A first-day cover, is a special postage stamp affixed to an envelope and officially postmarked on the very first day the stamp becomes valid for use. Additionally, these covers are occasionally created to commemorate significant events, featuring a unique design on the left side of the envelope known as a “cachet.” This cachet typically provides information about the event or anniversary being celebrated.
In 1978, to honor the RNZAOC Corps Day, Military Covers of Christchurch produced two distinct First Day Covers dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC).
Cachet
These covers were crafted using standard postal envelopes but incorporated an RNZAOC-themed cachet on the left side. This cachet prominently displayed the RNZAOC Badge within a square, divided into four sections, each representing various facets of the RNZAOC:
- Top left – Featuring the Crest of the Board of Ordnance, symbolizing the British military heritage of the RNZAOC.
- Top right – Depicting a warehouse forklift to symbolize the warehousing responsibilities of the RNZAOC.
- Bottom right – Showcasing Lcpl/Cpl Gina Pirikahu operating an NCR Accounting Machine in the Machine Room at 1 Base Ordnance Depot Trentham, representing the advanced accounting systems employed by the RNZAOC during that era.
- Bottom left – Displaying an array of ammunition to signify the crucial responsibility of ammunition management within the RNZAOC.
Stamps
In terms of stamps, the RNZAOC First Day Cover included 1 and 2 Cent Stamps designed for use with ‘Coin-in-slot’ machines and 5 and 10 Cent Stamps designed for ‘postafix’ machines. These stamps featured a simple left-hand profile of Queen Elizabeth II and were colored as follows:
- 1 Cent: Violet on White
- 2 Cent: Orange on White
- 5 Cent: Brown on White
- 10 Cent: Blue on White
Issued for use on June 13, 1978, the 1, 2, and 5 cent stamps were discontinued after just five months due to postal rate increases.
Franking Marks
Franking marks on the RNZAOC First Day Cover included two types. The first was an RNZAOC stamp based on the RNZAOC Badge, bearing the inscription “CORPS DAY” above the badge. Below the badge, you would find the continuity number “AZAFC 16” and “ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS.” “NZAFC” was used on all New Zealand Military First Day Covers until 1979, with different numbers assigned to each unit. Post-1979 covers used “NZFPO.”
The second franking mark was from Trentham Camp, New Zealand, and was dated July 12, 1978.
Signed Covers
Some of these RNZAOC First Day Covers featuring the 2 and 10 Cent stamps were signed by notable individuals:
- Brigadier A.H. Andrews, CBE, Colonel Commandant of the RNZAOC from April 1, 1969, to September 30, 1977.
- Lieutenant Colonel J. Harvey, MBE, Colonel Commandant of the RNZAOC from October 1, 1977, to March 31, 1979.
Another version of the RNZAOC First Day Cover, featuring the 1 and 10 Cent stamps, bore the signature of:
- Lieutenant Colonel A.J. Campbell, Director of Ordnance Services, from December 7, 1976, to April 9, 1979.
Inserts
These covers were also accompanied by insert cards providing a detailed history of the RNZAOC up to 1977.
Examples of similar New Zealand Military Covers
Copyright © Robert McKie 2018
