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Special silver badge marks 5WWCT's 150th birthday
4 December 2007
A silver badge has been struck by 5WWCT to commemorate the Battalion Group’s 150th anniversary in 2008 and is being sold to raise funds for commemorative activities.
The idea for the badge came from Battalion Group Training Officer, Captain Simon Strombom who has family links with military service in the Taranaki region which go back to the earliest days of European settlement.
Captain Strombom says the badge is based on the original 11th Taranaki Regiment badge which was one of the badges worn by New Zealand troops who fought at Gallipoli in WW1.
“This badge was chosen because of the links to Colonel William Malone, Taranaki’s most famous soldier, and Chunuk Bair which is commemorated on the 8th of August each year by 5WWCT”, said Captain Strombom.
“Colonel William Malone commanded the 11th Taranaki Regiment and a company from this unit was on Chunuk Bair along with 7th West Coast company. Both these companies came from the two Battalions that were merged to form WWCT. Attempts were made to combine both badges yet this proved unsuccessful and this in turn gave rise to 5WWCT’s current Phoenix badge.
“In developing the badge we approached most of New Zealand’s top badge collectors and asked what was the best way to create a commemorative badge. All agreed that a badge of solid silver, individually numbered and in a limited edition was the best way to go.
“There is a growing industry in making copies of famous badges and selling them over the internet as the real things. The collectors we spoke to said the composition, quality of production and the numbering of the badges all contribute to deterring this practice but also adds to the value of the finished product.
“One hundred of the badges have been struck in solid silver and are being sold for $80.00 each by the unit to raise money to support the anniversary activities. Mayer and Toye in Wellington were engaged to create the badges and the quality is superb. The initial feedback from collectors is that these badges are better than the originals. “There are a limited number of these badges available. If you are interested in purchasing one information on ordering and payment is available through the 5WWCT HQ on 0800 475 9925 and anyone wishing to purchase one should act fast to avoid missing out,” said Captain Strombom.
This page was last reviewed on 11 December 2007 and is current.
