Well-known New Zealand journalist Murray Moorhead was both a writer and cartoonist and the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa is lucky to have a selection of his sketches and cartoons in our collection.
Pictured to the left: Linton Camp 1953 “Any complaints chaps?” | Murray Moorhead. National Army Museum Te Mata Toa, 1999.2710.14
Murray Moorhead was born in New Plymouth in 1934 and attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School. Prior to his Compulsory Military Training (CMT), the closest links to any form of military history for Moorhead was five uncles who served in WWII and being a member of the School Cadets. Moorhead was called up for CMT in the 10th intake in 1953 at Linton Camp and was trained as an anti-tank gunner on 6-pound guns. He remained in the Territorial Army until 1967 when he retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Midwinter winds in midsummer, Waiouru | Murray Moorhead. National Army Museum Te Mata Toa, 1999.2710.2
Moorhead had many books and cartoons published during his lifetime and was awarded the New Zealand Military Historical Society’s Literary Award in 1987. His last book First in Arms published in 2004 told of the experiences of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers during the Taranaki War of 1860 – 1861.
Murray Moorhead passed away in 2007 and is buried in New Plymouth.
Murray Moorhead. National Army Museum Te Mata Toa, 1999.2719.3
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