Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast Regiment

The Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast Regiment
Active	1964–2012
Country	New Zealand
Branch	New Zealand Army
Type	Line Infantry
Role	Light Infantry
Size	One battlegroup
Garrison/HQ	RHQ Burnham
Motto(s)	Ake Ake Kia Kaha (Forever and Ever Be Strong)
March	Quick – The Hundred Pipers Quick – Charles Upham March Slow – Greensleeves
Mascot(s)	The Ram
Anniversaries	27 June 1942
Commanders
Current Commanding Officer (CO)	Lt Col G.A. McMillian
Insignia
Unit Shoulder Flash
Abbreviation	2CantNMWC

Queen's Colour

Regimental Colour

The Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast Regiment was a Territorial Force (Army Reserve) unit of the New Zealand Army.

Formation and recent history

The regiment was formed in 1964 during the reorganisation of the army by the amalgamation of two separate regiments: the Canterbury Regiment and the Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Regiment. In turn, those two regiments had originally been formed from the 1st (Canterbury) and 2nd (South Canterbury) and the 12th (Nelson and Marlborough) and 13th (North Canterbury and Westland) Regiments which had been initially raised in the early 1900s, following the formation of gazetted militia units in 1859.

The 1964 amalgamation saw the new Territorial Force battalion become the Second Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. This was until the later reorganisation of 1999, which saw the Territorial Force battalions split from the RNZIR to become multi-function battalion groups. The 2nd Battalion (Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast) RNZIR became the 2nd Canterbury (Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast) Battalion Group, with the following sub-unit types:

Companies

• A Company: Greymouth*,
• B Company: Christchurch,
• C Company: Timaru,
• D Company: Nelson Company,
• Support Company: Christchurch, Blenheim and Ashburton,
• Logistics Company

Brass Band

In December 2012, 2nd Canterbury (Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast) Battalion Group merged with 4th Otago and Southland Battalion Group to form 2/4 Battalion.

Which now consists of three Companies:

• A Company
• B Company
• C Company

Predecessor units

1845-Nelson

The Nelson Battalion of Militia was the first NZ Army Unit formed in the South Island and one of the first in New Zealand. The settlers of Nelson had become apprehensive following a battle near Tuamarina on the Wairau Plains in 1843. Tensions became raised when settlers began marking out land which was 'owned' by maori. Captain Arthur Wakefield, who was the leader of the Nelson settlement had sent surveyors to the Wairau Valley, in a belief that the land had been purchased. The surveyors were removed by Te Rauparaha, chief of Ngati Toa, who made it clear that no such purchase had ever taken place. On this first occasion, there was no violence, however a hut which was used by the surveyors was burnt down which led to an attempted arrest of Te Rauparaha on a charge of arson. The Chief Constable who also served as the Magistrate along with a force of laborers armed with muskets, marched into the Wairau valley with the aim of handcuffing and arresting Te Rauparaha. Te Rauparaha urged that the dispute be held at a later date upon the arrival of Land Commissioner, but a shot was fired by one of the Chief Constables men. This led to a small skirmish taking place which lead to the death of nine of the Europeans and seven Maori, one of whom was the wife of Te Rangihaeata (Te Rauparaha's nephew). Captain Wakefield and 12 others were taken prisoner. Later Te Rauparaha killed the prisoners to avenge the death of the wife of Te Rangihaeata. At a later date, a magisterial hearing took place and found that the Maori were justified in resisting the taking of their land but the killing of prisoners might be allowable in Maori culture was not acceptable to the European systems. No further action was taken on Te Rauparaha. However on the return of 27 survivors, which was termed as the 'Wairau Massacre', to Nelson the whole settlement felt endangered. Following a meeting in 1843, it was decided to build a fort on the hill where Christ's Church Cathedral now stands. This fort was called 'Fort Arthur'.

Fort Arthur had inner and outer barricades, the inner one having loop holes and corner watch towers, and the outer barricade included a ditch and drawbridge. The Fort was built by the New Zealand Company. It was to become in 1845 the first military "place of parade" in the South Island.

In January 1845 a Maori Chief, Paremata, Threatened the settlers in Happy Valley. Paremata had been captured by a Southern Chief, Tuawaike, and had had his ears cut off and then been kept as a slave. On his return, he set up a Pa at Wakapuaka. Payment was made for the land purchases from Maori, by the settlers. This money went to Te Rauparaha, who was the paramount chief of the area which included Nelson and part of Marlborough. The Kapiti chief kept all of the payments and Paremata expressed his frustration and annoyance at this. He lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Land Claims, Mr Spain. A court hearing was heard in Nelson and Paremata was awarded a share of Te Rauparaha's payment, but the issue was far from settled. Paremata began to intimidate the settlers of Nelson and the outer area's into paying him more. Paremata went into the North Island where he began recruiting warriors in 1844. He returned to the region with 100 warriors in January of 1845. Some of these men had come from the Waikato. Word spread around the Nelson Settlers that Paremata had returned with a force. After a few days Paremata had landed at the bluffs of the boulder bank and went to Happy Valley where he visited the houses of settlers and ordered them to leave their houses and give the land back, as it had never been paid for. Paremata declared that the land was his and if the settlers refused to leave, he would return and burn their houses down and make "Kai" of those who lived in them. The threats were accompanied by gestures which included raising their tomahawks over their heads.

Towards the evening, the Maori's left the valley and moved to Mr Jollie's farm which was a mile closer to Nelson. Fires were lit close to the thatched buildings and ripe crops in the paddocks. They made similar threats to Mr Jollie as they had done to the settlers earlier. They danced and whooped around the farmhouse till four in the morning, yelling in a threatening manner. Then they left, and threatened Mr Jollie that when they returned they would Kill him if he had not left.

These two episodes reached the settlers in Nelson, and it was thought that building Fort Arthur was one of the wises decisions to have been made, as the Fort would afford ample protection if Paremata and his men had attempted to sack the town. On the 15th of January 1845 the Magistrate, Mr Sinclair, who was accompanied by Mr John Tinline as his interpreter, went to Happy Valley and sent word to Paremata demanding his attendance. Paremata arrived with 18 followers armed with tomahawks.

Mr Sinclair issued a demand that Paremata and all his tribe should return to their Pa five miles away and stay there and cease molesting the settlers. This is when Paremata flew into a great fury. He declared that the valley was his, and that he would drive out all settlers from the valley. He then threatened Mr Sinclair by saying "that he would treat Sinclair and his interpreter as Rauparaha had treated Thompson and Brooks at the Wairau in 1843-by knocking on the head." Mr Tinline began to calm Paremata down and secured a promise from Paremata that no rash action would be taken for two weeks.

The Battalion had two companied each of 50 men. the Commandant was Captain Donald Sinclair (Nelson Magistrate). His appointment and those of eight other officers was gazetted on 28 August 1845 (Gaz24/45 page 114). The Gazetted Officers were:

Captains

• Donald Sinclair
• John D. Greenwood
• David Monro

Lieutenants

• Thomas Renwick
• Francis Dillon Bell

Ensigns

• Charles Thrope
• Alexander le Grand Campbell

Quartermaster

• Henry Symour

Adjutant

• Richard Newcombe

The Colonial Secretary's records show that Mr Fox was offered a Captaincy but declined as Mr Sinclair would be in command. Mr Joseph Ford Wilson was offered and accepted a commission as Surgeon on 9 June 1845 but for some reason this was not gazetted.

Hourly parades were held daily at 7 am, 10 am and 4 pm. Uniforms were supplied (blue shirt, sailor type pattern). Arms were old flint-lock muskets-the weapons that had been imported for bartering with the Maoris.

Volunteer Corps of Canterbury Rifles

• Number 1-Christchurch - (Captain Atkinson)
• Number 2-Christchurch - (Captain T.W. White)
• Number 3-Lyttelton
• Number 4-Lyttelton
• Number 5-Kaiapoi
• Number 6-Southern Volunteer Rifles (Name changed to Forest Rifle Volunteers on 19 April 1861)

On 28 June 1859, the Governor-in-Council, defined the military district of Christchurch and designated the force within the district to be a single Battalion. Captain Henry Arthur Scott was appointed Captain of the Volunteer Corps of the Canterbury Rifles. As the Units founding Officer-Commanding, he was given the responsibility of heading the volunteer movement within Canterbury. He lived in Glenmore and ran the Glenthorne Run. On 5 August 1859 Captain Scott convened a meeting in the Golden Fleece Hotel. It wouldn't be until April 1860 when 155 'would be' volunteers demanded another meeting, the next meeting was held in the Market Hotel on 19 April. In 1872, he returned to his native Wales.

On 8 April 1865 the Christchurch City Guards were formed. Then in 1911 it became the 1st Canterbury Regiment, thus providing an unbroken link.

Volunteer Corps of Nelson Rifles

On 9 June 1860, the Nelson Volunteer Rifles was officially established. In 1861 the NVR was Commanded by:

• Commanding Officer: Lt Col Matthew Richmond CB
• Adjutant Captain J. W. Lockett

• Number 1 Coy-Nelson City - (Capt W. T. Travers)
• Number 2 Coy-Nelson City - (Capt N. Edwards)
• Number 3 Coy-Was not gazetted until 09/06/1862
• Number 4 Coy-Suburban North - (Capt Jas MacKay)
• Number 5 Coy-Motueka - (Capt F. Horneman)
• Number 6 Coy-Waimea East - (Capt G. Sparrow)
• Number 7 Coy-Waimea South - (Capt J. Wilson)
• Number 8 Coy-Nelson - (Capt N.G. Morse)
• Number 9 Coy - No Record of Officers - Nelson

Marlborough Rifle Volunteers

The Marlborough Militia District was gazzetted on 27 February 1860, Captain W.D.H. Baillie was appointed to command the Marlborough Rifles Volunteers on 2 March 1861.

• Number 1 Coy-Marlborough Rifles
• Number 2 Coy-Picton Rangers

Nelson 1862

Eight Companies were reduced to five:

• Number 1 City
• Number 2 Waimea East
• Number 3 Waimea South
• Number 4 Motueka
• Number 5 Nelson

In Marlborough two Companies were reduced to one: the Marlborough Rangers.

West Coast

Under the first two Militia Acts, no forces were raised on the West Coast until 1868. This was taken up with 'typical West Coast enthusiasm', and as a result of the Finian Riots a real need for law and order on the West Coast due to the presence of Fenian Recruiters being incredibly active within New Zealand stretching from Whanganui to Invercargill. Hokitika had a large Irish population, became the de facto capital for New Zealand Fenianism. At this time, Father Larkin was a strong champion and voice for Fenianism within Hokitika. On the news of the execution of the 'Manchester Martyrs' Fr Larkin held a funeral parade in Hokitika with an empty coffin which was followed by 900 people on the 8th of March 1868. It is reputed that Fr Larkin was the brother of one of the killers of a British Police Sergeant. In response Fr Larkin was disciplined by the Roman Catholic Bishop. These actions lead to the local settlers being frightened and calls were made to raise a local Rifle Volunteer unit.

Various letters held in archives quote that 40 residents from Hokitika offered to form a Corps. A further 175 residents from Westport offered their support to form a local unit. In response to this 50 Rifles and 10,000 ball were sent to Hokitika on the 28th of March. Later 71 residents from Greymouth volunteered for service. A further 100 men were sworn in and a second corps was formed in that of the 2nd Westland Rifles.

Later 81 men from Ross were sworn in and the 1st Totara Rifles was formed. A further 50 Rifles were sent to Hokitika and 110 Rifles were sent to Westport. 90 Men from Charleston volunteered for service and a further 44 men from Kaniere formed the Kaniere Rifles. Mr Bonar then approached the Governer to ask if her would allow Hari Hari and Kaniere to from a joint company.

Officially the 1st Westland Rifle Volunteers was raised and accepted on the 13th of March 1868. In 1911 the 1st Westland Rifles was absorbed into the 12th Nelson Regiment. The Greymouth Ranger Volunteers was raised on the 26th of March 1868 however it was disbanded in 1883 and was reformed in 1884 as the Greymouth Rifle Volunteers before being absorbed into the 12th Nelson.

The 2nd Westland Rifle Volunteers was raised and accepted on the 26th of March 1868 but later it was disbanded on the 22nd of March 1870. The No 1 Company Totara Rifle Volunteers was raised on the 31st of March 1868 but was then disbanded on the 30th of June 1875.

The Westport Rifle Volunteers was raised and accepted on the 26th of March 1868 before being disbanded on the 26th of August 1869. The Charleston Rifle Volunteers was formed on the 17th of April 1868 however this unit was disbanded on the 1st of October 1868.

Commanders

Canterbury District Commanders 1859–1910

• Maj H.A. Scott 1859–1861
• Col T. Wollaston-White 1861–1867
• Maj G. Packe 1867
• Lt Col H.E. Reader 1867–1868
• Lt Col G. Packe 1868–1882
• Lt Col A. Lean 1882–1891
• Lt Col H. Gordon 1891–1901
• Lt Col W.H. Webb 1901–1903
• Col C.W. Porter, CB. 1903–1904
• Lt Col A. Bauchop, CMG. 1904–1906
• Lt Col J.E. Hawkins, VD. 1906–1910

1st Battalion Canterbury Rifle Volunteers

• Lt Col A.G.D. Toswill 1886–1888 (99th Regt)

Canterbury Battalion and later North Canterbury Battalion

• Lt Col F.W. Francis, VD. 1895–1903

South Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers

• Lt Col W.M. Moore 1897

1st North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry

• Lt Col W.A. Day 1903–1906
• Lt Col F. Cresswell, VD. 1906–1910

2nd North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry

• Lt Col H.S.E. Hobday 1903–1906
• Lt Col G.J. Smith 1906–1910

Nelson District Commanders 1860–1911

• Lt Col M. Richmond, CB. 1860–1872
• Maj N.G. Morse 1872
• Capt E. Baigent 1874
• Capt J.T. Marshall 1875–1877
• Maj A. Pitt 1877–1895
• Lt Col A. Pitt 1895–1899
• Lt Col Hon J.A. Bonar 1899–1900
• Capt (later acting Lt Col) Wolf, GCB. 1900–1906
• Maj J.L. Joyce 1906–1911

1st Battalion Nelson Infantry Volunteers

• Maj W.S. Littlejohn 1901–1909
• Lt Col G.A. Harkness, VD. 1909–1910

2nd Battalion Nelson Infantry Volunteers

• Lt Col C.G.F. Morice 1901–1909
• Maj J.C. Macfarlane 1909–1910

Marlborough District Commander

• Capt W.D.H Baillie 1860–1893

Westland District Commander

• Capt J.A. Bonar 1872–1895

Commanding Officers 1st NMWC 1923–1948

• Lt Col C.B. Brereton 1923–1924
• Lt Col C.E. Butcher 1924–1926
• Lt Col G.H. Gray, MC. 1926–1930
• Lt Col W.C. Harley 1930–1933
• Lt Col W.T. Churchward 1933–1939
• Lt Col C.M. Rout, ED. 1939–1942

Commanding Officers 1st NMWC 1948–1964

• Lt Col E.F. Richards, DSO, ED. 1948–1954 (Later Hon Col (Lt Col))
• Lt Col R.I. Blair, OBE, ED. 1954–1957 (Later Hon Col (Lt Col))
• Lt Col R.M.S. Orbell, OBE, ED. 1957–1959
• Lt Col D.H. Blyth. 1961–1964 (Later Hon Col (Col))

Commanding Officers 1st Cant (1923–1948)

• Lt Col J. Murphy, VD 1923–1925
• Lt Col N.R. Wilson, DSO, MC, VD. 1925–1926
• Lt Col L.M. Inglis, MC, VD. 1926–1930
• Lt Col S.D. Mason, 1930–1936
• Lt Col H.K. Kippenberger, 1936–1940 (Later Hon Col (Maj Gen))
• Lt Col M. Osborne, ED. 1940–1941
• Lt Col W.R. Lascelles. 1941–1943

Commanding Officers 1st Cant (1948–1964)

• Lt Col J.R. Williams, DSO. 1948–1954
• Lt Col T.B. Morten, DSO, ED. 1954–1959 (Later Hon Col (Brig))
• Lt Col J.W. Rolleston, MBE, ED. 1959
• Lt Col S.M. Pritchard, MBE, ED. 1959
• Lt Col B.H. Palmer, MBE, ED. 1960–1962 (Later Hon Col (Col))
• Lt Col M.C. Stanaway, MC. 1962–1964

Commanding Officers 2nd Cant NMWC 1964–2012

• Lt Col M.C. Stanaway, MC. 1964
• Lt Col R.W.K. Ainge. 1964–1966
• Lt Col E.G. Latter, MBE, ED. 1966–1970 (Later Hon Col (Brig))
• Lt Col E.H. Poole, ED. 1970–1973 (Later Hon Col (Col))
• Lt Col M.J. Blair, MBE, ED. 1973–1976
• Lt Col R.E. Menzies, ED. 1976–1979
• Lt Col N.A. Koutua, ED. 1979–1982 (Later Hon Col (LtCol))
• Lt Col P.V. Coster, OBE, ED. 1982–1986
• Lt Col R.G. Milne. 1986–1991
• Lt Col P.F. Koorey. 1991–1993
• Lt Col G. Hart 1993-1998
• Lt Col K. Whitlow 1998-2000
• Lt Col G.S. Trengrove, MVO. 2000-2002 (Later promoted to Brig & awarded DSD, ED)
• Lt Col R. Keetley ED & Bar 2002-2006
• Lt Col N.J.A. Sinclair, ED. 2006-2008
• Lt Col G.A. McMillian. 2008–2013

Commanding Officers of 2/4 Battalion RNZIR 2012–Current

• Lt Col G.A. McMillian. 2013–2013
• Lt Col A.J. Brosnan. (First female C/O) NZIC 2013-2016
• Lt Col K. Langston. 2016–2021
• Lt Col T. Tuatini. 2021-2023
• Lt Col G. Seeds 2023-Current

Honorary Colonels

1911–1964

• Maj Gen D.P. Penton, CB, CVO. 13th (North Canterbury) 1911-unknown
• Maj Gen E.W.C. Chaytor, KCMG, KCVO, CB. 1st (Canterbury) 1920–1921
  • 12th (Nelson & Marlborough) 1920–1921
  • Canterbury 1921–1923
  • Nelson Marlborough & West Coast 1923–1939
• Col The Hon G.J. Smith, CBE, TD. 1st (Canterbury) 1923-unknown
• Maj Gen Sir H. Kippenberger, KBE, CB, DSO & Bar. 1st (Canterbury) 1951–1957
• Brig J.T. Burrows, CBE, DSO, ED. 1st (Canterbury) 1957–1964
• Col D.J. Fountaine, DSO, MC. ED. 1st (Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast) 1951–1959
• Lt Col E.E. Richards, DSO, OBE, ED. 1st (Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast) 1959–1962
• Lt Col R.I. Blair, OBE, ED. 1st (Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast) 1963–1964

2nd Cant NMWC RNZIR Honorary Colonels 1964–2012

• Brig J.T. Burrows, CBE, DSO, ED. 1964–1966
• Brig T.B. Morten, CBE, DSO, ED. 1966–1971
• Col T.F. Hegglun, OBE, ED. 1971–1977
• Col B.H. Palmer, ED. 1977–1982
• Col D.H. Blyth. 1982–1987
• Brig E.G. Latter, MBE, ED. 1987–1992
• Col E.H. Poole, ED. 1992–
• Brig R.E. Menzies, CBE, ED
• Lt Col N.H. Kotua, ED. -2012
• Lt Col Cutler 2012–2016 -2/4 RNZIR
• Lt Col G. Hart 2016–2023-2/4 RNZIR
• Lt Col P. Koorey 2023-Current 2/4 RNZIR

Regimental Sergeant Majors 1st Cant Bn

• WO 1 D. H. Cross BEM 1949-1956
• WO 1 A. P.S. Narbey 1956-1959
• WO 1 R. H. E. Hebden 1959-1964
• WO 1 J. Moonlight 1964-1964

Regimental Sergeant Majors 1st NMWC Bn

• WO 1 B. Veysey 1949-1956
• WO 1 R. Cairns 1956-1959
• WO 1 C. M. Schwass MBE 1959-1961
• WO 1 V. Boynes 1961-1964

Regimental Sergeant Majors 2nd Cant NMWC Bn

• WO 1 J. Moonlight 1964-65
• WO 1 R. P. Flood 1965-65
• WO 1 T.W. Heketa 1965-67
• WO 1 A. J. Hilton 1967-69
• WO 1 H. James BEM 1969-71
• WO 1 K. J. Kennedy 1971-74
• WO 1 R. A. Manning MBE 1974-1977
• WO 1 G. T. Steele 1977-1981
• WO 1 W. J. Walker 1981-1983
• WO 1 R. S. Hill 1983-1984
• WO 1 G. T. Steele 1984-1985
• WO 1 W. B. Hutchinson 1985-1987
• WO 1 P. Tamepo 1987-1990
• WO 1 R. M. James 1990-

Chaplains of the Regiment

• Chap Rev H.R. Dewsbury. No1 North Canterbury Bn (1910)
• ChCl IV Fr J.F.M. Barra. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl IV Rev W. Bullock. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl IV Rev Fr P.F. Cullen. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl III Rev F. Dunnage. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl IV Rev C.M. Jones. 3rd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl IV Rev J.A. Lush. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl III Rev Fr J.J. McMenamin. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)-Killed in Action-Messines, 8 June 1917.
• ChCl IV Rev Fr P. Flynn. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl IV Rev E.D. Rice. 2nd Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl IV Rev G.T. Robson MC, OBE. 1st Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl III Rev T.F. Taylor. 1st Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl III Rev C.E.O'H. Tobin. 1st Bn Canterbury Regt (1914–18)
• ChCl II Rev F.O. Dawson, OBE. 20th Battalion (1939–45)
• Chcl IV Rev H.I. Hopkins, OBE. (P.O.W) 20th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl II Rev G.A.D. Spence, OBE, MC. 20th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl II Rev Fr L.P. Spring, OBE. 20th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev J.S. Strang. 20th & 26th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev R.J. Griffiths, MBE. 23rd Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev H.F. Harding, DSO, MBE. 23rd Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev H. J. W. Knights 1st Canterbury Regiment
• ChCl III Rev S.C. Read (P.O.W.) 23rd Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev N.F. Sansom. 23rd Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev. R.B. Spence. 23rd Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev J.G.B. Talbot. 23rd Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev Fr J.L. Kingan. MC. 26th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev J.R. Nairn. 26th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev H.S. Scott. 26th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev Fr J.W. Rodgers. 30th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev Fr W.E. Ryan. 30th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev H.W. West. 30th Battalion (1939–45)
• ChCl IV Rev. W.D. Whelan. 6th Canterbury Regt (1939–45)
• ChCl III Rev H.E. Rowe. 1st NMWC
• ChCl IV Rev F.G. Glen. 2nd CantNWMC
• ChCl IV Rev K.J. Taylor. 2nd CantNWC
• ChCl IV Rev F. Grieg. 2nd CantNWMC
• ChCl III Rev Fr B.J. Fennessy, ED *** 2nd CantNMWC
• ChCl III Rev H.M.L. Kirk ED 2nd CantNMWC (Later appointed Lead Chaplain Southern Area, 1st NZ Bde Linton Camp)

Battle honours

The regiment perpetuates the battle honours awarded to the 23rd, 26th, 30th and 37th Battalions, Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

• South Africa 1900–02
• First World War:
  • Somme 1916, 1918,
  • Messines 1917,
  • Ypres 1917,
  • Passchendaele,
  • Hindenburg Line,
  • France and Flanders 1916–18,
  • ANZAC,
  • Gallipoli 1915,
  • Suez Canal,
  • Egypt 1915–16
• Second World War:
  • Greece 1941,
  • Crete,
  • Sidi Rezegh,
  • Minquar Qaim,
  • El Alamein,
  • Tebaga Gap,
  • Orsogna,
  • Cassino I,
  • The Senio,
  • South Pacific 1942–44
  • Solomons,
  • Vella Lavella,
  • Green Islands

1st Canterbury Regiment Battle Honours

• • South Africa 1902.
  • Egypt 1915-16,
  • ANZAC,
  • Gallipoli 1915,
  • Somme 1916–18,
  • Messines 1917,
  • Ypres,
  • Hindenberg Line,
  • Selle,
  • France and Flanders

1st Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment Battle Honours

• • South Africa 1900-1902,
  • Egypt 1915-16,
  • Landings on ANZAC,
  • ANZAC,
  • Gallipoli 1915,
  • Sari Bair,
  • Messines 1917,
  • Hindenburg Line,
  • Passchendale,
  • Somme 1916–1918
  • Suez Canal 1917,
  • France and Flanders

Alliances

• United Kingdom – The Rifles
• United Kingdom – The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshire)
• United Kingdom – The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd and 87th and The Ulster Defence Regiment)
• Australia – University of New South Wales Regiment

Freedoms

The regiment was granted the following freedoms:

• City of Timaru (1965)
• City of Christchurch (1966)
• City of Nelson (1969)
• Borough of Ashburton
• Borough of Greymouth
• District of Marlbourgh

Notable members

• Captain C.Upham VC and Bar-C Company, 20th Battalion
• Sergeant H.J. Nicholas, VC, MM-12th Nelson Company (Killed in Action at Beaudigny 23 October 1918)
• Sergeant J.Hinton VC-20th Battalion
• Sergeant C.Hulme VC-23rd Battalion
• Major General Sir E.W.C. Chaytor, KCMG, KCVO, CB
• Major General L.M. Inglis, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, VD, ED
• Major General Sir Howard Kippenberger, KBE, CB, DSO & Bar
• Brigadier Burrows, CBE, DSO, ED **
• Colonel Hon G.J. Smith, CBE, TD.
• Colonel Frank Rennie, CBE, MC-1st Cant, 30th Bn & 37th Bn
• Colonel D.J. Foutaine. DSO, MC, ED.-1st NMWC
• Lieutenant Colonel N.R. Wilson, DSO, MC, VD-1st NWMC
• Lieutenant Colonel F.M. Mitchell, MC.-6th Cant
• Lieutenant Colonel T.B. Morten, DSO, ED.-1st Cant
• Lieutenant Colonel J.R. Williams, DSO.-1st Cant
• Lieutenant Colonel J.B. Mawson MC, ED.-30th Bn
• Major G.H. Gray, MC-1st NMWC
• Major H.H. Thomason, MM-1st NMWC
• Major J.M.C. McLeod MC*-30th Bn
• Major (latter Lt Col), M.C. Stanaway MC-1st NMWC (Awarded in Korea as a captain)
• Captain Starnes, DSO (was recommended for a Victoria Cross, but was immediately awarded the DSO)
• Captain P.W.G. Spiers, MBE, MC, VD-1st NMWC
• Warrant Officer Class II James Godfrey, DCM, MM 13th North Canterbury Regt
• Sergeant E.Batchelor DCM and Bar-23rd Battalion
• Lance Corporal R.J. Burrell, BEM.-2nd CantNMWC
• Private J.D. Ross, MM
• Private H. Anderson, MM

Further reading

• "Together Onward: A Short History of the Canterbury Regiment, NMWC, and the Second Battalion, 1845–1970", 2RNZIR, King Edward Barracks, Christchurch, 1970
• Latter, E. G. (1992). Marching Onward: A History of the 2nd Battalion (Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast) Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, 1845 - 1992. Christchurch: 2nd Battalion RNZI. ISBN 0473015676.

External links

• NZ Army Official Website: 2 Cant NMWC

First World War, 1914–1919;

• The Canterbury Regiment, 1914–1919
• The History of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles 1914–1919

Second World War, 1939–1945;

• 23 Battalion Official History
• 26 Battalion Official History
• 30 Battalion Official History
• 37 Battalion Official History

Other

• 2nd Battalion (Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast), RNZIR