World War, 1914-1918 - Battlefields - France

Date: 17 Apr-21 May 1916

From: New Zealand. Parliamentary Library : Papers relating to World War One and World War Two

Reference: MSX-7187

Description: Canterbury Infantry Battalion field service duties notebook detailing daily appointments, orders and duties (17 Apr-21 May 1916); the battalion was stationed at Morbecque, France Quantity: 1 volume(s).

Date: 1914-1920

By: Langford, Ernest Harold, 1897-1973; Jansen, Nancy, active 1940s-2000s

Reference: PA1-o-911

Description: Album compiled by Ernest Harold Langford, showing views in Egypt and France during 1914-1918 war. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Provenance: Donor is daughter of Ernest Harold Langford.

Date: 1916-1918

From: Starke, June, 1923-2006 : Research papers

Reference: MSO-Papers-7927

Description: Part of French ordnance map of Lens (1916) from papers of Thomas Meek Laing; has some annotations Other - See also papers of Thomas Meek Laing at MS-Copy-Micro-0597 (microfilm of MS-Papers-1368) Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1914-1918?]

By: O'Neill, C N, active 1917; O'Neill, Josephine, active 1905-1976

Reference: PA1-o-398

Description: Photographs taken by C N O'Neill in the first World War. They were "taken on a little V.P.K. camera hidden under the gun carriage. Photos that not many, if at all anyone would have, as cameras were against the rule"-Photocopied letter from the donor Mrs E J O'Neill, sister-in-law of C N O'Neill. Scenes start with soldiers at a camp in New Zealand learning to shoot; then on to views en route at sea, with members of the submarine gun crew, destroyer escort, and a depth charge in the distance. Scenes in battle zones in Belgium show damage to buildings and to military vehicles, including tanks and an ammunition train; the horse lines; the Nieppe balloon going up and being shot down in flames; the front line at Messines; dug-outs and trenches; prisoners; mud and then snow; an R.A.F. bi-plane; and finally Cologne and the Hohenzollerbrucke over the Rhine. Album includes a photocopy of a typescript list of all the photographs giving, in some cases, more information than is given in the captions. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with brown cover; raised image of a woman's head and gold decoration, entitled `Photographs'; 13.5 x 18.0 cm Provenance: Donated by Mrs E G O'Neill, Auckland, 1976

Date: 9 Aug 1988 - 09 Aug 1988

From: World War I Oral History Archive

By: Beattie, Gerald Craig, 1892-1994

Reference: OHInt-0006/04

Description: Describes his family background in Gore; his education; school cadets; his first teaching position; enlistment in 1915; transport to United Kingdom; discipline; Sling Camp; describes Etaples; impressions of France, the French. Describes in detail the Battle of Passchendaele; sniping and deaths; destruction of 4th Otago Company; impressions of Generals Braithwaite and Godley; describes being injured; executions for desertion; Colonel Hargest; Dick Travis; army entertainments; Codford Camp; describes British, Australian and NZ officers; official visits to Sling Camp by Royalty, Ward and Massey. Describes keeping his diary; prostitution in London; drink; hospital treatment at Walton-on-Thames and Codford; the armistice; return to New Zealand and return to school teaching; Rangiora High School; discusses his attitude to the war; attitude of New Zealand to the war; life in Rangiora. His diary is in the Alexander Turnbull Library, MS Papers 3908, and is amongst the most comprehensive and interesting war diary in existence. Venue - Rangiora Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyack Venue - Mr Beattie's home at 25 Queen Street, Rangiora Relationship complexity - Gerald Beattie's war diary is held in Manuscripts at MS-Papers-3908 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002540 - OHC-002542 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textual file Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0446, OHDL-000302. Black and white photographs:-. Gerald Beattie, August 1988. Gerald Beattie, at home, undated. Gerald Beattie and Ben at Hazelfield, Scotland. On top of Rimutakas. (No. 14 Platoon), undated. Gerald Beattie, Eric Scott, Arthur Martin: Winners of shooting event, 1907. Group (school) photograph, Jan 1907

Date: 1916-1919, [1975?]

By: Gillman, Frank Athol, 1898-1987

Reference: MS-Papers-11356

Description: Typed transcript of the diary by Private Frank Athol Gillman, detailing his experiences during World War One. He describes his voyage from New Zealand on the `Maunganui' and his experiences in France which included taking part in action against German forces at Passchendaele, the Somme and the Canal de l'Escaut. Also includes photocopies of discharge certificate and other papers,including correspondence to the War Pensions Board, and a short account of his life after the war written by a member of his family. Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescripts

Date: 1918

From: Robley, Horatio Gordon, 1840-1930 :Episodes of the Great War. 1914-1928

Reference: E-024-f-2-024

Description: A bearded man helping a German soldier out of a trench on a battlefield, probably in France or Belgium. Skulls litter the landscape behind the pair. The pacifist is half smiling and gesturing towards the soldier suggesting forgiveness Quantity: 1 drawing(s). Physical Description: Pen, ink and wash on postcard, 343 x 240 mm

Date: 1918

From: Robley, Horatio Gordon, 1840-1930 :Over 4 years episodes of the war (and during armistice) by Major General H G Robley. [ca 1920]

Reference: E-024-f-1-039

Description: A bearded man, a label on his chest, helping a German soldier out of a trench on a battlefield, probably in France or Belgium. Skulls litter the landscape behind the pair. The pacifist is half smiling and gesturing towards the soldier suggesting forgiveness Quantity: 1 drawing(s). Physical Description: Pen, ink and wash on postcard, 343 x 240 mm

Date: 1918

From: Robley, Horatio Gordon, 1840-1930 :Over 4 years episodes of the war (and during armistice) by Major General H G Robley. [ca 1920]

Reference: E-024-f-1-039-a

Description: A bearded man, a label on his chest, helping a German soldier out of a trench on a battlefield, probably in France or Belgium. Skulls litter the landscape behind the pair. The pacifist is half smiling and gesturing towards the soldier suggesting forgiveness Quantity: 1 drawing(s). Physical Description: Pen, ink and wash on postcard, 343 x 240 mm Transfers: Transfer from MS-Papers-0016, 1970s?.

Date: 1916-1917

From: Martin, W W :World War One albums of Mr Laurie C Mackie

Reference: PA1-o-310

Description: Photographs taken by Laurie Mackie of life at the Egyptian Military training camp at Zeitoun where in 1915 the New Zealand troops were trained before taking ship to Gallipoli. There are views of Cairo and Alexandria where troops went for rest and recreation. Though there are a few views of Gallipoli, these albums have no record of action. It is a view of life outside the battle zones. After Gallipoli back to Zeitoun and more training in preparation for the western front. Pictures of war torn Europe and finally an album depicting the glories of Paris. Throughout the albums Laurie Mackie and his comrades in arms feature. There is good identifying information throughout the albums. 1/2-090821 to 090900 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Date: 1902-1920. 1941

By: Johnston family

Reference: MS-Group-1834

Description: Copies of letters to, from and relating to the brothers, Adam, Francis and Octavius Johnston, sons of Sir Charles John Johnston, from South Africa during the Boer War and from the Western Front during World War I. Includes newspaper extracts, copies of citations and other papers relating to the deaths of Francis and Octavius. Also includes a 1941 letter from the New Zealand military giving details of the death of R Q J Johnston in 1941. Source of title - Supplied by Library Adam and Francis Earl Johnston served in the South African War, and Francis and Octavius in World War I. Octavius served in the British Army and Francis in the New Zealand forces. Francis rose to become Brigadier General. Both Francis and Octavius were killed on the Western Front. All three brothers were sons of Sir Charles John Johnston, a former mayor of Wellington. Quantity: 3 folder(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 0.03 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss (Photocopies and digital copies) Processing information: Digital copy made as a copy-and-return, as part of the Adam Matthew-funded World War I digitisation project

Date: 1922

By: Thomas Cook Ltd

Reference: Eph-A-WAR-WI-France-1922-01

Description: A guide to tours of the World War I battlefields of Northern France, with maps, photographs and textual descriptions of the sites at Compiegne & Pierrefonds (where the armistice was signed), Vimy Ridge & the Hindenburg Line, The Somme (Delville, Bapaume, Albert), the Marne (Chateau-Thierry, Rheims, Soissons), Chemins des Dames, Berry-au-Bac, Craonne, Champagne, Argonne Forest, Verdun Forts, St-Mihiel Salient, Flanders front, as well as descriptions of the tours available around Paris itself. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Booklet of 49 pages, each 210 x 134 mm.

Date: 3 Nov 1989

From: World War I Oral History Archive

By: Bertrand, William Charles Norton, 1896-1990

Reference: OHInt-0006/06

Description: Gives details of family backgound and why he was brought up as Ngati Maru at Purangi and named Tume; his early life in Taranaki; why he joined the Maori Battalion in 1915; allotted to 6th Reinforcements; trained in Auckland; left New Zealand with 16th Reinforcements on the 'Ulimaroa'. Details of voyage and ports of call; promoted to corporal. Discusses Maori reaction to war; reasons why so few soldiers came from Taranaki; Parihaka. Details of Sling Camp, Etaples, Armentieres, Bapaume, Messines and the Pioneer Battalion at the Somme; being wounded; his brothers; digging trenches; burial parties; lice; divisional baths; prostitution in France and London; recreation; songs; marches; looting; executions; absence without leave; padres; German prisoners. He became a medical corporal; Company Commander Hiroti; the armistice; Le Quesnoy as a section commander. His return to New Zealand; rail travel; flu epidemic; farming at Purangi; the depression; his election to Stratford County Council; during World War II was in Home Guard; his wife's involvement with Purangi Patriotic Committee. Venue - New Plymouth Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyack Venue - At the home of Mr Bertrand at 46 Newtown Street, Fitzroy, New Plymouth Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 448. Search dates: 1989

Date: 17 August 1989 - 17 Aug 1989

From: Massey University History Department. Students' Oral History Projects.

By: Boswell, Gilmore Robert Bloxam, 1896-1990

Reference: OHInt-0151/17

Description: Gilmore Boswell gives details of family background, education and teaching positions before enlistment and training at Featherston and Tauherenikau. Mentions traveling to Egypt on the Maunganui, and transferring to the first draft of reinforcements being sent to France in 1916. Recalls experiences at the Somme in 1916, the trenches at Armentieres and being being in the Army of Occupation in Germany. Speaks about life outside the battlefield in France, being arrested, war injuries and soldiers he served under. Recalls arrival back in New Zealand and career in the dairy industry. Talks about his family. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Palmerston North Interviewer(s) - Dean P Severinsen Venue - At Masonic Court, Clausen Street, Palmerston North Relationship complexity - interview conducted as part of the requirements for the oral history paper at Massey University Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002161 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 46 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0362.

Date: 23 July 1987 - 23 Jul 1987

From: NZ Society for the Intellectually Handicapped (Inc) Oral History Project, 1989

By: Botting, Robert William Stanley, 1892-1991

Reference: OHInt-0080-01

Description: Robert William Stanley Botting, born at Naseby, Otago, New Zealand. Outlines family background - maternal grandfather a goldminer all his life. Reference to Naseby Goldfield which was known as `Poor Man's Diggings'. Recalls childhood spent pony riding and messing about at father's gold sluicing claim. Gives a detailed description of sluicing system and differences between sluicing and elevated claims. Other aspects of childhood discussed include: discipline; reading and music; religion - family attended Presbyterian Church and the Sabbath was strictly observed; Chinese at Naseby; climate - post boy delivered mail on skates (frozen snow) - reference to winter of 1917; alcohol; politics and education. Recalls: World War (1914-1918) - was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Otago Regiment. Describes bad chest wound received at Battle of the Somme: Sporting interests - President Otago Rugby Football Union (1947-48), Chairman, New Zealand Football Union (1951) and in 1951? taking All Black team to Australia; marriage (1920); child with Downes Syndrome and how family coped - reference to Miss Felicha Montgomery who was with family for over 50 years. Talks about: Cohen School (Occupation Centre) set up in 1938, with reference to Federation of University Women; Intellectually Handicapped Children's Parents' Association Inc. founded 1949 - reference to Mrs Burt and Mr W R (Bill) Caird, Mr H S Anyon and Mrs Anyon, Mrs Olive Grenfell and Mr H L Grenfell, J J Doyle, Mrs B Gordon (Auckland), Mr H Helleur (Hawkes Bay) and Mr J Nicholls (New Plymouth); Aitken Committee (August 1951) set up by Hon Ronald Algie, Minster of Education and the Aitken Report (1953) and WHO (World Health Organisation) Joint Expert Committee Report, `The Mentally subnormal Child' (1953). Continues discussing involvement with the IHC and its massive fund raising programme with reference to Ray Matthews. Mentions the opening of Kew Home, Otago 1958. Accompanying material - various manuscripts Venue - Nelson Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Marybank Road, Atawhai, Nelson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001458-001460 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0226. Search dates: 1892 - 1987

Date: 1918

From: Bibby, Edward Stuart, 1896-1991: Collection

Reference: MS-Papers-12618-05

Description: Mother's Day booklet issued to soldiers. E S Bibby has annotated it "Flowers from war areas and Noel's grave". Inside he has cut slits in some leaves and inserted flowers; some flowers are loose inside pages. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Transfers: Folder from which this item was removed is at Library reference 91-147-3/02. Processing information: In 2021, this booklet was removed from folder in which it had been stored in order to digitise it and better house it.

Date: 1918 - 1919

From: O'Grady, James, 1882?-1956 :[Two World War I trench sketchbooks. 1918-1919]

By: O'Grady, James, 1888-1956

Reference: E-920

Description: Sketchbook contains sketches of a New Zealand soldier's war experiences in Belgium and France, trench sites, and the immediate consequences of the first World War on the landscape. Includes: Douai[?], Vauchelles, Souastre, Rossignoll Ferme, Gommecourt (battlefield), Chateau de Couin, Presbytery courtyard at Couin, other views at Couin, an autograph of General Poincare dated 10 November 1919 (with signatures of two other generals), Chateau de la Haei before and after Hun bombardment, catacombs at Sailly-au-Bois, church at Sailly-au-Bois after Hun bombardment, interio of Fonquevillers Church, tree observation post at Gommecourt Park, Hun dugout at Gommecourt Park, Courtyard at Rossignoll Ferme, Hun trench periscopic observation post at Gommecourt and a British buck-board bridge, a road barricade and a camouflaged road, a trench cookhouse and trench visual station, aid post and screened trench, an abandoned tank ("Jumping Jimmy"), a camouflaged gun posse, camouflaged gun, sniper's trench enfilading post, concrete observation post, gunning German outpost beneath tree, Gommecourt church ground, Pommier, dugout and steel observation post, French bivvies, the advance on Bapaume (aeroplanes dropping ammunition to N.Z. infantry in front of Loupart Wood), Grevillers Church, Bapaume battlefield (various views), shrine at the entrance to Bapaume; the Somme push (enemy dumps blown up by british artillery at Reincourt), abandoned German tank, a Hun aerial success (two British balloons fall in flames), the shattered cathedral of Albert, From a push to a pull (tanks in a vineyard), Bapaume church and other Bapaume scenes, Bihucourt, a "whippet" (tank), Monument to French soldiers who fell in [18]71 at Bapaume cemetery, German monument at Bapaume Cemetery, [Dead man and horse beside a roadside cross], Mounted guns, Rue de la Republique Cambrai, Bleriot Monument Park Cambrai, Rue de Grand Seminaire Cambrai, destroyed bridges over St Quentin Canal Cambrai, Rue de Cantimpre Cambrai, Rue de Noyon Cambrai, Rue de la Republique and St Martin's Tower Cambrai, Weir on St Quentin Canal, Duckboard and pontoon bridges on St Quentin Canal, Somme, Fontaine-au-[...], Hotel de Ville at Solesmes, Rue de Valenciennes at Solesmes, Chateau de Potelle (2 views), Western Gate at Le Quesnoy, Rue de Thiers at Le Quesnoy Inscriptions: Recto - top left - [On cover in circle] :10 Quantity: 1 sketchbook(s). Physical Description: Pencil drawings on pages of softbound sketchbook, 126 x 198 mm. Transfers: Collection accessioned in Drawings Paintings & Prints; typescript reminiscences transferred to Manuscripts from there..

Date: [1914-1918]

By: Underwood & Underwood (Firm)

Reference: PA4-0504

Description: Stereoscopic photograph of French soldiers in protective trenches firing through gun-holes, taken by photographer from Underwood and Underwood. Inscriptions: Mount verso - No. 36 - French soldiers in protective trenches firing through gun-holes. - Copyright by Underwood and Underwood. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Albumen print

Date: 24 Aug 1918

From: Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association :New Zealand official negatives, World War 1914-1918

Reference: 1/2-013495-G

Description: A motor car travelling along an uneven dirt road passes a huge shell hole in captured ground during World War I. Small groups of soldiers are visible in the background. Tree stumps appear on the horizon. Photograph taken near Grevillers, France, on 24 August 1918 by Henry Armytage Sanders. Other - An original print from this negative is in album PA1-f-094 Inscriptions: Photographer's title on negative - bottom right - H919 Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 4 x 5 inches

Date: 30 Mar 1918

From: Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association :New Zealand official negatives, World War 1914-1918

Reference: 1/2-013107-G

Description: The bomb damage to a dugout and the cellar of an adjacent building in which Brigadier General Harry Townsend Fulton, Commander of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was fatally injured. Shows mounds of earth and wreckage to part of the building. A soldier is emerging from the partially buried dugout entrance. Photograph taken Colincamps 30 March 1918 by Henry Armytage Sanders. Other - An original print from this negative is in album PA1-f-091 Library client supplied the full name of Brigadier Harry Townsend Fulton, April 2009. Inscriptions: Photographer's title on negative - bottom left - H491 Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 4 x 5 inches