Happy Cambrai Day to the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps!

The New Zealand Armoured Corps was formed in 1942 and received the ‘Royal’ prefix in 1947. It holds one of the highest ranks of seniority of corps within the New Zealand Army and is steeped in tradition and valour.

 

Corps Day for the Armoured Corps commemorates the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Although fought 25 years before the formation of our own Armoured Corps, the Battle of Cambrai is significant in armoured history. It was the first time tanks were employed in large numbers in a battle, breaking the deadlock of trench warfare and breaching what was considered the impregnable Hindenburg line. Crown Prince Rupprecht (a German Field Marshal ultimately in command of overseeing the German defence of Cambrai) noted that “wherever the ground offers suitable going for tanks, surprise attacks like this may be expected. That being the case, there can be no more mention, therefore, of quiet fronts.” It was an evolution of warfare, showing that even the best trench defences could be overcome with the right tactics and the strategic use of resources. The Battle of Cambrai highlighted the effectiveness of tanks on the battlefield, and Armoured Corps pride was well-earned over those two weeks and three days in 1917.

 

Nowadays, the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps utilises Light Armoured Vehicles, adapting as the New Zealand Army evolved from warfighting to peacekeeping. An Armoured soldier is a combat specialist trained to operate the high-tech NZLAV as part of a tight-knit crew. They tactically manoeuvre their vehicle to directly engage with the enemy, gather information, and provide protected mobility to soldiers from other trades across the Army. An Armoured soldier must be able to quickly process, analyse, and react to their fast-moving environment under challenging operational conditions.

 

The National Army Museum Te Mata Toa wants to wish all service men and women within the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps (past and present) a happy Corps Day; thank you for your service.

 

“Through the mud and the blood to the green fields beyond” – Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps motto.