navy

New Zealand's response to the outbreak of war was not only a matter of supporting Mother England but was also a matter of self-interest. New Zealand was dependent on the British market for the sale of the wool, frozen meat and dairy products that dominated its economy. Anything that threatened this market threatened New Zealand's livelihood. New Zealand relied on Britain's naval power to protect its physical integrity and its trade on the long haul to the British market.

New Zealanders in the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy

By 1944 more than 4700 New Zealanders were based in the United Kingdom and were serving in Royal Navy ships. They had joined the navy through a number of recruiting schemes. The most common, Scheme B, was for ordinary seaman aged between 20 and 30 years.

New Zealanders in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force

As it got lighter and lighter you could see more ships and more ships, behind you and ahead of you – and the French coast was covered in smoke, but you knew it was there.

Jack Ingham, lieutenant, DSC, Royal Navy

They said, – We've been losing fifty to sixty bombers a night. We're badly in need of bomber pilots. We want you fellas to be bomber pilots.

John Morris, flight lieutenant, 75(NZ) Squadron, RAF

Traditional hoisting of the New Zealand flag, Union Jack, United Tribes flag and White Ensign at Waitangi on Waitangi Day 2006.

The Royal New Zealand Navy memorial at Devonport, Auckland.