Bertie's medal

Last week I received a lovely message from Mr G Rees to say that he has Uncle Bertie's British War Medal in his personal collection! He was kind enough to send me a picture of it. Oneday it would great to see and hold this medal for myself. 

The medal on the left in the above picture belongs to Bert Barnett. 

James Preacher remembered in Waipawa

At the museum in Waipawa is an especially made poppy to remember local lad, James Preacher, who served in World War 1. Around 200 local men, including James, died during the war. 

Field Punishment Number 1

After hearing that one of my student's great grandfathers recieved Field Punishment Number 2 for sharing confidential information during World War 1, I became curious about what field punishments were. This led me to find the film about a New Zealand conscientious objector, Archibald Baxter, who was repeatedly given Field Punishment Number 1 and who suffered numerous other abuses for believing that war is wrong.

What couragious people there are in this world.

Strange soldier names

The following article about strange names appeared in the Ashburton Guardian, Vol XI Issue 9191 on 30 December 1919.

Oversized Poppies

The choir at the school I work at is performing a bracket of war songs at their upcoming concert. I made some oversized poppies as props for them to use on the stage in the hall they will perform in. Hopefully they won't be too small!

There's more!

After visiting an old uncle last weekend I have found out that I have many more relatives who served in World War 1 and 2. 

Robert Edward Cobb - younger brother of Lynch. (I'm not sure which of the soldiers below is Robert.)

Tommy Hogan - son in law of great uncle Alf. (Pictured here with his wife Ruth, and daughter Eunice.)

Aubrey Denzil Lydford (known as Liddy) - possibly great great grandma Harriet's great nephew. (WW2)

'Peter' Hogan - grandson of great uncle Alf. (WW2)

Neil Forbes - son in law of great uncle Alf. (WW2) 

A Tribute to an ANZAC

John Wesley Cobb 1915

I have just come across some information in Papers Past that sheds more light on what my Great Uncle Jack did during WW1.

The following comprehensive summary of Jack's service during World War 1 was printed in the Manawatu Standard, 30 August 1917.