New Zealand's naval contribution to the First World War took many forms but the total numbers of New Zealanders serving in the Royal Navy never exceeded 500 but those men became involved in almost every aspect of the naval war. About 200 joined the Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve in 1916, some were already Royal Naval Reserves, while others with the requisite experience joined at this time. Some joined the Royal Navy as individual recruits, serving in all types of vessels from battleships to submarines. A number of men joined the Royal Naval Air Service flying over the Western Front. Some women joined the Women's Royal Naval Service, known as the WRENS, when it was formed in 1917. The Union Steam Ship Company's vessel SS WAHINE was commissioned by the Admiralty and used as a despatch vessel at Gallipoli, before working as a minelayer in the North Sea.
The museum has a collection of oral histories relating to the First World War
This is the introduction for this page.
From Admiralty to Navy Wellington 11/11/18
Now that the last and most formidable of our enemies has acknowledged that triumph of the Allied Fleet and troops on behalf of right and justice I wish to express my praise and thankfulness to the...