Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery

Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
Cap badge of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
Active	15 October 1902 – present
Country	New Zealand
Branch	New Zealand Army
Type	Artillery
Role	Field Artillery/Low Level Air Defence
Garrison/HQ	Linton
Motto(s)	Ubique (Everywhere) (Latin)
March	Quick – The Right of the Line March Past – British Grenadiers Slow – The Duchess of Kent
Engagements	Korean War Battle of Kapyong Vietnam War Battle of Long Tan Battle of Coral-Balmoral
Insignia
Tac-Sign

The Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery is the artillery regiment of the New Zealand Army. It is effectively a military administrative corps, and can comprise multiple component regiments. This nomenclature stems from its heritage as an offshoot of the British Army's Royal Artillery. In its current form it was founded in 1947 with the amalgamation of the regular and volunteer corps of artillery in New Zealand. In 1958 in recognition of services rendered it was given the title the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.

CAPTAIN GENERAL

In 1955, Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II accepted the appointment of Captain General of the RNZA it wasn't until 1958 that the Regiment was re-designated as the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery. Queen Elizabeth II appointed came to an end. In 2023, King Charles III accpeted the appointment of Captain General of the RNZA.

Predecessors and formation

The Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery's predecessor units in the Volunteer Force date from February 1866, when the first field artillery battery and naval artillery corps were formed. From 1878 the various field batteries were administratively grouped together as the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers, and were designated alphabetically. The naval artillery batteries were grouped as the New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers in 1902. Meanwhile, the establishment of coast defences from the mid-1880s had necessitated the creation of a small permanent artillery force within the Permanent Military, which was designated the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) on 15 October 1902. Following the formation of the Territorial Force in 1911 the Regiment of New Zealand Field Artillery and the New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers became part of the New Zealand Artillery. During this time the permanent RNZA maintained an instructional and cadre role.

Between 2–5 August 1914 pre-war plans to establish harbour examination batteries and mobilise the then Royal New Zealand Artillery (active force) and New Zealand Garrison Artillery (territorials) were carried out. The examination batteries' task was to interrogate unidentified vessels entering port. The examination batteries at Fort Takapuna, Point Gordon in Wellington, Fort Jervois and Howlett Point at the entrance to Port Chalmers were manned around the clock until 15 March 1915. After that date guns and equipment were maintained at a high state of readiness, with battery personnel available at a few hours' notice.' During initial mobilisation for the First World War, it was intended that one six-gun 18-pounder battery would form part of the initial contingent of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Following large numbers volunteering for artillery, it was decided to raise the a brigade of three batteries, totalling twelve 18-pounders. The initial brigade departed with the rest of the Main Body on 16 October 1914. Eventually two New Zealand field artillery brigades (regiment-sized units) served with the New Zealand and Australian Division. Following the end of the war the New Zealand Artillery was renamed the Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.

During the Second World War, 4, 5 and 6 Field Regiments sailed with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force; initially also despatched was 7 Anti-Tank Regiment and 14 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. A number of artillery regiments and batteries served with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Pacific (2 NZEF IP), and 3rd Division. After the war ended, the Territorial Force was reconstituted in the late 1940s, and a number of field, mortar (5th Light Regiment RNZA), and coastal units were created. In January 1947 the Regiment of New Zealand Artillery was amalgamated with the RNZA.

New Zealand gunners in action in Korea, April 1952

Korean War

When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, a Regular Force regiment, 16th Field Regiment RNZA, was established as the core of New Zealand's deployed contingent, known as Kayforce, in January 1951. The 5th Anti-Tank Regiment was disbanded during this time, in 1950. The battery was attached to the 27th British Brigade of the 1st Commonwealth Division. The 16th Field Regiment first saw action a month later and remained on active service for the next two and a half years. The 16th Field Regiment subsequently provided close support to the British Commonwealth infantry and was later awarded the South Korean Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951. Between 1951 and 1953 the regiment fired more than 750,000 shells, operating 25-pounders. After the Armistice was signed in 1954, Kayforce’s numbers were gradually reduced. The 16th Field Regiment and other Corps elements were withdrawn in 1955. The last elements of Kayforce returned to New Zealand in 1957.

1950s

In 1955, the regiment consisted of the following units:

• District Troops
  • Northern Military District
    • 9th Coast Regiment (Auckland)
    • 13th Composite Anti-aircraft Regiment
  • Central Military District
    • 10th Coast Regiment (Wellington)
    • 14th Composite Anti-aircraft Regiment
  • Southern Military District
    • 11th Coast Regiment (Lyttleton Respectively)
    • 151st Composite Anti-aircraft Battery RNZA (15th Composite AA Regiment disbanded Sept 1954)
• Divisional Troops
  • Headquarters Royal Artillery
    • Command
    • Royal Artillery Staff Troop
    • Divisional Counter Bombardment Staff Troop
  • 1st Field Regiment (Auckland)
  • 2nd Field Regiment (Palmerston North)
  • 3rd Field Regiment (Dunedin)
  • 4th Medium Regiment (Hamilton)
  • 5th Light Regiment (Wellington)
  • 6th Light Anti-aircraft Regiment (Auckland)
  • 12th Heavy Anti-aircraft Regiment (HQ Auckland)
  • 1st Locating Battery

The 1957 National Government defence review directed the discontinuation of coastal defence training, and the approximately 1000 personnel of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Coastal Regiments had their Compulsory Military Training obligation removed. A small cadre of regulars remained, but as Henderson, Green, and Cook say, 'the coastal artillery had quietly died.' All the fixed guns were dismantled and sold for scrap by the early 1960s. The three regiments survived on paper until 1967, 'each in its final years at an actual strength of a single warrant officer, the District Gunner, whose duties mainly involved taking care of the mobile 3.7-inch guns allocated for emergency harbour defences.'

In 1958 the regiment was redesignated the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery. The 16th Field Regiment RNZA was reformed at this time as part of the Regular Force Brigade Group. In 1961 the last two anti-aircraft regiments were disbanded. Meanwhile, from 1963 Italian designed 105-mm L5 Pack Howitzers began replacing the 25-pounders. 5th Light Regiment RNZA was disbanded in 1964.

Vietnam War

Gunners from 161 Bty RNZA carry out a fire mission. Vietnam, circa 1965/66

Insignia of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade. NZ gunners who served in 161 Bty, while under the 173rd (1965–1966) were permitted to wear the patch on their left sleeve.

A rotational RNZA battery was deployed to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

In 1965 the United States government committed its 173rd Airborne Brigade to South Vietnam in a combat role. Being part of the ANZUS pact Australia and New Zealand were asked to contribute military forces too. Up until this time the Australians had committed an Army training team and New Zealand had committed some non-combatant engineers. In response to the United States' request, the Australian government committed an infantry battalion and New Zealand committed an artillery battery. 161 Field Battery, RNZA arrived in South Vietnam on 16 July 1965. The Australian infantry regiment and the New Zealand artillery battery served under operational control of the 173rd Airborne, from the Bien Hoa Air Base in Biên Hòa Province. 161 Bty was attached as the third battery of the US 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment. The battery began with base protection activities and Harassment and Interdiction (H&I) fire based on intelligence reports. By August the battery was deploying with Australian forces to support infantry operations, either by Australian armoured personnel carriers or by UH1B and the UH1D Iroquois helicopters.

The New Zealand battery and the Australian infantry battalion began their first major operation with the Americans on 14 September 1965 in Operation Ben Cat. Sergeant Alastair John Sherwood Don and Bombardier Robert White of 161 Bty were the first New Zealand casualties of the Vietnam War when the front of their vehicle was blown up by a Vietcong command detonated mine during the initial road convoy.

On operations New Zealand Forward Observers patrolled with U.S and Australian infantry to direct artillery fire when called upon.

New Zealand Forward Observers with a Sergeant from 7RAR, Vietnam 1967

In their first year, under U.S command, the battery took part in:

• Operation Ben Cat (14-28 September 1965)
• Battle of Gang Toi during Operation Hump
• Operation New Life (15 November – 16 December 1965)
• Operation Marauder (1–8 January 1966)
• Operation Crimp (8–16 January 1966)
• Operation Entrée in general support of 1/503 US Infantry's operations,
• Battle of Suoi Bong Trang during Operation Rolling Stone in support of 1RAR,
• Operation Abilene in support of 1st US Infantry Division,
• Operation Denver as part of "Force Essex", and
• Operation Enoggera in support of newly arrived 6RAR.

In May 1966 it was decided to create an Australian task force with its own tactical area of responsibility (TAOR.) Phước Tuy Province was to be designated the TAOR for the new task force.

The 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) was formed in June 1966, with a base built at Nui Dat. The New Zealand government was given the choice of allowing the artillery battery to remain at Bien Hoa under U.S command with the 173rd Airborne or integrate the battery with the new task force. The decision was made to integrate the battery into 1ATF under 105 Battery, Royal Australian Artillery which had arrived at the end of September 1965.

In the 1991 movie documentary The Cu Chi Tunnels Vietcong survivors who hid in the Cu Chi tunnels during Operation Crimp said they called the artillery bombardments above them "The New Zealand Dong Dun Orchestra."

As part of 1ATF, the New Zealand battery is remembered well for its role in the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966, during which it played a key role in supporting the outnumbered Australian infantry from D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment hold off a regimental-sized Viet Cong force. Three New Zealand artillery Forward Observers attached to D Company controlled the guns of their own battery, the two Australian batteries, and two American batteries – a total of 24 guns, in support of themselves and the rest of D Company for more than 3.5 hours firing 6-8 rounds per minute almost non-stop.

In 1967 the battery's L5 howitzers were replaced by heavier and more robust American M2A2 Howitzers.

Also in 1967, the first company of New Zealand infantry arrived, followed by a second company in December 1967. The two infantry companies eventually amalgamated with one of the three 1ATF battalions in March 1968 to form the "ANZAC Battalion." This practice continued with each New Zealand infantry company rotating with or within 6 months of a new rotation of Australian infantry, designated "ANZAC Battalion" each time.

The battery would continue to support allied forces throughout its entire time in Vietnam, notably Operation Bribie in 1967, and Operation Coburg, the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Coral–Balmoral in 1968.

161 Bty prepare for a fire mission at Firebase Pat, 16 February 1970.

As Australian and New Zealand combat units began to be withdrawn in keeping with US troop reductions, the battery was withdrawn in May 1971. The battery was involved in 17 major operations during their time in Vietnam. It was the longest serving Allied unit in South Vietnam after the 173rd Airborne Brigade, having been continuously deployed for six years, ten months and 21 days.

Approximately 750 members of the 161st Battery served in Vietnam with a loss of 5 killed and 22 wounded.

1980s–1990s

A range of new capabilities were introduced during this period. In 1986 the British designed, Australian produced 105-mm L119 Hamel Light Gun was introduced, while computerized artillery systems were introduced in 1989, and global positioning systems in 1997, which resulted in a significant increase in capability. In 1997 the French Mistral short range air defence missile was acquired, providing an anti-aircraft capability for the first time since 1961. The headquarters of 3rd Field Regiment RNZA was disbanded in 1990, with its two subordinate TF batteries remaining.

Twenty-first century

Gunners fire a L119 Light Gun in exercise at Waiouru, 2010

A member of 16 Field Regiment preparing to launch a Kahu UAV at Waiouru, 2008

Today, the RNZA consists of a single regiment:

• 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery
  • Regimental Headquarters
  • HQ Battery
    • JOST Troop
  • 161 Battery (Close Support) – L119 Light Gun, L16A2 81mm mortar
    • Headquarters Troop
    • Able Troop
    • Baker Troop
    • Command Post Troop
  • 163 Battery (Close Support) – L119 Light Gun, L16A2 81mm mortar
    • Headquarters Troop
    • Easy Troop
    • Fox Troop
    • Command Post Troop

Members of the 16th Field Regiment formed part of the New Zealand Battalion deployed on peacekeeping operations in East Timor.

The School of Artillery is active.

Territorial units

In addition, there are a number of Territorial Force artillery units; these were formerly units of the RNZA, but were moved into the structure of the TF battalion groups on the restructuring of the army in the late 1990s:

• 11(A) Battery (Auckland) (Close Support), 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion Group (Amalgamated 1990s)
• 22(D) Battery (Wellington) (Air Defence), 7th Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay Battalion Group (Disbanded 1990's)
• 31(B) Battery (Dunedin) 4th Otago and Southland Battalion Group (Disbanded 1990s)
• 32(E) Battery (Christchurch) (Observation Post), 2nd Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast Battalion Group (Disbanded 1990s
• 4 (G) Medium Battery (Hamilton) (Amalgamated 1990s)

RNZA Territorial-Reserve Batterys/Troops as of 2020:

• 11/4 Battery RNZA (comes under 16 Field Regiment RNZA)
• 22 Troop RNZA (Linton) (comes under 16 Field Regiment RNZA)

The Battle Honours of the above three Territorial Force artillery units are for South Africa, World War I and World War II.

16 FIELD REGIMENT, RNZA

Origins, KOREA WAR

In 1950 the New Zealand Government was asked by the United Nations to send an Artillery Unit to Korea as part of the UN's Response. In 1950, the 16 Field Regiment was raised with the first Commanding Officer being Lieutenant Colonel John William Moodie DSO, ED, who was born in Dunedin on the 9th of June 1907 and served as a Battery Commander in the 4th Field Regiment from 1942 until April 1944. He had also been wounded on the 26th of November 1941. The first Regimental Sergeant Major was Warrant Officer Class I Thomas A. N. Vine who had served in the 4th Field Regiment during the Second World War. The 'Newly' formed Regiment had many firsts in the Royal Regiment of NZ Artillery. It was the first New Zealand Artillery Regiment to go into battle with the prefix 'Royal', and the regiment distinguished itself during the campaign on several occasions. The Regiment had its first concentration at Waiouru Military Camp, on the 29th of August 1950, where the newly minted gunners began there corps training. On the 10th of December 1950 the Regiment left Wellington and arrived in Pusan, South Korea on New Year's Eve. The first casualties of the Regiment was moving about forty miles north of Pusan to calibrate the guns. One vehicle had fallen behind the convoy, Warrant Officer Class II Richard George Long and his driver Gunner Ronald MacDonald took a wrong turn and left the main supply route and ran into a party of guerilla force. They were later found deceased. On the 28th of January 1951 the Regiment came under the command and direction of the 27th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade. The Brigade consisted of:

• 1st Middlesex Regiment
• 1st Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders
• 3rd Royal Australian Regiment
• 2nd Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battalion
• 16th Field Regiment, RNZA
• -161 Battery
• -162 Battery and
• -163 Battery
• 6oth Indian Field Ambulance

During the Battle of Kapyong Valley, the 16th Field Regiment had its first 'baptism of fire'. In April 1951, the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment was positioned to the north of the village of Kapyong on Hill 504. 163 Battery was in direct support of 3 RAR. The Australian position was attacked on the morning of 24 April, and the Chinese continued to attack in waves. For four days the 16th Field Regiment fired, without pause. During the 30 hours preceding the dawn of ANZAC Day the Regiment had fired 10,000 rounds at ranges from 10,000 to 3,0000 yards. During the fight, the regiment was supported by seven American batteries. The Regiment had to withdraw on several occasions. At one stage eleven gunners from 163 Bty were Killed in Action or wounded.

VIETNAM WAR

On the 27th of May 1965, the Rt Hon Sir Keith Holyoake informed the people of New Zealand, in the house of Representatives "The in response to a request from the Republic of Vietnam the Government has decided to send a combat unit to assist that country in the struggle against Communist aggression" 161 Battery was to be that combat unit. On the 2nd of June 1965 under the Battery Commander, Major Donald R. Kenning MBE,

161 Bty, 16 Fld Regt, RNZA

Battery Commanders

• Maj Donald R. Kenning MBE 1965-1966-Not later promoted to Colonel also appointed as Commanding Officer 16 Fld Regt
• Maj Harry B. Honnor MVO 1966-1967-Note later promoted to Brigadier and awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, CBE
• Maj Thomas G. Martin MBE 1967-1968
• Maj G. A. Hitchings 1968-1969-Note later promoted to Brigadier and appointed as Colonel Commandant of the RNZA and awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, CBE
• Maj J. O. B. Horsford 1969-1969-Note later promoted to Colonel and awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, OBE
• Maj R. J. Andrews 1969-1970-Note later promoted to Brigadier and appointed as Colonel Commandant of the RNZA and awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, CBE
• Maj J. M. Masters MC 1970-1971-Note later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, ONZM

Commanding Officers 16th Fld Regt RNZA

-FORMATION-

• Lt Col J. W. Moodie, DSO, ED 1950-1952
• Lt Col R. MoK. Paterson, DSO 1952-1953
• Lt Col J. Burns, DSO, MBE 1953-1954
• Lt Col J. A. Pountney, MBE 1954

-Deactivated-

-Reactivated-

• Lt Col J. R. Spence, MBE, MC 1960-1964
• Lt Col R. M. Grierson, OBE, ED 1964-1968
• Lt Col D. R. Kenning, MBE 1968-1969
• Lt Col E. J. Valintine, ED 1970-1971-later Colonel Commandant RNZA
• Lt Col F. E. Hopkinson, MBE, ED 1971-1976-later Colonel Commandant RNZA
• Lt Col D. R. Kenning, MBE 1976-1977-later Colonel Commandant RNZA
• Lt Col B. Dreyer 1986-1988-later Colonel Commandant RNZA
• Lt Col M. Beattie 1995-1997-later Colonel Commandant RNZA
• Lt Col N. Gillard MNZM, 2007-2008-later Colonel and Brigade Commander 1st NZ Bde
• Lt Col M. Boggs 2008-2011
• Lt Col M. Weston 2012-2013-later Brigadier and Land Component Commander
• Lt Col A. Shaw 2014-2015 -later Brigadier
• Lt Col B. Bagley 2016-2018-later Colonel and Brigade Commander 1st NZ Bde
• Lt Col k. Dunne 2018-2021
• Lt Col D. Gerling 2021-2023
• Lt Col Patterson 2023-Current

Regimental Sergeant Majors 16th Fld Regt RNZA

• WO 1 T. A. N. Vine 1950-1951
• WO 1 J. Dickinson 1951-1953
• WO 1 C. Waaka 1953-1954
• WO 1 L.J. Auty MBE 1959-1962
• WO 1 E.G. Bickerton 1962-1964
• WO 1 E.T. O'Neil 1964-1965
• WO 1 D.F. Pollard 1965-1966
• WO 1 R.R. Hudson 1966-1967
• WO 1 D.F. Pollard 1967-1969
• WO 1 G.R. Young MBE 1969-1973
• WO 1 R.G Blankley 1973
• WO 1 T.Hughes 1973-1976
• WO 1 T Te A. Pilcher 1976-1980
• WO 1 R.V.G. Wilson 1980-1981
• WO 1 R.T.Wirihana 1981-1984
• WO 1 R.N. Manuera 1984-1985
• WO 1 H.J. Macown 1986-1987
• WO 1 J.H. Smith 1987-1989
• WO 1 P.M. Gregg 1989-1991
• WO 1 I.S. Foster 1991-1995
• WO 1 G.Robb 1995-1996
• WO 1 K.E. Hopkinson 1996-1997

• WO 1 P.S. Galloway 2000-2003

• WO 1 R. Theodore -2018
• WO 1 H. Southcombe 2018-
• WO 1 R. Bray

Notable Members 16th Fld Regt

• 206285 Gunner Derek Edwin Rixon DCM

Derek was born on the 15th of January 1925 in Hastings, New Zealand. On the 17th of January 1945; Derek attested for service and was posted to the Fleet Air Army in England in February. On the 28th of February 1946, Derek returned and was discharged from service in New Zealand. On the 29th of August, Derek enlisted for Kayforce, on the 31st of December 1950 he was posted to Korea. On the 4th of November 1951 he was wounded twice and on the 6th of June he returned to New Zealand and was discharged from the New Zealand Army on the 27th of July 1952. Derek re'enlisted as a member of the Coronation Contingent on the 2nd of March 1953.

Citation: London Gazette 18 March 1952 "On the 4th of November 1951, Gunner Rixon was radio operator at a forward artillery observation post in support of 'C' Company, 1st Battalion, the King's Own Scottish Borderers on the KOREAN front. At about 2.30 p.m. on that date, the company positions came under heavy artillery and mortar fire, and shortly afterwards enemy infantry attacked, striking at the company area along a ridge from the west. Under the direction of his Observation Post Officer, Gunner Rixon coolly and efficiently operated his radio, passing back fire orders and calls for defensive fire which broke up the initial enemy attack. About an hour later the enemy fire intensified and enemy infantry again attacked the company positions. Gunner Rixon's radio was destroyed by shell fire and his line of communications were cut. When the enemy finally penetrated the company's defenses, he unhesitatingly joined his Observation Post Officer and, armed with grenades, charged through heavy fire to engage the enemy at close quarters. For an hour and a half, during which he was wounded once and his Observation Post Officer three times, Gunner Rixon continued to hurl grenades and made several trips back to the Company Headquarters area to carry up grenades and ammunition. In spite of being wounded in the head, Gunner Rixon made every endeavor to clear the company area of the enemy and desisted only when ordered to withdraw. He then assisted in carrying his wounded Observation Post Officer to safety through heavy shell and mortar fire, being himself again wounded while doing so. Gunner Rixon's devotion to duty, his gallantry and his disregard of heavy and often intense shell and mortar fire were of the highest order and were an inspiration to all in the company area."

Dress Distinctions

16 Field Regiment can be identified by the black diamond that is worn behind the cap badge on Berets. The Regiment was awarded the South Korea Presidential Unit Citation on the 1st of November 1951:

"This unit joined the United Nations Forces in Korea at the beginning of the year and has given outstanding support, firstly to the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade, later to the 28th British Commonwealth Brigade, and since the Formation of the `1st British Commonwealth Division as part of that Division. Its performance in the April enemy offensive merits the highest praise. Two Batteries were initially forward in support of 6 Repulic of Korea Division and these were skillfully withdrawn to join the balance of the Regiment in a new position which 27th British Commonwealth Brigade had been ordered to hold at all costs, Throughout the battle during the nights of the 23rd and 24th of April and all day of the 24th of April it operated its guns ceaselessly and effectively and palyed an important part in the holding of the position." 161 Bty can be identified by the three unit citations worn on the right side, above the pocket, that being the United States Army Meritorious Unit Citation awarded in 1995, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation awarded in 1977. Members of the Battery who served during the battle of Coral and Balmoral were later awarded the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry in 2019.

4th (G) Medium Battery

Commanding Officers and Battery Commanders 4th (G) Fld Regt RNZA

According to the 1909 Defence Act abolished the Volunteers. In 1911, under the Auckland Field Artillery Brigade, 'G' Bty (Hamilton) was formed.

G Battery NZA

• Maj S. Burgess, G Bty 1911-1917
• Maj E. H. Northcroft, 1917-1920
• Capt H. A. Swarbrick 1920-1925
• Maj J. N. Baxter 1925-1929
• Maj E. F. Clayton-Greene 1936-1939
• Maj F. M. Yendell 1939-1940

4th Fld Regt

• Lt Col G. B. Parkinson 1940-1941-note later Maj Gen G. B. Parkinson CBE, DSO and bar, OStJ, Legion of Merit US
• Lt Col C. S. J. Duff DSO 1941-1942-note later Brig
• Lt Col R. C. Queree CBE, DSO 1942-note later Brig
• Lt Col G. J. O. Stewart DSO, ED 1942-1943-note later Col

4 Med Regt re-established

• Lt Col F. M. Yendell 1948-1951
• Lt Col S. T. Nolan 1951-1955
• Maj J. A. Pountney 1955-1956
• Maj J. F. Spring 1956-1957
• Lt Col P. J. Oliver 1957-1961

4 Med Battery

• Maj R. Kidd 1961-1963
• Maj E. J. Valintine ED 1963-1967
• Maj F. E. Hopkinson MBE, ED 1967-1971

4th (G) Med Battery

• Maj T. W. Barrett 1971-1973
• Maj K. F. Lee ED 1973-1974
• Maj G. J. Rice 1974-1976
• Maj G. W. H. Vercoe ED 1976-1982-note (Later Mayor of Matamata-Piako and awarded ONZ, QSM)
• Maj D. K. Bowler 1982-1983
• Maj G. G. Roch ED 1983-1987
• Maj D. G. Box 1987-1988
• Maj L. F. Jordan 1988-1995
• Maj D. Rhodes ED 1995-1996
• Maj L. Polglase 1996-1998
• Maj I Morrison 1998-2000

11/4 Bty

• Maj D. Rhodes 2000-2002
• Maj P. M. Gregg 2002-2004
• Capt W. Koia 2004-2007
• Maj O Te Ua ED 2007-2009
• Maj J. Mitchelson 2009-2011
• Maj R. Buchanan 2012-2013
• Maj D. Young 2014-2016
• Maj J. Dick 2017-

HONOURS AND AWRDS OF THE 4th FIELD REGIMENT 1939-1945

Distinguished Service Order, DSO

• Lt Col C. S. J. Duff
• Lt Col H. T. W. Nolan
• Maj T. H. Bevan
• Maj C. K. Reed
• Maj G. J. O. Stewart

Member of the British Empire, MBE

• Maj G. H. Thomson (NZMC attached 4 Fd Regt)
• Lt J. D. McKerchar

Military Cross, MC

• Maj R. A. C. Hollis
• Capt T. M. V. Bain
• Capt W. N. Carson
• Capt O. P. Davis
• Capt J. P. Snadden
• Capt K. J. White

Distinguished Conduct Medal, DCM

• WO II R. L. L. Brooks DCM
• Sgt T. Moir DCM, MM
• Gnr O. Worsdale, DCM

Military Medal, MM

• WO II P. George MM
• WO II V. N. Quigan MM
• WO II N. C. Tasker MM
• Sgt F. M. Diver MM
• Sgt A. V. Doak MM
• Sgt T. Moir DCM, MM
• L-Sgt A. W. Hewson MM
• L-Sgt R. J. H. Hollis MM
• L-Sgt G. A. Ravenwood MM
• Bdr J. C. Armstrong MM
• Bdr M. J. Buchanan MM
• Bdr G. E. J. Farquhar MM
• Bdr T. M. Hutchinson MM
• Bdr F. Mercer MM
• Bdr R. A. Milne MM
• Gnr C. A. Anderson MM
• Gnr H. R. Drinkwater MM
• Gnr F. C. White MM

Greek Medal for outstanding services

• Sgt D. F. MacMaster

Commanding Officers 5th Fld Regt NZA 1940-1944

• Lt Col K. W. Fraser CMG, OBE, ED 1940-1941
• Lt Col K. W. R. Glasgow DSO, ED 1941-1943
• Lt Col J. F. R. Sporsen DSO, ED 1942-Temporary Commanding Officer
• Lt Col E. T. Kensington OBE, ED 1943-1944

Batterys of the 5th Fld Regt

• 27 Bty
• 28 Bty
• 47 Bty

Commanding Officers 6th Fld Regt NZA 1940-1943

• Lt Col S. Weir 1939-1941-note later Maj Gen Sir Stephen Weir KBE, CB, DSO and bar
• Lt Col C. L. Walter DSO, ED 1941-1943
• Lt Col A. A. Angell MC 1945-1946

Batterys of the 6th Fld Regt

• 29 Bty
• 30 Bty
• 48 Bty

HONOURS AND AWRDS OF THE 6th FIELD REGIMENT 1939-1945

Distinguished Service Order, DSO:

• Lt Col H. E. Gilbert
• Lt Col S. W. Nicholsan
• Lt Col W. D. Philp
• Lt Col C. L. Walter
• Maj A. E. Lambourn
• Maj C. G. Sawyers

Member of the British Empire, MBE:

• Capt R. B. Corlett (NZEME attached to 6th Fld Regt)
• Capt H. Y. Gray

Military Cross, MC:

• Maj A. A. Angell
• Maj E. H. L. Maxwell
• Capt P. Gilchrist
• Capt D. J. Riddiford
• Capt E. R. Smythe
• Lt F. F. E. Polhill

Distinguished Conduct Medal, DCM:

• Sgt W. Batty DCM
• Gnr C. J. Winthrop DCM

Military Medal, MM:

• WO II S. V. W. Nicol
• Sgt F. B. Burke
• L-Sgt S. Conway
• L-Sgt D. H. Pulford
• L-Sgt J. A. Ralston
• Bdr G.E. Buchanan
• Bdr G. F. Scoltock
• L-Bdr W. Roberts
• Gnr R. W. Bunton
• Gnr C. P. Carew
• Gnr W. A. Derrett
• Gnr L. F. Guthrie
• Gnr M. R. T. Hamilton
• Gnr K. Streater

British Empire Medal, BEM:

• L-Sgt R. W. Hodgson

United States Bronze Star:

• L-Sgt R. T. Walsh

Distinctions

A composite unit of the RNZA became the first specific New Zealand unit to mount the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace in 1964 (previously, the contingents sent to the Coronation had mounted the guard).

The South Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation 1st Class was presented to 161 Bty in 1977 for its service in the Vietnam War as part of the 1st Battalion Group, Royal Australian Regiment (see Non-U.S. recipients of U.S. gallantry awards).

In 1995 the unit received the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) in recognition of its service with the United States 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War.

In 2011 the Governor General of New Zealand, on behalf of HM Queen Elizabeth II, gave permission for 16 Field Regt RNZA to wear the South Korean Presidential Unit Citation, by all Officers and NCO's attached to the Regiment, however after their appoints finish with the Regiment the Citation is handed back to the Regiment.

In 2019 the Australian government awarded veterans of 161 Battery who had fought at the Battles of Coral and Balmoral the Australian Unit Citation for Gallantry for "extraordinary gallantry".

Uniform

The RNZA were distinguished by a blue and red puggaree around the traditional "Lemon Squeezer" hat of the New Zealand Army, until this headdress fell into abeyance in the late 1950s. It has subsequently been reintroduced for ceremonial use but the RNZA now wear the same red puggaree as most other corps and regiments. Artillery officers wore a dark blue jacket and trousers with red lapels and trouser stripes for mess dress but this has now been phased out in favour of a universal scarlet mess jacket worn by all branches of the Army.

Band

Main article: Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery

The band's group picture in 1912.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (abbreviated to Royal NZ Artillery Band) is an Auckland-based supporting musical unit for the Royal New Zealand Artillery. It is specifically based out of Panmure, a south-eastern suburb of Auckland and is affiliated with the 16th Field Regiment, RNZA. It is a volunteer band since being disestablished as an NZDF unit in 2012. However it remains supported by the Regiment through a formal agreement. As of 2021, the band is the oldest surviving military band in the country, being founded in 1864. The band performs at a range of events that include commemorations, ceremonies, concerts, Military Tattoos, Military Parades and medal presentation ceremonies.

Affiliations

• United Kingdom – Royal Artillery
• Canada – Royal Canadian Artillery
• Australia – Royal Australian Artillery

Gallery

• 
  New Zealand gunners firing a 25-pounder in Korea.
• 
  New Zealand gunners in Vietnam operating an M2A2 Howitzer.

See also

• Coastal fortifications of New Zealand

References

• Fenton, Damien Marc (1998). A False Sense of Security: The force structure of the New Zealand Army 1946–1978. Wellington: Centre for Strategic Studies. ISBN 0475201035.
• Gillespie, Oliver A. (1952). The Pacific. The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945. Wellington, New Zealand: Historical Publications Branch, Department of Internal Affairs. OCLC 8061134. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
• Henderson, Alan; Green, David; Cooke, Peter (2008). The Gunners: A History of New Zealand Artillery. Auckland: Reid. ISBN 9780790011417.
• McGibbon, Ian, ed. (2000). The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History. Auckland: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-558376-0.
• McGibbon, Ian (2010). New Zealand's Vietnam War: A History Of Combat, Commitment and Controversy. Auckland, New Zealand: Exisle Publishing. ISBN 978-0-908988-96-9.
• Murphy, Walter Edward (1966). Second New Zealand Divisional Artillery. The Official history of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45. Wellington: Historical Publications Branch, Department of Internal Affairs. ISBN 978-1-8697-9446-0. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2012.

Further reading

• Breen, Bob (1988). First to Fight: Australian Diggers, N.Z. Kiwis and U.S. Paratroopers in Vietnam, 1965–66. Australia: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 0-04-320218-7.
• Cooke, Peter; Crawford, John (2011). The Territorials: The History of the Territorial and Volunteer Forces of New Zealand. Auckland: Random House. ISBN 978-1-8697-9446-0.
• Lyles, Kevin (2004). ANZACs: Australian and New Zealand Troops in Vietnam 1962–72. United Kingdom: Osprey. ISBN 978-184-176702-4.
• Steinbrook, Gordon L. (1995). Allies & Mates: An American Soldier With The Australian And New Zealand Soldiers in Vietnam, 1966–67. United States Of America: University Of Nebraska Press. ISBN 0-8032-4238-7.

External links

• Kiwi Gunners in War and Peace
• New Zealand Artillery: The Official Website of the RNZA Association
• Vietnam War: Battle of Coral-Balmoral 1968 Archived 6 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine
• 161 Battery and 173rd Airborne in Vietnam Archived 22 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine