Specialist Units of the NZEF

Page 9 – Entrenching Battalions

NZ troops digging on the Somme, February 1918
NZ troops digging on the Somme, February 1918

The New Zealand entrenching battalions dug trenches and other earthworks. The New Zealand Entrenching Group, with three battalions, was formed in February 1918 from men of the disbanded 4th New Zealand Infantry Brigade. It was itself disbanded in October 1918. Entrenching battalions provided labouring parties to assist units such as tunnellers, pioneers, railways, engineers and signals.

NameUnit attached toCampaignsDatesFurther information
1st New Zealand Entrenching BattalionHQ New Zealand Entrenching Group (largely with Auckland/ Wellington men)Western Front:
Spring Offensive and Advance to Victory 1918.
Feb–Oct 1918Unit diaries at Archives New Zealand
2nd New Zealand Entrenching BattalionHQ New Zealand Entrenching Group (largely Canterbury/Otago men)Western Front:
Spring Offensive and Advance to Victory 1918.
Feb–Oct 1918Unit diaries at Archives New Zealand
3rd New Zealand Entrenching BattalionHQ New Zealand Entrenching Group (largely New Zealand Rifle Brigade men)Western Front:
Spring Offensive and Advance to Victory 1918.
Feb–Oct 1918Unit diaries at Archives New Zealand

Entrenching battalion men wore the badges and insignia of the infantry brigade to which they were attached. 

How to cite this page

'Entrenching Battalions', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/specialist-units/entrenching-battalions, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 22-Mar-2017

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