Pages tagged with: hms achilles

When HMS Achilles opened fire on the German ‘pocket battleship’ Admiral Graf Spee on 13 December 1939, it became the first NZ unit to engage the enemy in the Second World War. Seventy years on, the Battle of the River Plate still holds a special place in this country's naval history.

Special complimentary travel pass issued to the crew of the Achilles by the citizens of Wellington in recognition of their involvement in the Battle of the River Plate.

Special travel pass issued to the crew of the Achilles on their return to Auckland.

HMS Achilles' ship's badge

Y-turret from HMS Achilles mounted on display at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

Chrome-plated cigarette case engraved on the lid with 'A. D. K. [Kennedy] HMS ACHILLES 1940'.

Cartoon produced by E.F. Hiscocks in 1904 depicting the perceived 'brown' threat of Japanese imperialism to Australia and New Zealand.

Poster from the 1956 film The Battle of the River Plate in which HMS Achilles played herself.

Seaman Boy Arthur Hunt (right) with Achilles shipmate Robert Batt pictured on their return to New Zealand, February 1940.

Edward S. Annison, The "Achilles" opening the attack on the "Graf Spee", 1939. This artwork is part of the National Collection of War Art held at Archives New Zealand.

Frank Norton, HMS "Achilles" in the Battle of the River Plate, 1940. This artwork is part of the National Collection of War Art held at Archives New Zealand.

Albert Martin and crewmates pictured with the Mayor of Hamilton, February 1940.

Seaman Boy Albert Martin pictured following the Battle of the River Plate, December 1939.

Bob Harvey, Able Seaman on the HMS Achilles, describes the welcome home the crew received in 1940

Captain W.E. Parry dresses his leg wounds. Behind him is the navigating officer, Lieutenant G.C. Cowburn.

Lieutenant R.E. Washbourn, takes the chance to eat some breakfast atop of the director control tower.

HMS Ramillies flies her congratulations in Wellington on the eve of the departure of the First Echelon for the Middle East.

Rear-Admiral Sir Henry Harwood (right) with Captain Parry on board the Achilles.

The Graf Spee in Montevideo, showing her burnt-out seaplane and splinter-holed side plating.