From heartfelt, personal notes to fascinating images that offer us a glimpse into the past, the last few months have been filled with all kinds of valuable contributions to Online Cenotaph records. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone and anyone who helps commemorate those who served through the enrichment of their records.

This article is part of an ongoing series in which we highlight the amazing contributions we receive to Online Cenotaph. The variety and quality of material that is contributed to individual records is astonishing here are a few examples from May to September 2022.

Corporal William John Arthur Barnes

World War II

This image of Corporal Barnes was contributed by his son William. Corporal Barnes embarked twice during the Second World War, first as part of B Force, a force sent to Fiji to help protect and garrison the islands. The responsibility for defending Fiji, along with various other Pacific nations, was passed to New Zealand by the British in the early years of the Second World War. Corporal Barnes then transferred to the Infantry Reinforcements and served in the North African campaign, then eventually travelled to Italy with the 22nd Battalion. This image was taken upon arrival in Egypt in August 1941. The Allies’ decisive victory at El Alamein, which turned the tide of war in North Africa, was still over a year away. 

Private Charles Henry Tucker Jones

World War II

'Thank you forever and always to my gentle giant Poppa (grandfather) for the selfless commitment to better our country and this world, for those of us to follow you. Your sacrifices will always be remembered. Your years in the German POW camp will be acknowledged with love and gratitude forever more. Love your family.'

- Leesa - 11 September 2022

Private Tucker Jones was captured on the 22nd of July 1942. Charles and many other New Zealanders were held at Gruppignano, Italy, under the watchful eyes of the Carabinieri Reali and their Colonel and military Governor of Udine, a man named Calcaterra. Calcaterra was an ardent fascist and known for his strict discipline, later being killed in revenge by anti-fascist partisans before the war’s end. Before that though Charles was transferred to Germany. He was held at Stalag VIII-A, a former Hitler Youth camp converted into a concentration camp for up to 30,000 Allied prisoners of war. Leesa’s heartfelt commemoration of her grandfather’s ordeal during the Second World War is a touching tribute to his life and service.

Private James Jones

World War I

This image of the HMNZT 66 Willochra was contributed by Ian Pilkinton. This ship transported Private James Jones and many other New Zealanders to war in 1916. While many of our contributions are from family and friends who have personal connections or information to share, a great deal of information is added thanks to a dedicated cadre of researchers. For a sense of the scale of these contributions the day this image was added, Wednesday 14th September 2022, Ian, and fellow researchers Lorraine James and Norm Lamont, added a total of 103 images. These images often came with detailed descriptions containing important information. The researchers contributing to Online Cenotaph come from a wide variety of backgrounds with a broad range of interests and we thank them all for the incredible work they do to enrich records and commemorate New Zealand military service.

Private Herbert Milne MacFarlane

South African War

This photo of Private McFarlane and his comrades was contributed by his great-granddaughter, Kathryn Ryder. The South African War, 1899-1902, is often overshadowed by New Zealand’s experiences in the First and Second World Wars. In many ways though, this conflict would serve as template for these later wars, as the New Zealand government’s determination to contribute to the British war effort led to the raising of 10 Contingents of volunteers, over 6,500 men, who were subsequently shipped off to fight alongside forces from across the British Empire. This may not seem like a huge number today but it must be remembered that New Zealand’s total population was only around 800,000 at that time.

Private McFarlane was part of the Mounted Rifles, which served an important role countering the irregular Boer forces. The troops from the Transvaal and Orange Free States were expert riders and marksmen, making New Zealand cavalry important during the difficult and bloody conflict. The skills men like Private McFarlane displayed helped foster the idea among the British that New Zealanders were natural soldiers.

"My great-grandfather exemplified that concept," says Kathryn. "Herb was quick-witted and enterprising, an excellent sportsman who became a 'crack rifle shooter'. He was also infinitely patient - all great qualities to bring to the battlefield."

Private Herbert McFarlane was proud of his military service, which he regarded as a family legacy: Herb's father had served in a Scottish regiment for 11 years including during the Crimean War, Herb's two older brothers also became South African War veterans, and their younger brother fought at Gallipoli during the First World War. In 1941, Herb's beloved son Andy was killed in action in World War II. 

When Private McFarlane died in 1977 at the age of 95, he was Invercargill's oldest surviving South African War veteran.

Private James Henry Byers

World War II

'Jim was my boss in the Overseas Telegraph Branch in Wellington. Set a high standard. A hard man but a fair man. Earned the respect of all of his staff. Finished up Chief Post Master Auckland.

POW of the Italians. When the Italians capitulated he walked out the gate with a few others before the Germans arrived. Survived a hard time in the hills and returned to the British lines on Christmas day.'

- Bruce - 13 September 2022

Bruce’s note on the Online Cenotaph record of his former boss shows us how connections are not limited to just family. It is often easy to forget just how many people served overseas, and how they came back to take ordinary jobs back in their ordinary lives. Private Byers’ escape from the prisoner of war camp in Sulmona, Italy and subsequent trip back to the Allied Forces must have been an extraordinary act of bravery and courage. Bruce was kind enough to share some more details of his conversation with James with me.

‘When he knew I was genuinely interested and he was in a mellow mood he told me a little more. He had never spoken of it previously. Briefly when the Italians capitulated they were told to stay put. He and quite a few others reckoned the Jerries would get their first. Told the Italians guards on the gate to open up "we are out of here". Next day from up in the hills they saw a convoy of Jerry trucks heading into the camp to take the rest away.

Had a very hard winter in the hills, short of tucker and getting what they could from the impoverished Italian peasant/farmers in the way of food. Had a few narrow squeaks from the jerries who were trying to round them up. Got back to a Pom outfit on Christmas Day. They were shelling the Germans in between enjoying their Christmas dinner. Jim said they were hard men but treated the escapees very well including Christmas dinner.’

Yet once back home James was back to ordinary life once again. It is lovely to see a coworker commemorate James in this way.

Private James Percival Hunt

World War II

This photograph of Private Hunt and an unidentified friend was taken in Fiji, during Hunt’s service as part of B Force. The casual dress and tired expressions on these men's faces probably reflects the difficulties with the heat and unsuitable uniforms that affected much of B Force during their stay. New Zealanders sent to the various Pacific islands during the war often struggled with substandard equipment, especially in comparison to the Americans who began to take over responsibility for the islands after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941.

This photograph, kindly provided by Private Hunt’s daughter Barbara, shows the everyday struggles of war. Challenges were not limited to fighting, New Zealanders had to deal poor equipment, dehydration and general discomfort in the field.

Flight Lieutenant James Ralph Court

World War II

Researcher Daniel Rarity has gone to the trouble of colourising this photo of Flight Lieutenant Court for Online Cenotaph. Originally provided by the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, this image shows Court in the cockpit of a Kittyhawk at Whenuapai, during a return from the Pacific theatre of war. Court enlisted on the 2nd of July 1940, serving in various campaigns in the Pacific with various squadrons. He would eventually be mentioned in dispatches and go on to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, leaving at the rank of Squadron Leader. He would also serve as Commanding Officer of the Auckland Squadron of the Territorial Air Force between 1952-55.

Pauline Grace Hawker

World War II

Pauline Grace Hawker (centre) is seen here with her Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) colleagues Marion May Stenberg (left) and Constance Bette Bull (right) in an image kindly provided by her relative Wayne Maurice Hawker. Formed on the 16th of January 1941, the WAAF was formed to ease personnel shortages and release men from roles to allow them to serve overseas. Initially only 200 women, by the time Pauline Hawker joined in Febuary 1943 the WAAF was reaching its peak of more than 3600. Initially working roles like cooks, typists and drivers, the WAAF women soon worked a variety of trades as well. After the force was joined with the RNZAF over 100 became commissioned officers. 

Corporal Julian Hurari Thompson

World War II

These two images of Corporal Thompson show first his wedding to and then a postcard to his wife Takamoana Thompson (nee Gunn). His descendants have filled his Online Cenotaph record with details and images, creating an impressively detailed commemoration of his service and life. These two images of marital bliss and longing were contributed by descendant Ebony Thompson. Julian and Takamoana Thompson were actually the first couple to be married at Tokotoru Tapu, Kaiti Church, Poho-o-Rawiri on Saturday 18th February 1939.

These bright moments would have been important as Corporal Thompson’s time with the 28th (Maori) Battalion’s C Company would have been harsh. The 28th built themselves an impressive reputation, both in the Allied and Axis armies, but it came at a high cost. The Battalion saw some of the worst of the fighting, from Greece and Crete through North Africa and into Italy. These images of Corporal Thompson underlines what these men had left behind, and what they were so often fighting hard to get back to.

Private Wayne Jude Lindsay

Vietnam War

These photos, first of a young Private Lindsay receiving a care package during service in Vietnam then after being awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2022, were both contributed by Wayne himself. With more recent conflicts Online Cenotaph has sometimes had the opportunity to hear from the service people themselves, and we are proud to provide such opportunities. After serving in Vietnam Wayne spent decades working and advocating on behalf of Australian and New Zealand veterans, eventually earning his well deserved medal as part of the 2022 Australia Day Honours. It is our pleasure to have Wayne’s record on Online Cenotaph.

Remember you can add images, notes and data into every Online Cenotaph record. Just click on the Contribute buttons. As of we October 2022 we have received 64,464 images, 101,004 notes and pieces of data added and 832,892 poppies laid.