BADGE OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND INFANTRY REGT

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30366, 15 February 1964, Page 12

BADGE OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND INFANTRY REGT

Soldiers of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment are to be issued with a distinctive cap badge after the reorganisation of New Zealand infantry regiments inJanuary this year. The badge was recently approved by the ColoneLin-Chief of the newly formed regiment, Her Majesty the Queen, whose approval appears in the drawing of the badge above, Selected - from several designs offered for consideration to the' colonels of infantry regiments throughout New Zealand, the badge makes use of national emblems, and the traditions established by New Zealand soldiers for more than 50 years. In the centre of the badge stands a silver kiwi which has been associated with badges of New Zealand in-

fantry regiments for many years. The kiwi was also the divisional sign of the 3rd and 6th New Zealand Divisions during World War 11. Behind the kiwi is the traditional colour pf the infantry—scarlet.

At the base of the cap badge the word “Onward” has a significant meaning. It was, until recently, the motto of the crest of the New Zealand Government. This motto was worn on the cap badge by all soldiers of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the last war. The fern fronds surrounding the oval of the badge are traditionally worn on New Zealand cap badges in place of the laurel wreath usually associated with British Army badges. The words “Royal New Zealand Infantry” (the regimental title), are backed by Garter blue. This colour was incorporated in the design of the badge to record the gracious approval of Her Majesty the Queen in granting the prefix “Royal” to the title of the regiment The badges are expected to be issued to serving soldiers in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment in about 12 months.