ANZAC Day Reflections: Honouring the Ordnance Soldier – Their Legacy Lives On in the RNZALR

Leave a comment Robert McKie

ANZAC Day is a sacred day of remembrance and gratitude in New Zealand. It is a day when we pause to honour the breadth of military service—those who stormed the beaches and scaled the ridgelines, and those who sustained them from behind the lines. Among these often-unsung heroes are the men and women of the Ordnance Corps. Ordnance soldiers have provided the New Zealand Army with the weapons, ammunition, equipment, and logistical support necessary to fight, survive, and succeed for over a century. Their role has always been vital, even if it has been carried out of the limelight.

But what exactly is an Ordnance soldier?

At their core, Ordnance soldiers are Logistics Specialists and Ammunition Technicians—responsible for ensuring that every frontline soldier has what they need, when they need it. They manage everything from the smallest screw in a field weapon to the vast stocks of food, clothing, and ammunition that sustain entire armies. Their work includes storage, distribution, accounting, repair, salvage, and technical inspection. In short: if it moves, fires, feeds, or protects, it likely passed through the hands of Ordnance personnel.

The roots of military ordnance stretch deep into history. The first recorded Ordnance Officer in the British military was appointed in 1299 to manage siege equipment, such as catapults and battering rams. Over time, these responsibilities evolved into a professional and structured system of military storekeeping and supply, one that reached New Zealand in the 1840s with the arrival of British Imperial forces.

By the 1860s, as the Imperial presence waned, the responsibility for military logistics was gradually handed over to New Zealand personnel. The Defence Stores Department was formally established in 1869 to oversee the nation’s military stores. This marked the beginning of New Zealand’s independent ordnance tradition. In 1917, during the First World War, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was officially formed, taking over duties from the Defence Stores Department. The Corps provided critical support throughout the war and maintained the Army through the interwar years.

With the Second World War outbreak, the Ordnance Corps expanded dramatically. To support 2NZEF, the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) was raised for overseas service, while a separate NZOC served as the NZAOCs Territorial element. In 1942, the engineering and maintenance functions of the NZOC operating in the Middle East were separated to form the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME). This change was mirrored in New Zealand in 1946, when workshops were transferred from the NZAOC to the newly created NZEME.

In recognition of its wartime service, King George VI granted the “Royal” prefix to the Corps on 12 July 1947, making it the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC). That same year, the territorial and regular elements were merged into a single corps that would serve with distinction for the next half-century.

Every ANZAC Day, we reflect on the legacy of the Ordnance soldier—from the dusty cliffs of Gallipoli and the battlefields of North Africa to the supply depots of World War II, the jungles of Southeast Asia, and the humanitarian missions of the late 20th century. Their story did not end with the close of the Cold War. In 1996, the RNZAOC was amalgamated with the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport (RNZCT) and the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RNZEME) to form the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)—a unified, modern logistics formation designed to meet the evolving demands of military operations in the 21st century.

The legacy of the Ordnance soldier lives on today in every RNZALR Logistic Specialist and Ammunition Technician. Their story is not just a historical record—it is the very foundation of the RNZALR. Their values of resilience, quiet courage, and professional excellence continue to shape the New Zealand Army’s ability to sustain and succeed at home and abroad.

Gallipoli and the First World War: The Storekeeper on Anzac Beach

The story of the New Zealand ordnance soldier begins amid the brutal landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Captain William Beck, a New Zealand Staff Corps officer, was appointed Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (DADOS) for the New Zealand and Australian Division. According to several accounts, Beck was the first New Zealander ashore at ANZAC Cove, leading the landing of Godley’s divisional headquarters under intense fire.

His task was immense. Amid the beachhead’s chaos, confusion, and carnage, Beck quickly set about establishing a makeshift ordnance dump right on the shoreline—improvising with salvaged crates, scattered supplies, and a growing stream of urgently needed materiel. As soldiers surged inland and casualties mounted, Beck and his small team organised the distribution of ammunition, rations, clothing, and basic field stores to units already under fire in the hills above. Without shelter, maps, or proper infrastructure, this operation became a lifeline to the forward troops.

Supplies on the beach at ANZAC Cove 1915. Athol Williams Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library

Beck worked under relentless fire, including from a remarkably accurate Turkish artillery piece that pounded the beachhead daily. Nicknamed “Beachy Bill” by the troops, the gun became infamous for zeroing in on the supply areas, and Beck’s improvised depot was one of its most frequent targets. The name, according to some accounts, was given in ironic tribute to Captain Beck himself, whose unwavering presence under fire seemed to draw the enemy’s attention as reliably as the tides. Despite the danger, Beck remained calm and courteous, continuing to perform his duties in conditions that would have driven many to cover. His efforts earned him the enduring moniker “the brave storekeeper on Anzac Beach.” He became a quiet legend among his peers. General Sir William Birdwood, commanding the ANZAC forces, was said to personally check on Beck during his rounds, out of admiration and concern. Beck’s courage and composure under fire became emblematic of the Ordnance Corps’ ethos: professionalism in adversity, and mission before self.

Though he was later evacuated due to illness caused by the stress of battle in August 1915, Captain Beck’s role at Gallipoli demonstrated how critical logistics were to the survival and sustainment of fighting troops—and that the Ordnance soldier was not a rear-echelon presence, but a frontline enabler in every sense.

Following the Gallipoli campaign, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) was reorganised and redeployed to the Western Front in France and Belgium, as well as to the Sinai and Palestine campaigns in the Middle East. What began in 1914 as a two-man effort—Beck and Sergeant Norman Levien—expanded rapidly into a structured logistics organisation. In 1917, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was formally established as a dedicated branch of service, recognising its work’s increasingly specialised and essential nature.

On the Western Front, Ordnance personnel established and managed supply dumps and armourers’ workshops across the scarred landscapes of the Somme, Messines, and Passchendaele. They worked in trenches, mud, and snow—often within range of enemy artillery—ensuring that troops had the bullets, boots, tools, and trench stores required to sustain a static war of attrition.

Their responsibilities went well beyond basic supply. Ordnance units also operated salvage sections to recover, repair, and repurpose battlefield equipment—a critical function in conserving resources and maintaining operational tempo. They ran mobile repair facilities and oversaw essential services like bath and laundry units, which not only preserved hygiene in the harsh conditions of trench warfare but also boosted morale and prevented disease. These services reflected the Ordnance Corps’ holistic approach to sustaining soldiers, not just with materiel, but with cleanliness, comfort, and care in brutal circumstances.

In the Middle East, NZAOC detachments supported mounted operations across the harsh deserts of Sinai and Palestine. Operating in support of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, Ordnance soldiers adapted their methods to suit long, exposed supply lines and the mobile nature of desert warfare. They managed camel trains, improvised field depots, and operated forward repair points—often little more than canvas shelters in the sand—to keep men and animals in the fight. Salvage and maintenance tasks were equally essential here, where resupply could be days away and every item had to be made to last.

By the end of the First World War, the NZAOC had grown into a compact, disciplined, and highly respected corps. From the mud of Flanders to the sands of Beersheba, their work underpinned New Zealand’s military effort. Though rarely seen in official war photographs or commemorated in mainstream histories, their contributions were vital. They demonstrated that logistics was not a sideline to combat—it was its backbone. They also laid the foundation for a professional military logistics tradition in the RNZALR today.

The Second World War and Beyond: Backbone of the Battlefield

During the Second World War, the NZAOC matured into a seasoned and indispensable pillar of military capability. Whether supporting the fight abroad or maintaining the war effort at home, Ordnance personnel were the engine behind the Army’s ability to project and sustain force across multiple theatres of war.

North Africa and Italy: Desert Sands and Mountain Passes

In the North African campaigns of 1941–42, Ordnance units operated across Egypt and Libya’s vast, unforgiving deserts, supplying the 2nd New Zealand Division during pivotal battles such as Operation Crusader and El Alamein. Supply depots were often under canvas, exposed to enemy air raids and desert winds. Light Aid Detachments worked tirelessly in the blistering heat to keep tanks, trucks, and artillery in the fight, repairing on the move and recovering damaged equipment under fire.

A dedicated Ordnance Convoy Section was raised to support the increasing volume and complexity of operations. Its task was to move stores and equipment from rear areas to forward supply points, filling a critical gap when the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) could not meet demand. These convoys ensured a continuous flow of tools, spare parts, and personal equipment to the front, often through contested or poorly marked desert tracks.

The NZ Divisional Salvage Company also operated until late 1941, recovering and repurposing valuable battlefield materials—everything from damaged vehicles to discarded equipment. This function saved resources and contributed to operational sustainability by rapidly recycling assets back into the supply chain.

Ordnance support also extended to troop welfare. Mobile Bath and Laundry Sections accompanied the Division to provide frontline hygiene services, which were essential in preventing disease, exchanging clothing, maintaining morale, and improving the force’s overall combat effectiveness. Their presence in forward areas helped ensure that troops remained as healthy and combat-ready as conditions allowed.

Fred Kreegher, New Zealand Ordnance Field Park, sorting out stores in the rear of his Bin Truck. The Noel Kreegher collection

When the Division redeployed to Italy in late 1943, the harsh desert gave way to snow-covered mountains and treacherous river valleys. But the demands on Ordnance personnel did not ease. During gruelling campaigns at Monte Cassino and through the Po Valley, the NZOC once again delivered. Ordnance Field Parks and dumps were established within range of enemy guns, and equipment was recovered, repaired, and reissued under complex and often perilous conditions.

These layered capabilities—convoy operations, salvage and recovery, technical maintenance, and personal support—ensured the Division could manoeuvre and fight confidently, knowing its logistical tail was secure. The Ordnance Corps wasn’t simply supporting the fight—it was integral to sustaining it.

The Pacific Theatre: Islands of Sustained Effort

While New Zealand’s main expeditionary force focused on Europe and the Mediterranean, many New Zealand troops were also deployed to the Pacific. Here, the NZAOC supported the 3rd New Zealand Division across island bases in New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Fiji. These were remote and logistically challenging environments—characterised by tropical diseases, heavy rain, mud, and dense jungle.

Ordnance detachments established supply points, maintained stores, repaired equipment, and ensured operational readiness across scattered islands. These locations often lacked established infrastructure, requiring personnel to be resourceful and adaptable. Camp maintenance, local procurement, and even salvaging enemy materiel became part of the day-to-day tasks.

Although the 3rd Division never saw major set-piece battles like those in North Africa or Italy, it did undertake several opposed amphibious operations and complex island-clearing operations, most notably in the Solomon Islands campaigns at Vella Lavella, Treasury Islands, and Green Island. These landings were tactically complex and logistically demanding, requiring close coordination between combat troops and supporting elements. The Division’s presence helped safeguard New Zealand’s Pacific interests and contributed meaningfully to the broader Allied campaign in the South-West Pacific Area. The Ordnance Corps was instrumental in keeping this contribution viable—its soldiers operated under arduous conditions, far from public view but never from operational necessity.

The Home Front: Sustaining the War Machine

Back in New Zealand, the Ordnance Corps played an equally vital—if often overlooked—role in sustaining the nation’s war effort. Depots at Trentham, Hopuhopu, Burnham, Palmerston North and Waiouru became crucial hubs for receiving, inspecting, storing, and distributing supplies to deployed units. The scale of this effort was immense: weapons, uniforms, vehicle parts, ammunition, and medical supplies flowed in and out of these depots on a daily basis.

Ordnance staff oversaw procurement, stock accounting, and quality control, ensuring that New Zealand’s contribution to the global conflict was met efficiently and precisely. In addition to servicing the expeditionary forces, these depots supported the Home Guard, Territorial units, and mobilisation centres. When new battalions were raised or re-equipped, Ordnance issued the kit and ensured everything was fit for purpose. This included the units of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force deployed overseas, as well as the three Divisions and supporting arms raised for home defence. These domestic formations—charged with protecting New Zealand from possible invasion—required full logistical support, from uniforms and webbing to weapons, ammunition and transport. Ordnance Corps personnel were central to ensuring these forces were ready to respond, maintaining a continuous flow of supplies while adapting to changing wartime demands.

“Repairing despatch riders’ motor-cycles. Photo of mechanics and motorcyclists repairing motorcycles at a field workshop during military manoeuvres in Northland.” Auckland Weekly News, 23 December 1942, p.14 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19421223-14-03

The wartime workforce also included women, with members of the New Zealand Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (NZWAAC) taking on duties in Ordnance depots, handling clerical tasks, managing stores, and supporting logistics operations nationwide. Their involvement further highlights the adaptability and inclusivity of the Ordnance mission in meeting the demands of total war.

Post-war Transition

Post-war deployments saw Ordnance personnel serve in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and beyond—often integrated within British, Australian, or Commonwealth logistics formations. Though New Zealand’s contribution to these conflicts was modest in size, the professionalism and impact of its Ordnance soldiers were significant. In the Korean War (1950–53), New Zealand’s primary combat force—16th Field Regiment—was supported by a small but capable number of logistics specialists. Ordnance staff embedded within allied supply chains, managing stores, issuing ammunition, and repairing equipment under the demanding conditions of the Korean Peninsula’s harsh winters and mountainous terrain.

During the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) and the subsequent Indonesian Confrontation (1962–1966), New Zealand troops operated in dense jungle environments that tested their combat and logistics capabilities. Ordnance soldiers were seconded as individuals to the New Zealand Battalion or British units, where they maintained supply lines through monsoon rains, oppressive humidity, and remote jungle bases. Their tasks ranged from maintaining small arms and issuing jungle kit to managing the complex movement of stores between staging areas and patrol bases—a vital function in an environment where regular resupply was challenging and sometimes depended on airdrops or riverine transport.

Although New Zealand did not deploy a complete Ordnance unit in Vietnam, RNZAOC personnel were seconded individually to Australian and United States forces. These included roles such as supply officers, ammunition controllers, and non-commissioned officers (NCOS) stationed at key logistics hubs like Nui Dat and Vung Tau. Working in a high-tempo combat zone, they handled everything from weapons and clothing to fuel, spare parts, and ammunition—often under the threat of enemy attack. The complexity of the Vietnam conflict demanded rapid response times, adaptability, and technical proficiency, all of which the Ordnance soldiers delivered in spades.

Beyond direct deployments, Ordnance personnel were also deeply involved in supporting the considerable effort required to sustain a deployable division maintained under New Zealand’s national service and conscription scheme during the Cold War. This mobilisation model meant that the RNZAOC was responsible for equipping, maintaining, and provisioning a standing force-in-being that could be rapidly expanded in times of crisis. Warehouses and mobilisation stores across the country were stocked with weapons, webbing, clothing, communications equipment, and general supplies—ready to be issued to citizen-soldiers if called upon. The planning, accounting, and logistical foresight required to maintain this latent capability were immense, and it stood as a testament to the professionalism of the Corps.

Across these theatres and responsibilities, Ordnance personnel served in austere and unpredictable environments. Whether embedded with an allied supply unit in the jungle or managing stockpiles for national mobilisation, they maintained the flow of materiel that kept New Zealand’s military effort credible and ready. Though they rarely received public recognition, their contribution was the vital connective tissue that made readiness a reality.

Peacekeeping and Modern Missions: From Mogadishu to the Pacific

In the late 20th century, as New Zealand’s defence priorities shifted toward peacekeeping and international humanitarian support, Ordnance soldiers once again rose to meet the challenge—this time under the flag of the United Nations. The 1992 deployment to Somalia marked a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s operational history and the modern evolution of the RNZAOC. In response to a deteriorating humanitarian crisis fuelled by civil war and famine, the UN launched a multinational intervention to secure aid routes and stabilise the region. New Zealand’s initial contribution to this effort—the New Zealand Supply Detachment—consisted primarily of 28 RNZAOC personnel, marking the first time in decades that an Ordnance-led contingent was deployed operationally in its own right.

Arriving in Mogadishu in December 1992 as part of the Unified Task Force (UNITAF), the detachment was tasked with establishing a functioning logistics capability in a highly hostile and volatile environment. Somalia’s capital had no functioning government, no stable infrastructure, and was riddled with armed factions. Despite the risks, the RNZAOC personnel immediately began establishing supply chains, securing local procurement channels, and distributing food, water, and stores to support the broader UN mission. They set up New Zealand’s main camp at the now well-known base called “Taniwha Hill,” which would symbolise Kiwi resilience amid chaos.

New Zealand soldiers leave their camp to conduct a patrol. NZDF Offical

Working out of hastily converted shipping containers and tents in the sweltering heat, the team operated under constant threat of gunfire, looting, and militia activity. Despite the mission’s peacekeeping label, it quickly became apparent that they were operating in a conflict zone. Convoys were escorted, personal weapons were always carried, and supply runs often meant travelling at high speed through hostile streets to avoid ambush. One RNZAOC NCO recalled travelling with a rifle propped between his knees, ready to return fire if necessary—a stark contrast to the logistics roles typically performed at home.

As the situation deteriorated, a second and larger contingent of 43 logistics personnel (including reinforcements from the RNZAOC and other corps) deployed in 1993 as the New Zealand Supply Platoon. This platoon was accompanied by an infantry protection element from 1 RNZIR, marking New Zealand’s first combat deployment of infantry since the Vietnam War. This reinforced the seriousness of the mission and highlighted the increasing danger and the blurred lines between combat and combat service support. Operating as an integrated platoon, the team performed with professionalism and efficiency, earning the respect of allied forces for their adaptability, calm under pressure, and ability to keep essential supplies flowing under fire.

The New Zealanders remained through some of the mission’s most violent episodes, including the events surrounding the infamous “Black Hawk Down” incident in October 1993. Positioned nearby, the RNZAOC soldiers bore witness to the heavy fighting yet carried on their duties with unwavering determination. When many international contingents began withdrawing, the New Zealand logistics team continued to operate until mid-1994, one of the last Western elements to depart the theatre.

The Somalia deployment reaffirmed the modern Ordnance soldier’s place at the heart of New Zealand’s deployable military capability. It demonstrated that RNZAOC personnel were not only logisticians, but also frontline enablers—capable of operating in fluid, high-risk environments and delivering under extreme pressure. “Taniwha Hill,” New Zealand’s base in Mogadishu, was regularly subjected to gunfire and mortar attacks, and Kiwis operated in volatile zones with little margin for error. Yet the RNZAOC platoon carried out their duties with quiet professionalism and resolve, ensuring UN and coalition forces remained supplied and mission capable.

This ongoing legacy of service continues under a new banner. In 1996, the RNZAOC was formally disestablished as part of an Army logistics reorganisation. Its personnel, functions, and traditions were integrated into the newly formed RNZALR, uniting the RNZAOC, RNZCT, RNZEME, and Quartermaster staff into a single, cohesive regimental structure. This transformation ensured that the enduring values and capabilities of the Ordnance Corps would carry forward into a modern, agile logistics force aligned with contemporary operational requirements.

Since then, RNZALR Logistic Specialists and Ammunition Technicians have continued to support peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in theatres such as Bosnia, the Sinai, East Timor, and Afghanistan. During the East Timor operation (1999–2002), logistics units played a crucial role in sustaining one of New Zealand’s largest overseas deployments since the Korean War. Their work—whether managing supply convoys, setting up field depots, or coordinating humanitarian assistance—underscored the critical importance of logistics as an enabler and a key factor in mission success.

Domestically, RNZALR Logistics personnel have remained indispensable. From supporting civil defence during the Canterbury earthquakes to managing logistics and providing personnel to support Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and maintaining daily sustainment across Defence camps and bases, they remain central to New Zealand’s readiness and resilience. In every setting, whether at home or abroad, the legacy of the Ordnance soldier lives on through the actions and professionalism of the RNZALR.

Roll of Honour: Service Remembered, Sacrifice Recognised

The story of the Ordnance Corps is also one of loss. The New Zealand Ordnance Roll of Honour lists 63 names of those who died while serving in our logistics and stores organisations—from the Defence Stores Department of 1862 to the RNZAOC’s integration into the RNZALR in 1996. Among them:

Captain Sam Anderson (1899), Defence Storekeeper
Captain Arthur Duvall (1919), New Zealand Army Ordnance Department
Temporary Major William Knox (1941), Divisional Ordnance Field Park, North Africa
Private Russell John Casey (1994), 1 Logistic Regiment, RNZAOC

Each of these individuals—and the many others on the Roll—represents a life dedicated to service, often given in conditions far from home and with little fanfare.

Remembrance and Honour

Each ANZAC Day, we renew our vow: “We will remember them.” In remembering, we broaden our gaze to include those who served without seeking recognition—those who issued the boots, drove the convoys, repaired the radios, and ensured that the warriors had their arms.

The Ordnance Corps soldiers were not mere auxiliaries but the enablers of victory, the sustainers of peace, and the standard-bearers of discipline and duty. Their legacy is not just one of historical interest, but a living ethos that endures in the RNZALR.

As the Last Post echoes and the nation falls silent, let us remember the battles won and the thousands of acts behind the lines that made those victories possible. The story of the Ordnance soldier is one of dedication, innovation, and unheralded bravery.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning—
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.

Sua Tele Tonanti

Unveiling the Overlooked: New Zealand Ordnance Corps in Italy

Leave a comment Robert McKie

World War Two stands as a testament to immense sacrifice and heroism, with countless stories of courage, endurance, and strategic brilliance shaping the course of history. However, the more well-documented combat narratives overshadow many critical aspects of the war effort. Among these lesser-explored facets is the essential role of military logistics, without which no sustained military operation could have been successful. Within this realm, the contributions of New Zealand’s military logisticians—particularly those of the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) and the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC)—have largely been overlooked in historical discourse.

The complexity of sustaining the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) across multiple theatres of war, including the Middle East, North Africa, Italy, and the Pacific, required an intricate web of supply, transport, and maintenance operations. These responsibilities were carried out by the men of the NZASC and NZOC, who worked tirelessly to ensure that frontline troops received the equipment, ammunition, clothing, vehicles, and other essential supplies necessary for combat effectiveness. While the Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45 and the Third Division’s history provide some insight into these operations, the logistical achievements of the NZOC, particularly in the Middle East and Italy, remain largely absent from official records.

A handful of publications, including Julia Millen’s Salute to Service (1997), Peter Cape’s Craftsmen in Uniform (1972), Peter Cooke’s Warrior Craftsmen (2017), and Major Joe Bolton’s History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (1993), have contributed valuable insights into the broader story of New Zealand’s wartime logistics. However, these works often draw from pre-existing official histories and do not fully account for the NZOC’s activities during the war. Notably, in 1944, the 2NZEF Archives Section recognised the importance of documenting its logistical operations, dispatching Sergeant Jas Brown to visit field units of the NZOC and compile a report on their functions. His notes, augmented by comments from Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Kelsey, the 2NZEF Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS), represent one of the few surviving firsthand records of the NZOC’s wartime efforts. For the first time, this article presents a full transcription of Sergeant Jas Brown’s field notes, along with accompanying organisational charts and Kelsey’s annotations. By analysing this material, it seeks to rectify the historical oversight of the NZOC’s contributions and provide a clearer understanding of its role within 2NZEF. In doing so, it aims to highlight the indispensable work of New Zealand’s military logisticians—an effort that ensured the operational success of the nation’s fighting forces and remains a crucial yet underappreciated element of New Zealand’s military history.

OFFICIAL ARCHIVES SECTION 2 NZEF

FIELD REPORT

Subject: NZOC

Complier: 63306, Sjt Jas G Brown, Official Archives Sect 2 NZEF.

Sources: (a) Visits to Field Units of NZOC during tour of duty 10-19 Apr 44.

(b) Visit to 2 NZ BOD

Dat of Compilation: 2 – 4 Apr 44

1. As a result of a visit to the office of AOOS at Rear HQ 2NZ Div, attachment to 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk was arranged on 11 Apr 44. This unit forms the basis of the Ordnance organisation in the field , thereby being the logical starting point for any series of investigations concerning Ordnance. A chart showing the organisation ‘ of the Ordnance Corps of 2 NZEF is attached as Appx “A”.

2. AOOS, the Assistant Director of Ordnance Services, is, as his title implies, the head of the ordnance organisation of 2 NZEF, exercising direct command over the activities of all the various sections shown in the chart in Appx “A” The problem of AOOS are problems of supply . His is the task of seeing that the Di vision’s equipment is kept up to scale , and of maintaining sufficient reserves to meet the Division’s varying demands as it moves from one theatre of war to another, a task requiring a high degree of foresight in planning ahead, as far, sometimes , as twelve months. His job is to fulfil, as far as possible , demands made by units of 2 NZ Div, ·whether they be for engine s for NZME, or equipment for an infantry battalion. ADOS operates from Rear H 2 NZ Div in an office which is purely an administrative centre. The Ordnance Officer, holding the rank of Captain, passes all indents for uncontrolled stores, but DOS himself is responsible for the distribution and issue of controlled stores , indents for which must be passed and signed by him personally . Releases for these controlled stores are made by FLAMBO, a code- title for the controlling authority for all British Ordnance Services i n Italy.

Organisation of .ADOS – The 0.0. is not responsible for any demands made on Ordnance Fd Pk far other than Controlled Stores. Demands for vehicles parts are submitted direct by the units to the section of OFP which is responsible for maintaining that unit, i.e., to the Inf or Armd Sections. The O.O. is the deputy of ADOS in the Field and concerns himself with General Stores, clothing, etc. only. In the absence of the ADOS he has authority to release controlled stores. The authority of the ADOS is for items within Scale only – any demands in excess of an authorised scale which is usually laid down by Army or HQ., AAI must be approved by “Q” of Division before issue can be made. Whilst operating under Army most releases are obtained through Army. Copies of schedules showing what items are Controlled and by whom are attached for easy reference.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div.

3. 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk: This unit may be divided into four sections , the Armoured Section, the Infantry Section , the Reserve Section, which includes the Reserve Vehicle Park and the Bulk Breaking Centre, and AOD, which four sections will now be considered in greater detail.

4. Armoured Section: The Armoured Section, as the name suggests, is the supply centre for 4 NZ Armd Regt, being at present, for purposes of convenience, detached from 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk and attached to 4 NZ Armd Bde Wksps. The Armd Sect caters for all the requirements of the Armd Bde with the exception of tanks, clothing and general QM Stores. A range of light spares for tanks is carried, as well a s those items, such as thermos flasks, which are a necessary part of a tanks equipment before it can be considered battle worthy. Indents for equipment required by the Armd Bde are made on the -Armd Sec of 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk, the indents being passed by the Ordnance Officer in ADOS office at Div HQ. The indent is then presented at the Armd Sec, and the stores collected if available. A scaling of stores is carried, covering a wide range of requirements, but if the stores demanded are not available, an extract from the original indent is made on either 2 NZ BOD or 557 AOD for unheld stocks. In addition to tank equipment, the Armd Sec carries large stocks of MT spares, signal and wireless spares, and gun and small arms spares.

Armd Section of OFP – None of the Controlled items for tanks (i.e. wireless sets, guns, etc) are carried by this Section – it is purely a Section for spare parts far tanks, guns and “B” vehicles and services not only the 4 NZ Armd Bde but provides spares for any unit holding “A” or fighting vehicles except Bren Carriers. The indents are not passed by ADOS Office· but are submitted direct on the Section. Similarly, stores for other Sections of OFP except AOD are controlled direct by this Section

Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div.

5. Infantry Section: This section functions in the same manner as the Armd Sec, only no tank and general armoured spares are carried. The stocks furnish all the requirements of an Infantry brigade, except clothing and QM stores and comprises MT spares, signal and wireless spares, gun spares, and small arms spares. The indent procedure is the same, stocks being drawn direct from Infantry Section as required.

6. A point of interest regarding the supply of MT spares by the Infantry or Armoured Sections is the relation existing between 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk and the Corps Collecting Point or the Army Collecting Point. To these points all transport beyond repair is taken and dumped, to be salvaged at a later date. Should 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk be unable to supply a part required to repair a vehicle , a fitter is sent to the CCP , where he endeavours to find a suitable part on a damaged vehicle. This procedure results in a considerable saving both of time and of material, making fullest use of material available close at hand. Only when requirements cannot be met in this manner is the indent forwarded on to a higher formation.

Stores taken from CCP and ACP – Stores are not cannibalised from vehicles in CCP’s or ACP’s unless as a last resort, i.e. not available in depots or other OFP’s. Authority is vested in ADOS to cannibalise off vehicles Class IV and below if necessary. In all other cases the certificate of the OFP that the stares are not available is sufficient authority for cannibalisation.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div.

7. Reserve Section: Stocks for both the Armd and Inf Secs are drawn from the Reserve Section. Stock is received in bulk at the Res Sec, the bulk being broken at the Bulk Braking Centre before distribution to the other sections. No issues are made by the Res Sec to any one other than the Armd of Inf Secs, Reserve Sections function being to break down bulk as received and keep the Armd and Inf Secs supplied. In addition to supplying the needs of these two sections, there is as part of the Reserve Section, a Reserve Vehicle Park, holding supplies of all types of “B” Vehicles, for issue to units as required. A stock of spare engines is also carried. These vehicles are issued to replace unit transport lost, or evacuated beyond 2 NZ Div Wksp.

Reserve Section – Stock is not always received as bulk and broken by the Reserve Section – much of the stock for the Armd and Inf Sections is demanded in their name direct from RAOC Stores. Bulk is, however, broken in the case of many items.

The function of the Reserve Vehicle Park in not to hold supplies of vehicle for issue on a replacement basis. It purpose is to collect vehicles released and issue as approved. It is true that at the moment some vehicles are held in the pool but this is not always so.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div

8. NZ AOD. Until recently NZAOD functioned as a separate section of 2 NZEF. A small section, i t was always attached to 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk, working with them. On this account it was decided to disband the AOD as a separate unit, and make it a part of 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk, in which state it now operates. Its function is to supply the Division with all clothing requirements and general QM stores. Attached as Appx “B” is a list showing the holdings of NZ AOD. Each day a copy of this form is completed and returned to 2 NZ BOD, which automatically , by means of the Stores Convoy Unit, keeps AOD supplied according to the scales shown.NZ AOD receives and breaks its own bulk, none of its stock passing through the Reserve Section . Certain items in the above-mentioned appendix are marked “C” . These are controlled stores, the issue of which is governed by ADOS himself . ADOS 2 NZ Div must indent for these stores on FLAMBO, who decides how much of the available controlled stores is to be issued, ADOS in turn making a proportionate allocation of the release to various units of 2 NZ Div .

9. In addition to supplying clothing and equipment ot the Division, NZ AOD maintains a small Officers Shop , the stocks of which are sufficiently large to enable officers to preserve a full scale of equipment, and to enable men commissioned in the field to equip themselves as officers where no such facilities would ordinarily exist. Deceased officers kit also passes through NZ AOD. They are checked and inventoried, great care· being taken to ensure the accuracy of the inventory, the effect being sent back to Effects Sec, 2 Ech, 2 NZEF.

A.O.D. – The function of 2 NZ Base Ord Depot in connection with this section is to maintain it mainly with items of NZ origin – it is naturally more of use to the Division in winter time than summer as more of the clothing used goes through it. However, the BOD is of great help for difficult items.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div

10. In order to ensure that supplies for 2 NZ Div are not diverted to other units in Italy, and also to keep a watch on stocks arriving in the country, with a view to securing what is required by a well-timed indent, Liaison staffs are maintained at both 500 ADO in Bari and 557 AOD in Naples. If, in the opinion of the Liaison staff, a consignment contains items which are needed by 2 NZ Div, an indent, calculated to arrive at the same time as the consignment, is prepared. By this means 2 NZ Div have frequently annexed and entire consignment of a particular item. Consignments to 2 NZ Div through the AODs are also closely watched, and their delivery through the correct channels thereby expedited. By means of this liaison staff the 2 HZ Div has a somewhat unfair advantage over the British unit s, but active disapproval of their existence has not yet been voiced.

Liaison Staff – It is not correct to say that our Division has a somewhat unfair advantage over British Units by maintaining a liaison staff. All our staffs are appointed with the authority and knowledge of RAOC. Other units of the British Army also adopt this system and whatever advantages 2 NZEF reaps from their activities is due to the type of person attached there. He is usually a bright, adaptable and well versed member of the Corps.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div

11. Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officers: In order to ensure a smooth flow of indents from the units to 2 NZ Div Ord Fd Pk , and the correct distribution of the consignment on arrival , a Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer, a NCO with the rank of WO1, is attached to each brigade HQ , and to HQ 2 NZ Div Arty. This officer is a person of wide experience in ordnance matters, whose duty it is to advise unit quartermasters about their indents, and one who should be able to answer any questions asked concerning ordnance supplies, giving rulings on the availability of certain items. Although he may be regarded as a liaison officer between ADOS and the units, his power is not absolute, certain demands, such a s those for controlled stores, having to pass through ADOS in person. The BOWO supervises the breaking of bulk when an indent arrives at his HQ and allocates the stores and equipment to the units concerned in the correct proportions.

Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officers – In addition to the BOWO’s mentioned there is one on ADOS staff at Div HQ who looks after the various units not attached in a Brigade Group. Bulk issues are seldom made to BLWOs, most unit indents being approved far issue direct. It is, however, his job to collect indents and see they are correct before sending them to ADOS Office for approval. He has no control over demands made by his units for MT Spares on Infantry and Armoured Sections of the OFP.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div

12. 1 NZ BOD & 2 NZ BOD: Purley New Zealand types of clothing, such as battledress and underclothing, still has to pass through Egypt, hence the necessity of maintaining 1 NZ BOD in Maadi, and 2 NZ BOD in Bari. Clothing is supplied to 2 NZ :BOD as required from 1 NZ BOD, which received the shipments from New Zealand. 2 NZ BOD carries full stocks of all items, including general British Forces issue equipment, for issue to the Division. Stocks are fed to AOD by means of the Stores Convoy Unit, a section of trucks which forward load equipment for AOD, and back load equipment to be returned to BOD. This convoy is running all the time, the number of vehicles being augmented as occasion demands by drawings from RVP.

The Base Depots – These units are also responsible for NZ units not in 2 NZ Division and the DADOS in charge are also the direct representatives of ADOS who has delegated sane of his powers to them. 1 NZ Base Ord Depot in Egypt has no Stores Convoy Unit.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div

13. OSME 180 Pack. A pack, know as OSME 180, was designed prior to the departure of 2 NZ Div for Italy, calculated to maintain completely the supplies of the Division for a period of 90 days without recourse to any outside sources of supply. This huge collection of equipment, some of which is still arriving was to go to form 2 NZ BOD but the supply problem in Italy assumed such serious proportions in the early stages of the campaign that it was agreed to place the whole of OSME 180 in the Eight Army Ordnance pool, with certain reservations for 2 NZ Div, where it would be used to supply the whole of the Eighth Army until such time as the supply situation eased. The provision made in this pack proved to be adequate, and the Division was well maintained until further supplies arrived from the Middle East. As a point of interest, the huge loads carried by the troops when they first moved to Italy were in no way part of OSME 180 . What was brought in the first place was essential equipment: OSME was provision for the future.

14. Scaling: The term “scaling” as used by ordnance is a most important one, and one worthy of special attention. Each depot, store , or store- truck carries a scale of stores, designed to meet the normal wastage through wear and breakage, and based on knowledge gained from past experience of the use of those stores . When defects in any item of equipment are noticed, they are reported, and if the defect proves to be persistent, the matter is taken up by TSB at DDOS (P), (meaning Technical Scaling Branch at DDOS (Provision)). There the causes of failure are thoroughly investigated, and the percentage and frequency of the failures are studied. If it is found that the existing authorised scale of replacement parts at the depots is inadequate to meet the demands likely to be made, a new and revised scale, applicable as far down as LAD store trucks, is issued , upon receipt of which the depot s indent on the Special Issues Branch for the stores required to complete their holdings under the new scale. Thus, it is calculated, stocks of spares held will be sufficient to meet all reasonable demands . TSB and SIB are part of the “Planning” organisation, which in its turn, is part of the GHQ of the Army Force operating in the area.

Scales are also applicable to other than MT. There are scales of equipment clothing, vehicles·, tools, expendable stores, etc., these are far too many to enumerate fully. Scales are the basis of Ordnance work and supply.
Appreciation of NZOC Field report – ADOS 2 NZ Div

15. NZ Mob Laundry & Bath Unit: Hitherto the Laundry unit and Bath unit functioned separately as units of 2 NZEF, but for the purpose of more economical administration a combination of the two was effected.

16. Laundry: The equipment of the laundry consists of two boilers each on a trailer, four washers, four hydro extractors and two driers, one rotary and one of the continuous type. Each washer is on a trailer with a hydro-extractor, a revolving drum in which the laundry is rotated at a speed of 1350revs per minute to remove excess water prior top drying, while each drier is mounted on a trailer. Two generating plants, each on its trailer, supply electric power to drive the machinery. Water is supplied by electric pumps drawing water from nearby stream.

17. The laundry collected from units is sorted into bundles according to the type of material, and placed in labelled baskets, in order to ensure the return of the correct washing to units . A soap mixture is made of water and pure yellow soap flakes, of which 1^1/2cwt is used in a day, this being added to the clothes which have been placed in the washer. The water is heated to the correct temperature by steam, and. the wash proceeds. After several rinsing’s with clean water the wash is transferred to the hydro-extractor, thence to the driers. The rotary drier is used for small items, but blankets pass through the continuous drier, an endless belt, equipped with clips to suspend the articles, passing through a heated chamber.

18. Clothing from units is washed in bulk and returned to units with worn or damaged garments replaced. Blankets are washed in bulk, but an issue of clean blankets is made as the dirty ones are sent for washing. When washed, these blankets are returned to store for issue on the arrival of a further load of dirty ones. The linen of 1 NZ (Mob ) CCS is also washed by this unit.

19. In order to increase the output, a disinfector held by the unit is also being used as a drier, mainly to dry blankets. Although somewhat slower than the other types of dryer, it is satisfactory.

20. The laundry can be split into two sections, when necessary, each with one boiler, two washers and extractors, one drier, and one generator. Maintenance of this costly plant is carried out entirely by one fitter and one electrician. These two tradesmen, both privates, maintain not only the laundry but also the unit transport. No work is sent to workshops, the l ack of necessity for major repairs requiring the use of heavy machinery being explained by the fact that the laundry is of civilian type, made before the outbreak of war.

21. The boilers use 260 gallons of fuel oil in a day, while 1000 gallons of water are used every hour in the washers. The latter consumption explains the necessity of having the laundry situated near a plentiful water supply, and also explain the impracticability of having such a unit operating in a forward area in the desert. During the month of March 44, the laundry washed 83000 pieces of clothing and equipment, including 2300 blankets, an estimated dry weight of 70 tons.

22. Bath: The mobile bath consists of four independent shower sections, one of which is attached to each brigade, one remaining with the laundry. Water is drawn from a stream or other suitable supply by an electric pump, is heated in a locally designed boiler fired with oil and water, once passed into a shower room, a tent with duckboards laid out inside, where six showers are available. A larger tent forming a dressing room opens into the shower tent. The supply of water is continuous, and men may use as much as they please, withing reasonable limits, the duration of their bath being determined by the number waiting to go through. The showers use 200 gallons of water an hour, and each section is capable of handling some 500- 600 men in a day.

In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in documenting the wartime contributions of the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) and the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME), the role of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) remains largely underexplored. Despite being instrumental in sustaining the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) across multiple theatres—including the Middle East, North Africa, Italy, and the Pacific—the NZOC’s contributions have not been fully recognised within official histories.

The complexity of maintaining a mechanised force in a global conflict required a well-coordinated effort to supply, repair, and distribute essential materiel. The NZOC played a key role in ensuring the continuous availability of weapons, vehicles, ammunition, and general stores. Yet, the absence of a dedicated historical account has left a critical gap in our understanding of New Zealand’s wartime logistics. The archival field notes of Sergeant Jas Brown, supplemented by Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Kelsey’s annotations, provide rare firsthand insight into these operations and highlight the challenges faced by the NZOC in adapting to the demands of modern warfare.

By presenting this previously unpublished material, this article seeks to bridge the historical gap and emphasise the indispensable role of New Zealand’s wartime logisticians. Recognising the achievements of the NZASC, NZOC, and NZEME not only deepens our appreciation of New Zealand’s military history but also provides valuable lessons for contemporary logisticians. The logistical principles established during World War Two remain relevant today, reinforcing the necessity of efficient supply chains, adaptability, and strategic foresight in sustaining military operations.

New Zealand Army Stores Accounting: 1845-1963: Part 1 -1845 -1918

Leave a comment Robert McKie

The evolution of New Zealand Army stores accounting from 1845 to 1963 reflects the broader transformation of the nation’s military logistics from its colonial origins to a modern, structured system. This study is not a deep dive into the intricate details and complexities of New Zealand military stores accounting but rather an introductory overview of a system that has incrementally evolved over 180 years.

Initially modelled on British military accounting principles, New Zealand’s unique defence requirements—shaped by its geographical isolation, force structure, and operational demands—necessitated continuous refinement. Accounting practices have continuously evolved since the first musket was issued to the militia in 1845. However, it wasn’t until The Public Stores Act of 1867 that structured inventory control and accountability measures were formally introduced. This legislation laid the foundation for military store accounting, marking a significant step towards the professionalisation of the Defence Stores Department. These measures ensured crucial oversight and efficiency in military logistics, particularly highlighted by the demands of the South African War and the two World Wars, underscoring the need for a robust and adaptable system capable of sustaining large-scale military operations.

By the mid-20th century, New Zealand had developed a sophisticated store accounting framework. The introduction of NZP1: Volume I—Stores Accounting in 1951 marked a milestone, formalising the policy regulating the army’s store management. The subsequent 1962 revision further streamlined procedures, ensuring the system remained relevant amid evolving logistical complexities.

New Zealand’s innovations in stores accounting did not go unnoticed. In 1963, the Australian Army sought guidance from New Zealand to modernise its system, acknowledging the effectiveness of the NZ Army’s approach. This recognition underscored New Zealand’s competence in military logistics, demonstrating that despite its smaller size, its expertise had broader strategic significance.

Structure of this Study

Part One will examine the period from 1845 to 1918, tracing the evolution of New Zealand’s military stores accounting system from its British colonial origins to a structured, modern framework comparable to those of New Zealand’s allies by 1914. The demands of the First World War tested the system’s efficiency and resilience, exposing strengths and weaknesses that would shape post-war reforms.
Part Two will cover the period from 1918 to 1945, during which the lessons learned from the First World War were applied to improve inventory control, procurement efficiency, and financial oversight. Economic constraints of the interwar years prompted refinements to stores accounting, leading to the introduction of cost accounting in 1921 and the formalisation of logistical procedures in 1927. The rapid mobilisation for the Second World War tested these systems on an unprecedented scale, accelerating the adoption of modernised inventory tracking and decentralised supply chain management. By 1945, these wartime adaptations had laid the foundation for a more sophisticated and accountable military logistics system.
Part Three will examine the period from 1946 to 1963, focusing on the transition from wartime supply chains to a peacetime military logistics infrastructure. The post-war period saw efforts to streamline surplus disposal, re-establish long-term procurement strategies, and integrate emerging technologies into stores accounting. By 1963, the system had matured into a mature manual store accounting framework, ensuring greater efficiency, accountability, and interoperability.

Military Stores Accounting and Its Distinctions from Commercial Stores Accounting

The primary goal of military stores accounting is to ensure that soldiers on the frontlines, tradesmen in workshops, and medical staff in field hospitals have the necessary tools and equipment to carry out their duties effectively. This involves managing administrative burdens through the command and supply chains and ensuring all required controls are in place for the long-term sustainment and capability maintenance.

Military stores accounting is a specialised system designed to manage and track the acquisition, storage, distribution, and disposal of military supplies. Unlike commercial stores accounting, which primarily focuses on cost control and financial profitability, military stores accounting prioritises accountability, operational readiness, and the efficient utilisation of resources to meet operational outputs.[1]

Differences Between Military and Commercial Stores Accounting

Feature	Military Stores Accounting	Commercial Stores Accounting
Objective	Ensuring operational readiness and accountability	Maximising profit and minimising costs
Nature of Inventory	Includes depreciable assets, expendable, consumable, repairable, and non-expendable items	Primarily consumable and depreciable assets
Accounting System	Uses strict regulatory frameworks and controlled issue systems	Focuses on balance sheets and profit margins
Lifespan of Items	Items can remain in service for decades with periodic refurbishment	Items are typically depreciated and replaced
Valuation	Based on operational utility rather than market price	Based on market valuation and depreciation
Security and Control	Strict control due to security concerns	Less stringent control mechanisms

Classification of Military Stores

Military stores are classified into several categories based on their usage, longevity, and maintenance requirements:

Expendable Stores – Items that are used once and cannot be reused (e.g., ammunition, medical supplies, fuel). These are issued as required and accounted for under strict consumption controls.
Consumable Stores – Items that are used over time and require replenishment (e.g., rations, lubricants, batteries). While they are used up gradually, they still require accountability and stock rotation.
Repairable Stores – High-value equipment that, when damaged or worn, can be repaired and reissued rather than disposed of (e.g., weapons, radios, vehicles). These items are often tracked using maintenance logs and servicing records to maximise their lifespan.
Non-Expendable Stores – Permanent assets that remain in service for extended periods (e.g., buildings, infrastructure, large-calibre weapons). These items require detailed asset management and condition assessments.

The Long-Term Use of Military Equipment

Unlike commercial organisations, where items are often replaced once they end their economic life, military assets— from clothing to high-value or technologically complex equipment—are maintained, refurbished, and upgraded to extend their service life. For example:

Small Arms: Some rifles and sidearms remain in service for decades through regular maintenance and upgrades.
Vehicles: Military transport vehicles, such as trucks and armoured vehicles, can be refurbished multiple times before decommissioning.
Aircraft and Naval Assets: Large defence assets, including ships and aircraft, are often modernised with new technology and systems rather than being replaced outright.
Uniforms and Gear: Certain clothing items and equipment are subject to phased replacement cycles, where only components are updated as needed.

The Importance of Accountability in Military Stores Accounting

Military regulations are always subservient to Government legislation and regulations, especially Treasury rules regarding the expenditure of public monies. Military stores accounting is not a single system, but a collection of specialised accounting frameworks developed to manage different commodities such as ammunition, rations, fuel, vehicles, and technical spares. As military technology has advanced, these systems have evolved parallel to meet modern armed forces’ complex logistical demands.

Accountability is central to military stores accounting, ensuring that every piece of issued equipment is tracked to guarantee:

Proper usage and maintenance,
Prevention of loss or theft,
Compliance with operational requirements,
Efficient resource allocation during deployments.

Military store personnel are responsible for maintaining detailed records, conducting audits, and ensuring strict adherence to regulations. These rigorous accounting and inventory control measures ensure that military resources remain available and serviceable when required. Beyond merely tracking financial transactions, military stores accounting is a critical function that underpins military operations’ effectiveness, security, and sustainability.

Early Developments in Stores Accounting

From 1845, Quartermaster staff managing militia stores and then Volunteer stores from 1858 followed British military procedures. The Defence Stores were formally established in 1862, predating Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gorton’s appointment as Inspector of Defence Stores in 1869. Although Gorton assumed leadership in 1869, the Defence Stores had already been functioning, supporting the colonial military effort.[2]

The 1867 Public Stores Act, implemented under Gorton’s administration, introduced structured accounting procedures.[3] The Defence Stores Department issued circulars and administrative guidelines to ensure proper accountability and management of military supplies. Gorton’s rigorous approach laid the foundation for the 1871 Public Stores Act, which regulated government-wide stores management and standardised accounting practices.[4]

Despite Gorton’s achievements in strengthening accountability, his strict enforcement and meticulous oversight drew criticism, leading to the abolition of the Stores Inspection Department in 1877.[5] However, his Defence Stores procedures remained robust, and a culture od accountability was established within Defence Stores. Thirty years later, Colonel George Macaulay Kirkpatrick of General Kitchener’s staff validated them in 1910, finding them comparable to British military standards.

Stores records were maintained by a system of indents and vouchers, with balances maintained in ledger books. The Defence Stores were required to provide annual reports of stocks on an annual basis, ensuring accountability and transparency in military logistics. These practices laid the foundation for the modern systematic inventory control and efficient stores management.

Development of the Artillery Stores (1880s Onwards)

As New Zealand expanded its Garrison Artillery and introduced new guns, equipment, and ammunition, additional accounting and management procedures became necessary. This was beyond the scope of the existing Defence Stores Department, requiring the expertise of military professionals.

In conjunction with Defence Storekeeper Captain Sam Anderson, Sergeant Major Robert George Vinning Parker, formerly of the Royal Garrison Artillery, developed a system of Artillery Stores Accounting. Parker was in charge of artillery ledgers and stores at Auckland, Wellington, and Lyttelton, ensuring the proper tracking and maintenance of artillery supplies. He continued in this role until 1889 when he was reassigned to Dunedin.[6]

Replacing Parker as the Artillery Ledger Keeper was Regimental Sergeant Major and Instructor in Gunnery Frederick Silver. Silver’s expertise in artillery logistics positioned him as a key figure in the continued refinement of artillery accounting systems. Following the death of Captain Sam Anderson in December 1899, Silver applied for the role of Ledger Keeper in the Defence Stores. Given his extensive experience and close working relationship with Anderson, Silver believed he was the ideal candidate.[7] However, due to his seniority, James O’Sullivan, the Chief Clerk of the Defence Stores, was awarded the role of Defence Storekeeper.[8]

Despite this, Silver was appointed as a temporary clerk in the Defence Stores, transitioning from the Permanent Militia on 25 June 1900. While his new role introduced additional responsibilities, Silver managed Artillery Ledgers seamlessly within the Defence Stores framework.[9]

The relationship between the Defence Stores and the Artillery was cooperative, with both functions operating as a single organisation. The Defence Stores was crucial in supporting the artillery’s logistical needs, ensuring that munitions, equipment, and essential supplies were readily available. The interconnected nature of these two functions allowed for a streamlined approach to military logistics, where artillery-specific requirements were integrated within the broader supply framework managed by the Defence Stores.

This integration led to an efficient system that balanced military necessity with stringent logistical oversight.

Organisational Reforms and the Defence Council (1906)

With the passage of the Defence Act Amendment Act 1906 on 28 October 1906, the Defence Council was established, providing the New Zealand Military Forces with a structured headquarters for the first time. The Act introduced specific staff functions, including:

Director of Artillery Services (Ordnance): Responsible for artillery armament, fixed coastal defences, and ordnance supplies.
Director of Stores: Responsible for clothing, personal equipment, accoutrements, saddlery, harnesses, small arms, ammunition, machine guns, transport, vehicles, camp equipment, and all stores required for the Defence Forces.[10]

As part of this reform, James O’Sullivan was confirmed as Director of Stores for New Zealand and appointed Quartermaster and Honorary Captain in the New Zealand Militia. Silver was designated as Assistant Defence Storekeeper, continuing to oversee Artillery Ledgers, which—despite falling under the purview of the Director of Artillery Services (Ordnance)—remained under Defence Stores control.

Despite these improvements, officers and Quartermaster staff in volunteer units were still elected annually, leading to inconsistency in stores management. Many units functioned more like social clubs than military organisations, resulting in disorganised stores accounts. This led to frequent discrepancies between supplies provided by the Crown and actual inventory.

The continued reliance on part-time and volunteer Quartermasters highlighted the need for further professionalisation of the quartermaster within the New Zealand Military, a challenge that would persist as the New Zealand Military transitioned into the modern era.

The Defence Act 1909 and the Transition to a Citizen Army

The Defence Act 1909 marked a significant transformation in New Zealand’s military organisation, laying the groundwork for a citizen-based Territorial Army and ending the Volunteer System.[11] This fundamental shift required extensive adjustments within the Defence Stores Department to support the expanding force structure.

For O’Sullivan, Silver, and the Defence Stores Department, the challenge was to continue modernising stores and logistics to meet the demands of a rapidly growing army. As the Territorial Force expanded, so did the logistical requirements, necessitating a more structured and professional approach to store management.

On 1 June 1910, Silver’s position was redesignated as Assistant Director of Military Stores, and he was appointed a Quartermaster with the rank of Honorary Lieutenant in the New Zealand Militia. His expertise and leadership played a crucial role in ensuring the Defence Stores Department could support the evolving needs of the New Zealand Military.

Guidance on the duties related to the management of stores

In 1910, Lord Kitchener, renowned as “The Empire’s foremost soldier,” visited New Zealand and thoroughly reviewed its military forces.[12] His assessment led to significant reforms within the NZ Military, including establishing the New Zealand Staff Corps (NZSC) and the New Zealand Permanent Staff (NZPS) in 1911. These changes aimed to create a professional cadre of officers (NZSC) and enlisted personnel (NZPS) capable of providing expert guidance and efficient administration to the Territorial Force units.

Lord Kitchener’s visit critically evaluated the military’s capabilities, revealing deficiencies in equipment care, maintenance, and overall responsibility. The existing Regimental Quartermaster Sergeants (RQMS) lacked the necessary skills, underscoring the need for a professional RQMS cadre.

The Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of New Zealand, which came into effect on 5 May 1911, established the command and administrative structure of the Forces.

The overall responsibility for military stores and equipment was placed under the Commandant of the Forces, with specific duties delegated to key officers and commanders at various levels.

Senior Officers Responsible for Stores and Equipment

Quartermaster General
- Managed mobilisation stores, including policies on reserves of clothing, equipment, and general stores.
- Determined scales of clothing, equipment, and stores needed for troops.
- Oversaw mobilisation arrangements for food, forage, clothing, stores, and equipment.
Director of Supplies and Transport
- Managed the supply of food, forage, fuel, and lighting.
- Responsible for Army Service Corps technical equipment.
Director of Equipment and Stores
- Oversaw clothing, equipment, and general stores.
- Managed supplies of stationery, forms, and books.
- Provided vehicles and technical equipment, except those for Artillery and Engineers.
- Supervised the storage and distribution of small arms and ammunition.
Director of Ordnance and Artillery
- Established reserve scales for arms, ammunition, and technical equipment for Artillery and Engineer units.
- Managed the provision and inspection of guns, small arms, and ammunition.
- Oversaw machine guns, Artillery and Engineer vehicles, and technical stores.
Director of Medical Services
- Provided advice on and inspected all medical equipment to ensure it met operational standards.
Director of Veterinary Services
- Provided expert advice on veterinary stores and equipment.

District and Unit Responsibilities

At a regional level, Commanders of Districts were responsible for maintaining the efficiency of forts and armaments, including all associated buildings, works, stores, and equipment. They also played a key role in ensuring financial prudence by overseeing officers responsible for spending and stores management.

At the unit level, the Commanding Officer had a broad set of responsibilities, including:

Maintaining discipline, efficiency, and proper administrative systems within the unit.
Ensuring accountability for public equipment, clothing, and stores.
Overseeing the maintenance and cleanliness of all issued arms.
Managing the proper receipt and distribution of rations and fuel.
Ensuring daily ration inspections were conducted in the presence of an officer.

Other Regimental Officers, such as Company Commanders, even those in temporary appointments, were also responsible for:

The equipment, ammunition, clothing, and stores assigned to their company.
Ensuring soldiers maintained personal cleanliness and proper care of their uniforms, arms, and accoutrements.
Supervising the quality and adequacy of rations provided to troops.

Finally, the 1911 Regulations clearly stated that any officer or individual responsible for public stores was strictly forbidden from lending any article under their charge unless expressly sanctioned by their Commanding Officer (CO). This regulation reinforced strict accountability and control over military stores, ensuring that all equipment, clothing, and supplies were used solely for authorised military purposes. [13]

To maintain proper accountability and management of military stores, Defence Stores personnel and unit Quartermasters followed detailed policies and procedures outlined in official publications, including:

Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of New Zealand
Financial Instructions and Allowances Regulations for NZ Military Forces
Regulations for Clothing and Equipment of NZ Military Forces
NZ Dress Regulations
Prices Vocabulary of Stores
NZ Mobilisation Regulations

Additional guidance was also found in operational reference materials, such as:

Field Service Regulations
Training Manuals
Field Service Pocket Books

The responsibilities established in 1911 laid the foundation for the structured management of military stores, setting a precedent for all future stores accounting procedures. These early frameworks ensured accountability, efficiency, and operational readiness, embedding core logistical principles underpinning military supply chain management today. While titles and organisational structures have evolved, the fundamental tenets of logistical oversight, resource management, and financial accountability have remained steadfast. Successive iterations of Defence Orders, regulations, and policies have refined and expanded these responsibilities, ensuring their continued relevance and adaptability to the evolving operational and strategic needs of the New Zealand Defence Force in the modern era.

Standardising Stores Management and Training

In November 1911, thirty young men from military districts attended an intensive three-week training course at the Defence Stores Department in Wellington to address this. This comprehensive training, overseen by O’Sullivan, included:

Weapon storage, inspection, maintenance, and accounting
Storage, inspection, and maintenance of leather items (e.g., saddlery and harnesses)
Storage and upkeep of canvas and fabric equipment
Packing procedures for stores
Maintenance of records and documentation

The candidates successfully passed the examinations and were appointed as RQMS under General Order 112/10. Notably, this was the first military trade-related stores course conducted in New Zealand.

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

To ensure consistency across districts, a conference of District Storekeepers was held in Wellington in August 1913. O’Sullivan noted their dedication to maintaining accountability for government property, highlighting their investment in their work.

Historically, annual military camps were managed ad hoc with inconsistent equipment scales. With the establishment of the Territorial Army, the Defence Stores Department introduced standardised camp equipment requirements in 1913.

To streamline supply chain management, temporary Ordnance Depots were established at brigade camps in 1913. Personnel received training under the Director of Equipment and Stores, and roles were assigned as follows:

Ordnance Officer: District Storekeeper Auckland (Lieutenant Beck)
Two clerks
Four issuers

Following the success of the 1913 camps, the system was expanded in 1914, with each regional storekeeper acting as an Ordnance Officer and staff numbers increasing to six clerks and twelve issuers.

Takapau Divisional Camp, 1914. Te Papa (1362454)

Strategic Assessment, Preparedness and Mobilisation

In early 1914, General Sir Ian Hamilton inspected New Zealand’s forces, assessing approximately 70% of personnel. He noted that the Territorial Force was “well-equipped and well-armed” but recommended looking to Australian models for future Ordnance development. O’Sullivan’s annual report for 1914 confirmed that the Defence Stores Department was in a strong position, with ample stocks of small arms, ammunition, clothing, and web equipment.

The 1914 mobilisation was the first test of the reorganised and reequipped New Zealand military forces since the South African War. The challenge was immense: raising, equipping, and dispatching an expeditionary force while maintaining the coastal defence garrisons and the Territorial Army for homeland security. O’Sullivan’s Defence Stores supported this effort, which, under his leadership, played a crucial role in successfully mobilising the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF).

The groundwork for the NZEF was laid in March 1914 when General Alexander Godley issued mobilisation regulations, adapted from British Army directives, to guide the formation of an expeditionary force. New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Britain in the event of war had been reinforced at the 1907 and 1911 Imperial Conferences, yet it was only in 1912 that Godley, confident in the growth of the Territorial Army, shifted focus to preparing for an overseas force.

As part of this preparation, Godley identified three likely tasks for the NZEF:

Seizure of German Pacific possessions.
Deployment to protect Egypt from a Turkish attack.
Fighting in Europe alongside British forces.

By mid-1914, New Zealand’s military reorganisation was three years into an estimated seven-year process.

Although at full operational strength, confidence in the military’s preparedness was high. Annual training camps had been completed, and unit stores had been restocked. A major stocktake was planned for August 1914—marking the first such effort in two years, as the 1913 stocktake had been postponed due to industrial strikes.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914 set off a chain of events leading to war. On 30 July, Defence Headquarters instructed District Headquarters to begin precautionary war preparations. By 1 August, partial mobilisation schemes were underway, and further instructions on the composition of the NZEF followed on 2 August.

Each military district contributed a fully equipped infantry battalion, a mounted rifle regiment, artillery, engineers, and medical subunits. These units were to be drawn from the permanent forces, Territorial Force, and reserves. District Storekeepers supported by unit Quartermasters were critical in equipping these units with stores drawn from existing regiments and regional mobilisation depots.

On 3 August, Quartermaster General (QMG) Colonel Alfred William Robin issued detailed instructions regarding individual equipment. Territorial soldiers were to report with their complete kit, while reservists would collect theirs from their regiments. Quartermaster staff were given guidance on recording the transfer of equipment in regimental ledgers.

With war declared, New Zealand’s government announced on 7 August that an Expeditionary Force of 7,000–8,000 men would be mobilised. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of volunteers rushing to enlist. Having had several days’ notice, District Headquarters swiftly implemented mobilisation plans.

Godley’s assumption that the NZEF’s first task would be the seizure of German Pacific territories was proven correct. By 11 August, the New Zealand force for German Samoa—comprising 1,413 personnel—was fully equipped by the Defence Stores and ready for deployment. Additional stores were assembled at Wellington’s wharf for embarkation. The force landed on 29 August, securing Samoa without resistance.

Meanwhile, mobilisation camps were established across New Zealand:

Auckland (Alexandra Park) – District Storekeeper Captain William Thomas Beck set up a mobilisation store, assisted by Sergeant Norman Joseph Levien.
Christchurch (Addington Park) – Captain Arthur Rumbold Carter White managed the Canterbury District mobilisation store.
Dunedin (Tahuna Park) – Captain Owen Paul McGuigan handled equipping recruits, many of whom had no prior military training.
Wellington (Awapuni Racecourse) – The Defence Stores in Wellington directly supported the mobilisation effort.

As the central hub for Defence Stores, Wellington managed the receipt and distribution of equipment nationwide. Public appeals were made for short-supply items like binoculars and compasses. On 14 August, approval was granted for each soldier to receive a second pair of boots—typically, the second pair had to be purchased at a reduced rate.

Mobilisation was not simply a matter of sending troops overseas; it also involved ensuring the ongoing reinforcement of the NZEF and maintaining the Territorial Army at home. Planning for NZEF reinforcements commenced alongside the main mobilisation effort to sustain the force in the field. It was determined that 20% reinforcements would be provided six weeks after the NZEF’s departure, with a further 5% arriving monthly thereafter.

Trentham Camp was selected as the primary training and equipping centre for reinforcement drafts, where the Camp Quartermaster Stores, under Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Thomas McCristell, played a critical role in ensuring personnel were properly outfitted before deployment. The scale of this task was immense, with store personnel working late into the night to issue uniforms and equipment to the steady stream of reinforcements. While the focus remained on sustaining the NZEF, efforts were also required to maintain the Territorial Army at home, ensuring a trained force remained available for local defence and future deployments. Mobilisation was not a single event but a continuous process that demanded careful logistical planning and execution to sustain the war effort.

Beyond issuing equipment, the Camp Quartermaster Stores also served as a training ground for new Quartermasters destined for overseas service. Selected candidates underwent instruction in key logistical functions, including clothing and equipping troops, managing camp equipment, organising ammunition supplies, and overseeing water distribution and field kitchen setup. This training ensured that reinforcements were well-equipped and supported by skilled personnel capable of sustaining operations in the field.

By September 1914, the Defence Stores had successfully equipped the NZEF. On 24 September, General Godley thanked the Defence Stores staff for their efforts, acknowledging their crucial role in the mobilisation process. However, controversy soon followed.

On 26 October, after ten days at sea, Godley sent a note to Minister of Defence Colonel James Allen, alleging irregularities in Defence Stores operations and implying that O’Sullivan and his staff might be engaging in misappropriation. Despite recognising O’Sullivan’s significant contributions, Godley recommended auditing the Defence Stores’ accounting systems. This unfounded allegation ultimately led to O’Sullivan’s resignation, overshadowing the department’s achievements in successfully mobilising and equipping both the Samoa Expeditionary Force and the NZEF.

New Zealand’s largest military deployment to date placed immense logistical demands on the Defence Stores. The department leveraged pre-war procurement contracts while employing competitive tendering to secure uniforms, equipment, and supplies. This approach facilitated rapid expansion, with Buckle Street in Wellington emerging as a key logistical hub. However, the sheer volume of supplies soon exceeded capacity, necessitating the leasing of commercial storage facilities beyond the department’s central depots in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

As military activity intensified, the establishment of the Palmerston North District Store in early 1915 significantly enhanced logistical capabilities, particularly for units stationed in the lower North Island. This expansion underscored the growing need for decentralised supply operations, improving the efficiency of equipment distribution.

The rapid wartime expansion placed immense strain on both personnel and logistics. Despite increasing responsibilities, the department received only minimal increases in permanent staff, forcing heavy reliance on temporary workers to meet operational demands.

As the war progressed, concerns over procurement methods and accounting procedures led to mounting external scrutiny. In 1915, a Commission of Inquiry was launched to examine the Defence Stores’ business practices, financial controls, and purchasing procedures. While the Commission found no evidence of misconduct, it recommended procedural improvements to enhance transparency and efficiency. In response, the government established the Ministry of Munitions, which took over procurement and supply chain management, streamlining logistical operations..

Supporting the NZEF (1915–1921)

The New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) formed its own New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) in 1915, recognising the need for a more structured military logistics system. This corps provided dedicated logistical support for the NZEF and residual units until 1921. This development was critical as the demands of modern warfare required a more organised and professional approach to supply chain management, equipment maintenance, and ordnance distribution.

Initially, the NZEF relied heavily on British supply lines and logistical structures, with Quartermasters embedded within units managing day-to-day supply requirements. However, as operations expanded and the need for self-sufficiency grew, the establishment of the NZAOC provided a more formal system of procurement, storage, distribution, and maintenance of military stores. The Centre of mass for the NZAOC within the New Zealand Division was the Assistant Director of Ordnance Stores (DADOS) and his staff, who operated in concert with regimental quartermasters, who remained responsible for issuing and maintaining personal and unit equipment at the frontline.

Quartermasters played a pivotal role in ensuring that troops were properly equipped, fed, and clothed and worked closely with the NZAOC to ensure seamless logistical support across different theatres of war, from Gallipoli to the Western Front and the Middle East.

By 1918, the NZAOC had become a critical component of the NZEF’s supply chain, with depots in the UK and the DADOS operating dumps in key operational areas. As the war concluded, the Corps played a crucial role in the demobilisation process, managing the return of surplus equipment, disposal of unserviceable stores, and redistributing serviceable assets to remaining military units and government departments.

The NZAOC continued to support New Zealand’s post-war military commitments until 1921. The lessons learned during the Great War laid the foundation for future developments in ordnance and supply management, shaping the logistics framework of the post-war army.

The role of Quartermasters and the NZAOC in supporting the NZEF between 1915 and 1921 was instrumental in ensuring that New Zealand troops remained equipped and operationally effective throughout the war. Their contributions sustained the force in combat and established enduring logistical principles that continued influencing military store management in the following decades.

Home Service Stores Accounting

On the home front, military authorities pushed for the complete militarisation of stores accounting, aiming to align New Zealand’s system with British Army Ordnance practices. This led to a significant leadership change in 1916, with Major Thomas McCristell replacing James O’Sullivan as Director of Equipment and Stores. Under McCristell’s leadership, the department underwent a comprehensive reorganisation, transitioning into a formal military structure.

By 1 February 1917, the home service New Zealand Army Ordnance Department (NZAOD) and NZAOC were officially established, replacing the Defence Stores Department. This milestone ended 48 years of civilian-led military logistics, marking a shift towards a fully integrated, military-controlled Ordnance service.

Concurrent with the establishment of the Home Service NZAOC, formal Ordnance Procedures were published, and the Regulations for the Equipment of the New Zealand Military were updated. These replaced all previous instructions and formed the foundation for New Zealand’s modern military logistics system.

Conclusion: Towards a Modern Military Stores Accounting System

The period from 1845 to 1918 laid the foundational principles of New Zealand Army stores accounting, evolving from ad hoc militia supply practices to a structured, professional system aligned with British military standards. Early efforts, such as the 1867 Public Stores Act and the establishment of the Defence Stores Department, introduced much-needed oversight and accountability, ensuring military forces were adequately equipped for colonial conflicts and later global engagements.

The early 20th century saw increasing refinement in stores management, with greater formalisation under the Defence Act 1909, the creation of a structured supply organisation, and the introduction of rigorous accounting and inventory control measures. The mobilisation for World War I tested these systems on an unprecedented scale, demonstrating their strengths and the need for further development. The establishment of the NZEF NZAOC in 1915 and the home service New Zealand Army Ordnance Department and Corps in 1917 signified a pivotal transformation, shifting military logistics from civilian oversight to a dedicated military-run system. The experiences of World War I reinforced the importance of accurate, efficient, and adaptable stores accounting systems, setting the stage for continued evolution in the interwar and post-World War II periods. The next part of this study, New Zealand Army Stores Accounting: 1919–1945, will examine how the lessons learned from wartime operations influenced peacetime logistics, the modernisation of accounting frameworks, and the growing role of technology and centralised control in military supply chain management.

Notes

[1] Australian Defence Force, “Logistics Series – Supply,” Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 4.3 (2004): 1.1-1.16.

[2] “Colonial Defence Force Act 1862,” ed. General Assembly of New Zealand (1, Wellington, 1862). http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/cdfa186226v1862n32291/.

[3] General Assembly of New Zealand, “The Public Stores Act 1867,” (1867), http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_bill/psb1867831178.pdf.

[4]“The Public Stores Act 1871,” ed. General Assembly of New Zealand (Wellington, 1871).;”Lieut-Colonel Edward Gorton,” New Zealand Gazette, Issue 1, 26 January 1872, 619.

[5] “Reductions,” Thames Advertiser, Volume XI, Issue 2938, 30 May 1878, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THA18780530.2.10.; “The Government Brander,” Saturday Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 130 (Wellington), 5 January 1878, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SATADV18780105.2.13.

[6] Archives New Zealand, “Robert George Vining Parker,” Personal File, Record no R23513898 (Wellington) 1885-1925, https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE18683088.

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

[8] “Defence Storekeeper Appointed,” New Zealand Gazette No 98 p. 2154., 29 November 1900, 4.

[9] Archives New Zealand, “Frederick Silver.”

[10] “Defence Act Amendment Act 1906 (6 EDW VII 1906 No 41),” 1906, accessed 30 December 2021, http://www.nzlii.org/nz/legis/hist_act/daaa19066ev1906n41250/.

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

[12] Paul William Gladstone Ian McGibbon, The Oxford companion to New Zealand Military History (Auckland; Melbourne; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000, 2000), 369.

[13] “Regulations (Provisional) for the Military Forces of New Zealand “, New Zealand Gazette 5 May 1911.;

The RNZAOC Icon: A Symbol of Heritage and Functionality

Leave a comment Robert McKie

The RNZAOC Icon, a proud symbol of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC), encapsulates the Corps’s heritage and functionality in a single design. Designed by Major T.D. McBeth (DOS 83-86) in 1971 at the direction of the sitting DOS Lieutenant Colonel GJH Atkinson (DOS 68-72), the cover design cleverly combined various aspects of the RNZAOC and was initially utilised as the cover design for the RNZAOC Newsletter the ‘Pataka’ and on unit plaques.

Description of the design

The design cleverly and meaningfully combines various elements that define the RNZAOC. Its foundation is the NATO map symbol for an ordnance unit, a stylised shield placed over two crossed swords, symbolising the core mission of the Corps: providing logistical and ordnance support to the New Zealand Army.

Design Colour

The icon incorporates the traditional ordnance colours of red, blue, and red, reflecting a heritage that dates back to the Board of Ordnance (1400s to 1855) and its historical connections with the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. In the New Zealand context, these red and blue colours were prominently used on the Corps’ flag, tactical patches and signs, stable belts, and other insignia.

Symbolic Quadrants: A Visual Narrative

At the centre of the shield lies the RNZAOC badge, a symbol representing the history and legacy of the RNZAOC. This badge is related to the Colonial Storekeeper and subsequent organisations responsible for managing the New Zealand Army’s stores since 1840. It also signifies the alliance of the RNZAOC with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) and its broader family membership of the Commonwealth Ordnance Corps family.

The RNZAOC badge is surrounded by four distinct quadrants, each representing a unique aspect of the Corps.

Top quadrant

The top quadrant of the icon features a Traditional Māori Pātaka storehouse, an elevated structure historically used by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, to store food, tools, weapons, and other valuables. These intricately designed buildings were central to Māori culture, serving practical and symbolic purposes.

The Maori Pataka is a small elevated outdoor house used for storing food or provisions. Most were not carved. Carved Pataka were only used to store precious treasures such as greenstone, jewellery, weapons, and cloaks. The more elaborate the carvings, the more important the person whose possessions were stored within. *Photo Credit: https://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/photos/towns/queenstown/nz2481.shtml*

In the context of the RNZAOC Icon, the Pātaka symbolises the Corps’ heritage and emphasises the essential role of sustainment storage and resource management. The Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) managed this function from 1910 until 1979, when responsibility for supply tasks such as rations and fuel was transferred to the RNZAOC.

Right quadrant

The right quadrant depicts a contemporary warehouse, symbolising the RNZAOC’s evolution into a modern organisation. This element reflects the Corps’ adoption of advanced infrastructure and practices to manage military supplies efficiently, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the demands of contemporary logistics.

The RNZAOC Award-winning warehouse at TGrentham was constructed for $1.6 million in 1988. In addition to the high-rise pallet racking for bulk stores, a vertical storage carousel capable of holding 12,000 detail items was installed later.

Bottom quadrant

The bottom quadrant features an RL Bedford truck, which was upgraded to the Unimog in 1984. This familiar workhorse of the New Zealand Army symbolises the Corps’ field operations. It highlights the vital role of the RNZAOC in efficiently ensuring that resources reach the front lines.

Left quadrant

The Left quadrant features the ‘Flaming A’ of the Ammunition Trade, representing the critical role of the Corps in handling, storing and supplying munitions, a responsibility that demands precision, expertise and dedication.

New Zealand Ammo Tech ‘Flamming A” Insignia with fern fonds adopted in 1988 to provide a unique New Zeland flavour to the insignia.

Central bar

The blue central bar of the icon is styled like a spanner, symbolising the RNZAOCs links as the parent Corps of the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RNZEME) and modern technical functions, including RNZAOC Workshops Stores Sections located within RNZEME Workshops, Tailors Shops, and Textile Repair Sections.

Variations of the Icon

Over the years, the RNZAOC Icon evolved. In 1984, the image of the RL Bedford truck was updated to feature the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, which replaced the RL Bedford after its retirement in 1989, following 31 years of service.

The Icon was also adopted as the base design for unit plaques, with some units placing the RNZAOC Crest above the Icon and substituting it in the centre of the icon with a symbol relevant to their specific unit.

A Long-term Legacy

The RNZAOC icon is a visual homage to the Corps’ diverse contributions and rich legacy. Blending traditional, modern, and operational elements highlights the RNZAOC’s steadfast dedication to supporting New Zealand’s defence capabilities. This emblem connects the past, present, and future, symbolising identity and pride for those who have served in the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. As the icon of the ‘To the Warriors Their Arms’ website, it pays tribute to the RNZAOC and all the antecedent corps that now form part of the RNZALR, ensuring their memory and significance remain relevant.

Transition and Transformation: RNZAOC in 1972

3 Comments Robert McKie

In the historical tapestry of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC), 1972 is a pivotal year, marking twenty-two years since New Zealand’s initial involvement in combat operations in South Korea. The nation continued actively participating in conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation, and the South Vietnam War. Throughout this period, New Zealand maintained a robust part-time territorial army sustained by Compulsory Military Training, all aimed at creating a versatile, all-arms Combat Brigade Group.

However, 1972 marked a turning point. It witnessed the conclusion of Compulsory Military Training, resulting in a reduction in the Territorial Force and its transformation into a volunteer force. Concurrently, with the conclusion of New Zealand’s commitment to the Vietnam War, the country entered a phase marked by individual engagements in United Nations Peacekeeping operations, a eighty-day mission to Rhodesia, the establishment of a permanent peace monitoring force in the Sinai, and participation in exercises both in New Zealand and overseas. This era ushered in a period of peace for the New Zealand Army, with nearly two decades passing before the RNZAOC would deploy a unit into a combat environment once again.

As 1972 concluded and the New Zealand Army and the RNZAOC entered this new era, they did so with a cadre of well-trained and experienced warrant and non-commissioned officers. This article will delve into the RNZAOC Regular Officer Cadre of 1972, as documented in the New Zealand Army Graduation List Regular Officer of 31 Oct 1972.

The RNZAOC of 1972 consisted of around 350 Regular and Territorial Officers and Other Ranks, including Storeman Clerks, Ammunition Technicians, Auto Parts, Footwear Repairers, Motor Trimmers, Tailors, and Clerks across numerous units, including.

Main Ordnance Depot, Trentham
RNZAOC School, Trentham
1 Central Ordnance Depot, Hopuhopu
2 Central Ordnance Depot, Linton
3 Central Ordnance Depot, Burnham
1 Composite Ordnance Depot, Mangaroa
5 Advanced Ordnance Depot, Singapore
Workshops Stores Section in RNZEME Workshops’
As Staff in various Headquarters

At this stage, female soldiers belonged to the New Zealand Woman’s Royal Army Corps (NZWRAC), with many posted to RNZAOC units as integral members of those units.

The Graduation List Regular Officer is divided into three Parts.

Part 1 – Regular Officers
Part 2 – Regular Quartermaster Officers
Part 3 – Supernumerary List

Part 1 – RNZAOC Regular Officers

Lieutenant Colonels

Clifford Leaman Sanderson, psc
Geoffrey John Hayes Atkinson, MBE, M Inst PS

Majors

John Barrie Glasson, (T/Lt-Col 1 Jan 71)
Malcolm John Ross, psc (T/Lt-Col 20 Oct 72)

Captains

Arthur John Campbell, ANZIM, psc (T/Maj 1 Aug 68)
Piers Martin Reid, (T/Maj 1 Feb 69)
Michael Dawney Hunt, ANZIM (T/Maj 1 Feb 69)
Terence David McBeth, (T/Maj 1 Nov 69)
Ian Geoffrey Ross
Ronald Leslie Cross, psc (T/Maj 21 Jun 70)
Gary Malcolm Corkin
John Andrew Henderson
John Robert Hicks
David John Rees
Michael Joseph Cooper
Terence John Verrall

Lieutenants

Maxwell Frederick Newnham, (T/Capt 7 Mar 70)
Patrick Te Tahuri Puohotaua
Michael Alexender Cowan
John Francis Hyde, (T/Capt 1 Apr 71)
Kevin John Dreyer, (T/Capt 22 Jun 72)
Paul Edwin Dangerfield
Keith David Hansen
Mark David Stuart, BA (mil)
Peter Martin O’Brien
Grant William Blackburn

Second Lieutenants

Noel Anthony Hitchings
Allan Charles Lash

Part 2 – RNZAOC Quartermaster List

Captains and Quartermasters

William Maxwell Campbell, (T/Maj & QM 1 Aug 68)
Patrick George Burns, (T/Maj & QM 25 Apr 69)
David Ralph Hughes, T/Maj & QM 3 Jun 70)
Keith Alexander Watson
Ian Roy Larsen
Alan Paul Bezar

Lieutenants and Quartermasters

Donald Winter Stewart, (T/Capt & QM 22 Feb 71)
Hector Searle McLachlan, (T/Capt & QM 1 May 71)
Godfrey Edward Lee, (T/Capt & am 5 Apr 71)
Stewart McDonald Fussell, (T/Capt & QM 5 Apr 71)
John Edward Hancox, (T/Capt & QM 1 Jul 70)
Edward Vennell Sweet, (T/Capt & QM 11 Aug 71)
Alfred Stephenson Day, (T/Capt & QM 3 Sep 71)
James William Twist

Part 3 – RNZAOC Supernumerary List

Majors

Ronald George Henderson Golightly

Captains

Carleton Robert Duggan, (T/Maj & QM 14 Sep 68)
George Edward Butler, (QM) (T/Maj & QM 4 Aug 69)

Statistics on the RNZAOC 1972 Officers List

Duntroon Graduates- 1
Portsea Graduates -10
RF Cadets – 2
Served in other Corps before joining RNZAOC – 7

Operational Service

WW2 – 4
J Force – 2
K Force – 2
Malaya – 6
Vietnam – 15

Service and Age

1972 Average age – 36 years
Average age on leaving RNZAOC – 44 years.
Over 20 years of RNZAOC Service – 27
Cumulative amount of RNZAOC Service – 880 Years
Shortest Service in RNZAOC – 2 Years
Longest Service in RNZAOC – 36 Years
Average length of NZ Army Service – 62 Years
Average length of RNZAOC Service – 59 Years

Appointments

Chief of General Staff- 1
Director of Ordnance Services – 7
Chief Instructor RNZAO School – 8
Chief Ammunition Technical Officer – 3
Colonel-Commandant – 2

In 1972, the RNZAOC entered a transformative period, marked by changes in training, force structure, and the cessation of its involvement in the Vietnam War. The graduation list reflects a diverse group of officers, well-versed in various aspects of military service. As the RNZAOC transitioned into a new era characterised by peacekeeping missions and operational diversification, the officers of 1972 carried with them a wealth of experience and training, setting the stage for the Corps’ future endeavours. The statistical overview provides insights into the officers’ backgrounds, service history, and appointments, highlighting the depth of expertise within the RNZAOC during this pivotal time.

Bryan Nelson Jennings Memorial Trophy

Leave a comment Robert McKie

The Bryan Nelson Jennings Memorial Trophy would, for a short period in the 1990s, be a coveted trophy awarded to the most outstanding Automotive Parts and Accessories Merchandising Apprentice of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps(RNZAOC).

Apprenticeships for the Automotive Parts and Accessories Merchandising Trade (AP Trade) had been established in 1965 to provide the RNZAOC with skilled tradespeople for employment in RNZAOC Workshops Stores Sections that had been established as part of Royal New Zealand Electrical Mechanical and Electrical Engineers(RNZEME) Workshops and Light Aid Detachments in 1962.

The role of RNZAOC Stores Sections was to carry and manage the specialised holdings of spares, assemblies & workshop materials (Class 9 stores) of their parent workshops.

Administered by the New Zealand Trade Certification Board (now the New Zealand Qualifications Authority), the Automotive Parts and Accessories Merchandising apprentice training scheme consisted of 9000 working hours of study and on the job training with three Trade Board examinations required to gain the trade qualification.

Initially, apprentices would begin their training as 16-year-old Regular Force Cadets (RF Cadets), who, on graduation, would complete their apprentice training at the Main Ordnance Depot, MT Spares Section at Trentham Camp. However, during the 1970s, RNZAOC direct entry recruits were also accepted as apprentices.

Further progression in the AP trade was achieved by qualified apprentices undertaking the New Zealand Management Certificate in Automotive Parts & Accessories Merchandising. the first two Certificate level qualifications were awarded in 1988 To;

Sergeant M Wilson (0001)
Sergeant S O’Brien (0002)

The final AP Trade Apprentice would be recruited in 1996, following which the apprentice scheme would cease as the foundation for the AP Trade.

Warrant Officer Class One Bryan Nelson Jennings

Bryan was born in Wellington in 1926. Too young to see active service in WW2, Bryan served with the Melrose Battalion, Wellington South Home Guard unit from 1 April 1943 to 1 April 1944, attaining the rank of Corporal.

Volunteering for service with ‘J ‘ Force, the New Zealand component of the British Occupation Forces (BCOF) in Japan, Bryana would be posted to 4 New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot (later renamed to 4 NZ Ordnance Field Park) in August 1946. Completing his engagement, Bryan would return to New Zealand on 14 September 1947. Following a short period posted to the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham as part of the post-war Interim Army, Bryan was soon discharged and returned to civilian life.

Enlisting into the Regular Forces RNZAXCO on1 April 1948, Bryan undertook a short period of refresher training at the Army School of Instruction at Trentham before being posted to the Main Ordnance Depot as a storeman in the Technical Spares Group and later in the Tyre Store.

Temporarily posted to 10 Coastal Regiment RNZA at Fort Dorset, Bryan, like many of his contemporaries, would be employed on the wharves during the 1951 Waterfront Workers strike.

Promoted to Temporary Sergeant on 25 November 1953, Bryan would be promoted Staff Sergeant on 13 October 1958. Poste to 1 Composite Ordnance Company n loan back in 1964, Bryan would remain at the Main Ordnance Depot.

Posted to 1 General Troops Workshops, Stores Section, Linton Camp as a Warrant Officer Class Two in 1965, Bryan would soon find himself loaned back to the Central Districts Motor Transport Workshops at Trentham.

Seconded to the New Zealand Cadre (Fiji) of the Fijian Military Forces in 1968 as a Temporary Warrant Officer Class One in 1968, Bryan would spend the next two years assisting in the training and development of the Fiji Military Forces.

Returning to New Zealand in January 1971, Bryan was posted to 1 Base Workshops, Trentham and promoted to Warrant Officer Class One. Bryan would remain at 1 Base Workshops and the IC Stores section until his release from the army on n 21 April 1981.

During Bryans more than thirty-two years of service, he was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal on 25 March 1965, followed by the Meritorious Service Medal on19 April 1978.

Following his retirement, Bryan would remain in Upper Hurt. Staying engaged with the community, Bryan was an active member of the Lions organisation and a member of the School Board of the Heretaunga College.

Bryan passed away on 9 August 1989 at Upper Hurt after a long illness.

In his memory, The Bryan Nelson Jennings memorial trophy was instituted in 1991. Although not an AP Trade Apprentice himself, Bryan was a mentor to many apprentices and was described as a legend in the trade.

The object of the award was to provide a tangible mark of achievement and was intended to encourage junior soldiers of the AP trade to reach and maintain a high standard of professional competence and personnel integrity.

Nominations for the award were graded against the following attributes:

Basic Soldier Skills
Loyalty
Sportsmanship
Enthusiasm
Dress, bearing and personnel appearance
Trade Skills

Personnel eligible for consideration for the trophy were to meet the following requirements

Not be above the rank of Substantive Lance Corporal
Must have attended either 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd qualifying examinations in the past 12 Months
Must still be serving their apprenticeship.

The Trophy now resides at the Trade Training School of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.

National Service Reminiscences

Leave a comment Robert McKie

Military conscription in New Zealand was first introduced in 1910 to build and maintain a credible force that would allow New Zealand to play its part in defence of the British Empire. Initially intended to feed the Territorial Army, conscription was extended in 1916 to allow men to be conscripted directly into the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF). Conscription would be suspended during the lean post-Bellum years and re-established in 1940 as a wartime measure to satisfy New Zealand’s wartime personnel commitments.

New Zealand’s 1945 post-war commitments required the raising and mounting of a Division for service in the Middle East. The only way the personnel requirements for a Division could be met would be through conscription. A referendum was conducted in1949, resulting in a yes for Compulsory Military Training (CMT), which would commence in 1950.

The CMT scheme would train 63033 men up to 1958 when the Labour Government ceased CMT. In 1961 the National Government introduced a new National Service Act, which would require all males to register with the Labour Department on or before their 20^th birthday. Following registration, ballots would be conducted to select individuals to undertake military training.

Training would consist of three months of initial full-time training, during which the men would be given the choice of three weeks part-time training in a Territorial unit for three years or one year’s service in a Regular Force unit. The National Service Scheme would last until 1972, when it was discontinued due to a changing social and economic environment.

Since 1972 there has been no Military conscription in New Zealand. Since 1972 there have been many calls for the re-introduction of Military conscription to instill a sense of citizenship and discipline to reduce unemployment and youth crime. However, no major political party has made any significant policy statements on the re-introduction of military conscription.

The following are the remanences of John Mudgway, who at the age of 19, was selected by Ballot to undertake National Service as part of the first intake in 1961.

My Military Career by John Mudgway

When the National Government brought back military service in 1961 it was named National Service. We had to register with the Labour Department and the Golden Kiwi lottery marbles were used to draw certain birth dates. The “winners” of these birth dates were ordered into Waiouru Military Camp for 7 weeks basic training and were then posted to a Territorial Unit to complete their 3-year term. This was done in 3 annual camps, plus local parades. They then went to reserves for a further three years.

There was an option offered to us – which was we could serve one-year regular force and then be put on reserve for a further 3 years. I chose the latter.

Waiouru Camp
10 May 1962 – 27 June 1962

I was posted to Waiouru Military Camp and arrived on 9th May 1962, along with 549 other young lads.

Above left – Recruits leaving the train at Waiouru Camp rail siding before entering the camp to begin 14 weeks
training, at the end of which they will be posted to “Territorial Force Units.”
Right – Recruits E L McFeran (left) and R A Shaw sorting out equipment, clothing and bedding in their barrack
room.

I did seven weeks basic training – learning the military way of life, marching, shooting, and cleaning boots and weapons etc. One lasting memory I have is of being told that – in the event of an atomic blast, lay on the ground, cover myself with my greatcoat, have no skin exposed – and I would survive!

John Mudgway (Hastings), Ned Kinita (Waipukurau)
and Robyn Gunderson (Dannevirke).

Trentham Military Camp
28 June 1962 – 9 May 1963

When I arrived in camp, RSM Ordnance Schools, School Sergeant Major Alfred Wesseldine, decided they would not run the school for just me, so I was posted direct to MT Spares for the duration of my service.

Myself (Pte John Mudgway) (on left) and Dennis Leslie Goldfinch (who retired as a WO1). We are facing the main building of MT Spares in the MOD Compound. August 1962. Behind us in part of the wavy roof building, was the Uniform Store and smoko room.
On our left is a large, grassed area that was covered in 25 pounder artillery pieces that were being cut up for scrap by a private contractor. Further to the left was the Tyre Store that “Goldie” was in charge of.

Below is the two of us in 2012 (50 years later)

During my service in RNZAOC I participated in several events.

I was part of a Guard of Honour for the Chief of the Imperial General Staff at Wellington Airport when he flew in.
I was also in a Guard of Honour for the NZ Chief of Staff at Wellington Airport when he flew in.

I was part of the street lining contingent that paraded on the streets of Wellington City for the Queen when she visited in February 11 & 12 1964. (I saw her 23 times). We drove the streets of Wellington in 2 RL Bedfords, to places in streets she was to move through, detrucked and stood at attention on the road-sides while she passed, back to the trucks and on to our next destination. She must have thought there were a lot of handsome young lads in our army.

Escorted a prisoner the Ardmore Prison, by overnight train in 1964. I was the junior escort.

I was dragged out of the barracks at 2am one morning and trucked over to Mangaroa, Whitemans Valley Tent Loft to drag tents from a burnt-out building.

One of my jobs during my service was to sit out between two of the stores buildings and empty the brass fire extinguishers that had been returned to us from all the other stores round the country. These extinguishers were filled with carbon-tetrachloride and after spraying the contents into buckets for several days we were quite “high” ourselves. I presume the brass containers went for scrap.

During my time in M T Spares I worked with Staff Sgt Kevin Anderson, Goldie of course, and Pte’s Vic Fletcher and Tammy Tamihana. Our Stores Officer was Geoff Atkinson first, then latterly Captain R G H Golightly. Our C S M was WO 1 Maurie Bull. We also had some civilian workers in our stores, one of whom was retired Sgt Bert Royal. Also there were a group of prisoners from Waitako Prison that used to come and do the “dirty jobs” that we didn’t have to do.

I also did a couple of Camp Patrols in the MOD Compound. We had to patrol the compound several times during the night and were supposed to sleep in the Gate House.

Not a bad years work for a 19/20 year old Hastings lad.

581769 Private Mudgway J W.

RNZAOC 1 April 1955 to 31 March 1956

2 Comments Robert McKie

This period would see the RNZAOC undertake a range of routine activities whilst continuing to support Regular, Territorial and Compulsory Military Training. [1]

Key Appointments

Director of Ordnance Services

Lieutenant Colonel F Reid, OBE

Compulsory Military Training

During this period three CMT intakes marched in;[2]

17^th intake of 2800^av recruits on 23 June 1955
18^th intake of 2475^av recruits on 15 September 1955
19^th intake of 2475^av recruits on 5 January 1955

Territorial Force Annual Camps

Technical Stores Sectionsd of the Divisional Ordnance Park would exerces on the following dates;

11 – 30 January 1956
25 January – 13 February 1956

Reorganisation of Territorial Force Units

With effect, the ORBAT Amendment of 28 June 1955, the RNZAOC Ordnance Field Park Platoons were reorganised into the 1(NZ) Division Ordnance Field Park, Organised as;[3]

Headquarters (Not Raised in Peace)
MT Stores Platoon, Lower Hutt, plus MT Stores Platoon of Independent Brigade OFP
Tech Stores Platoon, Christchurch, Plus Tech Stores Platoon of Independent Brigade OFP.
General Stores Platoon, Hopuhopu, Plus General Stores Platoon of Independent Brigade OFP.

Emergency Force (Kayforce)

The RNZAOC continued to support Kayforce with the dispatch of regular consignments of Maintenance stores and with all requests for stores by Kayforce met.

Out of Kayforce

Corporal Abraham Barbara, 2 May 1955
Gunner John Neil Campbell, 21 June 1955
Sergeant Joseph James Enright Cates, 9 December 1955
Temporary Warrant Officer Class Two Philip Hayhurst Kirkman, 2 June 1955
Warrant Officer Class Two Barry Stewart, 13 May 1955
Corporal Edward Tanguru, 21 June 1955

Small Arms Ammunition

The Manufacture of Small-Arms Ammunition by the Colonial Ammunitions Company at their Mount Eden Factory continued with delivered of first-class ammunitions being well maintained. [4]

Introduction of New Equipment

As new equipment was introduced, the RNZAOC would play an essential role in the acceptance processes. Upon delivery from the supplier, the equipment, accessories, and spares would be received into an RNZAOC Depot. The equipment would be inspected and kitted out with all its accessories before distribution to units. Several examples may have been retained in RNZAOC Depots as War Reserve/Repair and Maintenance Stock depending on the equipment. Maintenance stocks of accessories and spares were maintained as operating stock in RNZAOC depots. If the new equipment contained a weapon system, ammunition specific to the equipment was managed by RNZAOC Ammunition Depots.

During this period, the following equipment was introduced into service;[5]

Six 5.5in Guns
Three Scout Cars
Fifty-five Field Wireless sets
Fourteen cars
Thirty-seven commercial type trucks

Equipment Disposal

The following items were disposed of through the Government Stores Board.

534 Trucks
268 Motorcycles

Ammunition Disposal

With large stocks of ammunition left over for the Second World War, disposal of Unserviceable and surplus stock was authorised in 1955. Small quantities would be routinely disposed of at individual depots with a significant effort put into place to dispose of 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft ammunition and Various types of Anti-Tank Rounds.

3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft Ammunition

Since the end of the war 17000 rounds of 3.7-inch anti-aircraft ammunition had been stored in unsuitable conditions at Kuku Valley becoming unstable and dangerous with the decision made in 1955 to destroy these stocks.

After many years of poor storage, many storage containers had deteriorated to a stage that increased the risk of explosion during transport. To facilitate the transportation of the unstable ammunition from Kuku Valley to the Demolition Range, a modified armoured truck and trailer was constructed the EME Workshops at Trentham to move the condemned shells for destruction.

Twenty shells would be transported unloaded at the demolition range and in batches of four destroyed by explosion. Destruction of the stockpile began in June 1955 and completed in December 1957.[6]

Examination of deteriorated shell at Trentham, Upper Hutt. National Library of New Zealand Ref: EP/1955/1792-F

Army vehicles at Trentham, Upper Hutt. Ref: EP/1955/1793-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23078184

Valentine Tank at Trentham, stacks of Ammunition can be seen in the background. NZ National Library Ref EP/1955/1794-F

Anti-Tank Ammunition

In addition to Ammunition disposal at Trentham, The Army still held more than One and a Half Million rounds of various Anti-Tank Ammunition types. As this ammunition was surplus to requirement and belonging to obsolete weapon types, a profit-sharing contract was arranged with the Colonial Ammunition Company (CAC) to dispose of these rounds. Under the terms of the agreement, the CAC would break down and salvage recyclable materials form the wartime stocks of Anti-Tank ammunition, with the army receiving a share of the funds raised by the sale of the salvageable material.

Ammunition Examiners

During this period the following Ammunition Examiners were authorised to carry out routine inspections of ammunition and allocated Ammunition Examiner Serial Numbers.

Central Military District,
- Lance Corporal G.C Gilbert, Ammunition Examiner Serial No 92.

Honours and Awards

Meritorious Service Medal

31004 Warrant Officer Class One William Galloway, 10 November 1955

Long Service and Good Conduct

31234 Warrant Officer Class One Athol Gilroy McCurdy, 12 April 1956

Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Officers of the RNZAOC

Regular Force

Captain and Quartermaster K. A. Bailey, MM, to be Major and Quartermaster. Dated 2 May 1955.[7]
Captain (temp. Major) K. G. K. Cropp, E.D., to be Major. Dated 26 May 1955.[8]
Lieutenant G. W. Peters is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, The Royal N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps, with the rank of Lieutenant. Dated 18 June 1955.[9]
Captain (temp. Major) D. E. A. Roderick to be Major. Dated 27 May 1955. [10]
Captain E. W. Whitacre to be Major. Dated 30 May 1955. [11]
Captain 0, H. Burn to be Major. Dated 1 June 1955. [12]
Captain (temp. Major) C. A. Penny to be Major. Dated 30 May 1955.[13]
Captain H. S. Sandford to be Major. Dated 17 June 1955.[14]
Captain (temp. Major) H. J. Mockridge is posted to the Retired List with the rank of Major. Dated 22 September 1955.[15]
Lieutenant H. G. Rees is posted to the Retired· List with the ·rank of Captain. Dated 9 October 1955.[16]
Captain and Quartermaster G. G. W. Blandford is posted to the Retired List. ·Dated 1 November 1955.[17]
31617 W.O. I Ray Henry Colwill to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Dated 9 January 1956.[18]
31253 WO II William John McCluggage to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Dated 9 January 1956.[19]
32171 Staff Sergeant George Witherman McCullough to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Dated 9 January 1956.[20]
31244 WO I William John Stanley Tavendale to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Dated 9 January 1956.[21]

Regular Force (Supernumerary List)

Captain (Temp. Major) · S. A. Knight is posted ‘to the· Retired List, with Lieutenant Colonel’s rank. Dated 16 February 1956.[22] [23]
Captain and Quartermaster N. C. Fisher is posted to the Retired List, with Major and Quartermaster’s rank, dated 14 March 1956.[24]

Territorial Force

Captain T.H. Beauchamp, from the Reserve of Officers, General List, The Royal N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps, to be Captain with seniority from 23 August 1954, and is appointed Officer Commanding, 1st Armoured Regiment, Light Aid Detachment, RNZEME Dated 1 July 1955.[25]

Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and men of the RNZAOC

31383 Sergeant Hector Searle McLachlan, promoted to Staff Sergeant, 1 April 1955.

Notes

[1] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1954 to 31 March 1955 “, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1955).

[2] Peter Cooke, Fit to Fight. Compulsory Military Training and National Service in New Zealand 1949-72 (Auckland: David Ling Publishing, 2013), 539.

[3] “Organisation and Administration: Units – Territorial: Formation and Organisation – 1 Divisional Officer[?] Rnzaoc [Royal New Zealand Army Ordinance Corps] M/T {Motor Transport] Stores Platoon (Lower Hutt),” Archives New Zealand Item No R22496443 (1950-55).

[4] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1955 to 31 March 1956,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1956).

[5] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1954 to 31 March 1955 “.

[6] Howard Weddell, Trentham Camp and Upper Hutt’s Untold Military History (Howard Weddell, 2018), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 187-88.

[7] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 41, 23 June 1955.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

[13] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 43, 7 July 1955.

[14] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 45, 14 July 1955.

[15] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 60, 22 September 1955.

[16] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 69, 10 November 1955.

[17] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 3, 19 January 1955.

[18] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 10, 23 February 1956.

[19] Ibid.

[20] Ibid.

[21] Ibid.

[22] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 13, 8 March 1956.

[23] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 34, 14 June 1956.

[24] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 23, 12 April 1956; “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 29, 17 May 1956.

[25] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 48, 28 July 1955.

NZOC Light Aid Detachments, 1939-44

Leave a comment Robert McKie

In the period between the world wars, Britain analysed the lessons of the Great War and, looking forward, realised that the next war was not to be one of attrition-based warfare but a war of speed, mobility and surprise utilising modern technologies such as armoured vehicles, motorised transport and communications. By 1939 the British Army had transformed from the horse-drawn army of the previous war into a modern motorised force fielding more vehicles than their potential opponents, the Germans. Britain’s modernisation was comprehensive with new weapons and equipment and robust and up-to-date doctrine, providing the foundation for the employment of the army. The modernisation of the British Army included Logistical services, with both the Army Service Corps and the Army Ordnance Corps on the path to becoming doctrinally prepared, equipped and organised for the upcoming conflict. New Zealand took Britain’s lead and, from the mid-1930s, began reorganising and reequipping New Zealand’s Military in tune with emerging British doctrine. New Zealand’s entry into the war in September 1939 initiated a massive transformation of New Zealand’s Ordnance Services with new units raised and personnel recruited to support New Zealand’s forces at home and overseas. In addition to Ordnance Deports and Workshops, the most numerous Ordnance unit was the Light Aid Detachments (LAD). Providing first-line repair to formations and Units, LADs provided the backbone of New Zealand repair and maintenance services keeping the critical material of war operational in often extreme conditions. This article provides background on the role and function of the LAD in overseas and home defence roles between 1939 and 1945.

Throughout the interwar years, the British Military establishment analysed the lessons of the previous war and interpreted contemporary developments. Updating doctrine throughout the 1930s, the British Military progressively transformed into a mechanised force armed with some of the era’s most advanced weapons and equipment. The tactical bible of British Commonwealth armies, the Field Service Regulations (FSR), was updated with at least four editions issued, proving that the British Army was willing to learn from the mistakes learned in the previous war.[1] Concurrent to the tactical doctrine of the FSR Anticipating, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) spent the 1930s creating the infrastructure and doctrine to support the mechanisation of the British Army by creating essential relationships with the British motor industry that smoothed the path to mobilisation.[2] In addition to the doctrine published in the FSRs, the wartime doctrine for the operation of British and Commonwealth Ordnance Services was detailed in the Ordnance Manual (War) 1939.

Authorised for use from 13 September 1939, the Ordnance Manual (War) 1939 was intended to “Guide all concerned and particularly to assist, at the beginning of a campaign, those who have no previous war experience of the duties that they are called upon to undertake.”[3] The Ordnance Manual (War) 1939 detailed all the responsibilities that were expected of the British and Commonwealth Ordnance Services, with the repair and maintenance responsibilities as follows;[4]

8. The organisation for carrying out, in the field, repairs (including replacement of component and complete assemblies) to units’ equipment (other than ammunition) consists of:-
(a) Light aid detachments, which are attached to certain units and formations to advise and assist them with their

“first line” repair and recovery duties.
(b) Mobile workshop units, equipped with machinery, breakdown and store lorries, which are allotted to certain

formations for carrying out “second line” repairs and recovery.
(c) Stationary base ordnance workshops, which are established on a semi-permanent basis at, or adjacent to, the

base ordnance depot or depots.
(d) Ordnance field parks from which replacement of components and complete assemblies can be effected. These

ordnance field parks also hold a proportion of replacement vehicles.

The Ordnance Manual (War) 1939 then details the role of the Light Aid Detachment:

2. In order to assist units with their first line repair and recovery work, and to provide- expert diagnosis and technical experience, light aid detachments are permanently attached to certain formations and units, for example:
• Artillery regiments.
• Cavalry regiments and Tank battalions, Royal Armoured Corps.
• Infantry brigades.
• Machine-gun battalions.
• Tank battalions.
• Royal Engineer field parks.
• Divisional Signals.
The LADs. attached to RE field parks and to divisional signals (whose establishments of vehicles are comparatively small) are required to look after other small mechanised units not provided with LADs.

3. The personnel of a LAD consists of an Ordnance Mechanical Officer (OME), an armament artificer (fitter), an electrician, and a few fitters, and the necessary storemen, driver mechanics, drivers, etc., for their vehicles. Its transport usually consists of two lorries (one store and one breakdown), a car and a motorcycle.

4. Its functions are: –
(a) To advise units how best to keep their equipment and vehicles in a state of mechanical efficiency; to help them to

detect the causes of any failures or breakdowns, and to assist them in carrying out first line repairs up to their full

capacity.
(b) To assist units with first-line recovery of breakdowns.
(c) To maintain a close liaison between the unit and formation workshop.

During rest periods LADs may be able to carry out more extensive repairs. If the time is available, the necessary parts and material can be brought up from the ordnance field park to enable them to carry out jobs which would normally be beyond their capacity when on the move.

In such circumstances, repair detachments of recovery sections may be brought up to assist them).

5. LADs do not form part of the workshops in any sense. They are definitely an integral part of “B” echelon of the unit to which they are attached, and the OME. is directly under the orders of OC unit, in the same way as the regimental medical officer. The OC unit is the accounting officer for the vehicles and stores of the LAD. When an LAD serves more than one unit, as in the case of an infantry brigade, the OME. is the accounting officer for all purposes.

Members of 10 Light Aid Detachment, NZ Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to 5 NZ Fd Park Coy, changing truck engine, probably at Burbeita. Man in peaked cap identified as Lt G D Pollock, later Col Pollock. Taken circa 1941 by an official photographer. Ref: DA-01035-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22485028

The New Zealand LADs

When New Zealand committed forces to the war effort in 1939, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps, despite having the doctrinal foundations provided by the Ordnance Manual (War), did not have the Regular or Territorial Force personnel available to provide LADs immediately. Therefore, like the United Kingdom, New Zealand relied on its civilian motor industry to provide the bulk of the tradesmen for the LADs. However, despite the challenges in forming a specialised unit from scratch, the New Zealand Army raised fifty-six LADs in three distinct tranches between 1940 and 1943, consisting of

2^nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force – Ninteen LADs
2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Pacific – Seven LADs
Home Defence – Thirty-One LADs

NZEF LADS

Created as part of the newly constituted 2NZEF in 1939, the 2NZEF NZOC was described in the Evening Post newspaper as consisting of “11 Light Aid Detachments of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps. These are numbered 9 to 19, and their part is to render assistance and effect repairs to mechanic transport and the anti-tank units”[5].

The was initially some confusion between the use of the designation NZAOC and NZOC in the context of the NZEF. This was clarified in NZEF Order 221 of March 1941, which set NZOC as the title of Ordnance in the NZEF.

1942 saw the separation of maintenance and repair functions from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) with the formation of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in the Brutish Army.[6] The New Zealand Division followed suit and formed the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) on 1 December 1942, separating the repair, maintenance and ordnance stores functions of the NZOC.[7]

	Unit	Formation Date	Disbanded	Remarks
9 LAD	4 Field Regiment	11 Jan 1940[8]	15 Dec 1945
10 LAD	5 Field Park	11 Jan 1940[9]	15 Dec 1945
11 LAD	HQ 4 Infantry Brigade	11 Jan 1940[10]	1 Dec 1942
12 LAD	27 NZ (MG) Battalion,	11 Jan 1940[11]	15 Oct 1942
13 LAD	2 NZ Divisional Cavalry	11 Jan 1940[12]	1 Nov 1944
14 LAD	Divisional Signals	11 Jan 1940[13]	15 Dec 1945
15 LAD	7 Anti-Tank Regiment	29 Feb 1940[14]	15 Dec 1945
16 LAD	5 Field Regiment	11 Jan 1940	15 Dec 1945
17 LAD	HQ 5 NZ Infantry Brigade	29 Feb 1940[15]	1 Aug 1942	Became 5 NZ Infantry Brigades Workshop Section
18 LAD	6 Field Regiment	7 Mar 1940[16]
19 LAD	HQ 6 NZ Infantry Brigade	12 Sept 1940[17]	1 Aug 1942	Became 6 NZ Infantry Brigades Workshop Section
31 LAD	Base	7 Apr 1941	9 Jan 1942	Became NZ Base Ordnance Workshops
35 LAD	22 Motorised Battalion	1 Dec 1942	1 Nov 1944
38 LAD	18 Armoured Regiment	1 Dec 1942	15 Dec 1945
39 LAD	19 Armoured Regiment	1 Dec 1942	15 Dec 1945
40 LAD	20 Armoured Regiment	1 Dec 1942	15 Dec 1945
41LAD	HQ 2 NZEF	1 May 1943	15 Dec 1945

GMC CCKW Truck modelled with the Regimental Markings of 38 LAD, 18th Armoured Regiment. Craig Paddon

NZEF NZ Tank Brigade

The New Zealand Tank Brigade was an NZEF unit formed at Waiouru in October 1941 to be deployed to the Middle East after Training in New Zealand for six months. The entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 necessitated the rerolling of the NZ Tank Brigade into a home defence role. After reorganisations, the Brigade was ordered to be redeployed in April 1942, with its Headquarters and Battalions dispersed to the South Island, Northland, Manawatu and Pukekohe.

November 1942 saw further changes which saw the gradual disestablishment of the NZ Tank Brigade.[18]

No 1 Tank Battalion and 32 LAD remained in the home defence roll in the Auckland/Northland area.
- No 2 Tank Battalion, the Army Tank Ordnance Workshop and Ordnance Field Park were dissolved and became part of the 3 NZ Division Independent Tank Battalion Group for service in the Pacific.
- No 3 Tank Battalion and 33 LAD were deployed to the Middle East for service with the 2^nd NZ Division, where it was dissolved, forming the nucleus of the 4^th NZ Armoured brigade and 38, 39 and 40 LADs.
- 34 LAD was stationed with the Independent Tank Squadron at Harewood in the South Island.

By June 1943, the final units of the 1st NZ Army Tank Brigade, including 32 LAD and 34 LAD, were disbanded.

32 LAD	NZ Army Tank Brigade 1 Tank Battalion	Oct 1941[19]	Waiouru, Pukekohe
33 LAD	NZ Army Tank Brigade 2 Tank Battalion	Oct 1941[20]	Waiouru, Manawatu
34 LAD	NZ Army Tank Brigade 3 Tank Battalion	Oct 1941[21]	Waiouru, Harewood

Army Tank Ordnance Workshops, OFP and LAD identifying patch. Malcolm Thomas Collection

NZEF in the Pacific

NZOC units also were formed for service with the NZEF in the Pacific (NZEFIP). Initially, 20 LAD was formed to support the 8 Infantry Brigade Group in Fiji in November 1940. 14 Infantry Brigade Group reinforced the force in Fiji with 36 and 37 LAD formed to provide additional support. With the redeployment of the New Zealand Brigade from Fiji in late 1942, 36 LAD remained as the LAD for the new Fiji Brigade that was about to be formed. In March 1943, eight members of 36 LAD deployed with the Fijian Brigade to Bougainville. On 1 May 1944, 36 LAD was renamed the Recovery Section, Brigade Mobile Workshops, Fiji Military Forces.[22]

The bulk of the NZEFIP was reorganised as the 3^rd New Zealand Division, with the NZOC commitment expanding into 23 units and detachments, including six LADs serving in operations in New Caledonia, The Solomon Islands and Tonga.[22] The formation of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1942 was not followed through in New Zealand and the Pacific, with repair and Maintenance functions remaining part of the Ordnance Corps for the duration of the war.

On concluding successful campaigns in the Solomon Islands in 1944, 3 NZ Division and its equipment were returned to New Zealand and formally disbanded on 20 October 1944. On return to New Zealand, many NZOC members were graded unfit due to the rigours of the tropical campaign and returned to their civilian occupations. Those fit enough were redeployed as reinforcements to 2NZEF in Italy, with the LAD men joining NZEME units.

	Unit	Formation Date	Locations
20 LAD	B Force, 17 Field Regiment	23 Oct 1940[23]	Fiji/New Caledonia
36 LAD	HQ 8 Brigade Group and then Fiji Military Forces	Jan 1942[24]	Fiji
37 LAD	HQ 14 Brigade Group	Jan 1942[25]	Fiji/New Caledonia
42 LAD	38 Field Regiment	Jan 1942[26]	New Caledonia
64 LAD	HQ 8 Infantry Brigade	Jan 1943[27]	New Caledonia
65 LAD	HQ 15 Brigade Group, HQ 3 NZ Division Engineers	Jan 1943	New Caledonia
67 LAD	HQ 3 NZ Divisional Signals	Jan 1943[28]	New Caledonia

Home Service Territorial Army LAD’s

Badge of NZOC, 1940-46. Robert McKie Collection

With the NZAOC and the New Zealand Permanent Army Service Corps (NZPASC) existing as part of the Permanent Army, only the NZPASC had a Territorial Army component, known as the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC). From the 1930s, workshop sections had been included on the establishments of ASC unit for activation on mobilisation. With the onset of war in 1939 and the mobilisation of the Territorial Army in 1940, the Quartermaster General, Col H.E Avery, made the decision that LADs were an Ordnance responsibility, and the NZOC was established as the Ordnance Component of Territorial Army in December 1940.[29]

By late 1943 the mobilisation of the Territorial Forces had ceased to be necessary, and most units had been stood down and placed on care and maintenance status with a small RF Cadre. By 1 April 1944, all wartime home defence units had been disbanded.[30] Although not part of the pre-war Territorial Army, the NZOC remained on establishments. In 1946 a Reorganisation of New Zealand Military Forces removed the distinction between Regular and non-Regular soldiers, and the NZOC ceased to be a separate Corps with the supply functions amalgamated into the NZAOC and the Workshops functions, including the LADs (21, 23, 25, 28, 30 and 53) amalgamated into the NZEME.[31]

Photo of mechanics and motorcyclists repairing motorcycles at a field workshop during military manoeuvres in Northland.” Auckland Weekly News, 23 December 1942, p.14 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19421223-14-03

Northern Military District

	Unit	Formation Date	Locations	Disbanded
21 LAD	1 NZ Division, 1 Field Regiment	19 Dec 1940[32]	Whangarei
22 LAD	HQ 1 Brigade	19 Dec 1940[33]	Papakura	1 Apr 1944
28 LAD	1 NZ Division, 3 LAFV (AECMR)[34]	9 Jan 1942[35]	Pukekohe/Warkworth
51 LAD	HQ 12 Brigade	9 Jan 1942[36]	Kaikohe	1 Apr 1944
55 LAD	1 NZ Division, 15 LAFV (NAMR)[37]	9 Jan 1942[38]	North Waimate
56 LAD	District Troops, NMD District Signals	9 Jan 1942[39]	Ngaruawahia
63 LAD	1 NZ Division, 20 Field Regiment		Waimata North
68 LAD	District Troops, 4 LAFV (WMR)[40]		Ngaruawahia
70 LAD	1 NZ Division, 1 Divisional Signals		Avondale	1 Apr 1944

51 LAD Pennant. Barry O’Sullivan Collection

Central Military District

	Unit	Formation Date	Locations	Disbanded
23 LAD	4 NZ Division, 2 Field Regiment	19 Dec 1940[41]	Linton Camp
24 LAD	2 Infantry Brigade, HQ 2 Brigade	19 Dec 1940[42]	Palmerston North	1 Apr 1944
27 LAD	7 Brigade Group, 12 Field Regiment	9 Jan 1942[43]	Greytown
29 LAD	7 Brigade Group, HQ 7 Brigade Group	9 Jan 1942[44]	Carterton	1 Apr 1944
30 LAD	4 NZ Division, 2 LAFV (QAMR)[45]	19 Dec 1940[46]	Wanganui
58 LAD	7 Brigade Group, 9 LAFV (WECMR)[47]	9 Jan 1942[48]	Hastings
60 LAD	4 NZ Division, 6 LAFV (MMR)[49]	9 Jan 1942[50]	Fielding
71 LAD	District Troops, Buckle Street		Buckle Street Wellington
72 LAD	Fortress Troops, HQ Wellington Fortress		Wellington
73 LAD	4 NZ Division, HQ 4 Division		Palmerston North	1 Apr 1944

Southern Military District

	Unit	Formation Date	Locations	Disbanded
25 LAD	5 NZ Division, 3 Field Regiment	19 Dec 1940[51]	Hororata
26 LAD	3 Infantry Brigade, HQ 3 Brigade	19 Dec 1940[52]	Burnham	1 Apr 1944
52 LAD	11 Brigade Group, HQ 11 Infantry Brigade	9 Jan 1942[53]	Blenheim	1 Apr 1944
53 LAD	5 NZ Division, 1 LAFV (CYC)[54]	9 Jan 1942[55]	Blenheim
54 LAD	District Troops, 5 LAFV (OMR)[56]	9 Jan 1942[57]	Wingatui
57 LAD	10 Infantry Brigade, HQ 10 Brigade	9 Jan 1942[58]	Ashburton	1 Apr 1944
59 LAD	11 Infantry Brigade10 LAFV (NMMR)[59]	9 Jan 1942[60]	Blenheim
61 LAD	5 NZ Division, 18 Field Regiment		Unknown
62 LAD	11 Infantry Brigade, 19 Field Regiment		Blenheim
74 LAD	Fortress Troops, HQ Lyttleton Fortress		Lyttleton
75 LAD	Fortress Troops, HQ Dunedin Fortress then HQ Area IX		Dunedin/Nelson
77 LAD	5 NZ Division,5 Division Signals		Riccarton	1 Apr 1944

Notes

[1] This compared with the two editions of German and French doctrine produced during the same period. Jonathan Fennell, Fighting the People’s War : The British and Commonwealth Armies and the Second World War, Armies of the Second World War (Cambridge University Press, 2019), Non-fiction, 32.

[2] P.H. Williams, War on Wheels: The Mechanisation of the British Army in the Second World War (History Press Limited, 2016).

[3] Ordnance Manual (War), ed. The War Office (London: His Majestys Stationery Office, 1939), 9.

[4] Ibid., 17.

[5] “Pwd Tenders,” Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 6,, 7 July 1939.

[6] Brigadier A H Fernyhough, A Short History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (First Edition) (RAOC Trust 1965).

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

[8] “New Zealand Ordnance Corps “, New Zealand Gazette, No 1, June 11 1940, 19.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Ibid.

[14] “New Zealand Ordnance Corps “, New Zealand Gazette, No 16, February 29, 1940, 324.

[15] Ibid.

[16] “New Zealand Ordnance Corps “, New Zealand Gazette, No 18, 7 March 1940, 360.

[17] “New Zealand Ordnance Corps “, New Zealand Gazette, No 98, 12 September 1940, 2319.

[18] Jeffrey Plowman and Malcolm Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, Kiwi Armour: 2 (J. Plowman, 2001), Non-fiction.

[19] “Hq Army Tank Brigade Ordnance Units, June 1942 to January 1943,” Archives New Zealand Item No R20112168 (1943).

[20] Ibid.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Robert A. Howlett, The History of the Fiji Military Forces, 1939-1945 (Published by the Crown Agents for the Colonies on behalf of the Government of Fiji, 1948), Non-fiction, Government documents, 257-8.

[22] Oliver A. Gillespie, The Tanks : An Unofficial History of the Activities of the Third New Zealand Division Tank Squadron in the Pacific (A.H. and A.W. Reed for the Third Division Histories Committee, 1947), Non-fiction, 137-227.

[23] Peter Cooke, Warrior Craftsmen, Rnzeme 1942-1996 (Wellington: Defense of New Zealand Study Group, 2017), 55.

[24] Ibid., 57.

[25] Ibid.

[26] Ibid., 63.

[27] Ibid., 62.

[28] Ibid.

[29] Peter Cooke and John Crawford, The Territorials (Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011), 258.

[30] Ibid.

[31] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 June 1949 to 31 March 1950 “, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1950).;”Reorganisation of the Territorial Force,” New Zealand Gazette No 55, 21 October 1948.

[32] “Formation of New Units, Changes in Designation, and Reorganization of Units of the Territorial Force. ,” New Zealand Gazette, No 127, 19 December 1940, 3738-39.

[33] Ibid.

[34] 3 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (Auckland East Coast Mounted Rifles) Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[35] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” New Zealand Gazette, No 8, 22 January 1942, 351.

[36] Ibid.

[37] 15 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (North Auckland Mounted Rifles) Plowman

[38] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

[39] Ibid.

[40] 4 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (Waikato Mounted Rifles) Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[41] “Formation of New Units, Changes in Designation, and Reorganization of Units of the Territorial Force. ,” 3738-39.

[42] Ibid.

[43] “Calling out Parts of the Defence Forces for Military Service,” New Zealand Gazette, No 3, 9 January 1942, 43.

[44] Ibid.

[45] 2 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles)Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[46] “Parts of the Defence Forces Called out for Military Service,” New Zealand Gazette, No 128, 19 December 1940, 3777.

[47] 9 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (Wellington East Coast Mounted Rifles)Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[48] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

[49] 6 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment ( Manawatu Mounted Rifles)Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[50] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

[51] “Formation of New Units, Changes in Designation, and Reorganization of Units of the Territorial Force. ,” 3738-39.

[52] Ibid.

[53] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

[54] 1 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry)Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[55] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

[56] 5 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment (Otago Mounted Rifles)Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[57] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

[58] Ibid.

[59] 10 Light Armoured Fighting Vehicle Regiment ( Nelson Marlbough Mounted Rifles) Plowman and Thomas, New Zealand Armour in the Pacific 1939-45, 5-7.

[60] “Formation of New Units and Disbandment of Uuits of the Territorial Force and National, Military Reserve. ,” 351.

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

2 Comments Robert McKie

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

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

Unpacked on this page and on the attached Web Application “the Pātaka of Ngati Tumatauenga” the evolution of New Zealand’s Army’s Ordnance services is examined. From a single storekeeper in 1840, the organisation grew through the New Zealand Wars, the World Wars and the Cold War into an organisation with global reach providing support to New Zealand Forces in New Zealand and across the globe.

Scan the QR code to view the Web App:

Pataka (1)

Description of Ordnance Units

In general terms, Ordnance units can be described as:

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

Unit naming conventions

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

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

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

In 1968, a regionally based numbering system was adopted

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

Some exceptions were:

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

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

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

Not that command of these units was transferred to the RNZAOC on 16 October 1978, with the personnel transferred in 1979.

Exceptions were:

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

Unit locations New Zealand, 1907–1996

Alexandra

9 Magazines operated from 1943 to 1962.

Ardmore

20 Magazines operational from 1943

Auckland

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

RNZAOC units that have been accommodated at Auckland have been:

Stores Depot

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

Vehicle Depot

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

Ammunition Depot

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

Other Units

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

Workshops

Located at the Torpedo Yard, North Head

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

Workshop Stores Section

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

Belmont

Operational from 1943

MOD Trentham, Ammunition Group, Ammunition Section

Burnham

Stores Depot

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

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

Vehicle Depot

Southern Districts Vehicle Depot, 1948-1961.

Ammunition Depot

Southern Districts Vehicle Ammunition 1954-1961.

Other Ordnance Units

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

Ordnance Field Parks

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

Workshops

No 14 Ordnance Workshop, until 1946.

Workshop Stores Section

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

Christchurch

Stores Depot

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

Workshop Stores Section

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

Devonport

Ordnance Workshop – Located at the Torpedo Yard, North Head

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

Dunedin

Stores Depot

Otago and Southland Military Districts Stores Depot, 1907 to 1921

Fairlie

Nine magazines Operational 1943.

Featherston

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

Glen Tunnel

16 magazines Operational from 1943

Hamilton

Proof Office, Small Arms Ammunition Factory, 1943-1946

Kelms Road

55 Magazines Operational from 1943 to 1976

Linton Camp

RNZAOC units that have been accommodated at Linton have been;

Stores Depot

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

21 Field Supply Company 1990 to 1996

Vehicle Depot

Central Districts Vehicle Depot, 1957-1961

Ammunition Depot

Ordnance Field Parks

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

Workshop Stores Section

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

Other Ordnance Units

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

Lower Hutt

Ordnance Field Parks

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

Mangaroa

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

Supply Depot

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

Ordnance Field Parks

2nd Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon, 1950–1963,
1 Infantry Brigade Group, OFP, 1963–1968,
1st Composite Ordnance Company (1 Comp Ord Coy), 1964–1977,
1 Comp Ord Coy was the Ordnance Bulk Holding unit for the field force units supporting the Combat Brigade Group and the Logistic Support Group, and held 60–90 days’ war reserve stock. 1 Comp Ord Coy was made up of the following subunits: [14]
- Coy HQ
- 1 Platoon, General Stores
- 2 Platoon, Technical Stores
- 3 Platoon, Vehicles
- 4 Platoon, Ammo (located at Makomako)
- 5 Platoon, Laundry
- 6 Platoon, Bath

Mako Mako

39 magazines operational from 1943

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

Mount Eden

Defence Stores/Ordnance Depot, 1871-1927

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

Proof Office, Small Arms Ammunition Factory, 1898-1967

Mount Somers

10 Magazines operational from 1943, closed 1969

Ngaruawahia

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

Stores Depot

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

Ammunition Depot

25 Storehouses

Thirteen Constructed 1927-29
Twelve Constructed 1942-45

Ordnance Field Parks

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

Workshop Stores Section

1 Infantry Brigade Group LAD, Stores Section

Other Ordnance Units

Northern Districts Ammunition Depot, Kelms Road

Palmerston North

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

Trentham

Stores Depot

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

Ordnance School

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

Workshops

Main Ordnance Workshop, 1917 to 1946.[22]

Workshop Stores Section

1 Base Workshop, Stores Section

Ordnance Field Parks

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

Vehicle Depot

Central Districts Vehicle Depot, 1948 – 1957

Ammunition Units

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

Waiouru

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

RNZAOC units that have supported Waiouru have been;

Stores Depot

Main Ordnance Depot, Waiouru Sub-Depot, 1940–1946, Initially managed as a Sub-Depot of the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham, Ordnance units in Waiouru consisted of:
- Artillery Sub Depot
- Bulk Stores Depot
- Ammunition Section
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Waiouru Sub Depot (1946–1976).[24] In 1946 Waiouru became a Sub-Depot of the Central Districts Ordnance Depot in Linton, consisting of:
- Ammo Group
- Vehicle Group
- Camp Equipment Group.
4 Central Ordnance Deport, (1976–1979) On 1 April 1976 became a stand-alone Depot in its own right. [25]
4 Supply Company, (1979–1989)
when the RNZASC was disbanded in 1979 and its supply functions transferred to the RNZAOC, 4 Supply gained the following RNZASC units:[26]
- HQ 21 Supply Company,(TF element)(1979–1984)
  21 Supply Company was retained as a Territorial unit for training and exercise purposes and was capable of providing a Supply Company Headquarter capable of commanding up to five subunits.
- 47 Petroleum Platoon (1979–1984)
- 44 Supply Platoon

Central Q, (1989–1993)
4 Field Supply Company, (1993–1994)
Distribution Company, 4 Logistic Regiment, (1994–1996)

Workshop Stores Section

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

Wellington

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

Stores Depot

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

Workshops

Armament Workshop, Alexandra Military Depot.[29]

Ammunition Storage

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

Ammunition Inspection and Repair

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

Unit locations overseas, 1914–1920

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

Egypt

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

Fiji

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

Germany

Ordnance Depot, Mulheim, Cologne

Greece

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

Samoa

1 Base Depot

Turkey

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

United Kingdom

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

Unit locations overseas, 1939–1946

Egypt

Headquarters

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

Base Units

Supply

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

Workshops (until Sept 1942 when transferred to NZEME)

NZ Base Ordnance Workshop

Laundry

NZ Base Laundry, 30 Sept 1942 – 30 Sept 1943

Training

Engineer and Ordnance Training Depot, Maadi Camp

Field Units

Supply

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

Workshops (until Sept 1942 when transferred to NZEME)

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

Greece

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

Italy

Headquarters

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

Base units

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

Field units

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

Fiji

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

New Caledonia

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

Solomon Islands

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

Tonga

16 Brigade Group Ordnance Field Park
16 Brigade Group Workshop

Unit locations overseas, 1945–1996

Japan

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

ADO Gate

Korea

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

Malaya

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

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

Singapore

Stores Depot

5 Advanced Ordnance Depot, 1970–1971
5 Advanced Ordnance Depot (5 AOD) was a short-lived Bi-National Ordnance Depot operated by the RAAOC and RNZAOC in Singapore, 1970 to 1971.
ANZUK Ordnance Depot, 1971–1974
ANZUK Ordnance Depot was the Tri-National Ordnance Depot supporting the short-lived ANZUK Force. Staffed by service personnel from the RAOC, RAAOC and RNZAOC with locally Employed Civilians (LEC) performing the basic clerical, warehousing and driving tasks. It was part of the ANZUK Support Group supporting ANZUK Force in Singapore between 1971 to 1974. ANZUK Ordnance Depot was formed from the Australian/NZ 5 AOD and UK 3BOD and consisted of:
- Stores Sub Depot
- Vehicle Sub Depot
- Ammunition Sub Depot
- Barrack Services Unit
- Forward Ordnance Depot(FOD)
New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot, 1974–1989
From 1974 to 1989 the RNZAOC maintained the New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot(NZAOD) in Singapore as part of New Zealand Force South East Asia (NZFORSEA).

Workshops Stores Section

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

Somalia

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

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

South Vietnam

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

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

Notes

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

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

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

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

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

[6] John J. Storey and J. Halket Millar, March Past: A Review of the First Fifty Years of Burnham Camp (Christchurch, N.Z.: Pegasus Press, 1973, 1974 printing, 1973), Non-fiction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[25] Ibid.

[26] Ibid.

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

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

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

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

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

[31] Ibid.

[32] Ibid.

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

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

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

[35] Ibid.

[36] Ibid.

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

[38] Ibid.

[39] Ibid.

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

Stores Sections

But what exactly is an Ordnance soldier?

Gallipoli and the First World War: The Storekeeper on Anzac Beach

The Second World War and Beyond: Backbone of the Battlefield

North Africa and Italy: Desert Sands and Mountain Passes

Post-war Transition

Roll of Honour: Service Remembered, Sacrifice Recognised

Remembrance and Honour

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Structure of this Study

Military Stores Accounting and Its Distinctions from Commercial Stores Accounting

Differences Between Military and Commercial Stores Accounting

Classification of Military Stores

The Long-Term Use of Military Equipment

The Importance of Accountability in Military Stores Accounting

Early Developments in Stores Accounting

Development of the Artillery Stores (1880s Onwards)

Organisational Reforms and the Defence Council (1906)

The Defence Act 1909 and the Transition to a Citizen Army

Guidance on the duties related to the management of stores

Senior Officers Responsible for Stores and Equipment

District and Unit Responsibilities

Standardising Stores Management and Training

Strategic Assessment, Preparedness and Mobilisation

Supporting the NZEF (1915–1921)

Home Service Stores Accounting

Conclusion: Towards a Modern Military Stores Accounting System

Notes

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Description of the design

Design Colour

Symbolic Quadrants: A Visual Narrative

Top quadrant

Right quadrant

Bottom quadrant

Left quadrant

Central bar

Variations of the Icon

A Long-term Legacy

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Part 1 – RNZAOC Regular Officers

Lieutenant Colonels

Majors

Captains

Lieutenants

Second Lieutenants

Part 2 – RNZAOC Quartermaster List

Captains and Quartermasters

Lieutenants and Quartermasters

Part 3 – RNZAOC Supernumerary List

Majors

Captains

Statistics on the RNZAOC 1972 Officers List

Operational Service

Service and Age

Appointments

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Key Appointments

Compulsory Military Training

Territorial Force Annual Camps

Reorganisation of Territorial Force Units

Emergency Force (Kayforce)

Out of Kayforce

Small Arms Ammunition

Introduction of New Equipment

Equipment Disposal

Ammunition Disposal

3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft Ammunition

Anti-Tank Ammunition

Ammunition Examiners