Gallipoli Mini-series-specific info required-RMLI and NZEF Bns

[Guest D.S McCarthy]

Good morning,

My name is Dayton McCarthy and I am the historical consultant/military advisor to an eight part mini-series in pre-production based loosely on Les Carlyon's book Gallipoli.

As a wide range of allied units will be displayed, I need to confirm some specific information on uniforms which is beyond my knowledge and which only a specialist/enthusiast might answer.

Firstly, the Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions of Royal Marines, which arrived at Gallipoli in mid Apr 15.

I have been unable to find any photos of 1915 era RMLI (ie I have found photos of them in 1914 when they wore different uniforms), only those of the RND. The questions I have are:

-I understand that the RM hat badge was not the same as the one worn by the RMs today?

- what other accoutrements did they wear (collar dogs, shoulder titles)

- did they wear standard British army uniforms and 1908 pattern webbing?

-would they most likely wear a sun helmet or the SD cap?

-would officers wear any variation they chose (ie mix of jodphurs, boots, jackets)

-would officer rank be worn on the cuff or on the shoulder at this point

If anyone can assist with text, photos or URLs- much appreciated.

Secondly, the NZEF.

My understanding is that the battalions formed for the NZEF comprised of companies based on pre-war militia battalions. As such companies within an NZEF Bn (for example the Wellingtons under LTCOL Malone) would continue to wear their pre-war militia badge. As such, my questions are:

- based on the above, were there ever battalion badges for the NZEF at Gallipoli or did they just continue to wear the old pre-war company badge?.

-my understanding is that the famous lemon squeezer hat was NOT worn at Gallipoli, or if it was, it would have only been worn by theTaranaki Company of the Wellingtons. However there is a photo of BRIG F.E Johnson wearing one. I also understand that most other NZEF Bn, if they wore a slouch hat (instead of peak cap or sun helmet) it would NOT be bashed in the manner of the 'lemon squeezer'. Is this correct?

-I have had conflicting advice about shoulder titles worn. Photos indicate that they were- again I assume that they were their old pre-war militia titles?

Again thanks, and I look forward to any responses.

[aconnolly]

Hi Dayton

If you're basing things on Carlyon's book then you don't need much for the NZEF - you wouldn't think we were there! It is very Australian-centric!

Best NZ reference is Chris Pugsley's "Gallipoli - the New Zealand Story" circa 1984

The lemon squeezer came in in 1916 so you are correct - the NZEF did not wear it on Gallipoli.

Re badges - a mix were worn - many who served at Gallipoli were enrolled in the pre-war units and therefore wore their regimental badges, but reinforcements were given badges as per the rotation number of their troopship sailings. I'm not anywhere near an expert on NZ badges and equipment but I'm sure someone can add more detail.

Regards

Andrew

[pukman]

Hi there ,

New Zealanders used a variety of headwear on Gallipoli, Felt hats ,S/D forage caps and Foreign service Helmets. They wore company badges ,based on pre war territorial designations based on Provincial lines .Corps badges were also worn by corps units as well , and of course there was the Maori battalion .While NZ forces received reinforcements during the campaign ,reinforcement badges were discarded at camp ,and regimental or corps badges were worn in their place .

Cheers Iain

Edited 1 February , 2014 by pukman

[Guest D.S McCarthy]

Dear Andrew and Iain,

Thanks for your replies. The series is based on the book but will have a significant Kiwi component, namely Malone and his Wellingtons culminating with the capture and then defence of Chunuk Bair.

Iain-I have your email so I will send some further questions via that.

Dayton

[David Filsell]

You will fail miserably in giving a sound Kiwi view if you do not seek to speak to the excellent Chris Puglsy. Better still get him on the programme he is an excellent "performer" And don't forget the Ghurkhas! And make sure you look at Peter Hart on Gallipoli. Actually you could even forget about Carlyon altogether if you felt bold enough.

Cheers

david

[ritterk]

I would recommend you obtain a copy of 'Bloody Gallipoli - The New Zealanders' Story' by Richard Stowers published in 2005. This ground-breaking work contains literally hundreds of photos of New Zealanders from before Gallipoli and during the campaign. There are many portrait photos of NZers (many who were killed on Gallipoli...) wearing the badges and uniforms of the era. This book will answer all your questions. Cheers