Earlier this year, sound history researcher Sarah Johnston shared a poignant story about a World War II sound disc that reconnected a family with the voice of a long-lost loved one. Her research brought to life the wartime journey of a New Zealand airman and highlighted the power of archives and platforms like Online Cenotaph in preserving and sharing these remarkable histories.

Sarah delved into the incredible journey of this sound disc describing the technical challenges, the scarcity of recording materials, and the dedication of broadcasters to preserve these messages.

Read Sarah Johnston's original blogs on Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision here and World War Voices here.

Voices on a disc

The recording features messages from John Jasper (NZ401765) of New Plymouth, Daniel Joseph Clifford (NZ401753) of Helensville, Jack Goodlet (NZ404025) from Dunedin, Bert Hibell (NZ404029) of Palmerston North, Ken Wright (NZ404043) of Roxburgh, and Harold Holtom (NZ403604) of Paekākāriki.

Sady, three of these men—John Jasper, Daniel Clifford, and Bert Hibell—lost their lives in Royal Air Force operations in 1942.

Daniel Joseph Clifford

"Daniel Clifford grew up in Helensville, north of Auckland, and was working as a clerk for New Zealand Railways when he applied for aircrew training shortly after the outbreak of the war in October 1939. For the next year he trained in Levin, New Plymouth and Ohakea, and he married his fiancée Jean Wemyss shortly before he left for Canada in December 1940. Jean was pregnant with their daughter when he sailed" (Johnston, 2024, October 10, Her father’s voice).

After completing training in Canada, Daniel was commissioned as a Pilot Officer and posted to No. 142 Squadron, RAF Bomber Command, in Lincolnshire in July 1941. A month later, his daughter Margaret was born. Tragically, on 18 January 1942, Daniel’s aircraft was lost during a bombing mission over Bremen, Germany. His body was never recovered, and he never met his baby daughter. He was just 23 years old.

A remarkable reconnection

With the help of Online Cenotaph, Sarah was able to verify the identities of the speakers on the recording. Online Cenotaph provided more than just names and details; it facilitated a remarkable reconnection. In 2016, Daniel’s granddaughter, Rochelle, had left a contribution on Online Cenotaph, sharing details about her family, including Daniel’s daughter, her mother Margaret Josephine Clifford, who was born on 4 August 1941.

Through this connection, Sarah reached out to Rochelle and shared the discovery of the recording. Rochelle played it for her mother, Margaret, who heard her father’s voice for the very first time—more than 80 years after it was created. As Sarah describes:

“Margaret recognised the placenames that Daniel names in his greeting, as locations that were home to family members and friends – and was able to hear her long-lost father’s voice for the very first time” (Johnston, 2024, October 10, Her father’s voice).

The recording became a treasured taonga for the Clifford whānau, reconnecting generations and strengthening ties with relatives who had only recently reconnected through Online Cenotaph.

The essential role of Online Cenotaph

Online Cenotaph, a living memorial, provides a vital link for families, researchers, and the broader public to explore the stories of New Zealanders who served in wars and conflicts. For Sarah’s project, it was a crucial tool in identifying the six airmen featured on the recording.

Through Online Cenotaph, these stories continue to grow as whānau contribute photographs, documents, and personal memories. Each record becomes a dynamic resource, connecting individual experiences to the collective history of Aotearoa.

For Daniel Clifford’s family, Online Cenotaph offered more than just a connection to his military service. It became a platform where his story could be shared with future generations and a means to deepen connections within the wider Clifford whānau. His name, inscribed on the marble walls of the Hall of Memories at Auckland War Memorial Museum, stands as a physical reminder of his sacrifice, linking through to the digital commemoration.

Continuing the legacy

Stories like this remind us of the profound impact digital archives and databases can have on our understanding of history. The work of researchers like Sarah Johnston, in collaboration with platforms like Online Cenotaph, ensures that these voices and stories are preserved, not just as records of the past, but as living links for today’s whānau.

Every story added enriches the collective memory of Aotearoa New Zealand, providing future generations with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and contributions made by those who served.

Ngā Mihi

Ki te whānau Clifford me Sarah Johnston, ngā mihi nui ki a koutou mō tō koutou whakapuaki i tēnei kōrero. He taonga tuku iho.

To the Clifford whānau and Sarah Johnston, heartfelt thanks to you all for sharing this story. It is a treasured legacy.

References:

• Johnston, S. (2024, September 27). Her father’s voice: The travels of a wartime sound disc. World War Voices.
• Johnston, S. (2024, October 10). Her father’s voice: Connecting whānau through sound archives. Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
• Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. (1941). Greetings from NZ troops in Canada [Audio recording]. RNZ Collection. https://www.ngataonga.org.nz/search-use-collection/search/12245/
• Johnston, S. (2024). From Canada to New Zealand, to Egypt and back: The travels of a wartime sound disc. Australasian Sound Archive Journal, 46, 72–87.
• Auckland War Memorial Museum. (n.d.). National Broadcasting Service Mobile Units. Online Cenotaph. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from