Suda Bay

Date: 1939-1945

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: McIntyre, Peter, 1910-1995

Reference: PA1-q-295

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in the Middle East and Egypt during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official purposes. Many of the personnel identified are listed above, but group portraits in which individuals are named, are not individually listed above. Images include a consignment of 3000 cases of apples arriving at the New Zealand Forces Club in Egypt; YMCA secretaries of the NZEF in Crete before the blitz; NZ pilots at advanced RAF training school in England; King George II of Greece inspecting troops in the Middle East, being entertained by members of the Maori Battalion, and presenting medals to the platoon acting as his bodyguard on the Greek royal family's evacuation from Crete to Egypt (p 6-11). American aid to the ANZACs, showing a function in New York celebrating the presentation of over 100 ambulances to the fighting forces in Egypt, with (on p 12-15) views in Egypt of the ambulances & mobile surgical unit; the General Hospital at Helwan, with views inside wards, and life of convalescents including a swimming carnival, picnics and yachting (p 16-20); nurses' life at the General Hospital (p 139-141). Arrival of a mobile canteen for the YMCA (p 20-21); NZ soldiers on leave in Cairo; NZ cricket team at the Gezira Sporting Club (p 23-24); Parades of NZ units reviewed by general Freyberg; A YMCA canteen service van in Crete; opening of the Lowry Hut (p 8, p 28-30, p 34-35); Rowing races between a NZ team and Cairo representative team at the Cairo River Club (p 30-31, p 67). PM Peter Fraser's tour of NZ activities in Britain; broadcasts to NZ through the BBC's New Zealand programme (p 32-33, 92-93, 124-125); the New Zealand Forces Club (p 35-39, 44); ENSA Concert Party (p 40-42); staff at NZ House in London sorting parcels from NZ for NZ personnel. Attack on Crete (p 44-53), views taken by a German photographer who was killed in Crete, including Junkers transport carriers, Axis destroyers and wrecked German planes at Maleme airport; transport ship Glengyle after the evacuation from Crete. HMS Leander (p 55-61, p 79, p 84-85), includes group of sailors & NZ officers, all identified. Maori Battalion training in the Middle East; incidents during route march; two views of the official Netherlands Indies Women's organisation in wartime who looked after NZ airmen passing through batavia (Djakarta) (P 66, 68); sports meeting at the Prince Farouk Stadium Cairo (p 68-73, 83); artillery callibrating guns (p 73-79); field ordnance worlshops; Mobile Surgical Unit; copies of paintings by war artist peter McIntyre (p 87-91); Bomber Command Operational Training Unit. Postal unit (p 94-101); wireless operator air gunners after training at the WAG course at Mountain View Air Station in Canada (all named, p 96-97); investiture conferring Greek decorations on NZ officers (p 101-102, 110-111); Kiwi Concert Party (p 103-110); manouevres in the desert; fire brigade at NZ Base Camp (p 118-122); 2nd Echelon Office keeping personal records (p 120, 122-123); camp laundry in Egypt (p 128-130); work of a Light Aid Detachment in the field; the original ANZAC Club, Singapore (p 144); training under active service conditions in desert (p 145-149); visit by NZ soldiers to a stable maintained by the Egyptian Government at Heliopolis raising Arab horses. Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 782-1226. Follows sequence established in PA1-q-294. Quantity: 1 album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 1940-1941, 1945

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-4161-01-103

Description: Series of photographs of the memorial service, and luncheon given by people of Galatas, in Sep 1945. Shows Maori Battalion choir lead by Padre Capt W T Huata; guests of honour at the luncheon held where NZ Divisional HQ were situated in 1941; march past and band of Maori Battalion; war cemetery at Galatas; local Cretans including priests; Naval Guard of Honour from cruiser Ajax. Images of the bombardment in vicinity of Canea, 24 May 1941; map of Canea & Suda Bay area and diagramatic map showing German and Allied positions; dispositions near Canea, 30 Apr 1941; map re withdrawal to Sphakia (drawn by R L Chemis); German war graves; badly burnt German corpse; NZ YMCA Galatas showing L/Cpl Goodall & Simon Watson (YMCA Sec) with monk. Ted Garviet (?) and Ray Wilton of 18th Auckland battalion on a horse-drawn cart; troops on board ship and after disembarkation; German first-aid post near battlefield between Galatas and Maleme; aerial photo of wreckage of German planes near Maleme; two photos of young German soldiers setting off for Crete. Members of 5th Field Park NZE arriving at Galatas after evacuation of Greece, Sep 1941; aerial photos of coast near Canea; arrival of British troops; members of `A' Coy 5 NZ Field Ambulance; barques in Canea harbour similar to those used by Germans for sea-borne attempt on Crete; group of 5 Infantry Brigade (Capt Dawson, Brig Hargest & Capt Mason); photo of notice to members of British forces from Commander of Kreta to surrender to German troops; man in Cretan national costume; topographical and strategical map of Crete drawn by Kenneth Turner; view looking across Suda Bay to smoke from destroyed German plane in the distance (ca 20-27 May 1941); diagramatic sketch of Western Sector to show German airborne invasion of Crete, drawn by Kenneth Turner Series of British Official photographs of the German bombing of the Heraklion aerodrome, near Candia Quantity: 106 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 25 Jan 2001

From: Second World War oral history project - Crete

By: White, John Charles (Sir), 1911-2007

Reference: OHInt-0729-15

Description: Sir John Charles White born Dunedin 1911. Mentions attendance at Columba College, McGlashan College, Dunedin and Wellesley College. Refers to cadet training at school. Recalls enlisting for World War II and explains how he became ADC [aide-de-camp] to General Freyberg, and role expected of him as ADC. Mentions changes in size of Freyberg's command, length of time in Egypt, impressions of Freyberg while in Egypt and the general's association with General Wavell [Commander in Chief, Middle East]. Refers to Brigadier Puttick who took command while [General] Freyberg was in England. Describes Freyberg's feelings about New Zealand. Talks about Freyberg's role in Greece and his role at Larisa. Talks about own role in lead up to battle of Crete and being stationed at Creforce Headquarters. Refers to Jack Griffiths, other ADC to Freyberg. Recalls duties before battle on 20 May [1941] and refers to [George II] King of Greece being on Crete. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Jock Phillips Accompanying material - map of Greece showing Creforce Headquarters Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009472-009473; OHLC-004838-004839 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3070, OHDL-001155. Search dates: 2001

Date: 7 Dec 2000

From: Second World War oral history project - Crete

By: Dyson, Richard Herbert, 1917-2006

Reference: OHInt-0729-07

Description: 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

Date: 29 April 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: DA-12253-F

Description: Colonel [Kenrick?] and sisters of 1 General Hospital at Suda Bay, Crete, prior to embarkation for Egypt, 29th April, 1941. Photographer unidentified. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Film negative

Date: 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: DA-01328-F

Description: Transport entering Suda Bay, Crete, with NZ troops evacuated from Greece. Taken circa May 1941 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [ca 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: DA-03763-F

Description: 2nd NZEF 26 Battalion, on board the Thurland Castle, arriving in Suda Bay during the Crete campaign. Photograph taken by I O Bird circa 1941. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: May 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: DA-01327-F

Description: Bombs bursting among gun emplacements in Suda Bay, Crete, a half an hour before the Germans entered the bay during World War II. Note sunken ships. Taken in May 1941 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: Dec 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

Reference: DA-04464-F

Description: Elevated view of the entrance to Suda Bay in Crete, showing the fort in the foreground. Taken in December 1940 by a British official photographer. Other - Note on DA file print: The fort in the foreground was occupied by RNT and said to be lousy. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 29 Sep 1945

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-03309-F

Description: Crete veterans in the New Zealand Division look at Crete from the deck of the HMS Ajax in Suda Bay, where the 2 NZEF landed in 1941. Photograph taken on 29 September 1945 by J Murphy. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 27 April 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: DA-03726-F

Description: World War II troops arriving at Suda Bay, Crete, Greece. Taken by an unidentified photographer on the 27th of April 1941. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: Apr 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: DA-01611-F

Description: British, Australian and New Zealand troops disembark at Suda Bay, Crete, April, 1941. Photographer unidentified. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: between 1939-1945

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-01040

Description: Soldiers at a 2nd NZEF transit camp at Suda Bay, Crete. Taken by an unidentified photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).