Hi
This badge type was worn by the 1st Battalion badge before the reorganisation of the NZ Army in 1911 when it was re-designated the 5th (Wellington Rifles) Regiment. The members of the newly formed Regiment continued to wear the 1st Battalion badge during WW1. Following WW1 a scroll, with the words 'New Zealand' was added. The 5th Regiment formed part of the 1914 Samoan Advance Force and later the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the NZ Rifle Brigade (NZRB) that served in France. Whether the members then continued to wear the original badge or the NZRB badge in France is a matter which can be answered by others more knowledgeable on the subject.
Cheers
John
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