A refurbished Dutch passenger liner which became a `floating hospital', travelling through Pacific, Mediterranean and Middle East during World War Two. She was on her maiden voyage in 1939 when owing to the outbreak of war it was impossible for her to return to her home port. She joined the Allied shipping pool and sailed under the Dutch flag with a Dutch crew and Dutch, New Zealand, Australian and British hospital staff. Arrived in New Zealand in September 1941 with the first sick and wounded invalids from the fighting in the Middle East. As a mark of appreciation of the work done in bringing home safely Australian and New Zealand soldiers from the Middle East the NZ Government placed a special train at the disposal of the Australian and Netherlands personnel on the Hospital Ship and took them to The Chateau Tongariro where they stayed for three days. See photographs in World War Official Album. Internal 1-437 (PA1-q-291, p 111-121)
Oranje (Ship)
Hanrahan, Pauline Noele, 1917-2007 : Diaries
Date: 30 June 1943-31 Dec 1944
By: Hanrahan, Pauline Noele, 1917-2007
Reference: MS-Papers-5545
Description: Hanrahan qualified as a registered nurse in 1940 and joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Service in July 1943. She sailed the same month from Wellington as a nurse aboard the Dutch hospital ship `Oranje'. During 1943 and early 1944 the `Oranje' made several trips between Port Said and South Africa and Australia and New Zealand. In the later part of 1944 the `Oranje' travelled mainly between the United Kingdom and Italy carrying wounded military personnel. Hanrahan left the ship in Cairo in Dec 1944 and served in the Cairo Number One General Hospital for the remainder of her war service. The diaries cover the period 30 June 1943-31 December 1944 and describe her experiences aboard the `Oranje'. Quantity: 3 folder(s). 0.03 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs (photocopies)
World War, 1939-1945. Hospital ship `Oranje'
Date: [ca 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
By: Boyer, Charles Percy Samuel, 1902-1973
Reference: PAColl-4161-01-180
Description: Series of captioned photographs taken by Netherlands Indies Government Information Service (Film & Photo Unit) of Dutch evacuees arriving in Australia from Java on board the Dutch hospital ship `Oranje'. Includes ex-internees released from Japanese camps; Dutch family groups (all named); general views of the ship with walking wounded; nursing and medical staff; hospital facilities on board; Captain and officers. Series of photographs of returning soldiers from on board `Oranje' (no captions). Series of photos taken for The Dominion (Wellington) showing groups of nurses; military personnel; official welcome home; soldiers and their families (no captions). Series of photographs taken by C.P.S.Boyer of Wellington showing soldiers being welcomed home. Includes Lady Newall welcoming a NZ officer; Governor General chatting with a soldier at the Clearing Hospital; Mrs C A Bennie and Lady Elliot handing out cigarettes to invalided men. Series of captioned publicity photographs of Australian and Dutch personnel from the Oranje on leave at the hotel, Chateau Tongariro, skiing, horseriding, relaxing at the hotel and during a dinner party. Photographs taken during a military parade in Wellington, possibly 1941 Quantity: 110 b&w original photographic print(s).
World War II Official album. 398-781
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
Reference: PA1-q-294
Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in Greece, Crete, the Middle East and Egypt during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official use. This album includes a number of official photographs taken for the British official records. Many of the personnel identified are listed above, but group portraits in which individuals are identified are not listed above. Many views show aspects of military training in the desert, including machine guns, rifles, manoeuvres, Bren guns, range practice, and anti-tank guns. New Zealand Divisional Cavalry. In England military training and preparation includes scenes of the New Zealand High Commissioner in London, William Joseph Jordan, watching New Zealand lumberjacks from the New Zealand Forestry Corps in a Gloucester forest felling trees for war purposes. Also related to England are scenes of the Duke of Gloucester inspecting troops, and King George VI at an investiture at Buckingham Palace investing Flight-Sergeant Williams with his Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry in air operations. Long Range Desert patrols and expeditions into enemy territory showing the difficult terrain they had to negotiate. Views of a formation of five American-built Lockheed Hudson aircraft of the RAF Coastal Command carrying out an action patrol near Borkum, Heligoland and the Danish Coast. They are the first released photographs taken while under fire from German anti-aircraft ships, flying only 200 ft above the sea because of the weather (p 15-21). One image shows a wireless operator checking one of H.M. the King's homing pigeons, presented to the RAF to carry messages in case of a forced landing & breakdown of wireless. Arrival of NZ airmen & pilots for duty with the RAF in 1941. Gift of fruit and vegetables presented to NZ troops stationed in Fiji, transported 60 miles by boat from Kandavu, formally accepted by Brigadier Cunningham. (A number of images of Cunningham are dotted throughout the album). Views of the sinking of the Italian raider Ramb I, by HMS Leander in February 1941 (p 33-37). Scenes of a huge field bakery run by Egyptian bakers which can supply 3500 loaves each day. Also the "Waiwera Hotel - the 'ouse on the 'ill" cookhouse in the desert; and other scenes of food preparation. Relaxation organised by the YMCA, and the opening of the Lowry Hut run by the YMCA. Shipboard life on a transport ship, including games, relaxation and officers censoring mail. Floods after heavy rain in the Western Desert along the Mediterranean fringe (p 61-64). The Oranje leaving Amsterdam on her maiden voyage; used as hospital ship for Australian and New Zealand forces. Groups at the Royal Canadian Air Force Bombing and Gunnery School, all of whom are named (p 67-69). Prime Minister Peter Fraser's visit to the Middle East (p 69-72), his visit to Greece (p 93-105), and inspecting the hospital ship Maunganui (p110-111).) The No. 1 General Hospital in Greece. War damage to New Zealand House in London (p 105-106). Italian prisoners of war in a soccer match "NZ vs Italy" in Egypt (p 79-81); German parachute troops wounded and taken prisoner in Crete; captured swastikas used to hoodwink the enemy into dropping supplies. Fighting and evacuation of Crete. Evacuation of the Greek Royal party by a bodyguard of New Zealand soldiers, with views of a reception given by His Majesty the King of Greece, showing Lieutenant W H Ryan, Princess Marie, lady Palairet, Prince George, Prince Peter, and British military attache Colonel J S Blunt. Group portrait of New Zealanders in Britain training for the Fleet Air Arm (members named). Members of the New Zealand Bomber Squadron of the RAF who have been part of the raids on Germany, particularly on Berlin. (Several group portraits, some of which are named). Several photographs of unidentified men who escaped from Crete in barges. Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 398-791 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm
Letters to Anne and Arthur Fletcher
Date: 1958-1959
From: Armstrong, Sheila Howarth, 1922-2014: Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-5671-08
Description: Letters from Sheila and Allan Armstrong, and their children Hazel and Vivian and Anthony; also Ian, writing from Wales. Some letters written on the `Oranje'. Quantity: 1 folder(s).
World War, 1939-1945. New Zealand. Units. Medical Corps.
Date: 1940-1945
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-4161-01-172
Description: Series of numbered photographs used in `Medical Services in New Zealand and the Pacific' [Historical Publications Branch, Wellington], part of `The Official history of NZ in the Second World War 1939-1945'. Most have no captions, however missing ones have been supplied by printouts from online publication of photographs in above publication [http://www.nzetc.org]. Photographs mainly taken in South Pacific showing medical facilities and staff. Includes one taken of prisoners-of-war at Cosel, Upper Silesia. Include: Samambula `A' Camp near Suva, Dec 1940; Mamaka Camp, Nandi (W Pennington, photographer); photo (missing from backing board) to be returned to J M Thwhigg; group of women and children waving flags (accompanying caption `Dust jacket - The New Zealand people at war'; Camp site 22 NZ Field Ambulance at Tinipp, New Caledonia; surgeons operating at 2 (NZ) CCS, Aug 1943 (Rich, Holstead, Dempsey); NMHS Oranje; Captain W E arry on board Archilles; Captain R P Tuckey and RAP staff; Malarial Control Unit, Treasury Island; officers of 2 NZ CCS, Guadalcanal; Major-General H E Barrowclough visiting 4 NZ General Hospital at Boguen, New Caledonia; 23 Field Company, RAP; etc. Quantity: 27 b&w original photographic print(s).
Interview with Josephine Duncan
Date: 14 May 1993
From: Women's suffrage centennial year project
By: Duncan, Josephine Ruth, 1913-2008; Horwood, Michelle, active 1993
Reference: OHInt-0402-10
Description: Josephine (Jo) Duncan talks about her family, grandfather Andrew Duncan, one of Wanganui's original settlers who came out from Ayreshire in Scotland in 1840, and the family homestead and gardens at Totarapuka, Wanganui East. Refers to grandfather's friends, Helmore and Godby, who were involved in land distribution. Discusses grandfather's son, also Andrew Duncan, who, with his brother John Duncan, started the Treadwell Gordon firm of lawyers, bought land in Hunterville and set up Otairi Station. Describes social life and customs, compares Wanganui then and now. Discusses her education and mother's attitude to girls' education. Talks about becoming a well known as a New Zealand golfer. Describes how World War II influenced her life, training as an ambulance driver, her experiences driving ambulances around the Wanganui area from Waiouru to Bulls, joining the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD), training at Ravenfort, Auckland, in 1942 and being posted overseas. Describes being transported from Wellington to Suez Canal on the hospital ship `Oranje'. Refers to Winston Churchill, well known to her mother, and also refers to Neville Glen. Gives details of returning to New Zealand in 1946 and the state of the farm at Mangaweka. Recalls family being the first in the area to topdress with a plane, a Tiger Moth, being the first woman in the district to attend stock sales, and farming until the farm was sold in 1971. Refers to dairy factory at Rangiwahia winning four world championships for its butter. Talks about helping set up the Citizens Advice Bureau, being involved with Families in Distress. Describes starting the Wanganui Women's Emergency Refuge in 1976-1977 and mentions the Salvation Army, Saint Vincent de Paul and Mrs Ekink. Talks about continuing playing golf and her involvement in starting the Russell Grace Interprovincial Tournament. Refers to her collection of Chinese ornaments and mentions having a patu given to grandfather Duncan ca 1843-47 by Wirimu Hipango. Mentions Mrs Gower, a member of the Hope-Gibbon family who married a member of the Carter Holt family; Bob Earl and Michael Mars. Recalls the 1931 earthquake. Awards/funding - Funded by a grant from the Women's Suffrage Centennial Year Trust Other - Additional information on file at WRM Archives includes newspaper articles and museum papers see Mackay Papers WRM Archives. Abstracted by - Karen Kitson Interviewer(s) - Michelle Horwood Venue - 2 Guyton Street Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006718 Tape numbers - OHC-006719 Tape numbers - OHC-006720 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1568. Search dates: 1993
Interview with Frances Bicknell
Date: 3 July 1993 - 03 Jul 1993
From: Women in a Mining Town, Waihi 1883-1993, Oral History Project
By: Bicknell, Frances Catherine, 1927-
Reference: OHInt-0067/093
Description: Mrs Frances Catherine Bicknell born Piopio, King Country. Outlines family background. Gives details of growing up on a farm and long distances travelled to rural school. Matriculated from St Mary's College, Wellington and describes first job, on leaving school (before commencing nursing), delivering telegrams. Recalls delivering telegrams to the first hospital ship `The Orange' that came to Wellington. Talks about Depression in King Country and describes swaggers who called to the farm. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Waihi Other - limited biographical information available Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth Venue - Waihi Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005835A; OHV-0269C Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1242.
Interview with Blanche Helliwell
Date: 10 Jun 1992
From: Women in World War II Part II
By: Helliwell, Blanche, 1908-2005
Reference: OHInt-0064/08
Description: Blanche Helliwell was born in Christchurch on 16 Dec 1908. Describes her childhood, leisure and entertainment, the family home, having live-in help and her education at St Margaret's Girls College. Notes that she still lives in the family home which was built in 1910. Recalls being at home for four years after schooling before beginning nursing training at Christchurch Hospital. Describes this training, maternity training at St. Helen's Hospital in Wellington and her job at St. Georges Hospital in Christchurch. Talks about enlisting and being sent to Burnham Camp at the outbreak of World War II. Describes being asked to join the Dutch hospital ship `Oranje' which she nursed on, becoming Sister in Charge, from 1941-1945. Notes that the `Oranje' was marked with a red cross to distinguish it from other shipping. Recalls a mixture of nationalities working on the ship which took 800 patients. Describes the ship, its crew and company, conditions of work, patients, voyages undertaken and ports of call. Recalls the difficulty of readjusting to society after the war. Comments that the war broadened her understanding. Mentions her Royal Red Cross decoration and becoming a Plunket nurse. Venue - Christchurch : 1992 Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004747; OHC-004748; OHC-004749 Tape numbers - OHLC-004255 - OHLC-004257 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.10 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 844. Photograph of Blanche Helliwell about 1943; photograph of Blanche Helliell in 1992
Interview with Bonnie Hamilton
Date: 19 Oct 1999
From: Wartime nurses project
By: Hamilton, Agnes Anne, 1916-2006
Reference: OHInt-0731/02
Description: Agnes Anne (Bonnie) Hamilton born New Brighton, Christchurch 1916. Recalls father running the Bower Hotel in Brighton and attending Brighton School, finishing schooling at East Christchurch School. Talks about 10 O' clock closing, later changing to 6 O' clock closing. Backgrounds involvement with St John's and opportunity at outbreak of WWII for further nursing training at Hanmer Hospital, eventually volunteering for overseas duty, travelling on the 'Wanganella' (ship) to Perth and then the `Oranje'. Refers to Miss Lewison, matron on the journey. Recalls arrival at Port Tewfik, and being sent to Helmieh, a tent hospital in the desert. Describes duties, social life, trips to Cairo and distinction between officers and soldiers [other ranks]. Mentions move to hospital near Beirut in a French Foreign Legion building and describes Christmas spent in Beirut. Recalls getting seriously ill, being sent home and homeward journey on the 'Oranje'. Talks about her rheumatoid arthritis which she attributes to illness in the Middle East. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012492-012493 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4302, OHDL-000836.
Stoomvaart Maatschappij 'Nederland': [Souvenirs of the Hospital Ship Oranje. 1942, 1945]
Date: 1942 - 1945
By: Stoomvaart Maatschappij Nederland
Reference: Eph-B-SHIP-Oranje-1940s
Description: Includes: 1. MS 'Oranje' (Hat or bodice pin featuring a representation of the ship. ca 1942) 2. Photograph of the 'Oranje' in port [ca 1942] 3. Souvenir postcard of the First Netherlands Indies' Hospital ship 'Oranje' is presented by the Red Cross Association of the Netherlands Indies. from a pointing by John Allcot [ca 1942] Menus: 4. Dinner Hospitaalschip 'Oranje' [Menu] 2 Februari 1942 5. Dinner Hospitaalschip 'Oranje' [Menu] 5 Februari 1942 6. Luncheon Hospitaalschip 'Oranje' [Menu] 6 Februari 1942 7. Luncheon Hospitaalschip 'Oranje' [Menu] 9 Februari 1942 8. Farewell Dinner to the hospital units for the Middle East, Wednesday February 11th 1942. [Autographed menu] 9. Menu breakfast, Hospitalship 'Oranje', Thursday February 12th 1942 10. Menu breakfast, Hospitalship 'Oranje', Friday February 13th 1942 11. Dinner on the occasion of the birthday of HRH Princess Irene. Hospital ship 'Oranje',Sunday August 5th 1945 (2 copies, one autographed by several persons including the captain) The ephemera has been published by Quantity: 1 folder(s) containing 11 items, plus a duplicate of one menu. Physical Description: Offset prints, and metal badge, sizes varying up to 320 mm Provenance: Donated by Tom Davies, Te Awamutu, in 2016. Tom Davies was the nephew of the collector Wilhelmina Molly Smart.
Interview with Dorothy Clapshaw
Date: 4 July 1993 - 04 Jul 1993
From: Women in a Mining Town, Waihi 1883-1993, Oral History Project
By: Clapshaw, Dorothy Caroline, 1917-
Reference: OHInt-0067/043
Description: Dorothy Clapshaw born Vancouver, Canada, came to New Zealand aged 3 years on the `Niagara' which was torpedoed during World War II. Gives reasons why parents moved to New Zealand. Recalls childhood, at New Lynn and later at Waterview - father was a furniture manufacturer with a business in Newton (where motorway is now). Recalls first job at Milne and Choyce; Red Cross experience; nursing overseas during war years as a VAD and training at Narrowneck, Devonport; posting to Motutapu Island; journey to England and later to and from Middle East, on the `Oranje', a Dutch hospital ship; post war education - post graduate nursing course at Palmerston North; involvement with Operatic Society where she met husband; experience with Social Welfare as a non-reach child welfare officer - was on Children's Board (now defunct) and various community commitments in Waihi Beach where she moved with husband 1980. Talks about involvement with protest against prospecting in the Orakawa Scenic Reserve and involvement with National Council of Women for 25 years. Reference to participation in United Women's Conventions and to Margaret Mead. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Waihi Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth Venue - Waihi Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005853B; OHV-0268E Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1661.
`Oranje' oral history project
Date: Mar-Apr 1998
By: de Joux, Marie, 1935-2015
Reference: OHColl-0434
Description: Talks to individuals who worked on this Dutch hospital ship which carried wounded military personnel during World War II. Interviews Barbara Basham, Dorothy Grant, Carol McEwen, Ross Stuhlmann, Kathleen Spragg, Jean Baker, Edna Cullen, Pauline Hanrahan, Ross Arie Van der Laarse and John Hunt. Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Quantity: 25 C60 cassette(s). 10 printed abstract(s). 10 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.
Papers relating to Basham's army service and broadcasting career
Date: [1940-1995]
From: Basham, Barbara Isobel Louise, 1915-2002 : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-7343-3
Description: Correspondence, clippings, notes, summaries etc relating to Basham's army service and broadcasting career Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Correspondence and biographical information
Date: [1980]-2000
From: Basham, Barbara Isobel Louise, 1915-2002 : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-7343-4
Description: Correspondence re publishing Maud Basham extracts; agreement with ATL OHC re interview Basham did about the `Oranje'; enduring power of attorney (1990); biographical pieces on Basham Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Correspondence - Tripp-Wilson
Date: [1943]
From: Coates, Joseph Gordon, 1878-1943 : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-1785-229
Description: Most correspondents entered in the Name field Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Enclosures from MSX-5700
Date: [1963-1999]
From: Basham, Barbara Isobel Louise, 1915-2002 : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-6935-5
Description: Enclosures from travel diary, MSX-5700, kept by Basham; includes bereavement thank you card for Maud Basham's death; card for Basham on her birthday; letter from Delma Smith thanking Basham for loaning her diaries and photograph album, autographed menu, `Oranje' (28 Feb 1944), copy of poem, `Sanctuary' from the Church at Franz Joseph Glacier and summary of Wellington Repertory recollections (2 Aug 1991) Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Hospital ship "Oranje". Farewell concert, August 1945. Souvenir programme.
Date: 1945
Reference: Eph-A-WAR-WII-1945-01
Description: Photocopy of programme for a shipboard concert, as the "Oranje" returned to New Zealand. The front cover features a print of the Siege of Alkmaar, August 21st - October 8th, 1573, by Don Frederick of Toledo. The performers in the concert included: George Hau, The Army Spinsters, Wally Prictor, Eric Barker, Lester Winfield, C/Sister Haworth, Sister Higgins, Nurse Fenton, Tiny Eggers & Oscar, A S Haronga, Anzacs, M Valster & F Mol, Theo Newbegin, Nurse Robertson, Lt Somerville, Padre Norris, Sam Weller, Theo & Pete, Frank Hollings, Sister Higgins, Peter Lea, Wally & Bill Boyce, Quantity: 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Photocopy on four-page programme, 240 x 173 mm. Provenance: Donated by Mr A K Holmes, Auckland, in 2007.
[Ephemera concerning prisoner of war camps in the Second World War, and Mr Jack Birch. ...
Date: 1941 - 1944
By: Birch family; Whangarei Returned Services Association
Reference: Eph-B-WAR-WII-Birch
Description: Includes postcard sent from Stalag VIIB, Germany, Christmas 1941, from Leslie Ronald James Francis. Includes: Prisoners of war; official information August 1942 / Joint Council of the Order of St John and The New Zealand Red Cross Society. Also includes 14 photocopies of menus, tickets, photos of groups of POWs. Two menus of the SS "Tairea", 21 April 1943; card from the British Embassy Cairo (Lady Lampson); tickets of an italian concentration camp for POWs, card for medical examination for Private Kenneth Gordon Staiger; final concert on board hospital ship "Oranje", voyage no 10. Returned: Photocopies of NZ Free Lance; and all the "Prisoners of war pamphlet". Quantity: 14 photocopy/ies. 2 b&w photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Black and white photolithographs and photocopies, sizes varying. Provenance: From the family of Jack Birch, former POW.
Basham, Barbara Isabel Louise, 1915-2002 :Photographs of Barbara Basham
Date: [ca 1970-1995]
By: Meuli, Anne, active 2000
Reference: PAColl-7753
Description: Photographs of Barbara Basham, taken between ca 1970 and 1995, including a photograph taken with Nola Luxford in 1970, Basham receiving an award at the Mobil Radio Awards, and a group of people who served on the Oranje during the Second World War, taken ca 1980s. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). 5 colour original photographic print(s). Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Group-0946 : Basham, Barbara Isobel Louise, 1915- : Papers..
The ship Oranje
Date: [1939-1945]
Reference: 1/2-029551-F
Description: The ship Oranje, while being used as a hospital ship during World War II. RNZAF photo. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).