SAMOA ADVANCE FORCE AND RELIEF FORCE

[JohnLynch]

Hi, can anyone provide any images or documentation of soldiers from the Samoa advance force or the Samoa relief forces wearing the Samoa reinforcement badges.

[atillathenunns]

This photo is posted on another thread, but cant remember which one. I think it was originally posted by Pukman.
However the badge is definitely Samoan reinforcements.

[atillathenunns]

[pukman]

Originally Posted by atillathenunns

This photo is posted on another thread, but cant remember which one. I think it was originally posted by Pukman.
However the badge is definitely Samoan reinforcements.

Yes Brent that is correct ,along with another of an officer wearing the badge .About 5 years ago I visited a collector from Christchurch who has one of the finest collection of NZEF portraits and associated items, in the country . I took a few photo's of some, to use in research .Matt is now part of the ''Onward'' project ,so I have suggested to John he should gain permission if he wants to publish these .These were taken with a digital camera ,so a scan would be much clearer at any rate

[omok1]

Just as interesting that he is armed with a Martini Enfield Rifle and bayonet. No wonder the bandolier appears empty......shortage of arms at this stage if not heading for France or Egypt!!!

[pukman]

Craig,In the first photo is another example of obsolete gear . The union locket belt with the Victorian crown .At least 13 plus years out of date !!

Two more photo's of the Samoan Relief badge being worn

[Tinto]

Hi Iain,
Good to see the Samoa Advance Force hat badge being worn, thanks for the pictures.
I have a collar badge but maybe not many actually worn.
Cheers,
Tinto

[atillathenunns]

Originally Posted by Tinto

Hi Iain,
Good to see the Samoa Advance Force hat badge being worn, thanks for the pictures.
I have a collar badge but maybe not many actually worn.
Cheers,
Tinto

The cap badge pictured above I believe was designed by Elden S. Neill who was a camp jeweller at Trentham, it is very possible that Neil produced the collars for the collectors market. Hopefully a photo will turn up showing them being worn.

In regards to the rifle and bayonet in the photograph that I posted, they may just be photographers stage props.
Cheers,
Brent

[davidcels]

I have several cap badges in my collection and I am very keen to get a pair of collars to match if anyone is carrying any surplus.

[pukman]

James McMeckin 92006,wearing the Samoan Relief cap badge

(Onward Volume 3)