Explore New Zealand’s military history and check out the latest museum news, events and exhibits, plus details of our latest aquisitions.
- New Collection Technician
- A Special Month in History
- Museum Tanks Support Battle of Cambrai Anniversary
- Canadian Intern Assists Collection Management
- New Collection Expertise
- Family History Fair
- Man Faces Medal Theft Charges
- Rugby Greats Open New Exhibition
- New Display – VE Day
- New Structure for the Army Museum
- Kiwi Gunners Help Turn the Battle at Kap’yong
- Khaki & Black Coming Soon
- A Birthday To Remember
- World War II Prisoner of War Visits Museum
New Collection Technician
By Tessa Smallwood
This New Year I began working as the new Collections Technician at the Museum. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and about my new job.
As the Collections Tech, I get to work on all sorts of artefacts from across the Museum’s inspiring Collection. For those who don’t yet know, all the things in the museum are divided between six departments; Heraldry, Textiles, Archives, Social History and Accoutrements, Weaponry and Technology. Each of these is headed by an Assistnat Curator who deals with the day to day care of their artefacts and customer enquiries. My role within this ‘Collection’s Team’ involves completing projects that the Museum’s Curators need a little extra help with. So far I am working on two projects; a research one for Heraldry and a practical one, caring for the Silk POW escape maps from the Textiles Collection.
I have always been fascinated by the stories of people past and how the things that they leave behind preserve their memory. I studied Dark Age history, archaeology and language for my Bachelors degree and I was so rapt that I went on to do a Masters in Archaeological Research. After I graduated I spent some time in England and Sicily working on archaeological digs that variably inspired or not depending on what we unearthed. Perhaps my best memory was that of when we discovered a series of Neolithic tombs complete with bone-fragments. I looked out at sunset that evening and contemplated whether the rugged Sicilian landscape had looked so very different from when those tombs were built some 12,000 years before.
I went on to work in a zoo-archaeological laboratory where I built upon a reference collection of archaeological fauna. This was very practical archaeological work that, although related to the human record, lacked personal stories that I have since found through Museum work. When I came to New Zealand, I felt utterly like I had found home that I applied for my Residents Visa. I have since lived in Taupo and Wellington but came to Waiouru almost two years ago. Since then I have been involved in the museum, honing my skills and knowledge of New Zealand military history. I am excited to have finally found such a perfect place for myself in the Museum and amongst the Curatorial team.
A Special Month in History
In honour of those men who lost their lives in the service of this country, the National Army Museum has chosen December, a month of historical military firsts, to open its brand new Medal Repository.
On 18th December 1899, during the Second Anglo-Boer War, New Zealand’s first ever overseas combat action took place against Boer forces in South Africa, and as a result 29 year old Trooper George Roland Bradford was wounded in action. Ten days later he succumbed to his wounds and became the first New Zealand soldier to be killed on foreign soil.
Bradford was one of 71 New Zealanders who lost their lives in combat in the South African War, with a further 159 dying in accidents or as a result of disease. Their stories and the stories of countless other kiwi soldiers are told at the National Army Museum.
Other firsts for December include in 1858, the country’s first Volunteer unit was formed, in 1918 New Zealand troops as part of the Allied Army of Occupation crossed the Rhine into Germany after the end of World War One, in 1950 Kayforce arrived in Korea, and in 1957 the 1st Battalion commenced active service in Malaya.
Given that medals honour and recognise a soldier’s service, and by their very nature tell a very personal story of the recipient, it was decided that this special month in history would be ideal for opening the medal repository. Fittingly, amongst the extensive number of medals on display is George Bradford’s Queen’s South Africa Medal.
The vault-like repository sits adjacent to the museum’s current Valour Alcove and resting place of its collection of Victoria Crosses, New Zealand Crosses and George Crosses. Visitors are able to view any set of donated medals via touch screen technology. On accessing a particular screen, information is then provided as to the exact location of that particular medal or medal group. Visitors are then able to view the medals in their secure resting place.
As part of the construction of the new medal repository new displays have been built covering the United Nations, Afghanistan, the RSA, as well as conflicts in Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. This has been an exciting opportunity to display many new artefacts not previously seen on public display, including some from forces opposing the New Zealanders.
Museum Director Col (Rtd) Ray Seymour said, “It is important that the National Army Museum exhibits these treasures and toanga in the most fitting way and that’s what we have achieved with our new Medal Repository.”
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Museum Tanks Support Battle of Cambrai Anniversary
National Army Museum armoured vehicle parade
The National Army Museum supported the 94th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Cambrai on 19th November with a parade of 13 armoured vehicles from its collection.
This battle was fought during the First World War near the town of Cambrai in France on 20th November 1917 and was the first occasion that the newly developed weapon of the time, the tank, was deployed in battle en mass. Each year the “tankies” gather on the weekend nearest 20th November to honour Cambrai and to catch-up with old comrades.
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Canadian Internship Assists Collection Management
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| Kendrie working on the POW identity tags collection. |
The National Army Museum welcomes its latest Canadian intern Kendrie Richardson who has just begun a six month internship working on the museum’s priceless collection.
Kendrie is the museum’s 9th intern from the “Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage” internship programme and she begins her time in Waiouru working on a project with World War II Prisoner of War identity tags.
Kendrie brings considerable expertise to the Army Museum after completing a Collections and Conservation Management qualification which finished with a conservation internship at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John, New Brunswick. Kendrie has also worked at the Halton Region Museum as a Collections and Registration Assistant and as a Conservation Technician at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, Ontario.
Kendire’s first two weeks at the National Army Museum have been spent working in the Heraldry collection, updating the records of the POW ID tags on the Vernon database to make it easier to search for these artefacts. This project also included condition reporting each artefact and rehousing the individual items in appropriate museum storage.
Kendrie arrived in Waiouru to a light dusting of snow and proceeded to tell the staff this was nothing and that she was used to digging herself out back home. Kendrie said she is looking forward to practising the full spectrum of collection management while at the museum and noticed museums in New Zealand have similar issues to those in Canada in terms of limited resources and budgets.
The Canadian Museum Association has a number of programs in the arts and heritage field and one of the programs in Building Careers in Heritage which offers internships across Canada and abroad to recent graduates. The program is designed to allow the intern to gain work experience in their desired field and Kendrie’s placement at the National Army Museum is one of the two international placements offered in 2011-2012.
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New Collection Expertise
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| Liz with a teddy bear designed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D Day landings. |
The National Army Museum is delighted to welcome Liz Mildon to our Collection team. Liz comes with valuable experience gained from her time at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch where she has spent the last 5 years firstly in Archives and later as Collection Technician/Registrar.
Liz will be working on projects across all parts of our collection as the Collection Technician and has spent her first two weeks in Textiles. Liz has a primary school teaching background and a postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies.
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Family History Fair
Contributed by Carlene Sykes
This popular annual genealogy event was bustling from the time the doors opened at 10am until closing. The National Army Museum’s stand was overwhelmed by eager patrons looking to trace the military records of their family ancestors, many of whom purchased copies of ‘military citations’ and ‘active service record’ certificates.
The day was packed with interesting stories and memories of past. One gentleman enquiring about his grandfather, candidly stated he knew his grandfather had served in World War I and that he received a Military Cross. After researching the family member, Lucy the museum’s librarian, was able to hand him a copy of his grandfather’s citation for receiving this medal, which in turn brought tears to this gentleman’s eyes. During the History Fair, a World War I canvas sleeping bag and a web belt were also kindly donated.
Museum Director, Col (Rtd) Ray Seymour, gave an interesting keynote address which was warmly received by those who attended. Many of whom purchased the accompanying CD, “Unravelling the Secrets of Military Records” which contains relevant information as well as a copy of the Director’s speech.
The Kippenberger Research Library is a fantastic resource for assisting those wishing to trace their family past and find out more about those who served. Our friendly staff can assist you in your search.
If you wish to purchase a copy of the ‘Unravelling the Secrets of Military Records’ CD (cost $10) please contact the Library.
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Man Faces Medal Theft Charges
The National Army Museum has been left both devastated and disappointed by the recent discovery of missing medals.
The missing medals were discovered as part of improvements the museum made to its systems and processes, and once Police were notified museum staff have been working closely with them.
This is a historic theft which happened up to sixteen years ago and prior to the theft of the Victoria Cross medals. The charges do not involve anyone currently employed at the National Army Museum.
The current museum staff are dedicated museum professionals who feel deeply saddened that this kind of incident happened at their institution and remain committed to being guardians of New Zealand’s military treasures. Members of the current staff have worked extremely hard to identify the missing medals and to provide the necessary support to the Police investigation.
Museum Director, Col Ray Seymour, said, “We are confident that the checks and balances we have put in place in recent years mean that New Zealand’s treasures are safe and this type of incident will not happen again. We want to reassure New Zealand that the National Army Museum is the rightful place for New Zealand’s war memorabilia and we have taken all possible measures to guard against this happening again”.
If you are concerned about any medals donated to the museum please fill in our medal enquiry form.
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Rugby Greats Open New Exhibition
Two of only four remaining rugby players of the famous 1945-46 “Kiwis” Army Rugby Team, legends Bob Scott and Stan Young opened our latest exhibition, Khaki & Black – New Zealand’s Rugby Supremacy in Times of War, on Saturday 20th August.
Bob Scott is arguably one of the very best fullbacks to have worn the All Black jersey as confirmed a couple of weeks ago when legend Sir Fred Allen named him as fullback in his top 15 All Blacks of all time. Commentator Winston McCarthy wrote, “For me there will never be anyone as great as Scott”. Star South African No. 8 Hennie Muller described him as, “Altogether, the greatest footballer I’ve ever played against in any position”.
Stan Young should have been an All Black as he was an outstanding forward on the 1945-46 “Kiwis” tour of Britain and Europe, however he suffered a back injury on the tour which ended any ambition of playing for the All Blacks. Stan Young played as loose forward/lock for the Kiwis, playing 19 games, including 4 internationals on tour, scoring 6 tries and impressing with his general play and pace.
The stories of New Zealand’s wartime rugby playing hereos are a focus of this exciting exhibition at the National Army Msueum, when the kiwis ‘took the game overseas’ and ‘Army Rugby’ was ‘World Rugby’.
The famous 1945-46 Kiwis were a team of battle hardened rugby players who not only played a great style of rugby, but lifeted the morale of war torn Europe and raised significant money to aid war charities. The Kiwis team went on to produce 16 All Blacks.
Rugby is a religion for many New Zealanders and our soldiers found time to play the national game when they weren’t fighting at the front. From each of the world wars there emerged a great rugby team; the New Zealand Army Team who revived international rugby playing in front of appreciative crowds, winning test matches against post war teams from countries including England, South Africa, Australia, Wales and France.
Visitors to the new exhibition will be able to see the priceless Kings Cup, presented by King George V and won by the NZ Army Team post World War I. The National Army Museum also has a dedicated interactive Skillz Zone where visitors can test their skills and knowledge on a large virtual kicking game, scrum machine, line out activity and much more.
Pictures: First picture shows Bob Scott next to 1945-46 Kiwis memorabilia and the second picture Stan Young stand next to his Kiwis jersey on display in the new Khaki & Black exhibition.
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New Display – VE Day
The National Army Museum now features a new Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) display case that tells the story of the end of World War II both on the home front and at the frontline.
The new case uses many interesting objects to highlight the story, including a never displayed before full bottle of VE Day champagne that a kiwi soldier bought home from the war.
Assistant Curator Chris Rapley, who designed the case, said the story of the end of the war was riveting because it was a true turning point in history.
“On one hand you had the final defeat of Hitler’s Germany, which was a terrific achievement. But almost immediately after that you had the creation of the Iron Curtain and the beginning of the Cold War – which set the global political landscape for the next 50 or so years.”
Mr Rapley said that it was hard to imagine how relieved the nation must have been when it heard of the surrender of Germany and the news that the Kiwi troops were now out of harm’s way.
Not surprisingly the news of Victory in Europe in May 1945 was wildly celebrated throughout New Zealand with street parades, dances, bonfires and formal celebrations. However, the joy was tempered by the fact that the war still was not over since Imperial Japan remained undefeated.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s troops were in Trieste, Italy, and found themelves facing off against Yugoslavian communist forces that were determined to claim the city and its surrounds. The situation was eventually resolved, but for a time it threatened to boil over and was one of the very first stand-offs of the Cold War.
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New Structure for the Army Museum
The National Army Museum has a new Trust Board which collectively brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and business acumen to the Museum.
In October last year, on the advice of the Auditor General, the National Army Museum structure changed with the disbandment of its Trust Board, headed by the Chief of Army, and its working Executive Management Committee.
This change came about because the Auditor General was concerned that there may be a conflict of interest in having the Chief of Army holding the appointment as the Chairman of the Museum Trust Board.
On the 10th of February 2011 a new Trust Board assembled for their first meeting in Waiouru. New Board members come from a variety of backgrounds, including law, the museum industry, company directors and commerce.
Click here for a list of the new Trust Board members
The out-going Trust Board members and the now dis-established Executive Management Committee are to be congratulated for their contributions and dedication to their responsibilities.
Kiwi gunners help turn the battle at Kap’yong
The story of how Kiwi gunners proved their worth in the Korean War during the hard fought battle of Kap’yong is one of the stories currently being told at the National Army Museum.
Artillery fire from the Kiwi gunners was instrumental in beating back the repeated Chinese attacks on the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade during the struggle at Kap’yong.
The Australian and Canadians – although vastly outnumbered – held the valley at Kap’yong grimly against repeated Chinese attacks often with bitter hand to hand fighting.
The NZ gunners (16 Field Regiment) were deployed in support and played a vital role. The Kiwis sweated over their smoking, paint-blistered guns, firing over 10,000 rounds virtually continuously during the last two days of the battle, the 24th and 25th April 1951 (ANZAC Day). They moved five times during the attack as their positions were threatened by advancing Chinese who threw wave after wave of troops into the artillery barrage, in sucidal attempts to overrun the infantry.
Finally the Chinese were halted and reinforcements made the area secure. The Australian, Canadian and American units all received US Presidential Unit Citations for their efforts whilst 16 Field Regiment received a Presidential Unit Citation from the South Korean President.
During the course of the Korean War which was remembered for its often freezing temperatures, 16 Field Regiment fired over three quarters of a million shells from their 25 pounders – more than was fired by our artillery units during World War II.
This story of the New Zealand Artillery, along with many others, forms part of our current temporary exhibition, “The Gunners – A History of Highlights of the Royal New Zealand Artillery” now showing in the Thornton Gallery. The story of 16 Field Regiment and a 25 pounder l;ike those used at Kap’yong also forms the basis of the life-like scene in our Korean display.
Khaki & black coming soon
Rugby is religion for many New Zealanders and our soldiers found time to play the national game when they weren’t fighting in the trenches.
During World War One many of New Zealand’s rugby players signed up to serve their country at a time when rugby was suspended at both club and national level in most countries. From war there emerged a great rugby team; the New Zealand Army Team.
The NZ Army Rugby Team took on teams from the other expeditionary forces’, from countries such as South Africa, England, Wales, Canada, Australia, and France, in games held at the end of World War I before the troops came home.
This world tour of sorts ended with a world cup competition between the British forces, South Africa, Australia and Canada in 1919 for the prized King’s Cup. Many of these countries remain our main competitors on the rugby field today.
His Majesty King George V presented the Kings Cup for this competition following the Armistice and some great rugby matches were played involving some of the game’s greatest players.
At a time when no rugby was being played at home these soldiers represented our country and won this coveted cup. They then went on to play an internationally recognised match against the Welsh national side and toured France and South Africa as they made their weary journey home. Eighteen of the NZ Army Rugby Team would go on to become All Blacks in the years following the war.
In time for the Rugby World Cup 2011, the National Army Museum will be running an exhibition looking at the history of rugby during times of war when the kiwis ‘took the game overseas’. Learn about and come and see one of the first big trophies in world rugby, the Kings Cup, and about the great 1945/46 Kiwis team which would go on to produce 16 All Blacks. Visitors will also be able to test their skills and knowledge in our interactive rugby zone.
A Birthday to remember
It was a very special 95th birthday for World War II veteran Arnold Kimber when he came face to face with a fellow veteran; the National Army Museum’s Sherman Tank.
Trooper Kimber served as a Sherman driver during the war and travelled to the museum to see the only Sherman tank on public display in New Zealand.
Together with his son John, Kimber flew up from Blenheim to Taupo and then drove down to spend several hours viewing the different displays and exhibitions at the National Army Museum.
Kimber was a motor mechanic by trade from Christchurch and, therefore, perfectly suited to the role of tank driver, whose responsibility it was to look after the tank’s motor and tracks.
He was drafted into the Army early in 1941 and was sent overseas to Egypt with the 8th Reinforcements to the 2nd NZ Division. He departed New Zealand in late 1942 on the Aquatania and started his campaign at Maadi Camp training during the formation of the 4th Armoured Brigade. He served in all the battles the NZ Division fought in Italy, serving with HQ Troop, C Squadron of the 18th Armoured Regiment. Kimber recalled one incident near Cassino where they had to abandon their tank after being badly hit by enemy fire which claimed the life of the gunner and where Kimber lost a finger.
To ensure Kimber’s story is recorded for history, SSgt Beach of the National Army Museum will soon visit him to record a full oral account of his career.
World War II Prisoner of War Visits Museum
A new signature has been added to the National Army Museum’s wall in the museum’s popular Prisoner of War display.
The wall contains signatures of New Zealand POWs from all services, including those of Charles Upham VC and Jack Hinton VC. Last week the National Army Museum was lucky enough to have added that of Ross Lynneberg (# OSAKA14/619).
Ninety-two year old Ross Lynneberg served in the Pacific with the Royal NZ Navy before being transferred to the Royal Navy. He arrived in Hong Kong the day before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, the same day they bombed Hong Kong. Like many others Lynneberg was captured by the Japanese in Hong Kong on Christmas Day, 1941.
Nine months later he was shipped to Japan together with 1,816 other captured Allied soldiers on the troopship, Lisbon Maru. The troopship carried no Red Cross markings to indicate POWs were aboard and was torpedoed by the USS “Grouper” and severely damaged. The Japanese troops aboard were transferred to another ship but the POWs were left locked in the holds with no food or toilets. Beriberi and dysentry were rife, and the Japanese were going to leave the POWs to drown.
As the ship began to sink some of the POWs escaped, some were shot, others were killed in the water and others including Lynneberg jumped overboard, swam for a few miles before being picked up by a Japanese patrol boat. Only half of the men who boarded the Lisbon Maru made it to Japan alive, and a further 200 died soon after arrival.
Lynneberg spent the remainder of the war in POW camps, serving 1,374 days in captivity. He suffered malnutrition, beriberi, malaria, and was subject to cruel and unusual punishment. He also witnessed the bombing of Hiroshima and remembers seeing the B29 fly overhead and the huge mushroom cloud explosion. He is a living piece of history and the National Army Museum gives its heart felt thanks to Mr Lynneberg for sharing his story and adding his signature to the POW wall.
