Interview with Rawdon Busfield

Rawdon Busfield was born in Christchurch. Gives details of family and educational background. Outlines his career with Farmers Trading Company which started after leaving school in 1932 and continued for 54 years with a break for World War II.

Talks about his first involvement with YMCA and how he became Field Secretary during the war. Was appointed to 21st Battalion in 1941 and describes his duties. Mentions Italy and explains that senior YMCA Secretary was always attached to Freyberg HQ. Gives his views on Freyberg. Mentions the wish of Freyberg to have a resort for use by New Zealand soldiers while on leave in the Dolomites in Northern Italy. Talks about the desert and recreation arranged for the men when they were away from front line. Describes facilities at Maadi Camp and Lowry Hut. Describes various forms of German weapons and attacks. Explains the role of the YMCA secretaries who were attested soldiers and wore a uniform. Discusses how the YMCA was funded by the National Patriotic Board. Gives details of structure overseas. Was made Battalion Patron. Mentions that Battalion Association has its headquarters at Mt Roskill. Mentions the Maori Battalion. Recalls hitting a mine while going to Tobruk and being deaf for 2 or 3 days. Describes other members of the YMCA; Basil Potter and Graeme Glaister. Recalls that after the war he became a member of Auckland Board which had building in Wellesley Street, later moving to Pitt Street. Became Auckland president. Gives his views on the meaning of C in YMCA.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Auckland

Other - no biographical information sheet at time of editing

Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyeck

Venue - 2/281 Tamaki Drive

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006414-006415

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1496.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.