New Zealand Herald 4 September 1939 at Papers Past
New Zealand At War 1939
"In contrast to its entry to the First World War, New Zealand acted in its own right by formally declaring war on Germany on 3 September...New Zealand acted only after formal advice was received of the expiry of the British government's ultimatum to Germany to withdraw from Poland, shortly before midnight on 3 September (New Zealand time). The state of war between New Zealand and Germany was held to have existed from the expiry of the ultimatum - in short, the same moment that war began between Britain and Germany (9.30 p.m., 3 September, New Zealand time)." Source: New Zealand History
WAIHI DAILY TELEGRAPH, 4 SEPTEMBER 1939 at Papers Past
Soon, recruits would be signed up and large numbers of men from the greater Thames Valley would be preparing, training and heading off to the war in Europe.
*****Does anyone have any photographs of Thames during World War Two?
Soldiers leaving, Welcome Home events, fundraising galas, parades and later VE and VJ celebrations. Drop me a line if you can help. *****
Further reading:
Thames WWII Roll of Honor
