Interview with Jacob (Jack) Moller

Jack Moller was born in Napier in 1891. Describes how his father came out from Denmark in his late teens, worked in the Forty Mile Bush in the Wairarapa and then in Pahiatua and Palmerston North before moving to Taranaki after his marriage. Mentions he lived in Opunake, Otakio and Eltham. Talks about Chu Chong who started dairying in Taranaki. Recalls leaving school at fourteen and driving a five horse team.

Describes departing for World War I on the `Arawa' and heading for Gallipoli. Recalls the landing at Anzac Cove and describes the fighting at Gallipoli in detail. Discusses the high number of casualties. Talks about being shot in both legs, rolling down a bank and being taken to the Australian hospital ship which took the six hundred injured men on board to Alexandria. Comments on the work of the nurses. Recalls some time spent in Egypt before returning to Wellington on the `Tahiti' in 1915. Describes the reception on the train trip home to Hawera, convalescence there and further convalescence at the King George V Hospital in Rotorua. Mentions the Lake House and Palace Hotel and fishing trips.

Describes in some detail his involvement in the filming of the `Mutiny on the Bounty' by an Australian film company who hired some of the convalescing soldiers as extras. Mentions the involvement of Tai Mitchell and Ernie Svensen in roles. Recalls the leading lady was Australian Lottie Lyall. Describes filming at Whakarewarewa and Mokoia Island.

Recalls a tangi at Whakarewarewa and a visit from the Governor-General. Mentions he was discharged from the army in 1916 and has been a member of the RSA since that date.

Interviewer(s) - Don Stafford

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2866.

Alternative form available: OHLC-004660, OHLC-004661