Pages tagged with: navy

Most of New Zealand's Second World War POWs were captured in the European theatre in the early stages of the war. Only about 100 New Zealand servicemen fell into Japanese hands, mainly airmen or seamen attached to the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.

News of the outbreak of war was received in Wellington at 1 p.m. on 5 August 1914. It was announced by the governor, Lord Liverpool, on the steps of Parliament to a crowd of 15,000 people. There was popular enthusiasm for the war in Europe, and New Zealanders caught the mood.

By 1944 more than 4700 New Zealanders were based in the United Kingdom and were serving in Royal Navy ships.

Advice and suggested questions for interviewing Royal Navy and Royal Air Force veterans

The flagpole at Waitangi. For years the New Zealand navy ensured that it was kept in good condition. From 1974, three flags have usually been flown on it - the New Zealand flag, the Union flag, and the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand chosen in 1834.

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

Bob Harvey, Able Seaman on board the HMS Achilles, describes the being on board the ship during the Battle of the River Plate

Bob Harvey, Able Seaman on board the HMS Achilles, describes the movements of the ship in the days before the Battle of the River Plate

Albert Martin describes dead bodies being moved on board the HMS Achilles during the Battle of the River Plate.

O'Brien Reeve talks about secret operations.

O'Brien Reeve talks about how he and his friends prepared for their service in France