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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume I
42 — The Chief of the General Staff (Wellington) to the War Office — [Extract]
42
The Chief of the General Staff (Wellington) to the War Office
[Extract]
The first contingent will comprise: Divisional Headquarters, Employment Platoon, Divisional Section Intelligence Corps, Headquarters Infantry Brigade, Headquarters Divisional Artillery, Headquarters Divisional Engineers, Divisional Cavalry Regiment (less page 36 two squadrons), Field Regiment of Artillery (three 18-pounder batteries and one 4.5-inch howitzer battery); Field Park Company, Field Company of Engineers, Divisional Signallers*, three Infantry Battalions, one Machine Gun Battalion, Divisional Ammunition Company*, Divisional Petrol Company*, Divisional Supply Column*, Reserve Mechanical Transport Company, one Field Ambulance, one Field Hygiene Section, one Provost Company, Divisional Postal Unit, Base Details—Total 324 officers, 6227 other ranks….1
Force is as per latest British war establishments, excepting: 18-pounder and 4.5-inch howitzers in lieu of 25-pounder, Vickers Machine Gun Battalion in lieu of Bren carrier platoons, Lewis guns in lieu of Bren, no anti-tank guns or rifles, Divisional Cavalry Regiment motorised including six only Bren carriers and no light tanks…. Would be glad to have your recommendation with regard to any Corps or Army Troop units which should be provided in proportion. Certain matters of policy affecting mechanical transport and equipment are the subject of a separate telegram (No. 43) from the Governor-General.
* *Less proportion for two infantry brigades and two artillery regiments.
* *Less proportion for two infantry brigades and two artillery regiments.
* *Less proportion for two infantry brigades and two artillery regiments.
* *Less proportion for two infantry brigades and two artillery regiments.
1 The numbers of officers and other ranks in each unit were included in the cable but, as in many cases these were not the numbers embarked, they have been omitted. A schedule of the various types of mechanical transport to be sent with the contingent has also been omitted.