Thomas Mutu Ellison

Born 1906 - Died 14 Oct 1986

Service number: 25845 AWMM
Also known as: —
Armed force / branch: Army AWMM
Last rank: —
War: World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM

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Biographical information

Sergeant T. M. Ellison (Stalag XXI E)

Letter: 1/12/1941
To Miss Ramsay, Dunedin Red Cross: May it interest you to know of the highly appreciated work done by the Red Cross. Thousands of boys from different parts of the world have been living in luxury through the Society. As an "Old Boy" from Otago, kindly accept my best wishes for the future when this crisis has ended and we return. With kind regards to Dunedin, I am a thankful soldier.

(Source: The New Zealand prisoner of war pamphlet (No. 3, May 1942, p.16))

Private T. M. Ellison (Stalag VIII B)

Letter: 13 June
Quite a lot of interest has been aroused by the arrival of a batch of Kiwi Red Cross food parcels. An equal number of Canadian ones also arrived and acting on the "sound" advice of those in the know, each man received a Canadian one, as they were the best. Great was the disappointment when it was discovered every parcel contained coffee and no tea. So, until Friday we "silent" Kiwis wait eagerly. At last we have received our first Kiwi food parcels. They have certainly silenced "those in the know" much to my delight. There is nothing but praise from all sides. My Kiwi mate and I had a most enjoyable meal of lamb, green peas and tomatoes. Have just received book parcel with 2 packs of cards and also cigarette parcel, both from London Branch, Victoria League. Have been on this party for about a week and quite satisfied with it. Am working in wood-wool factory and go on night shift tomorrow. At last I have my washing done, although I attend to my own socks and handkerchiefs. *Rongopai amuses the boys frequently; also have here jazz band and string band. Would enjoy feed of crayfish or even some dried eels. However, will have plenty on return. * Rongopai means "good news".

(Source: The New Zealand prisoner of war pamphlet (No. 14, October 1943, pp.9-10))

Private T. M. Ellison (Stalag 344)

Letter: 23 October
Kindly convey all best wishes to all members of the Red Cross and lastly to our wonderful people wo are forever helping us in every possible way. It is impossible to express in words how we feel. Have asked several repatriated boys to let you know how things are with us. Incidentally, am overjoyed having baby brother (Pte Record [sic] William Ellison transferred from PG 148) from Italy, now with me. Just imagine!

(Source: The New Zealand prisoner of war pamphlet (No. 17, February 1944, p.12))

Private Thomas M. Ellison (Stalag 344)

Letter: 21 November
Today has been another day of glory for Ao-tea-roa. In the International Rugby final, Kiwis scored a meritorious victory over South Africa, after the finest game since leaving NZ. Wearing new boots tomorrow for the first time, so hope Kiwi leather proves itself.

(Source: The New Zealand prisoner of war pamphlet (No. 19, April 1944, p.12)) AWMM

Sources

External links: 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/
Further Reference
Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington: Dept. of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. Digital copy.
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/webarchive/20210104000423/http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Maor.html
Further Reference
Prisoners of War 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force - Repatriated Medically Unfit Protected Personnel. Archives NZ R25405151.
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search/#/entity/aims-archive/R25405151
Sources Used
Great Britain Army. (1945). Germany and German occupied territories : imperial prisoners of war alphabetical list : section 4. London, U.K.: Government Printer. Zenodo Record.
https://zenodo.org/records/3955186
Further Reference
References: Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1941). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 3 (Embarkations from 1st July, 1940 to 31st March, 1941). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
WW2 3: WW2 141
Great Britain Army. (1945). Germany and German occupied territories : imperial prisoners of war alphabetical list : section 4. London, U.K.: Government Printer.
Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch.
Prisoners of War 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force - Repatriated Medically Unfit Protected Personnel [WW2 POW Medically Unfit], 1943 [1946], Archives New Zealand, Wellington, AAAA 7393/1/v (R25405151)
Mason, W.W. (1954) Prisoners of war. Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch.
Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. Prisoners of War Enquiry Office. (1941–1944). The New Zealand prisoner of war pamphlet: Official pamphlet of the Prisoners of War Enquiry Office of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. Wellington, New Zealand.
No. 17, February 1944, p.12; No. 19, April 1944, p.12; No. 3, May 1942, p.16; No. 14, October 1943, pp.9-10
McClymont, W. (1959). To Greece. Wellington, N.Z.: Department Internal Affairs, War History Branch.

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Thomas Mutu Ellison