Cenotaph Stories

  • Captain Val Sanderson served in two wars before leading efforts to save New Zealand's natural heritage with the Royal Forest & Bird Society. Find out more about his pioneering work.

  • To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Messines, we take a look at the life of veteran William Alfred Oldham who gained a reputation as an honourable solider and evocative war correspondent.

  • One of the comics from the Being Chinese in Aotearoa exhibit explores the story of Private Herbert Stanley Sing, a brave signaller who served with the Auckland Infantry Regiment in the First World War.

  • Gladys Sandford is considered to be both a pioneering driver and aviator. She was the first female in New Zealand to receive a pilot's licence, and was formally recognized for her work as an ambulance driver in the war.

  • Private Nelson by day, female alter ego “Nelly” by night, Charles Stuart Nelson became a noted and admired performer on stage with singing troupe the Kiwis.

  • Harold Butterworth, an Auckland-born pilot, kept a diary during his time with the RFC. It displayed his passion for flying as well as the innovative technologies and methods trialled by the RFC during WWI, which changed the shape of the war.

  • David Tevita Loma's Military Service record states that he was the Assistant Harbour Master for the Tongan Government when he enlisted in May 1916.

  • Francis (Frank) was born on 28 December 1893 in Thames, New Zealand. He survived the landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April but was shot in the shoulder. His conditioned worsened and he died in hospital on 28 May.