A display of poppies made of flax and woven by the community for ANZAC Day 2016 in The Square, Palmerston North.  

A complete list of all the people named on the Palmerston North War Memorial Cenotaph in The Square, in two parts. The first part is the original WWI names from the 1926 Memorial opening, transcribed in 1990. The second part is a list of names found by the War Research Group set up in 2005 to find all additional known war dead for Palmerston North to that date. The War Research Group consisted of representatives from the Palmerston North City Council, Palmerston North RSA, Palmerston North Officers Club and the Manawatu Standard. Trevor Richards was the researcher

This memorial and reserve behind it commemorates local soldiers who lost their lives during World War Two. The memorial is located on Lawton Road, behind the old school on Milson Line between Feilding and Palmerston North.

The plaque reads:

1939 - 1945
To the glory of God and in honour of:
C.G Firth
D. Goffe
G.A Griffith
E.H Haythorne
A.P Lewis
T. Ruwhiu
T.A Sutherland
H.G Talbot
P.S Wevell

Note the wreaths commemorating Anzac Day. Refer Fitzherbert East Aokautere School and District 1889-1989, p 80.

A war memorial to commemorate local soldiers who died in World War One was erected in the centre of The Square, Palmerston North, in 1926. The figure that sits atop the memorial was based on a similar one in Folkstone, England. Today it also commemorates those who died in World War Two, and the Korean and Vietman Wars.

A war memorial to commemorate local soldiers who died in World War One was erected in the centre of The Square, Palmerston North, in 1926. The figure that sits atop the memorial was based on a similar one in Folkstone, England. Today it also commemorates those who died in World War Two, and the Korean and Vietman Wars.

Colour enhanced print of Memorial Park, looking down from Napier Road side. The War Memorial at right, was dedicated to those who died in World War I and World War II, was opened in 1952 at what was then called Fitzroy Park. It was renamed Memorial Park in 1954.

A war memorial to commemorate local soldiers who died in World War One was erected in the centre of The Square, Palmerston North, in 1926. The figure that sits atop the memorial was based on a similar one in Folkstone, England. Today it also commemorates those who died in World War Two, and the Korean and Vietman Wars.

A war memorial to commemorate local soldiers who died in World War One was erected in the centre of The Square, Palmerston North, in 1926. The figure that sits atop the memorial was based on a similar one in Folkstone, England. Today it also commemorates those who died in World War Two, and the Korean and Vietman Wars.

This photograph shows the 75th Squadron Reunion held at Ohakea Base. Squadron leader John Grubb, left, who piloted a no. 75 Squadron Stirling from June 1943 to January 1944, talks with Ken Hazlett, a wireless operator at that time. They both served on the squadron at Mepal in England. About 400 former members attended the reunion over the weekend.

Staff from G. Bramall & Co, manufacturers of waterproof clothing, including 'Bramac' rainwear. The company employed women during the second world war and manufactured school uniform raincoats for nearly fifty years before closing in August 1981. Eleven employees, many of whom had worked for the company for a number of years, lost their jobs (See Manawatū Evening Standard 31 July 1981). Identified in this photo are: Hazel Hubbard (later Hazel Baker), in the checked raincoat; and Nancy Mackay (nee Cade) second from right.

This photograph ran in the Manawatu Evening Standard on 2, April 1988 with the caption, "Two-year-old Christina Koot has a final cuddle with adoptive mother Bertha Zurcher." Bertha Zurcher worked in Wellington Hospital during World War Two. After the war's end, she became an almoner (medical social worker) in Palmerston North Hospital. After retirement, she began volunteering as a home-support worker with the Methodist Support Services, helping struggling families navigate difficult times. She died January 2 2014 at the age of 101. For more information, see Manawatu Evening Standard 28 September, 2005 (p2).

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The Grammer family were early residents of Ashhurst. This album is one of several artefacts created during World War Two by Ron Grammer.

Japan surrendered to the allies of World War II on 15 August 1945. Immediately schools and businesses in Palmerston North were closed and celebrations, many informal, began. A thanksgiving service was held that afternoon, followed by a victory parade the next day. The parade attracted a big turnout of civilians and defence personnel, a flotilla of 130 vehicles of all kinds, and a huge number of spectators lining the streets. The procession began at the Police Station and went around The Square, lead by the Manawatu Scottish Society’s Highland Pipe Band. The City, Garrison and Salvation Army bands also took part. The parade was followed by community sing-song led from the Band Rotunda. Shown here is the Manawatu Scottish Society Pipe Band. The Drum Major is J R Matheson.

Bernard Cox (1905-1970) a well known Palmerston North architect. He was born in Dunedin where he studied architecture, before leaving to study and work in the USA and Canada in 1928. Bernard returned to New Zealand, settling in Palmerston North in 1935. He set up a practice as an architect, specialising in residential work. Mr Cox married Mrytle (nee Schelerike) in 1936 and they had two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth.Bernard Cox retired in 1961.He served in World War Two, first in the Home Guard and then overseas as an engineer in the NZEF. He returned in January 1946, to be met in Palmerston North Railway Station by his wife Myrtle and daughter Margaret.

Back row: Peter Field, Joe Meyrick, Tom Dickins, Bert Kendrick, George Blenkiron, Tony Pedersen, 'Ween' Lancaster. Middle row: Captain Stewart (instructor), Ernie Brungar, Lester Field, Jack Brill, Dick Tate, Norman Chowen, Walter Gosling, Leslie Phelan, Les Hastings. Front row: Jack Atkinson, Ronnie Brill, Allan Hopcroft, Jack Robertson, Captain Alex Ferguson, Dick Harrison, Arthur Brill, Bert Mackie, Arthur Crowe. Refer Fitzherbert East Aokautere School and District 1889-1989, p 79.

This group of soldiers are shown outside of barracks in Awapuni.

These unidentified soldiers are part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Signals Section.

This booklet was produced as part of an appeal to raise funds for the proposed addition to the YMCA Building on Grey Street. It contains many advertisements for local businesses, a history of the organisation and photographs of YMCA activities in New Zealand and overseas, as well as general photographs of Palmerston North, Massey and the camp at Pohangina. The cover is missing from this copy.

Back row: Edna Crowe, Eleanor Field, Dorothy Durden, Gussie Brill, Eva Tate. Middle row: Mrs Meyrick, Enid Orr, Doris Harrison, Ester Price, Mary Hutchinson, Kath McFarlane, Phoebe Pinfold. Front row: Thelma Dickins, Irene Anderson, Zillah Orr, Mrs Boyd, Nina Chowen, Clarice Brungar, Doris Kyle. Refer Fitzherbert East Aokautere School and District 1889-1989, p 78.

This WWII era portrait has the name "Gordon Dilks" written on the back in pencil. It is thought he is Gordon Beresford Dilks (1922-2011), service number 443771. He served in the New Zealand Army in the Armoured Brigade, Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. For more information, see his Online Cenotaph record at http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C139445.

Shown here is a display put up by "The Times" newspaper asking for donations of food to help keep Britain fed in the time during and after World War Two. “Tin and a Sixpence" refers to a tin for the fundraising and sixpence for a cup of tea and the stall. Amongst items on display are tins of cheese spaghetti, Highlander Condensed Milk, Milo, Jam, Vegetable soup, Brufax and Beehive matches. New Zealand, along with other countries, was a vital source of food for Britain during World War Two. It rationed its own food supply to increase the amount that could be sent to England. The 'Food for Britain' campaign helped to explain the necessity for rationing, making the idea more palatable to the New Zealand public.

This photograph shows Bernard Cox in uniform, taken while he was stationed in Rome during WWII.He (1905-1970) was a well known Palmerston North architect. He was born in Dunedin where he studied architecture, before leaving to study and work in the USA and Canada in 1928. Bernard returned to New Zealand, settling in Palmerston North in 1935. He set up a practice as an architect, specialising in residential work. Mr Cox married Mrytle (nee Schelerike) in 1936 and they had two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth. Bernard Cox retired in 1961. During the Second World War he served first in the Home Guard and then overseas as an engineer in the NZEF. He returned in January 1946.

This event is thought to be part of the celebrations held in Palmerston North at the end of World War Two. Military and civilians, including the Mayor Gus Mansford, stand before a crowd on the rostrum, while the band stands to attention. Behind (from left) can be seen band rotunda; Commercial Building and Rosco department store (C M Ross). Also see 2011G_ELMAR-2-B10_005217 and 2011G_ELMAR-2-B10_005218

From the Griffiths collection. Number 6 Works County, N.Z.E. Number 2 Section. A copy of "The Engineers Song". From World War Two.

This register for the Palmerston North Municipal Opera House and Coronation Hall records bookings from 1935 until 1940, for performances, meetings and the activities of community groups. The Municipal Opera House, designed by F J Wilson and built by J Trevor and Sons, was erected on Church Street in 1904-1905 and opened 12 July 1905. In 1952 it was condemned as unsafe by the Palmerston North City Council and was strengthened and remodelled both inside and out in 1955. It was sold by the PNCC to a businessman in 1996 and demolished. The Coronation Hall, located at 801 Main Street, was built as a Public Hall in 1911 to mark the Coronation of George V. In 1962 it was bought by the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society (later Manawatu Theatre Society) and became a playhouse. In 1996 the hall was bought by Douglas and Moana Hann, who renovated the building into a home. As of 2014, it is the premises of a painting and decoration business.

This register for the Palmerston North Municipal Opera House and Coronation Hall records bookings from 1940 until 1945, for performances, meetings and the activities of community groups. During the Second World War, these venues were also used to support the war effort, including by the Women's Auxilary services, the Home Guard and for Soldier Send Off events. The Opera House hosted performances by the Kiwi Concert Party and the Young Māori Club. This building, designed by F J Wilson and built by J Trevor and Sons, was erected on Church Street in 1904-1905 and opened 12 July 1905. In 1952 the Opera House was condemned as unsafe by the Palmerston North City Council and was strengthened and remodelled both inside and out in 1955. It was sold by the PNCC to a businessman in 1996 and demolished. The Coronation Hall, located at 801 Main Street, was built as a Public Hall in 1911 to mark the Coronation of George V. In 1962 it was bought by the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society (later Manawatu Theatre Society) and became a playhouse. In 1996 the hall was bought by Douglas and Moana Hann, who renovated the building into a home. As of 2014, it is the premises of a painting and decoration business.

Staff from G. Bramall & Co, manufacturers of waterproof clothing, including 'Bramac' rainwear. The company manufactured school uniform raincoats for nearly fifty years before closing in August 1981. Eleven employees, many of whom had worked for the company for a number of years, lost their jobs (See Manawatū Evening Standard 31 July 1981).

This image is believed to have been taken in 1945, and shows a number of women who worked in the factory during the second world war. Identified: back row, fifth from right Elizabeth Mary (Betty) Mason nee Cade, aged 18, and front row fifth from left, her sister Nancy Mackay nee Cade. The gentleman in the back row in a beret may be Bramac Manager Mr. de Burger and the man at right in the front row is believed to have operated the stream press for all the garments.

Former employee Betty Mason wrote a list of colleagues many years after her employment, some of whom may appear in this photograph. Some people may be named by subsequent maried names and others by their maiden names. "Pat Connelly, Louise Killington (a long time friend and neighbour of Betty's), June Woolan (possibly Woollen), Merle Woolan, Rona Kitching, Jean Schwamm, Clarice Parlane, Bobbie Whittingham, June Rogers, Joan Smith, Thelma Scott, Edna Griffiths, Melva (no surname given), Joyce Marshall, Pat Jensen, Doreen Marrow, Myrtle De Vantier, Fay Norris, Barbara Kreft, Joan Duckworth, (forename not given) Stempson (possible Stimpson), Vera (Knight) Read, Thelma Hill, Lily Christiansen, Ada Pike, Alice Hankey, Dorothy Griffin, Lorna Pedersen, Maria Theoharidis."

Research conducted by Robyn Mason and kindly shared with Manawatū Heritage in 2022.

Broadcast on Manawatu People’s Radio, 24th October 2023. Part 1 of 2. Career as a pharmacist. In Dagenham until 26 (1962). Young child in WWII. Memories of the blitz, DC3s towing gliders, Morrison shelter, Anderson shelter, V1s, V2s, rationing. Post-war - the Marshall Plan, Cold War, first banana. The 11+ exam. Grammar School. 6th Form specialization, choice of pharmacy apprenticeship with Boots Chemist. Qualifying in Sunderland. Working in SE England. Posted to New Zealand at 25. Pharmacy work in 1960s, making up medicines and ointments. Famous people from Dagenham.