Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume I

Railway, Forestry, and Army Troops Companies, New Zealand Engineers

Railway, Forestry, and Army Troops Companies, New Zealand Engineers

286
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

19 November 1939

A very pressing need has arisen for the immediate provision of the following Transportation and Forestry companies:

One Headquarters Maintenance and Construction Group, Royal Engineers ….2

One Railway Survey company, Royal Engineers

Four Railway Construction companies, Royal Engineers

Two Forestry companies

Four Forestry companies will be required in addition early in 1940 and a further twelve Forestry companies at intervals at a later date.

There is no fixed war establishment for a Forestry company, but the 1918 war establishment of the Canadian company consisted of six officers and 173 other ranks (including 20 log-makers, 30 rollers and chain men, 10 road-cutters, and other specialists such as sawfilers, millwrights, log-setters, &c., and 40 general hands) and page 213 69 draught horses. No doubt in the light of modern mechanical conditions this establishment will require modification.

Units of this nature can only be raised in the United Kingdom with great difficulty and in small numbers, and the suggestion has been made that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand might be prepared to assist in the provision of these units. The New Zealand Government's early observations on this suggestion would be received gratefully by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

2 The War Establishment reference has been omitted in each case.

287
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

12 December 1939

Your telegram of 19 November (No. 286). Approval has been given by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand to the provision of the following units:

One Headquarters Maintenance and Construction Group, Royal Engineers

One Railway Survey company, Royal Engineers

One Railway Construction company, Royal Engineers

One Forestry company

The proposal is to take the personnel for these units into training about the middle of January and it is expected that they will be ready to leave about the middle of February. On the arrival of these units overseas it will be necessary for His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to arrange the provision of the necessary equipment for them.

288
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

19 December 1939

Your telegram of 12 December (No. 287). The New Zealand Government's offer to provide the units mentioned is accepted with gratitude by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The question of their transport to this country is now being considered.

page 214

289
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

9 January 1940

Further to my telegram of 19 December (No. 288), the Army Council consider that for reasons of safety it would be most advisable for the units in question to accompany the Second Echelon of the New Zealand Special Force as far as Egypt. As arrangements for the necessary extra shipping would have to be made at once, I should be glad to learn as soon as possible whether this proposal is acceptable.

290
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

14 January 1940

As suggested in your telegram of 9 January (No. 289), His Majesty's Government in New Zealand are making the necessary arrangements for the units in question to be despatched with the Second Echelon of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The units will receive the necessary training before embarkation as recommended by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.1

1 The CIGS's recommendation is not published.

291
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

19 February 1940

Your telegram of 14 January (No. 290). The financial arrangements applicable in the case of the units in question have received consideration. As the units are being provided at the specific request of the United Kingdom Government it is suggested that the arrangements should be as follows:

(a)

That the New Zealand Government bear the cost of pay, pensions, dependants' and field allowances, officers' mess allowances, the cost of transport to this country or France and back to New Zealand at the end of the war, and of the initial personal equipment.

page 215
(b)

That the United Kingdom Government bear all other expenses connected with the equipment, work, or maintenance of the units.

Transportation and Forestry units were provided by the Canadian Government on these terms during the last war.

292
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

11 March 1940

Your telegram of 19 February (No. 291). His Majesty's Government in New Zealand assume that the apportionment suggested is that all costs of the units payable outside New Zealand, other than pay and allowances to the officers and men and transportation from and back to New Zealand, will be borne by the United Kingdom Government, and that such part of the pay and allowances as are payable overseas, together with transportation costs, will come within the general financial arrangements made with the United Kingdom Government for finance on loan basis for the maintenance of New Zealand forces overseas. If these assumptions are correct the suggested arrangements are agreed to.

293
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand [Extract]

13 June 1940
The offer of further assistance in the present grave situation is greatly appreciated.1 All aspects of the question are under close examination, but meanwhile the Army Council would be very grateful if the New Zealand Government could consider providing, in addition to the Forestry and Transportation units already being despatched, one Railway Survey company, one Railway Construction company, two Railway Operating companies, and two Forestry companies. The special financial conditions already arranged in respect of the Forestry and Transportation units being provided page 216 (see my telegram to the New Zealand Government (No. 291) of 19 February) would be applicable in the case of future units suggested above if the New Zealand Government can make these available.

The Army Council would also be glad if the New Zealand Government would consider the provision of two Army Troops companies of Engineers, but it is hoped that if these are provided by New Zealand they would come under the ordinary financial arrangement by which, except where otherwise arranged, the Dominion is responsible for the cost of its own troops….1

294
The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom (Wellington) to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

14 June 1940

I have been asked by the Prime Minister to inform you that immediately on receipt of your telegram of 13 June (No. 293) Cabinet was summoned and at once agreed to provide the additional units asked for: already steps have been taken with a view to recruiting the men and transporting them as soon as possible. The Prime Minister asks me to say that if there is any other form of help which the United Kingdom wants, and which New Zealand is able to give, you have only to ask for it.

295
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

18 June 1940

With reference to your telegram of 13 June (No. 293), my Ministers advise that the special troops asked for, totalling 2008 all ranks, can be ready for embarkation early in July. They would be grateful for information as to what shipping facilities are proposed. If it is desired to make shipping resources available from New Zealand it appears quite practicable to employ the Awatea2 and the Aorangi3. The earliest date on which these ships can be ready to sail in convoy is now being investigated.

page 217

It is suggested for your consideration that the convoy should proceed to Vancouver for onward passage overland to the Atlantic coast, whence it is assumed that for the voyage to the United Kingdom convoyed shipping can be provided.

Should these proposals be agreed to, the Ministry of Shipping and the Director of Sea Transport will no doubt take the necessary action to make the Aorangi available. As the Awatea is on the New Zealand register she will be dealt with by my Government.

My Ministers also ask what escort would be provided and whether it would be proposed in this connection to employ HMS Achilles.

2 RMS Awatea, Union Steam Ship Company; converted to armed merchant cruiser and subsequently sunk in the Mediterranean in the course of the Allied landings in North Africa, 11 Nov 1942.

3 RMS Aorangi, Canadian-Australasian Line, 17,491 tons; converted to troopship and was used as a tug depot-ship at Southampton during the invasion of Normandy; later became a recreation centre and floating hostel for submarine crews in the Pacific.

296
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

28 June 1940

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom suggest that the arrangement for the immediate despatch of the New Zealand Railway units be cancelled as it is not now considered that any further Railway units will be required, so far as it is possible to foresee at present, in the United Kingdom or Western theatre. As, however, they may later be required elsewhere, it is hoped that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand will be prepared to keep them in being for the present until the situation becomes clearer.

On the other hand, we should be very grateful if two Forestry companies and two Army Troops companies of Engineers could be sent to the United Kingdom at once, and we understand that there would be sufficient accommodation in the Awatea for this purpose.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are most appreciative of New Zealand's assistance and much regret having to alter the plans in respect of the further Railway units for which we had asked.

297
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

29 June 1940

My Ministers are most grateful for your telegram of 28 June (No. 296) and are making arrangements accordingly. The despatch of the two Forestry companies and two Army Troops companies of page 218 Engineers in the Awatea will be possible on or about 11 July. However, my Ministers will be glad if they can be informed whether it is now desired that the Awatea should proceed to the United Kingdom, or whether the proposal made in my telegram of 18 June (No. 295), that the convoy should proceed via Vancouver, which they prefer, can be adopted.

With regard to escort, they would be glad if they could be informed, in reply to the last paragraph of my telegram No. 295, of the proposals of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

298
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

6 July 1940

Reference your telegram of 29 June (No. 297). The Admiralty regret that it is impracticable to provide a special escort for the Awatea, either on the Cape route or to the Pacific coast of Canada, and no firm arrangements could at present be made if the Pacific route were used for the onward passage of the troops in question in a convoy across the Atlantic.

The alternatives are therefore: first, that the troops should be sent by civil packet without escort but with the normal precautions for the safety of such vessels; second, that the Awatea should sail by the Cape route now without special escort, but subject to arrangements for escort in the danger areas as outlined in paragraph 1 of the Admiralty's telegram of 24 May to the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board, repeated to the New Zealand Naval Board;1 and third, that the Awatea should await the US 4 convoy of Australian reinforcements for the 6th Australian Division. However, as regards this convoy, no final arrangements have been made at present

We shall be grateful if the New Zealand Government would consider the matter on the above lines. The supply position makes it very desirable that as soon as possible the Forestry companies should reach this country.

1 This naval telegram is not published. The paragraph referred to read as follows:

Cover for these sailings is regarded as of little value in wide oceans, and it is considered, if close escort is not available for the entire passage, that adequate security will, in the present circumstances, be provided if liners are escorted for a period of two or three days from the ports of departure and arrival, and if they are given a wide evasive route.

page 219

299
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

9 July 1940

Immediate consideration has been given by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand to your telegram of 6 July (No. 298). They fully realise the extreme desirability of the troops concerned reaching the United Kingdom at the earliest possible moment, and indeed it is for this reason that they have proceeded with the utmost rapidity in raising the force and in carrying almost to completion the arrangements for the Awatea to be made ready to accommodate them. However, as has been explained to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in the past, they feel that they cannot divest themselves of their share of responsibility for the safe transport of these troops, and with the utmost regret they feel themselves unable to accept the proposal that the troops should proceed unescorted to the United Kingdom. However small the risk, they feel that they cannot take it, and indeed that if an attack were made on the ship in such circumstances the effect might well be to nullify to a very important extent the war effort of this Dominion. Holding these views they feel that there are only two possible alternatives, either: (a) that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom on further reflection find it possible to provide an adequate escort, and in this connection His Majesty's Government in New Zealand feel bound to say that in the present circumstances they would be most reluctant to agree to the removal of HMS Achilles from New Zealand waters for any appreciable period, or (b) that the departure of the troops be deferred until it is possible for them to join convoy US 4. In the latter event, if Forestry units are urgently required, they would point out that in the ranks of the Second Echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at present in the United Kingdom, and no doubt also amongst Australian troops in the United Kingdom, there must be large numbers of competent forestry men who, if required, could rapidly be made available.1

As the Awatea is available for despatch on 12 July and the troops are in camp and ready to depart, His Majesty's Government in New Zealand will be grateful for the immediate comments of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in order that should it still be found impossible to provide an escort appropriate arrangements may be made for the disposal of the ship.

1 The attention of General Freyberg, then in the United Kingdom, was drawn to this telegram, and he was asked to confer with United Kingdom authorities about the release of these men.

page 220

300
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

10 July 1940

Your telegram of 9 July (No. 299).

The views of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand with regard to the possibility of the troops concerned sailing without a special escort have been noted by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. They much regret that they do not find it possible to provide a special escort for the Awatea, and in these circumstances it seems to be unavoidable that the departure of the troops must be deferred for the time being.

The experience gained in recent months by the British Expeditionary Force in France, and the military situation now existing in this country, make it most important to ensure that the Forestry companies should receive military training, and therefore it would be appreciated if the New Zealand Government would arrange for the two Forestry companies to receive military training during the intervening period before their departure from New Zealand. According to the United Kingdom practice, the appropriate scale of training would last approximately two months, five weeks being devoted to ordinary military training, including drill, musketry, anti-gas training, and the use of weapons, and about three weeks to training in the construction of ordinary field works and in elementary demolitions.

The possibility that competent forestry men might be obtainable from the Australian and New Zealand troops in the United Kingdom is being examined. The United Kingdom authorities are grateful for this suggestion.

301
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

22 July 1940

My telegram of 28 June (No. 296). The War Office has now been notified by the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, of the requirements of railway transportation units in that theatre and it appears likely that all the New Zealand Transportation units which have been raised will be needed there. The Middle East requirements are now being examined in detail and as soon as this examination is completed a further telegram will be sent. We assume that the New Zealand page 221 Government would see no objection in principle to the employment in the Middle East of the New Zealand Transportation units whose departure from New Zealand was deferred as a result of my telegram.

302
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs

23 July 1940

Your telegram of 22 July (No. 301). The employment in the Middle East of the New Zealand Transportation units is agreed to in principle by His Majesty's Government in New Zealand. It is assumed that this proposal will apply to those units now in the United Kingdom as well as to those still in this Dominion.

In this connection they note that a further telegram is contemplated and they hope that in that communication they will be informed in all necessary detail of the proposals regarding the transport and escort to be provided, the route to be followed (both from the United Kingdom and New Zealand), the date of movement, and the formation to which the units will be attached on their arrival in the Middle East.

303
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [Extract]

24 July 1940

….1 His Majesty's Government in New Zealand would be glad also of an indication of the wishes of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom as to the Forestry units, the departure of which has been deferred as a result of your telegram of 10 July (No. 300). This postponement, it was understood, was intended to enable them to join convoy US 4, but if, as is apparently now the case, this convoy is to proceed to the Middle East, some other arrangements must necessarily be made for the Forestry units.

It will be appreciated also if an indication could be given of the wishes of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom with reference to the two Army Troops companies of New Zealand Engineers which are at present being held in camp here, and page 222 particularly whether it is intended to despatch these to the Middle East or to the United Kingdom. The Transportation units have already been referred to in my telegram of 23 July (No. 302).

1 For text omitted from this telegram see Third Echelon (No. 219).

304
General Freyberg (London) to the Minister of Defence

26 July 1940

Reference the Secretary of State's telegram of 22 July (No. 301) and the Governor-General's telegram of 23 July (No. 302) which has just arrived.

I have cabled regarding escort—see my message of 25 July.1

The Admiralty will cable regarding the route to be taken, which they will not disclose to me.

Transportation units in the Middle East will be Army troops and will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer, Army Headquarters. I feel that that arrangement will be to the satisfaction of all concerned. As I shall be in the Middle East by then and can keep my eye upon them, I suggest the New Zealand Government should agree.

1 This telegram was not received. See No. 306 for repetition of message.

305
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand [Extract]

26 July 1940

Your telegram of 24 July (No. 303). The following are the answers to your questions so far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are able to give them at the present time:

It is hoped, in accordance with the original programme, to sail convoy US 4 for the Middle East from Sydney on 23 August and that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand will be prepared to utilise the full capacity available in this convoy. It is suggested that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand should despatch by this convoy reinforcements for the First Echelon now in Egypt, as well as the following ancillary units which it is understood are now ready to leave: 16th and 17th New Zealand Railway Operating page 223 Companies, 13th New Zealand Railway Construction Company, 18th and 19th New Zealand Army Troops Companies… It is suggested also that the 12th New Zealand Railway Survey Company should remain for the present in New Zealand, but we should be very grateful if a Headquarters Railway Operating Group (total all ranks, 26—see WE 4/1931/17/2) could be raised and despatched with the other Transportation units in US 4….1

With reference to the question regarding the Forestry units: as they are required for this country separate arrangements for their transportation will be needed, and a further communication will be sent as soon as it has been possible to formulate definite suggestions on this point.

1 For text omitted see Third Echelon (No. 220).

306
The High Commissioner for New Zealand (London) to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

29 July 1940

Reference your telegram of 28 July.2 The following is a repetition of General Freyberg's telegram of 25 July regarding the Transportation units:

Following for Minister of Defence from Freyberg: The Transportation units are prepared to leave the United Kingdom for the Middle East by the end of the month.

I have been asked by the War Office to convey to your Government the following message: ‘Please assure your Government that the units will be sailing in a convoy with a large number of British units and that the Admiralty has accepted the responsibility of providing a proper escort for this large convoy.’

I want to add that they will travel with their equipment, their mechanical transport, and full engineer stores.

2 Not published. This telegram requested General Freyberg's comments on telegrams Nos. 220 and 221 (see Third Echelon) and asked that his telegram of 25 Jul 1940, which had not been received, be repeated.

307
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

3 August 1940

Your telegram of 23 July (No. 302) and my telegram of 30 July.3 According to arrangements which have been made with General page 224 Freyberg, the New Zealand Transportation units in the United Kingdom will sail to the Middle East about 4 August in convoy W to Z. At his request the No. 1 New Zealand Convalescent Depot, New Zealand Medical Corps, will also sail in this convoy. The [two words mutilated] New Zealand Transportation units, both from New Zealand and from the United Kingdom, should operate as General Headquarters troops in the Middle East Command under the Director of Transport, Middle East.

We should be glad to learn as soon as possible what technical and personal equipment will be brought by the Transportation units and Army Troops companies of Engineers from New Zealand. If full-scale equipment cannot be provided we will try to make the balance available in the Middle East.

308
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Governor-General of New Zealand

10 August 1940

My telegram of 10 July (No. 300).

Escort for the Forestry companies can now be arranged by the Admiralty if the troops can be accommodated in the Awatea, or other suitable vessel, and sailed in convoy US 4 or US 5 (depending on the speed of the vessel) as far as Fremantle. The probable date of sailing and approved escort for US 5 are as stated in the Australian. Commonwealth Naval Board's signals of 5 August, repeated to the New Zealand Naval Board.1

An armed merchant cruiser which is being transferred from the China to the South Atlantic Station will provide the onward escort from Fremantle; from Sierra Leone onward the vessel would be included in one of the regular escorted convoy sailings to the United Kingdom. In order that the diversion of the armed merchant cruiser may be arranged the Admiralty would be glad to learn at the earliest possible date whether these suggestions are acceptable to His Majesty's Government in New Zealand.

Arrangements will be made for the military training of these troops to be completed in the United Kingdom if it has not been fully carried out in New Zealand.

page 225

309
The New Zealand Naval Board to the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board

11 August 1940

His Majesty's Government in New Zealand have been asked by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to send Forestry troops, twelve officers and 294 men, total 306, to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Government have proposed that the troops proceed in the Awatea or other suitable ship with US 4 as far as Fremantle, thence to Sierra Leone under escort of an armed merchant cruiser which is being transferred from China to the South Atlantic Station.

The New Zealand Government do not wish to employ the Awatea for this purpose as she is required to take the place of the Niagara, and because she has three times the amount of accommodation needed and would thus be wasteful.

It is possible to accommodate these troops in the existing ships of US 4.

The New Zealand Naval Board would be glad if you could say whether the troops could be trans-shipped at Fremantle to any vessel which may be proceeding under the escort of the armed merchant cruiser or whether a suitable vessel could be provided.

310
The Governor-General of New Zealand to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs [Extract]

14 August 1940

Your telegram of 26 July (No. 305). In accordance with your suggestion, His Majesty's Government in New Zealand is despatching per convoy US 4 … the 16th and 17th New Zealand Railway Operating Companies, 13th New Zealand Railway Construction Company, 18th New Zealand Army Troops Company, Headquarters Railway Operating Group….1

It is requested that if possible the 18th New Zealand Army Troops Company should be attached to and at the disposal of the GOC, 2nd New Zealand Division, until the arrival of the 8th New Zealand Field Company, Engineers, which will be despatched with the next

1 For text omitted see Third Echelon (No. 233).

page 226 that is, the fourth draft of reinforcements. In the meantime the 19th New Zealand Army Troops Company is required for essential preparatory work in Fiji, but it will be replaced or relieved later for despatch to the Middle East.1

1 The 18th Army Troops Company (not the 19th) went to Fiji; the 19th Company left with the Third Echelon for Egypt.

311
The Admiralty to the Commander-in-Chief, China [Station]2

18 August 1940

Repeated to the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board and the New Zealand Naval Board.

The Arawa3 is to provide the ocean escort as far as Freetown for a liner carrying the New Zealand Forestry Unit and a detachment of Australian troops to the United Kingdom. The liner first selected was the Orcades, due to sail in convoy US 4 from Fremantle on 1 September, it being the intention that the Arawa should escort her from Bombay. The position is no longer clear because of the present uncertainty as to the final date of sailing of US 4, and it is possible that the Arawa may be required to commence escort duty at Fremantle. She should therefore await further instructions at Singapore.

2 Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton, GBE, KCB, KCMG, DSO (then Vice-Admiral); C-in-C, China, 1940–42, Ceylon, 1942–45, Portsmouth, 1945–47.

3 RMS Arawa, Shaw Savill and Albion Company Ltd., 14,462 tons; converted to armed merchant cruiser.

312
The New Zealand Military Liaison Officer (London) to the Chief of the General Staff (Wellington)

9 November 1940

The 14th and 15th Forestry Companies arrived safely at Glasgow on 6 November.4 All well.

4 The 14th and 15th Forestry Companies left New Zealand with the Third Echelon in the Empress of Japan on 28 Aug 1940. At Bombay they left the contingent and re-embarked in the Orcades to continue the voyage to the United Kingdom.