World War, 1939-1945 - Personal narratives

Date: 1910-1980

From: Bertram, James, 1910-1993 : Papers of James and Jean Bertram

By: Bertram, James Munro, 1910-1993

Reference: MS-Papers-4688-3

Description: Contains an annotated typescript of part three of Bertram's memoir `Between extremities'. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1910-1980

From: Bertram, James, 1910-1993 : Papers of James and Jean Bertram

By: Bertram, James Munro, 1910-1993

Reference: MS-Papers-4688-1

Description: Contains an annotated typescript of part one of Bertram's memoir `Between extremities'. Quantity: 1 folder(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: 17 May 1997 to 12 Nov 2000 - 17 May 1997 - 12 Nov 2000

By: Catherall, Elizabeth, active 2003-2008

Reference: OHColl-0874

Description: Interviews with women who were part of the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (W.A.A.C.) welfare workers, usually known as Tuis, who sailed for Egypt in September 1941 to work at the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo initially and other clubs set up later in Bari, Rome and Florence. In their green and white uniforms with embroidered N.Z. badges and the N.Z.F.C. epaulettes, the Tuis became an essential element in army life in the Middle East and Italy where their duty was to provide the `home touch' in the clubs by undertaking activities such as preparing and seving food, clerical work, organizing dances, concerts and revues, shopping for men in the field and visiting patients in New Zealand military hospitals. Tuis also provided support to army life in the Pacific. interviewees are Pat Burrell, Eleanor Fraser, Paddy Gowan, Pat Hamilton, Jean Knox Gilmer, Iris Latham, Olive Low, Mavis Mackinven, Yolande Mark, Gladys May, Babette Pilcher and Lorraine Waterhouse. Abstracted by - Full transscripts made by Patricia Hamilton Awards/funding - Project received an Award in Oral History grant Source of title - Title supplied by donor Interviewer(s) - Liz Catherall Arrangement: Digital transcripts arranged as OHDL-000534 to OHDL-000544 Brief records only for the interviews Tape numbers - OHC-015267 to OHC-015340 Quantity: 74 C60 cassette(s). 12 transcript(s) edited. 73 Electronic document(s) - 12 edited transcripts. 12 interview(s). Photographs of the interviewees are held with their printed transcripts.

Date: 1943-1949, 1994

By: Morgan, Patricia Tobin, active 1944-1995

Reference: MS-Papers-5233

Description: Reminiscences recorded by Mrs Morgan of her work as USO officer at Rockefeller Center, New York, during World War II, her contact with New Zealand servicemen, and her impressions of Peter and Janet Fraser, for whom she acted as a guide in New York; includes programme for Anzac Day service, held at the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas, New York in 1945, photocopy of testimonial from Peter Fraser, and past and present photographs of donor Source of title - Transcribed Quantity: 1 folder(s) (10 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript, printed matter, photograph Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donation, Mrs P T Morgan, Missouri, 1995 Past and present photographs of author

Date: 1943-1981

By: Beer, Frederick George, 1910-1988

Reference: MS-Papers-2577

Description: Folder one contains transcripts of taped reminiscences and poetry (held at MS Tapes) relating to Beer's experiences with the Second NZEF during World War II. Folder two contains a booklet - Otago centennial celebrations 1948. Folder three contains material about Tonga during the 1950s. (See OHColl-0272/1 for recordings ...) Source of title - Supplied title Other - See note inside folder one Quantity: 3 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescripts and printed matter Processing information: Not all folders have been described.

Date: 2007

By: Paddison, Arthur Neville, 1920-

Reference: MS-Papers-8795

Description: Paddison's memoir recounts his experiences of training to be a soldier in the New Zealand Army. The recollection includes a very detailed description of all facets of training to be a gunner in the New Zealand Artillery. He recounts his enlistment with the Territorals, military life in the training camps (Mount Cook Barracks, Linton Military Camp, Trentham Military Camp, Waiouru Military Camp), artillery practice sessions at various locations including Foxton and Ashurst and his increased responsibilties as an instructor of cadets. There are many digital photographs included in the typescript depicting soldiers (also group photograph of the 2nd Field Regiment NZA taken at the Winter Show Buildings, September 1940), weapons and vehicles like the Marmon. The account concludes as Paddison prepares for depature with the 2nd NZEF, 8th Reinforcement. Source of title - Title transcribed from item 2nd Lieutenant Paddison joined the New Zealand Artillery (Territorials) at 19 years of age in 1939. Trained as a gunner he rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. In 1942, aged 21, he commenced active service with the 2nd NZEF, 8th Reinforcement. Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript with scanned photographs

Date: [ca 1991]

By: Richardson, John, active 1930-1991

Reference: MS-Papers-10709

Description: Richardson summarises his experiences under `Capitaos inglisi or the Captain with the Crooked Face' and further describes his experiences in letters to John and Julie Snadden Source of title - Supplied Richardson was a prisoner of war during WWII and these papers covers his experiences in Bardia, Bari, Parama and Altamura hospitals in the Western desert and Italy, and in Camp 82 in Italy Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph and mss

Date: 1977-1978

By: Andrews, Noel Edwin, 1921-

Reference: MS-Papers-2306

Description: Unpublished book describes his war experiences and exploits as a P.O.W. Source of title - Title page Relationship complexity - See fMS-Papers-6892 for Andrews' trade and advanced trade certificates in motor mechanics Andrews served with New Zealand Engineers. Saw action in North Africa and Greece where he was captured in May 1941. A prisoner of war in Austria until 1945, he made eight escape attempts. Quantity: 6 folder(s). 0.06 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript Includes photographs, maps and pen sketches to accompany text

Date: 1940-1945

By: Burge, Archer Richard, 1913-1992

Reference: MS-Papers-8777

Description: Collection comprises the wartime reminiscences and stories of Private Burge. Also includes form guides for two horse race meetings, newspaper cuttings and a booklet printed to commemorate the birthday of King George VI. Source of title - Supplied by Library Private Burge served with the 19th Wellington Battalion departing with the First Echelon of the 2nd NZEF. He rose to the rank of Lance Corporal during 1940. After being home on furloug Burge then served with the War Graves Commision. Quantity: 3 folder(s). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript and printed matter

Date: 26 Sep 1940-28 Oct 1940

Reference: MS-Papers-8886

Description: Letter from Eddie, 1st NZ General Hospital, 2nd NZEF, Overseas, to Mabel, 26 Sep - 28 Oct 1940 [Berkshire, England and onboard troop ship to Capetown] re time in London, air raids, Overseas League Club, impression of England and its people, dating a Welsh girl, mail problems, RAF men and life aboard troopship. Mentions a Ted Little, a Sandy Banks of Crawthorne, Berkshire, cousin of Sapworth family in New Zealand, and receiving a letter from an Olga Watson. Possibly Eddie and Mabel are siblings. Quantity: 1 volume(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Ms and transcript Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Purchase, 2007

Date: 15 May 1940-1942

Reference: MS-Papers-8892

Description: Partial transcript of Private Moresby's reminiscences as a soldier in the 2nd NZEF, Medical Corps, 2 General Hospital, serving in North Africa, entitled "Sayeeda Wog". First entry commences on 15 May 1940 with a parade of Medical Corps recruits in Rutland Street, Auckland. Embarked on troopships Mauretania and Ormonde (which was delayed in Bombay, India) to Egypt. Was stationed at Maadi Camp and throughout various camps in Egypt, Palestine and Libya. Final entry is of him climbing Mt Zion and finding a Australian Army Detention Centre. Quantity: 1 volume(s). 0.03 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript Provenance: Partial transcript possibly done by Brent Mackrell.

Date: 1941

By: Harvie, Johnston, 1908-1994

Reference: MS-Papers-2097

Description: Brief record of day-to-day activities, including action in Libya; with related press cuttings Source of title - Supplied Harvie was a gunner in 14 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, sailed Apr 1941 with NZ Expeditionary Force, served in Egypt and Libya during year Quantity: 1 folder(s) (9 pieces). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph, mss and printed matter

Date: 1993

By: Lattimer, Warrick Neville, 1919-2005

Reference: MS-Papers-5294

Description: Lattimer describes his life from childhood and family background to his experiences during World War II in the Navy on HMNZS `Achilles', HMNZS `Gambia' and on Russian convoys in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific. The story appears to have been completed in 1993. The manuscript was prepared mainly for family records Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript and photographs (photocopies) Lattimer has included photocopies of photographs taken on active service and has added detailed captions. A message from a surrendering Japanese is included.

Date: 1942-1945

By: Muff, Dudley Robert, 1901-1994

Reference: MS-1681

Description: Written for his niece during internment in P.O.W. camp Stalag 383; gives lighthearted, detailed accounts of daily life in camp Quantity: 1 volume(s) (57 pages). Physical Description: Holograph (photocopy)

Date: 1941-1945

By: Castles, Thomas, 1911-2005

Reference: MSX-7973

Description: Journal relates primarily to verse, songs and recipes collected by Sapper Castles whilst a prisoner of war. Material includes "The Island of Doomed Men (Crete)" and "The Face on the Bar Room Floor". Amongst the recipes are instructions for making Guinness stout and cheese fritters. Also addresses of fellow prisoners, miscellaneous philiosopical jottings and epigrams. Some entries are written in French and German. Source of title - Supplied by Library Sapper Castles served with the Royal NZ Engineers, 7th Field Company and was captured on Crete, 1st June 1941. He spent the remainder of the war in Stalag VIIIB, Lambsdorf, Germany. Quantity: 1 volume(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph Back page includes a pencil and ink colour sketch entitled "Maoriland".

Date: 1942-1945, [ca 1950-1952]

By: Gavin, Denis, 1916-1989

Reference: MS-Papers-9697

Description: Typescript account of the adventures of the author, who served with the East Surrey Regiment in his attempt to escape by boat from Malaya after the fall of Singapore in World War II. Describes the route taken, his companions, capture by the Japanese and life in the the Japanese POW camp Includes covering letter by Denis Gavin and note by Ted Frost on his knowledge of Gavin Source of title - Transcribed from item Quantity: 2 folder(s). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript

Date: [ca 1939-1945]

From: McDonnell, Hilda Mary, active 1944-2022 :Research papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11837

Description: Two page typescript account of an unidentified serviceman's recollection of Crete ca 1941, during Second World War. The serviceman relates being taken prisoner by German soldiers in Crete. He escapes from them by hiding in an oil jar and then spends 84 days travelling through Crete avoiding recapture. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescript

Date: 10-11 Mar 2008

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

By: Harrison, Thomas Drayton, 1922-

Reference: OHInt-0920-05

Description: Interview with Tom Harrison. Born in 1922 at Drayton farm, Methven. Refers to his grandfather Henry James Harrison, his parents Thomas Solomon Harrison, Daisy Isobel Harrison (nee Smith), and siblings. Describes life on Drayton farm, growing oats, grass seed and wheat, had sheep and cattle for fattening. Recalls going to Methven District High School on horse and cart, and pursuits of swimming, rugby and athletics. Says left school in the Depression to work on the farm. Refers to being called up to join army in 1941 during World War Two. Says trained at Burnham camp for three months, home for Christmas 1941, then to Ashburton camp. Mentions had appendicitis, so went home, and did harvesting at Hawarden, North Canterbury. Says went into Air Force January 1943, trained at Levin, and at air gunners school in Blenheim. Left with 13th Reinforcements on the 'Dinata Castle' ship from Wellington, stopping at Perth, Fremantle, then over the Indian Ocean to Egypt. Mentions playing yuka on board. Trained for six weeks at Maadi Camp 1944, and had leave to sightsee at Pyramids, Sphinx and Cairo. Talks about leaving heat of Egypt to travel to snow in Bari, Italy. Details training in village, then back to the war at Forli. Says he was in the Div Q (support squadron of 2nd New Zealand Division) which was sent to support Maori Battalion. Details his role and driving Bren carrier. Refers to being sent to Padova where Colonel Jim Williams was wounded and a sergeant killed. Mentions partisans bringing German prisoners to the house. Says had leave in Venice at hotel procured by General Freyberg. Talks about going into Trieste from above, the role of Tito's mob and VE Day. Says saw Tom Currie and Natalie Currie, and had Methven reunion in Trieste. Recalls spending six weeks with anaemic dysentry in Bari hospital. Says the single men of the 13th, 14th, and 15th reinforcements had to go to Japan. Recalls voyage via Suez Canal, stopping in Singapore to let off those with measles, then to Hong Kong, arriving in Kure harbour, Japan. Says Div Cav (2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry regiment of 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force) was sent to Eta Jima island in March 1946. Describes visiting Hiroshima, Tokyo and seeing starving Japanese. Mentions those who went back to Hiroshima were exposed to radiation. Says shifted to mainland Japan and drove jeep for four months. Recalls voyage home to Lyttelton and meeting family at Ashburton train station. Talks about going shearing in Methven for year after return from war. Bought local farm by auction. Refers to marriage in 1947 to Kathleen May King and their children. Talks about growing wheat, barley, white clover. Mentions he had LIP (lease in perpetuity) land which he was able to buy at reduced price under Muldoon's government, and also an 82 acre farm block. Discusses sporting activites, football, golf, swimming and horse racing, and being patron of Methven trotting and gun clubs. Mentions socialising at Methven RSA, and being President, and memorial at Mount Hutt College. Refers to womens section of RSA. Mentions none of his sons wanted to farm. Talks about son Graeme Harrison living in Japan, starting Five Star Beef, and being assistant manager of Meat Board. Mentions sale of Seafield meatworks. Describes trip with daughter to wartime locations in 1977. Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016745 - OHC-016746 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6027, OHDL-001822. Search dates: 1922 - 2008

Date: 14 August 2012

From: Ex Japanese Oorlogsslachtoffers Nederlands Oost-Indie (EJOS Inc) : Records

Reference: MSDL-2281

Description: Memoirs written by John Toxopeus regarding his childhood in the Dutch East Indies at the time of the Japanese occupation during World War Two. Describes life under the Japanese, time spent in Camp Karees, Camp Baros, and the train journey to Bang Kong. Describes conditions in internment camps, his reunion with his mother on 19 August 1945, and life in the Halmaheira family camp. Quantity: 1 electronic scan(s).