David Daniel's journey from joining the Air Training Corps in New Zealand to his service in Japan's post-war efforts reflects a noteworthy yet relatable experience. Initially drawn to flying, his path led to essential ground roles during WWII and Japan's rebuilding, illustrating the valuable contributions of service personnel during this pivotal period.

James Thomas Griffin's service with Jayforce in Japan (1946-1947) underscores New Zealand's role in demilitarisation and reconstruction post-WWII. Stationed in Yamaguchi, his letters, shared by his daughter Judy Cardno, reveal the impacts on locals and the experiences of New Zealand forces, offering insights into the daily life of the military in Japan.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Online Cenotaph team has had another impactful year in 2023, marked by sharing poignant stories, and enhanced community engagement. This review highlights the key achievements and milestones of the year, showcasing our commitment to honouring New Zealand’s military history.

In 1918, twenty five members of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Native Police Force travelled to New Zealand to enlist for war. This is their odyssey.

Historian Dilip Sarkar has spent his career researching the Battle of Britain. In this piece he shares with us the new stories he has uncovered about the service of Auckland’s Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park and his involvement in the defence of Britain.

Nobody will ever know what was going through Dennis Fielden’s mind as he trudged up the steep slope to join A Company, 3 Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) on Hill 504, near Kap’Yong, on the 23rd April 1951. No doubt he would have been mentally and physically tired. The previous 24 hours had been particularly hectic for 16 Field Regiment (Fd Regt)...

Ben Peckham served in the New Zealand Army from 1990 until 1997 including service in Bosnia. In this interview we consider his life before, during and after service. Ben's experience has made him a passionate advocate in the veteran support space. He believes the incredible wrap-around support he received during some of his hardest times should be the default experience for other personnel.

Lawrence Don Bennett was one of 7000 kiwis who shipped off to Canada to take part in the Air Training Scheme. The program was massive, and it affected so many New Zealand service people, but is often overlooked in the history of the Second World War.

This article is about the McFarlanes, a family that, like so many others, was marked by the horrors of war through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their story gives us insight into the struggles of so many New Zealand families in this period.

Despite the proximity of Singapore and the Pacific to New Zealand, most New Zealand forces were concentrated in North Africa in 1942. Matthew Nickless looks at two RNZAF servicemen who served close to home, and their experiences during the Fall of Singapore.

In this Cenotaph Story Roger Hovenden shares his experience of service in East Timor (Timor Leste) between November 2001 to May 2002. Between September 1999 and 2002, more than 5,000 NZDF personnel served in Timor as part of International Force East Timor and others did until 2012, serving with the United Nations.

The New Zealand Army had a long-term presence in South East Asia. Including the 1st Battalion (1RNZIR) base in Singapore post-Vietnam up until 1974. Online Cenotaph has very few records for this period of service and so we jumped at the chance to interview nurse Pamela (Pam) Todd who had served in South East Asia in 1972.