Photo of our book. Today we were able to get the book from the printing company.
The book cover has an image by a New Zealand artist John Z. Robinson. The image is a linocut print. The image is of Field Punishment No.1. This punishment was used to discipline soldiers and four of the New Zealand concientious objectors were also made to undergo this for periods of 28 days at a time.
The photo shows pages from our book that we are publishing as part of our Shared Histories Project. The book will be launched when we are in Chauny, France. The photo shows a section of the book written by the French students in Chauny who researched the execution of a group of soldiers in Vingré. These are known as the Martyrs of Vingré [Martyrs de Vingré]. The book is bilingual in French and English.
Les Martyrs de Vingré sont six poilus, le caporal Paul Henry Floch et les soldats Jean...
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...
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...
Thursday the 4th of December saw me get the opportunity to visit two classes at Saint Mary's College in Wellington. I presented an overview of our trip earlier in the year and explained Shared Histories mission and projects. During the time I got asked many great questions by the year 9 and year 10 classes and saw a real engagement with the topic.
It was an absolute pleasure getting to talk to them and i hope to be able to talk to other schools if I get the chance.
photo of me and the...
2014 marks the 150th birthday of New Zealand's oldest Army regiment, Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifle.
To mark this milestone, the regiment which is based at Linton, paraded around The Square in Palmerston North on Saturday.
Soldiers, riflemen on horseback and small tanks were all part of this spectacle which attracted many people from around the Manawatu, even on a day which was very drizzly and breezy! Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae inspected the horses.
The QAMR served in both World...
Before I went on the Young Ambassadors Tour, I had an interview with the Manawatu Standard.
A man named John who saw the published article, got in touch with me through school. He asked me to take a picture of his uncle Donald Wallace Macnamara, and put it next to his name at the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery. I was more than happy to do this for him, as I could see it was of great importance to him and his family.
Visiting the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery was a very moving and emotional experience...
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