Fighter pilots

Date: 1943-1944

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: PA1-q-299

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in the Middle East and Italy during World War 2, 1943-1944, taken by various photographers and compiled for official purposes. Many individuals identified are listed above, but while many others are identified in group portraits they are not named above. This album changes between the Middle East and Italy, with the bulk of the Middle Eastern images between pages 1 and 71, and the Italian scenes on pages 49-52, and from 72 onwards, with a few Middle Eastern items interspersed. Recreation for soldiers with sporting activities including athletics, cricket, swimming, tennis and softball, some of which are in competition with personnel from other groups including South African Division Artillerymen. New Zealand engineers building a pontoon bridge across the Suez Canal with the help of Belgian Congo troops; NZ reinforcements arriving in the Middle East; troops voluntarily donating blood; parades and inspections by Freyberg and Inglis, and decorations presented by them (p 9-13, 23, 33, 36, 62). Hitchhiking from Maadi into Cairo; street tailors altering uniforms while the soldiers wait (p 15-16); camp cinema. A large number of reunions of personnel from various New Zealand districts held at different restaurants in Cairo, including Rotorua & district; Levin & district; Arrowtown, Queenstown Lakes District; Wairarapa; and Temuka. Occupational therapy for convalescent troops including embroidery and leather-work toys (p 20-22); a leave camp for forces on the Palestinian coast, run by British Army staff assisted by ATS, and Italian Prisoners of War and European women assistants. NZEF in Italy: Members of the PoW Sub-Commission in Taranto; members of the 2nd NZ Division Advance party in Taranto; released prisoners of war; embarkation on troopships from Alexandria for Italy. Funeral at cemetery at El Ballah of 3 nurses and a corporal in a motor accident between Ismailia and Port Said (Private (Miss) P A Morrissey (from Port Ahuriri); Private (Miss) M O McNulty (from Eketahuna); Private (Miss) M Innes (from Masterton); and Corporal S R W Bomford (from Takapuna), all members of the No 2 NZ General Hospital). NZEF Middle East: Award winners of the NZ Division Field Ambulance; personnel with a NZ Air Transport Squadron; members of the NZ Port Detachment; weddings in Egypt; Xmas dinner at the Maori Training Depot, Maadi. George Formby, seen with his wife/manager entertaining troops at El Djem Theatre, Maadi; Mobile Cinema Van donated by NZ Film Exhibitors' Association through the YMCA. Group of 10 men repatriated after time in German prison camps who had been taken in the Grecian Campaign; 4 brothers from the Duncan family from Wellington reunited at Maadi (S/Sgt A T Duncan, Capt R J Duncan, Pte H G Duncan and Cpl G J Duncan); photo of brothers A J and S R Halkett who arrived back in Canterbury after having been together in the firing line, in a shipwreck, in a prison camp and in a successful escape.t NZEF in Italy: men of transports from Alexandria to Bari; troops in Bari; artillery duels on the Sangro River Front; party of Russian military observers visiting the 8th Army (p 82-83); road construction, mud, road deviations constructed after demolition of bridge; water carts being filled at Sangro River, and filling canvas water tanks for filtering and storage; repair of tents and canvas items by NZ soldier A A Patmore on a sewing machine behind the lines; small arms repair; bootmaker; visit of senior officials from the British Army to HQ 2NZ Division in Italy; destruction of the village of Gessopalena by the Germans. Arrival of Patriotic parcels in Italy, Xmas 1943; Xmas dinner; snow on New Year's Eve; NZ Forces Club in Bari (p 109-110), with NZ sisiters and members of VAD at the club, and soldiers in the writing room of the club; inspection and awards by freyberg in the Volturno Valley; soldiers washing vehicles, and Italian women washing clothes in a stream near Alife in the Volturno valley. Two scenes with Peter Fraser one at Pearl Harbour with Admiral Chester W Nimitz, and Robert L Ghormly (p 116); and his arrival at National Airport, Washington in April 1944, with Walter Nash, Mrs Nash and Mrs Fraser (p 116). NZEF in Italy: Bivvies and dugouts to cope with the cold; the No 2 NZ General Hospital (p 121-123); the Monte Cassino area (p 124-136), with bombing, destruction, villagers living in caves after homes demolished by Germans; Airmen serving with the RAF in the Cassino area recording messages to be broadcast in NZ; preparation for transport of supplies over the Inferno Track, only possible at night. New Zealand Infantry Brigade Band in Italy; malaria control (p 138-140); Malaria School established by the NZ Field Hygiene Section; preventative spraying; routine taking of anti-malarial tablets; examination of Italian children for signs of malaria. Airmen in italy; men on leave at "200 Rest Home" giving free amenities to troops on 4 day's leave from the front line; sorting of winter clothing after summer clothing had been issued; Registrar's office and staff at the No 1 General Hospital, Molfetta. Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 2556-3002. Follows sequence established in PA1-q-294. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22 cm

Date: 1950 - 1972

By: McNamara, John Joseph, 1918-2001; Daily mail (London, England)

Reference: A-369-199/209

Description: Mainly caricatures and drawings of sporting figures who flourished in the 1940-1950s. Includes soccer players Jack Lee, Neil Franklin and Dennis Compton (also cricket), Welsh rugby player Ken Jones, boxer Don Cockell, jockey Lester Piggott and an unnamed sportsman, Rowe. Smaller illustrations cover material related to rowing and commuting. Quantity: 10 newsclippings.. Physical Description: Newsprint clippings stuck onto black card, sizes vary.

Date: [ca 1927-1952]

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-4161-01-148

Description: Photographs of aircraft: T-6 (NZ944) flying over Christchurch city; pile of ammunition; American Kittyhawk and their NZ pilots; Tiger Moth on Forest Fire Patrol for State Forest Department flying over forest in the Rotorua area, ca 1949-1952; King George VI at Cranwell RAF Aerodrome, Lincolnshire to see RAF cadets in training; Devon aircraft (De Havilland); `Southern Cross' at Wigram, Sep 1927; `Southern Cross' being photographed from a cine cameraman in a Bristol fighter by a photographer in a third plane, 1927. Quantity: 9 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1943-1948

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-4161-01-147

Description: Most photographs contain captions; some are stamped `Official RNZAF photographs'. Group photograph of a conference of padres in the RNZAF held at Frederic Wallis House, Lower Hutt, 1944 (all named on back); NZ Fighter Wing `score board' at New Georgia, Nov 1943 to record number of Japanese aircraft hit (group around the board includes Air Commodore S Wallington, Wing Commander T O Freeman, Air Marshal Sir Cyril Newall, Major General H E Barrowclough); RNZAF Band playing outside the USA hospital, Guadalcanal, 1944 (W/O R H Simpson conducting); Wings Parade - Course 61 medal presentation (Squadron Leader E T Mileski, Squadron Leader J R Welsh, Air Commodore A de T Nevill, LAC Johnson), Nov 1942; fighter pilots on return from battle in SW Pacific war zone, 1944; F/O R C Beazer of Feilding and P/O Letourneau of Canada (both of NZ RAF Mosquito Fighter Bomber Squadron). First NZ airmen repatriated from German hands welcomed by Air Vice Marshal L M Isitt and Air Secretary T A Barrow (group includes Warrant Officers D C Allen, J I B Walker and H M English); RNZAF ground crew on an amphibious truck (called a `Duck'); Lockheed Hudson bomber crew reporting back from a reconnaissance flight over the Solomons area; group photo of NZ Catalina flying boat crew, 1945 (all named); pilots being briefed before a `strike', Guadalcanal, 19 Jun 1943; RNZAF Corsair aircraft flying in formation at Guadalcanal, 1944. Catalina flying boats and RNZAF band on visit to Halavo Bay, the seaplane base in the Solomon Islands, 1944; Dakota aircraft at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, 1944; YMCA `tea truck' serving RNZAF ground crew who are maintaining Kittyhawks; Wing Commander de Willimoff and others in flying suits beside Corsair aircraft; group beside a Kittyhawk (includes Squadron Leader Newton); group photo of flight mechanics and riggers on airstrip in Pacific (all named); Brigadier General R L Owens, Deputy-Commanding-General, 13th Air Force, USAAF, presenting the American Distinguished Flying Cross to Flying Officer M T Vanderpump, ca 1943; Air Commodore Sir Robert Clarke-Hall talking with Major General R J Mitchell, USMC, prior to latter's departure from Bougainville (others in photo include Air Commodore G N Roberts, Wing Commander A B Greenaway & Wing Commander H R Wigley); Christmas Day in the mess hall, 1942; group of NZ pilots having a `Smoko' during Battle of Bougainville, 1943 (some name on front in ballpoint); aftermath on Bougainville (aerial photo of Japanese barge on beach); men of the RNZAF on board the `Wahine' at Torokina, Bougainville bound for NZ. Quantity: 37 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 2000

By: Warbirds Over Wanaka (Airshow)

Reference: Eph-D-AVIATION-2000-01

Description: Poster advertising an aviation event shows an illustration of an airman or fighter pilot at the left, and an aircraft (Hawker Hurricane) flying behind and above him, with the number P3351 on its side. Two copies held. Quantity: 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Photolithograph, 595 x 420 mm. Provenance: Donated by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, 2009.

Date: 2003

From: [Ephemera of quarto size, timetables, and advertising relating to aviation, airline companies, flights, aeroplanes, aircraft, by New Zealanders or in New Zealand]

Reference: Eph-B-AVIATION-2003-01

Description: Booklet containing a welcome from Roy Marsden, chairman of the organising committee, articles about Spitfire, Young Eagles, Catalina, Helicopters, Red Checkers, the Wanganui Aero Works Display Team, the model aircraft flying display. The last page shows a map of the venue. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Booklet of 18 pages, 297 x 212 mm.

Date: 24 Jun 2006

From: From memory oral history project

By: Pattison, John Gordon, 1917-

Reference: OHInt-0981-03

Description: Interview with John Pattison, born in Waipawa in 1917. Talks about growing up on the family farm, and the children initially having a governess until they went to the local school. Refers to his schooling and being at Wanganui Collegiate School during the Depression. Recalls joining the Civil Reserve Pilots Scheme and learning to fly at the local aero club. Mentions his Air Force training in New Zealand - navigation at Levin, and flying at New Plymouth and Woodbourne. Recalls sailing to England on the Rangatira in early 1940 where he was trained to fly Spitfires and then sent to 266 Squadron when the threat of invasion was real. Describes his first operation when he ran out of fuel and landed in a field. Discusses being posted to 92 Squadron at Biggin Hill soon after and talks about life on the ground and in the air during the Battle of Britain. Recalls mainly attacking German bombers, the constant losses, and the tiredness when flying four or five operations a day. Refers to leave in London. Talks about being wounded in the leg by an explosive bullet and spending eight months in hospital recovering followed by a month in a convalescent hospital. Comments on being sent to Wales as a flying instructor at 61 OTU, Llandow, and his first flight there in a Spitfire. Discusses being assigned in April 1942 to 485 (New Zealand) Squadron which escorted bombers over defended areas. Comments on their respect for the flying ability and aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Talks about being shot down over the English Channel, bailing out successfully and getting into his rubber dingy in rough seas. Recalls being back flying after 48 hours leave. Mentions marrying his wife Pauline, a WAAF plotter, in 1943 once he was taken off operational duties and promoted to Squadron Leader. Refers to being sent as Chief Flying Instructor to OTU Kinnell in Scotland, later returning to operational duties and preparing for the D-Day invasion. Recalls flying at first light on the day, seeing the Channel full of naval ships, and shooting down a German plane. Mentions landing in Normandy a few days later and following the Canadian Army to Germany. Refers to taking command of 485 Squadron, living under canvas during the European winter, and escorting American bombers. Recalls moving through Germany, seeing destroyed cities, and seeing piles of bodies when flying over Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Refers to being awarded the DSO [Distinguished Service Order] and earlier the DFC [Distinguished Flying Cross]. Comments it had been less personal than flying during the first world war, and they felt it was aircraft they were shooting at not people. Refers to returning to New Zealand with his wife and son, adjusting to civilian life and returning to farming. Mentions attending the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in London. Reflects on ANZAC Day, and on the "sheer absurdity" of settling national problems by going to war. Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Accompanying material - Photocopy of notes about John Pattison's life and war service (2 p.); summary of John Pattison's war service (1 p.); photocopy of letter from Group Captain C.M. Hanson to John Pattison, dated 23 July 1993 (2 p.); photocopy of article "Modest war hero receives France's highest honour" (Hawkes Bay Today, 8 June 2004); photocopy of article "One of 'The Few' looks back" (Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune, date unknown). All with printed abstract. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-021909 - OHC-021912 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 digital photograph(s). 2 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 3.55 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7240. Scanned black and white photographs of John Pattison: in flying kit (c1942), in uniform (early 1940s); scanned colour photograph of John Pattison beside an aeroplane (undated); colour photograph of John Pattison (June 2006) Search dates: 1917 - 1939 - 2006 - 1947

Date: 29 Sep to 9 Dec 2004 - 29 Sep 2004 - 09 Dec 2004

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Swan, Albert Frederick, 1920-2010

Reference: OHInt-0938-07

Description: Interview with Alan Swan, born in Mt Albert in 1920. Talks briefly about growing up on a Taranaki farm, the Depression, attending Auckland Grammar School for six months, and then working as a shop assistant. Comments on learning to fly when he was about 18, being ready to go solo when war broke out and the government stopped private flying. Recalls volunteering for the Air Force and accepting a job at Woodbourne doing maintenance while waiting to train as air crew. Refers to spending six weeks at the Levin Ground Training School followed by two months at Elementary Flying Training School at Harewood where he first flew solo in a Tiger Moth. Recalls next going to Woodbourne where he learnt to fly Harvards, doing night and instrument flying, bombing and air gunnery. Recounts sailing to England, training in Miles Magisters at Peterborough, posting to an operational training unit to fly Spitfires, and learning to fly loops in a hazy atmosphere lacking clear horizons. Describes posting to Algiers and making delivery flights of Spitfires from Gibraltar to Algeria. Refers to assignment to 154 Squadron first in Tunis and then in Malta, then transfer to 81 Squadron in Sicily. Recalls the advance up Italy. Discusses being sent to India and Burma, flying Spitfires from Alexandria to Imphal on the India-Burma border. Recalls supporting the Chindits, interactions with Japanese forces including Japanese infiltrating the airfield, and accidents. Notes Japanese fighter planes being more manoeuverable than Spitfires. Talks about the handling characteristics of different models of Spitfires. Refers to being a squadron aircraft recognition officer, training new pilots to reduce friendly fire. Talks about living and operating under monsoon conditions and having malaria which affected his vision and ability to land safely. Recalls being transferred to Ceylon when it was thought that the Japanese might attack, and having some air interception experience, controlled by air direction officers, on HMNZS Achilles. Mentions being sent to Poona in India in April 1945 as a Flight Commander to train pilots newly arrived from Europe, but the training ceased once the Japanese surrendered. Explains his lingering hostile feelings towards Japanese. Discusses returning to New Zealand in 1945, being discharged from the Air Force, marrying and settling in New Plymouth where he worked for a company selling and installing milking machines. Talks about later setting up a marine supplies company. Describes being involved with the Air Training Corps in New Plymouth in the 1950s and 1960s. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Photocopy of Alan Swan's Pilot's flying log book and "A short resume of my service with The Royal New Zeland Air Force" Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017238 - OHC-017245 Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - edited transcript. 1 transcript(s) - edited. 1 interview(s). 7.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHDL-000397, OHA-6155. Search dates: 1920 - 1939 - 2004 - 1945

Date: 1 Oct to 4 Nov 2004 - 01 Oct 2004 - 04 Nov 2004

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Turnbull, Desmond Harold, 1921-2008

Reference: OHInt-0938-08

Description: Interview with Des (Desmond) Turnbull, born in Stratford in 1921. Reminisces on growing up in Stratford, attending local schools, the Depression, his father's bespoke tailoring business, singing in the church choir, seaside excursions by train to New Plymouth, silent movies and dances for teenagers. Comments on working in a drapery and menswear store after leaving school, and volunteering for the Territorial Army in 1940 where he had to learn to ride when he was posted to the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles. Refers to conscription into the Army in January 1942, by now the horses had gone, training in Bren gun carriers and tanks, and promotion to sergeant. Comments on church parades and chaplains. Talks about volunteering for the Air Force in June 1942, though not transferred until mid 1943. Refers to initial training at Harewood, followed by training at Woodbourne and Rotorua, then going to Ashburton to learn to fly in Tiger Moths and Woodbourne to fly Harvards, learning instrument flying, aerial gunnery and bombing. Mentions getting his wings in November 1944 and posting to an operational training unit at Ohakea in January 1945 where he flew P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft. Refers to a Corsair conversion course at Ardmore in March 1945 where he crashed an aircraft during landing. Talks about assignment to No. 17 Fighter Squadron and deployment to Los Negros (Manos Island) in the Admiralty Islands in May when the War was waning, and not seeing any real action against the enemy. Comments that one recreational activity of the New Zealanders was picking over the American rubbish dump nearby. Refers to being on dawn patrol when word of the Japanese capitulation come through, and flying their aircraft back to New Zealand in September 1945. Briefly outlines setting up a dry cleaning business in Stratford with a brother and the difficulties they had getting machinery. Comments on marrying in 1946, and taking a rehabilitation carpentry course at Wanganui in 1950. Mentions going into whiteware sales for a period, then training at Knox Theological College in the late 1950s to be a Presbyterian minister. Compares leadership styles in the armed forces and in a parish. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Photocopy of Des Turnbull's Pilot's flying log book Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017247 - OHC-017253 Quantity: 7 C60 cassette(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 6.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHDL-000398, OHA-6156. Search dates: 1921 - 1939 - 2004 - 1945

Date: 7 to 14 Sep 2005 - 07 Sep 2005 - 14 Sep 2005

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Weggery, Sydney Lawrence Emil, 1920-2006

Reference: OHInt-0938-10

Description: Interview with Sydney Lawrence Emil Weggery, born in Palmerston North in 1920. Refers to his Swedish grandfather, and his father having served in World War I. Talks about growing up on a farm in the Mangaone Valley (inland from Te Horo) and later at Paraparaumu and Lower Hutt. Mentions becoming a public servant in 1938 and studying accountancy part time. Refers to being teetotal and becoming a committed Christian when he was 18. Recalls hearing war had been declared on the radio in 1939, deciding he wanted to be a pilot, and his mother signing his papers when he was nearly 20. Comments on the assignments he had to complete before being called up. Reflects that young men were keen to volunteer for an overseas adventure, but it became more serious once they saw action. Talks about attending the aircrew Ground Training School at Levin in February 1941, learning to fly tiger moths at the Harewood Elementary Flying Training School, and then being sent to Canada to train under the Empire Air Training Scheme at Dauphin, Manitoba. Comments on training in single-engined Harvards, learning instrument flying, night flying and cross country navigation. Talks about arrival in Britain in late 1941, delay in operational training because of harsh winter weather, and volunteering for the Far East: sent to India rather than Singapore. Mentions flying Hurricanes at the Operational Training Unit at Risalpur near Peshawar, learning aerial gunnery, tactics, dogfighting and formation flying, but training interrupted to allow Indian pilots to train. Talks about joining 615 Fighter Squadron on the Bengal-Burma border, in January 1943, and comments on the cosmopolitan aircrew. Mentions Japanese bombing raids on their airfields and the superior manoeuverability of the Japanese Zero fighters. Describes the fighters' responses to raids, escorting raids by their bombers, fighter raids on roads and railway lines (rhubarb operations), and debriefing after flights. Discusses the squadron converting to Spitfires in October 1943 because the Hurricaines could not fly high enough to be effective against Japanese bombers and fighters. Mentions operating out of Imphal to prevent a Japanese invasion of Assam and catching malaria there. Refers to meeting his wife Enith during leave in Calcutta and getting married in Darjeeling in Oct 1944. Comments on being posted to the Air Force Headquarters in Calcutta for two months before returning to New Zealand for home leave in early 1945. Recalls VE Day celebrations in Wellington, demobilisation, and training with his wife to be Salvation Army officers. Reflects on working with former servicemen who had difficulites settling back into their families where their wives had been running the household in their absence and now expected a partnership role in the family. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Copy of "The War Cry" Lt-Colonel Lawrence Weggery - memoirs of a spitfire pilot" is held with his printed transcript, OHA-6158 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017261 - OHC-017268 Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 7.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHDL-000400, OHA-6158. Search dates: 1920 - 1939 - 2005 - 1945

Date: 1991

By: Arculus, Arthur William, 1926-2014

Reference: MS-Papers-10693

Description: Account of New Zealand WWII aircrew buried in Lytham Park, Blackpool and Mansfield cemeteries, Lancashire, England Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript and photographs (photocopies) Finding Aids: Includes name index.

Date: February 1944-September 1944

From: Boot, L M :Photograph album and loose photographs of air force service in New Zealand, Britain and Canada in 1944

Reference: PA1-o-050

Description: Album of photographs taken in Canada and the United States of America between February 1944 and September 1944, while Leonard Murray Boot was a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force training at the Bomber and Gunnery course. Leonard Boot took many of the photographs, but they also include group portraits of his company at their various training bases. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Cream soft-covered album labelled "Photographs", 205 x 260 mm

Date: [2000s]

By: Foster, Owen Ellice, 1920-

Reference: MS-Papers-8223

Description: Autobiographical account by Foster of his life as an air force pilot and prisoner of war during World War Two. He writes of his initial training in New Zealand, the going to Canada under the Empire Training Scheme, arrival in England and his posting at Feltwell, Norfolk to the 487 Squadron; meeting his wife who was a WAAF in his squadron; the experience of the worst bombing raid by a New Zealand squadron on the Amsterdam power station (3 May 1943) and his life in German prisoner of war camps, particularly Stalag Luft 3; the retreat of the prisoners before the Russian advance in 1945 and the atrocities committed by Russian troops in a liberated German town. He includes lists of allocated food parcels and menus in the camps; and photocopies of photographs relating to his experiences. Source of title - Transcribed from item Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript (photocopy) Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mr O E Foster, Avonhead, Christchurch, Mar 2005, per Mr D Filer, Auckland

Date: 1942-1943

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: PA1-q-298

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in North Africa and the Pacific during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official purposes. Many of the group portraits are fully named in the album, many of whom are not listed above. Scenes include various views of the Kiwi Concert Party (with a named group portrait) on tour and in action, in Syria, Alexandria, Tripoli & Malta (p 1-5, 42, 137-138); New Zealanders in the RAF at Middle-Eastern stations (p 6-7, 19-23); casualties and medical officers from the El Alamein battle at a NZ military hospital, including a view of twin brothers E R & E O Riley who painted a mural while convalescing (p 8-9, 23); a group of NZ merchant seamen visited the 2nd NZEF base at Maadi with one of the soldiers at the base (A Currie, E Warner, D Duff (all from Lyttelton) and S Rogers from Wellington), with soldier W E M Cornish (also from Lyttelton). Lieutenant-General Montgomery inspecting troops and presenting awards (p 10-180 and Monty in the desert (p 63); from the Azizia region to Tripoli (p 24-36) including stacks of German bombs abandoned near Azizia, troops on leave in Tripoli, Monty visits, parades, scenes with Winston Churchill and Bernard Montgomery; inspection of troops and awards presented by General Freyberg (p 68-72, 75-76). The Libyan battle and advance to Benghazi; Xmas scenes at Maadi Camp (p 40-41), at the Helwan Hospital (p 53-54) & at Sirte (p 55-56); scenes of flooding in the desert; light naval craft in the harbour of a Western Desert port. Nursing sisters in the Western desert (p 45-49); infantry troops taking an Italian fort "Forte Giudice[?]" (p 50-51). Visit of the NZ Minister of Defence (Hon Frederick Jones (p 52-53, 84-85, 94-97, 125-127); presentation of 2 ambulances by the Hugh Baird family (Hastings) and the Sutherland Ross family (Dunedin). Clearing mines (p57-59); Divisional Signals in the desert (p 60-61); photographs taken on a German camera captured in the Sidi Barrani area (p 64-66); various sporting events including rugby championships in Tripoli (p 67-68) & Alexandria (p 72-74), hockey, tennis (p 149), swimming (p 149), and athletics in Cairo (p 127-129). An ambulance train, diesel drawn train of ambulance carriages operated by NZ engineers (p 79); NZ Spitfire fighters operating from Britain (Fl/Lt Pattison, Squad. Leader R J C Grant (DFC, DFM) & Fl/Lt Baker (DFC)); South Island airmen making a broadcast to NZ from the studios of the Canadian Broadcasting Studios in Halifax. Final phase of fighting in North Africa (p 89-93) and the surrender by General Messe, the German Chief of Staff. Scenes of the "First New Zealand Mule Pack Company" (p 129-131) for transporting ammunition and suppliesl in Tunisia; the marriage of Brigadier Kenneth MacCormick to NZ WAAC Joan Stewart Fenwick at Maadi Camp; reproductions of paintings and portraits by war artist Peter McIntyre (p 100-105, 113-114), including members of the Long Range desert Group, Benghazi, Siwa, Monty, Norman Johnston (NZ Broadcasting Unit) and entry into Tripoli. NZers at Stalag 18A Germany (photo taken by A "Carl" Carlisle); passing through Gabes & Sousse; arrival of men in NZ on home leave from Egypt (p 111-113), and office scenes showing the ballot for home leave (p 139-140); British and NZ forces repatriated from Italy on a hospital ship to Alexandria (p 115-116) and a British Embassy garden party for the troops held in the British Embassy grounds in Cairo (p 121-122, 131). Captured German weapons; the end of the North African Campaign; NZers in Britain; NZ prisoners in an Italian prison camp (photo taken by one who was repatriated (L P Halle from Wanganui); celebration of Empire Day in Cairo; command performance by unites of the Allied Forces for the King of Egypt; a group at Medinine; arrival back at Base Camp of the NZ Division after 2000 mile journey from near Tunis back to Maadi after continuous campaigning for nearly a year. Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 2115-2555. Follows sequence established in PA1-q-294 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22 cm.

Date: 2002

From: [Ephemera of quarto size, timetables, and advertising relating to aviation, airline companies, flights, aeroplanes, aircraft, by New Zealanders or in New Zealand]

By: Warbirds Over Wanaka (Airshow)

Reference: Eph-B-AVIATION-2002-01

Description: Booklet containing articles about the event, with profiles of the planes involved, an article about the Catalina, about Jack Stafford, Sir Sydney Camm, the Ashburton Vintage Fire Brigade, photographs of vintage tractors, an article by Keith Skilling, one about the central Flying School, and about Don Nairn. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Booklet of 48 pages, 297 x 212 mm.

Date: 31 Aug 2004 to 26 Jan 2005 - 31 Aug 2004 - 26 Jan 2005

From: New Zealand Defence Force Military oral history project

By: Gotlieb, Gerald, 1923-2006

Reference: OHInt-0938-05

Description: Interview with Gerry (Gerald) Gotlieb, born in Wellington in 1923. Talks about his immigrant parents (father born in Latvia) and growing up in the Wellington Jewish community. Refers to starting training as a cabinet maker after leaving school in 1938, and volunteering for the Air Force in 1941 when he turned 18. Talks about completing their prerequisite correspondence course and then having initial training at Levin and then in Rotorua. Discusses learning to fly in Tiger Moths at Taieri, followed by training in Harvards at Woodbourne (Blenheim) including bombing and air gunnery training, emergency landings and survival. Mentions getting his wings and promotion to sergeant pilot at the end of 1942 and then being sent to Briatin. Comments on spending time in No 61 Advanced Flying Unit at Ridwell training in Spitfires. Talks about flying Spitfires, their armaments, learning to shoot successfully at moving aircraft, formation flying, escorting bombers, and combat. Discusses joining Spitfire Squadron 504 at Castleton, Scotland for two months in 1944, then transferred to Digby and then Detling in Kent when he began his main operational flying. Describes taking part in a fighter-bomber raid on a prison in Lille to breach its wall and allow prisoners to escape. Refers to flying escorting missions when gliders were towed to Arnim (Operation Market Garden) as part of the invasion. Mentions an advance base in Holland after the invasion where escort Spitfires refuelled for long bombing raids into Germany. Recalls flying in an escort for Winston Churchill when he went to Paris. Describes leave in London every six weeks, staying with a relation and visiting a jazz club. Refers to heavy drinking in the mess after operations. Comments that he did not know about the concentration camps and the fate of Jews in Europe until after the War. Interviewer(s) - Martin Halliday Accompanying material - Photocopy of Gerry Gotlieb's Pilot's flying log book; additional notes (4 p.) Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-017221-017231; OHLC-009544-009554 Quantity: 11 C60 cassette(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 11 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available unedited transcript, sides 1-19 only, OHA-6153 OHDL-000395. Search dates: 1923 - 1939 - 2005 - 1945

Date: 1929-1940

By: Kain family; Kain, Edgar James, 1918-1940

Reference: ATL-Group-00048

Description: Comprises material relating to the life and flying activities of Edgar James 'Cobber’ Kain (1918-1940), a New Zealand RAF pilot and fighter ace who died in a flying accident in France in 1940. Includes: - A volume of newspaper clippings about Kain, possibly compiled by his mother, Nellie - Five photograph albums, mainly concerning his career in the RAF - Loose photographs, ephemera, and papers, including letter from Kain to his sister Peg, referring to 'the kid' (Judy, donor's mother, and sister of Kain) - A pilot's log book kept by Kain - 'Nana' Kain's address books - tape cassette holding an interview with Kain (same interview on each side) Title supplied by Library Flying Officer Edgar `Cobber' Kain, a New Zealand fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force, was killed in a flying accident in June 1940 when his official count of German aircraft shot down stood at seventeen. Quantity: 5 album(s). 2 volume(s). 4 folder(s). 22 b&w original photographic print(s). 1 b&w copy photographic print(s). 2 colour copy photographic print(s). 1 colour copy negative(s). 1 colour original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Photograph albums, loose photographs, correspondence, ephemera, and a scrapbook Provenance: The donors are Edgar Kain's sisters, nieces, and nephew. Processing information: Most recent accrual to this collection has not yet been processed by staff.

Date: Between 1942 and 1944

By: McCusker, Gordon John, 1892-1966

Reference: 1/2-190390-F

Description: Portrait of James Gowing Godwin (1923-1995), military aviator, prisoner of war, war crimes investigator and colonial administrator, taken ca 1942-1944 by Gordon McCusker of Blenheim. See DNZB v.5 - James Godwin was a military aviator, prisoner of war, war crimes investigator, and colonial administrator. Moyra Symons is his sister. Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s) (copy of original print returned to owner). Physical Description: Cellulose triacetate negative 10 x 12.5 cm

Date: [1939-1945]

By: Lawton, Laurence Alan, 1919-1996; Collins, Tudor Washington, 1898-1970

Reference: PAColl-1724

Description: Consists of 7 envelopes of photoprints and associated documentation (letters, press clippings, draft of book); World War II Victoria Cross winners, 75 NZ Squadron, Lawtons flying career and 9 original prints by Tudor Collins. Acc Rid No. 89/0556 Ref 797 Quantity: 7 envelopes of photographic prints.

Date: [2003]

By: Fisher, Ron, active 1940-2003

Reference: MS-Papers-8072

Description: Holograph account by Fisher of his experiences in World War Two, from the time he left New Zealand to his training in England and Canada; return to Great Britain and serving in 841 Squadron mostly based at Manston; he did a lot of what he called `non moon period' patrolling, was awarded a DSC, and married Elaine Baker in 1944 Source of title - Transcribed Accompanying material - Two brief letters from Mr Fisher Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wellington, per Mr R Clarke, Jul 2004