was staged in Linton Camp between RNZCT, RNZE, RNZEME and RNZAOC.

28 September 1979

SSgt P.C Dellabarca was released from Regular Force.

11 October 1979

A Chief Clerks Seminar was held in Linton Camp and Sgt J.V. Takuta was 2 Sup Coy’s representative. The presentations were on Clerking and Man-Management, and Clerical Workmanship.

23 October 1979

Maj K.A. Watson held an OC’s Hour for 2 Sup Coy Military and Civilian staff. At this meeting the OC reported on coming events such as Ex Tripwire, Annual Camp and Ex Truppenamt.

24-25 October 1979

SSgt R.N. Turner attended the AT/ATOs Conference at Burnham. Items discussed were EOD Matters, Ammo Storage problems, and General Matters.

25-28 October 1979

Maj K.A. Watson and Sgt J. V. Takuta manned the CRAOC Cell for Higher Control on Ex Tripwire. Capt D.A. D’Ath attended on the 2 TFR staff. The CPX was to be a rehearsal for Truppenamt next year.

7-8 November 1979

WOI B. J. Quinn attended RNZAOC Conductors Seminar at Trentham.

7-9 November 1979

OC attended Senior Officers Conference at Trentham.

12 November 1979

2 TFR Command Inspection Team headed by Lt Col B. Sinclair carried out an inspection of the Company.

1-2 December 1979

22 OFP Weekend Camp at Makomako which consisted of Inf Minor Tact. Lt Col Fodson visited the training weekend.

10 December 1979

Captain Gush posted in from 1 Base Sup Bn.

12 December 1979

Pte’s Brooks and Smith promoted to T/LCpl

14 December 1979

Sgt McKay posted in from 1 Sup Coy. Mr D Martin retired.

17 December 1979

Captain D’Ath posted to 2 TFR

18 December 1979

Captain D’Ath marched in as Acting Officer Commanding (Major Watson on Leave).

Captain Cunninghame returned from “Ex Long Look”

19 December 1979

Pte Leatherby posted in from RF Cadet School.

Unit issued vehicles and stores for Annual Camps assisted by 4 Sup Coy

24 December 1979

Unit closed down for Christmas

Mr T Gray passed away.

1980

1 January 1980

Unit Reopened

2 January 1980

Issued vehicles for Truppenamt II.

Preparation of Main Store for Truppenamt II.

Receipt of vehicles and stores from Anula Camps and checking for re-issue for Truppenamt II.

12 January 1980

First Annual Camp for 22 OFP (combined with 1 Sup Coy)

16 January 1980

Major Watson returned from leave – Captain D’Ath marched out to 2TFR

22 January 1980

Major Hopkins posted in (from HQ NZLF) to become Officer Commanding on Major Watson’s retirement.

25 January 1980

22 OFP returned from Annual Camp.

30 January 1980

Lt Col Reid arrived at the unit for Major Watson’s farewell.

31 January 1980

Major Watson retired.

Major Hopkins took over as Officer Commanding of 2 Supply Company.

7 February 1980

OC returned to Takapuna for household removal.

8 February 1980

Half of Main Storehouse cleared for Truppenamt II.

8-9 February 1980

2IC, SWO and SSgt Smith on call for Issued to Truppenamt II.

12 February

OC moved into army house, Linton.

14 February 1980

22 OFP March Out to Truppenamt II.

15 February 1980

LCpl Bird posted to Ngāruawāhia.

16 – 17 February 1980

2IC, SWO and SSgt Smith on call for Issued to Truppenamt II.

18 February 1980

100% Stocktake started on Bulk A/C

23 February 1980

Hand back of stores Ex Truppenamt II started.

23 -24 February 1980

Working weekend for all military and limited civilians – receipts from Truppenamt II.

24 February 1980

22 OFP March in Ex Truppenamt II.

Annual Camp Ex Tasman – Ex Solomon Issues being made.

29 February 1980

100% Stocktake completed in storehouses.

3 March 1980

Pte’s Coley, Wiggins and Geary Marched in Ex AMO Cse at Wigram.

4 – 5 March 1980

7 March 1980

Capt Harris RAOC (Rtd) died in Feilding – WO1 Quinn attended the funeral service.

WO2 Neilson on Compassionate leave.

19 March 1980

Advance Party departed Linton for Annual Shoot at Landguard Bluff.

20 March 1980

Main Party departed Linton for Annual Shoot at Landguard Bluff.

21 – 22 March 1980

TF element of the unit arrived at Linton for Annual Shoot at Landguard Bluff.

23 March 1980

Annual Range Shot completed – RF/TF dispersed

28 February 1980

Freedom of Palmerston North Parade held.

Sgt G Fowler posted to Sylvia Park.

11 April 1980

2000hrs Capt Gush called out by Ord Duties – Supplies for Fiji

13 April 1980

Major Hopkins plus 6 pers issued tentage to Ohakea for Fiji

14 April 1980

6 Pers delivered and loaded aircraft for Fiji

14 – 22 April 1980

Investigation by Capt Williams on Social Club

14 – 18 April 1980

OC on CGS Study Week

20 April 1980

WO1s Quinn/Bird on RNZAOC Conference in Ngāruawāhia.

22 – 24 April 1980

OC on RNZAOC Senior Officer Conference.

23 April 1980

WO1s returned from RNZAOC WO’s Conference.

24 April 1980

Capt Bostock visited re AIU Account Audit

28 April 1980

OC Returned from RNZAOC Senior Officer Conference.

Establishment Team comprising Major Golightly and Lt Col Dixon Arrived. (Departed 30 Apr)

10-11 May 1980

4 x TF Pers March In to attend Ex Tropic Dawn

Court of Inquiry commence re Social Club Activities

12 May 1980

14 Junior Ranks Marched into 2 TFR for Ex Tropic Dawn

14 May 1980

14 Junior Ranks completed

16 May 1980

Capt Cunninghame farewelled from the unit on posting to Waiouru

17 -18 May 1980

OC attending POSB at Waiouru

19 May 1980

Cpl (W ) Wetere reported to the unit on posting

Visit by ALWO

28 May 1980

Visit by DOS

ORs March In Ex Tropic Dawn – Proceeding on Standdown.

5 June 1980

Unit First Aid/Fire/MHE course started

13 -15 June 1980

OC and 2IC attended 2 TFR Tac Study WE

15 June 1980

Unit First Aid/Fire/MHE course completed

19 June 1980

Unit First Aid/Fire/MHE course started

29 June 1980

Unit First Aid/Fire/MHE course completed

8 July 1980

OC visit to 1 Base Sup Bn re Corps Day

10 July 1980

SCO on PA Leave

11 July 1980

2Lt David Palmer March in and assumes the appointment of 2IC 22 OFP and Trg Officer.

12 July 1980

RNZAOC Corps Day celebrations – unit parades with Base Sup Bn Trentham, returns for Linton for unit dine and dance.

14 -15 July 1980

CATO visit to Makomako

16 July 1980

Unit pers visit to SME for demonstrations.

17 July 1980

Three unit pers selected for Corps Rugby Squad.

18 July 1980

OC proceeding on PA Leave pm today and Stock Control Officer acting OC whilst OC on leave. SCO returned from PA Leave today.

22 July 1980

Camp held a Beating of the Retreat parade.

5 August 1980

Pers from Unit attended funeral servicers for the late Sgt Morgan RNZE.

Unit notified of fatal accident concerning LCpl Armstrong (TF).

7 August 1980

Visit by DOS – Linton/Palmerston North RNZOC All Ranks formal dinner.

Pers from unit attended funeral services for the late LCpl Armstrong.

11 August 1980

2IC attended conference at HQ 2 TF – Log study weekend

OC returned from Annual Leave

12 August 1980

2IC attended finance conference at HQ 2 TFR

16-17 August 1980

Unit CPX training weekend RF/TF Officers and Snr NCOs.

20 August 1980

OC and MSC visit to EDP.

26 August 1980

C&WS Team visit to Unit.

1 September 1980

OC and MSC attended one day ILMS Conference at HQLF.

2 September 1980

Def Auditor arrived to carry out Coy audit.

13-14 September 1980

2Lt Palmer attended trg w/e Nga

19-21 September 1980

RNZAOC – RNZCT – RNZE – RNZEME – Corps Rugby started and completed with a win to RNZCT.

23 September 1980

Debrief of audit with OC, 2IC and MC Horne.

26 September 1980

Cpl (w ) Wetere on leave and discharged.

26 September 1980

Band 2 Cse ended as a result 7 passed – 1 required retesting.

29-30 September 1980

Unit party attended funeral of WO1 (Retd) B.I Moore at Gisborne.

4-5 October 1980

TF Driver Training Weekend

13 October 1980

OC attended ABCA presentation at ATG

14 October 1980

OC attended Real Admin Conference ATG

20 October 1980

Colonel Kenning presented Lt Guilford Badges of rank on unit parade

21 October 1980

SCO and WO1 Bird to Fort Dorset for finance conference

OC commenced SNCO interviews

28 October 1980

OC to Trentham for Senior Officer Conference RNZAOC

28-30 October 1980

Unit Rep to Base Sup Bn – Checking outstanding clothing demands.

30 October 1980

Visit by incoming DRC and Regional Secretary.

31 October 1980

Unit members to Waiouru for Round the Mountain Run.

19 November 1980

Issues of loans to units – for Annual Camp.

27-29 November 1980

Annual Range Shoot.

1 December 1980

WO2 Neilson arrived for handover of MSC duties from WO2 Moore.

Stocktake of Tech Sect and verification of Part Nos began prior to going on S7.

4 December 1980

WO2 Neilson gave ILMS presentation to PC&A staff.

Authority received to raise new Laon A/C.

5 December 1980

Handover of MSC finalised.

8 December 1980

OC, MSC and Supply Pl Cmdr attended 2 TFR Trg Conf at Linton.

11 December

Sgt Jones Marched in Ex Singapore.

16 December 1980

2Lt Palmer farewelled from unit and was received on behalf of the RNZAC by Lt Col McComish(DRC)

17 December 1980

Unit children’s Christmas party

Returns of Annual Camp being received from 5WWCT, 2 Fd Wksp, 5 Spt Sqn

19 December 1980

Most units within Camp closed down – 2 Sup Coy interior economy.

22 December 1980

Exterior economy for all staff.

23 December 1980

WO1 E Ray retired.

23 December 1980

Unit closed down for Christmas 12.0 hours.

1981

5 January 1981

Company returned after Christmas break – Annual Camp Issues commenced.

9 January 1981

OC on leave until 15 Jan.

4 x LIP Pers employed.

12 January 1981

2 x LIP Pers started employment.

14 January 1981

1 x LIP Pers started employment.

15 January 1981

OC returned from leave.

16 January 1981

Visit and presentation by Maj Maitland, Sgt Ryan and Sgt Johnson, Comd 2TFR, OC and Snr NCO attended presentation on new warehouse.

WO1 Quinn on leave.

20 January 1981

Visit by Maj Hicks and WO1 Orr – Apprentices.

OC, MSC and Sup Pl rep attended Real Admin Conference for Triad at Waiouru.

21 January 1981

OC attended DCM until 23 Jan.

23 January 1981

OC returned form DCM

2 X LIP pers resigned.

26 January 1981

1 x LIP Pers Commenced work – 1 x LIP Pers resigned.

27 January 1981

1 x LIP Pers commenced work.

28 January 1981

Visit by Cols Kenning and Andrews to Coy – Barrack Guard of Honour carried out by Unit Reps.

2 February 1981

LCpl Boustridge Marched In ex 4 Sup Coy.

6 February 1981

5 WWCT Commenced hand back of Annual Camp Stores.

7 February 1981

2 Tpt Regt Commenced hand back of Annual Camp Stores.

Pte (w ) Watts admitted to Palmerston North Hospital.

12 February 1981

Three staff members to RNZAOC School attending Field Phase.

13 February 1981

Advance Party departed for Ex Triad.

14 February 1981

Main Body departed for Ex Triad.

Pte (w ) Watts discharged from Hospital – on sick leave.

18 February 1981

SSgt Holley awarded NZ Badge holder for Softball.

24 February

7WNHB commenced hand back of Annual Camp Stores.

28 February 1981

Issues to Janal Ulu contingent.

5 March 1981

SSgt Joyce March Out to RNZAOC School to attend Band 5 Course.

6-31 March 1981

Clearing Annual Camp loan stores.

1 April 1981

SSgt Joyce returned ex Band 5 Cse (passed).

3 April 1981

2 x Mini Project pers resigned.

7 April 1981

OC Conference.

10 April 1981

Last 2 Mini project pers resigned (Time Up).

14 April 1981

OC Conference.

15 April 1981

Mrs Tolson resigned and returned to Auckland.

21 April 1981

OC Conference.

22 April 1981

LCpl Hassan promoted to T/LCpl.

Cpls Thorby, Hill, Clifton, Reddish, Kennedy and Rolston attempted band 4.

24 April 1981

Contractors arrived to upgrade PC&A building.

Log Conf with AQM to discuss unit finance.

25 April 1981

Unit paraded with Pahiatua RSA for ANZAC Day dawn parade.

28 April 1981

OC Conference.

29 April 1981

OC to CCS Study W/E, then to Senior Officer RNZAOC.

2IC assumes appointment of OC.

4 May 1981

OC returns from Corp Conf and resumes command

7 May 1981

Ptes Leatherby, Makutu, Coley, Watts, Hooper and LCpl Rolston attend First Aid Course at Burnham

16 May 1981

LCpl Thorby married to LCpl Geary.

18 May 1981

Pte’s Coley and Watts returned from course. Ptes Leatherby and Makutu on PAL.

20 May 1981

Sgt Roche Marched into unit ex Singapore.

25 May 1981

Miss K Tuhua employed as Ledger Clerk.

27 May 1981

Visit by Brig Hamilton – Col Andrews.

28 May 1981

Visit by DOS and DDOS.

10 June 1981

OC on course at RNZAOC School.

22 June 1981

Camp Census on Welfare subject taken today.

Promotion of Sgt Haerewa to T/SSgt.

23 June 1981

Issues commence for Tropic Dawn.

24 June 1981

SO2/SO3 Log visited unit to discuss Loans and PSI.

26 June 1981

Mrs E Houlton (Provision) resigned

Sgt Jones (Provision) posted to 2TFR as ACCTG ALWO.

Camp visit by Brig Hamilton DGPL – Discussion with Offrs rans SNCO- evening meal with Offrs

29 June 1981

WO1(Cdr) Quinn TOD to Waiouru for Exercise Captive Lightning.

1982

Headquarters

OC Major Hopkins
Trg/Admin Officer Lt Guildford
SWO WO1 Keen
CSM WO2 Joyce
Chief Clerk Sgt Takuta
Juniors LCpl Hiroti & Pte (w ) Dutch

PC&A

WO2 K.J Moore
SSgt P.R Haerewa
Cpl M.C Thorby
Cpl B.P Boyes
LCpl D.M Thorby
LCpl L.E Coley
LCpl R.E Rolston
Pte A.C Leatherby
Pte G Makutu

Warehouse

WO2 Barry Taylor

Issues

Cpl Hill
LCpl Herewini
Pte Wishart
Pte Nigel Sims
Pte A.J Newell
Mr Les Hewitt
Miss Janine Waniuk

Receipts

Mr Alistair Toogood
Mrs Isobel Cockburn

Camp Equipment/RSDG

SSgt John Holley
Pte Shane Bray
Mr Bernard Summers
Mr John Sapwell
Mr Bill Hamiln

TRS

SSgt Hewitt
Pte Wiltshire
Pte Cooper
Spr Ken Marshall

DSS

Sgt Chris Hill
Mr Gerry Grieve

Tailor shop

SSgt Arthur Hawthorn
Mrs Joy Lynn

Vehicle Group

WO2 Robbie Turner
Sgt McKay
Cpl Paul Reddish
Pte Rei Watt
Mr Dave Hardway

24 Supply Platoon

SSgt Bill Donohugh
SSgt Vonnie Tasker
Sgt Mick Kennedy
LCpl Peter Thompson
LCpl Rodger Tombleson
LCpl Robyn Hooper
LCpl Ross Fearon

5 January 1982

Started work for year

6-10 January 1982

Preparing issues for Annual Camp.

11 January 1982

Band 3 Cse commenced.

Letter received from Crippled Children Society thanking us for donating $406 to adopt a child project.

14 January 1982

New DRC Lt Col D.G Flux in Camp.

20 January 1982

First Camp Parade for year.

26 January 1982

Pte Bray March into unit Ex WTD.

WO1 D.J Keen USO Cse Int Centre Papakura

Sgt P.J Roche Cse UN Ammo MKG at RNZAOC Sch Trentham.

18-19 January 1982

Recce Lt Guildford/WO2 Turner Cape Palliser Area for unt exercise.

3 February 1982

TF move in for Annual Camp.

8 February 1982

Unit Photograph taken.

Commander 2 TFR Visit – Annual Camp.

10 February 1982

Visit to unit by Brig A.T Mortiboy MBE EC (TF Advisor).

15 February 1982

Visit to unit by Maj Gen Williams.

19 February 1982

Unit Barbeque RF/TF.

20 February 1982

Unit Clean up Annual Camp.

24 February 1982

Visit by VDU pers from EDP.

25 February 1982

Visit by WO1 C.W Roulston, SSgt L Allen RAAOC.

10 March 1982

Band 3 Cse finished, all passed (7): Newell, Wilson, Makutu, Leatherby, Hooper, Thompson, Tombleson.

16 March 1982

RFL for unit pers

26 March 1982

Promotion Sgt Hill, Sgt Kennedy, LCpl Leatherby.

30 March 1982

Lt Col Vickers visit Makomako Area.

21 April 1982

LS&GC Parade (Camp).

Unit Sports – soccer.

OC to Corps Conference.

23 April 1982

Recce Wo2 Joyce, Sgt Eden, Sgt Hodgetts – Pohangina Valley.

25 April 1982

Unit Parade for ANZAC Day – Foxton.

6 May 1982

Lecture on new purchasing procedures.

14 May 1982

LCpl Rolston promoted T/Cpl.

15-16 May 1982

Unit Exercise Ruahine Ranges.

31 May 1982

Visit by CATO to Makomako.

June 1982

Audit of Bulk Account.

Visit by Command Secretary.

Log Seminar attended by Unit Reps.

Visit by DRC to Warehouse.

WO2 Moore posted OLOW 1 TFR.

Lt Guildford attended RNZCT exercise in Fiji as Admin Officer

1 July 1982

Pte Gleeson posted to 2 Sup Coy from WTD Basic Training.

19 July 1982

Recce Ruahine Ranges, OC, CSM for unit exercise.

2 Sup Coy UPF Subs, fixed at $3 per quarter.

23 July 1982

DRC visit.

30 July 1982

NZ P108 Tentage Handbook was despatched to all units.

5-6 August 1982

Unit Exercise Ruahine Ranges OC, CSM & 6 others.

10 August 1982

2 Supply Barrack Guard for CGS.

11 August 1982

2 Supply Barrack Guard for CGS.

12 August 1982

Unit Regt Dinner – Guests Col Commandant, DRC, Camp Commandant, Camp RSM.

14-15 August 1982

Unit CPX W/E TF/RF Offrs/SNCOs.

19 August 1982

SSgt Hewitt RNZAOC reunion Rep at meeting in Trentham.

WO2 Taylor/Sgt McAvinue recon Wanganui area for Unit exercise.

20 August 1982

SSgt Hawthorn posted R&D Defence HQ.

15 September 1982

Farwell to Cpl Finn from the Army

17 September 1982

OC visits Waiouru for a recce for A/Camp

22-23 September 1982

Unit supplies 4 pers for tree planting in Linton Camp.

27-30 September 1982

Ex Huia One, Range Shoot and Air drop.

1-2 October 1982

Ex Huia One, Range Shoot and Delivery Points.

14 October 1982

Participated in annual Charter Parade in Palmerston North.

LCpl S Dutch admitted to Hospital (Palmerston North)

16 October 1982

14 members of the Company participated in the Round the Mountain relay race.

27 October 1982

2 pers attend Jnr Clerk AA Course.

28 October 1982

2 Sup Coy Pers start T82.

9 November 1982

Pte Wright posted into 2 Sup Coy

18 November 1982

RNZAOC Reunion meeting

15-19 November 1982

LCpl Herewini represented 2 Sup Coy in the North Island Southern Region Forklift Competition.

19 November 1982

OC and Sgt Jones attended the finance conference in Fort Dorset.

20 November 1982

Unit participation in the ceremony of the beating of the retreat.

30 November 1982

Provision personnel of 1 BSB at Trentham Camp visited the unit.

1 December 1982

34^th TF Intake RNZAOC Corps Training was conducted at 4 Sup Coy

7-9 December 1982

Junior Supplier Competition wan by LCpl Leatherby.

10 December 1982

Unit Xmas close down function

13 December 1982

Interunit competition 1BSB/2 Sup Coy Akatarawa relay race.

24 December 1982

2 Sup Coy closed down for the year

1983

4 January 1983

2 Sup Coy resumed normal operations after Xmas closedown.

10 January 1983

Capt Gush posted to 2 TFR, Lt Guildford now SCO.

12 January 1983

2 pers attended B5 Suppler Course.

17 January 1983

Pte Gleeson attended Ammunition Accounting Course.

18 January 1983

Sgt Takutu attending Civil Clerks course.

Sgt (w ) Williscroft attending MSC phase of the Band Five Suppler Course.

25 January 1983

LCpl(w ) Hooper farewelled to 3 Sup Coy.

7 February 1983

Lt M.R Taylor posted to 2 Sup Coy as Training Officer.

8 February 1983

Cpl A Ferguson posted to 2 Sup Coy (Main Store),

12-26 February 1983

2 Sup Coy and 2 Fd Sup Coy participated in A/Camp 83, Waiouru

14-18 February

Maj N.A Hitchings TOD to NZLF.

16-17 February 1983

2 x 2 Sup Coy pers to 5 TML Sqn, Whenuapai.

4 March 1983

Farwell Major S.D Hopkins – outgoing OC 2 Sup Coy.

7 March 1983

Major S.D Hopkins/Major N.A Hitchings official handover date.

6 April 1983

Col Andrews, 2 TFR Commander to visit 2 Sup Coy.

7-10 April 1983

3 x 2 Sup Coy pers to Ex Jalan Ulu, LCpl T.R Hiroti, Pte S.K Bray, Pte N.B Sims.

15 April 1983

LCpl R.T Woon returned from Basic (TF to RF)

13-15 April 1983

Head of Corps conference attended by Major N.A Hitchings.

18 April 1983

Major S.D Hopkins released from NZ Army.

18-22 April 1983

SSgt Hewitt, Pte’s Wiltshire and Marshall, ex Royal Tent.

25 April 1983

ANZAC Day – 2 Supply Company participated on ANZAC Day parade at Foxton.

Sgt B.I Evans posted in as Ammo Tech

28 April 1983

Major N.A Hitchings and Lt N.A Guildford visit RNZAOC Directorate.

1 May 1983

Sgt P/J Roche posted to s Sup Coy as CAT.

New Zealand Army Combat Boots – 1945 -1980

1 Comment Dec 29, 2022 Robert McKie

Up to the Second World War, New Zealand Army boots generally had leather-soled ankle boots whose design had only undergone minor changes since 1912. Military boot development was catapulted during the Second World War with new designs and materials providing boots suitable for all terrains and climates found on Battlefields worldwide. As the post-war New Zealand Army was reorganised and reequipped to provide a division to fight in the Middle East, the decolonisation conflicts that swept Southeast Asia drew New Zealand into an unfamiliar type of warfare. New Zealand was not experienced or equipped to fight in harsh tropical environments but adapted quickly and became experienced practitioners of Jungle warfare. Initially equipped with British and Australian stocks of tropical equipment, it soon became apparent that New Zealand troops needed modern equipment. By 1959, the New Zealand Army undertook various research and development initiatives to improve its equipment in conjunction with scientific institutions and industry. This article provides an overview of the New Zealand Army’s post-war boot development, transitioning from a boot originating in the 19^th century to a modern mid-20^th century Combat boot.

Flush with wartime stocks of boots, the post-war New Zealand Army had no immediate need to upgrade its boots. However, by the mid-1950s, the limitations of the current range of leather-soled boots were becoming evident, especially in the jungles of Malaya, and the search for alternatives began for an improved boot design. To achieve this, the Quarter masters branch of the army called on the New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association for assistance in developing a boot with increased waterproof properties that could withstand prolonged wear without undue fatigue.[1]

Jungle greens and Jungle boots as worn by New Zealand Forces in Malaya from 1955. NZ National Library Ref: EP/1956/0031-F

In conjunction with footwear manufacturers and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the New Zealand Leather and Shoe Association developed four types of boots, which were trialled by the 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, in 1958. The latest type of ankle boot with a Directly Moulded Sole (DMS) from the United Kingdom was also tested alongside the four New Zealand samples.[2] From this initial user trial, feedback shaped an interim specification for two types with identical uppers but different soles, one of rubber and the other of leather. Thirty pairs of each type were made, and a further series of trials began with the 1st Battalion at Burnham Camp in early May 1960. Thirty trial subjects were chosen to wear each boot type for three days to see how easily they could be broken in. After that, they tested the boots for wear and comfort until February 1961.[3]

Sole of 1956 Ankle boots. Lee Hawkes Collection

The result of the trial was the adoption of the Ankle Boot Rubber Sole (Ankle Boot RS). An ankle boot similar in design to the current boot, the Ankle Boot RS was several ounces lighter than those currently in use, also included was rotproof terylene stitching and nylon laces. The nylon laces were so popular with the troops that all the boots returned after user trials came back without laces. The new design had a “Commando” style rubber sole. The Commando style rubber sole was developed in the 1930s by English rubber maker Itshide, who switched from producing toys and brushes to producing this new kind of rubber sole for use on army boots during WWII. The benefit of the Commando sole was the grip provided by the shape of the jagged cleats on the sole, which proved ideal for providing stability on the roughest terrain. The New Zealand version of the Commando sole had slightly shallower cleats with an angled edge to prevent mud or small stones from wedging between them and was marketed as the “Kiwi Army Boot”. Production of the New Zealand Ankle Boot RS began in August 1961; however, with large quantities of the previous type of boot still in the supply system, it would take until 1964 to waste out the old stock.[4]

As with the previous boot design, the Ankle Boot RS required wearing a gaiter to prevent mud and derbies from entering the boot. The type of gaiter then in use was the 37-pattern web gaiter. Concurrent with the boot trial, thirty pairs of Australian Army gaiters were also tested. The long dark green Australian gaiter was introduced into Australian service in 1945 and had a light metal stiffener up one side to prevent wrinkling and a strap passing under the boot’s instep. Finding favour with the troops, these were also planned to be adopted for the New Zealand Army. However, problems in adopting the Australian gaiter would drive the development of the next iteration of New Zealand’s Army Boot.[5]

A pair of Australian Army canvas gaiters painted black. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C993356

Although the Australian gaiter could have probably been purchased off the shelf directly from Australian manufacturers, such items should have been manufactured in New Zealand. However, it was found that due to the exorbitant costs encountered in producing the Australian pattern gaiter in New Zealand, this project was abandoned, and the gaiter requirement was re-evaluated. Although no specific General Staff requirement was stated, it was decided to develop a calf-length boot to replace the Ankle Boot RS and 37-pattern gaiters with a calf-length combat boot.

New Zealand 37-pattern Gaiter. Lee Hawkes collection

Based on the new Ankle Boot Rubber Sole (Ankle Boot RS), two high boots, type A and B, were manufactured by experienced New Zealand footwear manufacturers Sargood, Son and Ewen.[6] The type A and B boots included hooks instead of eyelets and a strap and buckle arrangement similar to the American M-1943 Combat Boot.

United States Army M-43 composition sole combat service boot, or “double buckle boot”. https://www.usww2uniforms.com/BQD_114.html

As a result of the initial user trials in New Zealand and Malaysia using the Type A and B boot, the design of the boot was refined into the Type C boot. In May 1964, ten examples of the Type C Boot were manufactured, incorporating improvements suggested by the user trials:

The sole and foot portion to be exactly the same as the Ankle Boot RS.
The height from ground level to the top of the boot was to be 10^1/2 inches.
There were to be six eyelets on the lower portion of each side of the closure and six boot hooks on the higher portion of each side (similar to the green jungle boot issued in Malaya).
The boot tongue was to be of a thinner variety and should not be longer than the height of the boot.
There were to be no straps or buckles.
The measurement around the top of the boot was to be no greater than 12^1/2 inches from edge to edge.[7]

Successful feedback on the Type C boot saw a small number purchased and introduced into service in June 1966 to enable further trials to be carried out to determine if the new pattern boots were suitable for combat in tropical conditions. Further trials by New Zealand Forces in South Vietnam and selected units in New Zealand commenced in November 1967

With the New Zealand contingent in South Vietnam serving alongside the Australians, the length of the New Zealand contingent’s supply chain and its low requirements made it necessary to modify the clothing replenishment system and link into the Australian lines of supply, resulting in New Zealand troops in Vietnam receiving Australian tropical clothing and boots.[8] This was a modification of the system used in Malaysia since 1955, when New Zealand troops in Malaysia drew their tropical clothing requirements, including jungle boots, from British sources.

Concurrent with New Zealand’s combat boot development was an Australian programme to develop a modern combat boot. Initially utilising jungle boots left over from the Second World War, the Australians soon developed and trialled a new DMS boot design with leather uppers and a moulded sole. After some initial user trials, an initial order of 10,000 pairs of the new Australian DMS Combat boot was placed in July 1956 for delivery to Australian troops in Vietnam by December 1965.[9]

Australian Black leather general purpose (GP) boots. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1195209

By 1968, New Zealand troops in South Vietnam were officially utilising the trial New Zealand combat boot and the Australian DMS Combat boot. Unofficially many New Zealand troops also wore the America Jungle boot. A survey conducted at the start of the November 1967 trial showed that 108 New Zealand soldiers preferred the Australian boot and only 42 the New Zealand boot. A further survey conducted in March 1968 revealed that 121 New Zealand soldiers preferred the Australian boot. The most significant reasons given for the preference were that the Australian boot was:

Lighter and more robust than the NZ item.
Had a directly moulded sole.
It was made of better-quality leather.
Had a vastly superior appearance.
It had a very good and snug fit when broken in.

Private Wayne Lindsay, Whiskey One Company, inspects an RSA Christmas parcel from New Zealand circa 1968. Note that Private Lindsay is wearing the American Pattern Jungle boots, and there are Australian DMS Combat boots and New Zealand Combat boots under his bed. Image courtesy Noel Bell via https://vietnamwar.govt.nz/photo/private-wayne-lindsay-rsa-christmas-parcel

Feedback also included the increasingly evident requirement for a Jungle boot similar to the United States pattern to be provided to New Zealand Forces in tropical environments.[10]

After the November 1967 operational and training trials of the New Zealand combat boot, it was found that the recommendations of the various trial teams were not in agreement, and a Footwear Study Group was appointed to review the trial information.[11] In July 1969, the Footwear Study Group concluded that the New Zealand Combat boot, with certain modifications, was superior to the ankle Boot RS in meeting New Zealand training conditions. However, it was agreed that the New Zealand Combat Boot did not meet the tropical operational requirements, and further research was required to find a boot to meet New Zealand’s tropical requirements. US, Canadian, and UK policies supported this, concluding that one boot could not satisfy both a temperate and tropical requirement. It was noted that the Australians restricted their DMS combat boot to South Vietnam, with troops in other theatres outside Australia continuing to wear ordinary boots and gaiters; however, the US tropical combat boot was procured for issue in South Vietnam to the Australian SAS only. Overall, the New Zealand findings were that the main advantage of the New Zealand Combat Boot was that it could replace two items (Ankle boot RS and gaiter); it provided superior ankle and instep support and improved appearance, and it should be accepted as a replacement for the Ankle Boot RS. A tropical patrol boot was also recommended to be developed to meet the specific environmental conditions found in Southeast Asia.[12]

There was little doubt that the Australian DMS combat boot was more popular with New Zealand troops. It was accepted that the DMS production technique proved a superior product, but at the time, New Zealand’s footwear industry did not yet have the required technology to manufacture DMS boots, but there was no doubt that the New Zealand Combat boot would incorporate a DMS sole at a future date as New Zealand industry caught up. However, adopting the New Zealand Combat boot would be based on fiscal reasoning. Based on the 1969 production run of 2893 pairs for New Zealand Vietnam Force maintenance, the cost of a pair of New Zealand combat boots was $10.50 (2022 NZ $200.20), compared to $19.23 (2022 NZ $366.64) for the Australian DMS boots. With the Ankle Boot RS priced at $8.18 (2022 NZ $156.61) and Garters at $1 (2022 NZ $19.15), it was considered that a superior boot was replacing two items (Ankle boot RS and gaiter) with only a slight increase of the cost. [13]

On 3 December 1969, the New Zealand Combat Boot was renamed as the Boot GS (High) and formally introduced into service to progressively replace the Ankle boot RS and gaiter as existing stocks of those items wasted out and all period contracts for their manufacture terminated.[14]

With a stock of 19,120 Ankle Boots RS and 21,612 Web Anklets held in Ordnance Depots and Clothing Stores, the priority of issue for the introduction of the Boot GS (High)was to:

NZ Forces in Southeast Asia
Regular Force Recruits
Regular Force maintenance in New Zealand
The Territorial Force

The Boot GS (High) nomenclature had been changed to Boot Mans General Purpose (Boot Mans GP) by February 1971. With 12,126 pairs of Ankle Boot RS remaining in stock, it was anticipated that with issues to National Service intakes and the Territorial Force, stocks would be exhausted by the end of 1971.[15]

Boot Mans General Purpose (Boot Mans GP). Robert McKie Collection

During the New Zealand Combat Boot trial, it was identified that cooks of the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) required a boot with a flat sole for safety on wet surfaces. Fortunately, the Government Footwear Inspector had developed Cooks Galley Boots at Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) instigation in the mid-1960s. First adopted by the RNZN and then the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), consideration to issuing RNZASC Cooks Galley boots were first made in 1968.[16] With a non-skid pattern rubber sole and a continuous leather front to stop spilt boiling fat and other liquids from entering the boot, RNZASC user trials were conducted from 1970 with initial issues to all RNZASC cooks from 1972.[17]

By February 1974, New Zealand’s Forces in South Vietnam had been withdrawn, and the tripartite Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom (ANZUK) Force based in Singapore had been dissolved. The 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) and its supporting units remained in Singapore as the New Zealand army components of the New Zealand Force Southeast Asia (NZFORSEA). Logistic arrangements in place since 1955, which allowed New Zealand to rely on the British for tropical clothing and equipment, had progressively been wound down from the late 1960s as New Zealand developed and grew its line of tropical clothing. Although the development of a tropical patrol boot had been recommended to be developed to meet the specific conditions found in Southeast Asia, the transition of New Zealand Army units in Singapore to a peacetime garrison and peacetime funding restrictions saw the requirement for a New Zealand jungle boot placed on the back burner. The Boot Man GP was found to be sufficient for most training in the tropics. Although many individuals purchased surplus American, British or Malaysian jungle boots and some small-scale unit trials did occur, the development of a New Zealand jungle boot ceased.

In 1980 the New Zealand footwear manufacturer John Bull won the contract for the supply of combat boots to the New Zealand Military. Already a manufacturer with a high reputation and experienced in producing military footwear, John Bull’s manufacturing processes were enhanced through a significant equipment and modernisation program. The John Bull-manufactured Boot Man GP was a DMS boot that retained the same style of leather uppers as the previous boot. New Zealand also supplemented stocks of the John Bull Boot GP with the Australian pattern DMS Combat Boot manufactured in New Zealand by King Leo. Both patterns of Boot GP were progressively introduced into service from 1980, with stocks of the previous Boot GP wasted out by 1985.

The New Zealand Army finished the Second World War with pretty much the same boot that had been issued to soldiers in 1912. However, the lessons of the Second World War and developments in boot technology had not gone unnoticed. With the assistance of the New Zealand Leather and Shoe Association, footwear manufacturers and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, a New Zealand Combat boot was developed. Due to the limitations of the technology available to New Zealand’s footwear industry, New Zealand’s efforts would always be five to ten years behind those of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. However, a viable and cost-effective boot that met most of the training and operational requirements of the New Zealand army throughout the 1970s and 80s resulted from New Zealand’s limited resources. Although this article only provides an overview of New Zealand’s combat boot development, it provides a starting point for further research into this overlooked aspect of New Zealand’s military history.

New Zealand-made Australian pattern Boot GP. Robert McKie Collection

Notes

[1] “General News – Army Boots,” Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28883, 1 May 1959.

[2] Although the United Kingdom accepted and introduced it into service in 1961, the UK DMS boot was rejected by New Zealand because, at this stage, it could not be made in New Zealand. “Many Changes in Gear for Modern N.Z. Soldier,” Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28958, 28 July 1959.

[3] “New Army Boots Now in Production,” Press, Volume C, Issue 29594, 17 August 1961.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Army 213/19/69 Footwear for the NZ Army Dated 7 August 1969. “Boots and Shoes – Development of Combat Boots,” Archives New Zealand No R17187902 (1963-1969).

[6] 213/19/55/Q(D) Purchase of High Boots for user trials 26 May 1964. Ibid.

[7] 213/19/69 7 May 1964. Ibid.

[8] “New Combat Clothes Being Tested,” Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965.

[9] “Boots Trouble Aust. Troops,” Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30801, 13 July 1965.

[10] HQ NZ V Force 212/19/69 Footwear Trials 9 April 1968. “Boots and Shoes – Development of Combat Boots.”

[11] Army 213/19/69/SD Footwear Study Group 23 October 1968. Ibid.

[12] Army 213/19/69 Footwear for the NZ Army 14 July 1969.Ibid.

[13] Army 213/19/69 Footwear for the NZ Army 7 August 1969. Ibid.

[14] Army 213/19/69DQ(M) dated 3 December 1969. Ibid.

[15] HQ Home Command HC 8/6/1/ORD 1 Introduction of Boots Mans GP 26 April 1971. Ibid.

[16] Army 213/19/69 Footwear for the NZ Army 7 August 1969. Ibid.

[17] HQ Home Command HC 8/6/1/ST Boots Galley Cooks 11 May 1972. Ibid.

New Zealand Military Load Carrying Equipment, 1945 – 1975

1 Comment Dec 21, 2022 Robert McKie

Military Personal Load Carrying Equipment, often referred to in the New Zealand vernacular as “webbing”, is the assortment of belts, straps, pouches and other accessories which, when assembled, allows an individual soldier to easily and comfortably carry the tools of their trade, such as ammunition, rations and water to sustain them for short periods. Many period photos of New Zealand soldiers on operations and training from the Vietnam War era to the 1990s provide the impression of an army equipped with an eclectic range of Australian, British and American equipment. This view of New Zealand’s army’s equipment was partly correct. To see how this view was shaped, this article provides an overview of New Zealand’s military load-carrying equipment evolution from 1945 to 1975.

Commander-in-chief, United States Army of the Pacific, General R.E Haines (right) watching weapon training at Waiouru. 2 May 1970 Evening Post

During World War Two, Operations in Malaya, Burma and the Pacific identified many shortfalls in the suitability of training, tactics and equipment, resulting in the Lethbridge Mission to the Far East during the late war. As a result of the report of the Lethbridge Mission, it was decided to modify the standard 37-pattern equipment to make it lighter in weight, rot-proof and more water-repellent and thus more suitable for use in tropical conditions. This development of the 37-pattern equipment led to the approval of a new pattern known as the 1944-pattern.[1] Post-war, further development of the 37 and 44-Pattern equipment led to troop trials of the Z2 experimental Load Carrying Equipment, which transitioned into the 1958-pattern equipment.[2]

Following World War Two, the Load Carrying Equipment in use by the New Zealand Army was the British 1937-pattern equipment. The 37-pattern equipment was introduced into New Zealand service in 1940, replacing the 1908-pattern equipment that had been in service since 1912. As 37-pattern equipment remained the standard web equipment of the New Zealand Army, the deployment of New Zealand troops to Malaya placed New Zealand in the position of deploying troops to a theatre with equipment that had long been identified as unsuitable. To maintain compatibility with other commonwealth forces in Malaya, 44-pattern equipment from British stocks in Malaya was issued to New Zealand troops in Malaya.

Example of 37-pattern equipment. Image: Simon Moore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnMIdynO8Y

. Given the environment that New Zealand troops could be expected to operate in and aware of the developments in load-carrying equipment, the New Zealand Chief of General Staff (CGS) requested and received one set of M1956 Web equipment from the United States for trials in 1959.[3] The American M1956 Load-Carrying Equipment (LCE) had been accepted for United States Army service, with distribution well underway by 1961.

In October 1960, the New Zealand Director of Infantry and Training demonstrated the following web equipment to CGS.

44-pattern Equipment
58-pattern Equipment
M1956-pattern Equipment

A report by a New Zealand Officer attached to the Australian Jungle Training Centre at Canungra supported this demonstration with a comprehensive report describing the research and development of Infantry clothing and equipment undertaken by the Australians. The New Zealand report described the Australian trials of the M1956 LCE alongside the 58-pattern equipment. The M1956 was chosen by the Australians, who intended to manufacture it in Australia.[4] However, it was considered unlikely that either the 1956 LCE or 58-pattern equipment would be available to New Zealand until at least 1965, when the initial distribution to the United States and British armies was expected to be completed. Aware that all 44-pattern equipment had been earmarked for use in Malaysia and that it was still in production, New Zealand’s CGS approved the purchase of 6000 sets of 44-pattern equipment to re-equip elements of the New Zealand Army.[5]

Example of 44 pattern equipment, British Corporal, Malaya, Early 1950s. Image Simon Moore https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2346362332163840&set=a.421629590114595

Following advice from the UK, the 44-pattern equipment in use with the Fare East Land Forces (FARELF) was to be wasted out as the 58-pattern equipment was introduced, implying that the New Zealand Battalion would need to be equipped with the 58-pattern equipment before the ceasing of maintenance of the 44-pattern by FARELF. With this in mind, a recommendation was made to purchase 6000 sets of 58-pattern equipment instead of the 44-pattern equipment.[6]

Example of 58-pattern equipment. Image Simon Moore. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2080097568790319&set=pcb.2080098398790236

In a June 1961 memorandum to Cabinet, the Minister of Defence highlighted that the current 37-pattern equipment used by the New Zealand Army was not designed for Jungle operations and was unsuitable for carrying the extra equipment the soldier engaged in this type of warfare required. No longer used by the British Army in any part of the world, the stage had been reached where the replacement of the 37-pattern should be delayed no longer. As the 58-pattern could not be made available to New Zealand for some time and field trials had cast doubt on its suitability for use in the Southeast Asia theatre, it was considered that re-equipping of the New Zealand Army should proceed with the 44-pattern equipment. The 44-pattern equipment had proved itself and was known to be suitable in the theatre where New Zealand troops were most likely to be employed. It was assumed that by the time the 44-pattern equipment needed replacement, the full facts on the suitability of the 58-pattern and the M1956 web equipment would be available to make a more informed decision on its adoption by New Zealand. It was recommended that Cabinet approve £45645 plus freight to purchase 6000 sets of 1944 Pattern equipment. [7]

By October 1961, it became clear that the 58-pattern was to be the standard issue web equipment for all United Kingdom forces worldwide and that distribution to the forces in Malaya was to happen much earlier date than earlier expected. Because of this, the Army secretary desired further investigations on the suitability of 58-pattern web equipment and, if favourable, confirm costs and potential delivery dates. With the requirement for web equipment again in flux, the submission to purchase 6000 sets of 44-pattern equipment was withdrawn pending further research.[8]

By May 1962, plans for reorganising the New Zealand Army from a Divisional to Brigade Structure were under implementation.[9] With approximately 50000 complete sets of 37-pattern equipment distributed to units or held in stores, this was deemed suitable to equip the bulk of the Territorial Force and Training units. The 58-pattern equipment was now in serial production and was the standard issue for all United Kingdom troops, with distribution to operational units in Malaya and Germany underway. Information received earlier was that because of limited production, stocks of 58-pattern would not be available for release to New Zealand for some years had been revised. It was now possible that the release of 58-pattern equipment to meet New Zealand’s requirements could be achieved earlier than anticipated. Based on this revised information, New Zealand’s Cabinet approved funding of £58750 on 10 October 1961 for 6000 sets of 58-pattern Web Equipment. [10]

Before placing a firm order for New Zealand’s requirements of 58-pattern equipment, reports received from Malaya in late 1962 indicated that the 58-Pattern equipment was, in its present form, unsuitable for use in operational conditions in South-East Asia.[11] It was anticipated that modifying the 58-pattern equipment to suit the conditions would take two to three years, an unacceptable delay in procurement as far as New Zealand is concerned.[12]

As the decision on New Zealand’s web equipment remained in flux, the New Zealand Battalion in Malaysia continued to be equipped with the 44-pattern equipment maintained under a capitation agreement with the United Kingdom. At New Zealand’s expense, one hundred sets of 44-pattern equipment were also maintained at New Zealand Battalion Depot at Burnham Camp to support reinforcements.

M1956 Web Equipment

As the time factor involved in modifying the 58-pattern equipment was unacceptable, and New Zealand was receiving an increasing amount of American equipment, the American M1956 pattern web equipment was decided to trial. The M1956 equipment had already been introduced into the Australian army, so twenty sets were purchased from Australian stocks for New Zealand’s trials.[13]

Following user experience in Malaya revealing that the 58-pattern equipment was falling short of the requirements for jungle operations, a series of investigations and user trials established that the US M1956 pattern equipment was suitable for use by the New Zealand Army. The funding for 6000 sets of 58-pattern Web Equipment was requested to be reprioritised to purchase 10000 sets of M1956 equipment direct from the United States and 400 sets of 44-pattern equipment to equip the increment for the FARELF held in New Zealand.[14]

With funding endorsed by the Minster of Defence and approved by the Cabinet, orders were placed for 10000 sets of M1956 web equipment direct from the United States. The first consignment arrived in New Zealand in early 1964, with 289 sets immediately issued to the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) and 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery.

Instructions for distributing the M1956 web equipment were issued in June 1964 by the Quartermaster General. The initial purchase of 10000 sets of M1956 web equipment was to be issued to the Combat Brigade Group (CBG) and Logistic Support Group (LSG) units. Units of the Combat Reserve Brigade Group (CRBG) and Static Support Force (SSF) were to continue to use the 37-patten webbing.

	NMD	CMD	MOD (for CMD Trentham Units	SMD	MOD Stock	Issued SAS/ 16 Fd Regiment
CBG & LSG	3122	3030	401	2028	310	289
1^st Reinforcement Reserve	316	260	6	198
School of Infantry		40
TOTAL	3438	3330	407	2226	310	289

As the issue of M1956 equipment progressed, units of the CBG and LSG were to hand back stocks of 37-pattern equipment to their supporting District Ordnance Depot except for

08-pattern packs and straps
37-pattern belt, waist web
Frogs bayonet No 5[15]

The 37 Pattern belt, waist web, was to be retained by all ranks as a personal issue authorised by NZP1 Scales 1, 5, 8 or 9. The belt and bayonet frog were to be worn with Nos 2A, 64, 6B, 7A and 7B orders of dress when other equipment items were not required to be worn.

Example of M-1956 equipment. Image Simon Moore https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2113354722131270&set=pcb.2113363968797012

Equipment Maintenance Policy Statement (EMPS) 138/67 issued by Army Headquarters on 20 November 1964 detailed that except for the CBG and LSG, 16000 sets of 37-pattern equipment were to be maintained for use by remaining elements of the New Zealand Army.[16] EMPS 145/65 was issued on 12 February 1965, detailing the management of 44-pattern equipment in New Zealand. The First Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) in Malaysia was to remain equipped with the 44-pattern web equipment maintained by the UK under the existing capitation agreement. Other than 100 sets of 44 Pattern Web equipment maintained at the Battalion Depot in Burnham, there was no provision for equipping 1RNZIR Reinforcements and increments of 31 Medium Radio Sub Troop who could be expected to deploy to Malaysia at any time. EMPS 145/65 rectified this by establishing a stockholding of 400 sets of 44-pattern equipment at the Main Ordnance Depot (MOD) at Trentham

Approval was granted in November 1965 by Army HQ for the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps (RNZAC) and NZSAS to blacken their M1956 web equipment. The Royal New Zealand Provost Corps (RNZ Pro) was also approved to whiten their M1956 web equipment. This approval only applied to unit holdings, not RNZAC, NZSAS or NZ Pro members attached or posted to other units.[17]

By April 1967, most of the New Zealand Army was equipped with the M1956 equipment. The exceptions were.

The New Zealand Forces in Malaysia and South Vietnam, who used both the M1956 and 44-pattern equipment
The SSF, National Service Training Unit (NTSU) and New Zeeland Cadet Corps (NZCC), who still retained the 37-pattern equipment

The manufacture of 37-pattern equipment had long been discontinued, and New Zealand stocks had reached the point where although having considerable holdings of individual items, based on the belts as the critical item, only 9500 sets of 37-pattern equipment could be assembled.

Based on the projected five-year supply to the NTSU, Army Schools, Camps and the NZCC plus 10% maintenance per annum, there was a requirement for 12000 sets of 37-pattern equipment. Arranging production to meet the shortfalls was deemed cost-prohibitive, and as continued maintenance could not be guaranteed, it was decided that additional sets of M1956 equipment were to be purchased. The additional sets were to be purchased on a phased program over several financial years, with 5000 sets of 37-pattern retained for the NZCC.

Disposal of the 37-pattern was to be phased over three years.

1967 all items surplus to 9500 sets
1968 3000 Complete sets
1969 all remaining 37 Pattern equipment less 5000 sets for the NZCC.[18]

M1967 Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment (MLCE)

In 1967 the New Zealand Army trialled three sets of the M1967 Modernized Load-Carrying Equipment (MLCE). Not specifically designed to replace the M1956 equipment, the M1967 equipment was designed for use in tropical environments and was introduced into the United States Army service in 1968.

The New Zealand trials found that the M1967 equipment was comfortable and weight-wise was similar to other web equipment in use. The pack worn on the belt was found to be heavy when fully loaded, and a pack similar in size to the 44 Pattern should be introduced, and the belt pack reduced in size by one-third.

It was identified that all the pouches required stiffening and that the plastic fasteners were not firmly attached to the pouches, although easy to operate. While using Velcro was found simple to operate, it was seen as a disadvantage due to noise and its inclination to pull apart when wet or under stress.[19]

Although the M1956 was still being introduced into the New Zealand Army, limited quantities of the M1967 equipment were introduced from 1969-72 with no plans for large-scale procurement. Nevertheless, the design of the M1972 All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment (ALICE) incorporated many of the features of the M1967 equipment, and it was introduced into the New Zealand Army service in the 1980s.

Example of M-1967 MLCE. Image Simon Moore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwj59bifFMk

Although the 44-pattern web equipment continued to be used by New Zealand units in Southeast Asia, by October 1967, the decision had been made to standardise the M1956 equipment across the New Zealand Army, and no stocks of the 44-pattern equipment were to be retained in New Zealand. All stocks of 44-pattern web equipment held by the MOD in Trentham for 1RNZIR Reinforcements and increments of 31 Medium Radio Sub Troop were issued to 1 RNZIR based at Terendak camp in Malaysia. As this stock held by 1RNZIR was wasted out, it would be replaced by M1956 web equipment. [20]

Large Ammunition Pouches

The Australian experience had shown that although the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR) Magazines fitted inside the M1956 ammunition pouch, it was a tight fit, especially when the webbing was wet. The initial solution was to modify 37-pattern pouches and fit them to the M1956 equipment. By 1967 the Australians had developed an indigenous ammunition pouch for the M1956 equipment., The Australian Ammunition Pouch Large (8465-66-026-1864) was manufactured out of cotton duck material and measured 8^1/4inches high by 4 inches wide and 3 inches deep.

To ascertain the suitability of the Australian large ammunition pouch for New Zealand service, fifty Australian pouches were sourced as a standardisation loan in 1968.[21] Feedback for the troop trials identified a lack of stability in the closure of the lid, causing the loss of ammunition and magazines. Following an investigation by the R&D Section, the RNZAOC Textile Repair Sections (TRS) modified the Australian pouches by replacing the lid fasteners with the same fasteners found on the standard American M1956 pouch and stiffing the fastener tabs. The modifications proved satisfactory in further Army Trials, and a new specification (DRDS-ICE-1) was produced with four Standard Samples provided to 1 Base Ordnance Depot (1 BOD).[22] The modified New Zealand Pouch was codified in the New Zealand supply system as Pouch Ammunition Large (6746-98-103-4039).[23]

Detail of New Zealand Large Ammunition Pouch riveted lid fasteners

Although the R&D Section had ascertained that the manufacture of the pouches was possible in New Zealand using imported components, the initial production run of 20000 pouches was contracted through the Australian Department of Supply to be included in the current Australian production run.[24] By 1974 the first production run of 20000 had been completed and returned to 1 BOD for distribution, with 2/1 RNZIR in Burnham one of the first units to receive the new pouches. In May 1974, 2/1 RNZIR submitted defect reports stating that the pouches were poorly designed, with the canvas tongue used to secure the lid failing, pouches becoming insecure, and magazines dropping out.[25]

The investigation by the Directorate of Equipment Policy and the R&D Section found that the faults were not a design problem but a quality assurance issue in that the pouches had not been manufactured following the specification.[26] Comparing the Australian-manufactured pouches against the specification, the R&D Section identified the following visually detected defects.

Canvas used to manufacture strap-holding assembly instead of webbing.
Clip end strap is wrongly sized.
Release tab is of incorrect thickness.
Polypropylene stiffener not inserted in release tab.
The male fastener is not secured to the PVC stiffener.
The reinforcement piece behind the male fastener is not included (between the PVC stiffener and lining).
Additional smaller reinforcement piece inserted between the outer cover and the male fastener.
Broad arrow marked on the outer cover and not specified.

Of these defects, only serials 3 to 7 were directly considered to contribute to the deficiencies and the initial concerns raised by 2/1RNZIR and would require rectification, and a modification instruction was produced.[27] Modification of the pouches would take until September 1977 to be completed.[28]

Due to the Broad Arrow Mark included on the first batch of 20000 New Zealand Large Ammunition Pouches, collectors often misidentify these items as Australian pouches.

White Web

By 1973, 37-pattern belts, rifle slings and bayonet frogs remained in use as ceremonial items. Whitened using proprietary shoe cleaner and paint, these items were badly worn with the whitener flaking easily and were easily marked by weather, fingerprints and the rubbing of other equipment. The M1956 pattern web belt was not considered suitable as a replacement as it was operational equipment requiring the breaking up of complete web sets to provide items for ceremonial events. Following the British lead, the Army Dress Committee approved a polythene, four-ply woven fabric of similar appearance and texture to the 37-pattern equipment in October 1973 as a replacement for the whitened 37-pattern equipment. The sling and bayonet frog designed for the SLR would be purchased with chromed or brass fittings. The material for the belts was provided on rolls which could be cut to the required size. Buckles and keepers were 37-pattern buckles and keepers drawn from existing stocks that had been chromed and polished.[29]

Combat Pack

By 1974, one of the few pre-1945 items of load-carrying equipment remaining in New Zealand service was the 08-pattern pack. Long identified as an unsuitable item, several trials had been conducted since the mid-1960s to find a replacement combat pack. Although a few alternative items had been investigated as a replacement, the 08-pattern pack remained the principal combat pack of the New Zealand Army.

In 1969/70, the requirement for 15000 combat packs to replace the 08-pattern pack was identified. Following evaluation by the equipment sponsor, the Australian Army Combat Pack was selected as a basis for developing a New Zealand combat pack. The Australian pack was chosen from a wide range of military and civilian packs, with the design modified to meet the particular training requirements of New Zealand. The modifications to the Australian pack were limited to comply with the following:

The pack must be compatible with Australian Army equipment.
The pack must be compatible with M1956 equipment currently in New Zealand service.

Against the advice of the R&D section, the Australian pack was modified by the New Zealand Army without a proper study being conducted.[30] The decision to bypass the R&D process resulted in a prototype process that extended from 1972 to 1974.[31] By June 1974, trials on the prototypes resulted in the setting of a standard design for a production run of one hundred packs for further trials.[32]

The New Zealand version of the Australian combat pack was eventually accepted into service in 1975/76. Never a satisfactory pack, the R&D section began investigations to find a replacement in the early 1980s. Hoping to leverage the experience of New Zealand Mountaineers to produce a modern pack, Army R&D embarked on the Onward Pack project. Manufactured by Hallmark Industries of Hamilton, the Onward pack was an innovative modular design that allowed the main pack to be broken down into a patrol pack and a light belt order,

The Basic layout of the Onwards pack was a main compartment divided into a main compartment and a sleeping bag compartment divided by a zip-away divider. The upper compartment was divided into the main storage area and internal space for an AN/PPC-77 set. External access to the main compartment was via a large snow collar with outlets for the radio antenna and handset built into the lid. External access to the lower sleeping bag section was provided by a zip which allowed the bottom half of the compartment to drop down. Internal sleeping mat storage was included as part of the harness and backpack. Three external removal pouches were provided, one on each side attached by domes and a larger pouch mounted on the centre front of the pack by buckles body. Behind the Large centre pouch, securing straps were provided to secure an Entrenching Tool. These three external pouches were fitted with belt loops, which allowed them to be removed and fitted to either the pack’s waist belt or standard pistol belt as a light belt order.

A small patrol pack designed to hold an ANPRC-77 Set was also provided as part of the Onward pack., The patrol pack could be mounted to the top of the Onward Pack or by utilising the pack’s shoulder straps, worn as a standalone pack. The Patrol pack was also fitted with a fluorescent recognition panel in a zip-up compartment.

Despite the host of features and the additional space provided compared to the Australian pack, the Onward Pack was fraught with issues. The proprietary plastic clips were prone to failure, and the body-hugging ‘alpine’ design caused causing severe prickly heat on users in the tropics of Southeast Asia. These and other issues with the Onward Pack contributed to an extended development period as attempts were made to rectify them. As these and other minor faults were addressed to meet the immediate needs of users while the Onward Pack was perfected, the medium American ALICE pack was introduced as an interim replacement in 1984.[33] Eventually, attempts to rectify the Onward Pack were abandoned and the ALICE pack was formally adopted as the New Zealand Army pack.

Conclusion

Entering the Second World War with web equipment of the same pattern used since 1912, New Zealand’s Force soon began to be re-equipped with the most modern British web equipment, the 37-pattern from early 1940. Near the end of the war, New Zealand was kept abreast of the development of web equipment, and when New Zealand troops arrived in Malaya in the early 1950s, they were issued with the most modern type available for jungle warfare, the 44-pattern. As the New Zealand Army reorientated from providing a division to serve in the Middle East to providing a Brigade Group to serve in Southeast Asia, it could not wait for the British to develop their new 58-pattern for tropical conditions and examine other types. Following Australia’s lead, the American M1959 equipment was adopted in 1964, with components of this type serving thought to the early 2000s. With five types of web equipment either adopted or trialled between 1945 and 1974, it is no surprise that components got intermingled. This led to Kiwi soldiers’ preferences and experiences leading them to create webbing sets that they found practicable rather than options prescribed in SOPs or instruction books leading to the outside impression of the New Zealand army been one equipped with an eclectic range of Australian, British and American equipment.

Notes

[1] 86/Development/47 (SWV1) Report on the Development of Personnel Fighting and Load Carrying Equipment 1942-48 February 1949. “Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern,” Archives New Zealand No R17189098 (1944 -1966).

[2] 86/Dev/54 (SVW1) Instruction for troop trials of Z2 Experimental Load Carrying Equipment ibid.

[3] New Zealand Joint Services Mission Washington DC JSM 1/3/13 ARM US Army Load Carrying Equipment (Web) dated 23 September 1959ibid.

[4] Attachment to JTC – Canungra dated 21 October 1960 “Stores – New Infantry Equipment for New Zealand Army,” Archives New Zealand No R17189007 (1959-1970).

[5] Army 246/60/12/SD Web Equipment dated 20 December 1960 “Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern.”

[6] Army 246/60/12/SD Web Equipment dated 20 December 1960ibid.

[7] Memorandum Minister of Defence to Cabinet dated June 1961ibid.

[8] 246/60/12/adm Army Secretary to Minister of Defence 2 October 1961ibid.

[9] Damien Fenton, A False Sense of Security: The Force Structure of the New Zealand Army 1946-1978, Occasional Paper / Centre for Strategic Studies: New Zealand: No. 1 (Centre for Strategic Studies: New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington, 1998), 111-20.

[10] Army 246/60/12/Q(E) Brigade Group Equipment Replacement Web Equipment dated 8 May 1962 “Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern.” -pattern equipment

[11] BM 2 to FE16002SD General HQ FELF to The War Office (Brig Q Eqpt) 1958 Pattern Web Equipment dated 4 October 1962: ibid.

[12] 57/62 NZ Army Liaison Staff, London to Army HQ dated 17 October 1962 ibid.

[13] Army 246/60/12Q(E) Sample US Pattern Web Equipment dated 12 December 1962 ibid.

[14] 246/60/12/SD Web Equipment for the Field Force dated 18 October 1963 ibid.

[15] Army Reqn 208/63/Q(E) dated 9 June 1964 -Distribution of M1956 Web Equipment “Cookers – Web Equipment: Pattern ’37,” Archives New Zealand No R17189095 (1940-1971).

[16] EMPS 138/64 of 20 Nov 1964 ibid.

[17] Army HQ Army246/60/12/PS3 of 19 Nov 1965 ibid.

[18] Defence (Army) 246/60/2 of 26 April 1967 ibid.

[19] 1 Ranger Squadron NZSAS, Trial Report US Lightweight Equipment dated 21 March 1968″Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern,” Archives New Zealand No R17189099 (1966 -1969).

[20] Army 246/60/12/Q(E) EMPS 145/65 Frist Revise dated 5 October 1967 ibid.

[21] “Cookers – Web Equipment: Slings, Bandoliers, Ammunition Pouches: Development,” Archives New Zealand No R17189101 (1968-1970).

[22] Def HQ/R&D Section 82/1974 dated 28 Jun 1974.”Equipment Administration: Research & Development – Projects Personal Load Carrying Equipment: Ammunition Pouches,” Archives New Zealand No R17231111 (1972-1977).

[23] 246/60/2 of 122055ZNOV70 NZDWN to 1BOD Trentham “Cookers – Web Equipment: Pattern ’37.”

[24] Army 246/60/70 dated 9 December 1971. “Equipment Administration: Research & Development – Projects Personal Load Carrying Equipment: Ammunition Pouches.”

[25] FF 65/38/18/SD Modification of Ammunition Pouch item 10 May 1974. “Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern.”

[26] Army 246/60/17/EP. “Equipment Administration: Research & Development – Projects Personal Load Carrying Equipment: Ammunition Pouches.”

[27] R&D Section Minute no 160/1975 dated 21 November 1975. “Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern.”

[28] Army 246/60/17/SP 22 Pouches Ammunition 22 September 1977. “Cookers – Web Equipment: New Pattern.”

[29] “Army Dress Committee Decision – White Web,” Archives New Zealand No R17188112 (1973).

[30] R&D Section 67/1974 Packs Combat date 13 June 1974. “Equipment Administration: Research & Development – Projects Personal Load Carrying Equipment: Waterproof Pack,” Archives New Zealand No R17231110 (1972-1974).

[31] Army 246/60/12/EP Sponsor Enquiry Field Pack Olive Green 2 July 1972. Ibid.

[32] Army 246/60/12/ EP Minutes of the final meeting on the acceptance of the Combat Pack held at Army General Staff on 8 June 1973. “Conferences – Policy and General – NZ Army Dress Committee 1984,” Archives New Zealand No R17311893 (1984).

[33] Inf 26.3 Minutes of a meeting to consider Project Foxhound developments held at Army General Staff 8 June 1984. Ibid.

RNZAOC Days of Significance

1 Comment Jul 11, 2022 Robert McKie

Most of the Corps and Regiments of the New Zealand Army observe a day significant to the respective Corps or Regiment

The Royal New Zealand Artillery celebrates “Gunners Day” on 26 May, marking the formation of the Royal Regiment of Artillery in 1716.
The Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps celebrates “Cambrai Day” on 20 November, marking the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, which saw large numbers of tanks first employed.
The Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport celebrated “RNZCT Corps Day” on 12 May, which marked the formation of the New Zealand Army Service Corps in 1910.

For the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC), the day of significance was 12 July and as “Corps Day” commemorated the day in 1947 when the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was granted Royal Status.

The granting of Royal Status to the NZAOC was an acknowledgement of New Zealand’s Ordnance services from 1912 and the valuable contributions of the NZAOC during the Second World War.

1 May 1912 – New Zealand Ordnance Corps

For a military force to remain effective, the ability to maintain and repair firearms is an essential function. From the 1860’s Armourers and Arms Cleaners of New Zealand’s Defence Stores Department, in conjunction with civilian gunsmiths, kept New Zealand’s stock of weapons maintained and repaired. With the introduction of Bolt Action rifles and Maxim Machine Guns, the increasing complexity and quantity of weapons systems available to New Zealand’s Military Forces required the secondment of Armourer Sergeants from the United Kingdom’s Army Ordnance Corps in 1900.[1] Arriving in New Zealand in 1901, AOC Armourer Sergeants Bertram Buckley and John Hunter immediately set to upskilling New Zealand’s military armourers.[2] Providing further support to Buckley and Hunter was the secondment 2^nd Class Armourer Sergeant William Edward Luckman to New Zeeland from the AOC in 1903, who was appointed as the Chief Armourer of New Zealand’s Military Forces.

By 1911 Armourer Sergeant Major Luckman, having had his secondment extended several times, was well established as the Chief Armourer of New Zealand’s Military Forces. His Armourers provided inspection, maintenance, and repairs in Armourers workshops in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Although on secondment to the New Zealand military, Luckman, Buckley, and Hunter were still Armourers in the AOC and required to maintain their professional proficiency. New Zealand Armourers trained under Luckman’s supervision required a trade structure and recognition of their ability in sync with the AOC. To provide this structure, General Order 118 was released on 1 May 1912, establishing the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) and providing a career path from Apprentice to Armourer Sergeant Major for Armourers of the Defence Stores Department. [3]

1 April 1915 – Royal New Zealand Artillery, New Zealand Army Ordnance Section

While the Defence Stores Department were responsible for Small-Arms and associated ammunition, the Royal New Zealand Artillery was responsible for supplying and maintaining the various types of Ordnance (Artillery) and associated ammunition utilised by the Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, New Zealand Garrison Artillery and New Zealand Field Artillery.[4] This functional separation between the Defence Stores Department and Artillery had existed since the 1880s, remaining extant in 1915. While the Colonial; Ammunition Company factory at Mount Eden in Auckland allowed a measure of self-sufficiency in Small Arms Ammunition, the same could not be said for artillery ammunition. In 1911 The Artillery Stores Accountant, Lieutenant Robert George Vining Parker, produced a cost-benefit analysis of the virtues of locally made-up Artillery and imported artillery ammunition. It was estimated that by cleaning and refilling casings, inspecting and refurbishing propellant bags, and manufacturing new ones as required, savings of £3,333 (2022 NZD$633,605) could be made. To achieve these savings, a recommendation that a specialist Artillery Ordnance Corps Section be established to manufacture and modify ammunition was made. [5] Approved by the Commandant of the New Zealand Military Forces, General Alexander Godley, in mid-1914, formal authority was not granted until 1 March 1915, with New Zealand Defence Forces General Order 90 authorising the raising as a component of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Section with effect from 1 April 1915.[6] The NCO and six Gunners of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Section were based at Wellingtons Fort Balance.

1 February 1917 – New Zealand Army Ordnance Department and New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps

On 31 May 1917, regulations constituting the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) and NZAOC, backdated to 1 February 1917, were approved and published in the New Zealand Gazette on 7 June 1917, concluding forty-eight years of service provided by the Defence Stores Department.[7]

From January 1917, the legacy Defence Stores Department remained in existence only in name as the Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores, Major Thomas James McCristell, put the pieces together for the final establishment of New Zealand’s military Ordnance Services. Ordnance Procedures for the New Zealand Defence Forces drafted in 1916 were released on 23 January 1917, providing the New Zealand military with regulations concerning Ordnance Services.[8] These procedures were a forward-looking document and can be considered the foundation of New Zealand’s military store accounting procedures.

In line with the British AOC organisation, the New Zealand Ordnance Services were to consist of the,

Officers organised into the NZAOD as,
- Directing Staff.
- Executive Staff.
- Inspectorial Staff.
Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and soldiers organised into the NZAOC,
- Clerical and Stores Section.
- Armourers Section.
- Armament Artificers Section. [9]

Included in the establishment of the NZAOC were Artificers of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, the Artillery Ordnance Corps Section and the Armourers of the NZOC.

It must be noted that from 1917 the New Zealand Military now maintained two NZAOCs whose only relationship was in name and had no technical relationship. These were,

The New Zealand Expeditionary Force NZAOC was formed as a unit of the NZEF in 1915 and was disestablished in 1921.[10] This NZAOC consisted of Officers, Warrant Officers, NCOs and Other Ranks.

27 June 1924 – Reconstitution of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps

On 3 July 1924, a notice published in the New Zealand Gazette revoked the regulations that established the NZAOD and NZAOC on 1 February 1917. Backdated to 27 June 1924, the NZAOD was reconstituted as part of the NZAOC, resulting in one Ordnance organisation serving as part of the New Zealand Permanent Forces.[11]

1 November 1940 – New Zealand Ordnance Corps

Unlike the New Zealand Army Service Corps, which consisted of the New Zealand Permanent Army Service Corps (NZPASC) as part of the Permanent Army and the NZASC as its Territorial Army component, the NZAOC did not maintain a Territorial Army component of part-time citizen-soldiers. With the onset of war in 1939 and the mobilisation of the Territorial Army in 1940, the Quartermaster General, Colonel Henry Esau Avery, decided that Light Aid Detachments were an Ordnance responsibility and established the NZOC as the NZAOC Component of Territorial Army as of 1 November 1940.[12]

As in the First World War, the 2NZEF also maintained Ordnance units. 2NZEF Order 221 of March 1941 set NZOC as the title of Ordnance in the NZEF.[13] 1942 saw the separation of maintenance and repair functions from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) with the formation of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in the Brutish Army. The New Zealand Division followed suit and formed the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) on 1 December 1942, placing repair and maintenance elements into the NZEME with the Ordnance Stores and Services functions remaining as the NZOC. However, as the NZEME was a 2NZEF element and not formed as part of New Zealand’s Force at home and in the Pacific, men posted to the NZEME were still listed as part of the NZOC.

The NZEF NZOC was disestablished along with the NZEF in 1946.

1 September 1946 – NZAOC Reorganisation

On 1 September 1946, the NZAOC underwent its first major post-war reorganisation with several significant changes reshaping the NZAOC, including,

MT Workshops, Ordnance Workshops, and Armourers Workshops separated from the NZAOC to form the NZEME.[14]
The Distinction between Regular and non-Regular soldiers in place across the army since 1909 was removed. The NZOC was disestablished, and its Officers and Soldiers integrated into the NZAOC.[15]

12 July 1947 – Designation as a Royal Corps

In recognition of the valuable services provided by New Zealand’s Military Forces during the Second World War, King George VI approved in 1947 the addition of the prefix “Royal” to be granted to the following Corps of the New Zealand Military Forces

The New Zealand Armoured Corps
The New Zealand Engineers
The New Zealand Corps of Signals
The New Zealand Infantry Corps
The New Zealand Army Service Corps
The New Zealand Army Medical Corps
The New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
The New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
The New Zealand Army Dental Corps
The New Zealand Chaplains Department.[16]

Taking effect from 12 July 1947, the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, further embraced this honour by adopting 12 July as the RNZAOC Corps Day.

Notes

[1] “Two armourer sergeants imported from England,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24403217 ( 1902).

[2] “Buckley, Bertram,” Personal File, Archives New Zealand (Wellington) 1900,.

[3] NZ Armourers, New Zealand Military Forces, General Order 118/12, (Wellington, 1 May 1912), 44-45. ; “Boyce, John – WWI 35094, WWII 4239 – Army,” Personal File, Archives New Zealand (Wellington) 1914.

[4] In 1914 the stocks of New Zealand Artillery consisted of a variety of obsolete, obsolescent and current field and fixed coast artillery pieces, including 6-Pounder Hotchkiss gun; QF 6 pounder Nordenfelt; QF 12 pounder 12 cwt gun; Ordnance QF 18-pounder; QF 4.5-inch howitzer; BL 6-inch Mk VII naval gun, 6-inch gun Mk V; BL 8 inch Mk VII naval gun.”(Capt J O’Sullivan Director of Stores – Return of Ordnance and Ammunition in New Zealand),” Archives New Zealand Item No R24750839 (14 March 1906), .; Peter Cooke, Defending New Zealand: Ramparts on the Sea 1840-1950s (Wellington, NZ: Defence of New Zealand Study Group, 2000, 2000), 833.

[5] Major J.S Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Trentham: RNZAOC, 1992), 54-56.

[6] Formation of Army Ordnance Corps Section, New Zealand Defence Forces, General Order 90, (Wellington, 1 April 1915).

[7] “New Zealand Army Ordnance Department and New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Regulations,” New Zealand Gazette, No 95, June 7, 1917.

[8] organised into five sections covering all the Ordnance administrative and accounting required of the New Zealand Military: Section 1 – Administration, Section 2 – Charge of Storehouses, Magazine and Workshops, Section 3 – Charge of Stores, Section 4 – Small-arms and machine guns, Section 5 Supply and Receipt of stores and clothing, Section 6 – Transmission and consignment of Stores, Section 7 – Stocktaking, survey and sales of stores, Section 8 – Receiving, issuing and Accounting “Regulations

[9] “New Zealand Army Ordnance Department and New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Regulations,” New Zealand Gazette No 95 (Wellington), June 7 1917, 2292-93.

[10] Robert McKie, “Ordnance at the Front – The New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in the NZEF, 1914 to1920,” The Volunteers: New Zealand Military Historical Society 46, no. 1 (2020): 7-24.

[11] “NZAOD and NZAOC,” New Zealand Gazette July 3 1924.

[12] “Formation of New Units, Changes in Designation, and Reorganization of Units of the Territorial Force. ,” New Zealand Gazette, No 127, 19 December 1940, http://www.nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1940/127.pdf.

[13] Designation of Units – Ordnance Corps, 2NZEF Order 221, (March 1940).

[14] “Organisation – Policy and General – Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1946-1984,” Archives New Zealand Item No R17311537 (1946).

[15] “Formation of Unit of the New Zealand Permanent Force,” New Zealand Gazette No 60, 29 August 1946, http://www.nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1946/60.pdf.

[16] “Designation of Corps of New Zealand Military Forces altered and Title ” Royal ” added,” New Zealand Gazette No 39, 17 July 1947, http://www.nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1947/39.pdf.

Defence Stores Staff and Quartermasters – November 1911

1 Comment Jun 5, 2022 Robert McKie

Of all the photos published on this website, this photo is one of the most significant. First published in the New Zealand Graphic on 29 November 1911, the picture is titled ”. This photo is significant in that it is

A photographic record of the first batch of New Zealand regular soldiers to be trained explicitly in Quartermaster duties, providing one of the foundation legs of the modern Supply Technician Trade of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.
It is the only know photo capturing the images of the principal staff of the Defence Stores Department, who in 1917 became the foundation officers of New Zealand’s Army Ordnance Services.

Following the South Africa War, New Zealand’s military forces began to undertake a transformation into a force better trained and equipped to participate in the Imperial Defence Scheme. Uniforms, weapons and equipment were standardised, and following the Defence Act of 1909, the Volunteer forces were replaced with a robust Territorial force maintained by Compulsory Military Training.

In 1910, Field Marshall Lord Kitchener, the British Empire’s foremost soldier, reviewed New Zealand’s military forces and made several recommendations, including establishing the New Zealand Staff Corps (NZSC) and the New Zealand Permanent Staff (NZPS). Established in 1911, the NZSC and NZPS were to provide a professional cadre of officers (NZSC) and men (NZPS) able to provide guidance and administration to the units of the Territorial Force.

Since the 1860s, the Defence Stores Department provided storekeeping and maintenance support to New Zealand’s military forces from its main Depot in Wellington, supported by District Stores in Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. Since the 1880s, duties had been separated between the Defence Stores and the Permanent Militia, with the Artillery maintaining Artificers and Storekeepers to manage guns, stores and ammunition of New Zealand’s Garrison and Field Artillery units. Prior to implementing the Defence Act of 1909 and the transition to the territorial army, volunteer units had maintained Quartermaster Staff to receive and manage stores issued from the Defence Stores. However, in many units, quartermaster positions were elected and varied in the value they added to the maintenance and custody of military stores under their care. As the military transitioned from Volunteer Force to Territorial Army, the existing cadre of quartermaster staff inherited from the volunteer system was identified as not up to the task, and the need for a professional quartermaster cadre was identified.

Establishing a professional quartermaster cadre with the required knowledge became a priority. By late 1911, 29 soldiers with the right qualities from the Territorial Army and Permanent Forces had been selected for training in Quartermaster duties. Reporting to the Defence Stores Department, Buckle Street Depot in Wellington in November 1911, these soldiers undertook three weeks of practical and theoretical instruction in Quartermaster duties under the Director of Stores, Honorary Major James O’Sullivan and the senior staff of the Defence Stores Department.

The course curriculum included instruction on,

Weapon storage, inspection, maintenance and accounting, supervised by Chief Armourer of the New Zealand military forces, Armourer Sergeant Major William Luckman.
The correct storage methods, inspection and maintenance of leather items such as horse saddlery and harnesses were conducted by the Defence Stores Department Saddler Mr H McComish.
The correct storage methods, inspection and maintenance of canvas and fabric items such as tents, other camp canvas, and fabric camp equipment, conducted by the Defence Stores Department Sailmaker.
Stores Packing, provided by the Defence Stores Department Foreman, Mr D McIntyre.
Keeping accounts and maintaining documentation used throughout all the departments, conducted by the Defence Stores Department Accountant Mr R.H Williams and Defence Stores Department Clerks Mr C.P Hulbert and Mr J Hopkinson

The course was not just an attendance course but one where all students were required to complete examinations on all the subjects covered.

Records indicated that all candidates completed the examinations and, under General Order 112/10, were appointed as Quartermaster Sergeants in the NZPS and posted to each various regiments of the territorial army.

“Staff of the Quarter-master General—men who passed as Quarter-master instructors and are being drafted to the various districts, Colourised by Rairty Colour

The training graduates are the soldiers standing in the three rows behind the QMG and Defence Stores Staff sitting in the front row.

4^th Row (Rear) Left to Right

Quartermaster Sergeant G.C Black – 5^th Mounted Rifles (Otago Hussars)
Quartermaster Sergeant J.D Stewart – 11^th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant A Collins – 11^th Regiment (Taranaki Rifles)
Quartermaster Sergeant B.E Adams – 15^th (North Auckland) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant J.F Meade – 12^th (Otago) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant F.T Bould – 3^rd (Auckland) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant J.H Sharpe 5^th Regiment (Wellington Rifles)

3^rd Row

Quartermaster Sergeant H Robertson – 3^rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant W.N Bates – 12^th (Nelson) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant E.M Finlayson – 2^nd (South Canterbury) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant A Austin – 1^st Canterbury Regiment
Warrant Officer L.F McNair – 9^th Regiment (Wellington East Coast) Rifles
Warrant Officer F.W Kibblewhite – 10^th Regiment (North Otago Rifles)
Quartermaster Sergeant W Bates – 13^th (North Canterbury) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant C.G Davis – 2^nd (Wellington West Coast) Mounted Rifles,
Quartermaster Sergeant T.J Denton – 10^th (Nelson) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant E.J Butler – 6^th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles

2^nd Row

Mr J Hopkinson -Clerk Defence Stores Department
Quartermaster Sergeant H.D Baddily – 4^th(Waikato) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant G.D Dean – 6^th (Hauraki) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant R.P Pearce – 16^th (Waikato) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant D.P Pride – 14^th Regiment (South Otago Rifles)
Quartermaster Sergeant J.S Muschamp – 4^th (Otago Rifles) Regiment
Quartermaster Sergeant J.T Wilson – 9^th(Wellington West Coast) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant H.G.V McKenzie – 8^th(South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant J Spence – 7^th Regiment (Wellington West Coast Rifles)
Quartermaster Sergeant R.P Robinson – 8^thRegiment (Southland Rifles)
Quartermaster Sergeant L.S.D Graham – 7^th (Southland) Mounted Rifles
Quartermaster Sergeant M.J Coffey – Royal New Zealand Artillery
Quartermaster Sergeant W.P Heald – 1^st Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Mounted Rifles)
Mr H McComish – Saddler, Defence Stores Department

1^st Row (Front)

– Clerk Defence Stores Department
Lieutenant A.R.C White – District Storekeeper, Defence Stores Department, Christchurch
Lieutenant O.P McGuigan – District Storekeeper, Defence Stores Department, Dunedin
Mr E.P Coady – Assistant Director of Stores, Defence Stores Department
Major J. O’Sullivan – Director of Stores, Defence Stores Department
Colonel H.O Knox, QMG
Captain H.H Browne – AQMG and Director of Supply and Transport
Lieutenant W.T Beck – District Storekeeper, Auckland
Mr F.E Ford – Assistant Defence Storekeeper, Nelson
Mr R.H Williams – Accountant Defence Stores Department

Significant foundation members of New Zealand’s Ordnance Services

Lieutenant Arthur Rumbold Carter White – District Storekeeper, Defence Stores Department, Christchurch

Served in the Permanent Militia from 1897 to 1907
appointed as the Defence Storekeeper for the Canterbury District in 1906
granted the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant September 1911
Reclassified as the Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores Canterbury Military District as an Honorary Captain in the NZSC in February 1916
Commissioned as Captain in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) in 1917.
1921 Transferred the Canterbury Ordnance Stores from King Edward Barracks, Christchurch, to Burnham Camp, establishing the Southern Districts Ordnance Depot.
First Camp Commandant of Burnham Camp from 20 June 1921 until his retirement on 19 December 1930

Lieutenant Owen Paul McGuigan – District Storekeeper, Defence Stores Department, Dunedin

McGuigan was a West Coaster of considerable administrative ability, served in the Permanent Artillery from 1896 to 1908
Appointed as the District Storekeeper in Dunedin in 1908
Granted the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant in September 1911.
Reclassified as the Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores Otago Military District as an Honorary Captain in the NZSC in February 1916,
Commissioned as Captain in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) in 1917.
Closed the Dunedin Ordnance Depot in 1921, transferring with its staff and stores to Burnham Camp.
Retired 15 October 1922

Major James O’Sullivan – Director of Stores, Defence Stores Department

Enlisted into the Armed Constabulary in 1878,
Transferred into the Defence Store as a clerk in 1884
Appointed as Defence Stores Chief Clerk in March 1886
Appointed as Defence Storekeeper in 1900
Confirmed as the Director of Stores in New Zealand’s military forces headquarters staff as Quartermaster and an Honorary Captain in the New Zealand Militia in 1906.
Promoted to Honorary Major as the Director of Equipment and Stores in September 1911 as a subordinate of the Quartermaster General
Appointment in the Quartermasters General department retitled as QMG-3
Appointed as Deputy Inspector, Equipment and Ordnance Stores in March 1916
Retired in January 1917

Lieutenant William Thomas Beck – District Storekeeper, Auckland

Entered the Torpedo Corps on 5 March 1891 and continued to serve in the Permanent Militia until 23 December 1903
Placed in charge of the Auckland Defence Stores in 1903
Appointed as the District Storekeeper in Auckland in 1908
Granted the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant in September 1911
Seconded to the NZEF as the Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services in 1914 and sailed with the main body to Egypt
Was the first New Zealander of Godley’s force ashore at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915
Evacuated from Gallipoli and Repatriated to New Zealand in August 1915
Mentioned in Dispatches and awarded the DSO for his services in Gallipoli
Reclassified as the Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores Auckland Military District as an Honorary Captain in the NZSC in February 1916
Commissioned as Captain in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) in 1917.
Retired from the NZAOC in March 1918.

Mr Frank Edwin Ford – Storekeepers Assistant, Nelson

Served in the Permanent Artillery from 1901 to 1908
Appointed as the Mobilisation Storekeeper Nelson in 1908
Reclassified as the Assistant Defence Storekeeper, Nelson in 1911
Appointed as District Storekeeper Wellington Military District, Palmerston North in 1915
Attached to the NZSC Corps as an Honorary Lieutenant on 13 February 1916,
Commissioned as Captain in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) in 1917.
Closed the Palmerston North Ordnance Depot and appointed as the Ordnance Officer Featherston Camp in 1921
The NZAOD was reconstituted into the NZAOC in 1924
Appointed as Ordnance Officer Northern Command at Mount Eden on 12 September 1926
Transferred the Norther Command Ordnance Depot from Mount Eden to Hopuhopu camp In the Waikato in1927
Remained as the first Commandant of Hopuhopu Camp until his retirement on 30 January 1931

Quartermaster General of New Zealand’s Military Forces, Colonel Henry Owen Knox.

Although an Army Service Corps Officer, Knox through his position as Quartermaster General influenced the development of New Zealand’s Army Ordnance Services. Knox was a British Army Service Corps officer seconded to New Zealand in 1911 to organise the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC). Appointed as the first Director of Supply and Transport (DS&T), over the next three years, Knox laid the foundations of the NZASC so that by 1914 the NZASC was able to field ten companies and be in a position to provide a significant contribution to the NZEF. At New Zealand’s military reorganised in 1912, the position of Adjutant General and Quartermaster General was split with Knox in addition to his DS&T duties and assumed the role of Quartermaster General of New Zealand’s Military Forces.

Knox concluded his New Zealand secondment in April 1914, returning to the United Kingdom and retiring in August 1917. Still on the Reserve list, Knox was recalled for war service and was appointed as the AQMG for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the Gallipoli Campaign, where he was responsible for the supply arrangement (Rations, Fuel and Forage) of the ANZAC Corps.

Following the Gallipoli Campaign, Knox served in several roles in the British Army ASC for the remainder of the war, attaining the rank of Honorary Brigadier General.

Many thanks to the relatives of Lieutenant Owen Paul McGuigan who provided me with the links to the original photo.

Defence Preparations – New Zealand Defence Stores 1911

Leave a comment May 1, 2022 Robert McKie

The passing of the Defence Act 1909 heralded a transformation of the Defence Forces of New Zealand, establishing a military system that influenced the organisation, training and recruitment of the New Zealand Army into the early 1970s. Coming into effect on 28 February 1910, The Act abolished the existing Volunteer system, in its place creating a citizen-based Territorial Army from the units, regiments and Corps of the Volunteer Army.[1] The Territorial Army’s personnel needs would be maintained by a system of Compulsory Military Training (CMT), requiring the registration of all boys and men between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one years of age.[2] The challenge for Captain James O’Sullivan and the staff of the Defence Stores, an organisation already markedly transformed since 1900, was to meet the material need needs of the growing citizen army that New Zealand was creating.

At Buckle Street, Wellington, during the 1913 waterfront strike. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-048786-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22820606

The following article published in the New Zealand Times on 8 December 1911 provides an eyewitness account of the activities of the Defence Stores in support of the growing citizen army.[3]

While politicians are prating about the cost of the defence scheme, and its more direct enemies are peregrinating from street corner to street corner with soap boxes, the scheme itself is being steadily proceeded with. Some people probably fail to realise what it means to inaugurate an entirely new system of military defence. The necessary legislation came first, then the mapping out of the requirements in men and money, then the excitement of enrolling, and now there is proceeding the part, of which the public see little and hear little, but which perhaps is the most troublesome of all, and materially the most important, viz., the arming and the equipment of themen.
This task is being carried out at the Defence Stores in Buckle Street, Wellington. It requires a visit there to realise the thought, the work, the experience, that are necessary to carry out a big work of this description. When you enter the Buckle Street stores and see the busy toilers and the preparations for the distribution of arms and clothing over the Dominion, you realise that a big work is in progress.
For instance, the uniforms for the territorials have for the past week or two been arriving. So far the outfits for about nine thousand men in a more or less state of completion, have come, to hand. These all have to be sorted out and shelved. They are in graded in sizes, an ingenious system of measurement, the product of the brain of Captain O’Sullivan, Director of Defence Stores, has been applied, whereby almost any sized youth be fitted. Measuring has been proceeding in the various centres. A form is filled up by the regimental quartermaster for each recruit, and these forms are now arriving at the depot. Next weak commences the task of sending out the uniforms. Each man also gets an overcoat, a felt hat, and a forage cap. Every branch of the service will wear putties instead of leggings. The uniforms in hand at present fill multitudes of shelves—indeed, the place wears the appearance of a busy warehouse. Every article of clothing is the product of New Zealand mills. There is a absolute uniformity of colour, so that the whole New Zealand defence force, from the North Cape to the Bluff, will on mobilisation, present no spectacle of detached units, but one uniform whole. Distinguishing colour badges and trouser stripes will mark the branches of the service, green denoting the mounted, men, and red the infantry. The senior cadets will have neat blouses and long trousers. So far the uniforms in stock comprise only a small portion of what yet remains to be handled. A new brick building is in the later stages of completion for their safer storage. The felt hats are the product of the National Hat Mills, Wellington, and are really a very excellent article. Many large packing cases are stacked in the yards waiting to be dispatched with these goods to the territorial centres.
But this is only one branch of the industry. In other sheds are stacked camp paraphernalia, tents, marching outfits of the latest pattern, containing, in addition to bayonet, water-bottle, overcoat, etc., a handy trenching tool, bandoliers, field outfits, including telephones and heliographs; much leather goods; service boots, which the department is selling, at option, to the men at a low fee, and many other requisites. Outside in the yard is a new pontoon bridge, lately come to hand, a rather bulky apparatus that has not yet been used. Elsewhere are stored transit water tanks, a sample transport waggon (from which others will be manufactured in the Dominion). Necessary appliances for the eighteen-pounder guns have also been coming to hand, though the guns themselves have not yet arrived.
In other sheds are many large black cases. These contain the service rifles. It is not permitted that the public should know what stock of these is kept. It is a state secret that not even an Opposition order for a “return” could cause to be divulged. Recently, however, ten thousand were added to the stock. Just at present workmen are spending busy hours cleaning up and inspecting the rifles that have been received from the old volunteer corps. Every Government arm in the Dominion has been called in, and as a result every, man will have issued to him a nice clean rifle. It will be a new start over the whole Dominion. It would grieve the heart of the military enthusiast to see the condition in which some of the rifles have been sent In. There is undoubtedly great need for the new quartermasters in the various regiments, to see that this sort of thing does not recur. Some of the Wellington corps have been rather bad offenders. The comparatively slow process of cleaning these arms has been the cause of the delay in their reissue. Every rifle has 104 parts, and these parts are stocked in large quantities.
Of the Dominion’s ammunition store, also, the outsider can know nothing. This much, however, is for public information, that every Saturday morning the Director of the Defence Stores produces his ammunition balance book, to the Commandant, who then known from glancing over the pages exactly how every packet has been distributed and how each part of the Dominion is served.
The Buckle Street stores do not yet present the aspect of a Woolwich Arsenal, but things are very busy there; the will of the people is being given effect to at as rapid a rate as opportunity will permit; evidences are offered of the effective defence scheme now in active operation; and pleasing, indeed, is the outstanding fact that local industries are benefiting to an enormous degree from a new departure in defence that after all, is an admitted necessity.
Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911

Defence Stores, Bunny Street, Wellington. Goggle Maps/Public Domain

Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington The building on the right of the photo is the original 1911 Defence Stores building. The building on the left is the 1916 extension.

Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington.

Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington The building on the right of photo is the original 1911 Defence Stores building. The building on the left is the 1916 extension.

Notes

[1] Peter Cooke and John Crawford, The Territorials (Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011), 153.

[2] I. C. McGibbon and Paul William Goldstone, The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History (Auckland; Melbourne; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000, 2000), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 109-10.

[3] “Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911.

Plan of the Defence Stores Mount Eden

Leave a comment Jan 16, 2022 Robert McKie

This undated plan of the Mount Eden Goal Reserve provides a view of the layout of the long-forgotten Auckland Defence Stores Mount Eden location. Located between the Goal and Auckland Grammar School, this plane was drawn up sometime between 1907 and 1917

The Defence Stores footprint at Mount Eden started in 1871 when two magazines were constructed to house Defence ammunition, then stored at Albert Barracks in the centre of Auckland.

In 1903 the Defence Stores Office in O’Rourke Street (now Auckland University) was relocated to Mount Eden. Initially, the existing magazines at Mount Eden were thought to be sufficient. However, it was soon found that additional buildings were required, and a Stores building and Armourer’s shop were constructed during 1903/04. Eventually, a house was also built for Captain W.T Beck, the District Storekeeper.

In 1917 the Defence Stores were reorganised into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC), with the Mount Eden Defence Stores becoming the Northern Districts Ordnance Depot.

By 1920, with little space available for expansion to allow the storage of the large number of mobilisation stores required by the Norther District, construction of an alternative site for the Mount Eden Ordnance Depot began at Hopuhopu in the Waikato.

While the Hopuhopu site was still under construction, Stores from the Mount Eden site began to be transferred to Hopuhopu in 1927. The new depot officially opened in 1929, with the Mount Eden Depot closing.

The Store constructed in 1903 was dismantled and re-erected at the Narrow neck Camp on Auckland’s North Shore. The fate of the original magazines is unknown, but they were likely taken over for a time by the nearby Colonial Ammunition Company (CAC).

The closure of the Mount Eden Depot did not totally sever to the connection between Mount Eden and the Ordnance Corps, with Ordnance Ammunition staff remaining attached to the CAC until 1967, testing the supply of Small Arms Ammunition provided by that factory.

Auckland Defence Store, 1861 – 1903

Leave a comment Dec 11, 2021 Robert McKie

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.

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 Ordnance Depot, Farringdon Road, London

Leave a comment Dec 1, 2021 Robert McKie

The New Zealand Ordnance Corps, in its 80-year history, established and maintained Ordnance Depots in many unique locations. The Base Ordnance Depot in Trentham became acknowledged as the home of the Corps; the New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot in Singapore was the most exotic, and all Corps members have fond memories of the depots in Hopuhopu, Waiouru, Linton and Burnham. This article will examine one of the least known of New Zealand’s Ordnance Depots, the First World War Farringdon Road Depot.

The NZEF of the 1914-1919 war was organised and equipped in such a way so that when mobilised it could comfortably fit into the British Imperial Army alongside British, Australian, Canadian and other troops from throughout the British Empire. In the early days of the war Ordnance support was provided by British AOC[1] Divisional/Corps depots, and although satisfactory the need for the NZEF to have an internal Ordnance organisation to cater for New Zealand specific items was recognised. Subsequently, regulations formally announcing the establishment of the NZAOC[2], as a unit of NZEF[3] were published in February 1916[4]. Moving with the NZEF to Europe the NZAOC consisted of three distinct elements;

NZAOC Administrative staff based at the NZEF headquarters at Bloomsbury Square, London consisting of
- the NZEF Assistant ADOS[5], who was also the Officer Commanding NZEF Ordnance Corps.
- Chief Ordnance Officer for the NZEF in the United Kingdom.
- A staff of clerks, storekeepers and
The New Zealand Division DADOS[6] and Staff, including personnel attached to Brigades.
NZAOC Staff of the ANZAC Mounted Brigade in Palestine.

As the NZEF NZAOC staff in the United Kingdom became established, taking under its wing support responsibility for the numerous New Zealand Camps, Hospitals and convalescent facilities dispersed throughout the United Kingdom. To centralise and manage Ordnance support it became necessary to establish a New Zealand Ordnance Depot to support all New Zealand units based in the United Kingdom.

NZEF in UK — ‘NZEF in England 1916-19 map’, URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/nzef-england-1916-19-map, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 8-Dec-2016

What was required was a depot in a central location, near the NZEF Headquarters and with road and railway access to the New Zealand Camps and establishments and the ability to quickly link into the AOC logistic infrastructure and RAOC depots such as;

The Royal Arsenal, Woolwich
The Royal Army Clothing Depot, Pimlico,
Royal Ordnance Depot, Weedon
Ordnance Depot, Didcot

On the 25^th of October 1916, the Officer Commanding, London District Authorised the NZEF, under the Defence of the Realm Act to take over the premises of Mr H Fisher and Mr J Fisher at 30 and 32 Farringdon Road[7] as an Ordnance Store. Located 1.5km from the NZEF Headquarters, the NZ Ordnance Depot was well situated on one of the leading north/south roads through London, with easy access to other arterial routes. Adjacent to the Metropolitan Railway, the Ordnance depot had easy access to Farringdon Passenger station and the Metropolitan Railway Goods Station[8]. The intent was to occupy the building from the 7^th of November 1916. Still, due to issues securing the key and having the utilities such as water and electricity connected, the final occupation did not occur until the 27^th of November. Records indicate the Depot started operations on the 1^st of December 1916.

NOTE: Originally numbered as part of Farringdon Road, Nos 30 and 32 were renamed as 30 Farringdon Lane in 1979.

Faddingdon 3D — New Zealand Ordnance Depot, 30-32 Farrington Road, London. Map data ©2018 Google, Imagery ©2018 Google

Overall command of the Depot rested with the Chief Ordnance Officer for the NZEF in the United Kingdom, Captain (later Major) Norman Levien. The Officer in charge of the Depot for most of its existence was Warrant Officer Class One (Conductor), Arthur Gilmore [9]. Posted to the Depot in November 1916, and apart from a six-month secondment to the Ordnance Depot at Sling Camp and three months of sick leave due to Influenza, Gilmore remained at the Depot until its closure in late1919[10]. Conductor Gilmore was promoted to Second Lieutenant on the 1^st of February 1919.

The bulk of the stocks held by the Depot consisted of clothing and necessaries of all descriptions. Clothing was a mixture of;

New items purchased from the RACD [11] at Pimlico,
New items purchased for civilian manufacturers, often at a cheaper rate than from the RACD; in the year up to December 1917, total savings of £31532.7.10(approximately 2018 NZD$3,763,454.27) were made by establishing contracts for clothing with civilian suppliers rather than purchasing from the RACD.
Cleaned and repaired items from Salvage stocks,

As members of the New Zealand Division started leave rotations to the United Kingdom from the front lines in Belgium and France, the condition of their clothing was found to be unsatisfactory. Under the instructions of the NZ General Officer Commanding, further accommodation for the Depot was secured for the reception of troops from the front on leave. This facility allowed troops as they arrived from the front, to rid themselves of their dirty, often vermin-infested uniforms, have a hot bath and receive a fresh issue of underwear and uniforms. As troops arrived on leave with their spare kit, ammunition, arms and equipment, A secure kit store was available for the holding of these items. As this reception store was developed, the New Zealand Soldiers Club and the New Zealand War Contingent Association set up facilities to provide hot drinks and the option to receive instruction on the use of prophylactic outfits[12].

The following items are an example of the types and quantities of the stores received by the Farringdon Road Depot over the Period 1 December 1916 to 1 August 1919;

With the Armistice in November 1918, the activities of the Depot started to wind down. Undergoing a full audit in July 1919, outstanding orders cancelled, stocks either returned to New Zealand, returned to RAOC Depots for credits, sold or destroyed with the Depot closed by November 1919 ending an early chapter of the New Zealand Ordnance story.

New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Badge, 1916-1919 (Robert McKie Collection 2017)

Notes

[1] Army Ordnance Corps

[2] New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps

[3] New Zealand Expeditionary Force

[4] “Road to Promotion “, Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 29, 4 February 1916.

[5] Assistant Director of Ordnance Service

[6] Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Service

[7] Now Farrington Lane “Insurance Plan of London Vol. Vi: Sheet 128,” ed. British Library (Chas E Goad Limited, 1886).

[8] “Farringdon Road,” in Survey of London: Volume 46, South and East Clerkenwell, Ed. Philip Temple (London: London County Council, 2008), 358-384. British History Online, Accessed April 25, 2018, Http://Www.British-History.Ac.Uk/Survey-London/Vol46/Pp358-384..”

[9] “Personnel Records “Arthur Gilmore”,” (Wellington: Archives New Zealand, Archive Reference AABK 18805 W5568 0135616).

[10] Arthur Gilmore, “Audit Farringdon Road Ordnance Stores for Period Ended 17 July 1919,” (Wellington: Archives New Zealand Record Group WA1 Record No 2/13, 1919).

[11] The Royal Army Clothing Depot, Pimlico, was the main supplier of Uniforms for the British Army from 1855 until 1932.

[12] Captain Norman Levien, “Report of Ordnance Officer on Administration of Ordnance Department for 1917,” (Wellington: Archives New Zealand Record Group WA1 Record No 2/13, 1918).

Ordnance Depots

Key Appointments

RNZAOC Colonel-in-Chief

Regimental Colonel

Colonel Commandant

Supply Wing, Army Logistic Centre

Strength

By Rank

By Trade

Rank by Trade

Officers

By Arm

Age

Gender

Length of Service

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1977

1 February 1977

15 April 1977

16 April 1977

17 April 1977

1978

12 July 1978

27 July 1978

28 July 1978

15-17 August 1978

22-24 August 1978

31 August 1978

6 September 1978

8 September 1978

19 September 1978

28 September 1978

29 September 1978

4-5 October 1978

11-14 October

16 October 1978

30 October 1978

6- 8 November 1978

9-29 November 1978

14-16 November 1978

12-14 December 1978

22 December 1978

1979

15 January 1979

1 February 1979

7 February 1979

22 February 1979

23-25 March 1979

30 Mar 1979

2-4 April 1979

6-8 April 1979

16-19 April 1979

18 April

19-20 April 1979

20-22 April 1979

12 May 1979

14 May 1979

24 May 1979

29 May 1979

3-4 July 1979

14-15 July 1979

18 July 1979

23-24 July 1979

27 July 1979

30 July 1979

30 July 1979

6 August 1979

6 August 1979

17 August 1979

25 August 1979

21-24 September 1979

28 September 1979

11 October 1979

23 October 1979

24-25 October 1979

25-28 October 1979

7-8 November 1979

7-9 November 1979

12 November 1979