World War, 1939-1945 - Hospitals

Date: [ca 1940-1943]

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-4161-01-179

Description: Five captioned photos of the NZ General Hospital, Syria (in former French barracks) - X-Ray Dept with soldier awaiting treatment (Lt D W Urquhart); view of interior of a ward; C.O. of the hospital at his desk; patients on the balcony (J H Reynolds & E W Smalley); Sisters N Newton, V M Hodges, A Berry & I Skegg). General view of the NZ General Hospital at Helwan, Egypt Quantity: 6 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [ca 1991]

By: Richardson, John, active 1930-1991

Reference: MS-Papers-10709

Description: Richardson summarises his experiences under `Capitaos inglisi or the Captain with the Crooked Face' and further describes his experiences in letters to John and Julie Snadden Source of title - Supplied Richardson was a prisoner of war during WWII and these papers covers his experiences in Bardia, Bari, Parama and Altamura hospitals in the Western desert and Italy, and in Camp 82 in Italy Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph and mss

Date: 1940-1944

By: Corson, Norah Broughton, 1908-2002

Reference: MS-Group-0205

Description: The letters from Sister Norah Corson to her family and friends, give details of the routine and conditions of the camps and hospitals, the living conditions experienced by Corson and the social and sightseeing activities Corson participated in. Source of title - supplied Corson, a member of the Army Nursing Reserve, left New Zealand in Jan 1940 as a nurse aboard the `Dunera' accompanying the First Echelon of the 2nd NZEF. She served as a nurse in NZ General hospitals attached to the Expeditionary Force in the various campaigns it took part in. She nursed in Egypt, Greece, Crete, Lebanon, Lybia and Italy. She also accompanied wounded troops back to New Zealand aboard the `Maunganui' in late 1941. Quantity: 4 folder(s). 0.04 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescripts (carbon copies) Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - N B Corson, 1992

Date: 1943

From: [Christmas cards sent during the Second World War, from soldiers and other servicemen. 1940-1945].

By: 3rd NZ General Hospital (Beirut, Lebanon)

Reference: Eph-A-CARDS-Christmas-WWII-1943-03

Description: A greeting card sent from the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital. It shows a tiki and red cross on the front cover, and, inside, a picture of the hospital, set up in a fort in the Middle East, with red crosses on the walls and an ambulance driving by. Quantity: 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Offset print on folded card, 88 x 137 mm. Provenance: Purchased in 2005.

Date: 6 Nov 2000 - 06 Nov 2000

From: Wartime nurses project

By: Parata, Margaret Isabel, 1915-2010

Reference: OHInt-0731/03

Description: Margaret Isabel Parata born Taieri 1915. Recalls attending Archfield boarding school, training as a nurse at Dunedin Hospital and travelling through Canada and America to England. Backgrounds becoming an army nurse, and describes months spent at 1st New Zealand General Hospital in England (Pinewood, near Cawthorne). Talks about the Maori Battalion and comments on `these young bashful boys' also mentions their singing and other customs of gathering local thistles from the English fields. Recalls further duty in Egypt, travelling on the `Georgic' and working in a tent hospital at Helmieh which she describes. Was sent back to Crete and describes conditions of journey. Refers to Peter McIntyre's drawing of Crete where the parachutists landed. Back to Egypt again and nursed at Helwan until the end of the war, travelling home on the 'Oranje'. Describes hospital which was a converted Edwardian hotel. Talks about pneumonia patients, lack of drugs and M & B medication. Recalls marriage to husband, Hone, being married by Jack Sommerville. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012495 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4304, OHDL-000837.

Date: 29 Nov 1999

From: Wartime nurses project

By: Skelton, Ellen Jessie, 1913-2004

Reference: OHInt-0731/06

Description: Ellen Jessie Skelton born Methven 1913. Explains that family actually lived at Hanmer. Recalls training as a nurse at Dunedin Hospital, commencing 1935 and doing maternity training at Wanganui. Recalls going to Waiouru Military Camp and leaving for overseas duty, travelling on the `Aquitania', eventually arriving at Helmieh - a tented hospital in the desert which she describes. Mentions type of treatment and recalls arrival of antibiotics and sulphur drugs before the war ended. Talks about move to Syria and conditions. Mentions marriage in Syria, experience in Helwan Hospital, return to London before war had ended and getting a job as a district nurse. Mentions the QAs (Queen Alexandra's Imperial Nursing Service) and the VAD's. Describes district nursing in London during the bombing, celebrations on VE Day, birth of daughter and decision of family to return to New Zealand. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012491 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4301, OHDL-000840.

Date: 23 April 2002; 2-7 May 2002 - 23 Apr 2002 - 07 May 2002

By: McBride, Patricia, active 1974-2016; Scoullar, Leo Bryan, 1917-2010

Reference: OHColl-0623-01

Description: Bryan Scoullar was born in Wellington in 1917. Talks about parents, childhood in Khandallah, and Catholic schooling and networks, including the Hibernian Society. Mentions lack of money, and family values. Talks about work at Scoullars furnishing company, Wellington. Mentions the Haining Street raids, the 1931 Depression riots and the injuries received by protestors. Mentions his love of music and playing the piano. Discusses at length his involvement in World War II as a medical orderly and as a prisoner of war (POW). Talks about enlisting, field ambulance work and hospital life tending sick soldiers in Maadi, Egypt. Mentions visiting Syria and Jerusalem before El Alamein. Describes a German onslaught in the desert, and being the sole person captured. Talks about being a POW in Italy, hepatitis, the Aquafredda work camp in Italy, attempts to escape, being recaptured and 12 months as an orderly at a prison hospital in Munich. Describes air raids, being bombed by the Allies, prison between the United States and German lines, war ending, and being rescued by Americans. Describes the task of orderlies which were taken over by female nurses in Cairo hospitals. Mentions outbreak of sandfly fever. Recalls how orderlies were perceived by nurses and soldiers. Mentions his brother Patrick's death on HMNZS Monowai. Mentions repatriation, living in Wilton, Wellington, and the difficulty of settling back in to life and work. Mentions the position of POWs regarding compensation and the Returned Services Association (RSA). Talks about his involvement in the Catholic Church after the war. Interviewer(s) - Trish McBride Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC10807 - 10811 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3823. Colour photo of Bryan Scoullar; photocopies of buildings in Dunedin; photocopies of The Scoullar Company building in Lambton Quay, Wellington. Search dates: 1939 - 1945

Date: ca 1939-1980

From: Adams, Carolyn, 1948-: World War II papers and photographs relating to Chauncey Raymond William Adams

Reference: PAColl-10826

Description: Photographs taken circa 1939 to 1980 by an unknown photographer relating to Chauncey Raymond William Adams' military service in World War Two as a member of the 25th Batallion. There are a number of portraits and group photographs of members of the 25th Batallion during the North African Campaign. There are also photographs of military hospitals, soldiers interacting with locals, and everyday activities. Some photographs have a handwritten description on the reverse which identify locations and persons. Also includes a group portrait taken by an unknown photographer in 1980 of a reunion of the 25th Battalion in Wellington. Also includes a copy of a panoramic photograph which is a group portrait Third Echelon of the 25th Battalion taken by Richard James John Thomson circa 1939 to 1945 at Trentham Military Camp. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 89 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Gelatin silver prints and postcards up to the size of # x # cm.

Date: 1987

By: Burgess, C, active 1930-1988

Reference: MS-Papers-5696

Description: Comprises letter to Jim Henderson in response to letter in Henderson's column, the `Unofficial history' in the NZRSA Review re captured MDS Sidi Resegh in 1941, correcting certainb points Source of title - Supplied Accompanying material - Two letters from Mr Burgess describing the background to writing the letter Quantity: 1 folder(s) (6 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph

Date: 1941

By: Foley, Thomas Joseph, 1914-2008

Reference: PAColl-6677

Description: Photographs taken with a captured German camera, showing 7 (British) Hospital caves on the beach at Chania, May 1941; walking wounded taking cover in a ditch and in an olive grove en route to Suda Bay; and two New Zealand soldiers manning a Bren gun post. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 6 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints

Date: 1942-1943

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: Anderson, Alfred Robert, 1917-1971

Reference: PAColl-4161-01-176

Description: Series of captioned photographs taken by A R Anderson. Include: Convoy near Acre in Palestine; cooking dinner on roadside in Palestine; fort at Suani Ben Adem which was used as part of 3 NZGH; visit of Swazi band and dancers to entertain patients at 3 NZGH; tent wards in plantation; WAAC Xmas dinner at 3 NZGH Beirut, Syria, Dec 1942; Ward B6 decorated for Christmas, Dec 1942; Square and clock tower in Tripoli, Syria; Sir James Grigg and Gen Sir Maitland Wilson on visit to 3 NZGH at Suani Ben Adem. Series of photographs taken at 3 NZGH, Helmieh - Operating theatre; X Ray Dept; patients receiving massage treatment; hut wards; Wardmaster in his office; Dispensary; staff at work in laboratory; inside the cookhouse; mess rooms for patients; Officers, sergeants and men's messes; Sisters' sitting room; WWSA tent; staff at work in the Hygiene Section workshop; staff at work in carpenter's shop; visit of Gen Sir C Auchinleck (Apr 1942). Funeral of WWSA Miss Anderson of Dunedin, Apr 1942; mule train in Syria; exterior of wards A & B at 3 NZGH, Beirut, Syria; general view of Beirut; rugby match (Jan 1943); Occupational Dept at 3 NZGH, Beirut; patient being admitted to 3 NZGH, Beirut (Jan 1943); military funeral at Beirut War Cemetery, Aug 1942; nurses of 3 NZGH playing basketball at Beirut (Feb 1943); Temple of Bacchus and remains of the cornice of Temple of Jupiter, Baalbeck, Syria; HMHS Llandovery Castle in Tripoli harbour, Tripolitania, Mar 1943; unit marching down to position on Tripoli-Suani road for visit of the King, Jun 1943. Series of photos taken at 3 NZGH, Suani Ben Adem, Aug 1943 - Tented wards; laboratory; soya stoves outside cookhouses; POWs cutting firewood; patient receiving treatment in saline bath; unit administration tents; one of the kitchens; operating theatre. Quantity: 67 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1943

From: Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908-1972 :Photographic albums, prints and negatives

Reference: 1/2-08411-F

Description: Shows a patient in bed in a hospital within the Japanese prisoner of war camp near Featherston. Photograph taken by John Dobree Pascoe in 1943. Note on back of file print reads: Orig. neg. 1/4-784-F damaged (fingermarks) Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).

Date: 26 Oct 1989

From: New Zealand Medical Women's Association: Records

By: Smith, Margaret Stuart, 1912-2007

Reference: OHInt-0019/03

Description: Margaret Stuart Smith recalls childhood, early decision to enter medicine, education and study at Otago Medical School in 1932, the other students, teaching staff including Professor Fitchett, attitude to women medical students, recalls the Stevenson-Wright family and Christie families, Claudia Weston and Grace Stanley. Describes her first post at Welllington Hospital as house surgeon in 1936, and decision to study anaesthetics, travel to London in 1939 for post graduate study in anaesthesia at Guy's Hospital, Dr McGill a noted anaesthetist and her appointment to Leicester and Coventry, Buster McFarland the head resident surgeon, the layout of Leicester Infirmary, Dr John Gillies, work at Bangour Emergency Service Hospital (just outside Edinburgh), Sir Harold Gillies (plastic surgeon), Norman Dot, Henry Wade, types of operations, German prisoners. Recalls return to London in 1945, work as anaesthetist registrar at the Sick Childrens' Hospital - Great Ormond Street, operating on children, return to New Zealand in 1946 and marriage, her work as consultant anaesthetist, effect of war on acceptance of women doctors, birth of her children, child care and careers of her children, attitude to working mothers, describes changes in anaesthesia techiques during her lifetime, attitude to anaesthetists, attitude to child care and working mothers, describes interest in social issues, National Council of Women Christchurch Branch, her health, attitude of husband. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Neville Glasgow Venue - Dr Smith's home in Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002461 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 50 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 426.

Date: 24 Apr to 27 Sep 1991 - 24 Apr 1991 - 27 Sep 1991

From: New Zealand Medical Women's Association: Records

By: Wraith, Dorothea Mary, 1910-1993

Reference: OHInt-0019/06

Description: Dr Wraith describes childhood in Wellington and the Hutt Valley, education, desire to be a doctor, attendance at Newnham College, Cambridge, attitude to women medical students in the 1930s, work as a house surgeon in London hospitals during the Blitz (World War II), the development of her interest in child psychology, psychotherapy and psychiatry. Discusses the state of these disciplines in the 1940s. Recalls conscription into Indian Medical Service, work and conditions in India and Ceylon, further study in England in psychiatry after the war, work in Uganda, her interest in Jungian theory and psychodynamics, analytic training as a Jungian analyst, work in child guidance clinics, marriage and return to New Zealand and the Wellington Child Guidance Clinic. Discusses Jungian analysis, its use in New Zealand, and training seminars in psychodynamics that she has run. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Neville Glasgow Venue - Dr Wraith's home at Eastbourne, Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004285 - OHC-004289 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 interview(s). 4.04 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 689. Colour photograph of Dr Wraith, undated

Date: 29 September 1983 - 29 Sep 1983

From: New Zealand Nursing Education and Research Foundation oral history project

By: Somerton, Jessie Watson, 1918-2001; Storey, Doris Margaret Patricia, 1921-2005

Reference: OHInt-0014/155

Description: Miss Jessie Watson Somerton registered as a nurse in 1944. Gives biographical information. Describes nursing in New Plymouth Hospital during World War II with various anedcotes - 'Jap' bags', slit trenches, rationing. Recalls memories of operating theatre, recreation; invalid cookery; administration of drugs - Mist Pot CIT as placebo; graduation; maternity training at Alexander Hospital, Wellington; Midwifery at St Helens Hospital, Auckland and Plunket training at Dunedin; Public Health nursing at New Plymouth, Porirua East, Hokianga, Denbyshire (UK) and Tolaga Bay. Mentions St John's Ambulance Brigade and awards. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - New Plymouth Other - limited biographical information available Interviewer(s) - Doris M Patricia Storey Venue - 17 Trelawney Crescent, New Plymouth Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000187; OHLC-001850 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 22 February 1983 - 22 Feb 1983

From: New Zealand Nursing Education and Research Foundation oral history project

By: Sangster, Eliza Florence, 1904-1992; Storey, Doris Margaret Patricia, 1921-2005

Reference: OHInt-0014/145

Description: Eliza Florence Sangster commenced nursing at Palmerston North Hospital 1924, graduating 1928. Gives some family background. Describes: uniform; nurses home - bathing facilities etc; rules and regulations; examinations; salary - social security - allowances; subcutaneous injections; blood transfusions; infectious diseases; graduation and presentation of medals; nursing hierarchy; private nursing experience; experience at Hanmer Springs hospital for 4 years before war. Compares nursing in public hospitals with private hospitals. Mentions the introduction of 8 hour day and day off. Gives reasons for joining Army Nursing Corps and gives a detailed account of her nursing experience in Suva, Egypt, 2nd General Hospital at Helwan, Jurula? (Desert) - refers to Sister MacMillan. When Rommel retreated set up hospital on the Suez Canal, later going to Italy where she worked in a tent hospital out of Naples. Compares conditions in Italy to those in Egypt. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - New Plymouth Other - limited biographical information available Interviewer(s) - Doris Storey Venue - 11 Lismore Street, New Plymouth Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000099; OHLC-000084; OHLC-004218 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1053.

Date: 29 Sep 1983

From: New Zealand Nursing Education and Research Foundation oral history project

By: Jackson, Muriel Jessie, 1898-1989; Bostock, Corinne, active 1983

Reference: OHInt-0014/081

Description: Muriel Jesse Jackson registered as a nurse in 1928 at Auckland Public Hospital. In 1941 she also served with the Third General Hospital at Crete as a charge sister and was also at the Casualty Clearing Station at Cassino. She became head of the Auckland School of Nursing in 1946. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Auckland Other - limited biographical information available Other - Interview with Marina Eva Jackson on other side of tape Interviewer(s) - C Bostock Venue - 167 Park Rd., Grafton, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000155a; OHLC-000722a; OHLC-004643a Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s) (Side one). 1 interview(s). 30 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 31 August 1994 - 31 Aug 1994

From: National Council of Women: Narratives from a century - oral history project

By: Barrance, Margaret Elsie, 1916-2007; Redwood, Marian, active 1994

Reference: OHInt-0387/03

Description: Margaret Barrance (nee McIntosh) born Timaru but moved to Christchurch while still young. Outlines family background - Scottish and Irish grandparents. Explains the effect the Depression had on family. Describes intake requirements for nursing and type of work undertaken during training. Worked in sweet shop after leaving school. Recalls queues of people waiting for handouts - no work and no unemployment benefit. Describes work of Mrs Teresa Greeb. Refers to 1938 when `Free hospital' arrived. Talks about Army career and describes life at Burnham. Recalls trip to Italy on British troop ship `Dunota Castle' and describes life in Italy and hospital life. Mentions Fascists. Describes the New Zealand hospital in Bari. Describes Assisi and the war in its final stages. Recalls VE Celebrations. Mentions Brigadier Crump. Talks about career after the war as a Child Welfare Officer - reference to Adoptions Officer - explains placement of babies, criteria etc. Was second in charge of Child Welfare Department, Hutt Valley (1961). Explains changes (1974) to Child Welfare Division and Social Security Department. Was local and National President of Soroptimists, Lower Hutt. Recalls involvement with National Council of Women and describes issues involved with. Mentions dealing with the Abortion Act and her membership of the Social Welfare Group (Standing Committee). Mentions Nola McDonald and Miriam Dell. Was also a member of the Catholic Womens League (CWL). Describes time on Committee of Rannerdale House, a patriotic welfare home for returned service men and Lady Freyberg Home. Is an Honorary life member and Gold Star holder of RSA. Explains becomming a JP in 1980. Venue - Lower Hutt Interviewer(s) - Marian Redwood Venue - Lower Hutt Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006296-006297 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1439. Two photographs - one studio portrait of Margaret as a nursing sister, Christchurch Hospital (1942) and one coloured photograph taken in Lower Hutt, outside home about 1990?

Date: 7 Jun 1996 - 07 Jun 1996

From: `Oranje' oral history project

By: Hanrahan, Pauline Noele, 1917-2007

Reference: OHInt-0434-05

Description: Pauline Noele Hanrahan (nee Winks) born Wanganui. Outlines family background - great grandparents, Alexander Winks and his wife Mary Ann McAlister, came from Scotland and settled in Hawera. Recalls childhood memories: events at Papanui school; 1931 earthquake; mother's friendship with Madge Burnet and Mrs Freeman Jackson; secondary education at Wanganui Girls' College; games; father's illness and training as a nurse at New Plymouth Hospital. Recalls outbreak of World War II and having to wait until aged 25 for call up. Describes parties, boyfriends, joys and sorrows as war starts, with reference to death of friend, Mervyn Evans. Talks about maternity training with Mary Burgress. Describes call-up, preparations at Papakura Camp and learning about hospital ships. Mentions Bess Street (nee Minchin) and Margaret Webb, the first Occupational therapist on the Oranje. Recalls going on board the `Oranje' and describes the ship, with reference to the illuminated dance floor and elaborate food cooked by Javanese cooks. Describes the generosity of the Netherlands in funding the luxury liner as a refitted hospital ship for the duration to be used by the Australian and New Zealand Services. Mentions wards for special cases and categories of patients. Mentions loss of `Centaur', with reference to Sister Savage. Describes sailing up the Red Sea to Port Tewfik (Taufiq) and ports of call - Madagascar, Durban, Australian Bight, Devils Bowl, Irish Sea and going through the Mediterranean with reference to Sweetwater canal. People mentioned include: Darwa van der Verte, George van der Linde, Colonel Gerards, Matron van der Roest, Col. Jimmy Watts Waters, Col Anson, Sister Blanche Hellewell, Hon Mrs McClintock of Ballycarey at Red Hall (Belfast), May and Raoul D'Gersigny (Durban), Pearl Gibson (who sang for the troops on the wharfs, Durbin), Marie Curd and Joyce Anderson (Occupational Therapists). Explains part Arie van der Laarse played. Recalls meeting Terry Hanrahan (husband) and marriage in St Joseph's Cathedral, Cairo. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007972-007974; OHLC-004091-004093 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2150. Photocopies of 8 b&w photographs; (i) 1945, Wedding Day, Cairo, Egypt - Terry Hanrahan, Pauline Hanrahan, Molly Foster, John Morrow, Agnes Miller, Jim McIntosh (obscured), Miss Jackson (NZANS); (ii) Pauline Hanrahan, Des Corrigan, NZ Army; (iii) 1945 Wedding Day; (iv) 1945 - Wedding Day, Cairo, Egypt Bridesmaids - Agnes Miller, Molly Foster; (v) 1945 - Wedding Day, Cairo, Egypt, Pauline Hanrahan (nee Winks); (vi) 1945 - St Joseph's Cathedral, Cairo, Egypt, Wedding Day; (vii) Wedding Day; (viii) 1995 - Ashburton. ANZAC Day, wreath laying at Cenotaph Pauline Hanrahan, Gladys Knight; 1 copy of coloured photograph, 1995 Pauline and granddaughters, Frances and Catherine Duffin - Frances's fifth birthday.. Search dates: 1917 - 1996

Date: 7 April 1998 - 07 Apr 1998

From: `Oranje' oral history project

By: Hunt, John Edmund, 1919-2004

Reference: OHInt-0434-06

Description: John Edmund Hunt born Levin but moved with family to Palmerston North where schooling took place including five years at Palmerston North Boys' High School. Recalls Teacher Training days, with reference to section at Thorndon School where Mr Bill Melody was Principal. Recalls volunteering for Airforce in 1940 and joining local territorials while waiting. Refers to 5th Field Ambulance and experience given in this unit. Mentions camp at Foxton where New Zealand Mounted Rifles were seen for possibly the last time. Explains how special unit was to be formed for overseas in 1941. Describes travelling to Sydney on the Taroona and being taken aboard the `Oranje' and gives details of ship and staff quarters. Describes: operating between different ports with wounded, Durban and Capetown with patients, as well as drydock at Simonstown; South Africans in the desert fighting and their wounded; hospitality of South Africans, with reference to Mrs Hartwood?; journeys to and from Tewfik; skirmishes with the enemy in the Red Sea; differences between shore based hospitals and hospital ships; skin conditions and venereal diseases; sulpha-drugs and the introduction of penicillin at the end of the war. Mentions: Col Parke; Dr Johnny Adams; Dr Charlie Moore; Padre Claude Hyde and Harry Squires (Red Cross Officer). Talks about the release of the Australians from the Oranje and the sinking of the Centaur. Mentions the Japanese midget submarines. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007975-007977; OHLC-004094-004096 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2151. Photocopies of four coloured photographs on one sheet: (i) Syd Hood, Jim MacKay, John-Maus ANZAC Day Reunion, Sydney; (ii) Oranje Reunion Auckland; (iii) John and Friend Bill; (iv) Ross, Dick, John Hyde Park, Sydney. Photocopies of four b&w photographs on one sheet: (i) John and Gordon and John's brother's wedding, Palmerston North; (ii) Loading walking patients; (iii) John and Ross; (iv) Loading stretcher cases Suez. Search dates: 1919 - 1998