One in four New Zealand men aged 20–45 was either killed or wounded in the First World War, but the impact of the war reached far beyond these individuals and directly affected most New Zealand families, communities, workplaces, schools and clubs.
Dave Gallaher was captain of the1905 ‘Originals’ rugby team, the first to be known as the All Blacks. His death while fighting overseas during the First World War ensured that he acquired a mystique that transcended sport.
Thirteen former All Black rugby players were killed in the First World War. The most famous of these was Sergeant Dave Gallaher who captained the All Black Originals.
