Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment

Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Unit name	Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Caption	Cap badge of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Dates	9 January 1947 – present
Country	New Zealand
Branch	New Zealand
Type	Line infantry
Size	One regiment of three regular and three reserve battalions
Command structure	1st (New Zealand) Brigade
Garrison	Trentham Military Camp (Regimental Headquarters)
Motto	Onward
March	Quick: "The British Grenadiers", Slow: "The Garb of Old Gaul"
Battles	Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Battle honours	See Battle honours

Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. It is the principal combat unit of the New Zealand Army, tracing its lineage to colonial forces and formally constituted in 1947. The regiment has served in every major conflict involving New Zealand since the Second World War, from Asia to the Middle East. Its soldiers are a cornerstone of New Zealand's defence commitments and international peacekeeping operations.

History

The regiment's origins lie in the various provincial militia and volunteer units formed after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which later evolved into the New Zealand Military Forces. Following the extensive service of New Zealand infantry battalions in the Second World War, including at Crete, El Alamein, and Monte Cassino, the current regiment was formed by amalgamating the existing territorial regiments. Key milestones include the commitment of the New Zealand Regiment to the Korean War and the subsequent formation of 1 RNZIR in 1964. Battalions have since seen continuous operational service, including during the Vietnam War with V Force, in East Timor under the United Nations, and in the War in Afghanistan alongside forces like the United States Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Structure and organisation

The regiment comprises three regular force battalions and three Territorial Force battalions. The regular components are 1st Battalion, based at Linton Military Camp; 2/1st Battalion, at Burnham Military Camp; and the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles, a light armoured cavalry unit integrated into the regiment's structure. The reserve battalions are the 3rd/6th Battalion in the North Island, the 4th/6th Battalion in the South Island, and the 5th/7th Battalion in the Upper South Island. All units fall under the command of the 1st (New Zealand) Brigade within the New Zealand Army's modernised command structure.

Battle honours and traditions

The regiment inherits and displays a comprehensive list of battle honours from its predecessor units, covering conflicts from the New Zealand Wars to modern deployments. Key honours include South Africa 1900–1902, Somme 1916–18, Messines 1917, Passchendaele, Cassino, and Kapyong. The regimental march is the quick march "The British Grenadiers" and the slow march "The Garb of Old Gaul". Its motto is "Onward", and members wear the distinctive "lemon squeezer" hat as part of their ceremonial dress. The New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park commemorates the service of the regiment and other New Zealand forces.

Notable members

Numerous soldiers have gained distinction, including Charles Upham, who was awarded the Victoria Cross twice for actions at Crete and Ruweisat Ridge while serving with the 20th Battalion. Other Victoria Cross recipients from antecedent units include Keith Elliott and Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. Senior officers such as General Sir Keith Holyoake and Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, who later served as Governor-General of New Zealand, have also served in the regiment.

Alliances

The regiment maintains formal alliances with several Commonwealth regiments, reflecting shared history and traditions. These include The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Royal Australian Regiment, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, and The Royal Canadian Regiment. These alliances are celebrated through exchanges, shared ceremonies, and adherence to similar customs, strengthening professional bonds across the Commonwealth of Nations.

Regimental museum

The Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum, located at Waiouru Military Camp, serves as the regimental museum. It holds an extensive collection of artefacts, uniforms, weapons, and medals detailing the history of the regiment and the wider New Zealand Army. The museum's displays cover colonial conflicts, the world wars, and modern peacekeeping, with notable items including the personal effects of Charles Upham and a memorial to those who served in Vietnam.

Category:Military units and formations established in 1947 Category:Infantry regiments of New Zealand