Military History | World War II | New Zealand | 2 NZ Division
Kiwi Vehicle Camouflage during WW2

Posted 09 Apr 2006

During WW2 the 2 New Zealand Division adopted British camouflage patterns on their vehicles.

Dates in use Camouflage base coat Disruptive Pattern Comments
Early War - Dec 1941 For tanks:
Top: Dark Blue-Grey *
Middle: Slate ** or Green
Bottom: light stone ***

For Carriers:
Front: Dark Blue-Grey *
Back: Green or slate **
Bottom: light stone ***

* Like the Blue-Black used 1943-44
** Like a mid Blue-Grey
*** Like the Mud-Grey used 1943-44

"Caunter" camouflage scheme
Early 1941 - Oct 1943 Desert Sand N/A Gradually replaced Caunter scheme
Oct 1943 - Mar 1944 Mud-grey Blue-black Divisional Cavalry stayed in these colours until turned into infantry in Sep/Oct 1944
Apr 1944 - Dec 1944 Green Black For all except Division Cavalry
End of Apr 1944 - Dec 1944 Dark Green Brown Only for 18 Armoured Regiment
End of Jun 1944 - end of war Dark Green (Olive drab matt HA/NIV/3235 or 3145) N/A All were repainted in this scheme by Dec 1944.

References

Plowman, J. and Thomas, M. (2002). 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry Regiment in the Mediterranean. Kiwi Armour 3.

Plowman, J. and Thomas, M. (2000). 4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade in Italy. Kiwi Armour 1.