The 1947 re-organisation of NZ Battalions into Regiments can be confusing as the 2nd New Zealand Regiment was raised before the 1st New Zealand Regiment.
The intention was to raise several New Zealand Regiments from occupation troops, but it was decided that should a Regular Regiment be raised in New Zealand the 1st New Zealand Regiment title would be held in abeyance for that purpose.
The 2nd New Zealand Regiment was raised from troops of the 22nd Battalion in February 1947 and disbanded in September 1948.
The 3rd New Zealand Regiment was raised from troops of the 27th Battalion in February 1947 and was also disbanded in September 1948.
It is my understanding official authority wasn’t granted until the 2nd August 1957 to raise and train the first Regular Infantry Battalion in New Zealand history for service in Malaya, the Battalion under the command of Lieut-Colonel W. R. K. Morrison DSO was known as the 1st New Zealand Regiment.
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