World War, 1939-1945 - Africa, North

Date: 1940-1946

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-4161-01-077

Description: Some photographs include captions. Series of photographs of memorial erected by residents of Maadi to members of 2nd NZEF who trained at Maadi Camp 1940-1946. Part of the inscription in Egyptian. Miscellaneous photographs taken at Maadi: Machine gunners at night; church parade; painting by Signalman S Moffitt (16212) of hills on southern side of Camp Maadi; cricket team; group of swimmers Photograph of New Zealanders leading the field at an Imperial sports meeting in Egypt, 1941 Quantity: 15 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: Nov 1988

By: Wells, Stanley Peter, 1920?-; McAlpine, Rachel Phyllis, 1940-

Reference: OHColl-0277/1

Description: Stan Wells recalls being sent by Ada Wells to a Salvation Army orphanage for boys in Temuka when he was six. Describes the few privilages, the starvation diet, no play and the work. Explains having his name changed. Recalls corporal punishments. Talks of his sister Alice known as Bim, sister Edna, also the few women who sheltered him. Talks of money provided by the Masons' Lodge for upkeep of this once grand home and its deterioration. Recalls having top marks in drawing and talks of his inability to play cricket or rugby at school later. Describes memorable days when the boys were allowed out of the orphanage. Explains about his holidays in Oamaru, meeting the Fergusons with whom he went to live, the servant - master relationship with Mr. Ferguson. Discusses similarities in the personalities of Harry Wells and Mr. Ferguson, an organist, and talks about their purchase of an organ. Discusses differenes in attitudes between Hazel Armstrong, who took an interest in him, and Mrs Ferguson. Talks about his work as a 15 year old on a farm at Wanganui, his work on a poultry farm with poor pay, and the cost of meals. Describes his jobs as a gardener. Explains that Bim's work was as a masseuse, also a compiler for Stone's Directory, and relates that she cycled to the West Coast during the Depression. Recalls his schooling, going to war in Egypt in artillery and infantry units, his treatment as a prisoner of war when he worked in coalmine and on a railway. Explains that he was sent to a nursery garden in Temuka on his return. Describes his psychiatric treatment after the war, spending time at Hanmer and names Dr. Bevan Brown, Frank Cook, Len Booth. Talks about religion. Describes visiting Ratana Pa, Wanganui and mentions successful health treatments there. Explains about his love of native bush. Recalls Frank Milner of Waitaki School. Talks of cycling, piano playing and his appreciation of music. Relates about girlfriends, his wife and children. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Christchurch Abstracted by - Linda Bevan Smith Interviewer(s) - Rachel McAlpine Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002857; 002858; 002859 Quantity: 3 C90 cassette(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3852. Search dates: 1920 - 1960

Date: [ca 1940-1942]

By: Caundle family

Reference: PAColl-9820

Description: Photographs sent to Fay Cutler by boyfriends who were servicemen during the North African campaign in World War II. Comprises images of: troops in Egypt, Libya, and Western Desert; scenes in Palestine and Egypt and en-route to Syria; the ship 'Nieuw Amsterdam' berthed in (Egypt?); soldiers identified only by their first names: Bill of the 5th Reinforcements, Mack, and Don. Also includes three postcards from Snowy in Egypt. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 2 b&w original photographic print(s). 7 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints Provenance: Donated by Mr G Caundle, Mount Maunganui, 2010 Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Papers-10115 : Caundle family : Papers relating to service during World War Two.

Date: 1941-1943

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-4161-01-070

Description: Some photographs include captions. Eight named members of an anti-tank regiment; training; sappers lighting the Bangalore torpedo fuse; NZ Ordnance Field Units carrying out mechanical maintenance; signaller; cooking in underground kitchen; water supply in the desert; sun-bathing on Mediteranean coast, 1941; Engineer unit in Tobruk constructing wharfage, 1942. Five photographs taken at the NZ Divisional parade for Mr Churchill at Castel Benito, Tripoli, Feb 1943 Quantity: 17 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [Between 1939 and 1945]

By: Lake, Sarah Elizabeth, 1948-

Reference: PAColl-8981

Description: Photographs relating to Douglas (Doug) Lake's service as a clerk in the Middle East and North Africa during World War II. Includes photographs of graves, Winston Churchill and General Freyberg, vehicles, the Wailing Wall, a blackboard menu for Christmas dinner in Egypt, sports teams, ancient ruins, and groups of soldiers. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Arrangement: Arranged loosely into original groupings Quantity: 161 b&w original photographic print(s). 2 b&w original photographic print(s) coloured by hand. 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Photographic prints Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Group-1543 : Lake, Sarah Elizabeth, 1948- : Lake family paper. Photographs had been loose amongst army letters..

Date: 1941-1942

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-4161-01-069

Description: Some photographs include captions - Members of NZ tank unit in Western Desert; champion of champions in desert waxing competition (moustache); NZ Divisional rugby team in training; anti-tank gunners on manoeuvres, 1941; artillery ready for action; American Field Service ambulance and personnel; sun compass being adjusted; soldiers in the surf (bathing parade); NZers with their Italian prisoners, 1941; artillery rangers plotting reports, Nov 1941; NZ tank officer signalling; stretcher bearers; bayonet practice at Maadi Camp, 1941; machine gunners anti-aircraft practice; typhus fever sign; camp site (Noah's Ark); blacksmiths setting up in the desert, Feb 1942; motor cycling; meal times; baking bread; washing clothes; Greek troops with Military Mission to the Greeks; wreckage of German aircraft; underground orderly room; triumphal arch on border between Cyrenaica and Tripolitania. Photographs (labelled Middle East, mainly NZ) - Native workmen carrying concrete (21st NZ Mechical Equipment Company roadmaking in Transjordan); medical personnel (Capt C P Howden, Capt J M Watt, C F Gurdler, A B Clow) in Western Desert, NZ Divisional boxing championships (F Pearcey, H G Robinson & J McAlpine); military funeral procession, etc; and several unidentified photographs Quantity: 149 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1942

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-4161-01-076

Description: Some photographs include captions. Images of the 8th Army offensive of El Alamein showing: members of 28 Maori Battalion (Lt G Marsden, Lt J Aperahama, Capt J C Henare, Capt W Porter; C P Clarke of Kawakawa, T Bryers of Okaihau, W H Cooper of Kawakawa); Axis prisoners marching to Alexandria; heavy machine gun in action during an air raid; "Honey" tanks lined up (Lt I T van Asch of Blenheim); NZ Divisional Cavalry training; Crusader tanks; destroyed German 88mm anti-tank gun. Lt Gen B L Montgomery's visit to NZ Division to present decorations; taking salute during march past of 5th Brigade; General Freyberg with Winston Churchill; General Freyberg directing operations from his Stuart (Honey) tank during advance of Matruh; Rt Hon R G Casey's (British Minister of State in Middle East) visit to battle area and being introduced to Lt Gen Sir B Freyberg (with back to camera is Lt Gen Sir Leslie Morshead); NZ Field Ambulance bogged down in heavy rain inland from Fuka, Nov 1942; rocky machine gun post; medical orderly attending to minor injury; firing at Stuka pilots; Battle HQ NZ Division; truck drivers of NZ `B' Echelon watching stores dump burning; mess in the field, Jul 1942; troops training; POW. Convoys on the move near Sollum; Maori members of AA Battery; laying desert railway track; wreckage of Luftwaffe; burial of members of the crew of an anti-aircraft gun on Alamein front. Quantity: 75 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1940-1945

By: Anson, C H, active 1977

Reference: PAColl-0094

Description: Consists of photographs of Nursing and Dental units, World War II, North Africa and Italy. Also one view of 4 shops in Epsom, Auckland. Quantity: 13 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [ca 1941]-1945

From: Downes, Peter, 1928-: Collection relating to New Zealand music, theatre, and broadcasting history

By: Knowles, Alexander Hamilton, 1917-2014

Reference: MS-Papers-12036-13

Description: Comprises two printed booklets and one printed leaflet. One booklet was published by The War Office in 1939, and is entitled 'Notes on the Care and Maintenance of Mechanical Vehicles (Wheeled)'. It is inscribed inside the front cover, '41817, Driver A. H. Knowles, NZASC, 2nd NZEF Overseas, Middle East Forces'. The second booklet was published by The Co-ordinating Council for Welfare Work in Egypt and is entitled, 'Services Guide to Cairo'. It includes a fold-out map of Cairo. The leaflet is a 'Special Order of the Day' from Lieutenant-General Sir B. Freyberg, dated 28 February 1945 and is a communication to the men under Freyberg's command who are leaving the forces, in appreciation of their service. It is annotated on the back 'Rcd [received] Thurs 15th Mar 45', in A. H. Knowles' hand. NZASC stood for Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps and Corps of Transport. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Two small booklets and one printed sheet. Provenance: Given to Peter Downes by Alexander Hamilton Knowles.

Date: 25 Feb 1999

From: `Back to the drawing board' - Hamilton architects oral history project

By: Care-Cottrell, Errol, 1919-2000; Downs, Jeff, active 1995

Reference: OHInt-0483-02

Description: Errol Care-Cottrell was born in Richmond in 1919. Recalls working for State Advances Corporation in Auckland in 1938 and doing part-time architectural study at Auckland University. Describes the outbreak of World War II and being in the infantry in the Middle East as a member of the 22nd Battalion in Egypt and Libya in 1941. Discusses being taken a prisoner of war (POW) by the Germans, spending time imprisoned in Benghazi and labouring as a POW in Italy, Germany and Czechoslovakia. Talks about his return to New Zealand, getting a rehabilitation bursary to finish his architectural study and working with Frank Anderson in Hamilton in the holidays. Describes qualifying as an architect and working for the Ministry of Works in Wellington, King, Cook and Dawson in Hamilton, and White, Leigh and de Lisle. Explains his decision to set up his own practice, the architectural registration system, getting his first job, the process of being architect for a house and working with a client. Discusses function and aesthetics in a building. Talks about having staff and taking a business partner, Jerome Pickering, in 1977. Discusses buildings he has worked on including service stations, banks, schools and offices. Comments on changes to Hamilton city, draugtsmen calling themselves architects, being the Bay of Plenty chair for the New Zealand Institute of Architects and working for the Historic Places Trust to save some buildings. Mentions marrying in 1950. Interviewer(s) - Jeff Downs Accompanying material - List of architectural projects completed; post-interview notes Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3093.

Date: 1941-1943

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: Elias, M D, active 1943

Reference: PAColl-4161-01-075

Description: Photograph taken during 8th Army's advance into Libya (some with captions). Includes captured and destroyed German tanks, planes and equipment; German and Italian POWs; photo of General von Ravenstein at Tobruk talking with British staff officer; Maori soldiers with POWS captured at Fort Capuzzo, 1941; senior officers of NZ Engineer Unit with captured German motor bike; eight-wheeled German armoured car with 75 mm gun. Photographs taken from German prisoners in Middle East showing German tanks parading through Benghazi reviewed by General Rommel; mosque at Sidi Rezegh; motar crew; boxing match; military graves; General von Ravenstein's marked map (1941); captured tank; etc. Collapse of Axis resistance, including motorised POW unit. Italian and German POWS in Tunisia (some taken by Mr Elias), 1943 E series photograph, mainly showing action in the desert and general desert scenes. Two images taken at the time of the Battle of Hamma, including enemy troop-carrier. Quantity: 69 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1940-1942

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-4161-01-068

Description: DA Series prints. Most include captions - Hepnez with Indian riflemen on quard; Czechoslavak Army Training Depot; NZ tanks leading United Nations parade through the streets of Cairo; Suez Canal exercises, Jul 1941; thermos bomb (booby trap); General Grant tank with sunblinds; tanks undergoing tests over barbed wire, etc; Lt Col Baird (`Lawrence of Libya') with tribesmen of a Senussi tribe in Libya; NZ Infantry Brigade landing exercises in Suez Canal area, Feb 1942; soldiers from Rhodesian and Australian forces; defence against tanks; enemy POW passing through the streets of Cairo on way to POW camps, Nov 1941; close up of a Sheik (Libya); action at Tobruk; search lights at Alexandria; Occupational Training Unit ME passing out ceremony & best cadet (T Morrison) receiving trophy from Gen Riddell-Webster; captured Italian flame-thrower, Oct 1941 Quantity: 43 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1941-1943

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-4161-01-071

Description: Includes: Armoured car at Egyptian border; German prisoners at Enfidaville, Tunisia (27 Machine Gun Battalion) - J K Robbie (photographer?); attending to wounded near Belhamed, Libya - D McLean (photographer?); near Enfidaville, Tunisia, Apr 1942 - F R Keane (photographer?); funeral in the desert. Quantity: 5 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [ca 1899-ca 2000]

By: McLean, Peter McDonald, 1920-2003

Reference: PAColl-7788

Description: Photographs relating to McLean's service in Italy, North Africa and the Middle East during World War Two; and photographs relating to McLean's family, in particular his father's involvement in the South African War, 1899-1902. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Arrangement: Albums at PA1-q-899 and PA1-q-900 Quantity: 2 album(s). Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Papers-7873 : McLean, Peter McDonald, 1920-2003 : Memoirs of service in World War Two..

Date: 1939-1945

By: Crawford, William Gifford-Merrilees, active 1939-2003

Reference: PA1-o-1200

Description: Views of North Africa and the Mediterranean during World War II, taken and collected by William Crawford during service with the Royal Air Force in the Western Desert. Includes photographs of ships, prisoners of war, cemeteries, buildings and street scenes. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Blue leather album with Egyptian designs 26.6 x 34.3 cm, containing 215 photographs Provenance: Donated by Mr William Crawford, June 2003

Date: 1985

By: Rutherford, Alexander Mathieson, 1915-1988

Reference: MS-Papers-9626

Description: Autobiographical reminiscences, covering earlier history of the Rutherford and related families, early life in Samoa, school days at Timaru Boys' High School, study and qualification as a medical practioner and gyneocologist, service with the NZAMC in North Africa in World War II, work as a gynecologist in England and later in Wellington. Contains copies of letters and newspaper cuttings. Illustrated with original photographs Source of title - Transcribed from item Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript, photos Transfers: Transfer from Photographic Section, 2010.

Date: [1939-1945]

Reference: PA-Group-00512

Description: Photographs of North African scenes during World War II, collected and compiled by New Zealand officer Lt. Harold George Arthur Claridge who served with 5 Field Park Company. He was on the troopship Strathaird which departed Wellington on 5 January 1940. Married on 28 April 1942 in Egypt and stayed behind in the Middle East assisting with the reconstruction. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 2 album(s) Album(s). 9 b&w original photographic print(s). Provenance: Purchased at auction, 2009.

Date: 1941-1942

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-4161-01-072

Description: Some photographs include captions. Truck on fire at Minqar Qaim, SE of Marsa Matruh; recapture of Sidi Rezegh - NZ artillery shelling enemy positions during Libyan advance, 1942 ; The Battle of Nofilia; forces taking Sollum village; South African forces at Halfaya, 1942; British tank crew cleaning themselves up after the occupation of Capuzzo, and Mussolini statuary outside Fort Capuzzo, 1941; NZ POWs return from Bardia (recaptured by South African forces); Benghazi (near Bardia) showing airfield with wreckage enemy planes. Quantity: 30 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1942-1945

From: Searell, Luscombe Arthur :Albums of photographs of 2NZEF in Lebanon, Western Desert and Italy

Reference: PA1-o-945

Description: A mixture of personal snaps, commercial photographs and official war photographs. Most of them relate to Italy in 1944, and a trip during August and September 1945 (possibly the jouney home) which included a stop over at Athens. The associated ships were the Ville D'Oran and the Strathmore. The personal snaps conclude with a record of the sights of Melbourne, Australia. Quantity: 1 album(s).

Date: 1943

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-4161-01-065

Description: Photographs of NZ Engineers in Libya in 1942-1943. Includes engineers engaged in constructing wharfage; playing cards; inspecting bomb-damaged buildings; NZ convoy coming up Tobruk corridor; aerial photos of Western Desert Quantity: 11 b&w original photographic print(s).