Interview with Norman Grenfell

Norman Wilfred (Wilfrid ?) Grenfell born Wellington 1908. Recalls life as a clerk before the outbreak of World War II. Gives reasons for grading because of flat feet. Became 2nd Lieutenant and was attached to 75th Light Brigade and was involved in training men. Mentions threat of Japanese landing. Recalls being transferred to Featherston Camp and journey which took 2 hours and 40 mins by train from Wellington. Reference to Charlie Gardiner. Describes officers mess and recalls barbed wire and first impressions of Featherston. Discusses the Japanese prisoners held at Trentham. Recalls not being there during the riot - arrived months later but was responsible for seeing that blood stained clothing was burned. Recalls hearing reactions of those who were at the camp during riot and the efforts he made to find out what happened to bodies and describes information received. Mentions some Japanese prisoners - Nakiama (no 1 boy), Adachi (a sub Lieutenant) and Oby (Obi). Describes Saturday morning parade when 100 Japanese prisoners marched down Main St, Featherston and type of work done by prisoners. Talks about prisoners escapes. Describes artefacts which he picked up. Reference to canes, card sticks and mahjong set. Mentions Court of Inquiry held into incident at Featherston and keeps a transcript of it. Refers to Keith Robertson who gave evidence at inquiry. Recalls end of war and Japanese marching out with reference to Sandy Ashton (an interrogater).

Describes social life at the time and the hospitality received from the Donald family who were in the Wairarapa since 1840 and ran a dairy farm - Reference to Aunt Bessy and import of first butter making machine. Recalls meeting wife and marriage.

Other topics covered include: Featherston after departure; building of tunnel; reverting back to civilian life and intervening 50 years.

Fred Howell of Heritage Featherston sat in on interview but didn't take part except to comment when Norman was showing artefacts.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Featherston

Abstracted by - Gabrielle McLaughlin

Interviewer(s) - Cathy Casey

Venue - 112 Fitzherbert St, Featherston

Accompanying material - Newspaper clippings from Wairarapa Times Age, of Editorial Features run by Cathy Casey on Featherston Camp prisoners during World War II.

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004986-004987; OHLC-001254-001255

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1. 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0963.

Search dates: 1908 - 1992

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