NZ Army Band

This post is inspired by the wonderful and highly entertaining display put on by the New Zealand Army Band at the International Rugby 7's tournament held at the sports stadium in Wellington over the weekend.
Military bands had a very important duty to fill during the First World War. Grief and a sense of loss was widely felt among soldiers on the frontline. Some of the simple pleasures to help restore some normality to the lives of our soldiers coming out from the battlefield was listening to music. Military bands entertained troops in this way. They helped to raise morale and roused patriotism among the ranks.

 New Zealand Army Pipe Band c.1918

"Victory March Through London, 3rd May 1919. The New Zealand Pipers." Printed and published by Beagles, England.

One More Shell For The Front

"One More Shell For The Front" by British artist 'G.A.S.'

"One More Shell For The Front" - back of the postcard written by Private Reg Simson whilst On Active Service in 1918.

This postcard was one of many artistic humoured cards whose meaning intentionally ran much deeper. Artist 'G.A.S.' popular with silhouette postcards during WW1, produced this card of a cheerful looking chicken wearing a soldier's cap. By all appearances, the artist has succeeded in providing a little humour but has also strongly emphasised the patriotic fervour to push out "one more" deadly weapon to support the allies fighting at the Front line.

Private Reginald Fowler Simson of Dannevirke wrote the above message from Sling Camp in England during the latter stages of the war in 1918. Reg addressed this postcard to his older brother Frank Luckins Simson (pictured) now back in his hometown Dannevirke. Frank was on active service in France when he was wounded in the head and legs in June 1916. He was declared no longer physically fit for war service and returned to New Zealand on the hospital ship Maheno in March 1917.

Reg mentions his older brothers Bertie Ambrose and Louie Harry Simson in the postcard message above. Bert was declared no longer physically fit for war service on account of suffering from neurasthenia (shell shock) in 1918, and returned home to New Zealand. Louie came through the war relatively unscathed and returned to New Zealand after the war ended.

Lance Corporal Sydney Simson of 1st Battalion Wellington Infantry Regiment was Reg's older brother. Reg, Bert, Frank and Louie never saw their brother Sydney again. He was killed in action in France on 16 September 1916, age 23 years.

100 Years Ago...

At time of print and publication these 1914 Calendar post cards were intended for sale and to help spread the message of a bright, promising and happy New Year to many around the world.

Few would predict that later in the year the World would go to war.

The "Leaning Virgin" of Albert

After the New Zealand Division had come through the Battle of Flers-Courcelette in September 1916, many New Zealand troops left the front lines on the Somme and passed through the French town of Albert. A very noticeable landmark was the bomb-damaged statue of the Virgin Mary holding a child which was fastened to the top of  the town's cathedral or "Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières". The most remarkable thing about this statue that caught the soldier's eye was that it had fallen over in to an almost horizontal position as a result of a German artillery strike in 1915.
As the New Zealanders passed through the town on 7 October 1916 many stared up at this unusual sight and pondered on local legend that said when the statue should finally fall, the war will come to an end.
New Zealand Brigadier General Herbert Hart commented "It looks most weird, and one would expected it to fall any moment."
The statute was reported to have finally fallen to the ground after a bombardment on Albert in April 1918, some seven months before the war ended.
Many photographs and postcards were taken of this surreal skyline scene, and what follows is some examples of these postcards c.1915 - 1916.

An early artist's impression of when the bomb struck the base of the statue in 1915.

French Red Cross postcard published in Paris.

Real photographic postcard of soldiers passing through Albert under the "Leaning Virgin" statue. c.1916

Another postcard image of this famous scene before the statue finally fell in 1918.

Carry On at Christmas

British postcard published by B.B. (Birn Brothers) Ltd, London. 

This is one of a number of designs produced during the First World War to help bring hope and good wishes at Christmas. Whilst the verse on the card was written with all good intention the lines "Be sure to keep hope in your line of sight" and "...face the music with all your might" make very light work and seemingly undermine the seriousness of the effects of war. Nevertheless, festive postcards with verse were popular expressions of the era.

On the back of this postcard a New Zealand soldier has written a brief message to family;

"Dear Joe and Annie,

Just a line to let you know that I am still in good health and having a good time. Hoping this small card finds you both in the same way. The Christmas cards here are very poor, but I know you will think just as much of this as if it were an expensive one. Well Joe and Annie I told you all the news in my last letter and as I have a lot to send tonight I will have to conclude with best wishes. From your loving brother, A.E. Sutton."

What became of soldier A.E. Sutton is unknown. I hope he was able to 'carry on' and restore some normality to his life after the war.