de Joux, Marie, 1935-2015

Date: 23 Aug 1999

By: de Joux, Marie, 1935-2015; Wilson, M Colleen, 1920-

Reference: OHColl-0472/1

Description: Interviews the first woman in a technological capacity at the Meterological Office. Recalls how the information for weather reports was prepared with the help of farmers, lighthouse keepers and pilots. Comments on the response to her as a woman in this job. Talks about the drawing of weather maps and need for reports to be in code when World War II began. Describes how the weather watchers were put into the Air Force and she was sent to Fiji. Describes conditions, hurricanes, aeroplane flights, illness and social events. Talks about the effect of the sun on her skin, the need for medical treatment and complications in getting compensation. Recalls how life changed in New Zealand during the war and problems in settling down again. Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Accompanying material - Photocopy of letter from Colleen Wilson to family dated 20 Nov 1944; original of letter transferred to Manuscripts Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007286 - OHC-007287 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1804 (2 folders). Photograph of Colleen Wilson in uniform; photograph of Colleen Wilson and Noeline Burns

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.

Date: 3 Apr 1999 - 03 Apr 1999

By: de Joux, Marie, 1935-2015; Carpenter, George Edward, 1920-2010

Reference: OHColl-0435-01

Description: Talks about working with Railways at the beginning of World War II, being trained in wireless transmitting, being posted to the Navy and the Naval Wireless Station. Explains the transmission of messages to ships at sea. Talks about reporting aircraft and naval movements to Guadalcanal. Lists bases where coastwatchers were stationed, the men, working conditions and contact with American Intelligence. Describes travelling on an American destroyer to establish a new base at Segi. Notes that because of difficult conditions the tour of duty was six months. Recalls journeying through swamp, awaiting the July 14 landing, seeing the airport shelled, being in the line of the Japanese retreat and getting away. Describes the importance of the coastwatchers and keeping the operations secret to avoid the Japanese investigating more. Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006960; OHC-006961; OHC-006962 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1740. Photograph of Mr and Mrs Carpenter; photograph of George Carpenter, Shirl Butler and Harry Elvey at a New Georgia group reunion; two photographs of George Carpenter in naval uniform Search dates: 1920 - 1999