Warrant Officer Class One, Conductor Badge 1915-1918. Robert McKie Collection
The Honourable and Ancient Appointment of Conductor has origins dating back to 1327 where they are mentioned in the Statute of Westminster as the men whose job it was to conduct soldiers to places of assembly. The “Conductor of Ordnance” is also mentioned in the records of the siege of Boulogne in 1544. Surviving as an appointment directly related to the handling of stores in the British army until the late 19th century, the appointment was formalised by Royal Warrant on 11 January 1879 which established conductors of supplies (in the Army Service Corps) and conductors of stores (in the Ordnance Stores Branch) as warrant officers, ranking above all non-commissioned officers.
The need for a New Zealand Ordnance Corps had been discussed since the turn of the century, so when war came in 1914, New Zealand was without an Ordnance Corps. Once the lead elements of the NZEF disembarked and established itself in Egypt, a New Zealand Ordnance Organisation was hastily created from scratch. Growing from the New Zealand DADOS staff the embryonic New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was created as an NZEF unit during 1915 and was formally established as a unit of the NZEF establishment in January 1916.
Following the British model, the NZAOC included Warrant Officers Class One appointed as Conductors and Sub-Conductors as part of its organisational structure. Drawn from across the units of the NZEF and with an average age of 23, many of the men who were NZAOC Conductors had seen service at Gallipoli during the Dardanelles Campaign. Learning the hard lessons because of the administrative failures during that campaign, there is little doubt that these men understood the importance of their appointments in assuring that Ordnance stores were sourced and pushed directly forward to the frontline troops of the NZ Division.
The wide recognition in many historical sources that the New Zealand division was one of the best organised, trained and equipped Divisions in the British Army during the war in Europe is in part due to the contribution of the NZAOC and its conductors, with at least 4 four Conductors awarded Meritorious Service Medals for their work.
Warrant Officer Class One, Sub-Conductor Badge. 1915-1919 Robert McKie Collection
William Coltman
12/1025 Acting Sub-Conductor William Hall Densby Coltman, NZAOC. Auckland Weekly News/Public Domain
The first New Zealander to hold a Conductor appointment was Company Sergeant Major William Coltman. Enlisting into the Auckland Infantry Regiments in Sept 1914, Coltman served in the Dardanelles where he was injured. Transferring into the NZAOC in February 1916 as a Company Sergeant Major with the appointment of Acting Sub-Conductor. Coltman remained in this role with the NZAOC until March 1917 when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and spent the rest of the war as an Infantry Quartermaster officer in the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps.
Charles Gossage
Charles Gossage enlisted in the Otago Mounted Rifles in September 1914. Serving in the Dardanelles, Gossage transferred into the NZAOC in February 1916. On the 24th of July 1916 with the rank of Company Sergeant Major, Gossage was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Appointment of Conductor. Gossage would hold this appointment until the 24th of Jan 1917 when he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Gossage would remain on the New Zealand Division DADOS staff, finishing the war as a Major and NZ Div DADOS. Awarded the OBE, Gossage would continue to serve in the Home Service NZAOC as an Accounting Officer until December 1922.
Arthur Gilmore
Arthur Gilmore enlisted in the Auckland Infantry Regiment in September 1914. Serving as part of the DADOS Staff at Gallipoli. Gilmore was formally placed on the strength of the NZAOC on the 8th of April 1916. In Dec 1916 Sergeant Arthur Gilmore was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Conductor. Gilmore would remain as a Conductor in the NZEF until Feb 1919 when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. For his services as a Conductor, he was awarded the MSM.
Walter Geard
Walter Geard enlisted in the Auckland Infantry Regiment in August 1914. Seeing Service in the Dardanelles. Staff Sergeant Geard was attached to the New Zealand Mounted Brigade Headquarters for Ordnance duties where he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Conductor on 1 Jan 1917. Geard’s tenure as a Conductor was short as he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 20 June 1917. Transferred from Egypt to France in August 1918, Geard spent the rest of the war on the staff of the NZ Division DADOS, demobilising as a Lieutenant in 1919.
William Simmons
William Henchcliffe Simmons was a railway clerk who enlisted in D Battery of the New Zealand Field Artillery in August 1914. Seven days later Quartermaster Sergeant Simmons embarked as part of the NZEF Samoa Advance Force. Returning to New Zealand in March 1915, Quartermaster Sergeant Simmons was transferred into the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade which was then training a Trentham Camp. In October 1915 Quartermaster Sergeant Simmons deployed with the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade to Egypt. Disembarking in Egypt in November 1915 Quartermaster Sergeant Simmons was attached to Brigade Headquarters with the acting rank of Warrant Officer as the clerk NZAOC. Transferring into the NZAOC on the 26th of February 1916 with the rank of Company Sergeant Major. Promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Conductor on the 1st of January 1917. Simmons tenure as a Conductor was short as he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in June 1917. Simmons remained in the NZAOC filling various staff roles in France and England for the duration of the war, finally being appointed Honorary Captain in Feb 1920 when he was appointed as the Officer in Charge of NZ Ordnance in England, a post he held until October 1920 when he was demobilised. For his services as a Conductor, Simmons was awarded the MSM.
Clarence Seay
6/3459 Warrant Officer Class 1 (Conductor) Clarence Adrian Seay, MSM. NZAOC Archives New Zealand/Public Domain
Clarence Seay was a farm cadet who enlisted in C Company on the 8th Reinforcements on the 20th of August 1915. Arriving at the New Zealand Base depot in Egypt in November 1915, Seay was transferred into the NZAOC in February 1916. With the pending promotion of Conductor Simmons, Sergeant Seay was promoted to Temporary Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of acting Sub-Conductor on the 23 Mar 1917. Attaining substantive rank as a Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Sub-Conductor on 28 April 1917. Seay was promoted to full Conductor on the 22nd of September 1917. Seay remained with the NZ Division for the remainder of the war. In May 1918 Seay suffered a personal loss when his younger brother Gordon Seay, was killed in action. Sadly Seay died of Influenza on the 20th of February 1919 in Cologne, Germany. Interred in the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cologne. Based on his performance Seay was awarded the MSM
“For long and valuable service. This NCO has done continuous good work and has performed his duties in a most excellent manner. As Senior Warrant Officer, with the New Zealand Ordnance Department, his work has been of a most arduous character and has frequently involved him in situations which have called for a display of energy and initiative. In an advance, the necessity of clean clothing and socks, etc, for the fighting troops is sometimes very acute. Conductor Seay on his energy and ability has at times been of the greatest assistance to the DADOS in administrating a very important branch of the service.”
Walter Smiley
Enlisting into the Canterbury Infantry Regiment in August 1914. Injured in the Dardanelles, Smiley was evacuated to Malta, then England returning to ANZAC Cove on the 7th of December 1915,, where he was transferred into the NZAOC and attached to the Canterbury Battalion. Sergeant Walter Smiley was promoted to Temporary Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of acting Sub-Conductor on the 23 April 1917. Gaining Substantive rank as a Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Conductor on the 20th of December 1917. Smiley would carry out his role as a Conductor first in France, then England from October 1918 until he was demobilised in October 1919.
Frank Hutton
Frank Hutton enlisted in the Otago Infantry Regiment in August 1914. After service in the Dardanelles, Hutton was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to the NZAOC on the 1st of December 1915. Sergeant Frank Hutton was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Sub-Conductor on the 1st of December 1917. Remaining with the NZ Division for the remainder of the war, Hutton was demobilised in September 1919.
Hutton was re-enlisted into the NZAOC as a Lance Corporal on the 14th of December 1942 as an Ammunition Examiner in the Inspecting Ordnance Officer Group in the Northern Military district based at Ngaruawahia. Hutton was discharged from the RNZAOC on the 6th of June 1948 when he was 69 years of age.
Edward Little
Enlisting in the 5th Wellington Regiment on the 9th of August 1914, Little was transferred into the Otago Infantry Battalion on the 23rd of March 1915. Injured in the buttocks and shoulder in the Dardanelles after a recovery period Little was transferred into the NZAOC on the 17th of February 1916, moving with he NZ Divison to France. On the 15th of April 1917, Sergeant Edward Little was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Sub-Conductor. Promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Conductor on the 31st of August 1918. Transferred to the Middle East in October 1918, Conductor Little spent the remainder of the war attached to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade Headquarters and was demobilised in October 1919.
John Goutenoire O’Brien
Private John O’Brien left New Zealand with the 6th Reinforcements on the 14th of August 1915. After service in the Dardanelles, O’Brien was transferred into the NZAOC in February 1916. Serving in France for 2 years O’Brien was assigned to London Headquarters in March 1918 as the Chief Clerk. Staff Sergeant John O’Brien was Promoted to Temporary Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Appointment of Acting Sub-Conductor on the 18 October 1918. Gaining Substantive rank as a Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Sub-Conductor on the 25th of November 1918. O’Brien was appointed as a Conductor on the 1st of Feb 1919. O’Brien was awarded the MSM and was the senior Warrant Officer NZAOC EF when he was demobilised in March 1920. His final duties included the indenting of new equipment for two divisions and a Mounted brigade that would equip the New Zealand Army until the late 1930s.
After a short stint serving in the NZAOC in New Zealand, O’Brien would return to his pre-war trade of banker. Immigrating to the United States, O’Brien attended De Paul University Law School in Chicago from 1921 to 1924. In 1926 O’Brien took up the position of vice-president of the Commercial National Bank in Shreveport, Louisiana. During the Second World War, O’Brien then a US Citizen served in the United States Army Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in the South-West Pacific Theatre of Operations.
Edwin Green
8/1484 Sub Conductor Edwin Stanley Green, NZAOC. Auckland Weekly News/Public Domain
Enlisting into the Otago Infantry Regiment in December 1915, Green served in the Dardanelles where he was wounded. Transferring into the NZAOC in December 1916, Staff Sergeant Edwin Green was Promoted to Temporary Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Appointment of Acting Sub-Conductor on the 20 October 1918. Gaining Substantive rank as a Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Sub-Conductor on the 26th of November 1918. Green was demobilised in Dec 1919.
Charles Slattery
A member of the Royal New Zealand Artillery since February 1898, Charles Slattery was transferred into the New Zealand Permanent Staff as a Quartermaster Sergeant for the Wellington Railway Battalion on the 7th of October 1913. Joining the 2nd Battalion of the Wellington Regiment as part of the 37th Reinforcements in November 1918. Slattery was then transferred to the NZEF New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps on the 6th of January 1919 and promoted to Warrant Officer Class One with the appointment of Conductor. Sadly Slattery died of Influenza on the 25th of February 1919 in Cologne.
Harold Hill
Enlisting into the Wellington Infantry Regiment in February 1915, Hill would see service in the Dardanelles before transferring into the NZAOC in February 1916. Promoted to Corporal in April 1916 and then Sergeant in September 1916. Sergeant Hill was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Sub-Conductor on the 21st of Feb 1919. Hill was demobilised in October 1919.
Arthur Richardson
Initially enlisting in the Royal New Zealand Artillery in 1913. Serving with the NZEF from June 1917 to August 1919, Sergeant Artificer Richardson was temporarily transferred from the New Zealand Artillery into the NZAOC in Feb 1918. Promoted to Temporary Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Acting Sub-Conductor on the 3rd of Feb 1919. Richardson was demobilised from the NZEF on the 13th of Feb 1919 and returned to service with the Royal New Zealand Artillery. In 1928 Richardson was Transferred back into the NZAOC counting to serve until the creation of the New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, retiring in 1951.
Hubert Wilson
Enlisting into the New Zealand Field Artillery in August 1914, Wilson was wounded in the thigh while serving in the Dardanelles. Remaining with the Artillery for several years, Staff Sergeant Wilson Transferred into the NZAOC in October 1918. Promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the appointment of Acting Sub-Conductor on the 3rd of March 1919. Wilson was demobilised from the NZEF in May 1920. For his actions before joining the NZAOC Wilson was awarded the Military Medal.
Ordnance badges in the United Kingdom and many present and former Commonwealth countries indeed have their origins in the Coat of Arms of the Board of Ordnance. The Board of Ordnance was a British government department responsible for the supply and maintenance of the army’s ordnance and equipment. Its coat of arms and insignia were adopted for use on various military badges and insignia. Here’s some additional information about this history:
Coat of Arms of the Board of Ordnance: The Board of Ordnance adopted its coat of arms, which featured various elements symbolizing its role in supplying and managing ordnance, in the 17th century.
Royal Approval: While the badge came into use in the 17th century, it wasn’t officially granted royal approval until 1806. This royal approval signified official recognition and authorization for the use of the coat of arms on military items and badges.
Confirmation by the College of Arms: In 1823, the Arms of the Board of Ordnance were confirmed by a grant from the College of Arms. The College of Arms is the official body responsible for regulating and granting coats of arms in England, and its confirmation further solidified the legitimacy of the badge.
Commonwealth Adoption: As the British Empire expanded and evolved, the badge of the Board of Ordnance was often adopted by Commonwealth countries that were part of the empire. These countries included Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various African and Caribbean nations. The use of this badge by Commonwealth forces helped maintain a sense of continuity and tradition within the military.
Legacy: While the Board of Ordnance itself was disbanded in the 19th century, its coat of arms and insignia continue to be part of the military heritage of the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries. These badges are often seen on military uniforms, especially on items related to logistics, supply, and ordnance.
The adoption of the Board of Ordnance’s coat of arms and insignia into the military traditions of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries reflects the historical significance of this organisation in supplying and equipping armed forces. It also underscores the continuity and historical ties among these nations within the Commonwealth.
The insignia of the Board of Ordnance comprises the following elements:
Shield
Background: The shield features a blue background.
Field Pieces: Three gold field pieces (cannons or artillery pieces) are displayed on the blue background.
Cannonballs: In the top portion of the shield, there are three silver/white cannonballs, likely representing ammunition or firepower.
Crest
Silver/White Crown: Rising from a silver/white crown is a right arm.
Grasping a Thunderbolt: The right arm is grasping a thunderbolt.
Wings Against a Flaming Background: The design includes wings against a flaming background. This imagery could symbolize the power, speed, and force associated with the work of the Board of Ordnance.
Supporters
Cyclops Figures: The supporters are two cyclops figures, each with a specific tool. Certain accounts describe the cyclops figures as England’s legendary guardians, Gog and Magog, who are believed to awaken in times of national peril. Additionally, there is historical reference to the use of the names Gog and Magog for the barges used to transport sizable cannons up the River Thames for testing purposes.
Right-hand Cyclops: The right-hand cyclops is holding a hammer, symbolizing craftsmanship or construction.
Left-hand Cyclops: The left-hand cyclops is holding a pair of forceps, possibly representing precision or delicate work.
Resting on the Shoulder: Each cyclops rests their respective tools on their shoulder, emphasizing their readiness to carry out their tasks.
Motto
In the Riband: The motto is written in a riband, a narrow band or scroll.
Motto Translation: The Latin motto “sua tela tonanti” is loosely translated as “To the warrior his arms.” This motto underscores the organization’s commitment to providing arms and equipment to support military efforts.
The standard component of the Coat of Arms featured on Ordnance cap badges consists of a shield adorned with three cannons and three cannonballs. Variations of these badges may include a riband below the shield, bearing either the Corps motto or a descriptor of the corps to which the insignia belongs.
In the early versions of Australian and New Zealand Ordnance badges, an annulus encircled the shield, inside of which was inscribed the name of the respective Corps.
Internationally, many Ordnance badges have included national identifiers placed above the shield. For instance, Canada featured a beaver on their 1903 badge, and New Zealand used the letters “NZ” on various versions of their badge.
A consistent characteristic of these badges is that the cannons are always directed to the right (known as “Dexter” in heraldic terms). However, there are exceptions, such as the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (1917-23) and South Africa Ordnance Corps (1923-33) badges, where the cannons face to the left (known as “Sinister” in heraldic terms).
Upon receiving Royal status, most badges received two additional features. First, permission was granted to display the Royal garter in a buckled circle or oval, bearing the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense.” Translated from Old French, this motto means “Shame be to him who thinks evil of it.” It can also be interpreted as “Evil (or shame) be to him that evil thinks” or “shame on anyone who thinks ill of it.”
Second, the badges incorporated crowns to signify the reigning monarchs:
From 1918 to 1953, the Tudor or “Kings Crown” was used on badges.
Starting in 1953, the St. Edward’s or “Queens crown” became the standard for these insignias.
These details contribute to the rich history and symbolism of Ordnance badges, reflecting changes in royal representation and the unique attributes of each corps.
The St Edwards or “Queens crown” from 1953. Robert McKie CollectionThe Tudor or “Kings Crown” on badges from 1918 to 1953. Robert McKie Collection
Listed below are examples of some of the various ordnance badges of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India and South Africa. Examples of New Zealand pages can be found at Ordnance Badges of New Zealand 1916-1996.
Great Britain
Beginning in 1896, the United Kingdom maintained two distinct Ordnance entities:
The Army Ordnance Department, which consisted of officers.
The Army Ordnance Corps, which comprised other ranks.
In July 1896, following a recommendation from the War Office, Queen Victoria granted approval for the incorporation of the arms of the Board of Ordnance into the badge of both the Army Ordnance Department and the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC). This incorporation involved using the shield from the Board of Ordnance arms, excluding the crest and the supporters, as a central element in the badge design.
These two cap badges were crafted in a similar design, differing primarily in the wording displayed on the scroll beneath the shield. These badges served as the predecessors to all Imperial and subsequently Commonwealth Ordnance Corps badges. Elements of their design were later adopted by various Commonwealth Ordnance Corps throughout their histories.
Army Ordnance Corps 1896-1918. Robert McKie CollectionArmy Ordnance Department 1896-1918. Robert McKie Collection
The Army Ordnance Department and Corps were combined in 1918 to form the ‘Royal Army Ordnance Corps,’ remaining in existence until 1993 when it was disestablished to form the ‘Royal Logistic Corps‘.
AOC 1918-1947. Robert McKie CollectionRAOC 1947-1949. Robert McKie CollectionRAOC 1949-1953. Robert McKie CollectionRAOC Bi-Metal and Anodised 1953-1993 Badges. Robert McKie Collection
Australia
The Australian Army Ordnance Stores Corps was established on July 1, 1902, concurrently with the civilian-administered Australian Army Ordnance Department, which operated under Civil Service management.
In a significant transition in 1942, the corps was brought entirely under military jurisdiction and rebranded as the Australian Army Ordnance Corps. This transformation marked a turning point in its history, and in 1948, it was honored with Royal status.
The badge design, featuring a King’s crown, received official approval in 1948. Initially, this design was exclusively worn as a collar badge. However, in 1956, a cap badge bearing a Queen’s Crown was introduced, which has continued to be in use to this day.
As King Charles ascends to the throne, it is likely that the crown on the badge will be updated to reflect his heraldry, possibly reverting to the Tudor Crown.
Australian Army Ordnance Corps, 1930 to 1942. Robert McKie collectionRoyal Australian Army Ordnance Corps 1942-1953RAAOC 1953 – Present. Robert McKie collection
Canada
Established in 1903 under the name ‘Ordnance Stores Corps,’ this organisation underwent several transformations in its history. In 1907, it was rebranded as the ‘Canadian Ordnance Corps.’ In a significant development in 1919, it was bestowed with the prestigious Royal designation, becoming the ‘Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps.’
In 1968, with the creation of the ‘Logistic Branch,’ which merged the ‘Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps’ and the ‘Royal Canadian Army Service Corps,’ the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps was formally disbanded on July 2, 1974.
Canadian Ordnance Corps badge, 1903-1922. Robert McKie collectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps 1922-1926. (Right Hand Collar Badge). Robert McKie CollectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps 1926-1953. Robert McKie CollectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps, 1953-1961. Robert McKie collectionRoyal Canadian Ordnance Corps, 1961 -1974. Robert McKie Collection
Malaysia – Royal Ordnance Corps – Kor Ordnans Diraja (KOD)
India
The origins of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps can be traced back to the 15th century when the three Presidencies of the East India Company, namely Bengal, Madras, and Bombay, were formed. The formal recognition of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps took place in 1775 with the establishment of the ‘Board of Ordnance.’
However, in 1855, as part of a global restructuring effort, the Board was disbanded. This led to the creation of the Ordnance State Department and Corps. Subsequently, in 1885, these entities were reorganized into the Army Ordnance Department for officers and the Army Ordnance Corps for soldiers.
1901-1922 badge of the Indian Army Ordnance DepartmentWW1 period Pagri (Turban) Badge of the Indian Army Ordnance Corps
In 1922, a significant reorganisation took place, resulting in the amalgamation of the Army Ordnance Department and the Army Ordnance Corps, which were then collectively renamed the Indian Army Ordnance Corps. During this transition, a new corps badge was introduced, closely resembling the previous one but featuring a scroll inscribed with the words “Indian Army Ordnance Corps.”
This badge remained in use until 1954 when the current badge was officially adopted. Interestingly, the IAOC badge should have been discontinued after India became a republic in 1950. However, a delay in finalizing the new crest led to its continued usage until 1954.
Indian Army Ordnance Corps cap, collar badges 1922-1950 and shoulder title. Robert McKie Collection
Following India’s attainment of independence in 1950, the “Indian” prefix was removed from the corps’ name, and it is now simply referred to as the Army Ordnance Corps.
India Army Ordnance Corps- post-1947
Additional Indian Ordnance badges from 1884 to 1922 included:
Pagri (Turban) Badge: This badge featured an Ordnance shield surmounted by a fist rising from a coronet while grasping lightning rods. Below this imagery, there was a scroll with the inscription “SUA TELA TONANI.”
Waist Belt Clasp: During the King’s Crown period, this clasp displayed the King’s Crown over an Ordnance shield in the center. The word “ORDNANCE” appeared around the top, and “INDIA” was inscribed around the bottom.
Pagri (Turban) Badge – WW1 Period: From the World War I era, this badge featured a fist rising from a coronet, grasping lightning rods, and surmounted by two wings. It did not include a scroll.
Pakistan
Upon the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan introduced a modified Ordnance badge based on the Indian Army Ordnance Corps (IAOC) badge. In this adaptation, the crown in the IAOC badge was replaced by the Pakistan ensign, featuring a crescent and a star, and the word “Indian” was substituted with “Pakistan.”
On August 15, 1954, a newly designed badge was officially adopted. Modeled after the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) Pattern badge, this badge featured the following elements:
The Ordnance shield displaying three cannons and three cannonballs.
The Pakistan ensign, which included a five-pointed star.
An annulus, or circular band, inscribed with the words ‘Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps.’
The Ordnance motto ‘Sua Tela Tonanti,’ translated into English as ‘To the Thunder his Weapons,’ was inscribed onto the riband encircling the badge.
1st Pattern Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps badge. Robert Mckie Collection2nd Pattern Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps badge. Robert Mckie Collection3rd Pattern Pakistan Army Ordnance Corps Badge. Robert Mckie Collection
Hyderabad
Hyderabad was a princely state during the British Raj. However, following India’s attainment of independence in 1947, Hyderabad initially maintained its independence. It wasn’t until 1948, when the Indian Army executed Operation Polo, an invasion operation, that Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian union.
Hyderabad Army Ordnance Corps.
Burma
South Africa
Drawing inspiration from the British model, South Africa established the South African Ordnance Department for officers and the South African Ordnance Corps for enlisted personnel in 1923. These two entities were later merged into a unified corps in 1933. In 1939, further reorganization occurred with the creation of the Technical Services Corps and the ‘Q Services Corps.’
South African Ordnance Department 1923-1933. Robert McKie CollectionSAOC badge 1933-1949South African Ordnance Corps 1923-1933
Rhodesia and Nyasaland
During the existence of the Short-lived Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953-1963), the Federation’s army maintained the Rhodesia and Nyasaland Army Services Corps, which played a crucial role in providing logistical support to the Federal Army. This corps comprised three distinct branches:
Ordnance & Supply Branch: This branch was responsible for the provisioning of all Army arms, supplies, and equipment. It consisted of 150 soldiers.
Workshop Branch: Within this branch, artificers and mechanics were tasked with the essential maintenance of vehicles, firearms, and other equipment deployed by the Federal Army. The Workshop Branch had a strength of 270 personnel.
Supply & Transport Branch: Comprising one Askari Platoon, two Coloured Afro-Asian Platoons, and one Eurasian Platoon, the Supply & Transport Branch had the critical responsibility of delivering supplies allocated by the Ordnance & Supply Branch to troops in the field. In total, this branch consisted of 180 personnel.
These branches collectively formed the backbone of logistical support for the Federation’s military operations during this period.
Rhodesian and Nyasaland Army Service Corps cap badge 1955-1962. Robert McKie Collection
Bibliography
J.L. Chapple Indian Army Collection catalogue, Part II – Arms and Services, AFI, IST-ISF. (2017). Retrieved from Indian Military History Society: http://durbaronline.co.uk/PDF/PDF6arms-svces.pdf
Charles Gossage enlisted in the Otago Mounted Rifles in September 1914. Serving in the Dardanelles, Gossage transferred into the NZAOC in February 1916. On the 24th of July 1916 with the rank of Company Sergeant Major, Gossage was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1 with the Appointment of Conductor. Gossage would hold this appointment until the 24th of Jan 1917 when he was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Gossage would remain on the New Zealand Division DADOS staff, finishing the war as a Major and NZ Div DADOS. Awarded the OBE, Gossage would continue to serve in the Home Service NZAOC as an Accounting Officer until December 1922.
