Thames (NZ): Battle of Britain Commemorations at Thames 13 September 2020

Sunday 13 September 2020

8.30am Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Ngāti Maru Highway, Thames.

(The programme for the day as per the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield Inc Facebook Page:)

Inauguration Service at the Sir Keith Park Memorial at the Airfield

• Speaking at the service was Wing Commander Andy Bryant, RAF, the UK Defence Attaché for the Ministry of Defence at the British High Commission.
• Dedication and blessing performed by unknown Reverend.

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Early Sunday morning, Thamesites and visitors from further afield gathered at the airfield for the dedication of Sir Keith Park's replica Hurricane. The Kerepehi Brass Band provided the music, and playlist included the National Anthem and the Last Post

 

 

This plaque, made by A & G Price will be added to the display when the statue arrives.

The area around the replica plane will also be landscaped.

11am Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, Mary Street

• Speakers included RNZAF Air Commodore Walshe, Hon Scott Simpson and Russell Skeet (who read the message from Defence Minister Ron Mark.
• Wreaths were laid at the statue of Sir Keith Park outside the Thames Civic Centre
• A flypast by the Bristol Fighter F.2B in Sir Keith’s WW1 battle colours from NZ Warbirds

MP Scott Simpson.

Several wreaths were laid to commemorate the Battle of Britain 80 years ago. 

Left: Wing Commander Andy Bryant, RAF; Right: RNZAF Air Commodore Walshe.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

For more information on the Battle of Britain 1940, an excellent resource is Papers Past. There are the daily reports from England, along with reports and analysis over the following years. Example below.

 

OTAGO DAILY TIMES, ISSUE 26270, 30 SEPTEMBER 1946

Conclusion:

The Phrase heard several times today in relation to Sir Keith Park's involvement in the Battle of Britain:

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few

Winston Churchill

Keith Park standing by his Hurricane OK 1

Source: https://alchetron.com/Keith-Park

Thames (NZ): Sir Keith Park's Replica Hurricane arrives at Thames Airfield

Sir Keith Park at Thames

When the 1914-1918 World War Commemorations started back in 2014, the name of Thames born Sir Keith Park was remembered by many. Then in 2019 a generous donation led to a life size statue of Park being erected outside the Thames War Memorial Civic Hall.

There are many worthy historical projects needed at the Thames, this would for many be way down the list of priorities. But, hats off to the group who made this happen, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for yet another statue and a replica plane that will be on display at the Thames Airfield, the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield. The first phase is complete and the replica plane is to be officially unveiled on Sunday 13 September, followed by the marking of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain - with a ceremony at the Civic Hall in Mary Street at 11am. (Details of the day)

Sir Keith Park's Hurricane

Below are photographs of the plane. It looks small as you drive along the Ngati Maru Highway, but once you get nearer, the size and the imagery are very impressive. Interesting to find out though, just as we will have two statues of Sir Keith within a few kilometres of each other, there is also another replica plane a short distance away in Auckland. At MOTAT, there is "a replica of Park's Mk 1 Hawker Hurricane 'OK 1' - the aircraft he used to visit airfields under his command during the Battle of Britain."

 

Several information boards give details on Park and the Battle of Britain.

Further Reading:

Details on Sir Keith Park - Blog Post 7 February 2019

Thames (NZ): Hospital Superintendent Dr Archer's Jayforce Connection

 Introduction:

Thames Hospital has had several special staff members who have served for extended periods. During the 2018 Reunion, older staff remembered some of their 'favourites'. A name that was mentioned was Dr Archer - Kenneth Richard Archer served as Thames Hospital Medical Superintendent 1948 to 1956.

In our book True Tales of Thames Hospital, two past staff members made recalled working with Dr Ken Archer. Mrs Billie Fisher remembered Dr Archer delivering lectures to the student nurses. Dr Neil Philip wrote: "I spent the winter under the supervision of Mr Ken Archer who had served in Italy during the war.  He was good leader and supervisor."

As we remember the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Ngasaki in Japan, it is now revealed that Dr Archer was one of the first medical staff members to go to Japan after the bombing - around March 1946.

Dr Archer's War Service:

Dr Kenneth Richard Archer, service number 42428, was working at Napier Hospital on enlistment. Archer's next-of-kin was his mother, Mrs E M Archer who resided at 29 Nolan Road, Auckland. 

In July 1944, Archer was mentioned in dispatches for services in the Pacific; he was then stationed in Italy.

There are varying reports concerning when exactly Archer arrived in Japan from Italy. The Advanced Party (1st Stage) left Naples 25 January 1946, arrived Bombay 9 February 1946. The 2nd stage, the troops left Bombay and arrived at Kure (Japan) 28 February 1946. The Main Draft left Naples aboard the Strathmore 21 February 1946 and arrived at Kure 19 March 1946. (The service records are required to verify Archer's arrival in Japan)

The Waikato Independent 13 March 1946, reported that Lieutenant-Colonel Archer was in-charge of the Jayforce hospital.

WAIKATO INDEPENDENT, VOLUME XLV, ISSUE 1248, 13 MARCH 1946

In the book Jayforce by Laurie Brocklebank, the difficulties establishing medical services in Japan was discussed. " Finding a site for 6 general Hospital was fraught with difficulties.  After an extensive search throughout April by its first commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel K R Archer, a run-down tuberculosis sanatorium at Kiwa was chosen because there was no suitable alternative." page 60

After the War:

Ken had studied at Otago University, and gained his medical degree in 1938. After the war, he continued his professional development, earning the FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons) at St Thomas' Hospital, London, England.

After returning to New Zealand, Archer came to Thames in 1948 and remained at the hospital until 1956. When Archer took over as Medical Superintendent at Thames Hospital, it was a time when the Superintendent had charge of the whole hospital -  assisted by Matron Hill and the head of the Board Office.

In 1949, Dr Archer married Ruth Lomax Price, the daughter of George and Jessie Price of Thames.

In the 1950s photograph below, Dr Archer is in the front row, fourth from left, surrounded by his nursing and medical staff members.

Dr Archer - 42428 Lt Col NZAMC 1915 - 1999

Memorial Plaque at Pyes Pa Cemetery

Source: Billion Graves

Thames Nurse in Japan post WWII:

A Thames Hospital School of Nursing graduate also served in Japan. Dorothy Rhoda Venables, attested in November 1944, service number 810720. Sister Venables war service included time with 3NZGH Italy and 6NZGH Italy / Japan. 

Maybe, Sister Venables recalled to colleagues at 6 New Zealand General Hospital in Japan details of her training hospital? Could this have influenced Archer to come to Thames after the war? Regardless, it is no wonder that the staff of Thames Hospital held their Medical Superintendent in such high regard - his war service was truly something to be proud of.

Thames (NZ): 75 Years Ago - The End of WWII

Seventy-five years ago, Thamesites at home and abroad were waiting impatiently for news that the war was over. A time to welcome home men and women serving overseas, plus wanting an end to rationing and other war time restrictions.

The Thames Star 7 August 1945, reported that an Atomic Bomb had been dropped over the city of Hiroshima, Japan.

It was another week before the news finally reached Thames, the war was over!

Thames Star 15 August 1945.

Meanwhile in Italy, Signalman Doug B of Thames was dreaming of coming home and watching the Peace Cup (Rugby). Having just enjoyed a celebration day (VJ) to the lake. Soon he would learn a detour was in place and his next destination would be Japan, where he would see first hand the devastation caused by the 'bomb'

Lest We Forget

A time to stop and remember the devastation the bombs caused.

Thames (NZ): Thamesites celebrate 8-9 May 1945

A special day, for Thames, New Zealand and the world.

"Germany surrendered on 7 May, New Zealand time, but acting Prime Minister Walter Nash insisted that celebrations should wait until after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had officially announced peace at 1 a.m. on 9 May, New Zealand time." https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/ve-day

The Thames Star Tuesday 8 May 1945 announced 'in colour' "Allies Win War in Europe". 
The day known as VE (Victory Europe) Day. As mentioned above, given the time difference, the New Zealand Prime Minister decreed the official commemoration day was Wednesday 9 May.

One of the busiest businesses in the town was the Post & Telegraph and Telephone Exchange departments at the local Post Office. Thamesites recorded record numbers of phone calls and sent / received a large number of telegraphs. All Post Office Staff was called to help, including the "Chief Postmaster {who demonstrated he] had not lost his skills as a morse operator."

Events on the 9th May at Thames included: 

• The St George's Church bell sounded throughout the day.
• Outside the Regent Theatre in Pollen Street, a loudspeaker played recorded speeches from England by Mr Churchill and the King.
• A United Church Service was held at 11am in the St George's Church, Mackay Street.
• A one day special VE bowls event was held at the Thames Bowling Club. the winning team was: W Mutton, D Adamson, J A Briggs, and C Walker (skip).
• A special rugby match took place 2.30pm at Rhodes Park between Thames and Hauraki Plains(Ngatea) teams. Ngatea won the match 6 to 3.

• A Torchlight Procession was held at 8pm. This went from the Brian Boru Hotel, along Pollen Street to Mary Street, around the hospital block, down Pahau Street to Pollen Street, to the land opposite the old Gas Works in Mary Street. Those in the procession carried 400 torches, supplied by the Thames Fire Brigade.
• The Regent Theatre held a special VE Day programme. From 8pm Newsreels; 8.30pm God Save the King - Thames Methodist Church choirs; The Russian National Anthem. The Methodist Church choirs then sang: Thank You America, Invocation to Peace, There will always be an England. Following a short intermission the movie Three Men in white was screened.
• The evening finished with a large bonfire opposite the Gas Works. The National Anthem was sung by the hundreds who had taken part in the procession and gathered spectators. The torch bearers threw their torches onto the assembled bonfire stack, which burnt intensely for over half an hour.
• The only disappointment was that a bunch of "hooligans" pulled down many of the flags and buntings that had lined the street.

Notices from the Thames Star 8 May - advertising events for the following day.

Thames Mayor's Message.
In the Thames Star 8 May 1945, Mayor Ensor (photo right) said that the celebration of VE Day, allowed everyone to give thanks to the United Nations who had fought for nearly six years.

"In this victory, most, if not all of us, have played some part...No one, at this time can fail to be aware that the war is not yet over, and that the task ahead may still be difficult." 

Mayor Ensor reminded readers that winning the war against Japan was the priority, along with the repatriation of the men and women who were returning from serving overseas.

He finished his message by saying: “The winning of the peace will not be easy. Let us approach this question with the firm conviction that we are all responsible for seeing that justice is done, and in any new order that a reasonable standard of living is assured for all those able and willing to work, and that the aged and the infirm, the widow and the orphan, are properly cared for.  This will then certainly be a better world.”

The War on Scarlet Fever

While Thamesites were concerned with the ongoing war, they still faced the war against scarlet fever, the local paper contained large advertisements from the Department of Health.

Thames (NZ): Thames 'boy' in Italy 75 years ago

From Thames to Italy 1945

Step back in time seventy-five years ago and many of our Thames 'boys' were in Italy involved with military operations - as they waited for the end of World War Two.

One of these men was Douglas Owen Barker of Thames, telegraph deliverer to signalman. Doug wrote many letters home, along with diaries - they all started with the identification details: eg. No. 459351 SGMN Barker, D O, SIGNAL COY, "A" Depot, 2NZEF NZ ADV. Base. (photo right)

Doug attested 28 October 1941, and entered camp 10 January 1942. He was stationed in Wellington, until leaving for overseas service 29 January 1945. L/Cpl Barker was based in Italy from 7 February 1945 until 20 March 1946 when his unit left Florence bound for Japan.

When MyHeritage recently had the offer of free colourisation of photographs, I had a few of Doug's photos processed. What a difference, as previously mentioned the years melt away when you see these images remastered.

 

Above: Doug (second from left) outside Hut 34.

The war experience was very real for these men, but imagine from Thames to Italy via Egypt.

In a letter sent to his sister Betty Barker of Thames dated 3/3/1945, Doug wrote (part of letter):

"Well here it is Sunday night, so I'll drop you a few lines while I have the chance. It has been snowing heavily all day and its been fun watching the snow turn into nice mud. But we cannot growl about the weather because for the last fortnight it has been lovely & sunny.

Had a great few days leave yesterday Bet. Went to Bari, arrived there for morning tea after which we all had a good look around the streets. Talk about thousands of kids on the street. They're a nuisance they pester you to buy your cigarettes boots or any article of clothing, and they follow you all around the place.

We had a nice tea at the Club and went to a large Italian Opera House which is used as a picture theatre. Imagine us Bett, sitting in a Royalty Box puffing cigs and munching biscuits..had another good hot meal and off back to camp...How is Cliff's Army life (his brother) coming along. I dont suppose he in camp yet?

Thats the lot for now Bett, Love to all, Your loving brother Doug."

Above a trip to Bari and below a meal with Reg at the Club.

In another letter to Bett dated 24 April 1945, thoughts of home seemed to be uppermost in Doug's mind.

Dear Bett,...Your mail is arriving in grand style - keep it up.  Tell Mum not to go to too much fuss over parcels (and you too) because already Millie, Mrs Reddish and Rose [his sister-in-law] say they have posted some...Wells I dont know, but ask Dad to send over the largest flounder he can find in a box of ice! No, really though, I cant say what is best to send. But I wouldn't mind some of Mum's fig jam special.

...See the 8th & 5th Armies have taken Bologna. Good going eh?...I can just see Grandad now that things are on the move again. Into Berlin I see! Can't last much longer. She may see the spring and summer out though.'..

And hows the third generation coming along. Fancy Pat going to school [Doug's niece], ...Finished my typing job tonight. What next?  Hope Mum is not worrying her head off. No reason to - D.

Love to Self and all, Doug"

 

While in Italy, leave was a special time, Doug and his mates took the time to visit many of the historic landmarks.

In letters around this time, Doug mentions that his cousin Bob Pascoe is nearby, along with one of the Senior boys from Thames. Maybe you know of other Thames men who served in Italy in 1945?

There were good times and bad times for these men, for while they were not actively involved at all times, they certainly had their moments. On two occasions, this 'boy form Thames' was tasked with burying a fellow soldier - so don't always be fooled by the smiling faces and positive messages home.

A night off at the Bar - Doug standing in the back row on the far left.

Lest We Forget

Photographs (c) 2020 Barker Family Collection

Thames (NZ): ANZAC Day at the Thames 2020 and 1945

ANZAC DAY at THAMES 25 April 2020

What's your usual ANZAC Day routine?  Mine involves getting my father's medals out ready to wear, then starting at the Dawn Service, followed by the 10am parade. In between trips to the cemetery, the cenotaph and the Peace Memorial. So what happened this year (2020)?

First, the message had gone out to place a poppy at your letterbox or in you window. Around the town, households came up with innovative ways to make a suitable memorial, including printed poppy photos and other message. The crosses that usually adorned the war cemeteries, were spread out on lawns around the town.

Poppies made for the window. 

Twenty five flowers each representing ten Thames soldiers who lost their lives in WWI. 

**So far over 248 names have been identified for the Thames ROH list.**

Just before 6am, the people of Thames joined the plea to 'stand at the gate' and remember the men and women who served / serve in the defence forces. The Last Post played on street corners via mobile phone and radio. In those moments we all realised the gravity of the situation - this is what Covid-19 had done to us all, we could not commemorate our 'special' day.

The Thames RSA recorded an ANZAC Day Service for 2020, which is available to view on Youtube.

Never will we forget ANZAC Day 2020 - Lest We Forget

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ANZAC DAY at THAMES 25 April 1945

Now, for some sense of normality, we will step back in time and look at how Thamesites commemorated 25 April 1945 - 75 years ago.


1945 April 23: The town had welcomed home 15 men who had served overseas. The men had travelled by train from Auckland to Paeroa, then bused to Thames. After a quick civic welcome, the men were reunited with family who they had not seen for years. There was also news that prisoner of war Sergeant Jack Cameron of Mill Street, was now safe in England.

1945 April 24: Notices were placed in the Thames Star newspaper by the Thames Returned Services Association informing residents of the proceedings for the following day. All returned service men and women were asked to meet at the Drill Hall in Mackay Street at 9.30am to prepare for the march.

A full article in this edition reminded folk that this was the thirtieth anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. Other groups had been invited to take part in the parade, including: home servicemen, Air Training Corps, Women's Auxiliary, school cadets, boy scouts, girl guides and school representatives.

The group would march from the Drill Hall to the temporary cenotaph at the corner of Pollen & Pahau Street. Flowers and wreaths would be laid, then the group would enter the nearby Kings Theatre for the official proceedings. At the completion the official group would march back to the Drill Hall before being officially dismissed.

The pupils of Thames High, South and Central Schools held on the 24th, poppy cards were also sold to the pupils.

1945 April 25: (reported in the Thames Star 26 April). There was a good attendance at the ANZAC Day parade, floral tributes were laid at the temporary cenotaph at the corner of Cochrane and Pollen Streets. Mayor Sid Ensor presided over the service inside the King's Theatre. The marshall of the procession was Major S L Smith.Other s in the official party included Mr W R McNeillie (president of the RSA), Mr F C Tuck (Town clerk), Mr S Hira (Ngatimaru rep) and Rev E T Olds of Auckland.

Rev Olds the principal speaker at the service, had served in WWI. He spoke of the 1914-18 war, and that sadly World War Two was inevitable given the happenings in Germany. Sadly it was a betrayal to those old Anzacs that another conflict had broken out. "All they fought for seemed to have been lost in the great cataclysm of another war...Our job was to win and keep the peace."

ABOVE: This appears to be the temporary cenotaph that was still in use for the last time in 1961.

The following year a new cenotaph was erected outside the Thames War Memorial Hall in Mary Street.

The Thames Star 26 April reported the sad news that a Thames soldier had been Killed in Action in Italy, 15 April 1945. Private Patrick Colin was the son of the late A J Brien and his mother was Mrs M Robinson of Waiotahi Road, Thames.

  

Background Reading / Photos / Music:

• ANZAC DAY 6am & 10am Service 2019
• Lest We Forget 2018
• ANZAC Day 2017
• Lest We Forget 2014
• Recording of the Last Post at NZ Herald and at NZ History

UPDATE 5 May 2020

Many thanks to Althea & Sonia for taking the time to lay wreaths on Anzac morning, at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre. Special thanks to all involved.

Lest We Forget