The March to War - 1914.

The Declaration of War August 1914.

Britain declared war on Germany on the 4th of August 1914.  This was a result of Germany's refusal to remove troops from neutral Belgium and to heed  Britain's ultimatum for them to withdraw. New Zealand was informed the next day and the Governor, Lord Liverpool announced the news from the steps of Parliament in Wellington.  Britain's declaration was on behalf of its entire Empire including the Dominion of New Zealand and thus no separate declaration of war by New Zealand was needed.  Ties to Britain were strong and despite its small size and geographic isolation the New Zealand Government announced that it too was at war with Germany and followed Britain into the war. 

Mobilisation and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

The Government authorised the organisation of an Expeditionary Force for war service abroad. Mobilisation of the force occurred swiftly and by September 1914 the NZEF consisted of two main divisions - The New Zealand Infantry Brigade and The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade. As early as October 1914, the main body of the force sailed from Wellington. The NZEF was diverted from landing in Europe and was then landed in Egypt. Whilst in Egypt the NZEF joined with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to form the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).

Training and Marching to Wellington

Between 1915-1918 60,000 soldiers trained at the Featherston Military Camp in Featherston. They marched over the 555 metre pass to the Trentham Army Camp before embarking for the front at Wellington docks.

Sad Farewells

Between 1914-1916 over 100,000 men were farewelled to war. Troops were gathered from all over New Zealand and large crowds watched as they were sent off. 

From then on loved ones waited anxiously for news from their sons, husbands and brothers.

The Troopship Journey

The ships were crowded with men, horses, ships' crew and supplies. The journey lasted 48 days and the troops were kept busy with training, target practice and lectures. Conditions on board were tough.  

Theatres of War.

New Zealand soldiers served in many theatres of war including Samoa, Gallipoli, Palestine, Belgium and France.

Women at War 1914-1920

Women were involved in the War effort from the very beginning. New Zealand Nurses and Doctors went overseas to assist sick and wounded soldiers in all the theatres of war.  They drove ambulances, managed hospitals and convalescent homes. Women were involved  in various aspects of the war effort, such as the production of textiles and clothing, helped to  organise mobilisation, aided repatriation of soldiers and were involved in  enormous amounts of both volunteer  and paid work.    

Returning to NZ, repatriation, rehabiliation and commemorating the Anzacs.