Reunion Of Rifle Brigade Members

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32235, 2 March 1970, Page 14

Reunion Of Rifle Brigade Members

Reminiscing was a popular activity when about 300 members of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, which existed during World War I, held a reunion in Christchurch on Saturday evening.

Former Rifle Brigade members from all over New Zealand, all aged over 70, [attended the re-union which ,was organised by the Canterbury branch. Proposing a toast to the brigade. Brigadier D. J. Aitken, commandant, ‘Southern Military District, said that the brigade was a .unique formation in New Zealand history and had a proud tradition. The brigade was formed in May. 1915. and [was broken up four years later. It had a very gallant record, receiving 540 decorations, including two V.C.’s, and numerous mentions in dispatches The brigade had been formed of members from throughout New Zealand and had a national character because of this. It had been properly prepared for battle and a corporate spirit had emerged which carried it through Brigadier Aitken said that war was useless in the last analysis and proved little, but in the best of cases it caused an enrichment of the human spirit in those who •took part. Brigade members were an example of this. Outlining the history of the brigade, Sir Harold Barrowclough, a former brigade officer and the new president ,of the brigade association, said it was first known as the Trentham Regiment. Later it was called the New Zealand Rifle Brigade at the instigation of the Governor-General (Lord Liverpool). “The brigade was then called the Earl of Liverpool’s Own (E.L.O.)—‘England’s last ’ope’," Sir Harold Barrowclough recalled amid laughter. Named “Dinks” Brigade members later became known as “dinks” and there were several stories as to how this came about, he ■ said. The true origin of the ‘nickname came from the patches of black cloth sewn ,on the shoulders of uniforms to indicate which battalion a [soldier belonged to. The Ist Battalion had squares sewn on in a diamond shape while the 2nd Battalion had simple squares. They became known [as the “square dinkums” but after a while the entire brigade became known as “square dinks” and then just “dinks.” Messages of congratulations to brigade members from the Prime Minister (Mr Holy

oake) and the Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson) were passed on to the reunion meeting by Mr E. S. F. Holland, the member of Parliament for Riccarton. Mr Holland said that the unit had been out of exist ence for more than 50 years but it could not be said to be dead. Paying tribute to the patriotism of brigade members, he said he believed that New Zealand youth today would answer the call if necessary in spite of the loud talking of a small proportion Mr C. H. Upham, V.C. and bar. of North Canterbury, who is an honorary life member of the brigade, told the old soldiers that'he felt greatly privileged to be a “dink.” As a sergeant in Egypt he found he was looked upon as an expert in anything by British World War One veterans who remembered the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and this was : very embarrassing at times. Everyone had been very kind to the New Zealanders because I they remembered the “dinks” ‘during World War One. Life Member After the speeches a life member’s badge was presented to Mr L. R. Austin, the honorary treasurer of the Canterbury branch. He and iMr Upham are the only life | members. Members of the brigade attended a church parade at the Christchurch Cathedral yesterday morning. The lessons were read by Sir Harold Barrowclough and Dr L. C. L. Averill, chairman of the Canterbury branch. After the service wreaths were laid at the (Citizens’ War Memorial by Sir Harold Barrowclough and Dr Averill. Buglers of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment sounded “Last Post” and “Reveille.” In the afternoon brigade members and their wives went on a bus trip to Diamond Harbour.