World War Two is a testament to sacrifice and heroism, yet specific chapters remain overshadowed within its pages. Among these lesser-known aspects lies the vital role played by various military units, particularly the often-neglected arena of New Zealand Military logistics. This crucial facet, encompassing the intricate operations reqauired to support the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2 NZEF), unveils a narrative where the contributions of the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC) and the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) have been largely overlooked.
The monumental effort encapsulated in the 48-volume Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45, crafted by the War History Branch, and the 13-volume Third Division History of the Second World War attempts to rectify this historical oversight. Authored by dedicated writers, six volumes within these collections delve into the endeavours of the NZASC and NZOC, shedding light on:
- 4th and 6th Reserve Mechanical Transport Companies by J. Henderson (1954)
- Journey Towards Christmas: History of the 1st Ammunition Company, Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 1939-45 by S. P. Llewellyn (1949)
- Supply Company by P. W. Bates (1955)
- Petrol Company by A. Kidson (1961)
- Pacific Service: The Story of the New Zealand Army Service Corps Units with the Third Division in the Pacific by Sergeant J A Evans
- Ordnance: The Unofficial History of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps in the Pacific from 1940 Until the Third Division was Disbanded in 1944
While these volumes provide an insightful overview of the NZASC’s RMTs, 1 Ammunition Company, Supply Company, and Petrol Company as part of 2NZEF, and the NZASC and NZOC in the Pacific, they offer only a snapshot of 2NZEF’s logistics. Notably, the contribution of the NZOC in the Middle East and Italy remains absent from these historical accounts.
Contributions from 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) enrich the narrative of the official and unofficial histories. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these accounts, while valuable, largely rely on previously publicised information and do not comprehensively fill all historical gaps.
In 1944, the 2NZEF Archives Section recognised the importance of documenting the activities of the 2nd NZEF for post-war histories. Sergeant Jas Brown, a member of the Official Archives Section, spent nine days visiting Field Units of the NZOC, with an additional stop at 2 Base Ordnance Depot producing what can be describe as the only official historic account of the NZOC as part of 2NZEF.
Despite post war attempts to assign Warrant Officer Class Two Vincent of the NZOC to craft a history of the NZOC’s role in the Middle East and Italy, the momentum for such a dedicated volume dwindled despite the acclaim received by Journey Towards Christmas. The work on the NZOC history ceased, and Jas Brown’s notes remained untouched, missing a opportunity to delve deeper into the history of the NZOC during this pivotal period.
This article presents, for the first time, a transcription of Jas Brown’s notes on the NZOC, including organisational charts of the different NZOC units discussed and notes by Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Kelsey, the 2 NZEF Assistant Director of Ordnance Service (ADOS), either correcting or adding to Brown’s narrative.
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 11/2 cwt 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 considerable progress has been made in documenting the history of the NZASC and New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NZEME) during wartime, there remains significant gaps in fully unveiling and appreciating the contribution of the NZOC during World War Two. The lessons learned from this era continue to hold relevance in the current landscape, making it imperative for historians and enthusiasts to explore these overlooked chapters . This article aims to encourage a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal roles played by the NZASC, NZOC, and NZEME during this historic period, providing valuable insights to inform the current generation of military logisticians.
