RNZAOC School – Unit History 1985

2 Comments Robert McKie

Units of the New Zealand Army must maintain a diary in which all matters connected with the unit are concisely but clearly recorded. Using Army Form New Zealand 144 (AFNZ 144), a unit provides a daily account of the unit’s activities, with entries providing the location and a brief description of the key events. Entries can be listed merely as” Ordinary Routine”, with others providing a more detailed account of the unit’s activities.

The following transcripts of the RNZAOC School have been copied from the original typed and handwritten AFNZ144 sheets. Much of the original wording has been retained, but most abbreviated words and phrases have been included in full to improve readability. Phpt

Upper Hutt City Library (29th Jan 2020). Trentham Camp; Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps School sign.. In Website Upper Hutt City Library. Retrieved 14th Jul 2020 11:51, from https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1335

7 January 1985

SSgt Wayne Little posted as W02 Clerk Stores to Ordnance Directorate. He was promoted to W02 on posting.

10 January 1985

Course 11.28 Junior Supplier Marched In. Duration 10 January – 26 February 85. 14 students arrived. 2 of these were returned to unit after failing the Critical Performance Test.

14 January 1985

Maj Bolton began the Grade II Staff and Tactics Course at the Tactical School.

LCpl Marsh attended Pre-Course coaching for the Junior NCO Course at 4 Composite Squadron. Duration 14-19 Jan 85.

Course 11.26A Blinds Disposal Course Marched In. This was run for 3 Task Force personnel. Duration 15 – 18 Jan 85.

Sgt Wayne Bray arrived on Tour of Duty to the School to assist with the Blinds Disposal Course

20 January 1985

Lcpl Marsh attended the Mercedes Benz 8-tonne Familiarisation Course run by 10 Transport Squadron. Duration 20 – 25 Jan 85.

21 January 1985

Course 11.26B Blinds Disposal Marched In. This was the second of 2 courses run for 3 Task Force personnel. Duration 22 – 25 Jan 85.

28 January 1985

Sgt Bray was posted as an Instructor to Ammo Wing, RNZAOC School. He was promoted to Temporary SSgt on Posting.

LCpl Marsh commenced the Junior NCO promotion course.

31 January 1985

LCpl Marsh was ‘returned to unit’ from the Junior NCO promotion course.

1 April 1985

W02 Steed, Ssgt Armstrong, Ssgt Lush, Lcpl B. Marsh and Cpl Cole attended a 16mm Projectionist Course at the Education Section at Trentham Camp during 1-3 Apr 85.

Course 11.10 RF TF All Arms Blinds Disposal marched in. Duration 1-4 A r 85. 8 personnel qualified.

1 -2 April 1985

A series of one day Defence Supply System Retail (DSSR) Initial Training Courses were held during 1-12 Apr 85. A total of 56 military and civilian received this training (7 per course)

9 April 1985

Course 11.11 RF TF All Arms Blinds Disposal marched in. Duration 9-12 Apr 85. 8 personnel qualified.

15 April 1985

Major Bolton returned from leave after attending the Grade II Course.

Course 11. 12 RF /TF All Arms Blinds Disposal marched in Duration 16-19 Aor 85, 8 personnel qualified.

16 April 1985

Course 11.15 DSSR Conversion was held during 15-19 Apr 85. 6 students attended (4 military and 2 civilians).

22 April 1985

Course 11.16 DSSR Conversion was held during 22-26 Apr 85. 7 students attended. (5 military and 2 civilians).

29 April 1985

Warrant Officer Class Two Bill Steel arrived at the School on posting as a Supply Instructor.

Course 11.17 DSSR Initial Training Course marched in. Duration 29/30 Apr 85. 6 students attended (3 military and 3 civilian).

1-3 May 1985

An RNZAOC Head of Corps Conference was held at the School.

2-3 May 1985

A General Service Vehicle Familiarisation Course for the V8 Landrover was conducted for Military Police School and RNZAOC School staff. The newly appointed Camp RSM W01 Tiriwi acted as the senior instructor for this course. W02 Ryan, W02 Morrison, SSgt Armstrong and Lcpl Marsh attended. All qualified.

2-3 May 1985

Course 11.18 DSSR Initial Training was conducted. Four military personnel attended~

3 May 1985

Course 11.18 Blinds Disposal marched·out. Seven personnel qualified

6-24 May 1985

Course 11.19 DSSR Unit Systems Controller/Unit Systems Operator was conducted.Six· military and two civilian personnel attended.

6 May 1985

Course 11,21 Senior Ammunition Technician Band 5 marched in. Cpl Cole, Cple Cotter and Cpl Short attended.

10 May 1985

Course 11.14 Foodstuff/POL Accounting and Storage marched out. Five students attended and qualified.

15 May 1985

W01 Thorn, the School Sergeant Major (SSM) was discharged from the Army after 20 years service.

16 May 1985

Wo2 Mike Steed assumed the appointment of SSM

20 May 1985

Capt John Green arrived on posting to assume the appointment of Senior Instructor(Supply)

20-24 May 1985

The Senior Ammunition Technician Course carried out the Demolition Phase of their course at Waiouru.

23 May 1985

WO2 Steed commenced the Accounting Officers Course at the School of Army Administration. Duration 23 May -18 June 85.

25 May 1985

Captain Edwards was posted to SMSO at Defence Headquarters.

27-31 May 1985

Course 11.22 DSSR Conversion was conducted. Six military and two civilian personnel attended.

The Senior Ammunition Technician Course carried out the Repair, Inspection and Maintenance (RIMO) Phase at 3 Supply Company

2 July 1985

12 students marched in to attend course 11.26 RNZAOC Senior Supplier, duration 2 July – 14 August 1985. Our Transport NCO LCpl Brian Marsh was among the students.

8-9 July 1985

The Camp RSM conducted a V8 Land Rover familiarisation course for school staff. Among the students were Major Bolton, WO1 Steed, SSgt Bray and SSgt Lush. All qualified.

10-11 July 1985

A second VB Land Rover familiarisation course was conducted by the Camp RSM. The students were Capt Green, SSgt Driver, Sgt Hodgetts, Cpl (W) Tuhoro and Cpl Cole.

13 July 1985

School staff celebrated the RNZAOC Corps day at a dinner held at Claridges Cabaret

14-17 July 1985

Maj Bolton, Capt Green, WO1 Steed, WO2 Ryan, WO2 Steel, WO2 Morrison and SSgt Bray travelled to Sylvia Park to uplift 4 Unimog trucks on issue to the school. The Camp RSM accompanied them and conducted Unimog training during the period. All qualified as Unimog drivers

16 July 1985

Cpl Bruce Cole proceeded to Fiji as part of a training team to conduct a Blinds Disposal and Ammunition Storage Courses for the Fijian Forces. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant for the duration of his tour of duty – 16 Jul – 8 Aug 85.

21 July 1985

SSqt Driver departed for the Cook Islands to take part in Operation Raratonga.This is the New Zealand Arrnv’s support to a series of South Pacific Forums, conferences and games. Steve was employed as Rations Commander.

22 -26 July 1985

Major Thomson, the Chief Ammunition Technical Officer (CATO) and his staff ran Course 11.28 Tri-Service Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) course at the School. SA total of 7 Army students attended. This included the Chief Instructor, Major Bolton and from the Ammunition Wing W02 _Morrison and SSgt Bray.

12 – 23 August 1985

RNZAOC RF Officers Promotion Captain – Major Course Conducted.

RNZAOC RF Officers Promotion Captain – Major Course. Robert McKie Collection

14 August 1985

Course 11.26 RNZAOC Senior Supplier marched out.

RNZAOC 11.26 RNZAOC Senior Supplier Course. Robert.McKie Collection

19 August 1985

Course 11.33A Petroleum Operators Phase One marched in (7 students).

20-22 August 1985

Basic Civilian Clerical Course Conducted.

Basic Civilian Clerical Course. Robert McKie Collection

4 September 1985

Course 11.34 Supply Managers marched in ( 16 students).

16-19 September 1985

W02 Bill Stee l attended the Central Region Golf Tournament at Waiouru.

16 -20 September 1985

Capt John Green attended the Force Maintenance Group Study weekend.

18 September 1985

The Petroleum Operators Course returned from Helwan

20 September 1985

Course 11.33A Petroleum Operators Phase One marched out 7 students qualified.

RNZAOC Petroleum Operators Phase One 11.33A. Robert McKie Collection

Course 11 33 Advanced Senior Ammunition Technician marched out. Sgt Lyes passed.

20 – 22 September 1985

Major Bolton attended a Potential Officer Selection Board at Waiouru as an observer.

23 September 1985

Course 11.34A Petroleum Operators Phase One marched in (12 students).

27-29 September 1985

The Petroleum Operators Course moved to Linton to attend a 21 Supply Company Fire Fighting training weekend.

29 September 1985

The Petroleum Operators Course moved from Linton to Helwan to attend the Field Phase

30 September 1985

A Police Improvised Explosive Device Course which the School ran commenced at the Porirua Police College.

7-11 October 1985

Course 11.37 RNZAOC Advanced Supply Manager was attended by eight personnel.

RNZAOC Advanced Supply Managers Course 11.37. Robert McKie Collection

WO1 Mike Steed and SSgt Wayne Bray attended a Mess/Club Procedures Course run by the Education Winq. The Ammunition Classroom was used for this course.

8 October 1985

Course 11.34 Supply Managers Marched out. 10 failed the whole course, 3 failed one phase only and 3 qualified.

RNZAOC Supply Managers Course 11.34. Robert McKie Collection

8-10 October 1985

Course 11.37A Defence Supply System Retail Officer Familiarisation was attended by eight RNZAOC Officers.

9-13 October 1985

Capt John Green attended Exercise Hunua Pass

14 October 1985

Sgt Bob Hodqetts attended a Terminal Users Course held at EDP, Porirua.

15 October 1985

Course 11.38 Junior Supplier marched in. Duration 15 Oct 85 – 5 Dec 85. 16 students.

15-17 October 1985

An RNZAOC Warrant Officer Seminar was held at the school. This was attended by 22 Warrant Officers.

RNZAOC Warrant Officer Seminar 1985. Robert McKie Collection

21-25 October 1985

Auto Parts Coaching Stages One and Two was conducted at the School using Petone Technical Institute and Army lectures. Attendance: Stage One (6) and Stage Two (1)

Auto Parts Coaching Stages One and Two. Robert McKie Collection

21 October 1985

SSgt Ron Armstrong was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

23 October 1985

The Petroleum Operator Phase One Course returned from the Field Phase at Helwan, Waiouru.

25 October 1985

Course 11.34A Petroleum Operators Phase One marched out. Ten completed and qualified on the. course. Pte Kereama, a Territorial Force soldier, took his discharge from the Special Service List and did not complete the course.

RNZAOC Petroleum Operators Phase One 11.34A. Robert McKie Collection

November 1985

4-8 November 1985

Course 11.43 RNZAOC RF OR Auto Parts Stage One was attended by 4 Automotive Parts Apprentices.

Course 11.43 RNZAOC RF OR Auto Parts Stage One. Robert McKie Collection

4-15 November 1985

Lc pl Brian Marsh attended an M113/ Scorpion tank drivers course held at the School of Armour at Waiouru.

4-22 November 1985

Course 11.40 RNZAOC Officer/SNCO Management was attended by 12 students. This included the following Mutual Aid Programme (MAP) students – Sgt Aba Latid Biu Kadir (Malaysia), CWO R. Monokakalu (Papua New Guinea), Lt A.B. Halim Bin Muhamad (Malaysia) and Lt Ibrahim Bin Osman (Malaysia).

RNZAOC Officer/SNCO Management Course 11.40. Robert McKie Collection

6 November 1985

The Army Dress Committee endorsed wearing an Armlet by RNZAOC School instructors.

11 November 1985

SSgt Wayne Bray departed for Tonga. Wayne’s expertise was required for the demolition of ammunition in support of the Tongan Army Annual Camp.

22 November 1985

Cpl Bruce Cole. was · discharged from the Army. Bruce departed from the ammunition world to take up employment as a building inspector with the Wellington City Council.

27-29 November 1985

Course 11.42A RNZAOC Young Officers EDP utilities was attended by 8 RNZAOC Young Officers. WO2 McCulloch RNZAC, the Admin WO from 1 Base Supply Battalion also attended.

29 November 1985

LCpl Paul Gleeson was posted as an instructor to the Ammunition Wing of the school. Paul was sent on a Tour of Duty to Kauri Point.

2-5 December 1985

W02 Frank Ryan visited all RNZAOC DSSR Computer terminals around New Zealand to photograph the layouts.

5 December 1985

Course 11.38 RNZAOC RF OR Junior Supplier marched out. 15 of the 16 students who completed the course qualified. Cpl Y.K. Singh (Fiji), a Mutual Aid Programme (MAP) student, attended and qualified.

RNZAOC RF OR Junior Supplier Course 11.38. Robert McKie Collection

7 December 1985

SSgt Wayne Bray arrived from Tonga on completion of MAP assistance to the Tongan Army.

9 December 1985

LCpl Paul Gleeson arrived to take up his appointment as Assistant Instructor, Ammunition Wing.

SSgt John Jones arrived on posting from 5 Composite Supply Company, Linton Camp.

9-13 December 1985

Course 11 43A DSSR Conversion was attended by 8 students (6 military and 2 Civilian).

11 December 1985

Maj Bolton commenced Long Service Leave, and Capt Green became Acting Chief Instructor until 27 Jan 86.

10-12 December 1985

Course 11.44 Civilian Storekeepers was attended by 10 civilians.

13 December 1985

The School closed down for the year.

14 December 1985

SSgt Neville Lush and family departed for Singapore on Posting.

16 December 1985

SSgt Steve Driver was posted to 5 Composite Supply Company.

RNZAOC School Photo Collection

Leave a comment Robert McKie

Over a fifteen-year period from 1978 to 1992, the staff of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps School took over 180 photos of the school staff, courses, conferences and other activities, providing a unique record of the activities of the RNZAOC School. This article provides some background on the RNZAOC School, some examples of the RNZAOC photo collection and a link to the catalogue.

Upper Hutt City Library (29th Jan 2020). Trentham Camp; Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps School sign.. In Website Upper Hutt City Library. Retrieved 12th Jul 2020 01:51, from https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1335

Established at Trentham in 1959 the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps School would be the most important unit of the RNZAOC, through which every Ordnance soldier would pass.[1]

The RNZAOC school charter gave the school the responsibility of delivering the following types of courses for Regular and Territorial Force members of the RNZAOC;[2]

Star Classification courses for Storeman/Clerks RNZAOC and Ammunition Examiners
Recruit Corps training for RNZAOC personnel
Advanced trade training for both Officers and Other Ranks in all types of Ordnance activities
Technical training in Ordnance subjects
Refresher training for qualified personnel

Additionally, as directed by the Director of Ordnance Services, the school would also;

Plan and hold conferences and training exercises
Draft procedure instructions
Test or comment on new procedures, materials or equipment’s
Carry out research into various aspects of Ordnance activities
The maintenance of Corps history and heritage

NZ Army Supply training underwent a major transformation in 1993 when the Quartermaster functions of the School of Army Administration became the “Q” Wing of the RNZAOC School.

Further changes occurred in July 1994 when the RNZAOC, RNZEME and RNZCT Schools were disestablished and the Trade Training School stood up in place of the individual Corps schools. As part of the transition into the Trade Training School, the RNZAOC School would be reestablished as the Supply/Quartermaster Wing and the Ammunition Wing.[3]

Click on the following links to view the RNZAOC School photo collection;

The catalogue of these photos can be viewed here RNZAOC SCHOOL PHOTOS. If copies of individuals photos are required, please order by using the appropriate Reference Number from the catalogue.

1594605692115-124949bc-c71b-467b-9a99-5c5617102070_.jpg

RNZAOC School Staff 9 MAy 1979 Back Row L – R: LCpl Chamberlain, SSgt Blackburn, SSgt Warwood, Sgt Rogers Front Row L – R: WO1 Orr, Capt Bolton, Maj Hansen, Capt Crafts, WO2 Balsillis, WO2 Russell. Absent: Cpl Robinson, Cpl Bray. Robert McKie Collection.

1594599681361-2fc1c4bb-2d27-4fe1-9548-5dfd009813a6_.jpg

RNZAOC RF OR Clerk/Storeman 5 March – 2 April 1980 Back Row L – R: LCpl Hassan, LCpl Clifton, WO2 Shahar (Malysian Army), SSgt Aziz (Malaysian Army) Front Row L – R: Pte Naicker (Fiji), Pte Naulutegu (Fiji), WO2 Calvey, Pte Russell, LCpl Rolfe, SSgt Reti Robert McKie Collection.

RNZAOC School Staff 12 July 1980 Back Row L – R: SSgt J.M Murray, Cpl W.T Bray, Sgt E.D Lee, Sgt W.D Scobie, SSgt W.R Bensemann, Sgt M.D Hutley, SSgt L.R Warwood Front Row L – R: LCpl W Bush, Capt J.S Bolton, Maj J.R Hicks (C.I), WO1 D.A Orr, WO2 B.W Calvey. Robert McKie Collection.

1594599291598-02ede0fb-0df6-4e5c-b349-7ddbe09835bc_.jpg

RNZAOC RF OR Senior Ammunition Technician Band 5 15 September – 20 October 1981 Back Row L – R: Cpl Boustridge, Cpl Evans, LCpl Thomas Front Row L – R: Cpl Lawrence, Capt Juno, WO2 Murray, Sgt Davidson. Robert McKie Collection.

RNZAOC Advanced Field Operations 10,0- 28 June 1991 Back Row L – R: WO2 D.T Lyes, WO2 J.P Fletcher QGM, WO2 P.J Roche, WO2 M.R Lawrence, WO2 M.T Heemi, WO2 Riesterer, WO2 S.N Sanders, WO2 B.C Kearney, WO2 M.L Smith, WO2 M.G Kiddie, WO2 J.W Thompson WO2 M.J Roberts Front Row L – R: WO2 W.N Vince, Capt W.T Steel, Lt B.T Grant, Capt H.B Cockburn (SI Supply), Maj D.H Watmuff (CI), WO2 W.F Davis, WO2 G.S Rolfe, Lt W.P Boustridge. Robert McKie Collection.

1594599803508-362b819f-6656-44f0-8c6a-8b63affb5139_.jpg

RNZAOC RF Supply Management Course 15 July – 2 August 1991 Back Row L – R: SSgt K.B Sigglekow, SSgt C.M Ballard, SSgt P.J Byrne, SSgt S.A Bruckner, SSgt S.W Corkran, SSgt N.T.A Merriman, SSgt W.D Epiha Front Row L – R: SSgt B.R.J Law, SSgt B.J Madgwick, Major D.H Watmuff (CI & Course Manager) Lt W.P Boustridge, Lt O.M Raureti. Robert McKie Collection.

1594599478109-c2f2e23f-2374-4b04-93cc-29fd2933f2a4_.jpg

RNZAOC Phase One Corps Training, 10 February -13 March 1992 Back Row L – R: Pte D.C Manson, Pte M.A Mckenzie, Pte A.P.M Newton, Pte K.M Craig, Pte A.J Henry, Pte G.J Cummings, Pte P.D McMillan, Pte M.A Hanson Front Row L – R: Pte N.J Fulcher, Pte O.M.A Moke, Pte A.M Ward, SSgt K.B Sigglekow (Course Manager), Pte P.A Cook, Pte M.M.J Te Ahu, Pte N Pohoiwi. Robert McKie Collection.

Notes

1] Major J.S Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Trentham: RNZAOC, 1992), 177.

[2] Charter – Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps School, Trentham, Item Id R383324 (Wellington: Archives New Zealand, 1960).

[3] “Pataka Magazine. Rnzaoc, P. 52,,” (1994).