Victor 5, Royal NZ Infantry Regiment

[ChrisB]

This figure represents a 1971 deployment of a kiwi soldier to the conflict in Vietnam (Victor 5 rifle company of the 1 RNZIR). The mixture of gear is of mainly US, Australian and NZ manufacture and is representative of what was worn in the late period of NZ service there. The slant pocket jungle green shirt is of NZ manufacture and the “twiggy greens” trousers are of Australian manufacture. The JG “Giggle” hat is also of Australian manufacture. The webbing is a mixture of US M1956 and Australian. The belt and “H” harness and “bum” pack are of US manufacture and the SLR pouches, pack and two water bottle pouches on the belt are Australian. There is an extra British manufactured 1944 pattern pouch on the left hip.




On the right side of the figure you can see both a golok and Australian manufactured 2 quart collapsible bladder.



With the bottles and 5 quart bladder removed you can now see the US entrenching tool. It is easier to also see the early model Australian large pack (a later version of the pack had external webbing strips for additional storage).


Comments welcome

Cheers
Chris

[irish]

Very nice display.

[603dasc]

Very interesting and nice. Thanks for your effort in putting it together and posting it for us.

[ChrisB]

Glad you liked the display. I enjoyed putting it together. Always good to get the stuff out of the boxes and see what you can put together every now and again.

Cheers
Chris

[lew]

Bang up job, mate! I always like learning about the US's "junior" partners and their contributions in Vietnam.

Always good to get the stuff out of the boxes and see what you can put together every now and again.

Yer not kidding, but the weather and logistics of putting together a dozen different impressions from four different conflicts has me putting this task off. I need to get off me arse and hop to it.

[filupe]

Great set-up!! Thanks for sharing. The Kiwis also had jungle trousers and bush hats of their own manufacture which they may have initially deployed with but obviously easier to piggyback off the Australian supply system for replacements. From the stories I've heard the Kiwis were quite adept at 'acquiring' items, especially taking great delight whilst pilfering from the Aussies ...