100 New Zealand First World War Postcards

Passchendaele postcards

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 08:49:00 +0000

"Memorial Tablet.

(Great War)

SQUIRE nagged and bullied till I went to fight,

(Under Lord Derby’s Scheme). I died in hell—

(They called it Passchendaele). My wound was slight,

And I was hobbling back; and then a shell

Burst slick upon the duck-boards: so I fell

Into the bottomless mud, and lost the light.

At sermon-time, while Squire is in his pew,

He gives my gilded name a thoughtful stare:

For, though low down upon the list, I’m there;

‘In proud and glorious memory’ ... that’s my due.

Two bleeding years I fought in France, for Squire:

I suffered anguish that he’s never guessed.

Once I came home on leave: and then went west...

What greater glory could a man desire?

By Siegfried Sassoon

November 1918."

An aerial view of the Belgian town Passchendaele c1916.

Many of the buildings seen here have suffered from heavy shelling but still stand.

By October 1917 they were all reduced to rubble.

A bombed street in Passchendaele -The front and back of a postcard written by a German soldier in February 1916.

More devastation in the town of Passchendaele. The church is pictured in the background.

The ruins of Passchendaele Church - note the two German soldiers standing among the rubble.

These images are the front and back of a postcard written by a German soldier of

11 Company, Reserve Infantry Regiment 236, in April 1915.

It bears the postmark of the German 51st Reserve Division.

Another view of the bomb-damaged church in Passchendaele.

Remembering The Fallen - Messines Ridge

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:49:00 +0000

Lance Corporal Norman William Jellyman
Killed in action 8 June 1917

Private George Douglas Fox
Killed in action 8 June 1917

Sapper Robert Jackson Proude
Died of wounds 11 June 1917

Private John Kirkland
Died of wounds, 15 June 1917

Blighty

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 22 May 2017 10:00:00 +0000

From the humdrum existence of camp life to the horrors of the front line trenches, soldiers lived for the day to get a trip to 'dear old Blighty'. 'Blighty' was a slang term referrring to Britain, and New Zealand soldiers deployed in France and Belgium longed for their chance of either gaining a leave pass to England or receiving a 'blighty wound' that was just enough to pull them out of the trenches and send them to hospital and eventually a convalescent depot in Britain. What follows, are examples of some of the many Blighty-themed postcards in distribution during the First World War...

Girls in Khaki

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 17 May 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Two ladies identified only as Sylvia and Nell, dressed in khaki military uniform as a show of support to New Zealand soldiers on active service overseas.

This portrait postcard was taken at Alva Studios on Cuba Street in Wellington c.1915.

"The Alva Studio, 26 Cuba street, is now under entirely new management, Mr H. Fawson, a well-known Auckland photographer, having purchased the business. General alterations and improvements have been effected, and the studio is now one of the most up-to-date in the city. First-class work and entire satisfaction is guaranteed all patrons." NZ Times, 9 July 1915.

Special Anzac day post - Remembering the Fallen (Wellington Infantry at Messines)

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:30:00 +0000

The Wytschaete-Messines Ridge in Western Flanders, Belgium was strategic high ground held by the Germans in 1917. Over a year in the making, Allied forces ambitiously tunnelled their way underground, far beneath No Man's Land and beyond to the German front line. Many tunnels were created and they all led to chambers laden with high explosives. Secrecy was paramount during construction of these tunnels and in the lead-up to Zero Hour, at 3.10am on 7 June 1917. It was at that moment that nineteen of these high explosive mines were detonated. Many veterans remembered the ferocious blasts, the massive upheaval of earth which shook both sides like an earthquake, and the deafening sound which was reportedly heard as far away as London.

After detonation the Allied forces began their advance on to the Wytschaete-Messines Ridge. Their objective was to win the Ridge and push back the German regiments.

The New Zealanders were successful in their bid to drive the Germans out of the village of Messines but in doing so, lost many casualties. Among them was my great great uncle Private George Douglas Fox, All Blacks James Baird, George Sellars, Jim McNeece and Reg Taylor, New Zealand boxer James Penrose and New Zealand Rugby League representative William Bussell.

Ruins of the church and monastry, Messines, Belgium.

In this special Anzac day post, and in the hundred years since the Battle of Messines, I pay tribute and remembrance to the men of the Wellington Infantry who were killed in this battle. The fallen are;

10/2512	Allgood, William	Private	9^th Coy, 1^st Bn	25 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2842	Andrewes, Leonard Charles	Private	9^th Coy, 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
33500	Andrews, Thomas	Private	17^th Coy 3^rd Bn	13 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
11/2022	Astbury, Eric David	L-Corp	2^nd Bn	9 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29351	Ballinger, Thomas Edwin	Private	1^st Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Strand Military Cemetery, Belgium
14558	Bannister, Stanley Masters	Private	2^nd Bn	20 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Pont-d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, France
11/1405	Barnett, Herbert Ernest	Private	2^nd Bn	10 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
31214	Black, Hugh Robert	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
10/1024	Bollinger, George Wallace	2/Lt	2^nd Bn	10 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/3195	Borthwick, John Rutherford	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium
10/3196	Bouttell, John Arthur	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
22683	Bowden, William Richard Higgs	Private	3^rd Bn	17 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
29345	Bradley, Victor Seaton	Private	1^st Bn	18 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
38114	Brown, David Thompson	Private	3^rd Bn	12 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Strand Military Cemetery, Belgium
31220	Calder, Willie Bunting	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
17/382	Caswell, William	Private	2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
13294	Campbell, George Colin	L-Corp	3^rd Bn	21 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Nieppe Communal Cemetery, France
15685	Carr, Percy Richard	Private	2^nd Bn	9 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
17/382	Caswell, William	Private	2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
23763	Christensen, Arthur Ring	L-Corp	2^nd Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/765	Christie, Augustus	Private	1^st Bn	1 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
10/3217	Clague, William Andrew	Private	11^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
28093	Codd, Herbert Henry	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2893	Collinson, Robert William	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/1006	Cook, Henry George	L-Corp	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium
15694	Corbett, Albert	Private	11^th Coy 2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
20971	Cowan, James Lockhead	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/2564	Cranswick, Thomas Bertram	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3445	Creamer, Robert Henry	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3227	Crofskey, John	L-Corp	11^th Coy 2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3158	Crombie, Frederick William	Corp.	9^th Coy 2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
14589	Crosbie, Andrew	Private	1^st Bn	26 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/1460	Cunningham, Duncan	L-Sgt	3^rd Bn	22 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
10/3526	Currie, Arthur Fredrick	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
12358	D’Ath, Cuthbert	Private	2^nd Bn	10 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
28106	Dixon, James Arthur	Private	9^th Coy 2^nd Bn	20 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
23812	Doherty, Adam Thomas	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
28111	Donald, William Kenneth	L-Corp	11^th Coy 3^rd Bn	15 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Cite Bonjean (N.Z.) Memorial, France
23/1375	Doria, Leonard Jack	Private	9^th Coy 2^nd Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
25489	Doyle, Arthur Edgar	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/236	Dunbar, Robert	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
22490	Elliott, Norman Leslie	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
20131	Falconer, James Johnson	Private	B Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2816	Fell, Gerald Horton	Lieut.	11^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
19136	Fife, Douglas Alexander	Private	2^nd Bn	22 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29383	Finlay, Andrew Campbell	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
31247	Fitzmaurice, Harman Samuel	Private	9^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
10/2935	Flavell, Carleton	Corp.	7^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3258	Foster, Alfred Melvin	Private	1^st Bn	10 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/2137	Fox, George Douglas	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2139	Francis, William Arthur	L-Sergt	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
31251	Fraser, Douglas	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
8/2596	Frew, David Hay	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
1/279	Godsell, Amos William	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29390	Gordon, Robert	Private	1^st Bn	10 June 1917	Died of Wounds	St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France
39589	Hales, Wilfred Francis	Private	9^th Coy 3^rd Bn	15 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Pont-d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, France
31263	Haliday, Edward Austin Randal	Private	7^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
31259	Hall, Thomas Bernard	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Kandahar Farm Cemetery, Heuvelland, Belgium
13438	Hallett, James Thomas	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
25517	Hamblyn, Thomas Day (brother below)	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
25516	Hamblyn, William Charles	Private	11^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
25868	Hansen, Viggo	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29401	Harnett, Francis Joseph	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Cement House Cemetery, Langemark-Poelkapelle, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
31268	Harris, George Edward	Private	11^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
24618	Harris, William Henry	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
33359	Hart, Henry Ernest	Private	17^th Coy 3^rd Bn	13 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
13761	Harwood, Herbert Richard	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3288	Headifen, Leonard	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	22 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Calais Southern Cemetery, France
10/900	Heathcote, Herbert Henry	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
27655	Hende, Peter Borresen	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
4/1128	Hickson, Arnold Gordon	Sgt.	17^th Coy 2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
39534	Holz, Allan (brother below)	Private	17^th Coy 3^rd Bn	13 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
39535	Holz, Ernest John Julius	Private	17^th Coy 3^rd Bn	13 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
36866	Hope, Robert	Private	3^rd Bn	14 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
1/384	Howard, Frederick	2/Lt	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
20351	Hume, Samuel Stewart	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
28136	Humphries, Wharton Larwill	Private	2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
27656	Irving, Walter John	Private	2^nd Bn	5 June 1917	Killed in Action	Maple Leaf Cemetery, Belgium
25532	Jackson, Ewan Alfred	Private	2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
19096	James, David	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/1865	Johanson, William L. (M.M.)	Sgt.	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
25165	Jones, Henry Earle	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
29413	Jones, Richard William	Private	11^th Coy 1^st Bn	9 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
20360	Karalus, Frederick Stanley R.	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10355	Kean, John	Private	2^nd Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
20362	Kirkland, John	Private	1^st Bn	15 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Etaples Military Cemetery, France
36985	Knight, Edgar Shannon	Private	3^rd Bn	14 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
20364	Laidlaw, James Strang	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
27673	Lewis, Lionel	Private	2^nd Bn	4 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Underhill Farm Cemetery, Belgium
20369	Lilly, Clarence Henry	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
15737	Limpus, Percy	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Underhill Farm Cemetery, Belgium
33390	Lippett, Albert Henry	Private	3^rd Bn	18 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
12421	Loughman, Daniel Patrick	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3637	Lugg, Albert Henry	L-Corp.	1^st Bn	26 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
37000	McClure, John Bennett	Private	3^rd Bn	12 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
32042	McConnell, Robert	Private	2^nd Bn	19 June 1917	Killed in Action	Strand Military Cemetery, Belgium
25283	McEwan, William	L-Corp.	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
19167	McEwen, Stanley Hugh	Private	11^th Coy 2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/695	McGonagle, Cyril	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
39867	McGrath, Charles	Private	3^rd Bn	14 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
14139	McGrath, John	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	11 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
24382	Mackay, John Campbell	Sgt.	3^rd Bn	21 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
12445	McKay, John William	L-Corp.	2^nd Bn	10 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
23/847	McKegney, Hugh	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
32043	McKelvey, Daniel Alexander	Private	3^rd Bn	19 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
24671	McKey, Michael Dominick C.	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3675	McLaughlin, John Joseph	L-Corp.	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
29454	McLeay, Ian McKenzie	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29456	McNamara, Clive John	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
20373	Main, Stephen Robert	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
11/1828	Marsh, Howard Edgar	Private	2^nd Bn	20 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29438	Maxwell, David	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
31314	Miers, Ernest Walter	Private	2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29442	Milne, Douglas	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
31317	Mitchell, Joseph	Private	3^rd Bn	17 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
28177	Moffett, Thomas	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
14837	Moloney, James	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
11076	Moore, Joseph William	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
31323	Morgan, Thomas	Private	1^st Bn	4 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3653	Morris, Gerald Walter	Sgt.	11^th Coy 2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
28175	Mowat, Herbert Gavin	Private	2^nd Bn	4 June 1917	Died of Disease	Brookwood Military Cemetery, England
14659	Murray, William	Private	2^nd Bn	4 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
10/2713	Mutton, Charles Thomas	L-Corp	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
31333	Nelson, Thomas	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
33425	Nelson, William George	Private	3^rd Bn	16 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
11/1940	Newlove, Leighton Lionel	L-Corp	2^nd Bn	13 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Etaples Military Cemetery, France
12/609	Nicholls, George Henry	L-Corp	2^nd Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
25168	Nickolls, Frederick Charles	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
25572	Norris, John Henry Marryat	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Westhof Farm Cemetery, Belgium
10/1937	O’Brien, Michael	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
29462	O’Connor, Michael Francis	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	9 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3968	Old, Edgar	Private	11^th Coy, 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3822	Old, Harry Alexander	L-Corp	11^th Coy, 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
11925	Oliver, Richard Albert	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2270	Parkinson, Walter Henry	Sergt.	2^nd Bn	9 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3699	Paterson, William Henry	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
23760	Paul, James Coutts	L-Corp	2^nd Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
16577	Phillips, Cecil Tasman	Private	1^st Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
24/2073	Pierce, Daniel William	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
29477	Preston, John	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
24/2555	Quealy, Thomas	Private	2^nd Bn	3 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Berks Cemetery Extension, Belgium
12330	Redmond, William John	L-Corp.	2^nd Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France
31350	Reid, James	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2463	Robinson, Archibald James	Corp.	3^rd Bn	15 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Pont-d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, France
6/2533	Robinson, Arthur Gordon	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Berks Cemetery Extension, Comines-Warneton, Belgium
29485	Robinson, Claud	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	26 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
32066	Robinson, Francis John C.	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
28542	Ryan, David William	Private	3^rd Bn	19 June 1917	Killed in Action	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
29492	Ryan, Joseph	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2482	Scott, Robert Francis C. (M.I.D.)	Captain.	9^th Coy, 2^nd Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/1647	Seagrave, Ambrose	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
11955	Shannon, Ronald Lenon	Private	2^nd Bn	5 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
27701	Shea, John Henry	Private	3^rd Bn	11 June 1917	Died of Wounds	London Rifle Brigade Cemetery, Belgium
29971	Shearer, Charles Hans	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France
10/3872	Shefford, James	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
25598	Shepherd, Orr	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
20434	Shield, Ronald Coode	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
30410	Shrimpton, Arthur Vincent	Corp.	3^rd Bn	15 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Pont-d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, France
28221	Simmons, Emanuel	Private	2^nd Bn	6 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
23/2088	Simson, Fred. George Osbourne	Private	E Coy 2^nd Bn	11 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/2772	Stevenson, Claude	Private	9^th Coy 1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/998	Stevenson, Hugh Kenneth	Sergt.	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/4190	Stewart, Alexander	Private	2^nd Bn	28 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France
25611	Stott, James Thomas	Private	11^th Coy 1^st Bn	9 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France
10/947	Struthers, Andrew	T-Corp.	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/3096	Stubbs, Pearson	Private	1^st Bn	11 June 1917	Died of Wounds	St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France
29508	Sturch, Edward Joseph	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2777	Sutton, Enoch	L-Corp.	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
24/2106	Symons, Benjamin	Private	2^nd Bn	27 June 1917	Killed in Action	Underhill Farm Cemetery, Belgium
8/2738	Taylor, Reginald (All Black)	L-Corp.	1^st Bn	20 June 1917	Killed in Action	Underhill Farm Cemetery, Belgium
11971	Thrupp, Ernest	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
20457	Thrush, Edward Walter	Private	1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
24/1218	Turner, Arthur Henry	Private	3^rd Bn	14 June 1917	Died of Wounds	Motor Car Corner Cemetery, Belgium
6/2309	Vine, William Lightfoot	Private	2^nd Bn	23 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
12517	Waby, Benjamin	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
20471	Ward, Reuben Oscar	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
10/2473	Williams, Bertram Victor	Private	17^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium
16023	Wilson, Richard	Private	2^nd Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
10/1328	Wilson, Walter	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery, Belgium
17849	York, Henry Maldron	Private	1^st Bn	7 June 1917	Killed in Action	Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
16035	Young, Alfred Charles	Private	7^th Coy 1^st Bn	8 June 1917	Killed in Action	Messines Ridge (N.Z.) Memorial, Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Belgium

A Selection of Somme Postcards

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:29:00 +0000

"A Charge at the Battle of the Somme 1916" an Oilette postcard by British artist Harry Payne.

"Amiens Cathedral from the Banks of the Somme" a NZ YMCA postcard signed by artist 'SM'.

" 'Somme' Retreat" postcard by artist T Gilson.

A German panoramic postcard of the Somme countryside.

A French postcard showing Albert's Basilica in ruins following heavy artillery fire.

A NZ YMCA postcard entitled "A Well-known Village on the Somme".

A selection of souvenir postcard booklets.

100th Anniversary - Battle of the Somme

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:58:00 +0000

The haunting sound of the whistle synonymous with the clamber of troops heading 'over the top' and doing best to rush across No Man's Land, was the sound that many would rather forget.
That shrill blow from the lips was the call to death for so many of our New Zealand lads one hundred years ago today.
It was Friday 15 September 1916 and the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on the Somme in Northern France had begun. Few anticipated the huge cost in casualties the New Zealand Division would sustain over the 23 consecutive days they spent on the bloody, muddy Somme landscape.
Among them was Rifleman Eric M. Austin, age 23 of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was killed on the opening day of this conflict. Below is a postcard addressed to him and wishing him a happy birthday in June 1916, just a few months before he met his fate.

It is sadly ironic that Austen, a keen gardener employed by Thomas Horton Nurseries in Pahiatua prior to the war, should leave behind nature's beauty for the ugly barren battlefields of the Western Front and end his days there.

Another New Zealand casualty was Private Peter Henry Neilson of 2nd Battalion Otago Infantry Regiment. Using the colourful and sentimental postcard below, he wrote to his sister in Invercargill from the trenches on 24 July 1916...

"Dear Mary,
Just a card hoping it finds you all in the best of health as it leaves me at present. We are still in the trenches but I think we will be going out for a spell shortly. I received your letter the other day and was glad to hear from you. I have not seen Joe yet but I met Chris and Harry. They are both in the trenches now. Last time I saw them they were both looking well and were having a good time. I have had very little time to write lately but will write you a letter as soon as we go out for a rest. I will now close.
With best wishes. Goodbye. Peter xxxx."

Private Neilson was 21 years of age when he was killed at the Somme on the 15th September 1916.

LEST WE FORGET

100th Anniversary - Battle of Jutland

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 30 May 2016 09:14:00 +0000

To mark the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Jutland and H.M.S. New Zealand's involvement in this naval encounter, I have gathered together some of my postcards on this subject to share with you...

An early postcard of H.M.S. New Zealand. A record of the major actions she faced during the First World War feature in the picture: Heligoland, August 1915; Dogger Bank, January 1915; and Jutland, May 1916. Admiral Jellicoe can be seen on the right of the picture. A short handwritten message on the back reads: "To Mother and Dad, from Will. Wishing you both and all at home a hearty Xmas and a pleasant New Year. Hope you like the card Mother Dear."

A British made postcard with a brief handwritten message on the back that describes the image seen here; "Piece of armour blown out from X Turret in Jutland Battle."
This 483 kilogram piece of armour plating was blown out of X Turret on H.M.S. New Zealand by a German warship during the Battle of Jutland in May 1916.

The same piece of armour as seen in the black and white postcard above. This was on display at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Auckland in 2012.

"P" Turret gun crew on the deck of H.M.S. New Zealand. They hold a sign recording the naval engagements they have been in. This includes the Battle of Jutland. If you look closely there is a sailor holding the ship's mascot 'Pelorus Jack', a brindle bull dog. He is in the row directly above and to the left of the sign.

H.M.S. New Zealand's flagstaff was damaged by a German shell during the Battle of Jutland. This photographic postcard was produced by 'Muir'. The image appears in my book "Just to let you know I'm still alive - Postcards from New Zealanders during the First World War."

This postcard shows the point of a German 12 inch shell that hit the Queen Elizabeth Class Battleship, H.M.S. Malaya at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. She was struck eight times by enemy shellfire during this battle and over 60 of her crew were killed.

Some Donald McGill light humour...

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 23 May 2016 08:21:00 +0000

Some postcard humour from British artist Donald McGill.

This card was published by Inter-Art Co., Florence House, Barnes, London and is part of the "Comique" Series, no.2184.

The message on the back of this postcard was written by a New Zealand soldier named Archie while at Brocton Camp in England. He has dated the message 14 April 1918 and addressed it to his brothers Harry and Will...

"Dear Harry & Will,
Just a line. I am still in Old Blighty and going strong. We are having rumors of war here occasionally. Expected to go over last week but it was a washout. Am on the Lewis gun stunt now as they are found to be very effective implements, fire six hundred shots a minute and can be used single handed if you have the ammunition. I was talking to a young man from Omata on Friday. He's in the 34th, says he remembers you at the dances. The 34ths have just got out of Isolation and a 150 of them are on the mat this morning for being out late, went to Stafford and couldn't get a bus back. I had to walk myself but got an early start, its about 6 miles. Have just seen that Will was turned down, sine die in the Budget, so you will be alright. Should like to have more news from home. Only get Olga's letters and an odd one.
Wishing you good luck,
Brother Archie."

Anzac Day 1932 - Wellington's Carillon

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 04:49:00 +0000

A proposal to erect a National War Memorial in Wellington in 1919 was postponed owing to financial strains on the New Zealand economy caused by the war. The favoured proposal was to build a Carillon at Mt Cook. In 1930 the bells intended for Wellington's Carillon were erected in a special structure at Hyde Park in London for the inaugural recital before the bells were shipped to New Zealand. The carilloneur for the occasion was Mr Clifford Ball whose talent hailed from the Cadbury Brothers Carillon at the English town of Bournville. He was assisted at the recital by New Zealander, Miss Gladys Watkins who had studied carillon playing at Malines in Belgium.
In 1931 the steamer Ionic arrived at King's Wharf, Wellington. Her precious cargo included some of the big bells intended for temporary storage until the new Carillon was built.

On the afternoon of Anzac Day 1932 the National War Memorial Carillon was officially opened in front of a large audience of over 50,000 people at Buckle Street, Mount Cook, Wellington. Today its presence on the Wellington city's skyline is complemented by the Hall of Memories (1964) and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior (2004) all of which are located at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park opened in April 2015. What follows are a few early postcards of the Carillon, assorted newspaper information reporting on the grand occasion of its official opening and some personal photographs taken in recent years.

An early photographic postcard of the Carillon in Wellington taken by photographer Heaton Clairemont Peart. Note that the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum buildings have not yet been built behind the tower. The Gallery and Museum were officially opened in 1936.

A view of the Carillon from Mt Victoria Tunnel taken by Heaton Clairemont Peart.

(source: Evening Post, 20 April 1932)

(source: Evening Post, 23 April 1932)

(source: Evening Post, 23 April 1932)

(source: Auckland Weekly News, 4 May 1932)

National War Memorial fountain and steps leading up to the Carillon. (2014)

War planes fly past the Carillon. Anzac Street Parade to Pukeahu War Memorial Park (24 April 2015).

Pukeahu War Memorial Park Sound and Light Show (2015)

Left: Wellington Anzac Dawn Service at the National War Memorial Carillon on 25 April 2015.
Right - Grand official opening of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park on 18 April 2015.

Rest and Relaxation at Rotorua

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 03:27:00 +0000

The peaceful and picturesque landscape of Rotorua and its surroundings was enjoyed by many New Zealand soldiers. Gardens, lakes, geothermal and historical sites were all enjoyed by soldiers on day trips away from their accommodation and treatment at the Sanatorium Hospital and the King George V Convalescent Home. Here is a small selection of real photographic postcards taken in and about Rotorua during the war...

A New Zealand soldier supported by a walking stick is seen strolling through the grounds of the Sanatorium Hospital at Rotorua. Real photographic postcard by Frederick George Radcliffe.

A New Zealand soldier poses for this photograph (then published on to a postcard) beside a geothermal pool in Rotorua.

A group of New Zealand soldiers and their guides pose for this portrait at the famous 'Sophia's Whare' at Te Wairoa on 26 June 1916. Sophia or Te Paea Hinerangi was a leading guide for tourists who visited the famous Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana. The Terraces and the village at Te Wairoa were destroyed by the Mt Tarawera eruption in June 1886. Sophia's sturdy timber Whare was one of very few structures that provided protection from the mud and ash caused by the eruption. About 60 people managed to reach safe shelter at Sophia's Whare while many others were caught out in the open and perished. The historical site was a popular visit made by New Zealand soldiers during and after the war.

New Zealand soldiers out for a ride on the road that follows the shore of Lake Tikitapu (otherwise known as the 'Blue Lake'). A real photographic postcard dated February 1918 and taken by Rotorua photographer R.G. Marsh.

New Zealand soldiers dressed in their hospital blue uniform parade on a street in Rotorua.

Sister Enberg at the Sanatorium Hospital gardens in Rotorua. She was reported to be ill with enteric fever in October 1914 but recovered at the Sanatorium and resumed nursing. Sister Enberg left the Sanatorium in May 1916 for Sydney. At her farewell she was presented with a piupiu and a greenstone and silver spoon.

"Limbie" Micah Hayes

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 07:43:00 +0000

"Bridge Street, Nelson, N.Z." photographic postcard by F.N. Jones.

The handwritten message on the back of this postcard dated 21 March 1917 with address 154 Vanguard St Nelson reads:

"Dear Friend, did you receive mine telling you Micah was wounded? I sent you his photo. He is at Roehampton now waiting for his leg. They will only give him 12 hours leave till he can walk with his artificial limb. He has been hopping about London on crutches. They will give him about 1 month furlough. He is going to the Isle of Wight. If you would like him to come and see you, I will send you his address. You can invite him I know he would be pleased to hear from you. Let him know how he could get to you as 4 miles is too much for a 1 legged man to walk.

Yours in friendship, M. Hayes"

Private Samuel Micah Hayes of N.Z. Field Ambulance was not long in France before he was on the receiving end of enemy shellfire. Micah was struck in the right leg and hand in October 1916. He was hospitalized in England where the decision was made to amputate his severely wounded leg. In early 1917 Micah was admitted to Queen Mary's Hospital at Roehampton to have an artificial limb fitted.

The coloquial term "limbies" was given to WW1 amputees. The loss of a limb was usually caused by severe wounds from being hit by gunfire, shrapnel or from the effects of gas.

Private Samual Micah Hayes.

Daffodil Day, Nelson, 16 September 1916

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 08:34:00 +0000

"Daffodil Day, Nelson, N.Z. The procession in Bridge St."

A real photographic postcard by Nelson photographer F.N. Jones, 16 September 1916.

The Lady Liverpool Committee gratefully accepted an offer from the Nelson Horticultural Society to use its acclaimed Bulb Show as a means for setting up Daffodil Day. The proceeds of this event were used for Christmas presents for Nelson soldiers at the front.

The Nelson Evening Mail reported on this momentous local event;

"Daffodil Day.

Our Soldiers' Christmas Gifts.

Glorious Weather.

Great Crowds in the Streets.

The Daffodil Week proceedings as far as the city and Waimeas are concerned, are being concluded to-day, with Daffodil Day. Last year's Daffodil Day, held for the first time, was a great success. The proceeds were for Christmas gifts for Nelson soldiers, and this year the funds go to the same purpose. Last year's function was on a modest scale compared with the present effort, and the proceeds will amount to a very considerable sum. A Flower Queen election, in which town and country candidates competed, added greatly to the interest. The result of the election was not to be disclosed till late in the afternoon, but it is safe to say that the contest has raised several hundred pounds.

The proceedings today are being held in the most glorious weather. Certainly it was the finest day of the spring - warm sun, tempered with a gentle sea breeze. It is a coincidence that Mr D.C. Bate, the Dominion Meteorologist, was spending today in Nelson, and as he would have come in for some blame had the weather proved unfavourable, it is only fair that he should receive some credit for such a beautiful day eventuating!

From an early hour the streets were busy with stallholders getting their stalls decorated and furnished and people bringing in flowers, etc. Very effective decorations have been made at some of the stalls, and these, with strings of flags across the roadway, have given Trafalgar street a picturesque appearance. There are stalls for the sale of various cut flowers, ferns, plants and seedlings, buttonholes, sweets and produce. Great quantities of flowers have been sent in from the city, Waimeas, and Motueka side, and these were attractively arranged. Business was "good" during the morning, but the afternoon was being looked to for the busiest time..."

New book release...

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 08:25:00 +0000

Dear readers,

If you have enjoyed reading my blog posts then you will enjoy reading about the very special postcards I have reserved for this new book. I am pleased to announce the upcoming release of my book "Just to let you know I'm still alive". The title is drawn from the opening line of many handwritten messages made by soldiers on the back of postcards during the First World War. This publication is due in New Zealand bookshops after 1 August.

This book takes the reader on a journey into the colourful world of the picture postcard during World War One when the form of communicating was to mail a postcard with a message on the reverse side to a loved one serving on the battlefields of Europe. They were the emails of yesteryear, the economic way to communicate with family and friends across the miles. When war was declared in 1914, postcards took on a more meaningful purpose on a scale not seen before. Beyond their heart-filled personal messages to and from the battlefront, postcards also became a patriotic and propaganda tool. The Dominion of New Zealand was quick to rally and answer the call to serve King and Country and it was not long before New Zealand publishers were producing original works by New Zealand artists and photographers for the local market. They were cherished as prized possessions for their photographs and art and became collectables in private postcard collections. These wonderful and thought provoking postcards with their handwritten messages give a poignant insight into the life and times in New Zealand during the Great War.

My special thanks to Grantham House Publishing and to all those who have supported me in my research.

http://www.granthamhouse.co.nz/new_titles

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Just-to-Let-You-Know-Im-Still-Alive-Glenn-Reddiex/9781869341275

Oamaru Peace Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:57:00 +0000

“Peace Celebrations. Nov 12th 1918. Oamaru.” A real photographic postcard by J.M.B., numbered 25.

This fine view is looking down Thames Street in Oamaru. The grand architectural building with Corinthian columns on its façade to the far left of the picture is the Oamaru Court House. The larger building in the centre is the Opera House.

Mayor Robert Milligan announced in the Oamaru Mail that at the cessation of hostilities a public thanksgiving service would be held in the Opera House on 13 November 1918. With jubilation at the news that war was finally over, the people of Oamaru took to the streets to celebrate and rejoice with as much colour, music and pageantry as they could gather. A procession was formed on Thames Street as shown above, led by the 10th Regimental Band. They were followed by various decorated cars and lorries, Red Cross nurses, Salvation Army and school bands. Many of the Oamaru schoolchildren carried patriotic flags and the popular noise-maker – empty kerosene cans. Note that the street is shared by horse-drawn carts and motor vehicles.

Dance the night away

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 22:48:00 +0000

A real photographic postcard of Allied soldiers from different regiments enjoying a dance with nurses in Paris.

The message on the back of the card was written by Private Henry Francis Devenish Meares of the New Zealand Medical Corps on 27 March 1918:

“Dear Dad,
Very many thanks for your tobacco for which I received alright. I have just come back from Paris leave & had a good time. This photo I had taken of a dance at the Army & Navy Club Paris. The 3 dots thus (the mark is seen in the top of the photo border) is me the bottom dot. Writing you a long letter telling of my leave in Paris.
From H.F.D. Meares.”

Put down your guns and read

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:37:00 +0000

“New Zealanders seated upon a captured anti-tank gun.” A New Zealand War Records official photographic postcard.

This image was taken at ‘Clapham Junction’ in Belgium on 20 November 1917 by the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Official Photographer Henry Armytage Sanders. It was referenced in Sanders work as photograph H343. Another two of his photographs, H341 and H342 also show New Zealand troops holding a copy of the same publication.

Newspapers, magazines, books, letters and postcards were all welcome as reading material used by troops during recreational time away from the front lines.

The group of men pictured, dressed in battle uniform shows soldiers from the 3rd Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade enjoying a leisurely read of the publication “New Zealand at the Front”.

Left: The cover page of the publicaton "New Zealand at the Front" written and illustrated by New Zealand soldiers during the First World War.

Tug of War 1918

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 00:52:00 +0000

A real photographic postcard of a military tug-of-war competition in England in August 1918.

Away on leave and far from the sound of guns, these men are taking part in a day of sport and recreation. The back of the postcard reads, “Winning team, C Coy, No.5 OCB, Cambridge”. The team is identified by handwritten names and their nations: McPhee (Australia), Woods (NZ), Burnard (NZ), O’Donohue (Australia), Leahy (NZ), Myers (Australia), Hudson (NZ), Webber (NZ).

Actress Alice Brady

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 04:44:00 +0000

“Alice Brady” postcard from the “Pictures” Portrait Gallery series, no.162, published by Pictures Ltd, 88 Long Acre, London.

Alice Brady, of New York, was a popular leading actress during the war years. She appeared in films which were screened to audiences around the world. In November 1917 the film “The Maid of Belgium” was released and hit New Zealand cinemas in early 1918. The Free Lance advertised the film on 14 March 1918 at the Empress Theatre in Wellington:

“What war can do to an unfortunate girl refugee is startlingly depicted in ‘The Maid of Belgium,’ a World film drama, which stars Alice Brady, and is to be screened at the Empress Theatre, commencing this coming Saturday. An American couple touring Belgium at the outbreak of the war come upon a half-distracted Belgian girl wandering aimlessly about her pretty village. They adopt her, as they are childless. The conclusion of the drama is most powerful and contains a general element of surprise. Very beautiful scenic views of Long Island Sound are in this picture as well as remarkable views of the Germans at their dreadful work in Belgium.”

The Penny brothers of Blenheim

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 07:48:00 +0000

A real photographic postcard portrait of Private Walter Blaymires Penny taken at Oakley’s Studio in Blenheim before his departure for war service. He never returned to Blenheim; he was killed in action on 4 October 1917.

The Marlborough Express reported on the loss of one of its sons:
“Another son of Mr E.H. Penny has made the supreme sacrifice. This is Private Walter Blaymires Penny, his second son, news of whose death in action on October 4 was received by his parents last evening. The deceased soldier, who was only 21 years of age, was born in Blenheim, and educated at the Borough School and the Marlborough High School. He then joined the local branch of the National Bank, and was a member of the staff up to the time of his enlistment in the 11th Reinforcements. He was recently in hospital in England, and his parents were not aware that he had gone back to France. It is just over two years since Mr Penny’s eldest son, Private ‘Sam’ Penny, who was one of the first Blenheim boys to enlist on the outbreak of war, laid down his life on Gallipoli. General sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs Penny in their second bereavement.”

Walter's brother Private Samuel Murray Penny, killed at action at Chunuk Bair, 7 August 1915.

Source: Auckland Weekly News, 10 June 1915.

Private Norman Shore

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 03:26:00 +0000

A real photographic postcard portrait of Private Norman Shore taken at Deighton Studio in Napier before his departure for military service overseas. Prior to enlistment, he was employed as a shepherd. His mother Sarah Jane lived at 4 Brewster Street in Napier, located between Marine Parade and Napier Girls High School.

Shore was posted to 3rd Battalion Canterbury Infantry when he was killed in action near Passchendaele on 12 October 1917. He was only 21 years of age. His name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial at Zonnebeke, West Flanders in Belgium.

"Private Norman Shore, son of Mrs H. Shore, of Napier, who was reported missing on October 12th 1917, is now set down by the Court of Inquiry as "killed in action." "
Source: Hastings Standard, 24 April 1918.

Rifleman James Stephen Hawkins

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 06:38:00 +0000

A real photographic portrait postcard of Rifleman James Stephen Hawkins taken at Crown Studios in Christchurch.

Rifleman James Stephen Hawkins, with a swagger stick tucked under his arm, portrays the style of so many soldier portrait postcards taken of the era. Solemn faced, sharply dressed and standing proudly in uniform, he prepares himself for whatever may lie ahead. The son of Stephen and Lily Hawkins of Christchurch, he was educated at Woolston School and before the war was employed as a grocer's assistant for C.M. Suckling at Tai Tapu.

James Hawkins left with the 26th Reinforcements New Zealand Rifle Brigade on 12 June 1917 from Wellington on the troopship Maunganui (HMNZT 86) destined for Devonport in England. By late October he was on the battlefields of France and was killed in action less than four months later on 15 February 1918. The Press announced his death on 19 March 1918:

“Rifleman J.S. Hawkins (killed) was the son of Mr and Mrs S. Hawkins, 152 Ensor’s road, Woolston. Prior to going into camp he was employed by Mr Suckling, of Tai Tapu. For many years he was a member of the Linwood Football Club, and also took a keen interest in all sports. He was educated at the Woolston School, and left with the 26th Reinforcements.”

The Secretary of the NZEF War Graves Committee wrote to James’ father on 11 November 1920 to inform him that James’ body had been exhumed from an isolated grave and laid to rest in Oxford Road Cemetery about 1.5 miles north east of Ypres in West Flanders, Belgium.

Birdy

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:21:00 +0000

“General Sir W.R. Birdwood.”

A British postcard from the “Generals of the British Army” Series and portrait artwork by Francis Dodd.

Affectionately called "the Soul of Anzac" and "Birdy", General William Birdwood was the famed commander of the Anzac Corps at Gallipoli in 1915. He led the Anzac landings at the Dardanelles and the eventual planned evacuation from its bloodied beaches about a year later.

Just as many Anzacs had enjoyed what little simple pleasures they could get in the Gallipoli warzone, General Birdwood also enjoys a swim off Anzac beach. Source: Auckland Weekly News, 18 November 1915.

General Birdwood watching the evacuation of troops from the Gallipoli Peninsular in December 1915.
Source: Auckland Weekly News, 6 April 1916.

In the war years that followed, he was often not far from a kiwi connection. He presented gallantry awards to brave New Zealand soldiers, attended Anzac Day ceremonies, took salute from New Zealanders on parade and attended military funerals alongside high ranking New Zealand officers such as that of the burial of New Zealand Brigadier General Francis Earl Johnston at Bailleul in France in August 1917.

Anzac Day, London, 1916. General Sir William Birdwood awarding a NZ soldier the DCM.
Source: Auckland Weekly News, 8 June 1916.

He visited New Zealand after the war in mid-1920. General Birdwood, Lady Birdwood and their daughter departed Sydney for Wellington on the ship Manuka. During their stay in the capital, a civic reception was held for General Birdwood at the Wellington Town Hall. Many returned soldiers, sailors and nurses attended the reception to pay tribute to this admired military leader. His visit included a trip to Nelson, and studio portraits taken by renowned photographer Herman Schmidt in Auckland.

Birdwood died in 1951 and is buried at Twickenham Cemetery in England. His name is honoured throughout New Zealand: the Birdwood Range in the Canterbury foothills, the location of the Anzac Club on Birdwood Street in Featherston, Birdwood Avenue in Christchurch, Birdwood Crescent in Parnell, Auckland and Birdwood Street in Karori.

The German Machine Gun

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:50:00 +0000

A real photographic postcard of German soldiers posing with their standard heavy machine gun called the MG-08. With its ability to fire between 400 to 500 rounds per minute, the deadly efficiency of this weapon claimed many New Zealand soldiers’ lives during the war.

Save Time

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 08:42:00 +0000

“Save Time Post Card.” Produced by “Novelties”, 96 Hardy Street, Nelson, dated 4 December 1915.

In a similar way to the field service postcard, this design also allows the soldier to quickly select and mark a number of different messages. The postcard's author starts his message with "Arrived here safely. Weather very hot. Feeling first rate." and so on.

On the back a brief handwritten message reads:

“Miss Irene Woollett, Just a line to let you know I am all right. This is not much of a P.C. but I thought you would like to see it. Your loving brother Fred.”