Whereabouts of NZ forces during WW1

Here is a link to a lengthy article entitled 'The New Zealand Division in France and Flanders - May 1916 to November 1918.' This article gives insight into where New Zealand troupes were stationed along the Western Front during WW1.

There's more

After meeting family last evening I discover that another relative served during World War 1. I look forward to doing some research about him- Frederick James Smith. 

I also discovered that two and potentially more men from my father's ancestors served in World War 2 with the Australian forces. What fascinates me is that this branch of the family have German roots. 

WW100 badge

Yay! Someone thoughtful sent me a WW100 badge!  Just what I wanted.

True Dedication

I've  been reading the blog of an Auckland woman who has been researching World War 1 servicemen she comes across on memorials all over New Zealand.  She has written an article about two of my great uncles.  The blog is called 100 NZ World War One Memorials 1914-2014 and can be found at http://100nzmemorials.blogspot.co.nz/

Uncle George L D Cobb
http://100nzmemorials.blogspot.co.nz/2011/07/private-george-lynch-palmerston-north.html

Uncle John W Cobb
http://100nzmemorials.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/killed-in-action-7-june-1917-eketahuna.html

War casualties remembered

My mind is boggling...

There are more than 23 000 locations around the world where Commonwealth soldiers from both world wars are buried or commemorated. 

I was interested in seeing how many cemeteries or memorials are in the Mesen area of Belgium. Each spot in the photo below represents one cemetery or memorial and each is within a 10 mile radius of Mesen. One of those spots near the centre marks the location of the Messines Ridge Cemetery where my Great Uncle John is remembered. 

In New Zealand alone, there are 444 locations where World War 1 and 2 servicemen are buried and/or remembered, ranging from the Far North District, to Bluff, in Southland.

See the CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) website to find a commemorative location near you.

Poppy badge

The mother of a student I taught two years ago dropped this cute poppy badge to me in class. 

Great War Stories

This week, New Zealand's TV3 has broadcast some short films about World War 1.  Visit Great War Stories here to view these.