The Archaeopteryx celebrated as one of the earliest known birds and a symbol of evolution, has long been associated with fuel units in military organisations. Officially adopted by the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) and the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC), its use in New Zealand remains informal, linked primarily to 47 Petroleum Platoon and its successor units. However, this emblem is often misunderstood as the mythical phoenix due to its appearance and symbolic attributes.
The Archaeopteryx first appeared in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) fuel units and featured prominently on unit signs, plaques, and insignia. The Archaeopteryx symbol was retained when the RAOC transitioned into the RLC in 1993. However, it was never officially adopted as a trade identifier or an authorised uniform patch. Unofficial patches, often worn on overalls, are occasionally encountered.
The Archaeopteryx emblem is depicted in a fossil-like style, with outstretched wings and detailed feathered limbs, symbolising adaptability and evolution.
RAAOC Use
The Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC) formally embraced the Archaeopteryx, going beyond its traditional use on signs and plaques. The RAAOC authorised it as a trade badge for the Operator Petroleum (Op Pet) trade.
RAAOC officers may wear the Archaeopteryx badge upon completing the British or United States Army Petroleum Officers Course. Other ranks qualify after completing the required Op Pet courses, as RAAOC policy outlines.[1] This badge mirrors the RAOC/RLC Archaeopteryx design, adding a wattle wreath to reflect Australian heritage.
In contrast to its formal adoption by the RAOC/RLC and RAAOC, the New Zealand Army has never officially recognised the Archaeopteryx. Instead, it has served as an unofficial emblem for 47 Petroleum Platoon and its successor units since the 1980s.
Unofficial patch worn by 47 Petroleum Platoon, RNZAOC, on the left arm of overalls. The patch was 100mm in diameter and was embroidered red on a dark blue background. Malcolm Thomas and Cliff Lord, New Zealand Army distinguishing patches, 1911-1991, Wellington, N.Z.1995
New Zealand Army fuel functions, now a sub-specialty within the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR) Logistic Specialist Trade, have evolved over decades. Initially part of the RNZASC Supply Branch, the role transitioned to the RNZAOC Supplier Trade in 1979 and eventually into the RNZALR in 1996. Officers who attended the Officer Long Petroleum Courses in the United Kingdom during the 1970s and beyond played a key role in introducing the Archaeopteryx to the New Zealand Army, embedding it as an informal yet enduring symbol.[2]
Despite the absence of formal recognition, the Archaeopteryx remains familiar with unofficial unit patches, signs, and souvenir items associated with New Zealand fuel units.
Why the Archaeopteryx?
The adoption of the Archaeopteryx by military fuel units reflects its symbolic alignment with their role and mission:
A Symbol of Evolution and Adaptability: The Archaeopteryx embodies evolution as a transitional species between dinosaurs and modern birds. Similarly, military fuel units have adapted to support increasingly mechanised military forces and evolving fuel technologies.
Connection to Mobility: The Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest known flyers, symbolises mobility—a cornerstone of military logistics. Fuel units play a parallel role, enabling the movement of military machinery across challenging environments.
Historical Adoption During Mechanisation: The mechanisation of warfare in the 20th century, with vehicles, tanks, and aircraft becoming critical assets, created a need for specialised fuel units. The Archaeopteryx became a fitting emblem of their vital function during this transformative period.
Symbolism and Representation: Its depiction with outstretched wings and feathered limbs conveys dynamism and versatility, mirroring the qualities of petroleum units. The fossil connection to oil-rich layers underscores its relevance to the petroleum industry and military fuel operations.
The Archaeopteryx is frequently mistaken for the phoenix due to its depiction of fiery colours or outstretched wings. While the phoenix represents mythical rebirth, the Archaeopteryx symbolises real-world evolution and adaptability—essential to sustaining military forces.
The Modern Legacy
Today, the Archaeopteryx serves as a symbol for RLC and RAAOC fuel units. Whether officially recognised or informally adopted, it represents adaptability, evolution, and mobility—the core tenets of military fuel units. However, the persistent misidentification as a phoenix highlights the need to educate and clarify the emblem’s unique history and significance.
By embracing the Archaeopteryx for what it truly represents—a link between past and present, evolution and functionality—RNZALR Petroleum Operators can honour its legacy while exemplifying the qualities that make them indispensable to military logistics.
Unofficial interpretation of a modern New Zeland Army Archaeopteryx badge utilising fern fonds introduced to provide a unique New Zeland Flavour to trade badges in 1988
This post provides a chronological record of the principal Ordnance units located in the Manawatu from 1915 to 1996.
1914
In his annual report to the Quartermaster General of the New Zealand Military Forces, Major James O’Sullivan, the Director of Equipment and Stores, made the suggestion that.
the time has now arrived for the establishment of a District Store at Palmerston North, as it is more central for distribution, and cost or railage would be considerably reduced.
Report of the Director of Equipment & Stores for the year ending 31 March 1914
Early 1915
Palmerston North Ordnance Store established
21 June 1915
Mr Frank Edwin Ford, formerly the Mobilisation Storekeeper at Nelson, was appointed district storekeeper, Wellington Military District and took charge of the Palmerston North Ordnance Store.
Palmerston North Ordnance Store. Palmerston North City Library
1 July 1917
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps was formed. The civilian staff of the Defence Stores Department staff were attested for service in the NZAOC. The Palmerston North Ordnance Store’s official designation became “Palmerston North Detachment – NZAOC”.
December 1921
Palmerston North Detachment, NZAOC disbanded
Jan – March 1942
Central Districts Ordnance Depot established at the Palmerston North showgrounds
Palmerston North Showgrounds, Cuba Street, 1939. Palmerston North Libraries and Community Services
1 March 1941
Lieutenant William Saul Keegan, New Zealand Temporary Staff (NZTS) appointed as Ordnance Officer, Central Military District and Officer Commanding, Palmerston North Detachment, NZAOC and NZOC attached.
1 August 1942
Central Districts Ordnance Depot was renamed to No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot.
1943/44
Main Ordnance Depot Trentham establishes Bulk Sub-Depot at Linton Camp
31 December 1944
Fire at 2 Ordnance Sub Depot resulting in a stock loss of £225700 ($18,639,824.86 2017 value)
No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot. Group of soldiers – Elmar Studios, 459 Main Street, Palmerston North circa 1942 to circa 1945, No Known Restrictions
14 December 1945
No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot Closes and its functions assumed by the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham and Bulk Sub-Depot at Linton
1 October 1946
Reestablishment of No 2 Ordnance Depot at Linton Camp absorbing the Main Ordnance Depot Bulk Sub-Depot. Captain W.S Keegan Officer Commanding. Headquartered in Linton, No 2 Ordnance Depot also maintains.
Ammo Sub Depots at Belmont, Makomako and Waiouru,
a vehicle Sub Depot at Trentham, and
Stores Sub Depot at Waiouru.
26 April 1947
Captain Quartermaster L.H Stroud was appointed as Officer Commanding, No 2 Ordnance Depot
1948
Captain P.W Rennision appointed as Officer Commanding, No 2 Ordnance Depot
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1949
Reorganisation of RNZAOC Units
No 2 Ordnance Depot was renamed Central Districts Ordnance Depot (CDOD).
Central Districts Ammunition Depot (Makomako, Belmont, Waiouru) and Central Districts Vehicle Depot (Trentham) formed as standalone units.
Waiouru Ordnance Stores remain a Sub Depot of Linton until 1976.
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1949. Back Row: Private R. Pickin, Lance Corporal R Riordan, Corporal Downing, Corporal Carswell. Private Shepherd, Corporal Blanchard, Corporal Wackrow, Corporal Ayers. Center Row: Corporal Kearns, Lance Corporal Parking, Private Norris, Lance Corporal Thorn, Corporal Fry, Unidentified, Private Simpson, Lance Corporal Alger, Sergeant Whaler, Sergeant Colwill. Front Row: Sergeant Rogers, Sergeant Riordan, Lieutenant O’Connor, Captian Rennison, Warrant Officer Class Two Colwill, Sergeant Wells, Sergeant Kempthorne. Photo: E Ray
1949-50
Buildings CB26 and CB27 Constructed
1950
Captain W Ancell appointed as Officer Commanding, Central Districts Ordnance Depot
1954
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, 3 September 1954
1957
Major J Harvey appointed as Officer Commanding CDOD
Major J. Harvey . Fairfax Media New Zealand
The Central Districts Vehicle Deport (CDVD) relocated from Trentham to Linton. Buildings CB14, 15, 16 and 17 relocated from Wellington to house the CDVD.
1958
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1958
Central Districts Vehicle Depot and Central Districts Ordnance Depot, 1961 Buildings CB14, 15, 16 and 17 are the large white buildings in the lower right of the photo
1961
Reorganisation of RNZAOC Units
CDVD and CDAD cease to be standalone units and become sub-units of the CDOD
New Headquarters building constructed for CDOD (Building CB18)
Headquarters 2 Supply Company C1980. Robert McKie Collection
1962
RNZAOC Stores Sections carrying specialised spares, assemblies and workshop materials to suit the requirement of its parent RNZEME workshops were approved, and RNZEME Technical Stores personnel employed in these were transferred to the RNZAOC.
1963
Major John Barrie Glasson appointed as Officer Commanding CDOD
Construction of New Clothing Store completed (CB4)
2 Central Ordnance Depot
Back Row (Left to Right: Dave Orr, Brian Quinn, Bill Hewett, Doug Wright, ?, Albie Hough, ? , Peter Cox, Bill Mania.
3rd Row (Left to Right) Tom Woon, John McCormick, ? , Len Pratt, Tom Moore, Doug Waugh, Dave Morris, Dave Wooler
2nd Row (Left to Right) Ian Casper, Larry Aitcheson, Bob Zaloum, Les Mulane, Robbie Staines, Garth Menhnmet, Ron Tye, Entwhistle(RNZEME), Ken Wagstaff, Staffort-Lowe.
1st Row (Left to Right) Eric Ray, McKay, ?, Gordon Rowe, Barry Stewart, Pat Riordain, Capt Edwards, Elwood, Arthur Parkin, Bill Monk, Terry ?, Dawn ?.
1968
CDOD renamed 2 Central Ordnance Depot (2 COD)
1969
Major Piers Reid appointed as Officer Commanding 2 COD
Construction of 45000sq ft (reduced to 25000sq ft) extension to Clothing store began by 2 Construction Sqn RNZE.(CB4)
2 Central Ordnance Depot, C1969 5th Row, Left to Right; Ian Casper, ? , Eric Ray, Neil Walker, ? . 4th Row , Left to Right: ? , ? , ? , Bill Hewett, ? , Tony Thain, ? , ? , ? , ? , ? . 3rd Row. Left to Right: Charlie Howlett, Selwyn Manson , Morrie Connell, ?, Keith Everley, Alf Ganderton, ? , Bob Zaloum, ? , ? , ? . 2nd Row, Left to Right: ? , ? , ? , ? , ? , ? , Keith Parker , ? , ? , Keith Danby , Dave Orr, Dave Morris, Bob Duff, ? , David Ralph Hughes, ? , ?, ? Front Row, Left to right: ?, Mike Ray, ? . ? , Ash (Bones) Lewer, Ken Wagstaff, ? , Keith Watson , Piers Reid, Ted Sweet, ? , Makita, ? , Garth Menhemitt, Gordon Rowe, Noel Blanchard, George Dimmock, ? .
7 Nov 1972
2 COD New stores building completed for $134000 and 34298 manhours. (CB4)
2COD/2 Supply warehouse
1 April 1976
Reorganised with the Waiouru Sub-depot becoming the Standalone Supply Company -4 Central Ordnance Deport (4 COD).
1978
Major K.A Watson appointed as Officer Commanding 2 COD
16 October 1978
2 COD Renamed to 2 Supply Company
1 February 1979
22 OFP formed as a Subunit Capt. M Telfer (TF Officer) as Officer Commanding
12 May 1979
RNZASC Supply responsibilities Transferred to the RNZAOC. 2 Supply Company gains 24 Supply Platoon (Rations)
31 January 1980
Major S.D Hopkins appointed as Officer Commanding 2 Supply Company
7 March 1983
Major N.A Hitchings appointed as Officer Commanding 2 Supply Company
16 April 1984
Army reorganisation – HQ Support Command opened in Palmerston North and HQ Force Maintenance Group was established at Linton. 2 Supply Company became a unit of FMG, placing Linton’s supply organisation within the Army’s new third-line and base-support framework.
HQ Support Command opened in Palmerston North and HQ Force Maintenance Group was established at Linton. 2 Supply Company became a unit of FMG, placing Linton’s supply organisation within the Army’s new third-line and base-support framework.
10 December 1984
5 Composite Supply Company established. 2 Supply Company was disbanded and replaced at Linton by 5 Composite Supply Company. Its Linton Supply Depot retained the former company’s static ordnance functions and responsibility for the Makomako Ammunition Area. 21 Supply Company became the operational sub-unit; most of it moved from Waiouru to Linton, while 47 Petroleum Platoon and the Ammunition Platoon remained at Waiouru.
27 May 1985
Major Geoff Cain appointed as Officer Commanding 5 Composite Supply Company
1985
47 Pet Pl undergoes a major re-equipment, receiving a suit of kit including Fabric Tanks, Pumps, Filters, Meters and a limited pipeline capability. Under Captain Kit Carson, the profile of the Petroleum Operator Trade is increased as RF recruiting into the trade is increased and Pet Op courses run more frequently.
5 Composite Supply Company C1986
1986
Makomako Ammunition area begins refurbishment programme to upgrade ESH’s, roading and support infrastructure.
16 November 1987
Captain G.M Gregory appointed as Officer Commanding 2 Supply Company
16 APRIL 1988
Major R.J.A Smith appointed as Officer Commanding, 5 Composite Supply Company
5 Composit Supply Company 1989
1990
5CSC Reorganised as 21 Field Supply Company
Construction of New Ration Store Completed as part of Operation Kupe, the return of units from Singapore. The Old 24 Supply Platoon Ration Store that was located outside of camp by railway extension was demolished.
16 December 1991
Major C.A Tarrant appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company
1992
Ready Reaction Force Ordnance Support Group (RRF OSG), transferred from 3 Supply Company Burnham and absorbed into 21 Field Supply Company. Low cost shelters CB34a,b and CB35 erected)
December 1992
NZ Supply Detachment deployed to Somalia, majority of personnel are drawn from 21 Fd Sup Coy.
June 1993
NZ Supply Platoon deployed into Somalia, relieving the NZ Supply Det.
January 1994
NZ Supply Platoon deployed into Somalia, relieving the NZ Supply Platoon. The deployment ended in June 1994
1 March 1994
Major S.A Wagner appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company
May 1994
Major Chas Chalton appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company
1995
RNZAOC Supplier Trade combines with the All Arms Storeman Trade as Supply Quartermasters.
December 1996
21 Field Supply Company, becomes 21 Supply Company, Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). Catering functions join the company as a sub-unit NOTE: this needs to be confirmed and might have happened earlier.
January 1997
Major H Duffy was appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company, RNZALR.
RNZAOC Petroleum Operators were a specialist sub-trade that was open to any regular or Territorial member of the RNZAOC. Petroleum Operations worked as part of 47 Petroleum Platoon or in small sections attached to regional Supply Companys, Combat Supplies Platoons, or at times working alongside Royal New Zealand Air Forces Aviation refuellers. Petroleum Operators performed a wide range of technical fuel functions, including.
The management of Static and field fuel facilities
Refuelling of aircraft and vehicles
Operate vehicles, including.
RT-25, Hough 60c, Matbro and Sktrak forklifts,
RL Bedford or Unimog U1700 Truck mounted Unit Bulk Refuelling Equipment’s,
The RNZAOC assumed the responsibilities for Petroleum Operators in 1979 when the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) was disbanded, and the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT) formed with the Supply functions (Rations and Fuel, Oils and Lubricants) of the RNZASC transferring to the RNZAOC.
World War Two
With the army’s total number of motor vehicles in 1939 sitting at around 86 vehicles of all types, it should be no surprise that no unit was specially formed or trained to supply a modern fighting force with Fuel, Oil and Lubricants. Understanding that the next war was to be one of mobility, the decision was made to form a specialist Petrol Company for service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas.
2 Composite Company, NZASC of the Territorials (today’s Reserves), was on a weekend Training course when the war was declared. Many members of the soon-to-be-raised Petrol Company were present, including the 1st OC and CSM. On the 4th of September, Volunteers from the Territorials of 2 Composite Company were immediately required to deliver supplies to hastily mobilised Vital Points. And so, more than a week before recruiting opened for the NZEF, about twenty citizen-soldiers of the ASC had begun their war effort, many of whom served in Petrol Company for the duration of the War. From 1939 to 1945, the Petrol company provided sterling services to the NZEF, finally being disbanded in late 1945.
1945 – 1964
Although the general organisation of the RNZASC is well documented during this period, the records examined so far do not shed light as to the organisation of the Petroleum assets.
Truck Mounted tank and bowser, 1 Battalion Wellington Regiment Annual Camp, Daba Camp, Waiouru, summer 1953-53
It is known that within 10 Transport Company in Korea from 1951 to 1955, there was a composite platoon which held specialist vehicles and was also responsible for the running of Petrol points, so it is assumed that Petroleum assets were dispersed throughout the various Transport units of the time.
1964 – 1979
1964 sees the appearance of 7 Petroleum Platoon, 21 Supply Company, RNZASC onto the ORBAT. Based at Waiouru as a combined Regular and Territorial unit, the following equipment was transferred from the RNZASC School to HQ 21 Supply Company for the use of 7 Petroleum Platoon,
5340-00-268-8186 Tank, Petroleum Collapsible 900Gal, Qty three
4320-00-271-1858 Pumping Assy Flammable Liquid Bulk Transfer Gasoline 50 Gal PA, Qty One
4720-00-375-1523 Hose and Fitting Kit for Pimp Gas Dispensing, Qty one
Known Headquarters Staff of 7 Petroleum Platoon were.
Captain Anthony William Ancell, Officer Commanding 1966
The original concept for 7 Petroleum Platoon was for the Platoon to hold and distribute POL in the field using fuel in 100,000-gallon fabric pillow tanks. However, these tanks only had a service life of 6 Months once used and a storage life of 5 Years if not used. The QMG branch felt in 1965 that it would be unwise to purchase these tanks and avoid heavy expenditure on tanks and pumps. Until a better understanding of modern POL distribution methods was gained, receiving POL from contractors in 44 Gallon Steel drums and decanting into Jerrycans remained the primary POL distribution method. To allow the filling of Jerrycans, filling and washing machines were ordered in 1965.
7 Petroleum Platoon (7 Pet Pl) at Annual Camp 1975 Waiouru Airfield
7 Petroleum Platoon (7 Pet Pl) at Annual Camp 1975 Waiouru Airfield – (Cpl Harris (TF) & Cpl Jack Tai (RF))
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the introduction of new equipment purchased from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and items manufactured in New Zealand, Including.
One 5000 Gallion Fabric Tank
Two 10,000 Gallon Fabric Tanks
2000Litre Rigid Fuel Tanks
ScBritish Army UBREanner
POL Fire Fighting Equipment
Collapsible and Rigid 4-inch Pipeline Equipment
Collapsible and Rigid 4-inch Pipeline Equipment
three additional Gasoline Can Cleaning Machines
Dispensing Equipment including
6 x Pump Gasoline Engin Driven Positive Displacement 15-GPM
3 x Pump Gasoline Engine Driven Centrifugal 2″, 35GPM, 80ft Head for Light Aircraft
8 x Pump Gasoline Engine Driven Centrifugal 2″, 35GPM, 80ft Head
Scanner
6 x Pump Gasoline Engine Driven Centrifugal 4″, 150/200GPM, 120ft Head
2 x Pump Gasoline Engine Driven Centrifugal 4″, 400GPM, 370 Head Trailer Mounted
Filters
Meters
Three Lowes 23000Litre Trailer Tanker Fuel (TTF) (Introduced 1982)
Three M131A 18000Litre TTF (Introduced 1973)
Scanner
Trailer Tanker Fuel 18000Ltr (Vietnam era US M131 Semi Trailer, Tank, Fuel, 5000-Gallon). Fitted four compartments and a 200 GPM pump which could either pump fuel from an external source and dispense fuel thru bulk hoses or hose reels.
One of the stalwarts of the Pet Trade from the 1970s and ’80s, A.J Weston. The pump unit is a 35GMP self-contained Pump/Filter/Meter unit powered by a Briggs and Stratton motor. This type of pump unit was originally used for aircraft refuelling but was often used for dispensing MT
1979 – 1996
In 1979, 7 Petroleum Platoon RNZASC was transferred to the RNZAOC. Remaining a Regular and Territorial Force unit, it remained as a subunit of 21 Supply Company, which became the Territorial Force element of 4 Supply Company. The designation ‘4’ was added to its name, and itbecame 47 Petroleum Platoon RNZAOC.
From 1979 47 Petroleum Platoon became fully bedded into the RNZAOC organisation, recruiting internally from within the Corps.
The RNZAOC Petroleum Operations were not a separate trade but a speciality within the RNZAOC Supplier trade. In order to qualify as a Band Four Supplier, Suppliers needed to have completed at least one specialist trade course. These courses aimed to ensure that personnel had some specialized knowledge of the various RNZAOC functions that they could be called upon to perform. The specialist courses covered ammunition storage, rations procedures, field services (shower and laundry), and fuel.
If a supplier wanted to pursue the petroleum path, they would first need to complete the Phase 1 Petroleum Operators Course, which provided training on the basic functions required of an RNZAOC Petroleum Operator. After qualifying on the Phase 1 course, selected RNZAOC Petroleum Operators could attend the Phase 2 Petroleum Operations course, which provided a set of POL management skills. The first Phase 2 course was conducted in October 1986.
On completion of the Phase 1 course, suppliers could be employed as Petroleum Operator in one of the RNZAOC Supply Companies within New Zealand and NZAOD in Singapore.
To provide a layer of specialist petroleum knowledge, selected officers qualified on the year-long Royal Army Ordnance (RAOC) Officers Petroleum Course in the United Kingdom.
Petroleum Operators served across the RNZAOC and were transferred to the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment upon its creation in 1996.
Unimog mounted Unit Bulk Refuelling Equipment C1992. RNZAOC School
