- Yes
- No
Description:
Used by the Allied Forces to quickly identity allied units from both each other and from the enemy, this insignia would be painted on all vehicles used by the the 2nd New Zealand Division during the Second World War. Chosen for this role would be the famous Silver Fern symbol, a common plant in the New Zealand Bush which is of great importance to Maori culture.
As painting the ferns were the job of the individual regiments inside the division, there would be a number of patterns and styles for the ferns, however it would always be a white fern with a square black background.
It would be placed often on either the mudguards or UFP, with the regimental markings below, and the Squadron/troop markings on the other side.
History:
Formed as the 2nd NZ Division upon the NZ Declaration of war in 1939, the division would encompass many different units, including the (NZ) Divisional Cavalry Regiment, 4th Armoured Brigade, and the 7th Anti-Tank Regiment, in addition to the mechanised infantry units such as the 5th Infantry Brigade.
As this symbol was used by all vehicles of the 2nd NZ Division, it would be found on a multitude of different vehicles, including (but not limited to), Shermans, 3in SP and Achilles, Bren Carriers, Staghounds, Daimler and Humber scout cars, Stuarts, etc etc.
It would be used from the Divisions inception in 1939, fighting from the entire North African campaign, Greece, Crete, and Italy. They would participate in Operation Crusader, the first and second battles of El Alamein, Tunisia, and Monte Cassino. The insignia would be used right the way through until the end of the war in 1945, when the unit was disbanded.
Sources:
J.Plowman (2013) Camoflauge and Markings of the Stuarts in New Zealand.
J.Plowman (2007) Armour Camouflage and Markings of the 2nd New Zealand Division, Part 2: Italy
http://kiwisinarmour.hobbyvista.com/m4a2.htm
2nd New Zealand Division - Wikipedia