New Zealand. Army. Home Guard. Gisborne
Interview with George Judge
Date: 19 Jan 2006
From: Second World War oral history project: Home Front
By: Judge, George Edwin, 1923-2013
Reference: OHInt-0827-07
Description: Interview with George Judge, born Wanganui, 31 July 1923. Talks about his father Edwin Judge who was a linesman for the Post and Telegraph Department, and his mother Christina Wintour who emigrated from Scotland after World War I following the death of her fiance in the War. Comments on his father's experiences as a machine gunner during World War I. Mentions places where the family lived and how they travelled to Gisborne. Discusses joining the Gisborne Home Guard unit after war was declared. Activities included coast watching on Kati Hill, Gisborne. Describes registering with the Territorials, going to Waiouru for three months training when he was 18, and the reason he could not be compulsorily sent overseas then. Talks about basic training under canvas, the shortage of arms and the role of the platoon sergeant. Comments on the Territorials being kept in New Zealand after Japan entered the War. Mentions being posted to the Hawkes Bay Regiment, Woodville racecourse, and transferring to the Air Liaison Section, Palmerston North. Adds on tiring of the Army, he volunteered for the Air Force, which he entered in 1943, and was posted to Rotorua. Explains the tests he underwent, choosing to be a pilot and being posted to Ashburton where pilot training commenced. Talks about flying Tiger Moths and Oxfords and landing during strong winds. Discusses being sent to Alberta, Canada for further training at Penhold. Describes training, accidents, parcels from home, and social life in the nearby town of Red Deer. Relates being shipped to England in late 1944 and being sent to Brighton without a squadron posting. Recalls VE Day in London, helping with the autumn harvest in England and waiting to be shipped home. Recalls the voyage home, returning to Gisborne and to the Maori Affairs Department for a time. Talks about meeting his wife June Mackay, resuming friendships, but finding social life difficult. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Accompanying material - questionnaire filled in by George Judge; photocopy of section about the Empire Air Training Scheme from the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History, Ian McGibbon, ed. (p. 156-157) Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015238, OHC-015239 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.55 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5524 Abstract Available - transcript(s) available. photocopy of photograph of George Judge in flying kit Search dates: 1923 - 1939 - 2006 - 1945