Welcome to the DivCav
We are dedicated to the memory of the 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry, a regiment of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2nd NZEF), which served in Britain, Greece, Crete, Syria, North Africa and Italy, and later in Japan during the Second World War (1939-1945).
Who were the original Divisional Cavalry?
The DivCav, as they were known, were the light armoured, forward reconnaissance regiment that was always the first to scout new ground and gather intelligence for the battles that New Zealanders fought. They carried orders and essential communications through the thick of battle. And they were often the last to leave the battlefield.
Formed in September 1939 with men from New Zealand's famous Mounted Rifles units, along with new volunteers, the DivCav established a reputation for bravery, courage, initiative, resourcefulness, and accomplishment in battle.
Lieutenant-General Lord Freyberg, VC, who commanded
the 2nd NZEF throughout the war, wrote in 1962: “The Divisional Cavalry was a unit with a fine tradition and a grand record.”
Like all New Zealand's great regiments, battalions and units, the DivCav's story is one that should be known and understood by everyone. We are developing this website to tell that story.
We invite you to join us
Please help us reach out and connect with all DivCav family members, friends and descendants. Coming together, we will share in the regiment's great history and help keep its traditions alive.
To learn more about our goals, read Our mission >
To learn more us, discover who we are >
To contact us, please click here >
Harry Verdun Spencer served in the 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry from 1940-1945 in Britain, Greece, Crete, and North Africa. He was also the founding patron of DivCav, and helped make this online resource a reality. Harry passed away peacefully at Napier, New Zealand on February 25, 2015. We are so grateful for his friendship, his recollections, and his contributions to DivCav history.
Learn more about Harry’s remarkable life and service
to
his country >
Regimental Roll and Honour Roll, coming soon
About the Regiment,
history and origins, coming soon
