Every ship in RNZN service has an internationally recognised callsign. For ships this is four flags or characters, for shore establishments, it is three flags or characters. This is a way to tell another ship or those ashore who your ship is.
Every ship in RNZN service has an internationally recognised callsign. For ships this is four flags or characters, for shore establishments, it is three flags or characters. This is a way to tell another ship or those ashore who your ship is.
Ships also have daily callsigns and encrypted callsigns that are used for secure communications and operational deployments.
Also Navies use side numbers aka hull number, pennant number as a way of identification. This is also unique to the ship and consists of a alpha-numeric code for example, F55 was HMNZS Waikato – stands for Frigate and is number 55.
More to explore.
Clothing in the Collection
Collections Assistant Lori has been working hard on a project to rehouse the museum’s extensive clothing collection.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2024
Uncovering the latest acquisitions to the collection.
First Aid at Sea in the Second World War
Medical personnel played a vital role at sea during the Second World War.
Vietnam War Propaganda Leaflets – Artefact Unpacked
We uncover some Vietnam war propaganda leaflets.
Grave Marker – Artefact Unpacked
Uncover a 178-year-old Grave Marker donated to the Navy Museum.
New Collection Items – Winter 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection during Winter 2023.
Looking back on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Looking back on coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection.
Fleet Air Arm Flight Jacket
Artefact Unpacked – Fleet Air Arm jacket made from leather and sheepskin.
Dear Midge
Letters sent by a sailor to his daughter during WW2.
New Zealand HMS
HMS New Zealand served at all three naval battles of WW1.
Celebrating First Female Chaplain
Celebrating the achievements and career of Principal Chaplain Pauline Law ONZM (Rtd).
Naval Cloak
Naval Boat Cloak owned by Commander John Elworthy.
Santa Flag
This flag was hand painted by crew from HMNZS Wellington.
Five Power Defence Arrangements
The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) were established in 1971.
Sweetheart Badges
These tiny badges are known as ‘sweetheart’ jewellery.
Red Bicycle
Red Bicycle used by Naval personnel in Second World War.
The ‘Beating’ Heart of the Navy
The drum has always played a special role in the military.
Sailor’s Grave
This grave marker was made for Able Seaman William Simpson.
A sailor’s diary – Battle of Kolombangara
AB Johnstone remembers the Battle of Kolombangara in his diary.