NZ troops digging on the Somme, February 1918
The New Zealand entrenching battalions dug trenches and other earthworks. The New Zealand Entrenching Group, with three battalions, was formed in February 1918 from men of the disbanded 4th New Zealand Infantry Brigade. It was itself disbanded in October 1918. Entrenching battalions provided labouring parties to assist units such as tunnellers, pioneers, railways, engineers and signals.
| Name | Unit attached to | Campaigns | Dates | Further information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st New Zealand Entrenching Battalion | HQ New Zealand Entrenching Group (largely with Auckland/ Wellington men) | Western Front: Spring Offensive and Advance to Victory 1918. | Feb–Oct 1918 | Unit diaries at Archives New Zealand |
| 2nd New Zealand Entrenching Battalion | HQ New Zealand Entrenching Group (largely Canterbury/Otago men) | Western Front: Spring Offensive and Advance to Victory 1918. | Feb–Oct 1918 | Unit diaries at Archives New Zealand |
| 3rd New Zealand Entrenching Battalion | HQ New Zealand Entrenching Group (largely New Zealand Rifle Brigade men) | Western Front: Spring Offensive and Advance to Victory 1918. | Feb–Oct 1918 | Unit diaries at Archives New Zealand |
Entrenching battalion men wore the badges and insignia of the infantry brigade to which they were attached.
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