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With the Machine Gunners in France and Palestine

The History of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps — Introduction

page 22

The History of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps
Introduction

The reorganisation of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, after its evacuation from Gallipoli, and the events which necessitated the steps that were then taken, do not come within the scope of this work. Lieut.-Col. Stewart, in the first chapter of "The New Zealand Division," has dealt with these matters very carefully and minutely. It should be understood by those who are desirous of fully comprehending the part played in the Great War by the soldiers of the Dominion of New Zealand that the histories of the individual units of the Expeditionary Force are merely supplemental to the main official histories. Lieut.-Col. Stewart, in the preface to "The History of the New Zealand Division," specially mentions that he has left the work of units smaller than battalions to receive due recognition in the Regimental Histories. This was necessary to avoid "prolixity and obscurity" in the main history.

In the reorganisation of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, which took place in January, February and March, 1916, it became necessary to form a Machine Gun Corps, in accordance with the decision of the General Staff to increase the establishment of machine guns and to organise the personnel into a corps.

The New Zealand Machine Gun Corps was accordingly formed, to comprise three companies for service with the Division and one squadron for service with the Brigade of Mounted Rifles. A nucleus of personnel was immediately available from the sections of the battalions and regiments. page 23This nucleus comprised officers and men who had already gained invaluable knowledge on Gallipoli, which facilitated the quick formation and training of the new corps. Officers and men were sent from the battalions and regiments to a machine gun school that had been established at Cairo under the command of Major F. L. Pardoe, D.S.O., an officer of wide study and experience in the machine gun and its tactics. As these officers and men were passed efficient they were posted to the new corps. Gradually the establishments were completed and equipment issued. The old Maxims previously used by the Machine Gun Sections were replaced by the new Light Vickers Gun. The companies were soon in full training, and much useful work was accomplished upon that wonderful training ground, the desert at Moascar, which permitted of every form of practice from section drill to field firing. This continued until die 5th April, 1916, when the Division entrained for Alexandria, to sail for France. The formation of the Machine Gun Squadron did not take place until June, 1916, the sections remaining with the regiments at Serapeum until the Mounted Brigade left that place to take its part in the campaign in Sinai and Palestine.

The composition of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps at the time the New Zealand Division left for France was as follows:—

  • 1st New Zealand Machine Gun Company, serving 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade:
    • Officer Commanding: Major J. M. Rose, M.C, N.Z.S.C.
    • Second-in-Command: Vacant.
    • Section Officers: Lieut. T. H. Watson, Lieut. E. H. T. Kibblewhite, 2nd Lieut. E. Tingey, N.Z.P.S., 2nd Lieut. R. B. Caws, 2nd Lieut. M. Steele, 2nd Lieut. A. R. Curtis, 2nd Lieut. W. J. Reid, 2nd Lieut. W. Benzies.
  • 2nd New Zealand Machine Gun Company, serving 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade.
    • Officer Commanding: 2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) J. B. Parks (Essex Regt.).
    • Second-in-Command: Capt. J. W. D. McKnight.
    • Section Officers: Lieut. J. B. Mawson, Lieut. E. McLean, page 24Lieut. H. H. Hayhurst, 2nd Lieut. B. Palmes, 2nd Lieut. A. B. Fordyce, 2nd Lieut. A. J. M. Manson, 2nd Lieut. R. H. Buchanan, 2nd Lieut. C. M. Smith.
  • 3rd New Zealand Machine Gun Company, serving 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade.
    • Officer Commanding: Capt. J. H. Luxford.
    • Second-in-Command: Lieut. A. C. Finlayson.
    • Section Officers: Lieut. R. G. Gallien, Lieut. J. A. D. Hopkirk, Lieut. C. S. Geddis, Lieut. C. G. Hayter, Lieut. L. S. Cimino, 2nd Lieut. K. D. Ambrose, 2nd Lieut. W. R. Proffitt, 2nd Lieut. P. D. Russell.