page_title: Uniforms of the New Zealand Army
section_title: World War II uniforms
hierarchical_section_title: Uniforms of the New Zealand Army / World War II uniforms
caption_attribution_description: English: The British Army in North Africa 1941 New Zealand troops inspecting a knocked out German PzKpfw IV tank near Tobruk, 15 December 1941.
context_page_description: The New Zealand Army uniform has changed over the years from that of the original Armed Constabulary of the 1800s to the modern Army Combat Uniform style in use by the majority of world armies today. While British Army influence has always been strong, distinctive New Zealand features have gradually developed. From 2013 the New Zealand Army uniform underwent a complete redesign with a new and distinctive camouflage pattern unique to the NZDF.
context_section_description: During the earlier stages of the War the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force wore the traditional "lemon squeezer" Campaign hat with the universal "NZ" badge. The hat with its conspicuous coloured pugarees and wide rigid brim was largely replaced by more practical forage caps and berets during the Italian Campaign of 1943–44.
  A high-collared khaki service uniform, drawn from peace-time issue, was soon replaced by British battle dress in common with other Commonwealth forces (with the exception of Australia.) In late 1939 large scale manufacture of Battle dress uniforms was started in New Zealand by numerous local clothing manufacturers. The New Zealand version was almost identical to British 1937 pattern, made in Serge twill but of a darker brown, while the stitching was a contrasting light colour. The NZ blouse had a six button fly front, rather than the British five. In North Africa the New Zealanders wore light khaki Drill cotton short-sleeved shirts and shorts.
  During the Pacific Campaign in 1943-1944, members of the 3rd New Zealand Division were issued New Zealand-designed and manufactured light-weight khaki shirts and pants in plain drill material. A second New Zealand-made blouse with four front pockets in a camouflage pattern consisting of dark green, chocolate brown, black, and lime green was issued for combat use. 
  In combat the Brodie helmet was also worn. The helmet was assembled in New Zealand from Australian materials and could be worn with a hessian cover held with a draw-string. A black diamond was sewn on the helmet cover, usually with the NZ Forces badge with "NZ" and "Onward" mounted on the diamond. Latter-war helmets were also imported complete from Australia.
caption: New Zealand troops wearing British battle dress inspect a disabled German tank, Tobruk 1941
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