War Trophy

In Waipawa, Hawkes Bay, there is an 1913 German field gun on display next to the war memorial. This gun has a story! Some soldiers from the First New Zealand Expeditionary Forces captured this field gun during World War 1, and it was brought here afterwards as a war trophy. It has been carefully restored by locals.

The Kiwi soldiers would have been proud to capture such a weapon. Below is a  colour-enhanced photo from 'The Great War' exhibition in Wellington showing some New Zealand soldiers celebrating after capturing a similar German field gun in France 1918. 

War Certificates

When Uncle Fred Smith returned from the war he was badly hurt, and according to his grandson Brian, spent two years in hospital recuperating from his injuries.

Fred was honorably discharged from the army. He was awarded two elaborate certificates as well as medals to acknowledge his service. Brian has these proudly hanging on his wall at his home. 

Memorial in Waipukurau

Uncle James Preacher lived in the small, quiet town of Waipukurau in the Hawkes Bay. He went off to war leaving Mabel, his young wife, and their baby daughter behind, never to return. Sadly, he only lasted a few short days at the front line before he was killed. 

There is a lovely war memorial at the edge of the town to remember the local soldiers who died in World War 1 and 2. James' name is engraved on it. 

Old photographs

Uncle John W Cobb's mother was one of New Zealand's first female photographers. Some of her photos are stored in the national archives of The National Library of NZ. Today I requested to view her photographs at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington. It was a very special moment to hold the pictures taken by my great great grandmother more than 100 years ago. 

There picture above left is interesting as it is of a small boy called Noel who it seems became a WW1 soldier. 

From the uttermost parts

Driving through Eketahuna today really brought home the fact that many of New Zealand's World War 1 soldiers came from 'the uttermost parts' of the country. 

Uncle John W Cobb was working in the tiny town of Eketahuna when he signed up for the war in 1914. It must have been a more vibrant town than it is today judging by the names on the roll of honour at the local war memorial. 

Gallipoli - the Scale of Our War

The Gallipoli display at Te Papa museum was a very powerful and visual way to tell the story of New Zealand's involvement at the start of World War 1. 

There are six huge displays featuring a cross section of New Zealand's men, as well as a nurse. The figures are huge, but stunningly lifelike. They each share part of the horrific story of Gallipoli. 

Here are the highlights of the display. 

Lest we forget. 

Family making history

When visiting New Zealand's parliament buildings today my mother came across the name of her great grandmother Harriet Sophia Cobb (Lt John Wesley Cobb's mother) and some other relatives in the booklet of names recording the 1893 national petition requesting women have the right to vote. The Suffrage Petition 1893 contains the names of around 25 000 women, 21 years or older, from all parts of New Zealand, who wish to be given the right to vote. This amounted to about one quarter of the population on women in New Zealand at the time of 21 years of age or above. As a result of this petition, New Zealand became the first country in the world to allow women the right to vote. 

It is good to know that I have family members who championed a good cause, which gives me the rights I have today. 

Uncle Lynch's family home & graves

Uncle Lynch came from a large family. He was born in Palmerston North but the family moved down to Wellington, residing at 23 Myrtle Steeet at the time of his enlistment. Lynch's father was a builder by trade, and Lynch himself, worked as a cabinet maker before heading off overseas.

Driving by Uncle George (Lynch) Cobb's parent's home in central Wellington was an interesting experience. The house is very cute and I'm sure has many stories to reveal!

What makes the house even more interesting is that it has a twin right next door!

Alfred did not build these houses. He took his family to Wellington after declaring bankruptcy. Laura purchased the house in her name.

In the Karori Cemetery, plot 476F in the Public 3 section, is the grave for Alfred and Laura Cobb, Lynch's parents. Laura passed away first, at the end of 1943, aged 73 years. It seems as though she died in the Myrtle Street house. Her husband, Alfred, passed away 19 years later, in 1962. He was 93 years old. Below is a picture of their joint grave.

The grave of Lynch's brother Alfred Leonard, his wife, and their two sons is located at 70F in the Lawn Section. 

Remembering Uncle Lynch

Here is the war memorial at the Karori Cemetery that honours the memory of soldiers from Wellington who died. Uncle George (Lynch) Cobb's name is engraved on it. It was very special to place a poppy there today in remembrance of his great sacrifice.

National War Museum & exhibition

Visiting the National War Museum and 'The Great War' exhibition was really amazing. The displays at the exhibition are so life-like. They're definitely world class, and a must see if you're ever in Wellington. 

Here are my highlights of the National War Memorial-

The tomb of the unknown warrior with the Australian memorial behind. 

The memorial to WW1 medics. 

Interior of the National War Memorial. 

The sculpture up close. Sad. 

Exhibition highlights-