The 2018 2/4 RNZIR Journal

the year in review 2018

Journal 2/4 rnzir

J O U R N A L THE 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW FOR 2/4 RNZIR

2

Proud to Serve

018 saw the last of the World War I centenary commemorations both in New Zealand and overseas, culminating in Armistice Day parades around the country.

As these commemorations draw to a close it seems a good time to reflect on why we serve.

We all have our reasons for signing up, most being personal and possibly self serving.

Having a new challenge, fulfilling a sense of adventure, an opportunity to travel overseas and a desire to shoot and/or blow things up were all on my list.

Though these were all met be the Army Reserve they are not the reason I continue my military career. A sense of contributing to society; whether it’s at home filling sandbags to prevent flooding or overseas on peace keeping missions, is the ultimate prize in all this.

And when I step back for a minute I see a Unit which consistently performs any task asked of it and a Defence Force held in high regards around the world.

My initial reasons for signing the dotted line may have been selfish but being part of this bigger picture has become the real reason I’m proud to serve.

CAPT Catherine Hayward, 2/4 RNZIR

Table of Contents

18

Bravo Skill at Arms contest

10 Our Unit - who we are

22

Ex Ramshead South

16

Ex Maleme

14

Ex Vella la Vella

21

Ex Ramshead North

24

Timaru Hall moves

25

Mod 1 and B Coy CDEM training

26

LO Development training

27

Shooting team

06

Commanding Officers report

28

Armistice Day in Wellington

08

RSM’s report

30

Armistice Day

12

Honorary Colonel Report

31

Farewell MAJ Nicholas

13

Coming Home

32

TRADOC Awards

15

Alpha Coy field exercise

33

SGT Henry Nicholas VC MM

20

Alpha and Bravo Coys AWQ

34

Our battle honours - Le Quesnoy

COMMANDING OFFICER

The COMMANDING OFFICER, Lieutenant Colonel Kendall Langston, 2/4 RNZIR 2/4 RNZIR Purpose: “Making a Valued Impact Wherever We Serve.”

2

018 was a great year for 2/4 RNZIR and one that challenged us in many ways. During the year the unit focused on three things: supporting the communities from which we draw our soldiers; Infantry training to be effective if called upon to deploy; and integrating with our sister regular Battalion 2/1 RNZIR. As I reflect back on the year I am very proud of the achievements of the men and women of 2/4 Battalion.

Our Reservist Soldiers & Officers give their discretionary time to serve with the NZ Army.

Most have full time careers, family commitments and often serve their communities in other organisations they are busy people.

Yet on top of these commitments they choose the profession of arms. They keep fit, attend training activities and deploy on operations, on civil defence call outs and with regular units when needed. This also requires good family support and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the families who often have their mothers, fathers or partners away.

A big thank too to those employers who allow our people to take time away from their primary jobs. Thank you very much for allowing 2/4 to make a valued impact.

The Battalion also has a number of Regular Army staff and full time civilian staff who provide guidance, trade experience, technical support and keep us compliant as part of the wider Army and I thank them for the part they play in keeping the Southern Battalion of the NZ Army on line.

Some 2018 highlights that stand out for me; • The introduction of the new MARS-L rifle and Glock Pistol. These are fantastic weapons and have added some real accuracy to our unit shooting capability.

• In March the unit deployed to the West Coast to train in the bush/close country at Section & Platoon level. Alpha Company HQ was deployed to execute the tactical scenario. This was the first time for many years that such an exercise had been run.

• The Battalion farewelled a stalwart & popular Officer, Major Lance Nicolas who passed away in Dunedin after a courageous battle with cancer. The unit conducted a military funeral as we supported his daughters and wider family.

• Anzac Day saw the unit host a community function in Christchurch and over 40 centenary commemorations across the South Island from Stewart Island to Motueka.

• Many of our people attended promotions and development courses and others instructed on them.

Professional and personal development was a key theme in 2018 as we seek to grow the leadership and technical capabilities across the unit.

• Integration with 2/1 RNZIR occurred throughout the year as we supported exercises, events, ceremonies and shared training & social activities. Our close relationship with 2/1 RNZIR is one we invest in and enjoy.

• Two of our leaders were recognised by TRADOC Awards with Major Allen winning the “Volunteer of the Year Award” for his community work and Corporal Burke winning the “Junior Leader Award” recognising his excellence on courses and as an emerging leader within the Battalion.

• The Battalion supported a number of ceremonial Armistice Day commemorations which ended the formal World War One 100 year commemorations. This saw our unit colours deployed to Wellington as part of the offical NZ Armistice Day services.

• The unit shooting team competing at the NZ Army Shooting Competition, Freyberg Cup and Queens Medal.

Throughout the year the Battalion has remained agile, supported our communities, represented the NZ Army and wider NZDF with distinction and has made an impact. We now prepare for 2019 which will see 2/4 Battalion (along with 3/6 & 5/7 Battalions) transfer from under command TRADOC to the 1(NZ) Brigade.

This will see 2/4 play a more active part as part of the integrated Army and as a line unit within the Brigade.

I would like to thank all those who serve in 2/4 RNZIR & support the unit. Thank you for the hard work, generosity with your time and for serving the NZ Army. I would also like to thank my HQ Command team and staff for their hard work and support, in particular my Executive Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major and Training Team.

Kia Kaha, Kia Maia.

REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR’S REPORT RSM WO1 S.M. McClay

D

Mā te mahi tahi ka oti pai te kaupapa - Working as one to achieve the (desired) result.

ecember 2017 saw myself return to the Reserve Force Unit I had left some 16 years earlier as a Staff Sergeant with the then South Canterbury Platoon in Timaru. Although the Unit has gone through some big changes since then, with the amalgamation in 2012, I have found that one thing remains constant – the passion, enthusiasm and commitment of the Reserve Force soldier. Something that very few people will ever fully appreciate if they haven’t served in an Army Reserve Unit before.

Although I was posted in as the Regimental Sergeant Major in Dec 2017. I was actually fortunate to take the 2nd Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regimental Colour to Belgium for the 100th Commemoration of the Battle of Messines in June 2017. This was truly an honour and undoubtedly a highlight of my career in the New Zealand Defence Force.

To see what soldiers of both our amalgamated units had to endure in June 1917, was certainly humbling and makes one proud to serve.

The first task I set myself as RSM, was to get around the massive area of responsibility that is 2nd / 4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. As we have by far the largest area to cover, this was by no means an easy feat. As I made my way around the South Island in the first 3 months, it was great to catch up with the old and new faces, and also re-establish those key relationships. As a Unit, and unique to a Reserve Unit, we are made up of diverse and multicultured soldiers, all from differing back grounds and stories to tell but all with a common goal and purpose. This alone is what makes working in a Reserve Unit so different from other Units I have served with.

As the year proceeded, it became apparent that soldiers of 2nd/ 4th Battalion could hold their own when it comes to representing the Unit, Reserve Force, New Zealand Army and New Zealand Defence Force. This ranged from excelling on courses; representing on the sports field; attendance at ANZAC Day; focus on deployment; commitment to training; civil defence

Kai

Kaha,

to name a few. To achieve this, acknowledgment must go out to the families of our soldiers. Our soldiers work at their primary employment for 5 days of the week, then leave their families in the weekend to serve the Unit. That is a big commitment that families sacrifice. I would also like to acknowledge the employers, again without their gained acceptance we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

As part of my responsibilities, I get to see new soldiers arrive and not so new soldiers depart the Unit. With changes to Defence Recruiting, recruiting for the Reserve Force is not where I think it should be. Though we are getting new soldiers to the Unit, it is not in the numbers that can better sustain us. This is something I would like to see a bit more effort put into.

I had the privilege to farewell a number of soldiers that have been in the Unit in excess of 30 years and also soldiers not as long but have found other opportunities elsewhere. They have all served the Unit, New Zealand Army and New Zealand Defence Force with honour, prestige and most of all commitment. I wish them and their families all the best in their future endeavours.

With my first year done and dusted, I am proud to be the Regimental Sergeant Major of 2nd / 4th Battalion. I’m proud to show the rest of Army your achievements, your highs and also your lows that we can all learn from. 2019 will see a change to our Formation Headquarters, moving from Training and Doctrine Command (NZ) to 1st New Zealand Brigade. 1st NZ Brigade is an operational Brigade. Although I don’t see much changing for the soldiers on the ground, there may be more focus on integration with 2nd / 1st Battalion and how the Reserve Force can better play our role in the bigger scheme of things. Until then, keep doing what you are doing but always look at doing it better.

I thank you for your continued service and commitment to 2nd / 4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

“ONWARD”

Kia

Maia

WHO ARE WE? Our Unit

2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/4 RNZIR) is an Army Reserve unit drawing from throughout the entire South Island. The unit was formed in 2012 through the amalgamation of the 2nd Battalion (Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast) RNZIR, and the 4th Battalion (Otago, Southland) RNZIR. It currently comprises two rifle companies – A Coy based in the upper South Island, and B Coy based in the lower South Island. The third rifle company – C Coy – comprises a number of capabilities that support our wider Army and the NZDF. Our primary mission is to provide sustainment and round-out to our supported unit – the regular force 2nd/1st Battalion, RNZIR, based in Burnham Military Camp. 2/4 RNZIR is also tasked with providing support to any local emergency response in the lower South Island.

Our People

Our personnel range in age from 18 years upwards. We have phd’s, post graduate and undergraduate qualifications, and we have quite senior qualifications in many trades. We are single, married, in relationships. We have regular civilian employment, part-time employment, no regular employment, paid work, unpaid work, retired, volunteer. We work locally, regionally and even internationally. We play a multitude of sports, but generally in the outdoors, adventurous ones, and are passionate about our national teams in whatever sporting code.

We joined for a many reasons, but having joined this team, now strive to participate in and achieve during training which is challenging, progressive and fun. But first and foremost, we are infantry soldiers who are prepared to go into harms way.

Our Community

As an Army Reserve unit, we are an integral part of our local communities, and as such, we participate and help out when and where necessary. Assistance with civil defence emergencies, whether it be flooding, fires, or rescuing snow bound motorists. Assistance with youth – Cadets and other youth development or academy schemes. Assistance with our veterans and RSA’s. But our community linkage also goes beyond mere help.

It encompasses making our communities stronger just by being there. Stronger because our personnel are self-disciplined, self-starters, positive, committed individuals who know how and have experience in working in teams, often in adverse conditions. Stronger because we know what is right. Stronger because we are to our community as it is to us.

Our Achievements

Over the past year, we have had personnel deployed overseas on an operational tour in Sinai. In addition, our personnel have assisted on the Aumangea Course, in training establishments in Waiouru, and on overseas training exercises with our supported unit – 2/1 RNZIR. Our personnel have won awards at Formation and national level. And through our efforts, we have retained the highest ratio of soldiers throughout all Reserve infantry units in the NZ Army who are deemed to be ‘effective’.

Remembering

Recently we have had the honour of participating in the national Armistice centenary commemoration in Wellington, which have added to our own Anzac Day commemorations here at home. But our past dates back to the 1840’s. We are conscious of those who have gone before us and established our Ngati Tumatauenga heritage, both on and off the battle field. We acknowledge all those who have volunteered and those who have died in the service of their country. We Will Remember Them.

THE HONORARY COLONEL COL Greg Hart

K

ia Ora, It is with great pleasure I have the opportunity to write a few words for your Journal.

As I visited various activities and watched the members of 2/4 Battalion I was struck by the fact that although generations and societies may change over time, the basic drive to serve does not. Throughout our history young men and women have answered a call to serve. This service has taken many forms, both in martial and community needs. The reasons why we serve in the NZ Army are many and varied but the underlying fact is we choose to serve.

Your service requires a sacrifice of your time and your energy. I am aware that you could have chosen to do something else with that time. You may have spent it with family, in sporting or other leisure activities ( or just wasted it). But you didn’t! You chose to serve. That is why there is a quiet admiration for you throughout the community. Parents, children, aunties, uncles, friends, they all have a pride in seeing you in the uniform of this unit. Men and women who have served before you feel a quiet sense of admiration that you have chosen to follow in their footsteps. I don’t know if you have seen it, but there is a painting of the Waiouru railway station showing generations of soldiers walking into the distance.

This painting reflects how you are following in the footsteps of those before you, serving in our nation’s Army.

In the activities and training I have visited over the last year I have been impressed by the enthusiasm and professional attitude of the members of our Unit.

I feel a sense of great pride when I see young men and women choosing to undertake the demanding training required to achieve the Unit goals and objectives. I have watched people from all walks of life and backgrounds come together and work hard to develop teams they have pride in. I have been impressed by the young junior NCOs working very hard to constantly improve their leadership and command skills. Likewise with the Junior Officers. There is certainly a very good core of people in 2/4 Battalion.

The Command Team have set their goals for the Unit for this coming year. I know they will be challenging.

COMING HOME THE RETURN OF PRIVATE JAMES BEATTIE’S DOG TAGS

A

It is with great pleasure that I look forward to visiting as much of this training as possible. I am confident that I will see the same energy and determination from the men and women of our Unit that has been the hallmark of the NZ soldier throughout our history.

World War I identity disk or ‘dog tag’ was returned to a Christchurch family by members of A Company, 2/4 RNZIR in a ceremony at HMNZS Pegasus in May 2018.

Ma te wa Greg Hart Honorary Colonel

The dog tag spent 100 years buried before it was discovered by metal detector enthusiast Nicolas Godefroid, an Reserve Chief with the French Gendarmerie.

On October 08, 2016 while out enjoying his hobby, Godefroid discovered a name tag that had belonged to 32498 Private James Beattie, of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps.

The tag was found far not from Godefroid’s home at Le Cinq Rue, Hazebrouck, France.

Hazebrouck town lies just 16 km from the Belgium border in Flanders and stood directly behind the Ypres Salient.

The discovery sparked a search for Mr Beattie's family, who were tracked down in Christchurch, but his descendants had no idea he'd been to war.

Family member Perry Trevella said it was a big surprise, "and it was just amazing to find out".

The dog tag have now been returned to Private Beattie's relatives after a century hidden in the ground, and has revived the long-forgotten story of its brave owner: Private James Beattie.

The Comanding offoicer 2/4 RNZIR, Lieutenant Colonel Kendall Langston, said there's obviously a lot still on the battle fields of Europe.

"There's lots of metal, shrapnel still hidden in Europe so I think for this to be found, is quite significant," he said.

This whole area was the scene of continuous fighting during the First World War and included towns whose names shall live in our collective memory as the scene of terrible hardship and suffering.

The towns in this area gave their name to battles such as Ypres, Messines and Passchendaele.

In late May 1917 Hazebrouck town was the site of No. 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital where it received and treated New Zealand casualties from the battle of Messines in June 1917, before a direct bombardment of the town on 31 July forced the 1 NZSH to move again.

The dog-tag belonging to Private James Beattie, NZ Machine Gun Corps.

How Private Beattie’s dog-tag came to be lost in area it was found has not been established.

Though he had served on the Western Front, making it through the Somme and Passchendaele, it is thought he lost his dog tags during 1918.

Private Beattie survived the war, unlike one of his brothers, and returned home to New Zealand.

The name tag is presented to members of Gunner Beattie’s family.

EX VELLA LA VELLA

E

Alpha Company’s live firing exercise at in the rain 16 - 18 February.

x Vella La Vella saw A Coy once again deploy to the Springs Junction area, this time to Station Creek in Maruia. Due to it’s location half way between Nelson and Christchurh, this area is quickly becoming A Coy’s favourite close country stomping ground. Though this time the weather wasn’t playing ball!

on during the day until a satisfactory level was achieved. On Saturday night the Platoon came together to form a harbour, despite the poor weather conditions most personnel were getting the hang of living in the bush again. The final day concluded with a platoon level attack, which helped reinforce the previous lessons.

The first day started with round robin lessons focusing on pairs, fours and some section level skills. It had been a while since the Company had deployed to the bush and it showed. Soldiers and commanders were all a bit rusty though the basics were there which were built

This exercise was a tough reminder to some of what close country can deliver, though, as infantry soldiers, this is what we have signed up for! And overall it delivered it’s outcomes of re-introducing A Coy to the bush and upskilling personnel on operating in it.

A COY FIELD EXERCISE Alpha Company’s training exercise at West Melton June 2018

As a build up to attending Ex Ramshead North, Alpha Company held a one day field training exercise in the West Melton training

area were section and platoon level training was conducted looking at individual soldier skills and weapon handling drills.

EX MALEME Bravo Company’s close country exercise in the Catlins 6-8 April

F

rom the 6th to the 8th of April 2018, Bravo Company soldiers moved into the Glenomaru Valley Native Reserve deep in the Catlins, South Otago, to participate in Exercise Maleme 2018.

The exercise focused on testing individual, section and platoon level close country skills.

The soldiers were also introduced to the new MARS-L Iw in the field for the first time.

After Friday evening battle prep, Saturday was spent working at individual to section level drills across a series of BHL stands.

After section level overnight tasks, the unit RV’d to prepare before conducting a platoon level attack on an enemy position.

Overall the exercise was a success with a number of lessons learned around the new MARS-L weapon system, the conduct of tactical appreciations and PXA planning.

BRAVO SKILL AT ARMS

P

An exhaustive test of soldiering skills at Bravo Company’s SKILL AT ARMS at WAITATI 28-29 July.

hysical as well as mental strength was the key to success in an 18-hour long skill at arms test undertaken by the New Zealand Army in Dunedin over the weekend.

Starting at 0430am on Saturday 28 July, 45 Reserve Force soldiers from Otago, Southland and Christchurch took part in a gruelling test of physical endurance and mental strength as they battled fatigue and exhaustion to complete a variety of tasks around the city.

Designed to test their soldiering skills and military knowledge, the skill at arms competition saw three teams of soldiers striving to complete the 15 tasks assigned in just one day.

Organiser and Officer Commanding Bravo Company 2/4 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/4 RNZIR) Captain Duncan McEwan said the competition allowed the unit to see where their soldiers are at performance wise, at both individual and section levels.

“The reserve force soldiers are there to aid the regular force soldiers of the NZ Army, to provide support when they are deployed, so they need to have a high level of individual and section level soldiering skills that will enable them to step up and into the roles should they be called upon.”

“The added competitive element of this event made the day a lot of fun,” he added.

Starting at 4.30am in the morning, the soldiers faced a series of gruelling physical trials first up, then when their bodies were tired the exercise controllers started challenging their minds. Asking many seemingly random questions as they tested the soldier’s general knowledge about the NZ Army, the weapons they were using, their map reading and radio skills and the history of the units they were serving in.

All while the soldiers ran from event to event carrying a full battle load of webbing, packs and weapons.

Designed to test their ability to perform and think under pressure the soldiers also tackled: target range identification across dead ground, emergency first aid for a wounded mate deep in the bush at Waitati, firing using a state of the art weapons simulator, a forced route march and tactical meal break.

The route march at mid-day stretched tired leg and back muscles as the troops navigated their way along Waitati Valley Road.

Private Robert Murray from Dunedin said he hadn’t pack marched in quite some time and initially found it hard work.

“But with the team and everyone behind me it was a great time, everyone supporting each other, that’s what the army is all about,” Murray said.

Lance Corporal Joshua Jacobs from Christchurch said it was a good team building exercise as it reinforced the skills they had been learning at night parades and other activities.

“It was good to see those skills being transitioned into a more competitive environment”, Jacobs said.

Two Section consisting of soldiers from Dunedin, Invercargill and Cromwell eventually won the exhausting competition which many found extremely challenging but very enjoyable.

They saw it as an opportunity to test their boundaries as soldiers, something they were looking forward to doing again next year.

A COY AWQ

EX RAMSHEAD NORTH

ALPHA Company's FIRST AWQ WITH MARS-L at West Melton in August 2018

T

he new training year started again with A Company hitting the range for their Annual Weapons Qualification (AWQ). What was additional was the introduction of our new primary weapon system, the Modular Assault Rifle System –Light or MARS-L. The purpose of the training exercise was to qualify all A Company personnel on the MARS-L to AWQ (Trained Soldier) standard and selected personnel on the Light Support Weapon (LSW), Glock pistol and the 40mm Grenade Launcher. The AWQ is a mandatory prerequisite for any live field firing, the main focus of infantry field training.

Over the weekend of 03-05 August , 2018, Alpha Company was the lead Task Element for planning and conducting the first 2/4 RNZIR AWQ range practice. 71 personnel attended the training.

The weekend was a success with almost all A Company personnel increasing their AWQ performance as they learned to effectively use the new 4 x power ACOG sight, an aspect that many people found surprisingly difficult after the IW Steyr. Switching from the ACOG to the red-dot based RMR sight was a step-up in trained state and one that all soldiers issued with the MARS-L will need to practice in order to achieve proficiency.

In addition to proficiency with the MARS-L, personnel AWQ qualified on the Glock pistol, on the LSW and on the 40mm grenade launcher, setting A Company up well to support live field firing exercises, including EX Ramshead North in October 2018.

As is A Company practice, no time was wasted as additional training was conducted once the range closed. Battle tasks were trained at section level while commanders were taken through the confirmed Training Directive for the training year by the OC, 2IC and CSM. A Company Weapon Sergeant, Sergeant Bates observed “All but one per met the required Trained Soldier standard on the MARS-L, which gives the Unit a good base to work from. Take every opportunity to practice TOETs and apply what you learn as our shooting develop program kicks in.”

2Lt Hugo Bloor descibes Bravo Company's AWQ at West Melton in August 2018 Coy 2/4 RNZIR, descended on the West Melton Rifle Range during 17-19 August to undertake their Annual Weapons Qualification (AWQ) on the Mars-L. Conditions were near perfect in the frosty conditions, with limited wind and ample sunlight. The exercise continues our shooting development on the new weapon system, following its introduction earlier in the year and the Battalion’s familiarisation shoot in May. Shooting skills developed over the weekend will be built upon at Exercise Ramshead South; the next live field fire company exercise. Section gun teams were also put through the LSW Machine Gun AWQ and further personnel qualified on the 9 mm pistol and 40 mm M203. The evening concluded with an OC’s hour and a commanders planning session.

The weekends exercise provided valuable shooting time for individuals to continue their progression on the new weapons system. It also provided an opportunity to engage with our regular force counterparts, who

R

amshead North was a three day live field firing activity conducted outside of Culverden involving Alpha Company personnel from Christchurch, Timaru, Greymouth and Nelson.

It was encouraging to see one freshly attested A Company member from MOD 1 also attend this training activity.

The exercise had an challenging start in its “move to phase” when a road traffic accident threw a spanner in the works.

Timaru personnel travelling via Army van were hit head-on by a suspected intoxicated driver.

No major injuries were sustained, however as a unit we were reminded of our biggest training risk.

Transport to and from the training location.

BCOY AWQ B

Ramshead North Tests ALPHA Company Soldiers AT CULVERDEN 7-9 September

also shot on the mound. With many personnel obtaining a marksman score, a competitive team should be put forward by the unit to compete for the Freyberg Trophy and Queens Medal. Important feedback and lessons learnt from the weekend will be used to tailor the company’s training programme heading forward.

Secondary to a clear night, the frost was heavy on the ground for both mornings of the training activity, resulting in numerous frozen boots and individuals questioning their life style choices!

Nothing that a “teaspoon of cement” could not fix however and once the activity was underway these thoughts evaporated alongside the ice on the ground.

The basis for the training was a round

robin programme featuring three shooting stands with respective Range Conducting Officers (RCOs) and safety supervisors for each, running all day Saturday and a half day on Sunday.

The stands covered instinctive firing, section assaults and complex situationbased reactive shooting. Additionally A Company personnel engaged in a night shoot.

This consisted of a platoon-level, coordinated, night live-fire activity.

The objective of this shoot was the establishment of a Support by Fire Line (SBFL) and a move to and under cover of fire, in order to establish an Attack

by Fire Line (ABFL). Illuminated targets were engaged from two distinct locations involving Section level Fire Control Orders. Comments from A Company personnel present included the value of seeing and participating in this type of training as lessons only take soldiers so far.

Concurrently with the shooting development, TWO WO2 Dion Beker allocated time with the platoon commanders to develop their Individual Military Appreciation Process, and tactics and verbal orders delivery skills in order to prepare them for the upcoming Territorial Force Platoon Commanders Course

EX RAMSHEAD SOUTH Bravo Company’s live firing exercise at rocklands 14-16 September

F

ire control orders take on a whole new meaning when the rounds are real, not blanks, as many young soldiers from Bravo Company 2/4 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) discovered at Exercise Ramshead South.

The officer commanding of Bravo Company Captain Duncan McEwan said the live field firing exercise was the culmination of a lot of unit level training undertaken by the NZ Army Reserve Force soldiers in the weeks leading up to the exercise.

He added that for many of the young soldiers’ fresh off recruit courses, this was the first time they had experienced live field firing away from a dedicated shooting range.

“These live field firing exercises serve to heighten the skills of the individual soldiers and makes them understand what their roles are in a section.”

He added that the training allows the soldiers to put into practise and develop their section battle drills which takes on a very real meaning when live rounds are used, and their mates are beside them.

Held at Rocklands station, a sprawling high-country farming operation at the foot of the Rock and Pillar Range of hills inland from Dunedin.

The 2/4 RNZIR TWO WO2 Dion Becker said two-day field exercise amongst the tussocks allowed the soldiers and their section commanders to revise and practise live field firing skills and drills.

Exercise Ramshead South saw soldiers from Invercargill, Dunedin and Cromwell undertaking live firing operations covering many weapons including the new MARS-L individual weapon, the Light Support Weapon, the heavier 7.62mm Mag 58 and 40mm grenade launchers with chalk rounds, although the strong westerly winds made sighting the fall of shot a lottery.

Another ‘first in a long time’ for many soldiers was the opportunity to use tracer rounds during a night shooting session.

2/4 RNZIR’s Honorary colonel COL Greg Hart also travelled over from Queenstown to visit the soldiers in the field and said he was very impressed with their skills and dedication.

BURNHA M MODULE 1

TIMARU HALL MOVE

A

fter years of speculation and rumour surrounding the future of the Unit in Timaru and the Hall, NZ Defence committed to securing a new premise in the region. Defence infrastructure found and set about formalising a lease agreement on the Old Rieker Bicycle Factory situated on the outskirts of Timaru in the Washdyke Industrial Area.

In just over 3 weeks 2/4 managed to hit all their key timings including a full 502 check, all A Class Stores returned and secured in BMC, all furniture, nonessential stores and memorabilia inventoried, packed and stored in an 8x12 lock up at the site.

After Infrastructure conducted their appreciation and came up with a course of action so cunning you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel, they released the key timings for 2/4 to facilitate the plan.

Thanks to Sgt Louis Wihongi for all the behind the scene admin and direction he provided.

Key Timings consisted of the draft Op-Ord being released mid Oct, possession of new premises for storage purposes only 1 Nov, old building completely clear, clean and handed back to the Landlord no later than the 16 Nov.

The local lads’ civilian employers who even though it was a busy time of year were willing to let the guys shoot away to let contractors into the buildings, deactivate/reset the alarms that Downers managed to set off a record amount of times in a morning. Who knew you could set the alarms off once they had been deactivated?

This threw up some logistical complications as both the current and incoming Cadres were deployed with 2/1 on exercise in America and three of the local soldiers were committed to the Bn shooting team for the Army Shooting Comp over the same time period.

After the initial shock of capture wore off and under the direction of Sgt Louis Wihongi, the outgoing Christchurch Cadre, the local members and the available HQ staff got stuck in and demonstrated the 2/4 culture of making challenging tasks look easy with minimum fuss through Co-operation, Coordination, and Economy of Effort.

A few shout outs.

S/Sgt’s Eric Teepa and Charlie Togia for coming down to help with the packing and cleaning.

2

018 saw Module 1 (MOD 1) of the Reserve Forces basic training return to the units. This allows recruits to be attested so they can join their units for basic levels of training before they became qualified soldiers over the summer. It also provides a smoother transition when they arrive in Waiouru for MOD 2 as they have already had some exposure to military life.

Battalion ran theirs in October with 27 recruits from all around the country being attested. Over the weekend these recruits were introduced to the Army Ethos and Values, dress, drill and addressing rank.

Regional MOD 1s improve the recruiting success rate as it allows recruits to be engaged with their units during the wait for MOD 2 and they’re more likely to return to those units after graduating basic.

Dennison Joinery for the use of their Joinery trailer

Each of the Battalions ran a MOD 1 this year. 2/4

Mostly thanks to the Timaru Lads and their families for just getting it done. “Timaru Tip of the Spear”

B COY CDEM TRAINING

In closing if you’re passing through the mighty Timaru stop in for a brew and check out the facility. Staff Walker loves visitors.

Onward Sgt Aaron Bates, A Coy Wpn Sgt

O

n Saturday 27 October, B Coy ran a CDEM Capability Development training day. 16 senior commanders from throughout Otago and Southland attended. B Coy OC, Captain Duncan McEwan ‘The aim of the training is to develop command and control capability within the CP and Liaison Officer layers with the intention to build towards an Otago Regional AF8 CDEM exercise in 2019 and then a National AF8 exercise in 2020.’

The training initially focused on presentations and practical discussion of: 1.

2.

3.

Civil Defence structure in New Zealand; Alpine Fault 8 and its implications; and NZDF and Civil Defence.

Training then shifted to the Dunedin City civil defence bunker where a familiarisation was conducted and the group received a presentation from CDEM Otago on bunker operations. The team then refreshed the role and training associated with a Liaison Officer operating in a CDEM bunker. With a lot of CDEM operations experience in the group, there was a lot of knowledge shared.

The final phase was a group workshop. This focused on SOP (standard operating procedure) development.

‘It was good training’ said Captain McEwan. ‘We made significant progress and as a region are now significantly more prepared and capable of delivering our NZDF CDEM responsibilities.’

LO DEVELOPMENT

SHOOTING TEA M

DEVELOPMENT OF LIAISON OFFICERS IN A CDEM ENVIRONMENT

By Captain Duncan McEwan, OC B Coy, 2/4 RNZIR

N

ZDF have a significant role as a lead agency within the Civil Defence and Emergency management (CDEM) environment. Increasingly we have been called on to support our local communities during emergency events. Within Otago and Southland, B Coy 2/4 RNZIR are the prime responders for NZDF for CDEM. Liaison Officers (LO’s) are a vital link in the C2 process. During CDEM activity they are based in local CDEM bunkers. Their primary function is to provide the link between the NZDF Command Post (CP) within the AO and local CDEM authorities. They cannot commit any NZDF resources but are the eyes, ears and voice of the CP. Secondary functions include supporting local CDEM authorities consideration of situational change/issues and working with other lead and support agencies to increase situational awareness and coordinate response more effectively.

In our current CDEM development cycle, developing LO capability is our main effort. There are a number of steps in the development of LO’s: 1.

Selection. Generally, we would look to position SNCO’s or Officers within this role. Command experience and CP knowledge is important.

2.

Skill/knowledge development. LO’s need

specific training in NZDF CDEM structure, the CDEM environment structure and processes (CIMS4) and in their role itself. They also need NZDF standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the LO Role. These were released in June 2018.

3.

Relationship Building. The development of relationships between NZDF and CDEM Controllers and other lead and support agency personnel is a critical part of the role. The more we work in these groups the more effective we all become in an emergency.

4.

Experience Building. Done through NZDF internal development activities, attending CDEM run training exercises and practical experience built during CDEM Operations.

To support each CDEM authority we need a number of LO’s. This allows us to staff each bunker over sustained operational periods and also provides redundancy as there are always personnel away on other commitments. We currently have three in Invercargill, three in Central Otago and four in Dunedin.

Development of LO’s is a complex and ongoing process as part of the overall development of CDEM capability within the Otago/Southland Regions.

T

he 2/4 Shooting team selection began in early August with the Alpha and Bravo Coy’s Annual Weapons Qualification (AWQ) shoots held at West Melton Rifle Range (WMRR) utilising the recently introduced ModularAssault Rifle System – Light (MARS-L).

The results were crunched and the Bn Trg Wing then sent the word out to the top 35 firers that they have the opportunity to trial and be selected to represent 2/4 Bn at the NZ Army’s premier shooting competitions. The first was the infantry competition, competing for the Freyberg trophy and all participants vying for the NZ Army top shot the Queens Medal.

The build-up trg began in early Oct with the initial planning and revision of the Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) (ACOG) and Ruggedized Miniature Reflex (RMR) sighting systems and reinforcing the marksmanship principles and applying aim off in a variety of seasons weather and terrain.

The following weekend started with the usual zero for both the gun and MARS-L and the remainder of the day involved application of fire with each individual noting in their respective shooting booklets where their aim off was at the various ranges.

The weekend was completed with conducting a Glock 17 mk4 AWQ shoot.

The 3rd weekend involved confirmation of zeros and application. This was followed by completing the Freyberg Shoot one. This was cut short due to the targets getting blown off the pole as a gale force south westerly arrived mid-afternoon.

Sunday we continued with application and a couple of runs through of the sect match.

The team then moved to Waiouru for the competition 2 weeks later. The first day involved a check zero and briefs on the comp. The next 2 days saw the team completing MARS-L, pistol, gun matches and finally the section match.

The results varied across the team but the highlights included: LCpl Mortimer 35th and LCpl Paiere 36th out of 128 firers. The gun team gained 4th in the Freyberg gun match. Under Cpl Garthwaite’s leadership the section gained a credible 4th in the Freyberg section match.

Overall 2/4 RNZIR gained 5th for the Freyberg trophy Special mention must also go to Sgt Bates and Cpl Gallagher for their tireless work ensuring the shooting practice at WMRR went smoothly. A/RQ Miss Nash and Mr Rickerby for getting the team and stores up and down NZ

(Left) Section match at Waiouru SART range.

(Right) WO2 Bain conducting final weapon clearance checks at WMRR.

ARMISTICE DAY 2018

A

t 5am on the 11th November 1918, in a rail carriage at Compiègne in France, the British, French and German forces signed the document that bought the First World War to an end.

Later that chilly and drizzly Monday morning, at 1100 hours precisely, formal hostilities ended. All along the Western Front the guns fell silent, bringing to an end four years of unimaginable slaughter and sacrifice.

2-4 Battalion RNZIR paraded the Regimental Colours of the 2nd Battalion Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast and the 4th Battalion Otago and Southland, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

The first day of rehearsals were conducted at Trentham Camp in heavy rain and strong winds, but the weather cleared on the second day when rehearsals were conducted on location at Pukeahu.

It is estimated that the Great War resulted in 37 million casualties, of which almost 17 million (10 million military personnel and 7 million civilians) were killed.

British Empire Forces suffered 908,000 killed and over 2 million wounded.

The parade itself was simple and relatively short and involved the guard being split into two groups either side of the National War Memorial.

New Zealand’s contribution to the war was in excess of 100,000 personnel (9% of the population at that time), of which 18,058 never returned home and 41,317 were casualties. The scale of sacrifice and suffering was staggering with few New Zealand families not affected directly by the hostilities.

To mark Armistice Day, 100 years after the end of WWI, the all the Colours, Guidon, Standards and Banners of the New Zealand Defence Force were paraded at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at sunset in Wellington.

This years’ service was especially poignant, as it not only marked 100 years since the end of the Great War but also brought to a close four years of commemorative activities that have remembered the heroism and sacrifice of all those New Zealanders who served in foreign fields thousands of miles from New Zealand and at home.

The colour parties slow marched around the outer edge of ANZAC Square, conducted left and right forms resulting in a diamond formation around the gun of the 16 Field Regiment, and a front rank with the Queens Colours of the Navy, Officer Cadet School and Airforce.

The service started with the firing of volleys, lowering of the New Zealand and Australian National Flags, playing The Last Post, for which the Colours, Guidon, Standards and Banners were lowered, and finally the ode was recited and a silence observed. After this the colour parties marched off the parade ground.

During final preparation all traditions associated with the parading of Colours were observed, including all the Infantry Regiments toasting the Colours with port.

Numerous other commemoration events occurred during the day, with the most memorable being the firing of a 100-gun salute across Wellington Harbour by the 16 Field Regiment finishing at exactly 11am, as they did 100 years ago.

We Will Remember Them.

Colours of 2 Cants NMWC and 4 O South at Pukeahu.

Colours, Guidon, Standards and Banners of the NZDF on parade at ANZAC Square, Pukeahu, during the sunset ceremony.

The firing of a 100-gun salute by 16 Field Regiment.

ARMISTICE DAY IN THE SOUTH ISLAND

FAREWELL MAJ NICHOL AS

2/4 RNZIR Support Commemorations Observing 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day in the South Island

A

lpha Company 24 RNZIR were out in force on 11 November 2018, observing the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent on the Western Front in 1918. As we all too painfully know, the “War to End All Wars” didn’t, but our forebears could not have known that then and so the anniversary marked a hope for peace so welcome at the time.

Our soldiers turned out in numbers and across our entire area of responsibility to ensure that those who served –as well as those who fell- were honoured.

Alpha Company Second in Command, LT Friend, together with our Company Sergeant Major, WOII Flack, SSGT Teepa from Training Wing and Sergeant Edgley represented us at Pukeahu War Memorial in Wellington, where the Colours from all Infantry Battalions in the New Zealand Army were paraded.

People packed into Pukeahu War Memorial Park in Wellington to mark 100 years since WWI ended.

O

In Christchurch, about 2000 people gathered for a service at the Bridge of Remembrance. Veterans marched alongside currently serving army, including A Company personnel, as well as navy and air force personnel to Cashel St where A Company posted Guard.

A Company personnel also represented our subunit and 2/4 RNZIR in Timaru, Waimate, Greymouth, Nelson and Tapuwera to name only some of the locations we attended.

The message among our people was the same to those who engaged us on the day: “War is never a cause to celebrate, today is about commemorating, remembering our fallen, those who served and why,” said Lt Adam Friend 2I/C Alpha.

A Company personnel stand Guard at the Bridge of Remembrance, Christchuch.

n the 28th of March 2018 the Battalion farewelled Major Lance Thomas Nicholas.

Major Nicholas was a former Officer Commanding Bravo Company 2/4 RNZIR. Originally born in Christchurch to a policeman’s family Major Nicholas enlisted in the 4th Otago Southland Battalion RNZIR in 1973 and three years later was promoted to Corporal, rising to Sergeant the following year.

Commissioned as a lieutenant in 1990, he was posted to the 7th Wellington and Hawke’s Bay Battalion Group, before returning to the 4th Otago Southland Battalion and later promoted to major in 2002.

During his time with the army, he earned the British Empire Medal (BEM) for meritorious service. In 1977, when he joined the police and commenced duty as a beat cop in Dunedin, and quickly found his niche in the police, getting involved in planning for the 1981 Springbok Tour.

Maj Nicholas eventually moved to Balclutha in 1985 were he became a very popular and well respected police officer.

He later transferred to Wellington to become the firearms instructor at the police college, before returning to Otago in1995, when he became officer in charge of the Milton Police Station, The search for drug growers offered this keen shooter some excellent hunting opportunities in the nearby forests around Milton.

He retired from the police in late 2003.

In his already action-packed life of service, MAJ Nicholas somehow also found the time to spend 15 years as part of Waihola Rural Fire, spending six years each as deputy chief fire officer, and chief fire officer.

His last job was as a health and safety inspector with Worksafe NZ, which started in August 2014.

Maj Nicholas died peacefully in Dunedin Hospital on March 22, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.

TRADOC AWARDS

SGT HENRY NICHOLAS VC, M.M

2018 saw two 2/4 Battalion personnel awarded at the formation level for their excellence during the year.

As TRADOC encompasses all the Army Reserve Battalions and training establishments it’s a significant achievement to be recognised at this level.

The first member of the Canterbury Regiment to earn the Victoria Cross.

CPL Burke

MAJ Allen

CPL Burke, B Coy, was awarded the 2018 TRADOC Junior Leader Award for his outstanding contribution to B Company and 2/4 Battalion during the year.

As well as attending a large number or company and unit trainings, CPL Burke coordinated unpaid activities, such as Saturday morning PT sessions, which has contributed to a significant improvement in unit culture within B Coy. Other achievements during the year include being awarded the Leadership Award and Peers’ Award at the TF Senior NCO course and commanding the winning section of the B Coy Skill At Arms.

MAJ Allen, Bn HQ, was awarded the 2018 TRADOC Community Volunteer Award for his work with the youth of Canterbury.

Through various programs he supports vulnerable and under-privileged young people to set goals and then work to achieve them.

MAJ Allen also works with schools, including Linwood College, the Waitaha Learning Centre (a special needs centre for 8 – 21 year olds), the Christchurch Men’s Youth Prison Youth Unit, Christchurch Men’s Prison and Christchurch Women’s Prison.

His programs have received National and International recognition and some of the programs have been replicated in six prisons across New Zealand.

B

orn 11 June 1891 in Lincoln, New Zealand, Henry James Nicholas went to school in Christchurch before training as a carpenter and going to work in Australia. In 1915 he returned to New Zealand where he enlisted in the Territorials as an engineer.

In 1916 he volunteered for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was deployed to the Western Front as a Private in 1 Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, 2 Brigade, NZ Division. This unit was deployed to the Western Front. PTE Nicholas saw action in some of this units major battles, notably the Somme and Messines Ridge. He missed the battle of Passchendaele due to illness but rejoined his unit for the attack on Polderhoek, Belgium in December 1917.

At Polderhoek, PTE Nicholas was part of a Lewis Gun Section which was ordered to defend the right flank of the advance, which had been stopped by machine gun fire from an enemy strong point.

Now on his own as his section was 25m behind, PTE

Nicholas attacked the enemy position. He killed the Commanding Officer and overcame the remaining 16 troops, capturing four men and a machine gun in the process.

Once the advance had reached the it’s limit, PTE Nicholas continued to collect ammunition despite being under heavy fire.

It was these actions that led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Nicholas continued to fight with the Canterbury Regiment throughout 1918 and was promoted to the rank of Sargent. He was killed in battle on the 23rd October 1918 at the River Ecaillon, near Le Quesnoy.

His actions on that day lead him to be posthumously awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

SGT Nicholas was buried with full military honours and his medals are held by the Canterbury Museum.

He was the first member of the Canterbury Regiment to earn the Victoria Cross.

https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/sgt-henry-jamesnicholas/ Memorial to SGT Nicholas V.C M.M in Christchurch Source: Christchurch Libraries. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ christchurchcitylibraries/8699661801/in/ album-72157628028290601/

LE QUESNOY New Zealand Divisions last battle in WW1

L

e Quesnoy is a fortress town located in northern France under fierce German occupation for the majority of WW1.

In 1918, as the war neared it end New Zealand troops were advancing northeast and liberating towns in their path. n a new tactic the New Zealand troops would bypass towns, diminishing the withdrawal routes or options for the occupying force.

This triggered an immediate withdrawal by the occupying German force in an attempt to avoid isolation.

In the case of Le Quesnoy, German troops were ordered to hold the town due to the town’s defensive capability.

So as the NZ DIV advanced past Le Quesnoy, German troops were cut off and isolated thus committed to fight a defensive battle.

Le Quesnoy has a complex defensive establishment dating back to the year 800. Since it’s establishment it has been involved in numerous occupations involving Romans, Vikings and Knights.

It was a significant defensive position for German troops in WW1 and would play an important role again in WW2 halting an advance of a German Panzer Division beyond expectations.

This defensive capability was due to the complex design of the outer walls.

A two-layered system allowed the space between the layers to be flooded when the town was under attack. A water reservoir and controlled floodgates enabled this.

On 4th November 1918, 2nd and 4th Battalions of 3 NZ Brigade decided to take the town. Because the intent was to preserve the town and it’s civilians, no destructive artillery was used in the assault. Oil drums were used to create a diversion. This diversion enabled 2LT Frances Ewans to find a path to a floodgate, which could act as a ramp to scale the walls. The wall was eight metres high here compared to the 13 metres it was everywhere else. He was killed on his recce but did not die in vain as his message reached HQ. For the deliberate attack that followed, Army engineers constructed four ladders to enable NZ troops to scale the walls. This attempt failed and all but one ladder was destroyed and NZ lives lost.

Later that day 2LT Leslie Cecil Lloyd Averill conducted another attempt at taking the wall with the only remaining ladder. He scaled the wall in “medieval fashion” leading the way with nothing but his revolver.

He was spotted by German troops who retreated from their position immediately.

The surrender of the remainder of German troops followed rapidly and around 2000 German troops were captured by the New Zealand troops. The liberation did come at a price with 142 New Zealand lives lost.

However New Zealand troops are regarded as true heroes by the town of Le Quesnoy to this day, over a century later. This is because of the courageous actions taken, the preservation of the town and not suffering a single civilian casualty throughout the attack.

The liberation of Le Quesnoy was the last major action by the NZ Division before the armistice. It is seen as a defining moment in the history of the Division.

The town of Le Quesnoy maintains a strong affinity with NZ to this day because of the actions of 2nd and 4th Battalion troops and remembers them with annual ceremonies.

We will remember them.

2/4 RNZIR JOURNAL January to December 2018 This journal is published by 2/4 RNZIR, Burnham Camp, Christchurch, New Zealand.

All Rights reserved Š 2018 Officer in charge of Journal production: CAPT Catherine Hayward, 2/4 RNZIR

Principal Photography, Design and Layout: John G Cosgrove 2/4 RNZIR Unit Visual Historian

The 2/4 RNZIR Journal is published annually by 2/4 RNZIR, Burnham Camp, Christchurch, New Zealand. its publication is authorised by the Commanding Officer 2/4 RNZIR LT COL Kendall Langston.

NZ Defence Forces Disclaimer: This is an authorised publication for members of the NZDF. Contents of the 2/4 RNZIR Journal are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the New Zealand Government, the NZDF or the NZ ARMY. NOTE: Although the authors of these image files have very kindly given us permission to include them in this publication, they still remain the property and copyright of the authors. You are free to enjoy them for your own use – but they must not in any circumstance be distributed, copied, uploaded to any websites or distributed in anyway whatsoever.

For more information about the NZ Army Reserve Forces contact: www.reserves.mil.nz