Pages tagged with: river plate

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.

New Zealand's naval forces - Battle of the River Plate

New Zealand's naval forces and strategy before the outbreak of the Second World War.

The outbreak of war - Battle of the River Plate

The outbreak of the Second World War and New Zealand naval involvement in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Into the South Atlantic - Battle of the River Plate

HMS Achilles joins the Royal Navy's South America Division patrolling the South Atlantic in search of German raiders.

The battle - Battle of the River Plate

The British cruisers Achilles, Ajax and Exeter engage the German battleship Admiral Graf Spee in battle.

After the battle - Battle of the River Plate

The aftermath of the battle and the return of HMS Achilles to New Zealand.

Achilles special travel pass

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.

Achilles complimentary travel ticket

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

HMS Achilles badge

HMS Achilles' ship's badge

Y-turret from HMS Achilles

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

HMS Achilles cigarette case

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

Threat of Japanese imperialism cartoon

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

Further information - Battle of the River Plate

The Battle of the River Plate film poster

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

Royal New Zealand Navy memorial

Arthur Hunt and Robert Batt

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

The Achilles attacks the Graf Spee

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.

HMS Achilles in the Battle of the River Plate

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.