World War, 1939-1945 - Aerial operations

Date: 28 May 2000 to 28 February 2005 - 24 Apr 2004 - 28 May 2000

By: Museum of Transport and Technology; Munns, Roger, active 2003-2005; Hedge, George, active 2000s; Gardiner, Mac, active 2000s

Reference: OHColl-0876

Description: Interviews and narrations with eight former Bomber Command aircrew (including fighter pilots, bomber pilots, navigators, observers and gunners) who talk about their experiences during the Second World War. All served in Europe, with some also serving in the Pacific war. Experiences include being taken prisoner of war, leisure time activities, being shot and descriptions of various innovations such as FIDO (Fog Intensive, Dispersal Of). Interviewees are, Graham Breckon, William Bridget, Ernest (Barney) D'Ath-Weston, George Hitchcock, Jack Mayall, Frank Prebble, Arthur Taylor and Desmond Wilkins. Accompanying material - one abstract contains a copy of a "Wartime Log" for prisoners of war, and another contains a copy of a flying log. Abstracted by - Rosemary Deane, Megan Hutching Interviewer(s) - Roger Munn, George Hedge and Mac Gardiner Arrangement: Abstracts: OHA-5868 to OHA-5872, OHA-5909 to OHA-5911 Original recordings: OHC-016156 to OHC-016163, OHC-0161264 to OHC-016265, OHC-020675 Tape numbers - OHC-016156 to OHC-016266 Quantity: 9 C60 cassette(s). 2 C90 cassette(s). 8 printed abstract(s) and edited transcripts. 6 interview(s). 2 event(s) - narrations. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Processing information: Interview not yet described

Date: 1942-1945,

By: Young Men's Christian Association

Reference: MS-Papers-4809

Description: History comprises 35 pages, with appendices containing letters of appreciation, list of YMCA secretaries associated with the RNZAF in the Pacific, standing ADO concerning YMCA establishment; samples of YMCA information sheets on the Pacific Islands Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript (Photocopy)

Date: 1945

By: Price, Harold Ernest Anzac, 1915-1995; J H Bethune and Company Ltd

Reference: PAColl-8064

Description: Photographs collected by Price while he served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in World War Two. All are aerial photographs and mainly record British and American bombing raids over Germany. One group of eleven prints were taken during raids between 21 March 1945 and 4 April 1945. They include views of formations of B-24 Liberator bombers, and Lancaster bombers. One photograph is of a group of air force personnel which includes Harold Price Harold Price underwent training at the Levin Ground Training School in December 1940 and he left New Zealand in January 1941. For his service in the airforce he recieved the Distinguished Flying Medal. Quantity: 20 b&w original photographic print(s). Transfers: Transfer from Manuscripts and Archives - MSX-6932 : Price, Harold Ernest Anzac, fl 1930-1984 : Diary scrapbook kept during World War Two (A2004-221).

Date: 1942-1943

From: Boaden, Frank Bruce, 1918-1942 : Papers relating to service in Bomber Command during World War Two

Reference: MS-Papers-5245-5

Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1940s

From: Jackson, E R C (Lieutenant), 1907- :Photographs taken in the Middle East during World War II

Reference: PA1-q-327

Description: Album compiled by Lieutenant E R C Jackson, which includes commercial views of the Middle East, India and Sydney; one section shows war photographs.. The first group consists of postcards of Egypt (some coloured), particularly of Cairo and the pyramids, and the Suez Canal. Pages 33-47 are in numbered sequences of 20 scenes, each one with a small index inserted at the beginning. They include views of Lebanon and Syria, in particular Aleppo (now Halab), Hama (or Hamah), Homs (or Hims), and Damascus. Pages 48-50 are commercial views of Greece, particularly Athens. Pages 57-73 are chiefly scenes of war in the Middle East, including one of a dead parachutist, a German war cemetery, a German prisoner and a series of attacks on Italian shipping. Some show groups of soldiers in the desert, and two are of Montgomery of Alamein. A further series of commercial scenes are of Cairo, Nazareth, Tiberias, and Haifa, finishing with views of Sydney. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Black leatherette loose-bound abum, entitled `Photographs'; 27 x 35 cm

Date: 1940-1946

By: Blundell, Henry Neil, 1909-2002

Reference: Micro-MS-0594

Description: Describes his service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force; training in New Zealand and UK; air strikes against Germany; transfer to Egypt; service at Guadacanal and New Britain. The 1946 letters describe a newspaper conference in London and business activities thereafter. Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 1 microfilm reel(s) positive (ca 150 pages).

Date: 1934, 1940-1945

By: Mackie, Richard Falconer, 1921-1999

Reference: MS-Papers-2297

Description: Papers include diary, 1941-1943, one letter dated 1934, letters, 1940-1945, mainly from Richard Mackie, but also from his brother John, Kevin Mackay, Norman Cullen, and other friends of the Mackie family on active service with the New Zealand armed forces. Source of title - Supplied Title Mackie, a law student from Waipukurau, sailed for England in 1941 to join Fleet Air Arm. Commissioned sub-lieutenant, Royal New Zealand Volunteer Naval Reserve, 1943 and saw service in United Kingdom, India and in the Pacific with 1839 Squadron abroad HMS Indomitable. Quantity: 12 folder(s). 0.12 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs and mss Finding Aids: Inventory available.

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: PAColl-4161-01-278

Description: Quantity: 1 box(es).

Date: 1942-1984, [1990s?]

By: Murphy, Rodney Morris, 1921-2012

Reference: MS-Group-1752

Description: Comprises typed history of the Wellington WEA (with photographs attached) 1965; letters from Sidney Murphy to his brother Rodney, during World War II, together with transcripts of the letters; also bulletin of the Ruapehu Ski Club 26 Sep 1944 Also, papers relating to Murphy's involvement in political and church activities: a Wellington Peace Festival in 1984; work as an organiser for the election campaign of John Terris in Western Hutt 1983; the Interchurch Trade and Industry Mission; and membership of the St Matthew's Schools Trust Board Also includes correspondence from Alice Sherratt to Rodney Murphy, 1944. Also includes papers relating to painter Dennis Knight Turner and serviceman John Terrence Reichel; and film script `The new dawn' (concerning Maori). Source of title - Supplied by Library Quantity: 13 folder(s). 0.10 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss, typescript, printed matter, photos Provenance: Some papers were donated by Rodney Murphy's daughter Clare Murphy in 2014, from her father's collection (A2014-191) Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donation, Mr R Murphy, Wellington, 1993 (A93-066), 2009 (A2009-018), 2012 (A2012-042); and from his estate in 2014 (A2014-191) Transfers: Other material related to accession A2014-191 was transferred to Photographs (PAColl-10270), Oral History (OHColl-1084-1), Cartographic and Published - From Ephemera Collection - MS-Papers-11817-1 to MS-Papers-11817-3 were transferred Oct 2014 (A2014-191).

Date: 1941

By: Pickett, James William George, 1909-1941

Reference: PAColl-1361

Description: Further information regarding provenance of the photographs included in letters held in Manuscripts and Archive Section. James William George Pickett served as a sergeant in the New Zealand Artillery. In March 1941 he landed in Greece and on 25 May 1941 he was killed in action during the battle for Crete. Quantity: 18 b&w original photographic print(s) in one envelope.

Date: 1914-1940

By: Cameron, John James, active 1914-1940

Reference: qMS-0364-0365

Description: The first volume contains personal logs kept by Cameron while master of the `Hororata' on several convoys between England and Australia via Suez 1914-16, and of RMS `Remuera' running between England and New Zealand via Panama 1919. Also includes a London journal 17 June-30 September 1940 recording the bombing of Britain and Europe and living conditions during the London blitz. The second volume is a holiday diary describing travels between England and Scotland, 1929-1930. Source of title - Supplied Cameron was master of the `Hororata' and RMS `Remuera'. He was in London during the 1940 London blitz. Quantity: 2 volumes. 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs (20-33 cm, ¼ red roan, marbled boards)

Date: 1944-1945

By: New Zealand. Royal New Zealand Air Force; Evatt, Gerald Sinclair, 1906-1981

Reference: PAColl-0338

Description: Photographs of the Japaneses capitulation in South East Asia and the Pacific, particularly Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. They include a number of photographs of Japanese prisoners of war being marched to camps; the signing of surrender documents by Australian officers; painting Japan Surrenders on the underside of RAAF plane wings to inform Japanese forces; the announcement of the Japanese surrender by Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten in Singapore; the Duke of Gloucester, Governor General of Australia, visiting troops; a Japanese tank on fire; and earlier photographs of Allied forces on Bougainville in 1944. The photographs are nearly all official Royal New Zealand Air Force and are captioned on the reverse. Also included with the collection is a copy of New Zealand Freemason frm May 1977 which includes a photograph of the NZEF Masonic Association meeting in 1918 in France.. Quantity: 40 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [ca 1908-1994]

By: Jacks, Harry, 1908-1994

Reference: MS-Papers-7167

Description: Comprise correspondence, drafts of poems, reflections, reminiscences and stories of his life in Rumania before coming to New Zealand, and of his wartime experiences, research papers on plants and agriculture in Germany, copies of his certificates in agricultural engineering and plant research from Rumania and France, and newspaper clippings of his retirement in Hawkes Bay. His work as a plant pathologist and tree and forest management specialist with the DSIR and Forestry Institute is not covered in this collection. Source of title - Supplied Harry Jacks was born in Rumania and after gaining qualifications in plant research in France, came to New Zealand in the 1930's, where he worked with the DSIR and the Forestry Institute. During World War II he served with 2NZEF in Greece and on Crete, trained commandos and served on special operations in Yugoslavia and Greece. Retired to his farm at Havelock North in the 1970s. Quantity: 9 folder(s). 0.10 Linear Metres. Physical Description: holographs, mss, typescripts, printed matter (Photocopies)

Date: 1944-1945

From: Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11886-2

Description: RNZAF pilot's flying log-book, named 'Cooper, C S' and numbered 'II'. Contains details about pilot training schedules. Some pages have been cut out of this volume. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Transfers: From Photographic Archive - Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Photographs (PA-Group-00204).

Date: 1943-1944

From: Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11886-1

Description: RNZAF pilot's flying log-book, named 'Cooper, C S' and numbered 'I'. Contains details about pilot training schedules. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Transfers: From Photographic Archive - Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Photographs (PA-Group-00204).

Date: 19 Mar 2008

From: Methven Heritage Project - RSA and Arable oral history project

By: Morrow, Samuel John, 1923-2013

Reference: OHInt-0920-14

Description: Interview with John Morrow, born in Ashburton in 1923. Outlines his family background and spending his childhood on Huntington farm near Ashburton. Recalls farm life, having his own vegetable garden, and early schooling at Tinwald. Talks about the family going to Northern Ireland after an uncle died so his father could take over the family farm. Refers to sailing on the 'Rangitata', going to school in Ballydougan, and stock, crops and activities on the farm. Comments on the Depression, entertainment, occasional trips to Belfast, and attending Lurgan College, a town school. Talks about their trip back to New Zealand via the Suez canal and his father's subsequent work as a bridge building foreman. Discusses holiday jobs he had on farms, and hearing about the outbreak of War during his last term at Ashburton High School. Mentions having a clerical job until his father let him join the Air Force. Outlines his training, selection for pilot training, and training in Tiger Moths. Discusses training in Alberta, Canada in twin engine planes and becoming a pilot officer. Talks about being sent to Britain where there was a surplus of pilots, eventually transferring to the Fleet Air Arm, training to fly fighters and being transferred to a Corsair squadron. Comments on being in the services for over four years but not flying any missions. Recalls returning home in 1946 and going farming. Discusses working on and managing farms, and getting a rehabilitation farm at Lowcliffe in 1950. Refers to working for Lands and Survey for wages for a time, living in a Public Works hut, and taking over a 33 year lease. Mentions two major floods of the Hinds River in his early years. Talks about his early farm machinery, running 500 ewes, and producing grass seed, wheat and linseed. Refers to having help from single (Lincoln College) men at harvest in the late 1950s, and beginning to buy more land in 1959. Describes changes in arable farming during his lifetime, including the transition from horses to tractors, and introducing direct drilling on some of his properties depending on the soil types. Describes developing irrigation for his farm from the mid 1970s, changes in weather conditions, and planting shelter belts. Refers to the Lauriston Farm Improvement Club, farm advisors, field days and farm conferences. Mentions soil testing to control fertilizer costs, and using Roundup to control weeds. Discusses his farm sheds and silos and transport of bulk grain. Talks about the rural downturn in the 1980s and drought, financial pressures and having to farm more cleverly. Comments on just having two employees through the 1990s and relying more on contractors. Describes his wife's contribution on the farm over the years. Outlines his community activities including with the Lowcliffe Hall Committee, Hinds Presbyterian Church, Federated Farmers and the South Canterbury Catchment Board. Talks about attending ANZAC Day services, and the discipline his involvement in the War gave him. Reflects on farming having become more challenging and interesting, dairy conversions, and the difficulties of over wintering dairy cows. Interviewer(s) - Nicola Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016768 - OHC-016772 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 4.26 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe pdf Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6035, OHDL-001830. Search dates: 1923 - 2008

Date: 06 Dec 1993

From: Maniapoto Archives Oral History Project: He Taonga Tuku Iho

By: Tauariki, Sonny, active 1992; Munro, John Leslie, 1919-2015

Reference: OHInt-0085-20

Description: John Leslie Munro was born in Gisborne, in 1919. Provides ancestry affiliations. Discusses early life with parents in Gisborne including father's work as a shepherd, chores, schooling, girlfriends, sports, social events and dances. Outlines poor conditions during the Depression. Touches on memories of the Napier earthquake in 1931. Recounts training and admittance to New Zealand Air Force in 1941 and further training in Canada and England. Describes bombing raids over Germany naming the Dam raid. Discusses return to New Zealand, marriage to Betty Joan Hill in 1948 and his children. Outlines community work, chairmanship of Mapiu School and time as Mayor of the Waitomo District. Talks about Maori affairs. Interviewer(s) - Sonny Tauariki Accompanying material - Abstract contains fascimile photographs of John Leslie Munro, his wife Betty Jean Munro, Waitomo District Mayor and Councillors 1991, souvenir programme of 'The Dam Busters' and biographical article on Squadron Leader L.L. (Les) Munro. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-013531 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 50 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4758.

Date: May 1982

From: Interviews about Rotorua by Don Stafford

By: Brake, Leslie Harold, 1896-1985

Reference: OHInt-0470/06

Description: Self recorded recollections by Captain Leslie Brake of incidents from his days of flying aeroplanes. Describes the closure of the Canterbury Aviation Company, where Sir Henry Wigram was a chief shareholder, in 1922. Recalls getting a plane and flying a service from Gisborne to the Bay of Plenty until the plane had engine problems and was wrecked. Describes tendering for two Avro aeroplanes with Gordon Paul and forming the Brake and Paul Aero Company. Talks about dual control instruction. Describes how the venture became financial, World War II began and he was called into the RNZAF and posted as an instructor at Bell Block, then Flight Lieutenant at Harewood and Chief Ground Instructor at Rotorua and Woodbourne. Recalls flying and being a Wireless Telegraph Officer in the Royal Naval Air Service in the Aegean during World War I. Relates a story about a bomb which landed but did not go off. Interviewer(s) - Leslie Brake Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2854.

Date: 20 May 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Manz, Arthur Herbert, 1917-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-07

Description: Arthur Herbert Manz was born in Wellington in 1917, and his family moved to Otaki in 1920. Recalls his German grandfather, a cottage weaver, who after the industrial revolution worked in the railway workshops. Recalls his father, a cabinetmaker, who emigrated to New Zealand, worked on the Manawatu Gorge railway construction, helped build the Hutt Park Grand Stand, and toured overseas with the 1905-6 Wellington Bowling Club. Mentions that his father's ethnicity became an issue during World War I, and that his mother was of English descent. Mentions getting pneumonia walking to school, school life, not being able to play football, movies, stores, dances, music and parties. Mentions the tuberculosis sanatorium. Talks about the Otaki Maori Racing Club. Talks about education and training to be a teacher. Mentions beekeeping and the Hautere Defence Rifle Club. Describes a trip to Mount Ruapehu in 1937 in a Model T truck, mentions the conditions of the roads. Recalls joining Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1940 during World War II, and having to request exemptions from the Provisions of the Alien Control Emergency Regulations because of his German nationality. Mentions that his sister worked as a WAAF for five years. Talks about his postings, including Taieri, Wigram, Hobsonville, Waipapakauri, Suva, Florida Island. Mentions he was trained in being a flying instructor, night flying, and Tiger Moths. Talks about returning to teaching after World War II, at Waitohu School, and being principal of the Otaki Health Camp School. Mentions Rangiatea Church being built. Talks about the Otaki Rotary Club, the railway station, rifle clubs, his wife and children, fishing, and leasing land to Chinese growers. Describes the Otaki Brass Band and the people involved in it. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11054 - 5 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3864. Search dates: 1920 - 1960

Date: 4 November 1994 - 04 Nov 1994

From: The Men in Our Lives oral history project

By: Springer, Gilbert Randal, 1923-2004

Reference: OHInt-0406-21

Description: Randal Springer born Wanganui but spent much of his childhood in other locations as his father was a railway inspector. Recalls vivid memories of childhood and grandparents; life in Papakura in the 1930s; discipline, chores and illnesses; outdoor activities; moving back to Wanganui ca 1937 and river activities; working in cherry orchard originally planted by Mother Mary Aubert. Recalls rumours of war and mentions presence of German Jewish refugee doctor, Rosenbaum; desire to be spitfire pilot; call up for army service, with reference to Trentham Military camp and transfer to Air Force, Woodbourne. Gives details of war experience; travelling to San Diego and San Francisco and Winnipeg to participate in Empire Air Training Scheme; inflight radio operator training and training in gunnery in Sascatchewan; becoming part of bomber crew; first trip in `Halifax'; first bombing raid; night bombing in Kiel, daytime bombing of Regensburg and last bombing trip to Badauslau on 24 April 1945. Recalls various areas of employment after the war: Forestry work for New Zealand Forest Products at Tokoroa; efforts to be a weather observer; communications at Ohakea as civilian; forest fire control, with reference to bush sickness, forest fires and establishment of rural fire districts and implementing `proper weather stations'. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007593-007597 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1919.