Women's War Service Auxiliary

Date: [Between 1948 and 1958]

From: McWhannell, Rhoda, 1898-1996: Diaries, journals and photographs, particularly relating to forestry, farming and domestic life at Ōhaupō

Reference: PA1-o-562

Description: Album of photographs of family and friends probably taken by Rhoda McWhannell. They include a sequence at the beginning of the wedding of Brian Stewart Geddes, and Audrey Marion (nee Hopkins), on 14th May 1945. Their family, especially their daughters Elizabeth Anne, and Jane Margaret, are photographed as babies, and as they grow. Scenic views include the Gisborne region; and Kawau Island, with a large group in Mr McDowell's party, deep-sea fishing from a launch, showing their catch of hapuka A group of women from the Women's War service Auxiliary at Katikati are seen in two images; and a meeting house at Katikati. The last few images show the nursery at Rozel, where Frederick and Rhoda McWhannell developed eucalyptus seedings for forestry. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with maroon cover, entitled `Photographs'; 16.5 x 24.5 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-296

Description: Photographs of New Zealand military personnel serving in the Middle East and England during World War 2, 1939-1945, taken by various photographers and compiled for official purposes. Includes photographs of New Zealand fighter and bomber pilots serving with the Royal Air Force, and several British Official photographs relating to New Zealand fighter pilot with the RAF, James Allen Ward, who was awarded the Victoria Cross. Most individuals identified in the album are listed above. Scenes include a visit by NZ soldiers to stables run by the Egyptian Government at Heliopolis; a NZ military band on tour in Palestine as part of a recruiting campaign; the arrival of the first party of Women's War Service Auxiliary in Egypt, and scenes of their life in the Welfare Section and at the New Zealand Forces Club (p 7, p 146-149); and RNZAF trainees at the Air Observer School, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. Life, military training and manouevres in the Western desert; ordnance workshops; the advance in the Western Desert; a NZ medical unit, a mobile surgical unit; hospital scenes (p 100, 103-105, 111). Sporting and entertainments include a wood-chopping "Axemen's Carnival" in South England; rugby matches in the Western Desert (p 29, 37-38, 82-83, 85, 93, 101-103, 107, 109); swimming (probably at Baggush; p 38-40, 44); and Christmas celebrations in the desert, including the Kiwi Concert Party (p 122-129); and a view of the YMCA Hostle at Alexandria. Inspection of NZ reinforcements in Egypt by William J Jordan (NZ High Commissioner in London); General Auchinleck presenting decorations to NZ soldiers, and reviewing NZ troops on the eve of the Libyan Campaign (p 49-57, 111-115); the Western Desert Battle, NZers bringing in German Prisoners of War; German General von Ravenstein captured by NZ troops, and scenes of various captured German vehicles, gas masks, a Nazi whip, and weapons; the Libyan advance (p 63-72); and the Railway Construction Unit in the Western Desert. Scenes of a New Zealand fighter squadron in Malaya (p 80-81, 87-89). NZers in Tobruk (p 96-99); one view of NZers at a Prisoner of War Camp in Germany (Stalag VI B) taken by Lieutenant Rangi (p 108); NZers arriving back at Base Camp after 5 weeks of imprisonment at Bardia, some of whom are named (p 117-121); four NZ soldiers who walked from Benghazi to west of Gazala (listed above); manouevres after the Libyan Campaign. Presentation of decorations by General Freyberg to members of the 2nd NZEF in hospital; views of a NZ Spitfire Squadron operating with the RAF Fighter Command, the planes subscribed for by the people of NZ (p 138-141); reproductions of paintings by war artist Peter McIntyre (p 133-138). Arrangement: Images in album form single numerical sequence, 1227-1668. 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 22.0 cm

Date: 10 Dec 1993

From: Memories of the Kaipara oral history project : Part one

By: Watts, Mary Frances, 1910-1997

Reference: OHInt-0430/09

Description: Mary (Molly) Watts was born in Helensville in 1910. Discusses the arrival of her grandparents, Fanny and Henry Marks, in New Zealand on the `Annie Wilson' in 1861. Describes how they were allotted land at Kaukapakapa. Describes how her father had been a Boer War volunteer then came to New Zealand. Mentions her parents met at a dance, were married in 1908 and settled on a dairy farm at Waimauku. Describes travelling to England as a three year old and returning to New Zealand on the `Ionic' in 1914, the last ship back before World War I. Recalls Dr Meinhold of Helensville and the anti-German prejudice he experienced during World War I. Describes her squint which was straightened by the laying on of hands. Recalls attending Waimauku School which was held in the hall for some time. Describes helping on the farm and in the house when she left Helensville District High School. Recalls the family's move to Henderson for her father's health. Describes their sale of dairy products, eggs and flowers. Discusses joining the Women's War Service Auxiliary signals section in World War II. Recalls learning Morse code from the Home Guard. Mentions secret manoeuvres, Red Cross work, a feared Japanese invasion and the crash of a Flying Fortress. Talks about the death of her father in 1943, her mother in 1962 and moving to Kaukapakapa to look after her cousin Harry Dye. Mentions he had owned the Kaukapakapa store and she looked after him until his death in 1977. Mentions a trip to England. Interviewer(s) - Gabrielle Hildreth Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3334. Search dates: 1993

Date: 4 Apr 2006 - 04 Apr 2006

From: Second World War oral history project: Home Front

By: Munro, Maisie Marian, 1922-2007; Hutching, Megan Alannah, 1957-

Reference: OHInt-0827-10

Description: Interview with Maisie Munro (nee Hoskin), born Petone, 18 September 1922. Talks about her father Barton Munro, a carpenter who was wounded in World War I, and her mother Marian (nee Baldwin) who was a dressmaker. Mentions hearing talk of war in the 1930s but not taking much notice. Recalls involvement with the Women's War Service Auxiliary and learning signalling which her father was teaching. Discusses enlisting in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) as a telegraphist, and being posted to wireless station ZLP on Tinakori Hill after basic training. Talks about male reaction to Wrens, learning to keep watch, and about being transferred to Waiouru where she had to live communally in an Army hut with other Wrens. Discusses life at Waiouru and the radio receiving station (ZLO) which had a teleprinter machine. Refers to the work receiving top secret messages which were sent to Wellington for decoding. Talks about limited options for leave in Waiouru, a Wrens basketball (netball) team, the Wrens not getting a rum ration, the camp YMCA, and dances with a Navy orchestra. Mentions that the naval personnel had no contact with the Army camp. Refers to becoming a petty officer, which allowed her to move to more comfortable quarters at Waiouru. Talks about her pay being sent to her mother with a small amount for herself. Refers to her fiance Ron Baird, a sergeant in the Army, being killed in the Pacific. Comments that she was married in January 1945 to Rex Randall and left the Navy before VJ Day because she was pregnant. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015244, OHC-015245 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.28 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5527 Abstract Available - transcript(s) available. photocopy of photograph of Petty Officer Maisie Hoskin in uniform Search dates: 1922 - 1939 - 2006 - 1945

Date: [ca 1940-1942]

By: Spence, Ian Gladstone, 1914-2001

Reference: PAColl-10503

Description: Photograph taken by an unknown photographer of members of the Raetihi Women's War Service Auxiliary, between 1940 and 1942. Photograph was owned by Ian Gladstone Spence and is inscribed in his hand on the back "A section of the Raetihi WWSA". The names of the women are also inscribed; they are, V Eastman, M Towler, N Bergman, K Cumings, I Hunter, S Feltham, E Winks, A Langdon, B Rickards, N Hussey, and J Garmonsway. Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver-gelatin photographic print, 5.9 x 8.3 cm, inscribed in ink on reverse

Date: [ca 1942-1945]

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PAColl-4161-01-208

Description: Shows returned men and men on furlough parading through streets of Wellington on their way to luncheon given by RSA in their honour. The Police Pipe Band leads the second section. Individuals named include Lt-Col Baker, Lt-Col J R Page, Lt-Col C A L Treadwell, Major Downs, Brig Gentry, Lt-Col Andrews. March past of men under training at NZ Armoured Fighting Vechicles School. Salute taken by General Puttick. Soldiers marching down Queen Street, Auckland; RNZAF marching through Wellington; Women's War Service Auxiliary participating in Wellington parade; parade at Trentham Military Camp [?]; Scottish Regiment on parade in Wellington Liberty Loan Parade in Wellington (shows a motor cycle platoon passing along Lambton Quay near Kirkcaldie & Stains department store), May 1942. Quantity: 28 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1847-1960

By: Bennett, Agnes Elizabeth Lloyd (Dr), 1872-1960

Reference: ATL-Group-00424

Description: Papers include diaries, correspondence, medical papers, reports, lectures, broadcasts, photographs, certificates, and printed papers. A doctor, Agnes Bennett was Medical Officer, St Helen's Hospital, Wellington, 1908-1936 and saw overseas service during World War One and World War Two. For extensive biographical details see the front of the inventory and `The Book of New Zealand women' (Wellington: Bridget Williams Books, 1991). Quantity: 424 folder(s). 6.40 Linear Metres. 1 box(es). Physical Description: Holographs, manuscripts, typescripts, printed matter, certificates, and photographs. Finding Aids: Inventory available. Transfers: To Photographic Archive - Photographs in folders 298, 303, 346-365 transferred (Sep 2000). Photographic Archive reference number PAColl-6972. - To Ephemera Collection - Posters Eph-D-WAR-W1-1916-03 and 04.

Date: 12 January 1994 - 12 Jan 1994

From: Justice Department, Corrections Division Women's Suffrage Centennial Oral History Project

By: Avenell, Ena Gertrude, 1912-2000

Reference: OHInt-0136/02

Description: Ena Gertrude Avenell born Auckland. Interiview outlines family background, had one sister who died during Influenza Epidemic; working life which included a spell in England before returning to New Zealand (1934). Recalls joining Army in 1942 and involvement with Women's War Service Auxiliary, spending two years overseas. Describes involvement with Rehabilitation Committee in Auckland and commencing work for Probation Service. Gives details of career at Arohata Borstal and Mount Eden. Mentions Pat Mayhew, District Probation Officer and senior magistrate, L G H Sinclair. Recalls involvement in Equal Pay Campaign and Public Service Association. Reference to Sam Barnett, Secretary for Justice and his appointment as Commissioner of Police. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Venue - 37 Evelyn Place, Northcote, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005590-005593 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1146.

Date: 17 March 1992 - 17 Mar 1992

From: Labour Movement Oral History Project

By: Meadowcroft, Annie May, 1919-

Reference: OHInt-0056/01

Description: Annie May Meadowcroft born Leeds, England. Recalls: travelling to New Zealand on SS Suffolk; early years in Shirley (Christchurch); politics - parents belonged to Richmond Branch of New Zealand Labour Party and had `politics for breakfast, dinner and tea'; social life before marriage in 1946 with reference to `Welcome Club' during World War II. Remembers joining Women's War Service Auxiliary, learning morse code and looking after allotment. Talks about New Zealand Labour Party. Discusses the gradual economic improvement from 1935. Mentions Labour Party Branch and Labour Electorate Committee activities - Labour Day picnics. Mentions Morgan Williams, Roger Drayton, David Caygill and Jim Anderton. Comments on; Church groups; Probus and Workers Educational Association. Recalls work as Marriage Celebrant and being a Justice of the Peace. Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Robert Paton Venue - Shirley, Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004230 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0903.

Date: 27 Mar 1998

From: `Oranje' oral history project

By: Grant, Dorothy Caroline, 1916-2015

Reference: OHInt-0434-04

Description: Dorothy Caroline Grant (nee Oram) born Wellington. Recalls: growing up in Wellington; primary education at Wellington South Primary, in Russell Terrace and secondary education at Wellington East Girls' College, with reference to Miss Latham (Headmistress); examination system; job interviews and work with Inland Revenue; social life, with reference to YWCA and concerts organised by the Tramway Band; involvement with Red Cross and voluntary aid work at Wellington Hospital while working full time; World War II and being accepted for WWSA (Women's War Service Auxiliary) and embarking on the Taroona from Auckland Jan 1942 to Melbourne. Mentions wonderful reception by Australian Red Cross ladies before going on board the `Oranje'. Describes day in life of a nurse on return trips from war zones. Other recollections include: casualties from El Alamein Campaign and reasons for taking casualties to Durban in South Africa; funerals at sea; Christmas celebrations, with reference to Polish soldiers singing Christmas carols; experience of fire on board on ANZAC Day 1942 and the patients as a result; tuberculosis patients; being posted ashore in 1944 to Helwan Hospital in Egypt; Bombay convoy on Orontes (troop ship) and hearing attack. Discusses meeting husband and wedding in Maadi Camp, with reference to Padre Mike Underhill from Christchurch and Colonel Radcliffe. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Marie de Joux Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007969-007971; OHLC-004088-004090 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2149. Photocopies of one b&w photograph, no. 72475 VAD NZ and photocopies of 4 coloured photographs; (i, ii & iii) NZRA Gold Star Award 1996 and (v) [Dorothy Grant] Search dates: 1916 - 1998

Date: 1939-1942

From: St Peter's Anglican Church (Pahiatua, N.Z.) : Records

Reference: MS-Papers-11618-08

Description: Loose material removed from St Peter's Ladies Guild minute book. Papers contain mainly correspondence. Also includes papers relating to Women's War Service Auxiliary. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1918-1942]

From: Riddiford family : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-5714-082

Description: Comprises Ministry of Food Purchaser's shopping card for Meta Riddiford to J Sainsbury; also Ministry of Food's Child's ration book (A) for Daniel Riddiford (1918); circular re quantities of rations for men and women, also from Ministry of Food; registration fee coupon-book for `female persons only' (1941); statement re paratyphoid infection of Meta Riddiford by Dr David R Oswald, Kinross (1925); report from Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, re Tony and Daniel (1931); clothing coupons (unused); Women's War Service Auxiliary declaration (1942); letters from H E Sturge, Hurworth School, Wanganui, re Tony and Daniel, their entry to Hurworth and their later progress at school in England (1922, 1929); list of furniture, with value, in various rooms Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1947-1956]

From: Barrer, Nina Agatha Rosamund, 1879-1965 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-0182-051

Description: Comprises men and women's pay, sex equality, women's achievement, women in Parliament, women's suffrage, Women's War Service Auxiliary, notes, and correspondence: Mrs B S Burns to Barrer, Lower Hutt, 10 Sept 1951 and 2 Mar 1952 Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1932-1944

By: de la Mare, Peter Bernard David (Dr), 1920-1990

Reference: MS-Papers-3835

Description: The papers relate primarily to De La Mare's efforts to persuade the Council to withdraw its support for the Bible in schools campaign, but there are a small number of later papers including a presidential address for 1938 and a letter about the Women's War Service Auxiliary, dated 1944 1 - Source of Title Dr De La Mare was president of the Hamilton Branch of the National Council of Women. In 1934 she resigned in protest against the Council's support of the Religious Enabling Bill and the Bible -in-Schools movement. She was re-elected in 1936. Quantity: 1 folder(s) (33 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs, mss and typescripts Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Dr P De La Mare, Auckland Transfers: with the papers of F A De La Mare (MS Papers 3865).

Date: 1980

From: Barber, Richard Ainslie, 1914-1981 : Correspondence and papers relating to military history enquiries

Reference: MS-Papers-7816-4

Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 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: McIntyre, Peter, 1862-1922

Reference: PA1-q-289

Description: Official photographs from World War II, many of which have captions giving names, information about activities taking place, and places. Some of the names noted are listed above. The album opens with a number of reproductions of paintings by New Zealand war artist Peter McIntyre (10 paintings (p 1-4)), 1 of McIntyre sketching in the field (p 9), and 7 further paintings (p 16-17, p 91, p 109)). Pages 17-22 have scenes with His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand Sir Cyril Newall visiting Samoa and Fiji in 1942. Page 24-25 show trainees at the Ninth Army Ski School in Lebanon in 1942, some men chosen from the 28th New Zealand (Maori) Battalion, and some from the 22nd Battalion. Duties included reconnaissance, fighting patrols and rescue work for snow-bound troops. Different occasions are shown including an Anzac day parade and service on 25th April 1942, and a ceremonial parade in Aleppo on 30th April 1942; a group of New zealanders who were at Rouen ready for repatriation when arrangements with german authorities for the mutual repatriation of Prisoners of War broke down, all of whom were returned to Germany; groups of NZ medical personnel who were part of PoW protected personnel which took place between Italy and the Middle East Allie Forces (p 45-46); a group of Australians and New zealanders in the German prison camp Marlag & Milag Nord; a race meeting and sports activities in Transjordan, including races with 6 Arab horses and 6 donkeys which were loaned by the Arab Legion. A group of NZ soldiers visited the stonghold of a tribe of bandits in Syria (p 77-80); scenes in Crete "the price paid by German air invaders"; Winston Churchill being welcomed in the desert; scenes of nurses, convalescents, hospital wards around the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital in Beirut (p 102-106); recipients of recent awards, many not named (p 112-114); a group of NZ airmen who were survivors of a ship which was sunk en route to Britain; Kiwi Concert Party; and a sequence showing the pursuit by a New zealand convoy of the Axis Forces in the Western Desert during the early days of the November advance (p 126-137, showing equipment abandoned by the retreating forces including German special mobile anti-tank guns and trucks, but also the problems with landmines)l. The final views show the advance to Tripoli. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with dark blue cover, black corners and spine; 34.5 x 22.0 cm

Date: 19 Feb 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-02389-F

Description: Two members of the Women's War Service Auxiliary on a balcony at the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, Egypt, during World War II. Taken on 19 February 1942 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: Nov 1941

From: Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908-1972 :Photographic albums, prints and negatives

By: Auckland weekly news (Newspaper)

Reference: PAColl-0783-2-0039

Description: Women's War Service Auxiliary members during a World War II Don't Talk campaign in Auckland, November 1941. Shows them, in uniform, on a back of a lorry. Photograph taken by The Weekly News. Source of descriptive information - Notes on back of print Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin print, 16.4 x 21.4 cm

Date: 24 Mar 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: Carrie, Maxwell Stuart, 1910-1983

Reference: DA-02964-F

Description: Reinforcements of Women's War Service Auxilliary arrive at Suez, Egypt, during World War II. Photograph taken at Port Tewfik on 24 March 1943 by Major Carrie. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 19 Feb 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-02388-F

Description: Members of the Women's War Service Auxiliary at work preparing food in the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, Egypt, during World War II. Taken on 19 February 1942 by an official photographer. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative