Displaying items by tag: personal

While uncovering the story of my great grandfather, I became fascinated with the detail of the various war records - whether they be the enlistment forms or the day-to-day journals written from the field. Here are some interesting bits and pieces I came across on my travels...

The cover photo shows my great grandfather's original attestation for general service when he would have signed up to go over to Samoa within the first few days of war breaking out. This is the second form he would have...

I’ve known bits and pieces of my great grandfather’s story but yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down with my grandmother and her brother to uncover the full truth. My great-uncle undertook his own research in France a few years ago, following in the footsteps of his father, including the exact spot where he was wounded, according to field reports. He travelled to many of the places which I too will visit in fewer than two weeks’ time! Here is the story of my great-grandfather which I have...

Baradene College students Olivia Mendonca and Genevieve Bowler with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, at their exhibition at opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Pukeahu Education Centre at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Wellington, where the Shared Histories project by Baradene College of the Sacred Heart in Auckland and the French school Lycée Professionnel Jean Macé, in Chauny, France is on display. 

Remuera Library Exhibition - from June 17 2015 - Auckland, NZ

"The Battle of Conscience"  - La Bataille de la Conscience

Students from Baradene College of the Sacred Heart in Auckland, NZ and Lycée Professionnel Jean Macé, Chauny, France have worked together on a joint ambitious project to mark the anniversary of the First World War within the Shared Histories framework. The students researched the pacifist objection to war and those New Zealanders and French soldiers who deserted or...

Memorial to Victor Spencer at the Ypres Museum in the Cloth Hall. The carved box contains the pardon from the New Zealand government. 

Looking back at 2014, all I can think about is how lucky I have been. I feel so inspired by the generosity that was shown to me by so many amazing people and that took me on the journey of a lifetime. I have developed a great love for remembrance and history and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in French culture, language, and history. The Young Ambassadors tour really made me connect authentically with the spirit of those who served a century ago. Being there, where they were. Where they...

Wow! it is really strange to think that it is already 2015 and that this time last year we were all finding out about being accepted into the young ambassadors and that we would be going to France. This opportunity was the absolute highlight of my 2014 and has given me some incredible memories and friends. Before we left I was nervous that the trip would be difficult with clashing personalities and being in each others company 24/7. I really needn't have worried, this trip and the programme has...

2014 was a whirlwind of a year for many reasons, but none so significant as being part of the Shared Histories project as a Young Ambassador.  This role took me to many places both literally and metaphorically that I never dreamed I would be able to experience in my last year of high school.  Though the experience of being in France and Belgium is now over, the memories we made and things we learnt will last forever.

I had always considered myself to be relatively knowledgable about WWI and...

Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe that about this time last year we had only just found out that we were Young Ambassadors, but in this short space of time so much has happened! I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity - I’ve learnt so much and I’ve met so many awesome people along the way. Not only has this experience improved my French and knowledge of WW1, it has definitely made me more eager to see the world and discover more of its history.

Throughout the year I’ve been...

In the National Library of New Zealand, called the Alexander Turnbull Library, in the capital city Wellington, there is an exhibition about WWI. It is called “World War One. A Contemporary Conversation” and is worth a visit if you are on holiday in Wellington.

On display are some information relating to our Shared Histories project. There are two display’s that discuss about the conscientious objector Archibald Baxter. He was sent to France in the First World War and was one of the soldiers...