World War, 1939-1945 - Transportation - Egypt

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: 1938-2008

By: Hayward, Vivienne, 1940-

Reference: MS-Papers-9485

Description: Letters and papers relating to Sergeant Gordon Christie Dunn (1912-1942), together with a copy of his daughter Vivienne Hayward's memoir `Finding Gordon - A love story' (published by the author in 2008). It is based on the edited correspondence between her mother and father during the early years of World War II. These private letters provide an insight into her mother Joan's life at home in Invercargill and her father's war experience in Egypt and as a prisoner-of-war in Crete and Germany up until his accidental death in Stalag VIII-B in Feb 1942. The correspondence provides details of Burnham Camp; voyage to Egypt with 2NZEF; Maadi Camp and leave in Alexandria; letters from captivity in Crete. Also official correspondence re his accidental death after transfer to Stalag VIII-B, Germany in Feb 1942. Quantity: 9 folder(s). 3 Electronic document(s). 0.18 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss, typescript, printed matter, photographs Transfers: To Book Collections - Copy of `Finding Gordon - A love story' / Vivienne Hayward (2008).

Date: 1941, 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: PAColl-4161-01-084

Description: Two photographs of Lady Killearn visiting wounded NZ soldiers at the Kiwi Club, Helwan, Jul 1944; three photographs of a train load of soldiers, 1941 On 2 Oct 1943 the New Zealand Division was moved from Egypt to support the 8th Army in Italy. Quantity: 5 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 01-31 08 2006

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

By: Lochhead, Arthur William Allan, 1915-2008

Reference: OHInt-0920-11

Description: Lived in Ashburton 1915-2008. Backgrounds parents Arthur Osborn Lochhead and Kathleen Alma Lochhead (nee Ruddenklau) who ran a mixed farm at Mount Somers. Recalls leaving farm at ten years to come to Methven when his father went shearing. After leaving school worked at Hobbs seed cleaning store. Details sewing bags on tin mill and poisoning rabbits while working at Rangaitata Island farm for Frank Ruddenklau, his uncle. Says he then drove tractor and plough at Springfield estate farm for his grandfather Frederick Ruddenklau. Refers to being held back from World war Two service for 12 months because he was head sewer on the header. Says he left in 1941 from Wellington on board the Aquitania after three months training as a driver at Trentham. Refers to his three brothers going to war. Describes voyage via Fremantle, South Africa, the Red Sea to arrive at Port Tewfik, Egypt. Talks about training at Maadi Camp to be in 6 RMT (Reserve Mechanical Transport). Discusses transport of petrol and water and conditions in the desert, food, snakes, flies, clearing mine fields. Refers to taking 26th Battalion to Sidi Rezegh. Mentions brother George Lochhead in battle of Sidi Rezegh, being taken prisoner of war and getting the Victoria Cross medal. Talks about being present at El Alamein battle, everything bursting into fire at night, and being at Tobruk. Brief mention of Battle of Minqar Qaim, and a bullet through his radiator. Describes drinking sprees in Cairo, the Club, sightseeing at Pyramids and Nile River, Aswad Dam, hiring gharries. Talks about Methven and Districts reunion dinner in Cairo. Refers to getting pneumonia and having to go to Alexandria Hospital, then going to Palestine to recuperate. Says the whole DIV (2nd NZEF) went to Aleppo, Syria for six weeks working with refugees and road making. Mentions meeting Bedouins in the desert. Describes returning to Mersa Matruh with 23rd Battalion on board. Discusses mail and food parcels from home. Mentions role of Major Hood, the commander. Talks about driving at night time over the Apennines mountain range in Italy where the 6 RMT broke up. Talks about working in Mobile ambulance company on Italian front during winter. Says took wounded from the field and from the Casualty Clearing station and RAP, and took locals to Italian hospitals. Mentions Methven local nurse Natalie Currie bringing wounded. Talks about being based in Forli, sleeping in his ambulance and mortar bombs hitting it. Recalls General Freyberg visiting the 6 RMT and Winston Churchill coming on parade. Talks about playing cards, rugby, trying Italian wine. Had leave in Florence. Says sent pay home for his family. Talks about going to Trieste and being in Udine when the war ended. Describes hitch hiking via Milan, Genoa, Turin, Lake Como to Bari. Expands on trip on the 'Georgic' to Maadi Camp, Egypt, and on the 'Strathaird' passenger liner home. Says post war he worked at Mid Canterbury transport, Pudding Hill timber mill, Jackson's limeworks, Staveley. Refers to working for Arie Van Dyke and Lofty Chambers, and then becoming partners with Chambers in a potatoe farm. Says he set up own business in the 1960s. Recalls building a brick house in Methven when he married his first wife Jean in 1958 who died in 1972. Talks about remarriage to Alma Rowney. Says bought 84 acre triangle Cambrose Village and sold land for the Methven Motor Services building. Describes land improvements. Says he rented the Methven race course to grow potatoes and wheat on rotation. Refers to growing cocksfoot, white clover, barley, wheat, French oats and ran sheep. Refers to growing grain on contract. Says was first to grow Rua poatatoes in Methven. Refers to Dakota potatoe and keeping potatoes in pits against frost. Describes transition from horse teams to tractors, headers replacing thrashing mills, changing from manpower to a transport hoist for lifting potatoe 70lb bags. Refers to snow storms, impact of droughts, Lyndhurst irrigation Scheme. Talks about using sprays, arsenic, reglone. Mentions topdressing with fertiliser. Says retired in 1988 to garden. Interviewer(s) - Nicola Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016760 - OHC-016765 Quantity: 6 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 6 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textural files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6033, OHDL-001828. Search dates: 1915 - 2006

Date: 15 May-16 July 1940

From: Neil family: Collection

Reference: MS-Papers-12059-04

Description: Correspondence from Arthur James Neil to his wife Deanie Robina Olive Neil during World War II. Written from Maadi Camp and Sidi Bishr Camp, 15 May to 16 July 1940. Letters concern military life including a move from Maadi to Sidi Bishr, agriculture in the Nile River delta, Belgium withdrawing from the war, and preparing defence of soldier being court martialled. Quantity: 1 folder(s) containing holograph letters. Physical Description: Holograph letters and envelopes

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: 1944

By: Sadler, Horace Albert, 1910-1945

Reference: MS-Papers-8750

Description: Compries two war diaries of his service with the 21 Battalion 2NZEF in Egypt and then in Italy. Describes voyage on the transport ship to the Middle East, training, life at Maadi and in Egypt in general, and campaigning in Italy. Includes basic Arabic phrases, descriptions of the pyramids and other aspects of life in Egypt. Also includes photograph of Sadler and a photocopy of his war record file from Base Records, New Zealand Defence Department. Source of title - Supplied by Library Other - Photograph of H A Sadler trasnferred to Photographic Archive Quantity: 2 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph Transfers: To Photographic Archive - One photograph (portrait of Private Sadler).

Date: Nov 1941-1944

From: Downes, Peter, 1928- : Photographs

By: Knowles, Alexander Hamilton, 1917-2014

Reference: PAColl-10161

Description: Consists of images relating to Alexander Hamilton Knowles's army service during World War II between 1941 and 1944. Photographers are unidentified, but several images appear to be commercial tourist prints. Most of the photographs were probably taken by Knowles. The majority of photographs are hand dated. Some also feature brief annotations giving locations or other details. Many images relate to Knowles's service as a truck driver, showing the depot at Maadi Camp, the other drivers and different kinds of work involved. This includes showing the loading and transportation of food supplies, firewood, bricks, armoured vehicles and other materials. Accidents, repair jobs and recreational breaks are also shown. Other images show street scenes and famous sights in Egypt, including in Cairo and Alexandria. There are also photographs of similar subjects in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. One print shows Knowles's unit on leave in Rome, 1944. Three images record a visit to the grave of Eddie Sapsford at the El Alamein Cemetery. For other images related to Knowles's army service, see PAColl-10169-2 and PA6-798. Arrangement: Prints have been arranged by the Library into chronological order, as near as can be ascertained. Undated prints are placed at the end of this sequence. Two large format group portraits (originally numbered PAColl-10161-001 and PAColl-10161-002) are now at PAColl-10169-2. Quantity: 201 b&w original photographic print(s). 22 b&w copy photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints

Date: [1940-1942]

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: DA-00728-F

Description: NZ convoy of trucks on the move, possibly in the Western Desert. Taken 1940-1942 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [ca 28 Nov 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

By: Bull, George Robert, 1910-1996

Reference: DA-04550-F

Description: The NZEF Times truck, on the Cairo to Alexandria road, on the way to an aerodrome where the paper will be loaded onto transport planes for delivery in Italy. Photograph taken circa 28 November 1943 by George Robert Bull. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 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

Reference: DA-00547-F

Description: Stationary convoy, probably new Bedford trucks en route from Alexandria to Cairo with A & C drivers. Taken in 1940 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [ca 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

Reference: DA-00777-F

Description: Two soldiers repair motorcycle in the back of a covered truck, Egypt. Taken circa 1940 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [ca Nov 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

By: Paton, Harold Gear, 1919-2010

Reference: DA-06746-F

Description: New Zealand convoy approaches Sidi Barrani late in November 1942, during the 8th Army's pursuit of the Axis forces in World War II. Photograph taken circa November 1942 by Harold Gear Paton. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [ca May 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-01106-F

Description: Prime Minister Peter Fraser visits troops in the field during his tour to the Middle East. Soldiers stand in front of parked trucks. Taken Maadi circa May 1941 by an official photographer (unidentified). Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: [Between 1939 and 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

By: Fox Photos Ltd

Reference: PA1-q-285

Description: Official photographs of World War II. This album chiefly shows the NZEF, First Echelon. Many photographs have captions, the information from which is mostly given in the name headings, subjects and place headings listed above. This first album contains images numbered from 1- 310. The first two images show a group of New Zealanders who were living in England when war broke out, and who volunteered for service with the new Zealand Unit. They are shown in training in the Eastern Command. The First Echelon are shown on board ship leaving Melbourne in 1939, with a number of shipboard scenes, then being addressed on arrival in Egypt by Sir Anthony Eden. There are views of the Kiwi Club, established mainly through the initiative of Lady Lampson, with the British Red Cross Society of Cairo, for use of convalescent patients at the new General Military Hospital at Helwan. Later a swimming pool was built nearby. Lady Lampson and Sir Miles Lampson are seen in many images. Views in the desert show several scenes of an Anzac Day service in 1940; various methods of transport, including lorries, and motor bikes, and a motor railcar patrolling the rail to Mersa Matruh; training exercises in the desert with various types of guns; digging trenches; building camp structures; dugouts leading to anti-aircraft posts; and camp life. The No. 4 General Hospital at Helwan is shown at the time of its opening, with the first patient arriving; and Lieutenant J H Will (the officer commanding the 4th Field Ambulance Regiment) handing over to Major E Button who was taking charge of the new hospital. Numbers of views show the huge mail parcels arriving and being sorted in the desert. As well as photographs of events in the Middle East, there are views of manoeuvres with the Second Echelon in England. 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: [ca May 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-00815-F

Description: Prime Minister Peter Fraser visits troops in the field during his tour to the Middle East. Soldiers stand in front of parked trucks. Taken Egypt circa May 1941 by an official photographer (unidentified). Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 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

Reference: DA-00550-F

Description: Drivers stand in front of artillery vehicles about to leave Maadi military camp, Egypt. Identified as 4th Field Regiment. Taken in 1940 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 17 July 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

By: Kaye, George Frederick, 1914-2004

Reference: DA-03901-F

Description: Three New Zealand soldiers going on leave waiting a lift to Cairo on the Maadi Crossing, during World War II. Photograph taken on 17 July 1943 by George Frederick Kaye. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: Oct 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

By: Elias, M D, active 1943

Reference: DA-03200-F

Description: Trucks of advance party arrive on the wharf at Alexandria, Egypt, for embarkation as the NZ Division leaves Egypt for Italy during World War II. Photograph taken in October 1943 by M D Elias. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: Oct 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

By: Elias, M D, active 1943

Reference: DA-03203-F

Description: Men of 2 NZ Division sorting out their gear on the wharf at Alexandria, Egypt, in preparation for embarkation for Italy in World War II. Photograph taken in October 1943 by M D Elias. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative