Sustaining the 2NZEF in WWII (1939–46): A Consolidated Register of New Zealand Logistics Units

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New Zealand’s logistic contribution to the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) during the Second World War is too often glimpsed only in passing—scattered lines in campaign narratives or one-line entries in corps lists. This article assembles, for the first time, a clear, consolidated register of New Zealand logistics units that sustained 2NZEF across its principal theatres of war: North Africa & the Middle East (1940–43), Greece & Crete (1941), and Italy (1943–45). The scope is deliberately bounded, focusing solely on New Zealand formations and excluding the numerous Allied logistics organisations—RASC, RAOC, REME, and those of the Indian, South African, Australian, Canadian, and United States forces—that operated alongside them.

Join up of Tobruk garrison and the 8th Army at Tobruk, Libya, during World War II. New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch Ref: DA-01668-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23108170

Context: Establishment and early expansion of 2NZEF logistics

The outbreak of war necessitated the creation of the 2NZEF as a new, expeditionary force, distinct from existing Territorial and regular Army structures. Its logistical backbone had to be built at speed—leveraging what existed at home, but scaling far beyond it. Under Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Crump, the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) began forming for overseas service almost immediately. Within a week of mobilisation, Territorial soldiers and civilian volunteers were concentrated at Papakura, Ngāruawāhia, Trentham, and Burnham for intensive training, laying the foundations for a motorised division sustained by transport, fuel, and supply-chain units.

Ordnance functions for the expeditionary force were organised under a newly established New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC)—separate from the domestically focused NZAOC. Led by Colonel Joseph King as Director of Ordnance Services, the NZOC was raised largely from scratch by drawing on NZAOC depot personnel and civilian staff. A key innovation was the introduction of Light Aid Detachments (LADs) attached to front-line units for rapid repairs, with Captain Sinclair Banks Wallace, the Ordnance Mechanical Engineer, instrumental in recruiting and training these cadres.

Deployment and scaling

The 2NZEF deployed in three major echelons (Advance Party; First Echelon to Egypt, February 1940; Third Echelon to Egypt, September 1940; Second Echelon first to Britain, then joining in Egypt, March 1941). Lieutenant-General Bernard Freyberg exercised broad administrative autonomy to establish bases, lines of communication, and procurement outside constrained British channels where necessary. On arrival in Egypt, New Zealand logisticians met a Middle East theatre strained by post-Dunkirk shortages. The original logistics structure proved insufficient for a fully motorised division, prompting rapid expansion across supply, transport, maintenance, and repair to meet the demands of desert warfare—an effort that would underpin operations in North Africa & the Middle East (1940–43), Greece & Crete (1941), and Italy (1943–45).

NZASC Divisional supply & transport

Diamond T Tank Transporter of 18 Tank Transporter Company
  • NZASC Headquarters (Divisional)
  • NZ Divisional Supply Column → 2 NZ Divisional Supply Company (renamed 1942; disbanded 8 Oct 1945)
  • 2 NZ Divisional Petrol Company (disbanded 8 Oct 1945)
  • 2 NZ Divisional Ammunition Company
    • Second Ammunition Company formed Nov 1942 (both disbanded 8 Oct 1945)
  • 4 Reserve Mechanical Transport (RMT) Company (disbanded 8 Oct 1945)
  • 6 Reserve Mechanical Transport (RMT) Company (raised 1942; disbanded Nov 1944)

Specialised divisional units

  • 14 NZ Anti-Aircraft Regiment ASC Section
  • 1 NZ Ambulance Transport Unit
  • 18 NZ Tank Transport Company (From 1942)
  • 2 NZ Field Bakery Section (later expanded outputs)
  • 1 NZ Mule Pack Company (1943)
  • NZ Water Issue Section
  • NZ Tank Delivery Troop → Forward Delivery Squadron
  • NZ Jeep Platoon

Base & Lines of Communication (Middle East/Italy)

  • Headquarters Base ASC
    • later 6 NZ Division ASC (for deception), then HQ NZASC Maadi Camp → absorbed into NZ Maadi Camp Composite Company (continued to 26 Feb 1946)
  • NZ Base Training Depot (disbanded 1944) → NZ Advanced Base ASC Training Depot (Italy, to mid-1945)
  • Base Transport Depot → 17 NZ General Transport Company (LoC transport; integrated into NZ Maadi Camp Composite Company in 1945)
  • NZ Field Bakery → NZ Catering Depot (disbanded 1944)
  • NZ Cookery School (assumed catering training functions)
  • 100 Detail Issue Depot (DID)
  • 101 Detail Issue Depot (DID)

NZOC Depots, parks, training & specialist units

A group of NZAOD personnel in Italy, 1944. Front Row: H.D. Bremmer, R.G James, 2nd Lieutenant H.J. Mackridge, N.G. Hogg, G.P. Seymour. Back Row: WO2 Worth, D.S Munroe, G Caroll, Charles Joseph Moulder, Francis William Thomas Barnes, H Rogers, C.W Holmes, W Wallace, N Denery. Photo: Defence Archive Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.
  • New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot (NZ BOD) – Middle East hub
    • 1 NZ BOD (Egypt; from 16 Feb 1944)
    • 2 NZ BOD (Italy; from 16 Feb 1944)
  • New Zealand Advanced Ordnance Depot (NZAOD) – forward mobile depot; later integrated into OFP as an Advanced Ordnance Section (Feb 1944)
  • NZ Stores Convoy Unit – sub-unit of 2 NZ BOD for long-haul LoC lifts
  • Ordnance Field Park (OFP) – divisional forward supply/repair park
  • NZ Divisional Mobile Laundry and Forward Decontamination Unit →NZ Divisional Mobile Laundry from Mar 1942 (Disbanded Sept 1942)
  • NZ Divisional Bath Unit (Disbanded Sept 1942)
  • NZ Base Laundry (from Sept 1942) → NZ Mobile Laundry (From 1 Oct 1943) → NZ Mobile Laundry and Bath Unit
  • Salvage Unit – battlefield recovery and salvage
  • Armourers’ School of Instruction (NZ BOD) – weapons maintenance training
  • NZ Ordnance Corps Depot (Maadi) – personnel admin/reinforcements (from 26 Jul 1941)

Workshops & maintenance (NZOC until transfer to NZEME on 1 Dec 1942)

  • Base Ordnance Workshops & Technical Training Centre (from 1 Oct 1941) → retitled 6 NZ Division Ordnance Workshops (6 Jul 1942)
  • 1 NZ Ordnance Field Workshop (from 16 Jun 1941)
  • 2 NZ Ordnance Field Workshop (from 16 Jun 1941)
  • 3 NZ Ordnance Field Workshop (from 16 Jun 1941)
  • 2 NZ Divisional Ordnance Workshops (from 26 Jun 1941)
  • 5 NZ Infantry Brigade Workshop Section (from 1 Aug 1942)
  • 6 NZ Infantry Brigade Workshop Section (from 1 Aug 1942)
  • 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade Workshops (formed around the cadre of 11 LAD)
  • 14 NZ Anti-Aircraft Workshops Section
  • NZ Ordnance Corps Training Section (workshops cadre/training)
  • 31 Light Aid Detachment (Base) – merged into Base Ordnance Workshops Jan 1942

Light Aid Detachments (LADs) – NZOC to NZEME transfer on 1 Dec 1942

  • 9 LAD – 4 Field Regiment
  • 10 LAD – 5 Field Park
  • 11 LAD – HQ 4 Infantry Brigade (later core of 4 NZ Armd Bde Workshops)
  • 12 LAD – 27 NZ (MG) Battalion
  • 13 LAD – 2 NZ Divisional Cavalry
  • 14 LAD – Divisional Signals
  • 15 LAD – 7 Anti-Tank Regiment
  • 16 LAD – 5 Field Regiment
  • 17 LAD – HQ 5 NZ Infantry Brigade
  • 18 LAD – 6 Field Regiment
  • 19 LAD – HQ 6 NZ Infantry Brigade
  • 31 LAD (Base) – see above

Demobilisation/closure

  • NZ BODs, NZAOD, OFP and remaining NZOC units – formally disbanded by 26 Feb 1946.

New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) — formed 1 Dec 1942 (from NZOC repair/maintenance functions).

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

Light Aid Detachments (LADs)

  • 9 NZ LAD (4 Field Regiment) — disbanded 15 Dec 1945
  • 10 NZ LAD (5 Field Park) — disbanded 15 Dec 1945
  • 13 NZ LAD (2 NZ Divisional Cavalry) — disbanded 1 Nov 1944
  • 14 NZ LAD (Divisional Signals) — disbanded 15 Dec 1945
  • 15 NZ LAD (7 Anti-Tank Regiment) — disbanded Dec 1945
  • 16 NZ LAD (5 Field Regiment) — disbanded Dec 1945
  • 35 NZ LAD (22 Motorised Battalion) — formed 1 Dec 1942; disbanded 1 Nov 1944
  • 38 NZ LAD (18 Armoured Regiment) — disbanded 15 Dec 1945
  • 39 NZ LAD (19 Armoured Regiment) — disbanded 15 Dec 1945
  • 40 NZ LAD (20 Armoured Regiment) — disbanded Dec 1945
  • 41 NZ LAD (HQ 2NZEF) — formed May 1943; disbanded Dec 1945

Workshops & repair units

  • 4 NZ Armoured Brigade Workshop — formed 1 Dec 1942; disbanded 21 Sep 1945
  • 6 NZ Divisional Workshop — formed 1 Dec 1942; retitled NZ Maadi Camp Workshops 1 Nov 1944
  • 2 NZ Divisional Workshop — ex 2 NZ Divisional Ordnance Workshop; operated to 4 Jan 1946
  • NZ Advanced Base Workshops — formed 6 Dec 1943; disbanded 31 Dec 1945

Recovery

  • 1 NZ Armoured Troops Recovery Unit — formed Apr 1943 → 1 NZ Heavy Recovery Section Nov 1944; disbanded 17 Sep 1945

Training

  • NZEME Training Company — formed Dec 1942

NZEF theatre/army-level logistics enablers (1940–1946)

Port Detachments (NZEF)

  • 1 NZ Port Detachment — Suez HQ; formalised 20 Dec 1942; disbanded 1 Nov 1945.
  • 2 NZ Port Detachment — Benghazi → Tripoli; disbanded 30 Jan 1946.
  • 3 NZ Port Detachment — Bari (Italy); formed 8 Nov 1943; disbanded 26 Feb 1946.

Medical Supply (NZMC within NZEF)

  • NZ Medical Stores Depot — established Oct 1940 (Capt Gordon Peek); disbanded 26 Feb 1946.

Corps-level supply nodes

  • New Zealand Field Maintenance Centre (FMC) – Section “A” → 1 NZ FMC — formed 18 Oct 1941, redesignated 5 Dec 1941; operated to 27 Apr 1942; recalled and disbanded 2 May 1942.
  • New Zealand Field Maintenance Centre (FMC) – Section “B” → 2 NZ FMC — formed 18 Oct 1941, redesignated 5 Dec 1941; operated to 27 Apr 1942; recalled and disbanded 2 May 1942.

Note: Thereafter, 2NZEF drew from higher-Corps FMCs (numbered series, e.g., “50s” for XIII Corps, “60s” for XXX Corps) manned by British troops.

New Zealand’s Second Front: 2NZEF (Pacific), 1940–44

The 2NZEF raised a distinct Pacific Section to defend Fiji, initially centred on 8 Infantry Brigade which landed on Viti Levu in November 1940. After Japan entered the war, the force expanded to two brigades and was formally designated as the Pacific Section, 2NZEF, under Major General Owen Mead. When the United States 37th Division assumed the Fiji garrison, the New Zealand formation redeployed home. The Pacific Section subsequently became the 3rd New Zealand Division, the 2NZEF’s primary formation in the Pacific. After a period of training in New Zealand, the Division fought as tailored brigade groups in the Solomon Islands campaign of 1943–44—specifically, on Vella Lavella, the Treasury Islands, and the Green Islands—rather than as a whole three-brigade division.

In early 1944, a national manpower crisis—balancing the need for two overseas divisions with the requirement for essential agricultural and industrial output—forced a strategic choice. Following consultation with British and United States authorities, Wellington prioritised the 2nd Division in Italy; the 3rd Division was withdrawn to New Caledonia in June, returned to New Zealand in August, and was formally disbanded on 20 October 1944. Roughly 4,000 veterans were posted to reinforce the 2nd Division; the remainder demobilised to civilian roles.

Against this operational backdrop, the Division built a theatre-specific sustainment system aligned to US logistics. NZASC carried out reception, trunking, rations, POL, and field services; NZOC managed receipt/issue, accounting, repair, and recovery—and unlike the Middle East, first- and second-line repair remained within NZOC (no NZEME split). The model was proven in Fiji (1940–42) and then scaled in New Caledonia (late 1942–44):

Fiji (1940–42)

Fiji was New Zealand’s first defended base in the South Pacific and the springboard for later operations. From late 1940, the NZASC and NZOC established an island-wide sustainment network—port reception, road/rail/coastal lighterage, depots, and first- and second-line repair—that matured into the model carried forward to New Caledonia and the Solomons.

NZASC

  • Headquarters, Divisional ASC (cadre) — policy/trunking coordination as the garrison approached divisional strength.
  • 4th Composite Company — Suva/Samabula: port clearance, ration issues, local lift to 8 Infantry Brigade Group.
  • 16th Composite Company — Lautoka/Namaka/Nadi (from January 1942): western area support to 14 Infantry Brigade and RNZAF at Nadi.
  • Reserve Motor Transport (New Zealand & Fiji Sections) — vehicle assembly, convoying, inter‑island interfaces, and surge trunking.
  • Movement Control detachments — Suva and Lautoka wharf organisation and clearance.

NZOC

  • DADOS office — technical control and accounting; integration with NZASC issues and returns.
  • Base Ordnance Depot — Suva/Samabula/Tamavua: receipt/issue/returns; armoury; tailoring/textiles (uniform and tent repair).
  • Divisional Ordnance Workshops — HQ/Main (east) with B‑section (west): MT and armament repair; roving fitters; instrument work as capacity grew.
  • Ammunition points — segregation by nature, humidity mitigation, and range supply/accounting.
  • Fiji Section (from mid‑1942) — residual ordnance/workshop capacity supporting the Fiji Infantry Brigade Group and RNZAF Nausori after divisional redeployment.
  • Light Aid Detachments
    • 20 Light Aid Detachment — arrived November 1940; first‑line repair/recovery for 8 Brigade; based initially at Suva/Nasese area.
    • 36 Light Aid Detachment — arrived early 1942; supported Fiji Infantry Brigade Group and residual tasks.
    • 37 Light Aid Detachment — arrived early 1942; aligned to 14 Brigade; forward tasks in western area.

Medical Stores

  • Advanced Depot of Medical Stores (ADMS): Set up at Tamavua Hospital in 1941 (one sergeant, one private, one dispenser).-  equipped two hospitals, two light field ambulances, a convalescent depot, an infectious-diseases hospital, and RAPs for two brigade groups.

Norfolk Island (N‑Force), 1942–44

New Zealand agreed with US command to garrison Norfolk Island in late 1942. N‑Force was a weak brigade‑type grouping (~1,483 personnel over its lifetime) with limited vehicles (≈117 total), requiring tight movement schedules, careful road maintenance, and high utilisation of scarce transport.

NZASC

  • Composite/MT Detachments — local distribution, ration issues, POL, and engineer/AA ammunition lift under island constraints.
  • Movement Control — wharf/boat‑landing control, surf boat interfaces, and cross‑decking to lighter craft.
  • Field Bakery Detachment — bread supply for the garrison as required.

NZOC

  • Ordnance & MT Workshop Section — first‑/second‑line repair retained within NZOC (no NZEME split in the Pacific).
  • Ordnance Section — receipt/issue/returns, clothing/textiles, and ammunition accounting adjusted to island stockholding levels.

Tonga (T‑Force), 1942–44

T‑Force, based around 16 Infantry Brigade Group, garrisoned Tonga from late 1942. The force totalled ~860 personnel and was issued ≈221 vehicles (as at February 1943), reflecting greater mobility demands across dispersed sites and the need to interface with US movement plans.

NZASC

  • Composite/MT Detachments — port clearance, ration and water distribution, and inter‑island/airfield runs.
  • Movement Control — coordination with US shipping/air movements; beach‑landing control where required.
  • Field Bakery Detachment — bread supply for garrison and detachments.

NZOC

  • Ordnance & MT Workshop Section — first‑line repair/recovery
  • Ordnance Section — depot functions (receipt/issue/returns), clothing/textiles, and ammunition handling appropriate to garrison scale.

New Caledonia (late 1942–44

After a period of reconstitution and training in New Zealand, in late 1942 the Division re-based to New Caledonia and, under US Services of Supply, consolidated a west-coast logistics corridor—from the Nouméa/Népoui ports through Base Supply Depots at Vallée de Limousin to the Bourail BOD and Moindah Workshops—knitting reception, trunking, and issue via NZASC MT/MC while first- and second-line repair remained within NZOC..

NZASC

  • HQ Divisional ASC (CRASC & staff) — policy, priorities, and synchronisation with US Services of Supply.
  • Base Supply Depot (BSD) No. 1 — Vallée de Limousin (Nouméa area) rear buffer; staging at Dumbéa.
  • Base Supply Depot (BSD) No. 2 — forward stocks up the west coast road system.
  • Movement Control Detachments — Nouméa & Népoui port/rail interfaces; launch Roa for water transport.
  • Camp McCrae Port Detachment (≈550 personnel) — three-shift port clearance alongside US units.
  • 10 Reserve Motor Transport Company — HQ Moindah; swing lift and major port-clearance/worked convoys.
  • Composite Companies (island distribution)
    • 4 Composite (Népoui/Plaine des Gaïacs, 8 Inf Bde);
    • 16 Composite (Ouaco–Koumac/Taom River line, 14 Inf Bde);
    • 29 Composite (Néméara–Bourail–Houaïlou, Div Troops).
  • 4th Motor Ambulance Convoy (4 MAC – deployed to New Caledonia January 1943. Cars were positioned with field ambulances across the island and at 4 NZ General Hospital (Boguen/Dumbéa), Base Camp Reception Hospital (Téné) and Nouméa.
  • 1 Field Bakery Detachments — bread supply at base/forward as required.
  • 1 Field Butchery

Solomons (1943–44):

  • Guadalcanal
    • HQ Div ASC (fwd) staged onward movement to assault groupings; ASC elements moved via Efate on US shipping.
    • 4 MAC linked ports, airstrips and hospitals in the evacuation chain.
  • Vella Lavella (18 Sep 1943
    • 10 Motor Transport Company ran bulk dumps and onward cross-loads (engineer plant, aviation stores, ammunition).
    • 4 MAC maintained casualty mobility under rain, raids and primitive tracks.
  • Treasury Islands (27 Oct 1943)
    • 4 Motor Transport Company opened the beach-group roadhead and pushed early priorities.
    • 4 MAC Detachment
    • BSD No. 2 Detachment
    • Field Bakery Detachment.
  • Green Islands/Nissan (15 Feb 1944)
    • 16 Motor Transport Company provided the main lift;
    • 10 MT Detachment
    •  4 MAC Detachment.
    • Field Bakery Detachment.

NZOC

Base depots & workshops — New Caledonia (late 1942–44):

  • Base Ordnance Depot (BOD), Bourail — central distribution; textiles/tent repair capability recorded.
  • Divisional Ordnance Workshops, Moindah
    •  HQ/Main Workshop
    • Armament Section
    • No 1 Recovery Section
    • No 2 Recovery Section

Light Aid Detachments (NZOC in Pacific):

  • 20 LAD (Fiji 1940–42; New Caledonia/Solomons 1943–44)
  • 36 LAD (Fiji residual 1942–43)
  • 37 LAD (Fiji 1942; Vella Lavella 1943)
  • 42 LAD (from Jul 1943, with 38 Field Regiment)
  • 64 LAD (Treasury Islands 1943–44)
  • 65 LAD (New Caledonia/Green Islands 1944)
  • 67 LAD (New Caledonia 1943–44)
  • 29 LAA Workshop (section) (Vella Lavella/Green)

Solomons (1943-44)

  • Guadalcanal (Lunga–Kukum–Matanikau)
    • Advanced Ordnance Depot (AOD)
    • Advanced Ordnance Workshops (AOW)
      • Armament Section
      • Section of HQ/Main Workshop
      • Recovery Sections Nos. 1 & 2
  • Vella Lavella
    • detachments of 20 & 37 LADNo. 2 Recovery Section Detachment
    • 29 Light AA Workshop (section).
  • Treasury Islands (Mono & Stirling)
    • 64 LAD as principal mechanical element; ammunition breakdown and refrigeration/distillation plant maintenance; radar support under persistent air threat.
  • Green Islands/Nissan (Operation SQUAREPEG) — mission-tailored
    • ‘Squarepeg Workshop’ combining vehicle/artillery/instrument trades with radar and a tank workshop section; reduced parties from 20 & 65 LAD; small 29 LAA Workshop team.

Medical Stores

New Caledonia (late 1942–44

  • ADMS:  established a large warehouse at Téné (Racecourse Camp)

Solomons (1943–44):

  • Guadalcanal FMC:
    •  ADMS forward section opened alongside AOD/AOW
  • Vella Lavella
    • ADMS forward section
  • Treasury (Mono/Stirling)
    • ADMS forward section
  • Green Islands (Nissan)
    • ADMS forward section

The Battle of Crete: Overlooked Logistics Behind a Pivotal WWII Conflict

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The Battle of Crete fought from 20 May to 1 June 1941, is a significant episode in World War II history, marked by remarkable successes and glaring failures. This battle was the first primarily airborne invasion, where German paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger) played a crucial role in the Axis powers’ strategic operations. Despite the eventual German victory, the high cost of casualties and the fierce resistance from Allied forces, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and Greek troops, left an indelible mark on military tactics and strategy.

While much has been written about the dramatic combat actions and strategic implications of the Battle of Crete, the logistics behind providing ammunition and other essential stores remain unknown. The rapid pace of the German invasion, coupled with the chaotic and desperate defence mounted by the Allies, meant that detailed records of logistical operations were often overlooked or lost. This gap in historical documentation has left many questions unanswered about how the defenders managed to sustain their efforts under such dire circumstances.

However, the War Diary of the New Zealand Division Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS) is a valuable resource on this overlooked battle aspect. This diary provides a rare and insightful glimpse into the New Zealand Division’s logistic efforts, revealing logistics challenges, resourcefulness, and critical role in the battle. Through the entries of this war diary, we gain a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts that supported the front-line troops, highlighting the unsung heroes who, as much as practicably possible, ensured that ammunition and other stores reached those in need, often under the most perilous conditions.

This article explores the lesser-known logistical efforts that played a crucial role in the conflict. By delving into the War Diary of the New Zealand Division ADOS, we aim to provide a different understanding of the battle, understanding the resilience and ingenuity of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the New Zealand defence.

Following the disastrous Greek campaign, General Freyberg assumed command of Crete Force (Creforce) for the defence of Crete on 1 May 1941, deploying approximately 28,600 British, Australian, Greek, and New Zealand troops across four sectors: Heraklion, Retimo, Suda Bay, and Maleme. Despite the seemingly adequate size of this force, several factors significantly reduced its combat effectiveness. The Germans held complete air superiority, with only the British 14th Brigade fully equipped. A severe shortage of small arms ammunition and the lack of vehicles rendered mobile defence impossible. Each sector had to maintain a static defence within its locality, contributing to the island’s immobility and, ultimately, the failure to repel the enemy.

Initially, the Ordnance aspects of the operation were under the command of Creforce Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS) Lieutenant-Colonel J. Hitchcock of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), who arrived on 24 April. However, by mid-May, he was recalled to Egypt, and the leadership was passed to Lieutenant-Colonel S. T. Rooke RAOC, who had also been evacuated from Greece.[1]

There was a small RAOC Base Ordnance Depot (BOD)depot in Canea, with a Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) established approximately two miles south at Katisfariana. Following the evacuation of forces from Greece and their immediate pivot to defend Crete, the immediate task was to supply clothing, essentials, blankets, and accommodation stores to thousands of troops who had landed from Greece. Three camps were set up:

  • Peribolia for 17,000 British troops
  • Kalibes for 12,000 men of the 6th Australian Division
  • Platanias for 14,000 New Zealanders
British, Australian and New Zealand troops disembark at Suda Bay, Crete, during World War II. New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch. Ref: DA-01611-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23172196

This number was eleven times greater than originally planned for clothing and equipment supply. Transporting stores between ports was primarily conducted by caiques under cover of night. However, the supply of weapons and ammunition remained highly problematic. The general strategy involved holding ammunition primarily in fighting sectors, with only a fifth stored in the BAD. The LADs, having been forced to abandon their equipment in Greece, were severely restricted in their capacity for first-line repairs.

The Australians benefited from the well-trained 3 Advanced Ordnance Depot (3AOD) supporting their division, whereas New Zealand’s ordnance support was more ad hoc.[2] It relied on New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) members from the NZ Divisional staff to establish makeshift Ordnance Dumps and a distribution system. Major Allan Huia Andrews, as the New Zealand Division Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS), and Captain John Owen Kelsey, serving as DADOS Engineering (DADOS(E)), commanded these efforts. However, both Divisions struggled because the proper supply and support systems that should have been in place for such a campaign were non-existent.

The NZ Division ADOS war diary opened on 25 May 1941 as the NZ Division ADOS evacuated from Greece and arrived in Crete

25 April

At sea

Convoy attacked but raiders driven off.

Arrived at Crete

26 April

At Crete

27 April

With ADOS to see ADOS of Creforce and W/Ksps.

Issued with 1 8-cwt truck for Div HQ.

28 April

Act as Div Transport officer with 6 trucks ex Welch Regt.

Move to Div HQ location

29 April

Normal routine

30 April

To 1Fd Wksp to take OC’s orderly room in the absence of ADOS. Case of Private Burnt who discharged a rifle and killed a local inhabitant. Summary of evidence and charges read to the accused who pleads “Not Guilty”. The case is remanded. Summary of evidence submitted to ADOS.

ADOS Leave Crete, and I am temporally appointed to act for him

1 May

After the departure of Major Andrews, Major Kelsey was temporarily appointed DADOS of the Maleme Sector of Crete Force.

Collected stores and ammunition from Ordnance Dump for Div. Reserves.

To Inspect NZ Ordnance Dump.

Reported on the position of re-equipment of NZ Units to AA and QMG

2 May

Completed report of DADOS(E) on the work of Fd. Workshops, LADs. and OFP. in Greece and submitted this to DDOS, HQ 2NZEF

3 May

Normal routine

4 May

Collected supplies from BOD. Normal routine

5 May

Collected supplies from BOD. Normal routine.

6 May

Distributed shorts, shirts, hose tops, 2” and 3” Mortars, Anti-Tank Rifles and ammunition to Units.

7 May

To Canea to interview ADOS and COO of Crete Force

Further distribution of clothing and camp equipment to 5 Inf Bde

8 May

Normal Routine

10 May

Normal routine

Further distribution of stores and ammunition to units

11 May

Normal routine

12 May

To see ADOS Creforce and work with him on plan for equipping NZ units on a pro-rata basis

13 May

Fierce Air Raid over Suda Bay.

Bdes issued with 5 Carriers Bren each.

All units were requested to render deficiencies in clothing and camp equipment.

Distributed 1400 coils of wire and pickets to 5 and 10 Bdes.

14 May 1941

Further distribution of ammunition, wire, and pickets to all units.

Issue of 12 M/Cycles to NZ units.

Move with Div. HQ. to a new location 1 1/2 miles from Canea.

 Heavy Air Raid.

15 May

Move the NZ Ordnance Dump to the NZ Div HQ area as there was no protection where this dump was previously located.

Prepare issue orders for all Bde Groups.

Lieut Cooper (16 LAD) was instructed to report to Suda Bay to assemble 75mm French and Italian Guns

16 May

To Canea to investigate the position of Ordnance supplies

Heavy Air raid in Suda Bay

17 May

36 15cwt trucks and 7 M/Cycles issued to NZ units

18 May

Normal routine

19 May

Normal routine

20 May

The German invasion of Crete began, and the parachutists landed.

General strafing all-day

Delivered ammunition as follows:

97250rds SAA

20000rds Stripless LMG

500rds A/Tk

Cpl Solon was taken prisoner but later recaptured.

21 May

Repetition of the previous day.

Collect ammunition reserve at dawn

Issue and blankets to German wounded

Heavy naval action at sea

Ammunition issued as follows:

110000rds SAA

100 Grenades

1100rds 75mm French and Italian

22 May

Very fierce strafing during the afternoon.

Ammunition issued as follows

97000rds SAA

6000rds Stripless LMG

340 Grenades

23 May

Very fierce strafing and bombing

Ammunition and stores issued as follows:

27000rds SAA

200 A/Tk mine

148 Grenades

700 Shovels

190 Picks

70 Coils of wire

140 Pickets

100 Local Bombs

24 May

The worst staffing so far experienced

Canea was systematically bombed.

Propose to recommend WO1 Schou for decoration for his conspicuous gallantry in delivering ammunition to units.

I was promoted to the rank of temp major while performing the duties of DADOS (E ).

Ammunition and stores issued as follows

90000rds SAA

10000rds Stripless SAA

480rds 75mm

8000rds Thompson Sub-MG

72rds Mortar 3”

60 coils wire and pickets

250 Shovels

60 Picks

25 May

Div HQ bombed

Ammunition issued as follows:

55000rds SAA

6000rds Stripless

2000rds Thompson Sub-MG

500rds A/tk

Div HQ moved to new location by wireless station outside Canea.

BAD Canea objects to the issue of ammunition after midnight as “their books were closed”. However, ammunition was obtained.

26 May

Serious strafing.

Bdes retiring

Take back 3 Ammunition lorries fully loaded to the east of Suda Bay and join Div HQ there

27 May

Move again down Sparkis Road.

Deliver Ammunition to 4 and 5 Bdes as follows:

100000rds SAA

10000rds Stripless LMG

2000rds Thompson Sub-MG

Strafed ceaselessly all day.

Move only at night.

28 May

Ammunition lorries taken by Force HQ.

Move again with Div HQ

Learn of evacuation scheme

29 May

Food and water position acute

March 12 miles to Embarkation Point but remain there.

30 May

Moral of troops getting low on account of enemy air activity and lack of food and water.

Prepare to embark

31 May

Embark with Div HQ at 2 am on destroyer “Nizam” and cross to Alexandria.

Bombed by 12 Planes en route but with only one “near miss”.

Arrive in Alexandria at 1830hrs.

ADOS NZ Div DADOS(E) War Diary for April 1941

World War II paratroopers and aeroplanes in the sky above Crete. New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch : Ref: DA-12638-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22913202

In conclusion, the Battle of Crete was pivotal in World War II, marked by heroic defiance and sobering logistical challenges. From May 20 to June 1, 1941, German forces conducted the first large-scale airborne invasion in history, targeting the strategically vital island defended by British, Australian, New Zealand, and Greek troops. Despite fierce resistance, the overwhelming German air superiority and logistical deficiencies amongst the Allies ultimately led to their defeat.

While the battle is often remembered for its strategic implications and high casualties, the logistical efforts behind supplying essential stores like ammunition remained largely unexamined. The NZ Division ADOS War Diary offers a glimpse into the critical logistics operations that sustained the New Zealand defence. It reveals the resourcefulness and dedication of personnel who, under extreme conditions, where practicable possible, ensured that vital supplies reached frontline troops.

The logistical challenges faced during the battle, such as ammunition shortages and makeshift supply systems, underscore the critical importance of logistics in military operations. Though overshadowed by the dramatic combat actions, these efforts were instrumental in supporting the frontline troops and mitigating the impact of German assaults.

In commemorating the Battle of Crete, honouring the valour of those who fought on the front lines and the unsung heroes who laboured tirelessly behind the scenes is essential. Their contributions, as detailed in the War Diary and other historical records, provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and sacrifices of war. By remembering these logistical efforts, we gain a more comprehensive perspective on the battle, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity that defined the New Zealand defence on the island of Crete.

Thus, the Battle of Crete serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined roles of combat and logistics in shaping war outcomes, leaving an enduring legacy in military history.

Notes

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

[2] Tilbrook, J. D. (1989). To the warrior his arms: A History of the Ordnance Services in the Australian Army Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps Committee.

The bell of the M.V Rangitata

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Hidden in an alcove under some stairs at New Zealand’s Army’s Trade Training School is a surprising item of memorabilia not generally associated with the Army, a Ships Bell belonging to the M.V Rangitata.

With no labels or tags identifying its origins, its mounting cradle indicates that it was mounted in a social club or smoko room and used to call the room to attention for important announcements.

The journey of this bell and why it now rests at Trentham has long been forgotten. However, it does hold a surprising place in the whakapapa of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment.

Established in 1873, the New Zealand Shipping Company (NZSC) helped pioneer the trade of frozen goods from New Zealand to England and became one of New Zealand’s premier shipping companies with domestic and international routes.

In the late 1920s, the NZSC undertook a significant investment in its fleet for the Wellington to London route and had three modern diesel-powered passenger/cargo ships built, the Rangitane, the Rangitiki and the Rangitata.

MV Rangitata

Known as the “Rangi” ships, from 1929, these 16,737-ton diesel-powered vessels dominated the service between England and New Zealand with a four-weekly service, making the voyage via the Panama Canal and Pitcairn Island in 32 days.

All three Rangis served in various war-related roles from 1939.

The Rangitane

whilst transiting from New Zealand to England was sunk three hundred miles east of New Zealand by the German surface raiders Komet and Orion on 27 November 1940.

The Rangitiki

In November 1940, as its sister was facing German raiders in the Pacific, as the largest vessel in the thirty-eight vessel trans-Atlantic convoy HX 84, the Rangitiki encountered the German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer, and although eight merchant vessels were lost, the Rangitiki completed the voyage. In December 1940, as part of Trans-Atlantic convoy WS 5, the Rangitiki then survived an encounter with the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. In 1945 the Rangitiki returned to the New Zealand -England route as it undertook repatriation voyages returning Servicemen and War brides home from Europe. Following eighty-seven peacetime return voyages between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Rangitiki was retired and broken up as scrap in 1962.

The Rangitata

In 1937 the Rangitata transported troops to England for the coronation of King George VI, and in 1939 was requisitioned for war service.  During the war, some of the Rangitata’s eventful voyages included transporting 113 child evacuees from England to New Zealand. Later in the war, it transported United States soldiers from the USA to England. Following the war, the Rangitata was fitted out as a war-bride ship and, in 1947, transported the first post-war draft of immigrants to New Zealand. Returning to peacetime service with its sister ship, the Rangitiki, the Rangitata was also scrapped in 1962.

The wartime voyage of significance to the RNZALR is the Rangitata’s participation in carrying the First Echelon of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2nd NZEF) from Wellington to Egypt in January/February 1940.

Six merchant vessels made up Convoy US.1 sailing from Wellington on 4 January 1940, carrying 345 Officers and 6175 other ranks of the Second Echelon of the 2nd NZEF.

As part of Convoy US.1, the Rangitata transported the following units to Egypt.

  • Divisional Cavalry: A and B Sqns (369 men)
  • NZANS Nursing Sisters (3)
  • Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve ratings.
  • 2 NZEF Overseas Base
  • 13 Light Aid Detachment, New Zealand Ordnance Corps (1 Officer + 12 Other Ranks)
  • 13 Light Aid Detachment, New Zealand Ordnance Corps (1 Officer + 12 Other Ranks)

The following members of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps have been identified as sailing on the Rangitata. As the war progressed, several of these men held significant positions in the NZOC and from November 1942, the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME). A small number continued to serve in the post-war NZ Army.

  • Lieutenant Donald Edward Harper, NZOC, Base Depot
    • finished the war as Lieutenant Colonel and the 2nd NZ Div Assistant Director of Ordnance Services.
Lieutenant Colonel Donald Harper Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996. Lieutenant Colonel D E Harper – Photograph taken by George Bull. New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch:Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency. Ref: DA-05919-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23233849
  • 2nd Lieutenant John Owen Kelsey, NZOC, 13 LAD
    • Served as an Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (OME), Senior Ordnance Mechanical Engineer (SOME), Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS) and acting Chief Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (CRÈME). Completed the war as a Colonel and was awarded an MBE and MID
  • 2nd Lieutenant Robert Hassell England, NZOC, 14 LAD
    • Promoted to Captain and served as OC 3 NZ Field Workshop and NZ Divisional Ordnance Field Park
  • Warrant Officer Class One Kevin Graham Keith Cropp, Base Depot
    • Remained in the RNZAOC post-war and retired as a Major in 1955
  • Warrant Officer Class One Francis Reid, NZOC, Base Depot
    • He was commissioned and served throughout the war. Remained in the RNZAOC after the war and as a Lieutenant Colonel, was the Director of Ordnance Services from November 1949 to March 1957.
  • Warrant Officer Class Two Andrew Gunn, NZOC, 13 LAD
    • KIA Greece. 18 April 1941
  • Corporal Randal Martin Holmes, NZOC, 14 LAD
  • Corporal Robert William Watson, NZOC, Base Depot
  • Private Rodger Langdon Ashcroft, NZOC, Base Depot
  • Private John Noel Shadwell Heron, NZOC, Base Depot
  • Private Mark Edwin Ivey, NZOC, Base Depot
  • Private Edward McTavish MacPherson, NZOC, Base Depot
  • Private Lionel Edward Campbell, NZOC, 14 LAD
  • Private Lionel John McGreevy, NZOC, 14 LAD

Although this list is not exhaustive, the few highlighted names indicate the logistical talent onboard the Rangitata during its voyage as part of Convoy US.1. Officers such as Harper, Kelsey and Reid went on and play a significant role in shaping the future of New Zealand Military Supply and Maintenance Support trades.

Although the journey of the MV Rangitata’s Bell and how it ended up in Trentham may never be known, the hope is that given its relationship to the Logisticians of the First Echelon, in the future, the RNZALR will place and display this bell in a position of significance.