UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO THE NEW ZEALAND ARMY DURING WW2

This pictorial library is devoted to the recording of "Uniform and Kit" issued to a Soldier from New Zealand of any corps, during the Second World War. Consider it a virtual "Q" Store in New Zealand militaria. It is not exhaustive and will be added to over time. Any reader who wishes to contribute photographs and text will be recognised and credited with such information. I also invite collectors of other nation's militaria to forward content (please see our other countries listed on the drop down menu) - so that a comprehensive list of "Axis" and "Allies" uniform/kit is detailed.

THIS WEBPAGE IS CONSTANTLY BEING ADDED TO - SO PLEASE VISIT AGAIN

World War Two Soap Holder

A metal Soap Holder from the Second World War. Manufactured from aluminium, this holder provided a recepticle to protect the soap from attracting dirt and contaminants; as well as preventing the soap from soiling other items when stowed whilst in a 'wet' condition. This item was purchased from England and may have been utilised by Naval personnel, however this is merely conjecture and certainly could have been issued to any branch of the services. As this style of soap holder may have been procured by other dominions within the British Commonwealth, it has been included in the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand kits. Image courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.

Soap Holder Manufacture Date

Close up image of the manufacture details of the aluminium World War Two Soap Holder. Stamped 'W.S.I' - the soap holder bears the stamping of 1945 and a Government Broad Arrow. It is believed that the other letters and numerals may be patent details, however this is not confirmed. Image courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.

World War Two Soap

A cake of Soap from the Second World War. Manufactured by "W V W & Co." - it bears the script 'PERSEVERANDO - VINCES' as well as the Government Broad Arrow. This item was purchased from England and came in the metal soap holder, which is also listed in this inventory. As it also may have been procured by other dominions within the British Commonwealth, it has been included in the British, Canadian and Australian kits. Image courtesy of the Kokoda Historical Collection.

No. 4 Mk. II Spike Bayonet

The most common bayonet which is associated with the No.4 Lee-Enfield Rifle; is the No. 4 Mk. II "Spike" bayonet. This bayonet was a simplified version of the Mk. 1 bayonet (the type with the cruciform blade flukes) which reduced the cost in manufacture of it's predecessor. The bayonet blade was 8 inches in length and it was forged in one complete unit with the socket head, making for a very strong - yet simple manufacturing process. The bayonet was produced in Britain by the Scottish firm 'Singer', however bayonets from the Long Branch firm of Canada and American versions made by 'Savage Stevens Co.' were issued to the New Zealand Forces. In all, over 3 million bayonets were manufactured by all producers and it was by far the most economical of all bayonets to be used by the Commonwealth.

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