UN M113A1 APC

In May 1994, the Government agreed to the United Nations request for New Zealand to send a contingent of combat troops to serve with the international forces of the UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia, part of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This 250-strong reinforced infantry company became known as ‘Kiwi Company 1’, and was primarily drawn from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and the Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles. 

In addition to at least 15 Series III V-8 Land Rovers, in the iconic white UN colour scheme, New Zealand also shipped 26 M113s to Bosnia. These consisted of 20 M113A1s which already had T-50 gun turrets installed, two M579 Fitter Vehicles, one M806 Recovery Vehicle, and one M113A1 ambulance. 

All these vehicles were significantly rebuilt before they were shipped to Europe, and those that did not have a Cadillac-Gage T-50 turret installed (common on many of the New Zealand M113s) were fitted with gun shields to provide extra protection for the crew. In addition to the iconic white UN colour scheme, the other major modification to the New Zealand vehicles was the addition of the Enhanced Appliqué Armour Kit (EAAK) to the vehicles. 

This type of ‘add-on’ armour plating consists of additional plates which are mounted to the hull of the vehicle, and which are designed to offer additional protection against weaponry which the original armour may not normally withstand. The advantage of using this type of extra armoured protection is that the plate, and its geometric design, can be specifically tailored to protect against the types of threats that the vehicle is expected to face in its theatre of operations. 

The UN M113A1 APC in our collection was the prototype ‘test’ pattern vehicle for the additional armour plating, and never saw active service overseas. It represents the peacekeeping work that the NZ Army performed throughout the 1990s.

Pictured: 2005.424 – NZ United Nations M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). National Army Museum Te Mata Toa.