World War, 1939-1945 - Fiji

Date: 1942-1945

From: United States Naval History Division : South Pacific Area and Force Command histories

Reference: Micro-MS-0850-2

Description: Quantity: 1 microfilm reel(s).

Date: 1939-1944

From: McKenzie, Gordon Melville 1898-1978 :Albums compiled while serving as chaplain of HMNZS Achilles and HMNZS Tamaki, 1939-1945

Reference: PA1-q-893

Description: Album compiled by Gordon McKenzie during his service as a chaplain on HMNZS Achilles during the 1939-1945 war. Includes photographs of the sinking of the Admiral Graf Spee, scenes in Fiji and Tahiti, Australian monuments and wildlife, and events on board the HMNZS Achilles. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Date: 1940-1941

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PAColl-4161-01-192

Description: Plans of Suva Military Hospital and Samambula Military Camp showing layout of buildings at both sites. Photographs include: Panoramic view of Samambula `A' camp taken from site of `B' camp, Nov 1940; military parade, Albert Park, Suva, Apr 1941; aerial view of group headquarters, Suva, 1941; aerial photo of Samambula Camp, Suva, 1941; aerial photo of hospital at Tamavua, Suva, 1941 Truck converted to be used as stretcher carriers, and Fijian staff Quantity: 9 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [between 1942 and 1943]

By: Parsons family

Reference: PAColl-9172

Description: Photographs of Fiji taken while Maurice Alonzo Parsons was serving in the 8th New Zealand Infantry Brigate in the Pacific (part of the 2nd NZEF Pacific, also the 3rd New Zealand Division). Includes photographs relating to Fiji landscapes, scenaries and plants; native Fijians, Chinese and Indian residents; portraits and group photographs that relates to army life in Fiji. Some buildings in Fiji are included. Collection also contains some photographs of the army in Egypt and the surrounding scenaries. PAColl-9172-033 to PAColl-9172-036 form a panoramic view of the Suva Harbour. Most photographs are annotated and include names of individuals in the photographs. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Arrangement: Collection arranged by themes presented among the photographs: Fiji landscapes and scenaries, native Fijians, Chinese and Indian residents, buildings, ships, portraits and photographs relating to army life in Fiji, and further photographs relating to Egypt. Quantity: 128 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin photoprints Provenance: Purchase, 2007 Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Papers-8883 : Parsons family: Papers relating to the Second World War.

Date: 1915-1916, 1940-1948

Reference: MS-Papers-3893

Description: With the 10th Manchesters in Egypt, poem, 1915; World War I photographs; menus for 1916 and 1943; coast watching reports of J E A Sanderson, Fiji, 1940; soldier's pay books, 1942-1948; soldier's pay book, leave without pay certificate and notice of determination of Man-power Committee, all dated 1943 and belonging to George Cadness Miscellaneous items collected as part of Startup's research into wartime postal services Quantity: 1 folder(s) (12 items). Physical Description: Mss, typescripts, printed matter and photographs

Date: 19 Jul 1944

By: Lester, R H, active 1944

Reference: qMS-1155

Description: Comprises talk outlining the differences between western society and Fijian (and other Pacific peoples' societies) on the nature of war with special reference to kinship and tribal affiliations and the effect of war on the Fijians who fought in World War II Source of title - Transcribed From a talk given to the Rotary Club of Suva Quantity: 1 volume(s) (11 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript, (34 cm; blue pamphlet case)

Date: 16 Apr 1941-3 Jun 1942

From: Joyce, Raymond, fl 1940-1943 : Diaries

Reference: MS-Papers-7508-1

Description: Diary described by Joyce as Fiji diary, beginning with his entry and departure from Trentham (16 Apr and 25 May) and sailing to Fiji on the `Rangatira' from Auckland. Daily entries; includes poems and songs composed by various soldiers, copies of beer and other food product labels and names and addresses of fellow servicemen. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [ca 1941-1951], 1965, 1975

By: Fiji Forces Association

Reference: PA-Group-00603

Description: Photographs relating to Fiji Forces Association. Comprises photographs donated by members of their wartime experiences, and photographs of Association events Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 128 b&w original photographic print(s). 2 b&w original photographic print(s) coloured by hand. Physical Description: Photographic prints Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Papers-8935 : Fiji Forces Association : Papers. See also Curios Collection..

Date: [ca 1940s]

By: Gillespie, Oliver Arthur, 1895-1960

Reference: PAColl-9234

Description: Photographs; mainly taken in Japan, Fiji and Solomon Islands during World War II. Comprises: Two taken in Otake, Japan. Two taken in Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands. Three taken in Fiji. One taken at an unidentified location in the Pacific. One of a military camp at an unidentified location. Also includes two photographs showing three unidentified persons (one is possibly Oliver Arthur Gillespie). Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 11 b&w original photographic print(s). Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Papers-0593 : Gillespie, Oliver Arthur, 1895-1960 : Papers - Transfer information - From Manuscripts and Archives : MS-Papers-0593 : Gillespie, Oliver Arthur, 1895-1960 : Papers.

Date: 3 Jun-27 Jul 1942

From: Joyce, Raymond, fl 1940-1943 : Diaries

Reference: MS-Papers-7508-3

Description: Photocopy of `Figi' diary no 2 covering Joyce's service in Fiji from Jun to Jul 1942; also includes photocopies of clippings, telegrams, notes, names and addresses of fellow servicemen, letters etc Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1940-1941

By: Hawke, Thomas Seymour, -1968

Reference: MS-Papers-1891

Description: Concern service of Private T S Hawke of Napier with 30th Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd NZEF in Fiji. Letters, documents, clippings and notes, annotated photograph album and loose photos Quantity: 2 folder(s) (ca 50 pieces). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss, printed matter and photographs Processing information: Not described to folder level.

Date: 1942

From: Aaltonen, Diane :Two albums and loose photographs of World War II including J-Force, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand

By: Cook, Albert, active 1939-1947; Aaltonen, Diane, active 1993

Reference: PAColl-3275-2

Description: Quantity: 3 b&w original photographic print(s) and. 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s) in one envelope. Transfers: Photographs were found loose in the back of Albert Cook Album II PA1-o-680.

Date: 1940-1942

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PAColl-4161-01-110

Description: Includes: View of bridge over the Nambuni Creek on Cunningham Road, a military road in vicinity of Samambula Camp; ammunition tunnels at Tamavua; AA guns of the 38th Heavy AA Battery installed on Indian Trig near Suva; coastal defences; native medical class; members of Fiji Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who served with Royal NZ Navy (on leave 1945); football game at Adams Field; storm damage to botanical gardens, Suva; Group Headquarters, Suva, 28 Apr 1941; beche-de-mer being loaded onto a truck by Fijian ex-servicemen; opening day of Suva Yacht Club's 1947 season, Nukulau Island (includes aerial view of the island & yacht `Levuka' competing in one of the races); Rehabilitation Board members (C H Carne, Sir Hugh Ragg, H Gerrard, Joeli Ravai and Matu Edward Mataitini) Various views of Nadi Sports Day; C Company's bure; presentation of V.C. to parents of Fijian Corporal (Lt-Col Ratu J.L.V. Sukana reading citation, Governor of Fiji, A W G M Grantham, Brigadier G Dittmer and parents of Corporal Sukanaivalu), Jul 1945; Corporal Sukanaivalu's parents Lote Vulakara and Fani Kuva after the presentation; Fred Brookes of Wagandra, Whites Hill; Fijian children beating the lali (native drum for sending messages). HMS Leander escorting President Coolidge, US Naval ship from Suva to Auckland, July 1942; anti-submarine gun on President Coolidge manned by troops of 3 Div during voyage from Suva to Auckland, July 1942; group of Fijians at base camp, Guadalcanal, dressed up for the occasion of a brigadier's visit, Jun 1943; Lt F E Williams with three members of the advance party of 1st Commando Fijian Guerillas, Dec 1942; group photo of Capt Williams, Lt Barrow, Lt Crass, Lt Taliai and Major Tripp; Lt Heckler with three Fijians of the advance party; headquarters of 1st CFG; Lt Barrow with his patrol of Solomon Islanders at Aola Bay, Guadalcanal; excavation for 250 bed underground hospital at Tamavua, Fiji. Bures erected to accommodate AA unit near Suva; motor workshop in `B' Camp, Samambula, destroyed by hurricane in Feb 1941; construction of petrol storage tank at Suva; administrative block of HQ 3 Div, Suva; Samambula A Camp before huts were built; barbed wire entanglements erected along foreshore of Suva peninsula, and mangroves swamps; ammonia plant. NZ Club, Suva; Fijian at Komave receiving his pay; battle noise practice, Suva Green, Aug 1943; kava ceremony; cane fields; Borron's house, headquarters (near Suva, Fiji) of 3 Div and before that of 8th Brigade Group (the unit which arrived in Fiji in Nov 1940); anti-tank wall, Suva Peninsula.. Jope (Fijian interpreter) with Sgt F E Williams, Lt D E Williams and S/M Woolston setting out on horseback for Namosi; Governor General inspecting troops in Fiji; Natives of Kandavi presenting gifts of fruit and vegetables to troops (Brigadier W H Cunningam, Lt Col J G C Wales, Lt Col J Mawson); Ratu Apakuki, leading chief of the island, presenting the gifts; convoy of NZ troops of 3 Div halted in Namaka village, 1941; I Sec & Orderly Room staff; native dug-out canoe; party on Navua River taking supplies up to Namuamua; Cpl Blackman & Q/M Holmes at Namosi detailing a fatigue party; village of Namosi; lunching on Navua River (Dr Malcolm and others); Isaia (interpreter) Pte Solway and others outside native hut at Namosi; inland Fiji; village of Serua on Viti Levu; Wally McWilliams, Ralph Griffen, Vic Esmond, Jim Bright, Les Drummond, Jim Bass, Keith Hood, Roy Taylor and Bob Buchan at Serua; Fijians of Mau platoon building a bure; members of South Pacific Health Board at Inaugural Meeting, 25 Oct 1946 (Dr J C R Buchana, Sir Alexander Grantham, Dr T Richie, Dr R J Snodgrass, Miss Lambie, H Vaskess); Capt Tripp killing a pig presented to him by a Fijian chief; Sgt Bale (interpreter), Sgt Larsen (NZ Intelligence Sec) and Sgt Lope (Interpreter); Lt D E Williams with Ratu Mara at Serua; two commando NCOs on a raft; Officers' Mess at Teneru, Guadalcanal (Capt Williams, Major Tripp, 2 Lt Taylor & 2 Lt Holmes; view of camp at Teneru (taken after unit had returned from New Georgia campaign);Sgt Larsen cutting a stencil for unit's newspaper `Guerilla Gazette'; on the Deumba mouth of the Navua River; NZ commando up a coconute tree; Capt Tripp giving instructions through an interpreter to boxers at Komave (Komarvee); Governor General meeting officers of RNZAF during visit to Fiji; inspection of Fijian soldiers. Rehabilitation of Fijian ex-servicemen (various photographs with explanatory captions); auxillary ketch `Moala' launched at Suva; Suva Yacht Club at Nukulau Island (various photos taken on opening day, Feb 1947). Panorama views of Samambula A & B camps, Sep-Oct 1940, showing site and camp buildings. Governor General's visit to Fiji (various views); Group photo of officers and men of NZ Army Corps serving with NZEF in Fiji (taken by Caine's Studios, Fiji). Presentation of V.C. to parents of Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu, Suva, 6 Feb 1945 by Governor of Fiji, A W G H Grantham (various views); swearing in ceremony of new governor (Grantham), 1 Jan 1945 (includes Chief Justice Sir Owen Corrie and J F Nicoll (Colonial Secretary of Fiji); Brig Gen Edmund B Sebree with Royal Whales Tooth which he received at a native ceremony in his honour, May 1943 (US Army Signal Corps photograph). Quantity: 171 b&w copy photographic print(s).

Date: 1930s-1945

By: Capewell, Edward Hugo, -1943; Hendry, Kenneth Arthur, 1915-1996

Reference: PAColl-5645

Description: Family photographs and views of Fiji, Canada and the Middle East during World War 1939-1945. The photographs of Canada are negatives, and all relate to the RAF Commonwealth air training programme. There are views of Halifax and the ANZAC Club there. Others are of Montreal and New York. There are photographs of soldiers, planes and countryside taken from the air. Then it's off to Britain, views of London, English countryside and active service. One sequence of negatives records a trip to the Middle East. The Fijian photographs are prints taken by a member of the 30th Battalion, that part of the New Zealand army in Fiji sent directly to Lautoka on the west coast of Viti Levu, and stationed at the Namaka Camp, about 17 miles inland from Lautoka. There are views of Namaka Camp, of camp life, of recreations, work, manoeuvres, and the effects of the hurricane that hit Fiji on the 20th Feb, 1941. There are also views of a camp at a place called Comboni (pronounced "thomboni") which is a coastal tourist spot and beach on the western end of the northern coast of Viti Levu towards the Ba River mouth. There is one photograph of a military camp made up of tents at Momi Bay on the west coast of Viti Levu, south of Lautoka. There are views of Suva and an ANZAC Day parade there as well as images of Fijians, villages, Fijian buildings and the country side in general. After his tour of duty in Fiji the creator of this collection was sent to the Middle East. The family photographs date from the 1930s. The largest group of these are records of the New Zealand contingent at the Australian Boy Scout Jamboree held at Frankston, Melbourne, from 27 December 1934 to 13 January 1935. The New Zealand contingent constructed a "Maori Pa" and dressed up in Maori costume. There are 18 prints of this feature of the New Zealand contribution to the jamboree. Arrangement: Negatives at 35 mm 22145 to 22228, and 1/4-81170-F to 1/4-81202-F This collection comes from two different sources. The negatives of Canada are associated with the name of Sergeant E H Capewell (also apparently known as \"Stormy Capewell\"). Those of the New Zealand army in Fiji and the rest of the photographic prints in the collection belonged to Private K A Hendry who came from Dannevirk before the war, and left Trentham camp for Fiji as a member of a field ambulance team. There is also an envelope dated 1943 addressed to him at the General NZ Hospital, 2nd N Z E F, Middle East Forces. During the Second World War New Zealand was responsable for raising forces and organising the defense of Fiji against possible Japanese attack. Brigadier W H Cunningham was put in command and the 8 Infantry Brigade Group was organsed for the operation. The defense strategy centred on the island of Viti Levu. Of the two areas designated as critical one centred on Suva and it's hinterland, and the other in the west centred on Lautoka. In late 1940 the 8 Infantry Brigade Group was transported to Fiji on the Rangitira escorted by the Monowai. It took three trips to effect this and the first troops landed in Fiji on 1 November 1940. The 30th Battalion was that section of the 8 Infantry Brigade Group sent directly to Lautoka on the West coast of Viti Levu. It's main base was Namaka camp inland From Lautoka and linked to the coast by the Colonial Sugar Company's railway. Another camp at Momi Bay, south of Lautoka guarded the Navula passage through the reef off Momi. There was also a temporary camp at a resort beach called Comboni, north of Lautoka. The rest of the 8 Infantry Brigade Group went to Suva which was also the location of the command headquarters. During the organisation of the 8 Infantry Brigade Group troops were assembled at the military camps at Ngaruawahia, Te Rapa, and Trentham. Those at Trentham were support services -- the 7 Field Ambulance, and details such as Pay, Records, Ordnance, Provost and Signals. Private K A Hendry was part of the Trentham operations and evidence suggests that he was a member of the 7 Field Ambulance. The Australian Boy Scout Jamboree held at Frankston, Melbourne, was the first international scouting event held outside the United Kingdom. Over 12,000 scouts from 23 countries attended, and it was the only scouting event held in Australia attended by Lord Robert Baden-Powell (who with his wife, features in two of the prints relating to this event). Quantity: 409 b&w original photographic print(s). 112 b&w original negative(s) Of these 84 are 35mm negative strips comprising 306 images.. Provenance: Purchased from general auction. Name "Sgt Capewell E H" inscribed in front of negative album. Name "Capewell, 198 Main Road, Plimmerton" inscribed in accompanying first aid manual. Transfers: To Other - To Acquisitions 1 copy of "First Aid" transferred 23 March 1998..

Date: 1940-1942

From: Aaltonen, Diane :Two albums and loose photographs of World War II including J-Force, Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand

By: Aaltonen, Diane, active 1993; Cook, Albert, active 1939-1947

Reference: PA1-o-660

Description: Arrangement: Loose photograph found in album are at PAColl-3275-2 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Mottled grey-brown album with red tie and word 'Photographs' in gold on cover. Dimensions - 160 x 240mm

Date: Aug 1943

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: DA-03364-F

Description: Members of 39 Company Anti Aircraft Regiment on gun in battle noises practice at Suva Point, Fiji, in August 1943. Taken by an official photographer (unidentified). Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 1941-1944

By: Joyce, Raymond, active 1940-1943

Reference: MS-Papers-7508

Description: Photocopies of four diaries kept by Joyce while on active service in World War Two, serving in Fiji, Tonga and New Caledonia with the 34 Battalion. Joyce recorded his daily activities, describes the various places the men went, the local population and includes names and addresses of some of the men he served with Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 4 folder(s). 0.04 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph (photocopy)

Date: [1940 to 1941]

From: Henderson, James Herbert, 1918-2005: Collection

Reference: PA1-o-224

Description: Photographs relating to New Zealand artillery force in Fiji, between 1940 and 1941. Views include the military camps at Momi Bay and Samambula, military life, and one official group photograph of the NZ Army 2nd NZEF `A' Troop, 35th Battery Quantity: 1 album(s). Physical Description: Album with black card cover; 25.0 x 31.5 cm

Date: 1940-1945

By: Sherratt, William Wray, 1906-1982; Sherratt, Hannah Maud Sheila Wilder, 1908-2003

Reference: PA1-o-829

Description: Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Date: 1936 - 20 September 1939-9 April 1945 - 12 February 1957-1962 - 12 August 1979-1978

By: Neil, Arthur James, 1909-1988; Neil, Robina Olive, 1910-1984

Reference: ATL-Group-00044

Description: Collection comprises circa 1539 dated entries of correspondence from Major Arthur James (Ginge) Neil to his wife Robina Olive (Deanie) Neil (née Edgar) while he was on active service during World War II, 20 September 1939-9 April 1945. Correspondence is largely in the form of holograph letters (on various military letterheads) but also includes a number of letters in air mail envelopes, telegrams, airgraphs, and cablegrams. Also includes a 1939 telegram to Mr Neil from his employer, the Land and Income Tax Department, instructing him to report for duty and telegrams from "Defence" to Mrs Neil regarding her husband coming home on leave and his return home at the end of the war. Neil addresses his wife as "Kiddie" and often refers to her as "wee girl". He describes the letters as their "talks" and they are generally written before he goes to sleep, with the time of composition as well as the date of writing included for each entry. In most cases Neil indicates where he is writing from, with locations of composition include Burnham Military Camp, Maadi Camp as well as other locations in the Middle East, Riccarton Military Camp, Fiji Military Headquarters, and various locations within Italy (most of which are unidentified). Some letters include poems and song lyrics, sketches, dried flowers, and items of ephemera. The correspondence is often personal in nature. Subjects include Mrs Neil's life back in Invercargill with discussion of people they know, their house and garden, and what they will do after the war. They also include details about Neil's military service and his opinions of the war and its progress. He covers subjects such as colleagues, training courses, reconnaissance missions, accommodation, the countries he is in (local people, climate, agricultural techniques, cities, tourist sites), and socialising (taking a trip to the movies, going to a concert, and going out drinking or to a party). Collection also includes two of Arthur James Neil's cancelled passports (issued 12 August 1979 in Auckland and 12 February 1957 in Apia) and used mainly for travel in the Pacific as well as a photograph of a child Brian standing beside baby Geoff taken by an unidentified photographer. Three photographic prints relating to Major Arthur James Neil and his wife Robina Olive Neil, taken by unidentified photographers. Includes the couple's wedding portrait from 1936, taken by an unidentified photographer. The other two photographs are likely taken in Invercargill during World War Two and feature Robina Neil. Arrangement: The correspondence was re-housed by donor before the collection came to the Library so the original order of the creator was not maintained. Library staff have arranged collection in chronological order. Major Arthur James (Ginge) Neil. Service number 7189. 2nd NZEF: 1st Echelon. 27th Machine-Gun Battalion. MBE. Quantity: 41 folder(s) containing circa 1539 letters, telegrams, cablegrams, air letters, passports, and photographs. 3 b&w original photographic print(s) one mounted in folder. Physical Description: 0.7 linear metres of holograph manuscript, telegrams, cablegrams, photographs, passports, and ephemera Finding Aids: See Manuscripts and Archives backfile for biographical information provided by the donor.. Provenance: Donated by Mr J Neil, Wellington, April and August 2016. Donor is the nephew of Arthur James Neil.