Manawatu Military History

This WWII era portrait has the name "Murray Gibson" written on the back in pen. This individual may or may not be from the Palmerston North era.

This photograph is captioned, "Winner of £50 prize for best decorated motorcar Palmerston North." While the occasion is not listed, this float can be seen in another photograph of a Final Battle Campaign event. The Final Battle Campaign was one of the fundraising efforts made by New Zealanders to raise money for the soldiers wounded during WWI. The Feilding Star gives an account of its achievements: "The Final Battle Campaign art union in Palmerston North realised about £7500. When this is added to the other money obtained in the campaign there will be £32,000 to add to the sick and wounded fund, bringing it up to £53,000 which is to be invested at 4 or 4 1/2 percent. It is hoped to be able to provide for all the men who return and who require assistance and also to assist, where necessary, the dependents of those who are away fighting". Feilding Star, volume XIV, Issue 35194, 3 May 1918, page 2.

Letter from the Dominion Secretary of the Women's War Service Auxiliary in Wellington, to Charlotte Warburton, Chairwoman of the Palmerston North District Branch, thanking her for conducting a meeting at Rongotea. The Women's War Service Auxiliary was an organisation constituted by the New Zealand Government for the co-ordination of Women's organisations to assist in the national war effort and to promote war service for women.

Crowds watch a parade during an Easter encampment of the New Zealand Volunteer Forces held in Waldegrave's paddock, between what is now Waldegrave and Bourke Streets. Participating were artillery, cavalry, infantry and naval forces from all parts of New Zealand.

Unidentified wedding photograph of bride, groom, bridesmaid and groomsman. The groomsman is wearing an army uniform. Also see 2013N_ELMAR-B6_007300

Oscar Frederick Anderson, who served in World War One, was the son of Mrs H Segren (formerly Anderson, North Street, Palmerston North. He enlisted in the Wellington Mounted Rifles and rose to be Lance Corporal. He died 9 August 1915, at Chunuk Bair, Turley, and is buried there. His name appears on the War Memorial in The Square, Palmerston North.

Sergeant Barber was in the 23rd Company, Junior Cadets, and the 48th Company of Senior Cadets, both of which were Palmerston North Cadet Units. During World War One he was in the Rifle Brigade.

A greeting card sent to New Zealand troops in South Africa, as a souvenir of the campaign 1899-1900, addressed to Private A F Batchelar of Palmerston North, in the first New Zealand Contingent. From the archive of 'A F Batchelar'.

Amongst the members of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles on horseback are Messers Aldrich and Pringle. The Manawatu Mounted Rifle volunteers were formed as part of the Wellington Battalion, Mounted Rifle Volunteers 7 November 1895.

This photograph is thought to have been taken at Awapuni.

The Grammer family were early Ashhurst residents and the Grammer Family archive contains family information from 1868. Ron Grammer was the son of Tom Grammer and the family lived in Bainesse, close to Palmerston North. Private Ron Grammer served in World War Two. This letter was written to Mr Tom A. Grammer by his son Ronald Grammer when he was a prisoner of war in Italy.

Shown here is the team of Radar operators who calibrated a ring of Radar Stations in the South Pacific during WWII. James (known as Lynn) Fielding, an engineer, is pictured second from right.

Members of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles in the mess tent, during an encampment.

People dressed up for the parade to celebrate the end of World War I are passing the Town Hall in Rongotea.

  Battered remains of an envelope originally containing John Henry Chapman’s last letter (dated October 1918) to his younger brother Will Chapman, then serving in Northern France. It was returned to sender, arriving just under a year later marked ‘Deceased’. Will died 27th November 1918 in an army hospital in the town of Caudry, northern France, the victim of influenza, and is buried in the military cemetery there.  

Christmas card sent to the Palmerston North branch of the Women's War Service Auxiliary, from the 2nd Field Regiment of the New Zealand Army. Signed by 2nd Lieutenant E M Kemp.

The stall was to raise funds 'to help the Belgians', during World War One. The girls, in national costume, were members of the Scandinavian Club which ran in Palmerston North was formed in August 1914 and ran until 1917.

An unidentified soldier outside what is thought to be barracks, during World War Two.

Letter from Major, 2 i/c 2nd Field Regiment, New Zealand Army, to Charlotte Warburton, chairwoman of the Women's War Service Auxiliary, inviting her and other officers of the Auxiliary, to a Regimental Dance at the Coconut Grove in Palmerston North.  

Peace celebrations were held in Palmerston North 19 - 21 July 1919. On Saturday 19 July at 9.30 am a 21 Gun Salute under the direction of Col. McDonald was executed. Later, speeches were given at the show grounds, where these pigeons were released.

This is a photograph of the Klee brothers in uniform, taken sometime during the Boer War (1899-1902). From left: Louis, George and Victor Klee. They all survived the war and took up farming in the South Island of New Zealand. Victor later turned to a number of careers, including gold mining, where he met his wife, nicknamed Miss Gold. He, in turn, was Mr Silver.

The shooting team pose with a cup. From left. Back row: Unknown; Unknown; Major Mounsey; Dan Sexton; Gus Walter. Front row: Alf Friend; Albert Neilson; Unknown; Dalton; Hugo Zeinert.

One of four photographs that shows a parade of soldiers in The Square, Palmerston North. This group is shown marching past the PDC. The donor of the photographs did not know what the duties of this group were, but they appear to be in the uniform of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. The man at the front of the group is Lt Michael Joseph Philpott who was held back from service abroad during the war because he was a married man with young children. He trained troops during the war and served in Japan in 1946.

The Grammer family were early Ashhurst residents and the Grammer Family archive contains family information from 1868. Ron Grammer was the son of Tom Grammer and the family lived in Bainesse, close to Palmerston North. Private Ron Grammer served in World War Two. This card is assumed to have been given to Ron Grammer by the New Zealand Military as a warning not to tell anyone information that could be used against Allied Troops.

From Archives New Zealand: On 16th July 1947 Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, arrived in New Zealand to confer with the Government on defence matters. Lord Montgomery was one of the most decorated military leaders of World War Two, and was famous for his victory at the Battle of El Alamein. At the time of his visit to New Zealand, he was Britain’s Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Lord Montgomery toured the country, receiving a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. The photograph above was taken in Wellington on 17th July 1947. The Old Government Buildings are visible in the background, as well as some of the thousands of Wellingtonians who turned out to see Lord Montgomery (nicknamed ‘Monty’ and ‘The Spartan General’). Public servants in central Wellington were granted an hour’s leave so they could witness the Field Marshal’s drive from Government House to the Cenotaph, where he laid a wreath.

T W Preece, who served in World War One, was the son of George and Ada Preece, 49 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North. He enlisted in the Otago Infantry Battalion and rose to be Lance Corporal. He died 7 August 1915 at Chunuk Bair, Turkey, at 29 years of age. His name appears on the War Memorial in The Square, Palmerston North.

Mr Mckenna arrived in Sydney as a soldier with his regiment (the 65th, Yorkshire and Lancashire), in June 1846 at the age of seventeen. His regiment was soon in New Zealand, where he was involved in the New Zealand Wars and the defence of the young settlements for two decades. In the 1860s, McKenna (now a Colour-Sergeant) was with the 65th in the invasion of the Waikato. On 7 September 1863, near Cameron Town, his company was ambushed by Maori forces. The officers were killed and the whole unit threatened. Mckenna took control and drove back Maori forces and led a rear-guard action which allowed the men, after a night in the bush, to retreat to safety. For his valour McKenna was promoted to Ensign and on 16 January 1867 was awarded one of ten Victoria Cross given during the New Zealand Wars. In February 1867 the regiment was recalled to England, but Ensign McKenna decided to stay with the Colony, selling his commission. He joined the New Zealand Railways as a clerk, soon rising to Station-Master at Kaipoi, then Ashburton, Invercargill, Gore, Greatford, Halcombe and then Palmerston North in the early 1880s. There his "erect soldierly figure" became one of the sights of the town. After four years of living in Wanganui, he retired to Palmerston North, where he died suddenly 9 June 1908. His last words were to urge fellow citizens to "Stick to the Grand Old Empire".

The Grammer family were early Ashhurst residents and the Grammer Family archive contains family information from 1868. Ron Grammer was the son of Tom Grammer and the family lived in Bainesse, close to Palmerston North. Private Ron Grammer served in World War Two in the 22 Battalion.

A group of Army personel along with some civilian workers.

This photographs shows an air force hangar under construction at Ohakea Base.

  Ohakea Air Force Base was constructed on land near Bulls in the Manawatu, 1937 to 1939. It was built in anticipation of the arrival of bombers, ordered for delivery in October 1939.  The initial construction included housing and maintenance facilities for the new bombers, workshops, administration buildings and accommodation for servicemen and dependents. The image shows the construction of two storey houses for officers in the foreground, barrack blocks and the construction of one of the hangers in the background. Photograph found in album related to the Humphries family of Greytown.

An illustrated envelope addressed to Trooper A F Batchelar of Palmerston North, serving in the Boer War. Arthur Batchelar was a member of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles. From the archive of 'A F Batchelar'.

Group in World War Two uniforms.

This member of the Linton Rifle Club is thought to be Wallave Cook, who won a military cross in World War One.

Norman Edgar Hassell was born 6 September 1894 at Akatarawa, Upper Hutt and died 27 May 1964 in Palmerston North. He served in World War One and wrote his mermories of his military service in Egypt, Gallipoli and the Western Front, in retrospect. This photograph was included in the manuscript. Also see 2013Pa_HASSELL-S1_007484 and 2014N_HASSELLS1_010074.

A large group of young, uniformed, American sailors and others seated at tables in C M Ross Co. Ltd Tearooms. Lenard Alkire is seated second from the front, on the right hand side of the foreground table (ringed).

A group of Army personnel taken at the Woodville camp. Many Hawkes Bay regiments spent time in training at the Woodville racecourse.

From Archives New Zealand: On 16th July 1947 Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, arrived in New Zealand to confer with the Government on defence matters. Lord Montgomery was one of the most decorated military leaders of World War Two, and was famous for his victory at the Battle of El Alamein. At the time of his visit to New Zealand, he was Britain’s Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Lord Montgomery toured the country, receiving a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. The photograph above was taken in Wellington on 17th July 1947. The Old Government Buildings are visible in the background, as well as some of the thousands of Wellingtonians who turned out to see Lord Montgomery (nicknamed ‘Monty’ and ‘The Spartan General’). Public servants in central Wellington were granted an hour’s leave so they could witness the Field Marshal’s drive from Government House to the Cenotaph, where he laid a wreath.

The Polish Army League was formed in Palmerston North in December 1941, to 'extend a hand of friendship' to Polish soldiers fighting for the allied forces. Assisted by a large number of organisations, the League sent parcels with notes, and items such as knitting, to Polish soldiers overseas during World War II. Members from the Executive Committee are, from left: Mrs A Stewart; Mrs L E Bale (President); Mrs T K Fraser (Treasurer); Mrs W A Jacques (organising secretary)

A badge from the 9th (Wellington East Coast) Squadron converted into a pin with added gold horseshoe as backing. The motto, "Fortes fortuna juvat" (Fortune assists the brave) graces the banner on the obverse, with "OLIVE" inscribed into the reverse. Badge and pin are circa 1918.

Samuel Hooper Smith, aged 23, leaving for the Boer War.

  Will Chapman in army kit (centre, nearest camera) during family farewells on the day that he boarded the troopship SS Willochra bound for Suez. From September 1916 onward he served on the Western Front as a Driver in the Divisional Ammunition Column of the 1st Field Artillery, NZFA. Shortly after the Armistice he fell a victim of the influenza epidemic and was hospitalised at Caudry, a small town about 15km east of Cambrai, Northern France. He died on the 27th November 1918 and is buried in the military cemetery just outside Caudry.  

Postcard of soldiers exercising at the Army training camp at Awapuni Racecourse, during World War One. The postcard was sent 15 October 1915 to Miss Cable, 829 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, from 'Jim'.

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

A group of Army personel being entertained on stage by a band at Linton Camp.

This image, showing an unidentified Captain, comes from a collection of unidentified negatives taken by H M Griffiths in the early 1900s, probably 1910-1920. Many of these negatives are labelled as having been taken in Tokomaru, but many have no information with them. They were donated to the City Archives in 1971.

The Palmerston North cenotaph, constructed in the centre of The Square to commemorate those who died in World War One, was opened by the then Prime Minister Mr Gordon Coates. It was a replica of one in Folkstone, England. Standing speaking is Gordon Coates.

This postcard comes from the Mackrell Archive. They came to be in possession of the Mackrell family by way of Huia Mackrell's wife, Doris Cammock (later Mrs Mackrell, of Woodville). They were sent by Doris' brother Frank while he was serving in the European campaign during WW1. He was killed at Passchendaele in 1917. The postcards in this series are all hand-embroidered, some of them have writing on the reverse, while others contain smaller decorated cards in the silk pouch on the front.

Elsie Laing (centre), Matron of an RNZAF hospital somewhere in New Zealand during the Second World War. Elsie Laing was born 14 December 1890 and qualified as a nurse at Queen's Hospital, Birmingham, England, in 1919. She served as a C/Sr in New Zealand, during World War Two. Miss Laing is one of the donors who helped to establish the Eva and Elsie Lang Arts Trust.

The Masterton Brass Band marches outside of the Club Hotel in Pahiatua.

Issued by the Authority of the Director of National Services, this handbook gave information to those serving in the Women's Land Service. It included topics such are wages, accommodation, age limits, hours of work and holidays.

Ernest Davis (1901-1981) in army uniform and his mother, Harriet Davis, walking outside the Post Office, in The Square, Palmerston North. Ernie served in WWII, and soon after this photograph embarked for Italy. Ernie, was the son of James and Harriet Davis. He later became a housing inspector, and married Dot Rennet in 1954. He died in Wanganui.

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.

From Archives New Zealand: On 16th July 1947 Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, arrived in New Zealand to confer with the Government on defence matters. Lord Montgomery was one of the most decorated military leaders of World War Two, and was famous for his victory at the Battle of El Alamein. At the time of his visit to New Zealand, he was Britain’s Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Lord Montgomery toured the country, receiving a hero’s welcome everywhere he went. The photograph above was taken in Wellington on 17th July 1947. The Old Government Buildings are visible in the background, as well as some of the thousands of Wellingtonians who turned out to see Lord Montgomery (nicknamed ‘Monty’ and ‘The Spartan General’). Public servants in central Wellington were granted an hour’s leave so they could witness the Field Marshal’s drive from Government House to the Cenotaph, where he laid a wreath.

The New Zealand Poppy Places Trust has been established to develop, promote, and oversee a nation-wide project to commemorate and recognise as part of the heritage of New Zealanders, the participation of New Zealand in military conflicts and military operational services overseas. Poppy Places website.

A proud Corporal Johnston stands with his bride on their wedding day.

The seated solider is Frederick Chafe Kennedy, of Palmerston North. The person standing is unidentified - possibly Frederick's brother Isaac. Frederick Chafe Kennedy was awarded the King's Medal which signified that he completed 18 months service in South Africa before 1 June 1902.

The Lady Liverpool fund helped to raise money to send parcels to soldiers fighting during World War One. It ceased operations by 1919. Identified people: Mrs J.A. Nash, wife of the Palmerston North Mayor (front row left); Mrs C.A. Massey, wife of Minister of Parliament (4th from the left).

John Adam Sligo was the Son of Alfred and Rose (nee Adam) Sligo of Gisborne, and the husband of Marie Theresa Sligo, of Lower Hutt. John Sligo served in WWII as a Pilot Officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 57 (RAF) Squadron. He was killed in Denmark during an air operation 8 May 1942, at age 24, and is buried at Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery in Denmark.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph both record a George Kendall, Rifleman, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, Serial Number 27146, who died of wounds in France 19 April 1917. George Kendall was the son of William and Martha Kendall, of Wanganui. Prior to departing for the war he was farming in the Raurimu district.

Members of the Whakarongo Home Guard, which was set up during World War Two, sitting on the back of a truck and manning a checkpoint on the Ashhurst-Palmerston North road, near Raukawa Road. The man second from right is Arthur Koehler.

Unidentified wedding photograph of bride and groom, probably leaving the church. The groom is dressed in an army officer uniform.

Petersen stands to attention in front of a canvas tent. Herbert Petersen was attached to the 14th South Otago Company and died of wounds 19 May 1915. He is buried in Alexandria, Egypt. His next of kin was listed in the newspaper as Mrs C Turner of Kairanga, Palmerston North.

This photograph shows a parted crowd standing in The Square of Palmerston North, perhaps watching a parade or procession go past. The Final Battle Campaign was one of the fundraising efforts made by New Zealanders to raise money for the soldiers wounded during WWI. The Feilding Star gives an account of its achievements: "The Final Battle Campaign art union in Palmerston North realised about £7500. When this is added to the other money obtained in the campaign there will be £32,000 to add to the sick and wounded fund, bringing it up to £53,000 which is to be invested at 4 or 4 1/2 percent. It is hoped to be able to provide for all the men who return and who require assistance and also to assist, where necessary, the dependents of those who are away fighting". Feilding Star, volume XIV, Issue 35194, 3 May 1918, page 2.

This Drill Hall stood in Main Street East on the site of the old NZ Defence Office (between Princess and Victoria Avenue). This photograph shows a funeral procession about to proceed from the Drill Hall to the Terrace End Cemetery (see also 2014N_A1_009357). The funeral must have been that of a member of the Rifle Volunteers or Mounted Rifles because member of both of these Corps are present. The coffin has been placed on a vehicle drawn by four horses.

These unidentified Australian airmen were entertained in Palmerston North by the Palmerston North City Council, when visiting Ohakea Air Force Base during the Second World War. The Mayor, A. E. Mansford is standing in the front row extreme left. Back row from left: T.J. Heatley; E.F. Smillie; Unknown; F.G. Opie.

Norman Edgar Hassell was born 6 September 1894, at Akatarawa, Upper Hutt, New Zealand. He served in World War One and wrote his memories of that time in retrospect, c. 1941 - 1942. Photographs of Norman Hassell in uniform and Norman and 'Pony' Johnston on camels at the pyramids in Egypt are also contained. Other illustrations of war scenes are pasted in. The typescript was typed by his daughter, Mrs Joan Christmas, from a rough draft which is thought to have been destroyed.

Private Hart 10231 of the Wellington Regiment, N.Z.E.F. 1st Battalion was killed at Flers Village 16 September 1916, aged 19. He was the son of Margaret and Thomas Hart of Palmerston North. Thomas and Margaret Hart were farmers in Ashhurst and prominent in the Ashhurst community. Thomas was chairman of the Domain Board from 1913 until he died of influenza in the November 1918 epidemic. Harold Leonard is memorialised on his 6 year old brother Reggie's grave stone at Ashhurst cemetery and his parents are also buried in Ashhurst cemetery. Private Hart is buried in ‘Caterpillar Valley’, France.

Soldiers using Ordnance QF 4.5-inch howitzers in a training exercise.

A group of soldiers in parade formation.

Military personnel stand to attention as the funeral procession passes. The funeral is for the Air Force personnel lost on 25 November 1945 during a routine meteorological flight out of Ohakea. On March 19, 1949 the wreck of the RNZAF Ventura aeroplane with four crew members on-board was discovered; which had been missing since February 28, 1946. The crash location was three miles from Otaki in extremely hill country and the wreck was partially covered by scrub. The crew were: Flight-Lieutenant Walter Gordon Jacobs, the 27 year old Pilot; Flight-Lieutenant Sidney Howard Langton, the 24 year old navigator; Warrant-Officer Hedley Beaumont Newell, the 25 year old wireless-operator-air gunner; AC1 Anthony John Hayhurst, the 22 year old meteorologist. The men were given a combined military funeral at All Saints Church and buried at Kelvin Grove Cemetery in the Military Section. See A175/5 for further information.

Edwina Mountbatten (1901-1960) visiting Palmerston North after the end of WWII. She is wearing the uniform of the St John's Ambulance Brigade. She was born Edwina Ashley, and married Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1920.

“Queen Victoria Drive” or Victoria Drive as it is more commonly known was started in c1917 with a rough track being put through from Fitzherbert Avenue to Park Road. In 1919 it was properly laid out and metalled and in c1920 – 1921 was finally tarred and sanded. Many native plants and trees were planted bordering the drive, some which still remain.

AS group of military personnel, possibly at Ohakea Air Force Base by the uniforms.

A group of soldiers pose with cleaning equipment, during the Second World War.

A military marching band - complete with a variety of brass instruments and drums (snare and bass).

Guests at the ball are standing in the decorated hall. Major William George Ashworth and Mrs Ashworth are 4th & 5th from the right.

Armistice Day celebrated the end of World War One, and remembered those members of the armed forces who were killed during World War One. In Rongotea 8oo people joined a parade, including cadets, scouts, 13 dairy electric trucks conveying a Red Cross party, a combined choir, and a bus and motor cars.

A military padre leads Air Force personnel to their final resting place at Kelvin Grove Cemetery. Military personnel stand to attention as the funeral procession passes. The funeral is for the Air Force personnel lost on 25 November 1945 during a routine meteorological flight out of Ohakea. On March 19, 1949 the wreck of the RNZAF Ventura aeroplane with four crew members on-board was discovered; which had been missing since February 28, 1946. The crash location was three miles from Otaki in extremely hill country and the wreck was partially covered by scrub. The crew were: Flight-Lieutenant Walter Gordon Jacobs, the 27 year old Pilot; Flight-Lieutenant Sidney Howard Langton, the 24 year old navigator; Warrant-Officer Hedley Beaumont Newell, the 25 year old wireless-operator-air gunner; AC1 Anthony John Hayhurst, the 22 year old meteorologist. The men were given a combined military funeral at All Saints Church and buried at Kelvin Grove Cemetery in the Military Section. See A175/5 for further information.

The Patriotic Society's fund raising procession entering Coleman Place from The Square. The Patriotic Society was created in 1916, during World War One, for fund raising and welfare purposes.

The Palmerston North Mounted Rifles, formed in 1891, watched by a crowd as parade around the corner of Church Street and The Square, followed by a Brass Band. The buildings shown are from L to R: W Pegden’s Furniture Warehouse; Frederick Ireland & Co.; D M George’s Drapery; The Occidental, Family and Commercial Hotel; American Candy Company; Mont de Piete

The Grammer family were early Ashhurst residents and the Grammer Family archive contains family information from 1868. Ron Grammer was the son of Tom Grammer and the family lived in Bainesse, close to Palmerston North. Private Ron Grammer served in World War Two. Ronald Grammer was a prisoner of war in Italy.

Henry Dewar was a Sergeant in the Wellington Mounted Rifles. He appears on the War Memorial Roll of Honour in The Square. Sergeant H Dewar was 33 years of age when he was listed as killed in action at Anzac Cove, 9 August 1915.

C M Ross Co Ltd decorated their department store in The Square to celebrate the end of the First World War. Roscos, as it became known was one of the foremost department stores in Palmerston North. Today the site is occupied by the Palmerston North City Library.

The original Premier Drapery Company building was first owned by Watchorn & Co and later bought by W.F. Durward. It was reorganised into the PDC in 1915 when it was purcahsed by James Wallace. In 1956, the company was taken over by the Manawatu Co-Op Society and renamed the Premier Department Store. The PDC was demolished in 1990 to make way for the Plaza Mall and the company ceased to exist. Shown here is the Social Club of the Premier Drapery Company, who are entertaining the local troops at Linton Army Camp. From Left: Unknown x2; Joy Dunstan; Barbara Heath; Alma Barsanti; Nola Prince; Pat Duggan.

A montage of photographs of members of the Palmerston North Rifles in 1912. Put together with names and presented to Captain Mounsey as a mark of esteem by the members. [All names from left]Top left corner: Private Ashley; Private Mills; Private Scott.Top right corner: Private Turner; Private Mugmidge (sp?); Private Cooper.Arched row (top): Private Hudson; Private Friend; Private Blackbourn; Private Sievert; Private Tremaine; Private Sievert; Private Relling; Private Tremaine; Private Tremaine; Corporal McMinn; Bugler Dilks; Private Stubbs; Private Hudson; Private Love; Private Lucas; Private Fenton; Private Finley; Private Protor; Private Johnston; Private Shipman; Private Dowdaw.Arched row, second from top, left: Private Archer; Private Ayling; Private Holloway; Private Archer; Private Dalton. [Break] Arched row second from top, right: Private Law; Private Melish; Private Belk; Private Rosanoski; Private Lucas.Top, horizontal row: Private Giorgi; Private Hardie; Private Turner; Lieutenant Jack; Private Lucas; Private Yortt; Private Pike.Second from top, horizontal row: Sergeant Low; Colonel Sergeant Richardson; Colonel Sergeant Perrin; Sergeant Eade.Third from top, horizontal row: Private Smith; Sergeant Just; Lieutenant Louisson; Captain Jno Mounsey; Lieutenant Perrin; Sergeant McMurray; Private Taplin.Fourth from top, horizontal row: Private Prouse; Private Blackbourne (lower oval photograph); Private Fenton; Sergeant Needham; Sergeant Stock; Lieutenant Perston; Staff Sergeant Major Peacock; Sergeant Bell; Sergeant Halpin; Private Schlierike; Private Archer (lower oval photograph); Private Downer.Bottom horizontal row: Private Williams; Private Smylie; Corporal Griggs; Corporal Ball; Corporal Withers; Corporal Rashleigh; Corporal Kells; Corporal Needham; Captain Pratt; Corporal Tremaine; Corporal Cooksley; Private Hancock; Private W...y

This photograph of Joe Marston (left) and George Fitzgerald was probably taken before Joe went off to serve overseas in World War I, in 1915. George also went to war in 1916, and was said to have come back a 'ruined man'. In this photograph they pose with their pet ferrets, which were used for hunting rabbits. Both men lived in the Feilding area. Joe lived at Aorangi most of his adult life and was a printer, working for 'The Feilding Star'.

Norman Edgar Hassell was born 6 September 1894 at Akatarawa, Upper Hutt and died 27 May 1964 in Palmerston North. He served in World War One and wrote his memories of his military service in Egypt, Gallipoli and the Western Front, in retrospect. This photograph was included in the manuscript. Also see: 2013Pa\_HASSELL-S1\_007484 2014N\_HASSELL-S1\_010073

Tank being transported across water as part of an army exercise. Caccia Birch house can be seeen in the background.

Charles Adams, Daniel Sexton and John Carson were Rifle Volunteers cadets. Their uniforms were navy blue with white braid. This occasion was said to be on a visit to Christchurch, possibly to drill at the Christchurch Exhibition.

During World War One Manawaroa Te Awe Awe offered the Government the use of part of his farm for a training camp, to replace the camp at Trentham (Wellington) which had been evacuated. Samuel Jickell, Palmerston North Borough Council Civil Engineer, prepared a comprehensive report on the drainage, sanitation and water supply of Trentham Military Camp, and when he laid out the Rangiotu camp near Palmerston North in 1915 he made sure that the poor conditions at Trentham were not repeated. During 1915 men from the 1st & 2nd New Zealand Rifle Brigade and the Earl of Liverpool’s Own Regiment used the land. Initially the camp was situated where the Rangiotu School was but later it moved 1 mile west, opposite Pyke’s Road. The entire camp was moved by hand and occupied approx. 3000 acres and could accommodate 2,000 men. To avoid cutting up the ground, no wheeled vehicles were allowed in the camp.

Mock trenches were created at the Awapuni Racecourse as a training aide for soldiers going to war. The New Zealand Medical Corp. had a training camp at Awapuni Racecourse.

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.

Mounted artillery used in World War One training exercise.

Major B.A. Norman (at left) of the 6th Manawatu Mounted Rifles who lived at various times in Opiki and Ashhurst. The name of the Senior Sergeant Major is unknown. The 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles was formed on March 17, 1911. They were mobilised during the Great War as a squadron of the Wellington Mounted Rifle Regiment.

Lance Corporal Robert Carville Bett, Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. 1st Battalion, died 15 June 1917 and is buried in Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France. He was the son of Mr John and Mary Bett, 16 Queen Street Palmerston North.

The 2nd Field Ambulance Corps. was attached to the Rifle Brigade. Major Goldingham is on the grey horse accompanied by Colonel Tracy Inglis, O.B. and Lieutenant Nimmo, Adjutant.