In 1911 the New Zealand army went through drastic military reforms. During the Boer War of 1899 till 1902, New Zealand only sent over a minor portion of it's armed forces. This was all that was expected of the young island nation, and the troops sent fought gallantly. It was deemed in London that in future conflict New Zealand should be more prepared to mobilize to it's own defense and that of the British Empire in a higher Capacity. Alexander Godley was the man sent. Under his direction the entire army was reorganized and reequipped. A new uniform was issued with branch piping and modern Lee-Enfield #1mk1 rifles replaced old Martini-Henry repeaters. While this made him unpopular, in 1914 it was to New Zealand's advantage. In their smart new uniforms they were quickly shipped off to the pacific and middle east. As these fronts died down the New Zealand army turned it's eyes to Western Europe. To take the burden off New Zealand, England agreed to equip all New Zealand troops fighting on the western front (England was also doing this for other colonial troops such as Canadians, Indians, and others). This is why we wear English 1902 Service Dress Pattern uniforms and carry the at the time advance Lee-Enfield #1mk3 rifles.
Our unit will help you recreate the same uniform worn by the kiwis that fought during World War One. Several items are recreated by vendors across the globe and many original items can be picked up for reasonable prices. Contact the unit leader before any purchases.
For your first event you will be required to have...
-Lee-Enfield Number 1 Mark Three SMLE Rifle with webbing sling (also labeled as #1mk3)
-Broodie Helmet. (Pictured here with helmet cover)
-English Pattern 1902 Service Dress Tunic (New recruits will be given battalion flashes by the N.C.O. on arrival at their first event). Undershirt must be period correct British Greyback or Civillian produced Shirt.
-Full set of English Pattern 1908 Webbing with Large Pack. E-tool stick, Blue Water Bottle, Mess Tin with cover, and 1907 Bayonet are required. Exceptions will be made for a recruit's first event.
-Either English 1902 Service Dress Trousers (Preferred) or New Zealand Pattern 1911 Service Dress Trousers. With period correct Suspenders and/or Civilian produced belt.
-British Khaki Puttees (also called leg wrappings) and Period correct British boots (in
black or brown) without toe cap. No rubber soles, unless permission from unit leader.
-Broodie Helmet. (Pictured here with helmet cover)
-English Pattern 1902 Service Dress Tunic (New recruits will be given battalion flashes by the N.C.O. on arrival at their first event). Undershirt must be period correct British Greyback or Civillian produced Shirt.
-Full set of English Pattern 1908 Webbing with Large Pack. E-tool stick, Blue Water Bottle, Mess Tin with cover, and 1907 Bayonet are required. Exceptions will be made for a recruit's first event.
-Either English 1902 Service Dress Trousers (Preferred) or New Zealand Pattern 1911 Service Dress Trousers. With period correct Suspenders and/or Civilian produced belt.
-British Khaki Puttees (also called leg wrappings) and Period correct British boots (in
black or brown) without toe cap. No rubber soles, unless permission from unit leader.
For examples and further reading click the buttons to the side. |