We have been looking at the execution of New Zealand soldiers on the Western Front during the First World War. We have looked at primary documents relating to this. In particular we looked at documents held at the National Archives in Wellington. [Archive File: AD1 767 22.30.74 'Courts martial of Pvt Victor Manson Spencer'.] The photos above show his final plea, his death sentence and the coded telegram back to New Zealand announcing his death.
Victor Manson Spencer was from Otahuhu in...
Work is progressing for the posters for the exhibition. This is first draft of the posters by the History students from Lycée Professionnel Jean Macé, in Chauny, France (formerly Lycée Professionnel Gay Lussac).
Looking back at 2014, all I can think about is how lucky I have been. I feel so inspired by the generosity that was shown to me by so many amazing people and that took me on the journey of a lifetime. I have developed a great love for remembrance and history and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in French culture, language, and history. The Young Ambassadors tour really made me connect authentically with the spirit of those who served a century ago. Being there, where they were. Where they...
Wow! it is really strange to think that it is already 2015 and that this time last year we were all finding out about being accepted into the young ambassadors and that we would be going to France. This opportunity was the absolute highlight of my 2014 and has given me some incredible memories and friends. Before we left I was nervous that the trip would be difficult with clashing personalities and being in each others company 24/7. I really needn't have worried, this trip and the programme has...
The photo is from the National Archives in Wellington. [ AD1 10/407/3] It shows conscientious objectors on the Waitemata troop ship being forcibly dressed in military uniforms.
Fourteen New Zealand Conscientious Objectors were secretly forced onto a ship and sent to France during the First World War. They were treated very harshly as the military authorities made efforts to intimidate the men, wear them down and break their spirit. They continued to resist, even though this made conditions...
Our First Poster has been completed by Baradene College students. The design and the translation has been finished. It is now ready for printing.
This posters theme is ALCOOL ET DÉSERTION à MESSINES EN 1917. It is about how there were discipline problems because some New Zealand soldiers went absent without leave (AWOL) because they became drunk. many New Zealand soldiers enjoyed drinking alcohol a lot. Harry Watson, who signed up under the name "John Black", and another John Raynor were two...
2014 was a whirlwind of a year for many reasons, but none so significant as being part of the Shared Histories project as a Young Ambassador. This role took me to many places both literally and metaphorically that I never dreamed I would be able to experience in my last year of high school. Though the experience of being in France and Belgium is now over, the memories we made and things we learnt will last forever.
I had always considered myself to be relatively knowledgable about WWI and...
Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe that about this time last year we had only just found out that we were Young Ambassadors, but in this short space of time so much has happened! I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity - I’ve learnt so much and I’ve met so many awesome people along the way. Not only has this experience improved my French and knowledge of WW1, it has definitely made me more eager to see the world and discover more of its history.
Throughout the year I’ve been...
In New Zealand’s National Archives in Wellington, there is a military file about two French soldiers who deserted in New Zealand during the First World War, a soldier named Scottez and another soldier named Valentin Franco.
The first was a soldier called Scottez who escaped from Military Custody on board the ‘S.S. Moana”, a boat transporting him from Tahiti to New Caledonia via Wellington and Sydney, while it was berthed in Wellington on 23 April 1915. He was being transported with four...
In the National Library of New Zealand, called the Alexander Turnbull Library, in the capital city Wellington, there is an exhibition about WWI. It is called “World War One. A Contemporary Conversation” and is worth a visit if you are on holiday in Wellington.
On display are some information relating to our Shared Histories project. There are two display’s that discuss about the conscientious objector Archibald Baxter. He was sent to France in the First World War and was one of the soldiers...
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