New Zealand in the Pacific War: Personal Accounts of World War II

This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

With America’s 1941 entry into World War II and the movement of Japanese forces into the southern Pacific, a number of U.S. troops were sent to protect Australia and New Zealand so that previously committed military units from these countries might remain in Europe. Welcomed by the majority of New Zealanders, many American military men found New Zealand to be a second home as they were adopted into the island communities by those who had family members fighting the war in Europe.Over the course of the next four years, almost 1400 New Zealand women married American servicemen. Some couples relocated to the United States while others remained in New Zealand. From 1942 to the present day, the individual interviews herein record the varied and interesting tapestry of New Zealand’s relationship with America. New Zealand war veterans, those on the New Zealand home front, American servicemen stationed on the island during the war and members of the next generation give voice to New Zealand’s often overlooked contribution to World War II and the enduring connection between the two countries. Personal photographs illustrate this fascinating oral history.