New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion
Encyclopedia
The New Zealand Pioneer Battalion or Native Contingent and Pioneer Battalion was a battalion
of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force
that served during World War I
. The battalion was first raised in 1915 and served at Gallipoli and the Western Front
and largely served as pioneers. "Of these by the end of the war, 2227 Maori and 458 Pacific Islanders had served in what became known as the Maori Pioneer Battalion. Of these, 336 died on active service and 734 were wounded. Other Maori enlisted (and died) in other battalions as well."
, the regiment was initially assigned further garrison duties on Malta
, but despite the pleas of the Minister of Defence
, James Allen
and Maori MPs, the battalion was sent to Malta.
on 3 July 1915. Here they joined the New Zealand Mounted Rifles
and were employed as pioneers. In 1915, the battalion was renamed "The New Zealand (Maori) Pioneer Battalion".
to return home as a formed body and toured throughout the country.
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
The New Zealand Expeditionary Force was the title of the military forces sent from New Zealand to fight for Britain during World War I and World War II. Ultimately, the NZEF of World War I was known as the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force...
that served during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. The battalion was first raised in 1915 and served at Gallipoli and the Western Front
Western Front (World War I)
Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by first invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The tide of the advance was dramatically turned with the Battle of the Marne...
and largely served as pioneers. "Of these by the end of the war, 2227 Maori and 458 Pacific Islanders had served in what became known as the Maori Pioneer Battalion. Of these, 336 died on active service and 734 were wounded. Other Maori enlisted (and died) in other battalions as well."
Departure and garrison duty in Egypt
The battalion first departed New Zealand in February 1915 aboard the SS Warrimoo, they trained in Egypt, but were initially assigned to garrison duty. Under the recommendation of Major-General Alexander GodleyAlexander Godley
General Sir Alexander John Godley GCB, KCMG was a First World War general, best known for his role as commander of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force...
, the regiment was initially assigned further garrison duties on Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, but despite the pleas of the Minister of Defence
Minister of Defence (New Zealand)
The Minister of Defence is a minister in the government of New Zealand with responsibility for the New Zealand armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.The present Minister is Dr...
, James Allen
James Allen (New Zealand)
Sir James Allen, GCMG, KCB was a prominent New Zealand politician and diplomat. He held a number of the most important political offices in the country, including Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was also New Zealand's Minister of Defence during World War I.-Early life:Allen...
and Maori MPs, the battalion was sent to Malta.
Service at Gallipolli
Increasing casualties among the Anzac forces during the Gallipoli campaign led to the deployment of the battalion. The battalion arrived at Anzac CoveAnzac Cove
Anzac Cove is a small cove on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. It became famous as the site of World War I landing of the ANZAC on April 25, 1915. The cove is a mere long, bounded by the headlands of Ari Burnu to the north and Little Ari Burnu, known as Hell Spit, to the south...
on 3 July 1915. Here they joined the New Zealand Mounted Rifles
New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade
The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, consisting usually of four units of mounted infantry, fought in World War I and World War II. Initially a milita, under the instruction of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Henry Banks they formed the core of the New Zealand Army following successful service in the...
and were employed as pioneers. In 1915, the battalion was renamed "The New Zealand (Maori) Pioneer Battalion".
Service on the Western Front
In late August 1916, the Battalion was sent into the battlefield at the Somme, and began work on an 8 KM communication trail known as 'Turk Lane.' At Messines Ridge, the battalion suffered 155 casualties and 17 deaths.Post-War
After the war, the battalion was the only battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary ForceNew Zealand Expeditionary Force
The New Zealand Expeditionary Force was the title of the military forces sent from New Zealand to fight for Britain during World War I and World War II. Ultimately, the NZEF of World War I was known as the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force...
to return home as a formed body and toured throughout the country.