World War, 1939-1945 - Hospitals - Egypt

Date: [Circa 1941]

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: McIntyre, Peter, 1910-1995

Reference: PA1-q-287

Description: Official photographs from World War II, very few of which have captions. General Freyberg is seen in many images, with different groups of officers and soldiers, and reviewing of New Zealand troops on parade. He is also shown receiving the Greek Military Cross from the Greek Minister of War, Stelios Dimitrakakis. The New Zealand Bomber Squadron is shown with their "Wellington Devil"; R.A.F. bombers with some New Zealand airmen returning from a raid on Berlin; and airmen from NZ joining the fighter force receiving final training on a Spitfire. There are scenes of activities associated with entertainment and sports. These include a pipe band of a South Island Battalion recently arrived in the Middle East, taken at Maadi, circa 1941, and one picture of four buglers; the Kiwi Concert Party performing in the Middle East (p 118-125); and sports including boxing, athletics, discus throw, tug-of-war, rowing and swimming. New Zealand Division Athletics Championships in Cairo (p 82-87). One set of photographs (p 58-68) were taken by a German photographer who was killed in Crete. They show Axis destroyers at Piraeus, in readiness to transport Nazi parachute troops and airborne infantry to an island airfield in the Aegean Sea used as a base for the invasion of Crete; Nazi bombers with groups of soldiers waiting to board a troop carrier; and two aerial views, one showing a Junker troop carrier nosed down into the Cretan Sea, and one showing wrecked German troop transports on Maleme aerodrome. Views of HMS Leander in the Middle East (p 70-75, 98-99). New Zealand crew members W. Hickford (Wanganui), E. Drabble (Auckland), J. Stewart (Wellington), A L Poad (Auckland) and K Newson (Wellington) are named in image no. 952 (p 71); a large range-finder in action; group of officers (identified in reference no. DA-01901); clothes-washing; mending clothes; serving the rum ration; a church service; gunners with a captured Breda gun (D.L. Graham-Cameron (Gisborne) and J. Kelly (Waitara)); repairing a torpedo; and deck hockey. The opening of the Lowry Hut at Maadi on 16th July 194l shows general Freyberg and Mrs Freyberg, Mrs A P F Chapman who was attached to the New Zealand YMCA which operated the hut, which was presented by her father Thomas Henry Lowry; and general scenes inside and outide the hut. The other club shown in this album is the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, with a mural painted by war artist Peter McIntyre. There are also reproductions of some of his paintings on p 101 and 104-105. Ambulances were presented to the NZEF through the British American Ambulance Corps and the Anzac War Relief Fund, Maadi, with a number of photographs showing different types of ambulance, and a mobile surgical unit. At the reception of the Anzac War Relief Fund in New York they gave a demonstation of the Australian Indian type of ambulance which would be sent to the Middle East, at which the Hon. J G Coates, Nola Luxford were present, and at which the American president of the fund presented the Wings of Mercy badge to the Hon. Frank Langstone. A group of wireless operators and air gunners who attended the No. 11 W.A.G. course at Mountain View Air Station (Canada), p 111. (For full names see information noted on reference nos. DA-01417 to DA-01418, and DA-01420). Many photographs are related to the postal service, showing huge piles of incoming parcels and letters for the troops, with men sorting, collecting and receiving their mail. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with dark blue cloth cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22 cm

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: PA1-q-294

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in Greece, Crete, the Middle East and Egypt during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official use. This album includes a number of official photographs taken for the British official records. Many of the personnel identified are listed above, but group portraits in which individuals are identified are not listed above. Many views show aspects of military training in the desert, including machine guns, rifles, manoeuvres, Bren guns, range practice, and anti-tank guns. New Zealand Divisional Cavalry. In England military training and preparation includes scenes of the New Zealand High Commissioner in London, William Joseph Jordan, watching New Zealand lumberjacks from the New Zealand Forestry Corps in a Gloucester forest felling trees for war purposes. Also related to England are scenes of the Duke of Gloucester inspecting troops, and King George VI at an investiture at Buckingham Palace investing Flight-Sergeant Williams with his Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry in air operations. Long Range Desert patrols and expeditions into enemy territory showing the difficult terrain they had to negotiate. Views of a formation of five American-built Lockheed Hudson aircraft of the RAF Coastal Command carrying out an action patrol near Borkum, Heligoland and the Danish Coast. They are the first released photographs taken while under fire from German anti-aircraft ships, flying only 200 ft above the sea because of the weather (p 15-21). One image shows a wireless operator checking one of H.M. the King's homing pigeons, presented to the RAF to carry messages in case of a forced landing & breakdown of wireless. Arrival of NZ airmen & pilots for duty with the RAF in 1941. Gift of fruit and vegetables presented to NZ troops stationed in Fiji, transported 60 miles by boat from Kandavu, formally accepted by Brigadier Cunningham. (A number of images of Cunningham are dotted throughout the album). Views of the sinking of the Italian raider Ramb I, by HMS Leander in February 1941 (p 33-37). Scenes of a huge field bakery run by Egyptian bakers which can supply 3500 loaves each day. Also the "Waiwera Hotel - the 'ouse on the 'ill" cookhouse in the desert; and other scenes of food preparation. Relaxation organised by the YMCA, and the opening of the Lowry Hut run by the YMCA. Shipboard life on a transport ship, including games, relaxation and officers censoring mail. Floods after heavy rain in the Western Desert along the Mediterranean fringe (p 61-64). The Oranje leaving Amsterdam on her maiden voyage; used as hospital ship for Australian and New Zealand forces. Groups at the Royal Canadian Air Force Bombing and Gunnery School, all of whom are named (p 67-69). Prime Minister Peter Fraser's visit to the Middle East (p 69-72), his visit to Greece (p 93-105), and inspecting the hospital ship Maunganui (p110-111).) The No. 1 General Hospital in Greece. War damage to New Zealand House in London (p 105-106). Italian prisoners of war in a soccer match "NZ vs Italy" in Egypt (p 79-81); German parachute troops wounded and taken prisoner in Crete; captured swastikas used to hoodwink the enemy into dropping supplies. Fighting and evacuation of Crete. Evacuation of the Greek Royal party by a bodyguard of New Zealand soldiers, with views of a reception given by His Majesty the King of Greece, showing Lieutenant W H Ryan, Princess Marie, lady Palairet, Prince George, Prince Peter, and British military attache Colonel J S Blunt. Group portrait of New Zealanders in Britain training for the Fleet Air Arm (members named). Members of the New Zealand Bomber Squadron of the RAF who have been part of the raids on Germany, particularly on Berlin. (Several group portraits, some of which are named). Several photographs of unidentified men who escaped from Crete in barges. Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 398-791 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

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: PA1-q-304

Description: Photographs relating to the New Zealand Army Nursing Service in Egypt, the Western Desert and Italy, taken by an unidentified photographer. The only people named in the album are Matron-in-Chief of the 2nd NZEF, Emma Nutsey, and General Sir H Alexander who visited the No 2 New Zealand General Hospital in Caserta. The first section includes the No 1 New Zealand Casualty Clearing Station, North African campaig; Mersa Matruh, a group of nurses outside the German and Italian hospital at Mersa Matruh; the nurses' compound at El Garbanyat; nurses at Agedabia; a wrecked german plance at Agedabia; and washing day in the desert No 1 NZ General Hospital at Helwan, showing the exterior of the former Grand Hotel; the sister's mess and garden around the mess; award at Helwan; and the first "mess" wedding held at the Kiwi Club in Helwan. No 2 NZ General Hospital at Gerawla in the Western Desert; railway station; signs warning of minefields; packing for departure. No 2 NZ General Hospital at Caserta; flooding at Caserta; General Sir H Alexander visites Caserta; wedding of Lieutenant J Searing and his wife, the first military wedding at Caserta. No 3 NZ General Hospital (Helmieh, Egypt) at the Helmieh Garrison; nursing sisters' mess; tent accomodation; sick bay; convalescent soldiers; mud and straw bricks being transported by native labour; the No 3 Hospital moves out from Helmieh in a convoy en route to Beirut, Syria. Beirut, officers' mess, matron's cottage, sisters' lounge, WAAC mess, and a fire in the WAAC's mess. Tripoli, the sisters' mess; Kiwi Concert Party; aerial photo of No 3 NZ General Hospital at Bari, Italy. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album in faded green paper cover, entitled "Photography" in black lettering; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 1939-1942

By: Crump, Spencely Noel Stanley, 1916-1995; Crump, Douglas, active 2000

Reference: PA1-q-750

Description: This album was compiled by Second Lieutenant Spencely Noel Stanley Crump. It is a record of his time as a soldier in the New Zealand army during the Second World War. The record begins with photographs taken while training at Ngaruawahia Camp in September 1939. He and his company were transported to Egypt on the "Orion" where they underwent training at Maadi Camp. Also recorded are the rest and recreational facilities at the camp, as well as those at Helwan Camp, and trips to the pyramids. In 1940 he was with the army campaigning and preparing defences in the Western Desert. He was also sent to the Middle East Weapon Training School in Sarafand near Tel Aviv of which there are photographs as well as others of Palestine and Jerusalem. In 1941 he was sent to Greece and Crete. This part of the album also contains a page of photographs taken from a captured German paratrooper's camera. Following the campaigns in Greece and Crete, Crump returned to Egypt and took part in the war in Libya. There are several pages of photographs of Cairo and its citizens. Others are of nurses and patients at the British General Hospital at Geneifa, and the New Zealand General Hospital at Helwan where Crump went as a result of contracting pneumonia and developing infections in his wounds. In 1942 he returned to New Zealand on the hospital ship "Oranji". There are five pages of photographs taken on this trip. In New Zealand he was sent to the Soldiers Hospital in Rotorua for treatment. In 1943 he married. The album is well documented throughout, and most of Crump's many military associates are identified. A container of letters written by Crump while he was overseas was also donated with the album. The letters have been transferred to Manuscripts and Archives. In 1934 Spencely Noel Stanley Crump was a member of the New Zealand team to the Empire Games in London where he won a bronze medal in swimming. He also represented New Zealand in swimming at the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney, Australia. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Transfers: To Manuscripts & Archives - One container of letters.

Date: 1939-1940

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: McKenzie, J S (Private), active 1940

Reference: PA1-q-293

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel in New Zealand, England and Egypt, taken 1939-1940 and compiled for official use. Most of the images have good captions, and most of the names noted are listed above. The album includes a number of British Official Photographs. Scenes include New Zealanders in the advance party sailing from Melbourne in December 1939; shipboard scenes of the First Echelon arriving in Egypt; Freyberg welcoming the troops on arrival with Anthony Eden (Secretary of State for the Dominions) and Sir Miles Lampson; the train service between the NZ camp and Cairo; Egyptian workmen helping construct the camp, and women doing the laundry; Divisional Signallers lined up on motor bikes. Battle practice and army life in the desert: anti-tank & anti-aircraft practice; bren guns; vehicle maintenance; blacksmiths; operating the telephone exchange; engineering work; sorting mail; manufacturing field oven; chopping wood for the oven; food preparation; boot mending; camp cinema; various games including cards, bowls, cricket, swimming, boxing; disinfecting plant for killing pests in soldiers' blankets; digging trenches; erecting tents. Opening of the Kiwi Club at Helwan, formed through the efforts of Lady Lampson. Three photographs taken by a sergeant of the Royal Marines, showing action related to the battleship Admiral Graf Spee and the Battle of the River Plate (p 65, 111, 133) New Zealanders resident in England who volunteeered at the outbreak of war are shown training with the Eastern Command; manoevres with the 2nd Echelon in Britain, and the opening of a new club for New Zealanders in Charing Cross Road; Winston Churchill visiting Australian and New Zealand troops in 1940; NZ armourers and wireless operators working for the RAF; information about the longest non-stop reconnaisance flight made in a Vickers Wellington bomber, piloted and crewed by members of the RNZAF Bomber Squadron (5 crew + 1 officer from the Navy to assist in ship identification); and Winston Churchill visiting Australian and New Zealand troops. In Libya scenes show a motor rail car which patrolled the rail to Matruh; "Whare Kiwi" dugout in the Libyan Desert; The first air raid experienced in a small village in the Cairo area. NZ airmen arrive in Canada for training in the Empire Air Trianing Scheme; haka led by Pine Takarangi. Transportation of troops and equipment across inland water, use of collapsible assault boats and building bridges. Western Desert battle; Italian and Libyan prisoners of war; captured tanks and vehicles; view of the Italian defence line; also the surrender of Traghen when the whole population of the Libyan Fort marched out in surrender. Various hospital scenes, both in England and in Egypt, including occupational therapy activities. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with faded blue cloth cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

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: 1940-1941

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-4161-01-196

Description: Captioned photographs showing exterior and interior views of 1 NZ Camp Dental Hospital. Includes orderly room in a tented NZ Camp Dental Hospital, the surgery, mechanics at work in the laboratory. NZ Mobile Dental Section moving 2 NZ Camp Dental Hospital from one base camp to another; 2 NZ Camp Dental Hospital in its tented form pending the completion of the new building; hospital under construction; Field sub-section; on a training exercise in a base area; NZ Mobile Dental Section staff in the Western Desert; Lieut-Col J F Fuller ADDS and two officers. Photographic record continued in album at PAColl-4161-01-197 Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Date: 02-03 Feb 2008

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

By: Stewart, Selwyn Lamb, 1918-2008

Reference: OHInt-0920-17

Description: Interview with Selwyn Stewart. Born in 1918 in Asburton. Backgrounds his parents Thomas Stewart and Jane Stewart (nee Lamb) who farmed at Seaview, near Ashburton and at Kolmar homestead, Lyndhurst, Mid Canterbury. Recalls going to Waimatataitai Primary School, Lynhurst Primary School and Timaru Boys High School. Refers to taking agricultural course. Describes class sizes, subjects and teachers Miss Mildred Rudd and Bill Thomas. Mentions being captain of cricket team and rugby, boxing and ballroom dancing. Says left school at 16 years old to drive a team of horses at Kolmar farm. Talks about ploughing, training and caring for horses. Mentions Lyndhurst blacksmith Billy Cook and wheelright Knox Cook. Comments on running Corriedale sheep on dry farm with his brother Alan Stewart and few men. Mentions going to Aitkens Store, Ashburton, for groceries and mail. Talks about volunteering for World War Two in 1940. Says he went to Burnham camp to train, and was in 4th Reinforcements. Refers to playing bagpipies in Methven Pipe Band. Describes sailing from Wellington on board 'New Amsterdam', picking up the 'Mauretania' and 'Aquitania' from Sydney and Melbourne, going through Indian Ocean to Bombay, India. Mentions arriving in Egypt, and camping at Maadi. Says he transferred to 23rd Battalion after it came back from Syria. Talks about going to El Alamein and receiving a head wound in a bombing raid. Refers to being hospitalised at Alexandria in various hospitals, and then being sent to Helwan Hospital, Cairo. Refers to being stretchered to Wanganella hospital ship at Tewfik and sailing on the Red Sea to Colombo, Ceylon, then back to Wellington. Mentions being under Doctor McKenzie at Timaru hospital for head injury. Says he took over Kolmar farm in 1943, and married Norma Hale (nee Gadd) in 1944. Mentions why Alan Stewart left Kolmar. Refers to getting war pension and Public Works Act for soldier settlement. Describes changes made to Kolmar farm homestead and having an underground tank for rainwater. Mentions cars he and his family have owned. Talks about breeding Corriedale sheep for fine wool, and rams to stand the weather. Discusses growing rape, turnips, blue lupins, perennial ryegrass, red and white clover, subterranean clover and haymaking. Mentions support of Bobby Low and uncle Stanley Wilson. Details getting rid of foot rot in sheep, and using lime on soil. Refers to not using horses after war. Talks about using Massey Harris tractor, duncan drill, grubber, harrow and rollers. Recalls shearing gang work and wool classing. Talks about his four children Peter, Ross, Antony and Susan, and their achievements. Mentions Antony (Tony) died at 47. Discusses siblings Mavis McWhinney Pink, Errol Douglas Stewart and Alan McNaughton Stewart. Says Alan served in Pacific during World War Two and Mavis as VAD nurse (Voluntary Aid Detachment) at Hanmer Springs. Mentions Peter Stewart and wife Toni (nee Flint) took over Kolmar farm in 1976. Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016778 - OHC-016779 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-6039, OHDL-001834. Search dates: 1918 - 2008

Date: 31 Mar 2008 - 3 April 2008 - 10 April 2008

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

By: Webb, Wingate Rollin, 1915-2011

Reference: OHInt-0920-20

Description: Interview with Wingate (Bill) Webb. Born in 1915 at West Eyreton. Talks about parents Percy Rollin Webb and Evelyn (Eva) McLaren (nee Wright). Backgrounds maternal grandparents Vince William Wright and Jean Wright who farmed at Eyre River, Swannonoa and Lagmhor homestead block, and paternal grandparents Samuel Rollin Webb, Mayor of Lyttelton 1883-84, 1888-89, 1904-08 and Sophie Webb (nee Dohrmann). Talks about his father and uncle Harry Webb buying part of Chapman's run, and his father buying West Eyreton and Fernside. Backgrounds Harry Webb and his service at Gallipoli. Recalls riding pony to West Eyreton school. Says his father got chronic asthma and sold farm to move to Fairlie in 1923. Mentions going to Waimari school while staying with relatives and later to Fairlie School. Talks about leaving school in 1931 to work at Pareora Freezing Works, as casual wharfie at Timaru wharf and firewood cutter in the off season. Expands on freezing works, roles, daily routine, the chain system, the solo system, pay and conditions. Mentions working a season at Geelong Freezing Works, Australia. Refers to joining the Territorials before he volunteered in 1939 after World War Two was declared. Says he was in 1st Echelon 27 Machine Gun Battalion and trained at Burnham Camp. Mentions the wet canteen and Burnham Bot. Recalls final leave before leaving New Zealand January 1940 on the Polish ship 'Sobieski' via Perth and Colombo. Talks about his friend Ted d'Auvergne. Mentions Gallface Hotel. Says he disembarked at Suez and went to Maadi Camp, Egypt for training. Refers to going to Heliopolis airfield outside Cairo and Baggush, so machine gunners could protect airfields. Mentions battle of Mersa Matruh and Vickers Valencia bombers. Talks about Helwan Camp, getting trench mouth, an army boxing tournament in 1941 and playing rugby against Australians. Expands on conditions in desert warfare, flies, bib trucks, sand, having only mud grip tyres, wog guts and going on sick parade. Talks about being sent to Base Transport to look after cars for 'Bludgers Hill' (headquarters). Says he became a Lance Corporal driver mechanic about Christmas 1940. Discusses change from horses to mechanised transport. Describes trip on ship 'Queen Adelaide' that took them to Greece. Refers to first posting to the Aliakmon Line, preparing Vickers guns, driving in trucks at night and joining up with the 20th Battalion and 100 RMT trucks. Refers to being strafed by Germans on Anzac Day 1941. Describes travel back to Alexandria and then to Helwan Camp. Mentions army camp at Amiriya. Talks about lack of co-operation between New Zealanders and English (Tommies) attached to the NZ Division. Compares trucks and fuel. Talks about forming the 6 RMT with 20 drivers. Describes being diagnosed with pleurisy at Helwan hospital in January 1942 and being sent to a British hospital in Suez. Expands on trip to Adelaide on the Dutch ship 'Oranje', having leave in Melbourne and Sydney and being put in isolation on the 'Maunganui' ship during trip to Wellington. Mentions being on ferry to Lyttelton with Ron Guthrie. Talks about convalescing at Coronation Hospital and Cashmere Sanitorium, Christchurch, for 18 months. Refers to being discharged October 1942. Says he got work as bus driver with Days Motors. Mentions being told by Professor Albert Hugh Flay that there would be dairy farms all over Ashburton once the irrigation gets going. Recalls meeting Myra Smith in 1945 when he moved to Staveley, their marriage in 1946 and birth of their son Gary Webb in 1947. Discusses purchasing Nell's Motors bus business in 1944, and later buying Collinson Ltd truck delivery with two partners Andy Kerr and Skinny Beattie. Mentions purchasing their shares in 1955 and merging the businesses into Webbs Transport. Expands on the contracts with Hornby Glass Works and Mount Somers Quarry mining. Mentions driving a Bedford lime sower with a spinner and Munro Box. Refers to getting a licence in 1957 to carry sand with truck and trailer to Christchurch which competed with Railways. Refers to big carriers Mid-Canterbury Transport and Burnetts Transport, and smaller businesses Baynes Brothers, Hinds and E R Cochrane Ltd. Describes expanding business, moving up to 30 ton payload. Details truck accidents in 1961 and 1981 and importance of weight of trailer and truck. Refers to Webbs Transport being first to have aluminium decks and one of the first diesel trucks. Says Myra minded the phone, the radio telephone, drove hay trucks and did a school run. Talks about involvement of son Gary Webb with the sand plant and Webbs Transport since 1963. Recalls getting out of rural transport in 1973 and selling ten trucks, but keeping sand hauling and sand plant. Talks about buying plant following closure of glass works. Expands on development of plant over years, planning selective mining with washing for quality sand and routine with trucks. Details working with railways and barges to transport sand from Mount Somers quarry. Says Myra died in 1989 and he remarried to Ethol (Joan) Warton Robertson in 1990. Talks about being a President and Secretary of Alford RSA and a member of the Erewhon Masonic Lodge for 62 years. Interviewer(s) - Nicola Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016784 - OHC-016793 Quantity: 10 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 10 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6042, OHDL-001837. Search dates: 1915 - 2008

Date: 23 Jun 2000

From: Wartime nurses project

By: Rodenburg, Winifred Mabel Louise, 1920-

Reference: OHInt-0731/05

Description: Winifred Mabel Louise (Winnie) born Palmerston North 1920. Recalls growing up as the youngest of twelve children; the Depression; cycling five miles to Palmerston North Girls High School; classes with the Red Cross, studying First Aid, Hygiene and Sanitation and in 1940 joining Civil Nursing Reserve. Describes spending six months at Rotorua Hospital nursing servicemen returning from overseas, six months at Napier Hospital and six months at Hanmer Springs before volunteering for WWII. Talks about Army training at Burnham and Miramar Camps, being fitted with special uniform and sailing on the `Maunganui', a Red Cross hospital ship. Refers to Matron Chadwick. Describes journey and collecting patients at Colombo and Bombay on their way to Suez where patients were transferred and nurses taken by truck to Helwan Hospital. Describes conditions in hospital, patients, many returning from prisoner of war camps in Germany, treatment for tuberculosis (TB), Christmas and social life. After three months in Egypt travelled once again on the 'Maunganui' to Italy, remaining one year in Senigallia (1 General Hospital) before going to Florence. Describes feelings on returning to New Zealand, working at G H Bennett's library, marriage in 1955 and husband's background. Refers to daughter who is a doctor in Island Bay. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012490 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4300, OHDL-000839.

Date: 6 Nov 2000 - 06 Nov 2000

From: Wartime nurses project

By: Hardy, Christina Dorothy, 1916-2015

Reference: OHInt-0731/08

Description: Christina Dorothy (Dorothy) Hardy (nee Mackay) born Gore. Recalls attending Tapanui District High School and working for a firm in Heriot, Otago Farmers before commencing to train as a nurse at Dunedin Hospital 1939. On completion of training specialised in theatre work and in 1944 volunteered for WWII. Describes time at Burnham Camp, experience at Taiaroa Heads for one month and eventually leaving New Zealand on the Maunganui hospital ship. Describes journey and stop overs en route, eventually arriving at destination, Helwan Hospital. Gives details of hospital, uniforms, conditions, type of injuries, treatment for burns and social life. Mentions Mess dances and the New Zealand Club in Cairo. Refers to Lady Freyberg and the Tuis. Talks about meeting future husband and gives reasons for his Maori name, Kiwa, even though he wasn't Maori. Recalls being transferred to northern Italy, a place called Senigallia near Ancona. Recalls villages being badly bombed. Talks about Dr Charles Burns from Wellington. Recalls shortly after arriving in Italy contracting Amoebic [Dysentery] which resulted in finally being sent home on the Tamaroa (ship) arriving New Zealand March 1946. Recalls passengers on board the homeward journey which included Selwyn Toogood, Father Ryan and Father Spring (Roman Catholic padres) Martin Sullivan (Anglican padre) and many war brides. Describes homcoming and marriage December 1949. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012496 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4305, OHDL-000842.

Date: 2 Mar 2000 - 02 Mar 2000

From: Wartime nurses project

By: Roberts, Helen Brittan, 1915-2010

Reference: OHInt-0731/09

Description: Helen Brittan Roberts (nee Foster) born Invercargill 1915, after five years family moved to Christchurch and after a further five years moved to Lower Hutt where her family lived for thirty years. Recalls training as a nurse at Christchurch Hospital and working at Alexandra Hospital, Wellington in 1939 when war was declared. Recalls being called up in 1941, spending nine months at Trentham Army Camp before being sent to New Caledonia, leaving on New Years Eve. Mentions total black-outs. Describes tent based hospital and type of illness treated - mainly soldiers (New Zealand) coming in from the jungle with skin rashes and skin diseases. Mentions the `Talamanca' a ship used for ferrying nurses backwards and forwards on leave. Mentions American PX stores. Refers to new prefab hut hospital being built. Recalls being moved to Guadalcanal and describes conditions there with huts on the beach. After six weeks there was sent to Italy in 1943, travelling on the Maunganui (ship). Refers to Miss Edith Lewis (Matron). Refers to attack of dysentery. Describes move on to Helwan in Egypt towards the end of the war to No 5 General Hospital, celebrating VJ Day and being sent home on the `Strathmore'. Talks about life afer the war, marriage in 1954 and general health as a result of dengue fever attack while overseas. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012497 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4306, OHDL-000843.

Date: [ca 1917-2010]

From: Scoullar, Leo Bryan, 1917-2010: Photographs

By: Savoy Studios (Auckland, N.Z.); Van Hasselt (Firm); Leicagraph Studio (Wellington, N.Z.)

Reference: PAColl-10027

Description: Photographs relating to the life of Bryan Scoullar, taken ca 1917-2010, particularly his service in the army during World War II. Bryan Scoullar collected all the images and took some of them. Images are arranged in a loose chronological order, and contain: Family photographs, circa 1917-1941, showing his mother Genevieve (nee Pope), his father Arthur, and his brother Patrick. Snapshots of the family are taken at the family residence in Wellington and during outings and holidays in New Zealand. Includes images of Patrick during the war, at home on leave, and overseas. Two school photographs taken at Marist Brothers' School, Wellington, probably of Patrick or Bryan. Photographs related to Bryan Scoullar's military service in North Africa during World War II. These are taken and collected in Egypt, Syria, and the Western Desert, ca 1941-1942. There are also some images taken during his training at Trentham army camp ca 1940, and documenting journey on board ship 'Nieue Amsterdam'. Contains images of patients, staff and activities at No. 3 General Hospital, Egypt, where he worked as an orderly. Includes tourist photographs taken and collected during travels in Egypt, and a trip with 5th field ambulance unit to Jerusalem and Syria. Also a group of Images taken at the Bulldog Club, Helmieh. Named figures include 'Dan' from South Africa, and Bob Bates ['Lulu la Blaze'?], and a Spanish Capuchin friar [Padre?] Sabino. Photographs of friends and family ca 1945-2010, including items related to his involvement with the Lamb of God covenant community in Wellington. Also images of Bryan's parents in older age, two mounted portraits of Bryan's god-daughter Anne Renai, and a few photographs documenting Bryan's trips overseas with an Australian Catholic group. Events include: celebrations to mark Bryan's 81st and 93rd birthday, a Christmas party in 1988, St Patrick's College Centenary 1985, a dinner at Bunratty Castle, [a restaurant in Australia?], and Anzac Day commemorations at Huntleigh Rest Home, Karori, ca 1990s. Places include: St Mary's Convent, Wellington, and St Thomas More Catholic Church, Wilton and [The Rigi?] St Vincent de Paul's. Named figures include: Vonnie Nunns, Bernadine Reid, Stephanie Revell, Mike Revell, Laurie McClellan, Philippa Dowling, Chris Reid, Molly Waugh, Trish Kane, Andre Gellen and Karen Gellen. Accompanying information - ltems of ephemera relating to Mr Scoullar including an order of service for his funeral. Arrangement: Images have been arranged by the archivist in loose chronological order Quantity: 189 b&w original photographic print(s) including one mounted on metal. 37 colour original photographic print(s). 1 item(s) of photographic ephemera (Postcard featuring printed photograph). Physical Description: Photographic prints and items of ephemera

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: PA1-q-286

Description: Official photographs from World War II, very few of which have captions. Scenes show activities associated with training, social life and daily life in the New Zealand camps in Egypt and the Middle East, with a few relating to New Zealand activity in Fiji, and also scenes of bomb damage at New Zealand House in London. Various activities include the demonstration of light observation towers suitable for flat desert country; soldiers sorting mail; making ammunition ready for firing; artillery training; a NZ "tough bus" towing a gun; a rugby match in the Western Desert; soldiers keeping warm around a small fire; bread making; sorting and delivering stores; repairing vehicles; transporting a vehicle on a pontoon; dinghies; sandbags; storage of fuel with camouflage covering; scenes with Prime Minister Peter Fraser on an official visit to Egypt; interior views of the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, with one picture of war artist Peter McIntyre painting a mural in the club; the YWCA building erected, furnished and maintained by the National Patriotic Fund Board showing the exterior, the canteen, and a large group of soldiers at a sing-song around a piano Photographs numbered 453-456 (p 118-119) show bomb damage to the exterior and interior of New Zealand House in London, taken by an official photographer (1941?). Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with dark blue cloth cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

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-4161-01-197

Description: Continuation of the photographic record in PAColl-4161-01-196. Shows 1 NZ Mobile Dental Unit in the Western Desert; Surgery and laboratory; dental personnel including Capt C K Horne; 1 NZ Camp Dental Hospital (exterior view, surgery, prosthetic laboratory); 2 NZ Camp Dental Hospital (exterior view, surgery and prosthetic laboratory); views of the surgery at NZ Base Depot Dental Hospital; Captain H G Lynch and section staff prior to their departure on an eight weeks dental tour from base camp in Egypt through Trans Jordania and Iraq. Quantity: 1 album(s).

Date: 1940-1944

By: Crump, Douglas Ronald, 1919-1944; Crump, William, active 1950s; Crump, Douglas, active 2000

Reference: PA1-q-764

Description: Photographs taken and collected by 2nd Lieutenant Douglas Ronald Crump prior to his death at La Luna, Italy, 7 August 1944. Album comprises: Photographs of the grave of Douglas Ronald Crump at La Luna, Italy, with Brigadier S H Crump Scenes in Papakura Camp, 1940 Scenes of farewell parade for 5th reinforcements at Auckland Domain, 1941 Scenes on convoy to Middle East, showing ships Nieuw Amsterdan and Mauretania, and views of Sydney and Colombo. Scenes in camp at Maadi and Helwan, Egypt, June 1941; pyramids and sphinx; Divisional swimming sports; manoeuvres; Cairo; Alexandria; No 1 NZ Convalescent Depo, Alexandria; Sinai Desert; Syria; Palestine; Lebanon, Beirut; Damascus; Palmyra; Jerusalem, Bethlehem; Haifa; Tel Aviv Visits to ancient Egyptian sites, including Luxor, the temples at Karnak, the tomb of Tutankhamun, the temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu, and Thebes Scenes on the Nile, including the Assuan Dam, and a BOAC flying boat landing Sporting events, including a rugby match between 4th NZ Armoured Brigade and Welsh representatives at Maadi, 3 Feb 1943; Brigade athletics meet, Littoria Stadium, Cairo, 5 April 1943 Scenes at Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) Views of Bari, Rome and Florence Portraits of Douglas Ronald Crump Album consists of photographs taken and collected by Douglas Ronald Crump (1919-1944) prior to his death, and compiled into an album by his brother, William Crump. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Green cloth bound album with red morrocco spine and corners, 28.5 x 33.5 cm

Date: 21 Aug 1941

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: DA-01913-F

Description: Operation in progress in the NZ Surgical Unit in the Western Desert, World War II. The authenticity of this operation is in doubt. Taken on 21 August 1941 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [1980s]

By: Molesworth, Douglas James, 1919-2000

Reference: MSX-6588

Description: Joye Adams, daughter of Molesworth, notes at the beginning of the memoirs that she asked her father to write down his memories about the war so she and other family members could share them. Molesworth describes his experiences from the time he left New Zealand on 12 Jan 1940 with 5th New Zealand Field Ambulance and the 5th Brigade on the `Acquitania' and briefly describes the voyage; they went to Firth, then various aprts of England, leaving for South Africa then Egypt. This was followed by service in Greece and Crete, and North Africa. Molesworth writes informally and graphically of his experiences and those of his fellow-servicemen in the various fields of war and also of the various locations in which they served, often relating them to places in New Zealand. Source of title - Transcribed Joye Adams, daughter of Molesworth, notes at the beginning of the memoirs that she asked her father of write down his memories so she and other family members could share them Quantity: 1 volume(s) (74 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript with photographs (photocopies) Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Ms J Adams, Mt Maunganui, per M Hutching, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Jun 2003

Date: 5 Jul 1992 - 05 Jul 1992

From: Women in World War II Part II

By: Harper, Helen Edith, 1913-1998

Reference: OHInt-0064/19

Description: Helen Harper was born in Christchurch on 10 September 1913. Describes in detail life on an isolated farm near Kaikoura. Talks about her education, mainly through Correspondence School, and her involvement with farm work. Recalls `party line' telephones and rural mail deliveries. Describes leaving the farm about 1937 and becoming a companion driver for an elderly Christchurch relative. Talks about running a dressmaking business. Focuses on her work with the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) when war broke out. Talks about being in camp at Trentham before being sent to Egypt, Beirut and Italy. Describes work, some patients and the long hours worked at the Number 3 General Hospital in Cairo. Talks about dances and the Kiwi Concert Party in Cairo. Describes difficult conditions in Italy and some leisure activities. Talks about her weight loss while overseas and the difficulty in readjusting to farm life on her return to New Zealand. Describes moving to Wellington, working in a number of hostels and for the Labour Department and marrying Bill Harper. Comments on the impact of World War II. Venue - Wellington : 1992 Interviewer(s) - Johanna Woods Venue - Miramar Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004777; OHC-004778; OHC-004779 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 854. Photograph of Helen Harper during World War II

Date: 26 Oct 1999

From: Wartime nurses project

By: Brown, Frances Margaret, 1906-2002

Reference: OHInt-0731/11

Description: Frances M Brown born Geraldine 1906. Trained as a teacher but on completion of bond (4 years teaching) decided to train as a nurse at Timaru Hospital. Recalls volunteering for service overseas during WWII and travelling on the Batori [?] to Greece. Describes conditions in Greece and being evacuated from Crete on board a coal hulk and on to Helwan Hospital, Egypt. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Anna Rogers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012500 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 30 Minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-4309, OHDL-000845.