Clarification on NZ Infantry cap badges

[L1A1]

I am looking for some clarification on NZ Infantry badges which I am sure the NZ members of this forum would be able to help with.

I was looking at the New Zealand army website and it had sections for each of the reserve infantry battalion groups. They also had drawings of each unit's badge.

What I would like to know is are these badges actually worn (I know the 6th Hauraki Battalion wears its' own cap badge) or are these badges just used on items like unit signage, stationery etc?

Any information would be most appreciated

regards

[5WWCT]

Hi,

Each Infantry reserve unit has its own unit badge but not all of them are cap badges and are only used for unit signage and letterheads etc........as you suggested.

In 1964 the 6 Territorial Force Battalions were reorganised into the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment including units ceasing to wear their individual badges and adopting the RNZIR Badge.

The Haurakis are the only Regiment not to have been amalgamated (yet) and have the right to wear their badge, so a young buck Hauraki marching out today can wear his great great grandfathers badge he wore when he landed at ANZAC cove.

The only ones who wear their Regimental cap badges are the Honourary Colonels and the CO and RSM of 5WWCT.

regards.

[L1A1]

Thanks for the info 5WWCT.

That would explain why I have never seen the other badges for sale anywhere.

Well at least it means I only have to get another two badges to complete my current issue NZ infantry collection.

thanks once again

regards

[Chrisr]

Just a point of clarification L1A1.

On the NZ Army Reserve site the badges shown for the 4th Otago and Southland Battalion Group and the 5th Wellington West Coast and Taranaki Battalion Group are the same badges worn by the old Otago and Southland Regiment, and Wellington West Coast and Taranaki Regiment respectively from 1948 to 1964.

Regards
Chris

[Chrisr]

5WWCT,

What are the current issue NZ Infantry badges? By my count they are RNZIR, Hauraki Regiment and 1st NZSASR. Are there any others?

Regards
Chris

[5WWCT]

Hi, I have the standard silver RNZIR, black RNZIR (1 Bn) 6 Hauraki.

[Chrisr]

Many thanks 5WWCT.
regards
Chris

[L1A1]

Thanks to both of you for the extra info. I have seen a picture of the black RNZIR badge, what order of dress is it worn with?

and just to confirm, the complete set of NZ Infantry badges would be, RNZIR (silver), RNZIR (black metal), Hauraki, WWCT

thanks again

[5WWCT]

Hi depends how official you want to get, The WWCT badge is worn by the CO,RSM & the pipes & drums (on their lemon squeezers) with higher command turning a blind eye and I suspect The Otago & Southland Regt band doing the same, the black RNZIR badge is worn by The 1st Battalion RNZIR as they are a motorized infantry unit and paid tribute to their cavalry links by blackening the RNZIR badge. More to follow...

[5WWCT]

Here's the rundown on each Infantry Unit as at 2012

1st Battalion RNZIR - Black RNZIR with a green over red diamond backing.
2nd 1st Battalion RNZIR - Silver RNZIR with a black & white backing.
2nd Canterbury Regt - Silver RNZIR.
3rd Auckland Northland Regt - Silver RNZIR with a black,red & white backing.
4th Otago Southland Regt - Silver RNZIR. Inc Pre 1964 badge. Band??
5th WWCT Regt - Silver RNZIR. Inc Pre 1964 badge, CO,RSM,Band.
6th Hauraki Regt - Gilt & bronze Hauraki badge.
7th Wellington Hawkes Bay Regt - Silver RNZIR with a black square on square backing.

Pm me and I can send you a 2/1 RNZIR backing badge for free.

Regards

[saumua]

and what about collars?

Originally Posted by 5WWCT

Here's the rundown on each Infantry Unit as at 2012

1st Battalion RNZIR - Black RNZIR with a green over red diamond backing.
2nd 1st Battalion RNZIR - Silver RNZIR with a black & white backing.
2nd Canterbury Regt - Silver RNZIR.
3rd Auckland Northland Regt - Silver RNZIR with a black,red & white backing.
4th Otago Southland Regt - Silver RNZIR. Inc Pre 1964 badge. Band??
5th WWCT Regt - Silver RNZIR. Inc Pre 1964 badge, CO,RSM,Band.
6th Hauraki Regt - Gilt & bronze Hauraki badge.
7th Wellington Hawkes Bay Regt - Silver RNZIR with a black square on square backing.

Pm me and I can send you a 2/1 RNZIR backing badge for free.

Regards