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-

National Army Museum

Here are some pictures of the highlights of my visit to the National Army Museum. Max, my classroom mascot, joined me!

A periscope rifle - tricky to figure out.

A painting of the hospital ship that Uncle Lynch served on as a medic was on display. This was also the ship that he was swept off to his death. 

All soldiers who served on Gallipoli received the 1914-15 Star. In 1967 the Gallipoli Medal was made available to all those who served, and the lapel pin was issued to Gallipoli survivors. 

It seems that no one from our family has claimed the Gallipoli Medal yet. Maybe I can persuade my mum to claim it for the family. 

Remembrance Boxes

Last weekend I had the urge to be creative and this was the result...

Each box reflects the story of one the WW1 heroes in my family.