Auckland 21st Battalion 2nd.N.Z.E.F

The New Zealand Section of the Historical Re enactment Society has adopted the 21st Battalion of the 2nd N.Z.E.F as it's unit of representation. Below is a brief history of the battalion and its re enactment equivalent.

The 21st battalion was raised from recruits mainly in Auckland city and north Auckland with some from Waikato and Haruaki districts. The recruits were ordered to report to the Rutland Street barracks at 8.00 am, 12 January 1940, to meet their officers and NCOS who had been in training at Narrow Neck camp. The unit underwent a period of training and also paraded through Auckland twice - Firstly for the funeral of the Prime Minister Michael J Savage and secondly an embarkation parade from the domain to the wharves, from there they where transported to Wellington to set sail for the war in Europe.

The battalion formed part of the 5th brigade which was diverted to England as invasion seemed imminent. After the threat subsided they rejoined the rest of the division in Egypt, before being sent to Greece. The Battalion was involved in many hard fought actions and at one point held up 1/2 an armoured division for 36 hours in the Peneios gorge. With the collapse of Greece now certain, the battalion was withdrawn to Crete with the rest of the 2nd NZ Division where it fought briefly before being evacuated back to the Egypt.

The Battalion then saw action in the Western desert at Sidi Rezegh where they suffered heavy causalities and were then withdrawn to Syria for rest and refit. The 21 Btn fought at El Alamein and followed the advance against Rommel all the way to Tunisia, where with the 28th Maori Battalion the tackled the hill top fortress of Takrouna.The Battalion had the honour of fighting in the vanguard in many North African battles and was responsible for the capture of the 2IC of the Africa Corps Major General Von Ravenstien in November of 1941.

With the fighting over in North Africa the 21st was once again withdraw form combat until rejoining the 8th army in Italy. The New Zealanders fought at Sangro and Orsogna before taking part in the famous battle at Cassino. The 21st where sent in with the support of American tanks and much bloody hand to hand combat ensued as they had to fight for every inch against a determined foe. The campaign in Italy was long and difficult as the New Zealanders had to contend with not only a desperate enemy but also rough terrain and weather. It was during this time near the end of the war that Lt Col McPhail was confronted by a force of about 4000 Germans landing from boats. He quickly convinced them that his battalion, (only 500 men) was actually a much larger force and was able to negotiate their surrender. Later the21st Btn were part of a force that occupied Trieste. remaining in Italy until October 1945.

The World War II  Historical Re enactment Society has been in existence for 8 years The New Zealand section represents the 21st Battalion of the 5th brigade during the Italian campaign. The NZ section is regularly involved with ANZAC day parades displays and mock battles, using original and reproduction equipment. The unit takes great pride in its authentic drill and turnout. It also has great respect for the veterans of the New Zealand army and maintains strong ties with the RSA and the 21st Battalion association.