- Yes
- No - I would not like to see this insignia in game.
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 both the 6th new Zealand Division and the 3rd New Zealand Tank Squadron. Chosen for this role would be New Zealand’s most famous bird, the Kiwi.
It would consist of a white Kiwi on a black square background. As this was drawn individually per regiment, the artistic skill and thus detail on the kiwi would change between units, however the basic form would stay the same.
It would be placed often on the LFP and the rear of the vehicle, along with the troop/squadron markings as well as the regimental insignia.
History:
This insignia would Initially be used by the troops of the 6th New Zealand Division in Egypt. It would be applied to only Bren carriers, trucks and officers cars, as that group would not contain any armoured formation. It consisted of NZEF troops not part of the 2nd NZ Division, such as reinforcements and training units, often being used as a staging formation. Eventually it would be absorbed by the 2nd NZ Division, with most moving to that formation.
The other Major party to use the symbol was the 3rd New Zealand Division Tank Squadron, part of the 3rd new Zealand Division. This group would be formed from former members of the 1st New Zealand Army Tank Brigade, and equipped with the Valentine Mk.III & V in 1943. They would deploy with the 3rd New Zealand Division to the Solomon campaign in August 1943, being part of the US 1st Marine Amphibious Corps. The Tank Squadron would only engage Japanese positions during the Battle of the Green Islands. Eventually the Division would be disbanded in late 1944, with the tanks being sent back to NZ.
Sources:
J Plowman (20012), Camouflage & Markings of the Valentines in New Zealand Service
NZ TAC (or formation) signs of WW2
Kiwi_Tac_Signs
Valentine Mk.III Tank In New Zealand Service
