A warehouse is usually a building of ample space, filled with commodities of all descriptions packed high and often close together, making them conducive to the spread of fire. In the brief history of the New Zealand Army Ordnance services, the risk of warehouse fires has always been taken seriously. As a small army at the end of an exceptionally long supply chain, the loss of expensive and hard-to-replace stores is something the Army could ill afford, not to mention the loss and replacement of infrastructure. Shortly after the formation of the New Zealand Ordnance Services in 1917, the Dunedin Ordnance Depot experienced a fire which, although destroying some stock, was prevented by the fast response of the Dunedin Fire Brigade from becoming a catastrophic event.
The Dunedin Ordnance Depot started its life in 1907 as a purpose-built Mobilisation Store at 211 St Andrews Street. With a Civilian storekeeper Mr Owen Paul McGuigan, employed under the technical control of the Defence Stores organisation, the store was under the day-to-day control of the Officer Commanding of the Otago and Southland Military District, becoming part of the new Ordnance organisation on its formation in 1917.[1] Mr McGuigan was granted Honorary rank as a Captain in 1914 and commissioned as a Captain in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) in 1917, holding the appointment of Assistant Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores for the Otago and Southland Military District. This position was responsible for the Territorial Army units, the various army establishments in the Otago and Southland Military District and the providing of Ordnance Stores to troopships.[2] The Dunedin Ordnance Depot is known to have a staff of at least 6 Other Ranks.
Dunedin Mobilisation Stores, 211 St Andrews Street, Dunedin. Google Maps/ Public Domain
At around 5 pm on Monday, the 11th of June 1917, Captain McGuigan conducted a final check of his ordnance store, ensuring that all the fireplaces had been extinguished and satisfied that the building was safe to secure for the night, locked the doors. At approximately 5 am on the morning of the 12 of June, a passing policeman saw nothing suspicious. At 5.15 am, the alarm was raised from the alarm on the corner of St Andrews Street that there was a fire underway on the upper floors of the Defence building.[3]
The Dunedin Fire Brigade consisted of the central fire station and substations at Māori Hill, Roslyn, and Mornington. The Dunedin Brigade had retired its horse-drawn appliances in 1913 and had just recently received three modern Dennis 60 HP motor hose-tenders, each fitted with a telescopic trussed ladder and first-aid pumping outfits. For 1917, it was a well-equipped brigade.[4],[5] As the central station was located less than a Kilometre from the defence buildings, it fell upon Superintendent Napier and the men of the central fire station to respond to the fire alarm.
Dunedin Fire Brigade appliance No5 C1917. Courtesy of Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration SocietyDunedin Fire Brigade appliance No6 C1917. Courtesy of Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society
Promptly arriving at the defence buildings, the responding fire brigade found an active fire emerging from the front portion of the second floor of the Defence Stores. The ferocity of the fire indicated that it had been alight for some time and had a firm grip on the contents. Described as “a very hot and Stubborn little fire”, the blaze proved challenging to overcome, requiring three hose lines and an hour and a half of hard and smart work by the fire brigade to bring the fire under control and extinguish the blaze.[6]
Postfire examinations revealed severe damage to the stock, including,
Khaki overcoats,
forage caps,
saddlery,
uniform jackets, and other assorted
The damaged stock was confined to items stacked close to the window on the second floor, while stock close to the fireplace located on the rear wall was limited to smoke damage, eliminating embers from the fireplace as the cause. Surprisingly, the damage to the building was superficial except for the roof, which was beyond repair. With a total loss valued at £1237 (NZD 155422.62).[7] The Cause of the blaze was never determined. There was no insurance on the property, with the cost born by the crown with final appropriations for the losses made in 1921.[8]
How the fire affected the work at the Dunedin Ordnance Depot is unknown. Still, it continued to service the Otago and Southand Military districts until 1921, when the South Island military districts amalgamated into the Southern Military Command. To support the new Southern Military Command, a single Ordnance Depot was established at Burnham Camp, combining the Ordnance Depots of Christchurch and Dunedin stores and staff.[9] The Dunedin fire was a narrow escape. With the risk of fire to Ordnance stores well recognised by the Ordnance leadership, fire pickets remained an essential regimental duty for Ordnance Other Ranks in Ordnance Depots for many years.[10] The most severe fire to strike a New Zealand Ordnance Store was the 1944/45 New Year’s Eve fire, which resulted in the loss of £225700 (2017 NZD 18,639,824.86) of stock from No2 Ordnance Depot in Palmerston North.[11] The Palmerston North fire encouraged a review of all New Zealand Ordnance Depots to ensure the robustness of fire prevention measures.[12]
Despite the initial fire in Dunedin in 1917 and the Palmerston North fire in 1944, the spectre of fire remained a constant threat. Fire prevention and precautions remain a continuous component of Ordnance training and procedures until the amalgamation of the RNZAOC into the RNZALR in 1996. Because of such diligence, there were few fire-related incidents in New Zealand Ordnance Depots.
[9] John J. Storey and J. Halket Millar, March Past: A Review of the First Fifty Years of Burnham Camp (Christchurch, N.Z.: Pegasus Press, 1973, 1974 printing, 1973), Non-fiction, 127.
[10] “Ordnance Corps Circulars 1928-1940 Ad1 1235 /256/10/4,” Defence Archives, Archives New Zealand (1928).
[11] “Fire in Army Stores,” Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24524, 24 March 1945.
[12] “Army Stores in Christchurch Fire Protection Report,” Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24515, 14 March 1945.
By 1938, as Japan extended its influence into China and Europe faced looming conflicts, New Zealand’s defence forces began emerging from a period of stagnation and neglect prevalent in the early 1930s. By mid-1939, efforts to modernise and equip the military were well underway, ushering in a wave of new weaponry and the need for robust ammunition management. This responsibility was initially shared between the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) and the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC). Both entities swiftly expanded their personnel and infrastructure to address the escalating demands of the New Zealand Army, culminating in their amalgamation into a unified NZAOC organisation by 1945, tasked with overseeing all ammunition depots nationwide.
Pre War Situation
Fort Ballance
Upon its establishment in 1917, the NZAOC assumed control of the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) Ordnance Section at Fort Ballance. Renamed the NZAOC Ammunition Section, it continued storing, inspecting, repairing, and refurbishing ammunition as part of the NZAOC. Situated on Watts Peninsula at the northern tip of Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula, the ammunition facilities spanned several locations, including Shelly Bay, Kau Point, Mahanga Bay, Fort Ballance, and Fort Gordon. These sites were not just former submarine mining and coastal artillery fortifications from the 1880s but now crucial ammunition magazines. However, their conversion was makeshift; former gun pits at Kau Point and Forts Ballance and Gordon had their roofs added after removing large 6 and 8-inch disappearing guns in the early 1920s. This setup lacked adequate temperature and moisture control, posing risks to the stored ammunition.[1][2][3]
Fort Ballance Ammunition Area
HopuHopu Camp
In the 1920s, Auckland hosted a smaller Ammunition section, with some personnel from the Fort Ballance Ammunition Section transferring to the newly completed magazines at Hopuhopu Camp by 1929. [4] Designed as New Zealand’s principal ammunition depot, Hopuhopu featured eleven magazines and a laboratory built between 1925 and 1927. These magazines were ingeniously constructed into the hillside using concrete with double walls, creating an inspecting chamber. The chamber allowed sentries to monitor temperatures with thermometers and adjust ventilation accordingly using a chart to maintain optimal conditions for stored stock. Positioned within the hillside and shielded by an embankment, the design of the Hopuhopu magazines ensured that any blast from an explosion would be safely contained.[6]
HopuHopu Camp Ammunition Area 1945. Public Works Department
In 1931, the NZAOC Munitions sections were disbanded due to government budgetary constraints. Nearly all NZAOC military personnel were either transferred to the Public Service as civilian staff at reduced pay rates or placed on superannuation. [7]
When New Zealand entered the war in September 1939, responsibility for ammunition was divided between the RNZA and the NZAOC.[8]
The Director of Artillery, reporting to the General Officer Commanding, oversaw:
Provision and allocation of gun ammunition,
Receipt, storage, and distribution of gun ammunition and explosives, excluding small-arms ammunition.
The Director of Ordnance Services, supported by the Inspecting Ordnance Officer and the SAA Proof Officer, reported to the Quartermaster-General and was responsible for:
Inspection and repair of gun ammunition,
Provision, receipt, storage, and distribution of small arms ammunition
Ammunition facilities shared between the RNZA and NZAOC included:
Key personnel in the NZAOC Ammunition unit included:[9]
Inspecting Ordnance Officer (IOO)
Captain I.R. Withell, R.N.Z.A.
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition (SAA), Mount Eden Auckland,
Honorary Lieutenant J.W. Fletcher, N.Z.P.S.
Waikato Camp, HopuHopu- 11 magazines and an Ammunition Laboratory
RNZA WO1 seconded to the NZAOC
Mr Clifford Vernion Little
Mr Edward Ashton Waters
Fort Ballance – 19 magazines, one store, and an Ammunition Laboratory
RNZA WO1 seconded to the NZAOC
Mr Harry Harper Ekins
Mr John Dennis Anderson
Mr Earnest Fenton
Mr Frederick Eastgate
Mr Eric Baguley
Trentham Camp – Single SAA Magazine
Burnham Camps – Single SAA Magazine.
1940-41
As the New Zealand Army transitioned from peacetime to wartime footing, responsibilities for Ammunition were divided between the Assistant Quartermaster General (2) (AQMG(2)) and Assistant Quartermaster General (5) (AQMG(5)).[10]
AQMS(2)
Lieutenant Colonel T.J. King, Director of Ordnance Services (DOS), was transferred to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF). Consequently, the position of DOS remained vacant for the duration of the war, and his responsibilities were redistributed as follows:
The Chief Ordnance Officer took over the DOS’s supply functions, including overseeing NZAOC Munitions Sections, primarily responsible for Small Arms Ammunition (SAA).
The Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (OEM) assumed responsibility for Ordnance Workshops.
The Inspecting Ordnance Officer and the Proof Officer SAA were placed under the Chief Munitions Officer within the Army Inspection Department. They were tasked with the technical management and inspection of ammunition.
AQMS(5)
The AQMS(5) was responsible for the Army Headquarters Gun Ammunition and Equipment Section.
Due to the significant influx of overseas ammunition, there was an urgent need to expand the NZAOC Ammunition section and build additional magazine storage facilities. Immediate action was taken by constructing eight magazines at Burnham Camp, acquiring six Magazines, and a Store at the Ohakea Royal New Zealand Air Force Base. These facilities were originally part of a pre-war expansion initiative. At Ohakea, ten magazines were completed by 1940, while construction of eight magazines north of Burnham Camp began in 1940 and finished by May 1941. [11]
The stock of Artillery Ammunition on hand in New Zealand on 30-Jun-41 consisted of the following natures;
Field Artillery
60 pr -. 2,704 Rounds
6″ How – 6268 Rounds
4.5″ How – 14,074 Rounds
3.7″ How – 2,589 Rounds
18 pr – 45,285 Rounds
Coast Artillery
6″ – 5,529 Rounds
6″ EOC – 310 Rounds
4″ – 4,531 Rounds
12 Pdr – 2,595 Rounds
6 Pdr Hotch – 1,775 Rounds
Anti Aircraft
3″ 20 cwt – 22,639 Rounds
By October 1941, the NZAOC Ammunition Section establishment and Magazine situation was[12]
NZAOC Staff at Army Headquarters
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
1 Other Rank
Fort Ballance
NZAOC Strength:
4 Military Staff
Lieutenant Edkins
Staff Sergeant Eastgate
Sergeant Anderson
Corporal Bagley
10 Civilian Staff
Buildings: 19 Magazines, 1 Store, 1 Laboratory
Ammunition held: Grenades, Bombs, Pyrotechnics and explosives
Work Carried out: Receipt and Issue of Ammunition, preservation of ammunition held, major repair to Gun Ammunition, Manufacture of Blank Gun Ammunition
Fort Balance continued to be utilised as an Ammunition Depot throughout the war and, in October 1942, held the following stocks as part of the Wellington Fortress area: [13]
2″ Mortar – 288
3″ Mortar – 280
2″ Smoke Thrower – 1566
Grenades 36M – 312
18-Pdr – 15839
12-Pdr – 1035
6″ – 403
5″ How – 20035
7″ How – 172
7″ AA – 198
40mm AA – 4091
3″ AA – 5775
2-Pdr AT – 3459
Hopuhopu (including Mount Eden SAA Magazines)
NZAOC Strength:
2 Military Staff
Warrant Officer Class One Little
Sergeant Waters0
2 Civilian Staff
Buildings: 13 Magazines, 1 Laboratory
Ammunition held: Gun Ammunition, Grenades, Bombs, Pyrotechnics and explosives
Work Carried out: Receipt and Issue of all Ammunition, preservation of ammunition held, minor repair to ammunition,
Burnham
NZAOC Strength: 1 Sergeant employed as part of the New Zealand Temporary Staff
Buildings: 7 Magazines, 1 laboratory (on magazine converted to a lab, the purpose-built laboratory was not construed until 1945)
Ammunition held: Gun Ammunition, Grenades, Bombs, Pyrotechnics and explosives
Work Carried out: Receipt and Issue of Ammunition, preservation of ammunition held, major repair to Gun Ammunition,
Ohakea
NZAOC Strength: 1 Sergeant employed as part of the New Zealand Temporary Staff
Buildings: 6 magazines, 1 Store
Ammunition held: Gun Ammunition only
Work Carried out: Receipt and Issue of Ammunition, preservation of ammunition held, major repair to Gun Ammunition
Further construction of magazines was planned with the War Cabinet granting expenditure in September 1941 for an extensive magazine building programme at the following locations;
Papakura (Ardmore)- 8 Magazines
Hopuhopu – 11 Magazines, 1 Laboratory, 3 Stores
Waiouru – 13 Magazines, 1 laboratory and 1 Store
Manawatu – 10 Magazines, 1 laboratory and 1 Store
South Island – 8 Magazines, 1 laboratory and 1 Store
1941 Magazine Design
Designed by the Public Works Department in consultation with Army Headquarters, six designs were utilised, known as types A to F:[14]
Type A – 12.19m x 6.70m, double brick walls with a corrugated asbestos roof, and an entrance porch.
Type B – 12.19m x 6.70m, Double brick walls with a corrugated asbestos roof, no entrance porch.
Type C – 6.70m x 57m, Brick cavity walls with a corrugated asbestos roof.
Type D – 15.24m x 9.75m, Brick cavity walls with a corrugated asbestos roof, with an entrance porch
Type E – 15.24m x 9.75m, Single timber walls with exterior cement fibre boards and corrugated asbestos roof.
Type F – 15.24m x 9.75m, Double timber walls with exterior cement fibre boards and corrugated asbestos roof.
Significant establishment changes were also proposed, with an increase of the NZAOC establishment to 3 Officers and 62 other ranks, including all civilian ammunition staff not being placed into uniform retired.
1942
In December 1941, New Zealand had been involved in the war in Europe for over two years, but it had not yet required full mobilisation. However, Japan’s almost simultaneous attacks on Malaya and the Philippines, followed by their rapid advance southward, forced New Zealand to transition to a total war footing. This meant mobilising the territorial army and creating additional divisions for home defence and service in the Pacific.[15]
In response to the urgent need for ammunition storage at Waiouru, the construction of 16 temporary ammunition stores was authorised in April 1942. Completed by 18 July 1942, these temporary wooden stores, each measuring 9m x 6m, were situated south of the main camp..[16]
1942 Magazine Design
With Japan entering the war, new magazines were approved. Due to the increased threat posed by Japan, the latest magazines were designed with the intent of providing additional protection and were known as types M, PS, PD, R1, R2 and R3;[17]
Type M – 7.18m wide of variable length, precast concrete walls and roof supported by interior pillars.
Type PS – 7m wide of variable length, precast concrete walls and roof supported by interior pillars
Type PD – 14m wide of variable length, precast concrete walls and roof supported by interior pillars
Type R1 – 7.62m wide of variable length. Concrete walls and roof supported by interior pillars.
Type R2 – 7.62m wide of variable length, Brick walls with a Concrete roof supported by interior pillars.
Type R3 – 7m wide of variable length, Concrete outer wall with an inner brick wall with a concrete roof supported by interior pillars.
In addition to the 295 magazines that were constructed, numerous non-explosive stores, guard accommodations, garages and cookhouses, and external and internal roads were also built. The non-explosive stores were typically 6m x 9m, constructed of unlined timber walls with an asbestos roof. The laboratory was 13m x 6m with cavity walls with an asbestos roof.
With construction started in early 1942, wartime conditions, competition for material and manpower priorities and the challenging and isolated locations of some of the sites meant that the final construction was not completed until late 1944. The final tally of magazines constructed across eleven locations was[18]
Papakura (Ardmore)- 20 Magazines
Hopuhopu and Kelms Road – 55 Magazines
Waiouru – 45 Magazines
Makomako – 39 Magazines
Trentham(Kuku Valley) – 22 Magazines
Belmont – 62 Magazines
Glen Tunnel – 16
Mount Somers – 10
Fairlie – 9
Alexandra – 9
During the same period, magazines and other ammunition infrastructure were also constructed for the Navy, Air Force and United States Forces in many locations across the country, of which the NZAOC also utilised some
The increase in Ordnance Depot Establishments
As of 22 July 1942, the approved establishment of the NZAOC Depots was 435, consisting of 18 Officers, 47 other ranks and 370 civilians. Approval was granted on 8 August 1942 to increase and fully militarise the establishment of the NZAOC. The increase in the establishment was required to provide adequate staff for the four Ordnance Depots, with an ability to surge personnel into Advanced Ordnance Depots at Whangarei and Blenheim in support of the Home Defence Divisions. The authorised establishment for NZAOC Depots (including Ammunition Sections), was increased to be a fully militarised establishment of 1049 Officers and Other Ranks.[19]
Officers
Other Ranks
Total
Main Ordnance Depot
19
556
575
Ordnance Depot Northern District
4
182
186
Ordnance Depot Central District
3
81
84
Ordnance Depot Southern District
4
200
204
Total
30
1019
1049
1943
Waiouru
Construction of the following ammunition infrastructure was completed on 5 February;[20]
One type B magazine
Eleven type D magazines
Laboratory
Non-Explosive Store
Followed by the completion of the following magazines in October 1943;
Two type D magazines
Four type E magazines
Four type F magazines
Waiouru Ammunition Area C1945. Public Works Department
Makomako
The construction of Makomako was completed in March 1943.[21]
Makomako Ammunition Area C1945. Public Works Department
Mount Somers
The development of Mount Somers was completed in March 1943.[22]
Glentunnel
The development of Glentunnel was completed in August 1943.[23]
Fairlie
Development was Authorised in Decemberr1942, with development completed during 1943.[24]
Alexandra
Construction of nine 18m long R2 Type magazines, a laboratory and a non-explosive store was completed in November 1943.[25]
Kaikorai Valley (Dunedin)
Selected as the site of an ammunition Depot in early 1942. Seventeen temporary Wooden Ammunition Shelters and five temporary wooden explosive stores were constructed along with a quantity of supporting infrastructure, including a road named “Ammunition Track”, the only trace left today. Possibly due to its close proximity to the coast and the threat of Japanese Air raids, the permanent Ammunition depot was built further inland at Alexandra.[26]
Dates for the completion of the construction of the Ardmore, Ngawahiwaia, Kelm’s Road and Kuku Valley magazines are not detailed in the Public Works history but were during 1943.[27]
Army Inspection Department adopted the NZOC Badge
Due to the close association of the Army Inspection Department with Ammunition, the Chief Munitions Officer requested the Chief Ordnance Officer in 1943 that the Army Inspection Department be granted permission (granted) to wear the Cap Badge and puggaree of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC). [28]
1944
Waiouru
Construction of the following was completed by May 1944.
Five type R1 magazines
Fourteen type R2 magazines
One type of R3 magazine
Belmont
Construction of the Belmont Ammunition area began in November 1942 and was completed by November 1944.[29]
Infrastructure at Belmont included;
Over 5 Km of roads
Cookhouse, Mess rooms, Ablutions, recreation room and sleeping accommodation
Laboratory
51 P-Type Magazines 50, 60 and 100ft in length
1 R3-Type Magazine
10 M-Type Magazines (competed post 1944)
1945
From mid-1945, discussions started to take place on the post-war shape of the NZAOC. Some thought was given to returning the NZAOC to its pre-war status as a predominantly civilian organisation. Reality prevailed, and the future of the NZAOC was assured as a feature of the post-war army. It was estimated that at least three years of work were required to inspect and refurbish ammunition returned from units that had been demobilised, in addition to maintaining existing stocks of unused ammunition.[30] The proposed establishment for NZAOC Ammunition units saw the first widespread use of the terms IOO (In the context of the modern Ammunition Technical Officer) and Ammunition Examiner (Ammunition Technician). 1945 saw the completion of the ammunition infrastructure works first authorised in 1941.
Burnham
Construction of Non-explosive store and laboratory completed
Transfer of Ammunition and Equipment Section to NZAOC
Before the Defence Act of 1909, which created the modern New Zealand Army framework, there had long been a division of responsibilities for managing Ammunition. Traditionally, the provision, allocation, receipt, storage and issue of Gun (Artillery) Ammunition had been an Artillery responsibility, with the Management of Small Arms Ammunition responsible for the Defence Stores/Ordnance Corps. 1 June 1945, the NZAOC assumed responsibility for managing all Army ammunition. The Artillery element responsible for managing Gun Ammunition, the Ammunition and Equipment Section, was transferred from the control of Army Headquarters to the Chief Ordnance Officer. As a result of the transfer, 11 Officers and 175 Other Ranks of the Royal New Zealand Artillery were absorbed into the NZAOC establishment.[31]
Ordnance Takes Full Control
On November 15, 1945, the Chief Ordnance Officer assumed responsibility for the care, maintenance, accounting, and storage of all ammunition and explosives.
Control of ammunition was to be undertaken by.
The IOO Section and
The Ammunition Section
IOO Section
The IOO Section, administered by the CIOO, was responsible for [32]
The control of all work on ammunition for all purposes other than accounting and storage,
Maintenance of ammunition and explosives in stock in a serviceable condition and ready for use,
Provision of personnel for inspection and repair and for working parties to carry out repairs,
Provision of all equipment and stores required for the inspection and repair of ammunition,
Provision and accounting for Motor Transport necessary for the transport of stock for inspection and repair,
Administration and control of Repair Depot Trentham,
Maintenance of buildings at Repair Depot Trentham.
The accounting, storage and care of ammunition and explosives
Maintenance or magazines areas and of buildings and services connected with the storage of ammunition and explosives,
Administration of personnel of the IOO Section, while attached to ammunition depots concerning pay, rations, quarters, clothing and discipline
Transport arrangements for the movement of ammunition are not connected to the inspection and repair of ammunition at depots.
Notes
[1] Russell Glackin, In Defence of Our Land: A Tour of New Zealand’s Historic Harbour Forts (Auckland, N.Z.: Penguin Group (NZ), 2009, 2009), Bibliographies
Non-fiction, 48-53.
[2] Kiri Petersen Cathryn Barr, “New Zealand Defence Force Heritage Management Plan Forts Ballance and Gordon” (Hamilton: Opus International Consultants Limited 2009), 2-5.
[3] Tony Walton, “Wellingtons’ Defences: A Reconnaissance Survey of the Fortifications or 1884-1945,” Archaeology in New Zealand 33 (1990): 87-99.
[4] At different times referred to as Waikato or Ngawahawia Camp
[5] “Modern Military Camp,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929.
[11] F Grattan, Official War History of the Public Works Department (PWD, 1948), 529.
[12] “Establishments – Ordnance Corps Ad1 493 / 228/2/6.”
[13] Howard Weddell, Trentham Camp and Upper Hutt’s Untold Military History (Howard Weddell, 2018), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 160.
[14] Grattan, Official War History of the Public Works Department, 517.
[15] Peter D. F. Cooke, Defending New Zealand: Ramparts on the Sea 1840-1950s (Wellington, N.Z.: Defence of New Zealand Study Group, 2000, 2000), Bibliographies
Dictionaries
Non-fiction.
[16] Grattan, Official War History of the Public Works Department, 521.
[28] “Badges and Buttons – Regimental, Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1936-1967, 92 / 213/12/19,” Defence Archives, Archives New Zealand (1936).
[29] Grattan, Official War History of the Public Works Department, 524-26.
[30] “Establishments – Ordnance Corps Ad1 493 / 228/2/6.”
Transferring into the RNZAOC from the Artillery in 1946, Eric (Gumboots) Gerard became a well-known officer throughout the RNZAOC. In the time up to his retirement in 1972, Gerard served in all three of the ‘Districts’; Northern, Central and Southern. During his service, he was witness to the construction of the various Ammunition Areas during the War years; the creation of the standalone Ammunition Depots in the late 1940s; and then their absorption into the Ordnance Depots as Ammunition Sub-Depots during the 1960s. Gerard Acquired the nickname “Gumboots” because of the many hours he spent in the wet and mud blowing up ammunition.
Gerard was born in Wellington on the 26th of April 1917. In 1938 when working as a Hardware assistant at Palmerston North [1], Gerard joined the Territorial Force New Zealand Artillery (NZA). Due to the worsening war situation and the growing threat from Japan, Gerard was called up by ballot for full-time service with the Territorial Force in 1940[2]. Gerard served with the 10th Heavy (Coast) Regiment when he was selected for Officer Training in 1941. Graduating from 11 Officer Cadet Training Unit (11 OCTU) as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 1st of July 1942[3]. On Graduation, Gerard was posted to the New Zealand Temporary Staff and promoted to Lieutenant on the 9th of October 1945 in 1946. [4] Gerard was based at Wellington serving with the RNZA Ammunition and Equipment Section.[5]
Up to 1946, the RNZA managed ammunition, explosives, Coast Artillery and specialist equipment and stores with the Ammunition and Equipment Section based in Army Headquarters. In 1946, this responsibility included some manpower, including Gerard was transferred to the NZAOC [6].
From 1946 Gerard was based out of Trentham and spent time working at the Belmont and Waiouru Ammunition Areas. In 1949 he became the District Inspecting Ordnance Officer (DIOO) at Headquarters Central Military District.
Posted to Hopuhopu in 1953, Gerard remained there as the Northern Districts DIOO until 1957, when he was posted to the Southern Military District (SMD) as DIOO.
It is during his tenure as SMD DIOO that Gerard became regarded as the most “Confederate” of Ordnance Officers, proudly displaying the confederate ‘Stars and Bars’ flag in his office.
In 1961 the modern Ammunition Technician trade speciality was created when new titles were adopted and;
‘Ammunition Technical Officer’ (ATO) replaced that of ‘Inspecting Ordnance Officer’ (IOO) and
‘Ammunition Technician’ (AT) that of ‘Ammunition Examiner’ (AE).
‘District Ammunition Technical Officer’ (DATO) replaced that of ‘District Inspecting Ordnance Officer’[7]
Remaining as DATO SMD until the reorganisation of 1968[8], Gerard was then posted to 3 Central Ordnance Depot (3COD) as the Second in Command (2IC). During his last year of’ service, he was the Officer Commanding 3 COD.
On Friday, 24 March 1972, the RNZAOC farewelled Major E.D Gerard on his retirement from the New Zealand Army after 30 years of service as an Officer plus two more years in the ranks. Gerard remained in Christchurch and passed away on the 21st of July 2003.
[1] “Palmerston North General Roll,” New Zealand Electoral Roll, Palmerston North, Page 84 (1938).
[2] Peter D. F. Cooke and John Crawford, The Territorials: The History of the Territorial and Volunteer Forces of New Zealand (Auckland, N.Z.: Random House, 2011, 2011).
[3] World War II Appointments New Zealand, Promotions, Transfers and Resignations, 1939–1945. [Extracted from the New Zealand Gazette.] CD-ROM. Ravensbourne, Dunedin, New Zealand: Colonial CD Books, n.d.
[5] “Karori General Roll,” New Zealand Electoral Roll, Wellington, Page 88 (1946).
[6] N.W.Mcd Weir, “Report on the Defence Forces of New Zealand,” AJHR H-19 (1946).
[7] “Redesignation of Titles of Inspecting Ordnance Officers and Other Ammunition Personnel Army 209/5/3/Sd,” Defence Archives, Archives New Zealand (1961).
[8] Joseph S. Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Wellington: RNZAOC, 1992).
NZ Army Ordnance Corps Badge 1917-1937. nzhistory.govt.nz/Public Domain
The Hunter Brothers’ service was unassuming, and when looked at as part of the broader history of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps, their service was uneventful. The only significant event of their service is that they are one of the few sets of brothers to be awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. What their service does provide is a snapshot of the activities of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in the 1920s
The children of Irish Immigrants who were farming a small property near the Marlborough town of Tuamarina, John was born on the 13th of August 1880 and Thomas on the 20th of December 1881.
John and Thomas joined what was then the New Zealand Permeant Militia, spending considerable time as Gunners in the Artillery before transferring to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps soon after its formation in 1917. John’s time in Ordnance was spent in the Ammunition Section based out of Fort Balance on the Northern Miramar peninsular in Wellington. Thomas ordnance Service was at the Ordnance Store at Mount Eden and the then brand-new Waikato Camp (Hopuhopu/Ngawahawia Camp).
Both brothers served for more than 30 years and, under normal circumstances, retired at 55 with a comfortable pension, but this was not to be. Due to the worldwide depression and economic recession, the Government was forced to savagely reduce the strength of the Army by using the provisions of section 39 of the Finance Act, 1930 (No. 2), where military staff could be either;
Transferred to the Civil service, or
Retire on superannuation any member of the Permanent Force or the Permanent Staff under the Defence Act, 1909, or of the clerical staff of the Defence Department whose age or length of service was such that if five years was added thereto, they would have been enabled as of right or with the consent of the Minister of Defence to have given notice to retire voluntarily.
Using this act, on the 31st of March 1931, the NZAOC lost;
Six officers and Thirty-Eight Other Ranks were retired on superannuation
Seventy-four NZAOC staff (excluding officers and artificers) who were not eligible for retirement were transferred to the civilian staff to work in the same positions but at a lower pay rate.
Notice of Retirement sent to Serving soldiers in December 1930
For the soldiers placed on superannuation, the transition was brutal, with pensions recalculated at much lower rates and, in some cases, the loss of outstanding annual and accumulated leave. The 31st of March 1931 was the blackest day in the History of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
John Francis Hunter
John Hunter attended the local school until Standard 5 and then spent a year at St Patricks College at Silverstream in Wellington. On leaving school, John Hunter took up a farming job in Bulls. At Eighteen years of age, John enlisted at Alexandra Barrack in Wellington into the New Zealand Permanent Force (NZPF) and was attested as a 3rd Class Gunner into No 1 Company in Wellington on the 23 of November 1898. John Hunter Passed the Small Arms Drill Course on the 6th of January 1899, followed by the Recruits Drill Course on the 1st of May and was promoted to 2nd Class Gunner on the 1st of September 1899.
Alexandra Barracks, Mount Cook Wellington (Colourised). Credit: Alexander Turnbull Library.
With the reorganisation of the NZPF in 1902, the small permanent artillery force was designated the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA), with John Hunter remaining with the Wellington Detachment. While serving as the “Servant to the General Officer Commanding,” John Hunter unsuccessfully applied for a transfer to the New Zealand Police in 1902. John Hunter was to spend a short period detached to Lyttleton on Police duty during the New Zealand International Exhibition held in Christchurch in 1906/07. John Hunter was promoted to 1st Class Gunner on the 1st of September 1907. With the reorganisations of 1907 and 1911, John Hunter remained in the Gunnery Section of the RNZA Wellington Detachment working in the various Wellington Coast Defence Forts.
Marrying Edith Taylor in Fielding on the 28th of January 1911, John Hunter was still based in Wellington when the Great War was declared in 1914, but at 34 years old, was then considered too old for war service.
Since 1911 there had been concerns in Army Headquarters about the supply of Artillery ammunition and the associated costs of importing all of the required stocks to maintain training and operational needs. Studies had found that by refurbishing by cleaning, inspecting and refilling cartridge casings, and inspecting and refurbishing in-service propellant bags and manufacturing new ones as required, considerable savings could be made instead of importing new items. Recommendations were made that as part of the RNZA, a specialist Ordnance Stores Corps be established to manufacture and modify Ammunition. Ordnance Stores Corps was under the supervision of the Master Gunner and entitled to the same pay and allowances as other members of the RNZA, as they were just another section of the RNZA.
Although envisaged in 1911, the formation of this Ordnance Stores Corps had an extended gestation period, and it was not until mid-1914 that General Godley, the Commander of the New Zealand Forces, approved the proposal and work could begin in establishing the Artillery Ordnance Stores Corps. Orders were placed on Great Britain for the required machinery, components and most importantly, cordite, with some of the machinery received in good time, the remainder was promised to be delivered as soon as possible by the British suppliers. Given that war had broken out, setting up this capability and securing New Zealand’s immediate supply of Artillery was of the utmost importance.
The new Corps was to be another uniformed section of the RNZA, such as the Field Artillery or Electric Light Company. It was to be under the administration and control of the OC RNZA and not the Quartermaster General, and on 1 March 1915, authority was granted under New Zealand Defence Forces General Order 90 to raise the New Zealand Army Ordnance Section with effect 1 April 1915. Located at Fort Ballance at Mahanga Bay on Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula, the section’s primary duties were assembling ammunition components for the artillery, with care and upkeep of the magazines becoming part of their responsibilities. John Hunter Transferred into the RNZA Army Ordnance Section on the 1st of July 1915.
Fort Ballance (including associated positions at Fort Gordon) (Colourised). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand,
With the Formation of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) on the 1st of February 1917, the RNZA retained operational day-to-day control of the Ammunition Section, with the NZAOC taking up administrative control of its personnel. The personnel of the Ammunition Section, including Gunner John Hunter, transferred into the NZAOC on the 15th of March 1917. On the 8th of February 1917, John Hunter was awarded the New Zealand Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
RMS Niagara
December 1917 saw John Hunter’s experience as a gunner called upon when he was seconded to the NZEF as an Acting Corporal. Embarking on the RMS Niagara on the 13th of February 1918 as Corporal Gunner of the Gun Crew. Returning to New Zealand in September 1918 and replaced by Naval gunners, John Hunter spent a short time with the RNZA in Featherston Camp before re-joining the NZAOC in February 1919. Interestingly the RMS Niagara on which John Hunter served and disembarked in September 1918 is the vessel attributed by some sources as the source of the 1918 influenza pandemic that had a devastating effect on New Zealand.
Returning to his duties at the Ammunition Section at Fort Ballance, John Hunter was the newest member of the Ammunition Section and was identified as the only suitable understudy for the then NCO In-Charge Sergeant J Murray and was promoted to Lance Corporal on 1 November 1919. 1921 saw John Hunter awarded; the New Zealand Efficient Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal and was also issued with his war service medals; the British War Service 1914-1918 Medal and the Victory 1914-1919 Medal.
Promoted to Temporary Corporal on the 1st of January 1921, John Hunter was made the NCO I/C at the Ammunition Laboratory at Shelly Bay. By August 1921, on the retirement of Sergeant Murray, Hunter was promoted to Corporal and appointed as IC of the Ammunition Section.
The immediate post-war years into the mid-1920s were a busy time for the NZAOC Ammunition Section. The Kaiwharawhara Powder Magazines close to the city were closed. The Mahanga Bay facilities expanded from the original magazine and laboratory building on the foreshore to include Fort Balance, Fort Gordon and the Kau Point Battery as their guns were decommissioned. With armaments removed, gun pits covered over with roofs and turned into additional magazines, the once impressive forts went from being Wellington’s premier defensive location to quite possibly the first large-scale ammunition depot of the NZAOC, a role held until 1929 when purpose-built facilities were constructed at Hopuhopu Camp in the Waikato.
He was promoted to Sergeant on the 1st of July 1922, further promotions followed on the 1st of June 1926 when he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and then again on the 1st of June 1929 when promotion to Staff Quarter Master Sergeant (Warrant officer Class 2) was gained.
After spending most of his 32-year career on the Miramar Peninsular of Wellington. Warrant Officer Class Two John Hunter was discharged from the Army on the 31st of March 1931 at the age of 52 under the provisions section 39 of the Finance Act, 1930 (No. 2) where members of the military were forced to retire under superannuation at a much lower rate than they should have usually been entitled too. WO2 John Hunter also lost;
· 21 days approved annual leave
· 22 days accrued leave
John Hunter’s forced retirement in 1931 might not have been his final Military service. Census and voter lists from 1935 to 1954 list his occupation as Solder, with the Census and voter from 1957 as retired. Further examination of service records is required, but an assumption is that given his ammunition experience, he was re-engaged in a lesser rank and continued in the military during the war years into the mid-1950s.
Records show that John and his wife Edith had no children and remained at the same address at 57 Kauri Street Miramar until his death on the 23rd of March 1967 at the age of 87 and is buried at Karori Cemetery, Wellington
Thomas Alexander Hunter
Completing school at Standard 4, Thomas entered the workforce and worked as a Grocers Assistant at Foxton before enlisting into the NZPF. At 18, Thomas attested into the NZPF on the 2nd of August 1900. Thomas completed the Recruit Drill and Arms Cours at Alexandra Barrack in Wellington and was posted to the Artillery as a Pre-Gunner for his probation period. On completion of probation on the 1st of February 1901, Thomas was posted to the No 1 Company in Wellington.
With the reorganisation of the NZPF in 1902, the small permanent artillery force was designated the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA), with Thomas Hunter remaining with the Wellington Detachment. With the reorganisation of 1907, Thomas continued working in the Gunnery Section of the RNZA Wellington Detachment in the various Wellington Coast Defence Forts.
On the 10th of May 1908, Thomas married Maude Taylor at Newmarket in Auckland and was posted to the RNZA Auckland detachment on the 16th of November 1908. Thomas’s first child Edward was born on the 15th of February 1909. Further Children followed with the Birth of Bernard on 20 February 1910, Bambara on 28 March 1911 and Veronica on 21 November 13
Thomas was transferred into the Field Artillery Section on the 1st of August 1911 and back into the Gunnery Section on the 1st of May 1912. When the war was declared in 1914, Thomas was 33 years old and considered too old for war service. Thomas was stuck with tragedy in September 1915 when his daughter Bambara died due to illness.
Like his brother, Thomas was seconded to the NZEF in February 1918 as an Acting Corporal. Embarking on the SS Makura as gun crew. Returning to regular duty in June 1918, when the Army gunners were replaced by Naval gunners.
New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal, 1887-1917, New Zealand, by George White. Gift of Mr Dollimore, 1956. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (NU006152)
Awarded the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal in December 1918, with the formal presentation on the 1st of February 1919. Thomas was promoted to temporary Bombardier on the 1st of February 1920, attaining Full Bombardier rank on the 1st of February 1921. Further recognition of his service followed with the award of the Meritorious Service Medal on the 21st of November 1921 and the New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal on the 6th of February 1922. Thomas was also presented with British War Service 1914-1918 medal and the Victory 1914-1919 Medal.
With many of the Coastal Defenses nearing the end of their usefulness, (Fort Victoria, where Thomas had one stage been attached to, had only ever fired one proofing round and was promptly taken out of action because of complaints from its neighbours who had suffered many broken windows) resulted in the decommissioning of many of the older batteries. As Thomas was then the senior Bombardier in the Auckland region, instead of being forcibly made redundant, he was transferred to the NZAOC and posted to the Ordnance Store at Mount Eden on the 31st of July 1922. Living at Devonport at the time, the move to the new position at Mount Eden worried Thomas. As Mount Eden was then a Suburb on the far side of Auckland, the travel costs were a concern to Thomas. The strain on his family was also a concern, his children were beset with ill health, with one child passing away due to illness in 1915 and another with infantile paralysis. To make matters worse, Thomas was forced to reduce rank to Lance Corporal on the 1st of August 1922.
Disappearing Gun, North Head Auckland. Robert McKie Collection
The early 1920s were a busy time for the Mount Eden Ordnance Store. After the First World War, the New Zealand Territorial Army undertook a major re-equipment project with two Infantry Divisions and one Mounted Brigade’s worth of equipment arriving from the United Kingdom. Initially stored at Trentham and Featherston Camp, with a purpose-built Ordnance Store to service the Northern region under construction at Ngawahawia, storage space was at a premium. With Featherston Camp closing down, the Mount Eden Ordnance Store had to receive, sort and distribute much of the equipment for the Northern Region units well over its storage capacity, as well as providing support to the territorial Army Annual Camps.
By 1928 The development of Ngaruawahia Camp was now in its final stages, with the large Ordnance Store building completed and the stores from the Ordnance Depot at Mount Eden progressively being transferred to it. Two high-explosive magazines were completed, with an additional three high-explosive magazines and a laboratory, and the provision of mains and equipment for fire prevention nearing completion. With the removal of stores to Ngaruawahia Camp, the buildings at Mount Eden were no longer required, so they were disassembled and re-erected at Narrow Neck Camp.
Thomas was promoted to Temporary Corporal on the 1st of February 1926, followed by promotion to Sergeant on the 1st of March 1928. Up to June 1929, Thomas was the NOC IC Camp Equipment, but with the Ordnance Depot now at Ngawahawia, Thomas was transferred onto the Small Arms Proof Office staff, allowing him to remain at Mount Eden.
After spending the majority of his 30-year 141-day career in Auckland, Sergeant Thomas Hunter was discharged from the Army on the 31st of March 1931 at the age of 49 under the provisions section 39 of the Finance Act, 1930 (No. 2), where serving members of the military were forced to retire under superannuation at a much lower rate than normally entitled too. Sergeant Thomas Hunter was fortunate that before the notification of the redundancy on the 17th of December 1930, he had already applied for and had approved the use of his annual and accrued leave.
Moving on from a life in the military, Thomas settled at 88 Sandringham Road and took up the trade of confectioner. Thomas passed away at 84 years of age on 5 October 1965.
From 1939 to 1946, the New Zealand Army Ordnance underwent a series of significant transformations, each crucially bolstering New Zealand’s military efforts during World War II.
The New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the war. Despite a significant downsizing in 1930, the corps embarked on a substantial rebuilding process, expanding its personnel and facilities. This led to establishing a robust network of depots and workshops across New Zealand, including key locations such as Trentham, Burnham, and Hopuhopu, ensuring unwavering ordnance support across the nation’s military districts.
In contrast, the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) – Expeditionary Forces played a pivotal role as the ordnance component for the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces (NZEF) deployed abroad. From the Middle East to Italy and the Pacific, the NZOC provided indispensable support through various units, including base and field workshops, ordnance depots, and salvage units. This structure was instrumental in enabling the NZEF to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness across diverse theatres of war.
The New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) – Territorial Army was the ordnance branch within the Territorial Army from 1940 to 1946. Initially established to support the mobilisation of reserve forces, the NZOC Territorial units provided vital maintenance and repair services. Although the need for mobilisation waned by 1943, leading to the deactivation of most units, the NZOC remained an integral part of New Zealand’s military framework until it was eventually integrated into the NZAOC in 1946.
NZAOC
At the outset of World War II, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was a component of the New Zealand Permanent Army, still recovering from a significant downsizing on 14 July 1930. This downsizing saw nearly all uniformed staff, except for Officers, Armaments Artificers, and Armourers, transferred to the civil service as a cost-saving measure. [1]
With its reduced uniformed workforce, the NZAOC began gradually rebuilding by enlisting new personnel and employing temporary staff. Most of the Corps’ personnel were civilians stationed across the country at critical locations, including:
The Main Ordnance Depot and Workshops at Trentham,
An Ordnance Depot and Workshop at Burnham,
An Ordnance Depot at Hopuhopu,
Ordnance Workshops at Devonport.
As the war progressed and eventually drew to a close, the NZAOC established a well-distributed presence across New Zealand, ensuring adequate ordnance support through various units stationed at key locations:
Trentham
Warehousing
Main Ordnance Depot with rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the Wellington and Central region. With Sub Depots at:
Linton
Lower Hutt
Māngere
Wanganui
Workshops
Main Ordnance Workshop
Northern Military District
Warehousing
No1 Ordnance Sub Depot, Hopuhopu
Workshops
11 Ordnance Workshop, Whangarei
12 Ordnance Workshop, Devonport
Ammunition Depot
Ardmore
Kelms Road
Hopuhopu
Rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the Northern region.
Central Military District
Warehousing
Ordnance stores detachments at Waiouru
No2 Ordnance Sub Depot, Palmerston North
Ammunition Depot
Waiouru
Makomako
Belmont
Kuku Valley
Rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the Central region.
Southern Military District
Warehousing
No3 Ordnance Sub Depot, Burnham
Workshops
13 Ordnance Workshop, Blenheim
14 Ordnance Workshop, Burnham
15 Ordnance Workshop, Dunedin
Ammunition Depot
Alexandra
Burnham
Glen Tunnel
Fairlie
Mt Sommers
Rented and requisitioned storage facilities throughout the South Island.
This comprehensive distribution of NZAOC units and resources ensured the effective functioning of ordnance support services throughout New Zealand during the war.
2NZEF (the Middle East/Italy)
Established as a component of the newly formed 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) in 1939, the NZOC was initially described by the Evening Post as comprising “11 Light Aid Detachments of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps, numbered 9 to 19.” Their primary role was assisting and conducting repairs on mechanical transport and anti-tank units. [3]
Starting with these 11 units, the NZOC’s contribution to the New Zealand Division quickly expanded to include various critical functions, such as:
Base and Field Workshops,
Base and Advanced Ordnance Depots,
Divisional Ordnance Field Parks,
Laundry and Bath Units,
Salvage units.
Initially, there was some confusion regarding the use of the designations NZAOC and NZOC within the context of the NZEF. This was resolved in March 1941 by NZEF Order 221, officially establishing NZOC as the title for Ordnance within the NZEF.
A significant development occurred in 1942 with the separation of maintenance and repair functions from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) in the British Army, leading to the creation of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME).[4] Following this model, the New Zealand Division established the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) on 1 December 1942. This reorganisation distinctly separated the repair, maintenance, and ordnance store functions previously handled by the NZOC.
With the conclusion of World War II, the NZEF NZOC was disbanded along with the 2NZEF.
2NZEF (Pacific)
Similarly to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) deployed in the Middle East, units of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) were also established to serve with the NZEF in the Pacific (NZEFIP). Initially, their role included providing a Base Ordnance Depot, two Workshop Sections, and a Light Aid Detachment (LAD) to support the 8th Infantry Brigade Group in Fiji, starting in November 1940. The NZOC expanded into a divisional-sized organisation comprising 23 units and detachments as the war progressed. These units provided comprehensive ordnance services to support the NZEFIP’s operations across Fiji, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga. [5]
It is worth noting that New Zealand did not follow suit in the Pacific, unlike the British Army’s establishment of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1942. Consequently, repair and maintenance functions remained integral to the Ordnance Corps throughout the war.
Following the successful conclusion of campaigns in the Solomon Islands, the 3rd NZ Division and its equipment were returned to New Zealand and disbanded. Upon their return, many NZOC members were found to be physically unfit due to the demanding conditions of the tropical campaign. As a result, they resumed their civilian occupations, while some were redeployed as reinforcements to the 2NZEF in Italy. Others remained stationed at the division’s Mangere base near Auckland or Wellington, where their duties involved checking, sorting, and reconditioning various stores and vehicles. This work continued until September 1945, at which point they handed over the entire inventory of equipment and clothing to the Main Ordnance Depot. [5]
Territorial Army Ordnance
Both the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) and the New Zealand Permanent Army Service Corps (NZPASC) coexisted within the Permanent Army. However, only the NZPASC had a Territorial Army component known as the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC). Since the 1930s, Light Aid Detachments (LADs) and workshop sections had been included in the establishments of ASC units for activation during mobilisation. When war broke out in 1939 and the Territorial Army was mobilised in 1940, Colonel H.E. Avery, the Quartermaster General, decided that LADs should fall under the responsibility of Ordnance. Consequently, the NZOC was established as the Ordnance component of the Territorial Army in December 1940. [6]
Territorial Force Ordnance Units, Northern Military District June 1942Territorial Force Ordnance Units, Central Military District June 1942Territorial Force Ordnance Units, Southern Military District June 1942
By late 1943, the mobilisation of the Territorial Forces was no longer required, and most units were deactivated and placed on care and maintenance status, maintained by a small Regular Force cadre. As of 1 April 1944, all home defence units established during wartime had been disbanded. [6]
Although the NZOC was not originally part of the pre-war Territorial Army, it remained in active service on official records. In 1946, the distinction between Regular and non-regular soldiers was eliminated during a reorganisation of New Zealand Military Forces. Consequently, the NZOC ceased to exist as a separate Corps and was integrated into the NZAOC. [7]
Dress Distinctions
As with all units within the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF), the traditional unit and corps badges were no longer worn. Instead, the NZEF “Onward” badge became the standard insignia.
In the Pacific and New Zealand, the NZOC adopted the WW1 NZEF Ordnance badge. This emblem is prominently featured on the cover of the unofficial history of the NZEFIP NZOC and Territorial Army Unit pennants.
J. Bolton, A History of the RNZAOC, Wellington: Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, 1992.
[2]
P. Cooke, Warrior Craftsmen, Wellington: Defence of NZ Study Group, 2016.
[3]
“2nd NZ Division,” EVENING POST, vol. CXXVIII, no. 102, 27 OCTOBER 1939.
[4]
A. Fernyhough, A short history of the RAOC, London: C B Printers Ltd, 1965.
[5]
P. Henley, “ORDNANCE, The Unofficial History of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps in the Pacific from 1940 until 3rd Division was disbanded in 1944,” in Tanks, MMGs & Ordnance, Wellington, Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, 1947, pp. 137-227.
[6]
P. Cooke and J. Crawford, The Territorials, Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011, p. 258.
[7]
“MILITARY FORCES OF NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF,” Journals of the House of Representatives, vol. H19, no. 1947 Session, 1 January 1947.
[8]
G. Oldham, Badges and insignia of the New Zealand Army, Auckland: Milimem Books, 2011.
[9]
R. KAY, “FROM CASSINO TO TRIESTE,” in Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45, WELLINGTON, HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS BRANCH DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, 1967.
During its 79 year existence as a Corps, the NZAOC/RNZAOC was mainly a peacetime organisation and only actively engaged in supporting the army on warlike operations for approximately half its life. 1919 to 1939 and 1972 to 1992 were two long periods where the country was at peace, and the NZAOC/RNZAOC focus was on supporting training and managing stocks for potential mobilisations while struggling to remain relevant in climates of financial restraint.
This article will provide an overview of the NZAOC during the period 1919 to 1938
On the cessation of hostilities in 1918, the New Zealand Army Ordnance organisation consisted of the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (Officers) and the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Other Ranks) collectively referred to as the NZAOC.
Personnel
During the interwar period, the strength of r the NZAOC fluctuated from a high of 493 in 1919 to a low of 20 in 1932 ending the period with a force of 34 in 1939
Directors of Ordnance Services
Major T McCristell – 10 Apr 1916 to 30 Jan 1920 (Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores)
Lt Col H.E Pilkington – 30 Jan to 1 Oct 1925 (Director of Ordnance Stores)
Having only being Gazetted by regulations published in 1917, the NZAOC had only been established as part of the permanent staff of the Defence Forces of New Zealand for just over a year on the cessation of Hostilities.
Under the control of the Director of Army Ordnance and Supplies, Major T McCristell. The NZAOC was Organised with Ordnance Stores under four District Ordnance Officers located at;
Mount Eden in Auckland
Alexandra Barracks, Mount Cook, Wellington, with detachments at
Palmerston North, and
Featherston
King Edward Barracks, Christchurch
St Andrews St, Dunedin
With the cessation of Hostilities operations swiftly switched from supporting the NZEF and training replacements to the demobilisation of the NZEF, the closing of camps and the downsizing of the army to peacetime levels
The NZAOC was under pressure to reduce manning levels. This was not possible owing to the significant amount, of work, still required to be carried out in connection with the war. In addition to the ordinary ordnance work in support of the Territorial Force, the NZAOC was required to;
maintain extra personnel for the handling, storage and accounting of hospital equipment for the hospitals under the Defence Department,
retain additional staff for the educational and vocational establishments,
Handle the large quantity of military material arriving from overseas.
Approved by His Majesty King George V at the end of 1920, General Order No 95 of 1 March 1921 granted formal approval of an alliance between the RAOC and the Ordnance Corps of;
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
South Africa
The RAOC motto ” SUA TELA TONANTI” formally adopted as the motto of the NZAOC.
During this period the NZAOC had been considerably reduced but was still considered more than the strength required for its regular peace duties which consisted of the accounting, storage, issue, receipt, and care of all Ordnance stores for the N.Z. Military Forces, including the following in addition to ordinary routine duties;;
Receipt, accounting, and storage of abundant supplies of military equipment from the United Kingdom,
Ordnance issues and accounting in connection with military hospitals and sanatoria,
Sale of surplus stores
Marking of new rifles and equipment and reissuing to Territorial Force and Cadets. Nearly all of the new army equipment had arrived, and distributed as under;
Training equipment to units,
Mobilisation equipment to depots in each command,
Reserve equipment at the main Ordnance depot.
As a result of the Army reorganisation, Military districts were reduced from 4 to 3 and renamed as Commands. This resulted in the Education Department Industrial School at Burnham been taken over for use as an NZAOC depot for the Southern Military Command. This led to the Ordnance Store located at King Edward Barracks and the Dunedin Ordnance Store situated in St Andrews Street, Dunedin closing and relocating to Burnham Camp as the Southern Command Ordnance Depot.
The current Ordnance Store at Mount Eden was unsuitable, and until suitable storage accommodation was provided, mobilisation stores for Auckland command were to be housed at Featherston Camp which resulted in the delayed demolition of this camp.
The NZAOC Palmerston North Detachment had closed during this period and had transferred its stores to Featherston and Trentham Camps.
The Ordnance Stores located in Buckle Street in Wellington had been relocated to Trentham.
With Ordnance Depots established at Burnham for the Southern Command, and at Trentham for the Central Command. The site for the Northern Command Depot at Ngaruawahia had been obtained in an exchange with the Railway Department for land at Frankton Junction. The mobilisation stores for the Northern Command were held at Trentham and Featherston, so it became a priority to incur some expenditure for the erection of buildings at Ngaruawahia. Plans were also on the table for the provision of suitable fireproof buildings to replace the contemporary temporary accommodation at Trentham and Burnham. At Trentham all available buildings, including the gymnasium used by the School of Instruction, were utilised for storage; many of the older hutments were not suitable for storing the equipment stores within them, and the risk of fire was a very grave one.
Based on the lessons learned during the war, a new The cost accounting system was introduced in 1921.
Due to financial constraints work on the construction of the Ordnance Stores for the Northern Command had not yet been commenced, and work that was proposed to be carried out at Trentham and Burnham depots had been delayed. This had made the provision of proper Ordnance Depots at all three locations an urgent matter.
On 3 July 1923, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Department was amalgamated with the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps resulting in one Ordnance organisation for the New Zealand Army.
At Ngaruawahia Camp, a railway-siding had been completed, and a branch line into the camp is under construction. The provision of buildings for Ordnance stores was receiving consideration.
At Ngaruawahia work commenced on the large Ordnance Store building, which when completed would absorb the stores located at Mount Eden and at Featherston Camp and enable the temporary structures in those camps to be dismantled. Five magazines for gun-ammunition and high explosives and the earthwork for five others were also completed at Ngaruawahia Camp. Five additional magazines for gun-ammunition and one for small-arms ammunition were planned to be constructed in 1927. Further building forecasted for the next year included;
The development of Ngaruawahia Camp was continuing satisfactorily. The large Ordnance Store, a large building 322 ft by 100 ft divided into seven bay’s four 25ft by 100 ft, three 74ft by 100 ft, was nearing completion with the building walls up and two of the smaller bays roofed in. Other buildings projected to be constructed were an Ordnance workshop, 61ft by 50ft, and a vehicle shed, S2oft by 25ft.
The railway-siding serving the Ordnance buildings has been completed. The construction of the Ordnance Office and small-arms ammunition magazine has been commenced, and two high-explosive magazines and three married quarters will be put in hand immediately.
The entire inventory previously held at Featherston Camp had been removed. Several buildings were transferred to Fort Dorset to provide accommodation there, and, except for six retained for possible similar transfer elsewhere, and two brick buildings kept on the site, the whole of the buildings had been sold to the general public for removal. The land was retained and was leased for grazing purposes.
A concrete strong-room and Ordnance Workshops had been erected at Burnham Camp.
With the removal of stores to Ngaruawahia Camp, the buildings at Mount Eden were no longer required, so they were disassembled and re-erected Narrow Neck Camp.
On account of the disastrous earthquake that struck Napier and Hastings on the 3rd February 1931, the NZAOC was called upon at short notice to supply tents, blankets, bedding, cooking and eating utensils, for use in the stricken areas. The total value of the stores issued from the Ordnance Stores at Trentham was £35,000. The Ordnance staff did particularly good work in dispatching these stores and equipment.
The Ordnance workshop located at Mount Cook was relocated to Trentham Camp.
With the Depression affecting the New Zealand economy, the NZAOC was forced to retrench many of its staff including;
Seventy-six officers and other ranks of the NZAOC were retired on superannuation as from the 31st March 1931.
Seventy-four NZAOC staff (excluding officers and artificers) who were not eligible for retirement were transferred to the civil service to work in the same positions but at a lower rate of pay.
Equipment and stores required for the Territorial Force had been maintained during the year in serviceable condition. Meticulous attention had been paid to the inspection and testing of small-arms ammunition.
NZAOC personnel has been engaged throughout the year in the following activities :
Care, preservation, turnover, and accounting for all stores, arms, equipment, and clothing held in Ordnance Depots.
Receipt and classification of clothing returned from Territorials and Cadets. Allocation of apparel for dry-cleaning and renovation, and examination on return from dry-cleaning contractors.
Examination of new clothing supplied by contractors.
The annual inspection of rifles and light machine guns on the charge to Territorial Units and Cadets, and half-yearly examination of Vickers guns.
The issue of camp equipment and training stores for camps, bivouacs, and courses of instruction throughout the Dominion, also hire of stores to various organisations.
Sales of rifles and barrels to gunsmiths, to rifle clubs, and to the general public, and sales of S.A.A. to rifle clubs.
The everyday issues of clothing, arms, equipment, S.A.A. and expendable stores. No progress has been made during the year with the stripping, cleaning, and preservation of the balance of the rifles, S.M.L.E. Mark III, held in store, and which have not been examined since receipt from the United Kingdom in 1920. Authority had been obtained, however, for the engagement of four arms-cleaners, and the work has now started.
As the guest of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, The Director of Ordnance Services paid a six-week visit to Australia at the end of 1936
The constant changes in the organisation of units and in equipment generally, as adopted in England, had very much complicated and increased the Ordnance work in New Zealand. Much remained to be done in the repair, maintenance, and the modernisation of arms and equipment, in the receipt, storage, and issue of stores and equipment from abroad, and in preparation for mobilisation.
A contract for the first section of the large Ordnance Store required at Trentham was let, and it was proposed to accelerate the construction of the remainder of the buildings. Plans were prepared for the structures needed for the Ordnance Depots at Ngaruawahia and Burnham, and for the rebuilding of the Ordnance Workshop, Devonport.
There had been a considerable increase in Ordnance work during the last eight months. Equipment tables for all Territorial units except Artillery had been prepared, and the issue of equipment was proceeding. Camp-equipment stocks have been thoroughly revised in the light of the altered establishments, and essential purchases have been affected.
The first section of the large Ordnance store building at Trentham was nearing completion, and a contract had been let for the second section. The construction of this store would alleviate the severe shortage of storage space at Trentham, and will at the same time make available additional barrack-rooms for the accommodation of troops attending the Schools of Instruction. A contract had also been let for the first section of a similar Ordnance store at Burnham with clearing operations on the site commenced.
The Southern Ordnance Depot assisted the Southern Military School at Burnham. The school conducted a unique course for quartermasters, drawn from the various Territorial units of the Southern Military District. The Southern Ordnance Depot provided instruction on the are and preservation of clothing and ordnance equipment.
The strength of the NZAOC on the 31st May 1939 was 151 consisting of:
6 Officers
28 Permanent Other Ranks
113 Civilian Staff
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Joseph King, NZAOC
Assistant Chief Ordnance Officer
Captain W. R. Burge, M.C., NZSC
Ordnance Officer
Captain E. L. G. Bown, NZSC
Captain H. E. Erridge
Ordnance Officer (Provision)
Lieutenant A. H. Andrews, BE
Northern Command Ordnance Officer
Captain D. L. Lewis
Central Command Ordnance Officer
Captain W. R. Burge, M.C., NZSC
Southern Command Ordnance Depot
Lieutenant D. Nicol
Inspecting Ordnance Officer
Lieutenant I. R. Withell, RNZA
Ordnance Mechanical Engineer, Trentham
Captain S. B. Wallace, B.E. NZAOC
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition, Auckland
Honorary Lieutenant J.W Fletcher, NZPS
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1939
Consequent upon the increase in the establishment of the Territorial Force and the continuous work that would have to be done in the future in connection with preparations for mobilization, a considerable increase in staff was identified as necessary.
Ordnance Services
The NZAOC was responsible for;
the provision, distribution, repair, examination, and maintenance of small arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing, equipment, and general stores;
the inspection and repair of armament and inspection of gun ammunition ;
the receipt, testing, storage, and issue of small-arms ammunition;
the organization and control of ordnance workshops.
There had been a considerable increase in Ordnance work during the last eight months. Equipment tables for all Territorial units except Artillery had been prepared, and the issue of equipment was proceeding. Camp-equipment stocks have been completely revised in the light of the altered establishments, and considerable purchases have been effected.
Ordnance Store Buildings and Workshops
The new carpenters’ workshop at Trentham, Main Ordnance Depot was under construction. The first section of the large Ordnance store building at Trentham was nearing completion, and a contract had been let for the second section. The completion of this store will alleviate the serious shortage of storage space at Trentham, and will at the same time make available additional barrack-rooms for the accommodation of troops attending the Schools of Instruction. A contract had also been let for the first section of a similar Ordnance store at Burnham and clearing operations on the site commenced.
Credits
The sum of £41,705 19s. 10d. has been received for the sale of rifles, ammunition, cordite, cloth, trimmings, waste products, etc
Arms
A supply of short M.L.E. Mark 111 heavy Lithgow barrels and of M.L.E. converted Lithgow barrels was received from the Australian Government for sale to members of Defence rifle clubs. The first consignment of Bren guns was received from England with an armourers’ course on this particular type of gun was held in February 1939.
Clothing and Equipment
Much difficulty had been experienced in purchasing certain items necessary for mobilization, and if the NZAOC was to be in a position to function efficiently immediately on mobilization it was identified to Government that ordering of additional stocks would have to procured and held in peace. This was recognized in principle, and the clothing and equipment situation for mobilization improved, but much remained to be done. Considerable progress had been made with the manufacture of blue uniforms, and to date over 3,400 had been issued. The uniform had received the most favourable reception.
Quartermasters’ Course
The Southern Ordnance Depot assisted the Southern Military School at Burnham. The school conducted a special course for quartermasters, drawn from the various Territorial units of the Southern Military District. The Southern Ordnance Depot provided instruction on the are and preservation of clothing and ordnance equipment.
Personnel Movements -June 1938 to May 1939
Promotions
Major King to Lieutenant Colonel, 1 June 1938
Releases
Armourer Staff Sergeant Andrew Archibald Young, MSM
Some improvement had been effected in the position that existed last year. One junior officer was sent to England to attend the Ordnance Mechanical Engineers’ Course, another with a B.E. degree had been identified for appointment after experience in a civilian workshop to be posted to the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham. An additional officer should be appointed this year for administrative work at the Main Ordnance Depot.
Other Ranks (Including Civilians)
Four men were selected for appointment as armourers and will be trained under a Warrant Officer (Armourer Sergeant-Major) from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, England, who had recently been appointed. An additional instrument-repairer (ex-Warrant Officer, R.A.0.C.) had also been appointed. Two armourers for the Royal N.Z. Air Force will receive their initial training at the same time. A laboratory foreman, whose duties comprise the testing of gun ammunition, had received training in Australia during the year.
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1936
Ordnance Services
The NZAOC was responsible for;
the provision, distribution, repair, examination, and maintenance of small arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing, equipment, and general stores;
the inspection and repair of armament and inspection of gun ammunition ;
the receipt, testing, storage, and issue of small-arms ammunition;
the organization and control of ordnance workshops.
Equipment and stores required for the Territorial Force had been maintained during the year in serviceable condition. Very careful attention had been paid to the inspection and testing of small-arms ammunition, some of the older stocks of which showed signs of serious deterioration. All ammunition issued for use in rifles was carefully tested before issue, and ammunition found unfit for rifles were either issued for use in machine guns or broken up, according to its condition.
Equipment and Stores
It had not been possible to effect any improvement in the very unsatisfactory position regarding reserves of equipment and stores, as reported in the previous year.
Stores Buildings and Workshops
Sketch plans of additional storage and workshop accommodation at Trentham had been prepared for inclusion in the latest estimates. The buildings required comprise two large storehouses, to be served by an extension of the existing railway siding, and various additions and alterations to the workshops. A substantial economy in staff and administrative expenses would result from the carrying out of this work.
At Burnham Camp, a small building to accommodate single civilian personnel of the Ordnance Depot had been erected, but additions were required to meet an increase in the number of men employed at this camp.
[1] Relinquished the appointment of Assistant IOO and OEM to attend a course in England 15 February 1936. “Appointments, Promotions, Resignations and Transfers of Officers of the NZ Military Forces,” New Zealand Gazette No 19 (1936).
Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Captain R. Withell, RNZA
Assistant Inspecting Ordnance Officer and Assistant Ordnance Mechanical Engineer
Lieutenant S. B. Wallace.
Proof Officer, Small Arms Ammunition, Auckland
Honorary Lieutenant J.W Fletcher, NZPS.
NZAOC appropriations year ending 31 March 1935
It had not been possible, for financial reasons, to follow any progressive policy during the past few years in the appointment of officers to the NZAOC. The officers of the corps are of two classes;
Administrative, and
Technical.
The small numbers involved made it essential that appointments be made with careful regard to age and the necessity for technical training abroad. It was planned that two junior officers —one for administrative work and one for technical work—would be appointed as soon as funds permit, with one officer to attend the Ordnance Mechanical Engineers’ Course in England in 1936. Special attention was being paid to the provision of armourers and instrument artificers. The position as regards armament-artificers was satisfactory, but appointments of young men for training as armourers and for instrument-repair work needed to be made as soon as practicable.[4]
Ordnance Services
The NZAOC was responsible for;
the provision, distribution, repair, examination, and maintenance of small arms, machine guns, vehicles, clothing, equipment, and general stores;
the inspection and repair of armament and inspection of gun ammunition;
the receipt, testing, storage, and issue of small-arms ammunition;
the organization and control of ordnance workshops.
Equipment and stores required for the Territorial Force had been maintained during the year in serviceable condition. Very careful attention had been paid to the inspection and testing of small-arms ammunition, some of the older stocks of which showed signs of serious deterioration. All ammunition issued for use in rifles was carefully tested before issue, and ammunition found unfit for rifles was either issued for use in machine guns or broken up, according to its condition.
Equipment and Stores
The situation regarding equipment and stores was far from satisfactory. Financial limitations had made it impossible to build up an adequate reserve of equipment and stores or to maintain those reserves that existed. These stores could not be obtained in New Zealand, nor would they be available until at least six months after the outbreak of war. Apart from the provision of stores, a considerable amount of leeway had to be made up in carrying out alterations and additions to existing equipment. Shortage of skilled personnel and small stores, and inadequate workshops and machinery, together with the increased demands made upon them, were responsible for the present situation. Unfortunately, financial limitations permitted no progress made in remedying this position. An issue of boots has been made to all ranks of the Territorial Force during the past year which proved satisfactory in every way.
Stores Buildings and Workshops
The Ordnance Depots were situated at Ngaruawahia, Trentham, and Burnham. The storage accommodation at Ngaruawahia and Burnham was reasonably satisfactory. At Trentham, where the greater quantity of reserve stores was held, the store buildings consist of the wooden hutments erected to accommodate troops during the war. Most of these buildings still have a considerable ” life,” but the layout is uneconomical in staff and administration and insufficient to accommodate any considerable increase in the quantity of stock held. The stores required on mobilization cannot, under present conditions, be segregated and laid out as they should be. It was proposed that when finance became available, to erect a modern store building at Trentham which will increase the storage available and anticipate the deterioration of the present wooden buildings.
The principal workshop is at Trentham. Small workshops exist at North Head, Auckland, and Burnham, Canterbury. These workshops carry out repair and maintenance work on guns, howitzers, vehicles, machine guns, rifles, optical and other instruments, and miscellaneous small items. A marked increase in this work was expected with the advent of the new armament for coast defences and other equipment. A considerable extension of the workshop at Trentham is overdue, but could not be undertaken with the finances available in the vote.
Cricket
The Trentham Ordnance Depot contributed a team to the Upper Hutt League of the Wellington Cricket Association competition playing the known games
17 November 1934 – Ordnance Vs Methodist
24 November 1934 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt
31 November 1934 – Ordnance Vs Trentham A
8 December 1934 – Ordnance Vs St Josephs
14 December 1934 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt B
11 January 1935 – Ordnance Vs Training Depot
14 February 1935 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt A
22 February 1935 – Ordnance Vs St. Josephs
29 February 1935 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt A
2 March 1935 – Ordnance Vs Upper Hutt B
9 March 1935 – Ordnance vs Training Depot
16 March 1935 – Ordnance Vs Trentham B
The position of the teams at the end of the first round in the 1934/Upper Hutt Cricket League competition was :
Ordnance – 45 points
Training Depot – 44
Trentham – B 40
Upper Hutt A – 26
St. Joseph’s – 25
Methodist – 7
Trentham A – 16
Upper Hutt B – 11
Ordnance Cricket Team – 1934-35 Maidstone Park Upper Hutt. RNZAOC School
[1] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 1 June 1934 to 31 May 1935,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1935).
[2] Promoted to Captain 1 December 1934 “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers and Retirements of Officers of the NZ Forces “, New Zealand Gazette No 87, 29 November 1934.
[3] Appointed Ordnance Office (Provision) Main Ordnance Depot July 1934.”Personal Items Nicol, Erridge,” New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21862, 26 July 1934.
[4] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces from 1 June 1934 to 31 May 1935.”
Mr W Ramsy a former member of the NZAOC passed away at New Plymouth after a brief illness on 15 May 1932. The late Mr Ramsay was a native of Glasgow, and before coming to New Zealand had seen service with the British Army in various parts of the world. He attained the rank of sergeant-major in the 18th. Hussars and later was stationed with the Army- Service Corps in Malta. Shortly after’ his arrival’ in Wellington, the war broke out, and almost immediately he joined up with the Defence Department staff. Transferring into the NZAOC on it formation as a Conductor, Ramsey was soon promoted to Lieutenant, taking his release when reaching the retiring age for his rank in 1920.[5]
[1] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces June 1931 to May 1932,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1932).
[2] John J. Storey and J. Halket Millar, March Past: A Review of the First Fifty Years of Burnham Camp (Christchurch, N.Z.: Pegasus Press, 1973, 1974 printing, 1973), Non-fiction, 118.
[3] “H-19 Defence Forces of New Zealand, Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding the Forces June 1933 to May 1934,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1934): 1.
[4] Appointed 1 Sept 1931 NZ General Order 353/1931
[5] “Obituary Ramsey,” Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 114, 16 May 1932.
