Interview with Richard Dyson

Richard Herbert (Bert) Dyson born New Brighton, Christchurch 1917. Recalls joining Artillery Section of School cadets while at school in Christchurch, going to annual camp with Territorials in Otago and joining Territorials in Wellington. Mentions commencing work with Department of Industries and Commerce in Wellington.

Gives reasons for enlisting for World War II and describes process of enlistment, Hopuhopu camp and OCTU (Officer Cadet Training Unit) at Trentham Camp. Mentions Ike Parkinson at Hopuhopu. Recalls leaving New Zealand 6 February 1940 on the `Empress of Canada', disembarking at Port Tewfik, getting to Maadi Camp, and going to Baggush in the Western Desert. Briefly describes World War One uniforms, and recalls infantry reaction to World War One vintage guns. Refers to General Connor in charge of fighting desert war. Recalls attending Signals course in Palestine and refers to terrorist activity, `monkey vehicles', `number 11' radio set, field telephone, `Bombay bowlers' and journey to Amiriye. Mentions dust storm at Amiriye, route to Aliakmon Line, camp at Kokisia and Vale of Tempe. Describes evacuation from Porto Rafti beach by HMS Kandahar and journey to Crete. Mentions Brigadier Howard Kippenberger. Briefly mentions `Oakes Force'. Refers to Jan Peart, AA QMG (AA Quartermaster General). Recalls night before battle and describes telephone call between [General] Freyberg and Brigadier Puttick. Comments on importance of Maleme Aerodrome. Recalls being attacked by German Air Force on way to Sfakia (Sphakia) and evacuation from Sfakia on HMS Nizam. Gives opinion why Greece and Crete were defeats. Refers to influence of Anthony Eden on Churchill's decision-making. Compares Crete with Gallipoli. Compares American Sherman tanks with British tanks. Mentions burial of dead at Suda Bay cemetery and reception to be held on board HMS Ajax. Recalls journey back to New Zealand on board `Dominion Monarch' and arrival at Lyttelton. Gives reasons for not joining RSA [Returned Soldiers Association] or Crete Veterans' Association after the war.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching

Accompanying material - Completed questionnaire attached to abstract + copies of NZEF Times, Eight Army News, Christmas no of Crusader and copy of `Lily Marlene' [in German]

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009447-009448

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 transcript(s) (partial). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 2.12 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3062-1, OHDL-001147.

Search dates: 2000

Alternative form available: Once permission is given a digital copy of the recording and abstract are available in the Library's Reading Room. Listening copies are available at OHLC-008393 to OHLC-008394