german samoa

Early NZ aspirations in the Pacific

Even as a fledgling British colony, New Zealand turned its gaze towards the Pacific. From the 1840s, early New Zealand politicians such as Sir George Grey (1812-98), Sir Robert Stout (1844-1930) and Sir Julius Vogel (1835-99) actively promoted a vision of New Zealand as the centre of a great South Pacific empire.

The Samoan archipelago, located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, comprises six main islands, two atolls, and numerous smaller islets. Its closest neighbours, the northern islands of the Tonga group, are 210 kms to the southwest.

In the late 19th century the Samoan islands became highly desirable to Britain, Germany and the United States as a refuelling stop for coal-fired shipping. A 'civil war' broke out between factions backed by each of these powers.

NZ troop ships leaving for Samoa

With hindsight, New Zealand's capture of German Samoa on 29 August 1914 was an easy affair. But at the time it was regarded as a potentially risky action with uncertain outcomes. As it happened, New Zealand had a great deal of luck on its side.

Raising the Union Jack in Apia

J. W. Davidson described the New Zealand-run occupation as a ‘ramshackle administration’. German officials were replaced with New Zealand military officers, civilians, or British residents. They often lacked the experience or qualifications required for the job.

Map showing the boundaries of League of Nations mandated areas in the Pacific. See a larger version of this map (opens in new window).

The map shows how the mandates for the former German colonies in the area were divided among four countries: Japan (western Pacific Islands), Australia (New Guinea), Britain (Nauru) and New Zealand (Western Samoa).

Administrator of Samoa, Colonel Robert Logan, reading a Proclamation of occupation at the flag-raising ceremony in Apia on 30 August 1914 (31 August Eastern time). This was the morning after the occupation of German Samoa by the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

This extract about Logan's time in German Samoa is from his Dictionary of New Zealand Biography essay by Doug Munro:

New Zealand First World War transports Moeraki and Monowai leaving Wellington for German Samoa on 15 August, 1914.

The transport ships were converted merchant steamers. Before leaving New Zealand waters they were joined by three cruisers of the Royal Navy's New Zealand Division: HMS Psyche, Pyramus and Philomel.

Officers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the French Navy raise the Union Jack at Apia courthouse, German Samoa, on 30 August 1914, the morning after the occupation.

The new Administrator of Samoa, Colonel Robert Logan, records that 'at 8.a.m, the British flag was formally hoisted on the Government Buildings in the presence of the officers of the New Zealand Division Royal Navy troops, and the leading Native chiefs.' He then read out a Proclamation laying out the terms of occupation.