The first documented use of an artillery weapon, a cannon, was in 12th century China, and since then variations and advancements have seen artillery used regularly throughout history. The first use of land-artillery in New Zealand was during the Land Wars with naval cannons being hauled land-ward, and from the Second Boer War onwards New Zealand artillery units were stood up (and back down again) as the need arose. It was not until 1947 with the amalgamation of the regular and volunteer corps of artillery that the Regiment as it looks today was formed, and in 1958 granted the ‘Royal’ status. The Regiment has served with distinction in all of New Zealand’s major conflicts, including receiving international honours for their service in the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Gunners of the Regiment do not simply barrage the enemy, as perhaps they once did, but provide a high level of technical skill through offensive support across the entire battle-space. They use direct and indirect fire to suppress the threat, but also protect our own forces, coordinate military fire-power, illuminate the battlefield, gather information, and identify targets. Gunners not only operate sophisticated and complex weapon-systems, at times under tactical conditions, but use specialist equipment to receive and predict radio and digital target information, ensuring they provide accurate fire on the correct target at the correct time. Some are even embedded with the forward most infantry finding, observing, and directing artillery fire. The truly are ‘everywhere’ and ‘lead’ the battle-space in providing effective and accurate offensive support to the New Zealand Army, paying homage to their two Regimental mottoes: ‘Ubique – Everywhere’ and ‘Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt – Whither Right and Glory Lead’.
From all of us here at the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa, happy ‘Gunners’ Day’ to the highly skilled, technically minded, and adaptable Combat Specialists of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.
Learn the story of this hand-carved, artillery-themed mantle clock.
Discover the largest artillery piece in our collection.
Discover the smallest ‘artillery’ piece in our collection.