The New Zealand Infantry and Motor Battalion, 1942 to 1945
The New Zealand Army began the war using British War Establishments almost without modification. New Zealand units serving in North Africa and the Middle East adopted the same revised Battalion organisations used by the British in the region from mid 1942 onwards. It was not until mid 1944 that 2NZEF began to issue its own distinct establishments to replace those previously used in the desert theatre.
The below links lead to descriptions of the New Zealand Infantry and Motor Battalion used in the latter part of the North African campaign and in Italy. I must extend my thanks to Paul Goldstone from Wellington for making this part of the site possible. Paul contacted me via the site and mentioned he may be able to obtain copies of the New Zealand organisational tables which I had been unable to. He very kindly sent me a hefty bundle of War Establishments for various 2NZEF units, for which I am most grateful.
Sadly, the 2NZEF records are incomplete, so there are some gaps in the coverage of the evolution of the Infantry Battalion. It should also be noted that the descriptions to date cover the 2NZEF units serving in North Africa and Italy. It seems reasonable to assume that the Infantry Battalions serving in the Pacific Section of 2NZEF operated on revised organisations, which I have no information on. Any further contributions or insights on this particular area would, as always, be welcomed!
The New Zealand Infantry Battalion 1942 to 1945
Derived from the following War Establishment tables -
An Infantry Battalion, 2NZEF, ref No.28, effective from 25th June 1942.
An Infantry Battalion, 2NZEF, ref No.28/1, effective from 16th February 1944.
An Infantry Battalion, 2NZEF, ref No.28/3, effective from 4th February 1945.
At time of posting I do not have a copy Ref No.28/2 which was issued during September 1944.
The New Zealand Motor Battalion 1942 to 1945
Derived from the following War Establishment tables -
A Motor Battalion, 2NZEF, ref No.136, effective from 1st December 1942.
A Motorised Infantry Battalion, 2NZEF, ref No.136/1, effective from 10th June 1944.
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