National Army Museum Newsletter

Rugby Greats Open New Exhibition

Khaki & Black exhibition display at The National Army Museum

Bob Scott playing for the 1945-46 Kiwis Team

Two of the four remaining rugby players from the famous 1945-46 "Kiwis" Army Rugby Team, legends Bob Scott and Stan Young, opened our latest exhibition, Khaki & Black – New Zealand's Rugby Supremacy in Times of War, on Saturday 20th August.

Bob Scott is arguably one of the best fullbacks to have worn the All Black jersey as confirmed when legend Sir Fred Allen named him as fullback in his top 15 All Blacks of all time. Commentator Winston McCarthy wrote, "For me there will never be anyone as great as Scott". Star South African No. 8 Hennie Muller described him as "Altogether, the greatest footballer I've ever played against in any position".

Stan Young was an outstanding forward on the 1945-46 Kiwis tour of Britain and Europe; however he suffered a back injury on the tour which ended his ambition of playing for the All Blacks. Stan Young played as loose forward/lock for the Kiwis, playing 19 games, including four internationals on tour, scoring six tries and impressing with his general play and pace.

The stories of New Zealand's wartime rugby playing heroes are a focus of this new exciting exhibition in the Freyberg Gallery at the National Army Museum, when the kiwis 'took the game overseas' and 'Army Rugby' was 'World Rugby'.

Learn more about the famous Kiwis army rugby team and our new exhibition.

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A Great Man – A Great Cup

The Freyberg Cup

Charlie Saxton, captain of the Kiwis runs off the back of the scrum

The Divisional Commander's Cup (The Freyberg Cup)

Rugby became a popular activity during the many weeks of training in Egypt and matches between units and against British and South African forces drew huge crowds. When the Division moved north into Italy, so did the rugby.

NZ Divisional Commander, Major General Bernard Freyberg, himself an old representative rugby player, was so impressed he felt there should be an ongoing inter-unit competition. He ordered for a suitable cup to be purchased in Cairo and presented a trophy for the competition known as the Divisional Commanders Cup. This was later affectionately renamed the "Freyberg Cup" in honour of the man who saw the value in playing the game in times of war.

At the end of the war in 1945, a team was selected from the battlefields of North Africa and Europe following a series of trials. The team played with determination and pride in the 'silver fern' on their jerseys and soon became known as "The Kiwis". Freyberg fostered the idea of playing a brand of attacking rugby that thrilled the crowds and raised morale in war-torn Europe, and thus the Kiwis created a renewed interest in the great game of rugby.

Find out more about the Freybeg Cup and our Khaki & Black exhibition.

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News From Heraldry – Decoding Photos

World War One Service Chevrons

The National Army Museum Heraldry collection consists not just of medals and trophies, but also the heraldic items found on uniforms such as rank insignia, cap badges, buttons, service chevrons and unit patches.

Visitors to the museum regularly ask how they can learn more about their ancestor from old photos – these identifying heraldic features can shed some light and open doors to further research. In particular wound badges and service chevrons.

Read full story about these service chevrons.

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Booth's Sash

Sash worn by Lieutenant Colonel H.G.P. Booth

This remarkable red woven sash was worn by Lieutenant Colonel H.G.P. Booth of the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Light Infantry, known as the "Wolfe's Own".

Lieutenant-Colonel Booth commanded the 43rd Regiment and led part of the 'storming party' during the attack on the Gate Pa on 29 April 1864.

Leading a group of men, Booth smashed through the top rail of the palisade fence and jumped over the trench, sword in hand.

Read the full story about Lt Col Booth.

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Make-A-Wish Special Visit

Lance and Amy Akehurst enjoy the Kids HQ.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped four year old Lance Akehurst make his wish to travel to Masterton to visit family and friends in a campervan come true. Luckily for us, Lance's family decided they would love to stop and visit The National Army Museum along the way.

Knowing of their arrival the Education Team prepared some exciting activities and goodies for the family. Lance and his sister Amy particularly loved dressing up in Army uniform in our Kids HQ, and riding on our M548 tracked cargo carrier.

Read the full story about Lance's visit to the Museum and more about this special little boy at Stuff.

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