World War, 1939-1945 - Egypt

Date: 1942

From: Hall, James Oliver, 1916-2006 :[Caricatures and cartoons from the 2nd World War] 1943

Reference: B-099-003

Description: Nine scenes depicting life in Egypt as viewed through the eyes of a soldier. Shows Egyptian men and women at work; camels being used for transportation; sightseeing; pyramids; Egyptian mother and child, etc. Drawn up the lefthand side is a date palm showing a man at the top harvesting the dates. Along the bottom is a view of the Nile. Quantity: 1 drawing(s). Physical Description: Ink on card, 345 x 500 mm

Date: 1942-1944

From: Searell, Luscombe Arthur :Albums of photographs of 2NZEF in Lebanon, Western Desert and Italy

Reference: PA1-q-735

Description: Photographs of events in the Libyan campaign; the repatriation of New Zealand and Australian prisoners of war at Alexandria; incidents in the Italian campaign Quantity: 1 album(s).

Date: 1938-1945 (transcribed 2006)

From: Bollard, Edward George, 1920-2011: Papers

Reference: MSX-8261

Description: Bollard served with the Territorial forces in New Zeland during the first years of World War Two. In May 1943 he left New Zealand with the 9th Reinforcements for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force aboard the `Dominion Monarch' bound for Egypt. He attended Signals School at Maadi Camp and left Egypt on 18 October aboard the `Nieuw Holland' bound for Sicily. He was attached to 28 Battalion and helped to provide its radio service. He remained with the Battalion for the remainder of the war and describes the Allied advance up through Italy. He witnessed the attack on Cassino and also describes his visits to various Italian cities, including Rome and Venice, while on leave. Bollard was awarded a rehabilitation bursary to study at Cambridge University and on 16 October 1945 he left Italy by train bound for France and then by sea to England. The diary covers the period from 1938 until 21 October 1945 and provides a detailed account of Bollard's experience during this period. Quantity: 1 volume(s). Physical Description: Typescript

Date: [ca 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

By: Harrington-Hutchings, Leonard William, 1913-2002

Reference: PAColl-4161-01-088

Description: Only one photograph includes a caption. Subjects include: camp at Burg el Arab, 26 Sep 1943; sign in desert; wireless operators; donkey transport; pontoon construction; Egyptians carrying pipes; unidentified town; manoeuvres in a snowy area (Italy?); tank movement (Italy?); soldier asleep in a tent. Quantity: 15 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1939-1940

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

By: McKenzie, J S (Private), active 1940

Reference: PA1-q-293

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel in New Zealand, England and Egypt, taken 1939-1940 and compiled for official use. Most of the images have good captions, and most of the names noted are listed above. The album includes a number of British Official Photographs. Scenes include New Zealanders in the advance party sailing from Melbourne in December 1939; shipboard scenes of the First Echelon arriving in Egypt; Freyberg welcoming the troops on arrival with Anthony Eden (Secretary of State for the Dominions) and Sir Miles Lampson; the train service between the NZ camp and Cairo; Egyptian workmen helping construct the camp, and women doing the laundry; Divisional Signallers lined up on motor bikes. Battle practice and army life in the desert: anti-tank & anti-aircraft practice; bren guns; vehicle maintenance; blacksmiths; operating the telephone exchange; engineering work; sorting mail; manufacturing field oven; chopping wood for the oven; food preparation; boot mending; camp cinema; various games including cards, bowls, cricket, swimming, boxing; disinfecting plant for killing pests in soldiers' blankets; digging trenches; erecting tents. Opening of the Kiwi Club at Helwan, formed through the efforts of Lady Lampson. Three photographs taken by a sergeant of the Royal Marines, showing action related to the battleship Admiral Graf Spee and the Battle of the River Plate (p 65, 111, 133) New Zealanders resident in England who volunteeered at the outbreak of war are shown training with the Eastern Command; manoevres with the 2nd Echelon in Britain, and the opening of a new club for New Zealanders in Charing Cross Road; Winston Churchill visiting Australian and New Zealand troops in 1940; NZ armourers and wireless operators working for the RAF; information about the longest non-stop reconnaisance flight made in a Vickers Wellington bomber, piloted and crewed by members of the RNZAF Bomber Squadron (5 crew + 1 officer from the Navy to assist in ship identification); and Winston Churchill visiting Australian and New Zealand troops. In Libya scenes show a motor rail car which patrolled the rail to Matruh; "Whare Kiwi" dugout in the Libyan Desert; The first air raid experienced in a small village in the Cairo area. NZ airmen arrive in Canada for training in the Empire Air Trianing Scheme; haka led by Pine Takarangi. Transportation of troops and equipment across inland water, use of collapsible assault boats and building bridges. Western Desert battle; Italian and Libyan prisoners of war; captured tanks and vehicles; view of the Italian defence line; also the surrender of Traghen when the whole population of the Libyan Fort marched out in surrender. Various hospital scenes, both in England and in Egypt, including occupational therapy activities. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cloth cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: [1939-1945]

By: Metzger, Max, active 1939-1945

Reference: MS-Papers-7389

Description: Comprises active service log book for mechanical transport vehicles; Desert Purchasing Organisation stock list; menus for restaurants in various cities; brochure introducing the Citizens' Reception Council, Perth; Donkey Derby, Maadi NZ Camp programme; church service, Cairo programme; Royal Opera House, Cairo, NAAFI programme and revue (1942); Shafto entertainment programme; and two issues of `Gen; the services' fortnightly' (n29, 27 Mar, n31, 24 Apr 1943) Source of title - Supplied Other Titles - Gen; the services' fortnightly, Mar, Apr 1943 Metzger served in World War Two Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss and printed matter

Date: 1945-2002

From: O'Sullivan, Vincent Gerard, 1937- : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-8612-091

Description: Photocopies of post mortem reports and correspondence r4elating to death of John Mulgan. Also, account of Cairo in 1945 by Les Cleveland. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [ca 1939-1945]

Reference: PA1-o-1537

Description: Photograph album comprising photographs and postcards taken and collected by GMC who served in the Middle East during World War II. Includes photographs of Middle East cities, harbours, buildings and portraits of New Zealand soldiers. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: 170 x 250 mm Provenance: Purchased at auction, 2009

Date: [ca 1941-1943]

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: PAColl-4161-01-074

Description: A few photographs include captions. A series of images relating to the work undertaken by the NZ Railway Construction Company NZE, including group photographs; series of images of town and country scenes in and around Cairo; soldiers recreation (beach, tennis and library); military weddings (Routledge and Mason weddings); NZ tanks in UN parade through Cairo; infantrymen training; damaged buildings; NZ Forces Club; etc Quantity: 92 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1890-1973

From: Pearson, William Harrison (Dr), 1922-2002: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-1749-5

Description: Duplicate copies of photographs in PAColl-1749-1, -2, and -4; assorted photograph envelopes and other envelopes, mainly from Pearson's time with the services in Egypt, including National Patriotic Fund Board, Alexander Club, Britannia Bookshop, Cairo; also an envelope addressed to Pearson in London, to Miss Pearson, Greymouth, and photographers Inksters Ltd, Greymouth, and Tornquist Studio, Auckland Quantity: 16 b&w original photographic print(s). 14 b&w copy photographic print(s). Physical Description: Photographic prints, envelopes

Date: 1945-1946

From: Pearson, William Harrison (Dr), 1922-2002: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-1749-2

Description: Photographs relating to Pearson's service during World War II, including scenes in Cairo, the Pyramids, the sphinx, agriculture and everyday lives of the locals; the swimming pool at the Alamein club; a group of soldiers camping by the Arno river; scenes in Rome and Florence; and the Scuola Aeronatica building where the Jayforce were housed prior to leaving for Japan. Most are views of local people and places but there is one of Pearson with Bob Platt on leave from Maadi, Pearson with army personnel at the NAAFI Club in Rome, and relaxing by Lake Timsah, Egypt Pearson sailed from New Zealand with the 15th Reinforcements, arriving in Cairo after the war was over. Pearson was transferred to the Postal Corps and and accepted in to the Jayforce. The first contingent for the Jayforce was formed in Florence in Nov 1945 and sailed for Japan in Feb 1946. Quantity: 150 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints

Date: 10-11 Mar 2008

From: Methven Heritage Project - RSA and Arable oral history project

By: Harrison, Thomas Drayton, 1922-

Reference: OHInt-0920-05

Description: Interview with Tom Harrison. Born in 1922 at Drayton farm, Methven. Refers to his grandfather Henry James Harrison, his parents Thomas Solomon Harrison, Daisy Isobel Harrison (nee Smith), and siblings. Describes life on Drayton farm, growing oats, grass seed and wheat, had sheep and cattle for fattening. Recalls going to Methven District High School on horse and cart, and pursuits of swimming, rugby and athletics. Says left school in the Depression to work on the farm. Refers to being called up to join army in 1941 during World War Two. Says trained at Burnham camp for three months, home for Christmas 1941, then to Ashburton camp. Mentions had appendicitis, so went home, and did harvesting at Hawarden, North Canterbury. Says went into Air Force January 1943, trained at Levin, and at air gunners school in Blenheim. Left with 13th Reinforcements on the 'Dinata Castle' ship from Wellington, stopping at Perth, Fremantle, then over the Indian Ocean to Egypt. Mentions playing yuka on board. Trained for six weeks at Maadi Camp 1944, and had leave to sightsee at Pyramids, Sphinx and Cairo. Talks about leaving heat of Egypt to travel to snow in Bari, Italy. Details training in village, then back to the war at Forli. Says he was in the Div Q (support squadron of 2nd New Zealand Division) which was sent to support Maori Battalion. Details his role and driving Bren carrier. Refers to being sent to Padova where Colonel Jim Williams was wounded and a sergeant killed. Mentions partisans bringing German prisoners to the house. Says had leave in Venice at hotel procured by General Freyberg. Talks about going into Trieste from above, the role of Tito's mob and VE Day. Says saw Tom Currie and Natalie Currie, and had Methven reunion in Trieste. Recalls spending six weeks with anaemic dysentry in Bari hospital. Says the single men of the 13th, 14th, and 15th reinforcements had to go to Japan. Recalls voyage via Suez Canal, stopping in Singapore to let off those with measles, then to Hong Kong, arriving in Kure harbour, Japan. Says Div Cav (2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry regiment of 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force) was sent to Eta Jima island in March 1946. Describes visiting Hiroshima, Tokyo and seeing starving Japanese. Mentions those who went back to Hiroshima were exposed to radiation. Says shifted to mainland Japan and drove jeep for four months. Recalls voyage home to Lyttelton and meeting family at Ashburton train station. Talks about going shearing in Methven for year after return from war. Bought local farm by auction. Refers to marriage in 1947 to Kathleen May King and their children. Talks about growing wheat, barley, white clover. Mentions he had LIP (lease in perpetuity) land which he was able to buy at reduced price under Muldoon's government, and also an 82 acre farm block. Discusses sporting activites, football, golf, swimming and horse racing, and being patron of Methven trotting and gun clubs. Mentions socialising at Methven RSA, and being President, and memorial at Mount Hutt College. Refers to womens section of RSA. Mentions none of his sons wanted to farm. Talks about son Graeme Harrison living in Japan, starting Five Star Beef, and being assistant manager of Meat Board. Mentions sale of Seafield meatworks. Describes trip with daughter to wartime locations in 1977. Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016745 - OHC-016746 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6027, OHDL-001822. Search dates: 1922 - 2008

Date: Feb 1941-1941

From: Downes, Peter, 1928- : Photographs

By: Photo Studio Kerop

Reference: PAColl-10169-2

Description: Two formal group portraits of New Zealand army personnel during World War II. Both date from 1941. The Middle East image was taken by Photo Studio Kerop. The first image shows the 3rd Training Unit of the Army Service Corps, B Company, at Trentham, Feb 1941. The second shows New Zealand Army Base and Field Post Office staff, Middle East, 1941. Although no individuals are identified, both images probably include Alexander Knowles. Arrangement: Were originally numbered PAColl-10161-001 and PAColl-10161-002 Quantity: 2 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints

Date: 1930s-1940s

By: Meikle, John Edward, 1914-1994; Wright, Nadia Helen, 1947-; Lysons, Markham Carthew, 1907-1944

Reference: ATL-Group-00158

Description: Photographs and papers relating to Jackson Bay and John Edward Meikle's service with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Egypt and Italy during World War Two. Photographs comprise portraits and landscapes, including aerial photography, by Meikle, and commercial photographic souvenir prints of Egypt, a series of photographic prints of Jackson Bay and environs by Markham Carthew Lysons, loose prints and negatives of Jackson Bay and surroundings and some on loose pages with captions, all dated from circa 1930s to 1940s. Also two undated studio portraits. Manuscripts comprise typescripts, personal and business correspondence, reports, invoices, newspaper clippings, ephemera, and printed matter, relating to New Zealand, Egypt, and Italy, mostly from the period 1930s-1940s. MS-Group-1261 and PA1-o-1562 Meikle arrived in Jackson Bay in 1939 to work for the YMCA, and was also involved with the YMCA in Egypt and Italy during World War Two. Quantity: 14 folder(s). 46 b&w original negative(s). 153 b&w original photographic print(s). 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Correspondence, invoices, publications, typescripts, handwritten letters, photographic prints and negatives. Provenance: Donor is the daughter of John Meikle.

Date: 1942

From: Meikle, John Edward, 1914-1994: Papers and photographs

Reference: MSI-Papers-12199

Description: Two printed posters relating to World War Two events in the Mediterranean, especially the Egyptian and North African theatres of war. Both posters dated 1942, with illustrations of conflict scenes, including location maps. All text in Arabic. The imprint translates as "this is the report of the supreme security forces command issued on 1 July 1942". Quantity: 1 folder(s) 2 posters. Physical Description: Printed matter, colour printed posters, 41 x 59 cm.

Date: [ca 1941-1945]

From: Meikle, John Edward, 1914-1994: Papers and photographs

Reference: MS-Papers-12199-13

Description: Printed magazine relating to World War Two events and theatres of war. This would appear to be an issue of the Egyptian/Arabic edition of the British magazine 'Neptune', aimed at merchant seamen and published in several languages during World War Two. Magazine features illustrations of military personnel, equipment, scenes of combat, and a portrait of Sir Winston Churchill on the frontispiece. All text in Arabic. The title may be transcribed as "Nebtoon". Backcover illustration includes British naval ensign. Quantity: 1 folder(s) 1 pamphlet. Physical Description: Printed journal with staple binding, 24 pages.

Date: 1942

Reference: MapColl-521hk/1942/Acc.56957

Description: Printed map with the title 'El Daba' and headed "Not to be published". Imprint "MDR 1006/1894". Map "Compiled, drawn & printed by 19th. Field Survey Coy., R. E. June, 1942. Revised and reproduced by 512 Fd. Survey Coy., R.E. M.E. Sept., 1942. Names repositioned and Quattara Depression surveyed." Annotated verso "1/250,000 Alex & Daba" in pencil. Title transcribed from item. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Printed map with annotations, 64.5 x 89.5 cm. Processing information: Accession number corrected [Igor 19/12/2022].

Date: [ca 1912-1945]

By: Cowan, Erica, active 1978-2001; Ginders, C A, active 1940s; Marsh, Robert George Stanley, 1862?-1940; Mitchell, Trevor Vernon, -1942

Reference: PAColl-0324

Description: The collection includes two different sets of photographs. The first is the photographs from the collection of Thomas Vernon Mitchell taken while he was serving in the army in the Middle East in the Second World War. They include tourist scenes of the ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane; the city of the dead in Cairo; street scenes in Jerusalem, Tiberias and Aleppo; tombs of the caliphs in Cairo; the Dead Sea; the tower of King David, Jerusalem; the Hotel Yarkon, Tel Aviv; the citadel entrance, Aleppo; and Tiberias Hot Springs. Other images are a 24th Battalion chuch parade in February 1941, two views of Mitchell's grave, the effects of a sandstorm on a military camp in the desert, Mitchell and his friends on rickshaws, Papakura infantry at Trentham in October 1940, and the 24th Battalion party at Cairo 1941. Most of the photographs are captioned and names given are: Warren, Abbott, Coleman, Braser, Wright, Scott, Hargreaves, Walton, Jamieson, Morpeth, Christianson, Battesby, Bullen, Ready, Procter, Pryde, Brash, Naismith, Steel, Shaw, Bush, Banks, Seavill, Allen, McCowan, Buckingham, Boyce, Hawke, Logie, Trubshaw, Olsen, Conder, Horrocks, Rawson, Gilfilan, Bradley, Pratt, Dow, Bremner, Ker, Stark, James and Cutler. The second set of photographs is of a trip by George Philips to the Rotorua area in May 1912. They include Philips and others at Tutea Falls, Okere; in front of Maori carvings and Ohinemutu; in a punt at Hamurana Spring; and on Hinemoa Step, Okere Falls. The photographer of this is Marsh of Rotorua. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 54 b&w original photographic print(s) loose. 18 b&w photo-mechanical print(s). 4 b&w original photographic print(s) mounted.

Date: 1913, 1917, 1940-1945

By: Sabiston, Leslie Arthur, 1914-2008

Reference: PAColl-0261

Description: Includes two group portraits of delegates to 1913 & 1917 Conference of the New Zealand Federated Engine Drivers, River Engineers and Firemen's Association. Also prints of World War, 1939-1945, Egypt, Palestine and Italy. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 70 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1942-1945

From: Searell, Luscombe Arthur :Albums of photographs of 2NZEF in Lebanon, Western Desert and Italy

Reference: PA1-o-945

Description: A mixture of personal snaps, commercial photographs and official war photographs. Most of them relate to Italy in 1944, and a trip during August and September 1945 (possibly the jouney home) which included a stop over at Athens. The associated ships were the Ville D'Oran and the Strathmore. The personal snaps conclude with a record of the sights of Melbourne, Australia. Quantity: 1 album(s).