Photos of New Zealand Army wearing US made HBT uniform, Pacific 1943

[Anderson]

There probably has only been one instance when the New Zealand Army wore an American uniform into combat during WW2. That occurred on Vella Lavalla Island, in the Solomon Island group, in September and October of 1943.

The New Zealand Army began their tropical warfare training in Fiji in 1941. At that stage they wore New Zealand made Khaki drill uniforms in the British style. But it quickly became apparent the uniform was unsuitable for the lush dark greens of the jungle and was uncomfortable to wear. The NZ Army began looking for a substitute uniform as they arrived at the Solomon Islands. Out of neccessity it was decided the US Army cotton herringbone twill (HBT) pattern 1941 uniform, in sage green was superior for the conditions than the Khaki drill, and so the New Zealanders kitted out the NZ 14th Infantry Brigade in US HBT. This uniform was worn in combat action against the Japanese on Vella Lavalla. It was only on Vella Lavalla that HBT was worn, an improvised camouflage uniform was later developed and worn on Nissan Island and Treasury Islands.

These photos are I believe the only ones showing the US HBT uniform being worn. The US P1941 combat utility cap was also worn by the New Zealanders, sometimes with the addition of the brass New Zealand "Onward" cap badge. Steel helmets were often not worn on Vella Lavalla.






The photo with the aircraft, is training in Fiji and shows the British style Khaki drill uniform.

[Anderson]

Adding another photo showing the mix of British kit and US P1941 HBT uniforms worn by New Zealand 3rd Division troops in Solomon Islands 1943.

Also from my collection a P1941 combat utility cap as used by 3rd Division.