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The New Zealand Army Officer Corps, 1909-1945

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The New Zealand Army Officer Corps, 1909-1945 1 A New Zealand Style of Military Leadership? Battalion and Regimental Combat Officers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces of the First and Second World Wars A thesis provided in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in History at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand Wayne Stack 2014 2 Abstract This thesis examines the origins, selection process, training, promotion and general performance, at battalion and regimental level, of combat officers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces of the First and Second World Wars. These were easily the greatest armed conflicts in the country’s history. Through a prosopographical analysis of data obtained from personnel records and established databases, along with evidence from diaries, letters, biographies and interviews, comparisons are made not only between the experiences of those New Zealand officers who served in the Great War and those who served in the Second World War, but also with the officers of other British Empire forces. During both wars New Zealand soldiers were generally led by competent and capable combat officers at all levels of command, from leading a platoon or troop through to command of a whole battalion or regiment. What makes this so remarkable was that the majority of these officers were citizen-soldiers who had mostly volunteered or had been conscripted to serve overseas. With only limited training before embarking for war, most of them became efficient and effective combat leaders through experiencing battle. Not all reached the required standard and those who did not were replaced to ensure a high level of performance was maintained within the combat units. Casualties were heavy among the battalion officers, especially with platoon commanders. The constant need for replacements during both wars led to the promotion of experienced non-commissioned officers from the ranks who had proven their leadership abilities in the turmoil of fighting on the frontline. Such measures further enhanced the performance of the New Zealand divisions, where a team ethos, reflective of the character of New Zealand society, was embraced. The opportunities for promotion on merit at all levels, regardless of previous civilian social class or occupation, provided a sense of egalitarianism seldom found in professional military forces. This, together with the familiarity between the officers and other ranks within the regional-based infantry battalions that formed the foundations of the forces, led to a preferred style of leadership that the New Zealanders responded well to. It was the 3 officers who provided this leadership in the cauldron of battle who helped forge the expeditionary forces into elite fighting formations. 4 Preface In 2003 I enrolled at the University of Canterbury as a mature student to study for a degree in history. After eighteen years in the New Zealand Police, and with a young family, I considered it time that I re-evaluated my career options. I had always been a prolific reader of history and my thirst for historical knowledge remained unquenched, so undertaking a programme of formal study was the obvious option for me to take. During my undergraduate study I was fortunate enough to enrol in British Isles Rebellions in the Eighteenth-Century, a course taught by Emeritus Professor John Cookson, which sadly, due to his retirement, is no longer available to students at the University of Canterbury. This course introduced me to the 1798 Irish Rebellion, a revolt which I had previously known very little about but which now intrigued me, especially due to my Irish ancestry. Thus, the decision to conduct a study of the military history of Ireland during the period 1793-1815 for my Masters thesis proved a natural choice in that it combined my longstanding interests in military and Irish history. Following the completion of my MA in 2008 it was Professor Cookson who suggested the Officer Corps of the New Zealand Army as a suitable subject for a PhD thesis when I was at a loss as to what my topic would be. I remain heavily indebted to him, especially as he stepped in to be my senior supervisor in the last years of my study, and the support I have received from him has been extraordinary. I have found researching the wealth of primary source material fascinating, while gaining a greater appreciation of the experiences and sacrifices made by the citizen-soldiers who fought for New Zealand and the interests of its allies in the two world wars. In this thesis I have attempted to provide a balanced analysis of the performance of the front-line combat officers of the New Zealand expeditionary forces, while comparing the similarities and contrasts concerning the officer corps of both major conflicts. I have also attempted to provide a greater understanding of how the amateur civilian volunteers and conscripts, with limited military experience, became seasoned combat leaders who played a not insignificant part in fighting and defeating armies led by professional officers. From reading the diaries and letters of the officers and enlisted men written while on active service, it is evident that most had a determination to succeed in defeating the enemy. A strong sense of national identity and duty to ones mates and unit was prevalent among the New Zealanders. Junior officers recorded that 5 the fear of letting their troops and their battalions down inspired them in their leadership where they were expected to lead by example. Not all officers proved capable, but the majority who did ensured that the New Zealand divisions of both conflicts evolved into veteran combat formations. Until now there has been no in-depth study of the combat officers at battalion and regimental level of the New Zealand expeditionary forces and this work rectifies that. Over the years of my research I have been fortunate in receiving assistance and support from numerous people. Apart from John Cookson, I am also indebted to Professor Philippa Mein Smith, who as my initial senior supervisor provided sound guidance, encouragement and critique that ensured the improved structure of the thesis. She allowed me the flexibility I needed to complete the work while balancing family commitments. I would also like to acknowledge the support and advice I received from Dr Chris Pugsley who agreed to act as adjunct advisor on this project. His knowledge of New Zealand military history, especially for the Great War, is astounding. Thanks must also go to Judy Robertson, office administrator of the Department of History, for her welcoming smile and helpful manner that has ensured my time studying history has remained hassle free in the ten years or so I have been studying in the History Department. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the other academic staff in History who have provided me with enthusiasm and support throughout my time at Canterbury. Others I wish to thank who have assisted my research include: Pete Connor, Lieutenant-General Rhys Jones, Geoff Martin, Peter Scott, Emeritus Professor Ewen McCann, Matt Pomeroy, Barry O’Sullivan, Dolores Ho and the staff of the Kippenberger Military Archive and Research Library, Mary Slatter and the staff of the New Zealand Defence Force Library, the staff of the New Zealand Defence Force Archives, Trentham, as well as the staff of Archives New Zealand, Wellington. I am indebted to Sandy Thomas, Haddon Donald, Harold Todd and my uncle, Jack Collins, for sharing their wartime experiences and thoughts with me. I would also like to thank Jane Campbell for not only supplying me with transcripts of Denver Fountaine’s unpublished wartime letters and photographs, but for also allowing me to quote from them in this thesis; this work is greatly enriched by the originality this material has provided. I would also like to acknowledge Chris Hewitt and Graeme Wilson from the Selwyn District Council who have graciously allowed me flexibility in working hours to complete this thesis in the six months leading up to submission. I must also thank my 6 parents, Brian and Claire Stack, who have not only encouraged me in my academic studies, but who have also provided financial support. Undoubtedly, my greatest thanks must go to my wife, Susanne, whose support and sacrifice has ensured that I have been able to take my passion for history to the highest level. She encouraged me to follow my dream when others questioned my sanity in relinquishing ‘a perfectly good salary’ to lead the impoverished life of a student with a young family. However, the student lifestyle has ensured that I have been able to combine study with quality family time with our children, Seamus and Niamh. They have unavoidably been indoctrinated with my views of historical issues. Thus, it is to my family that I dedicate this work. Wayne Stack Christchurch November 2014 7 Table of Contents Introduction 9 Chapter 1: Literature, Methodology and Sources 17 Chapter 2: Officer Selection and Promotion 41 Chapter 3: Opportunity for Promotion on Active Service 72 Chapter 4: Officer Training: World War I 96 Chapter 5: Officer Training: Inter-War Years 134 Chapter 6: Officer Training: World War II 158 Chapter 7: Command and Leadership: Battalion and Regimental Commanders 182 Chapter 8: Command and Leadership: Company Officers 222 Chapter 9: Officers and Other Ranks: A New Zealand Comradeship 268 Conclusion 292 Appendices: Appendix 1 – WWI Officers (Personnel Files, Archives NZ) 306 Bibliography 313 Separate Attachment: Appendix 2 – Officers 1915 (Embarkation Rolls & Studholme) Appendix 3 – Officers 1916 (Embarkation Rolls & Studholme) Appendix 4 – Officers 1918 (Embarkation Rolls & Studholme) Appendix 5 – Officers 1940 (Personnel Files, NZDF Archives) Appendix 6 – Officers 1943 (Personnel Files, NZDF Archives) Appendix 7 – Officers 1945 (Personnel Files, NZDF Archives) 8 List of Tables 1.
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