New Zealand's naval contribution to World War I (WWI) took many forms. Although our single national unit was the cruiser PHILOMEL, New Zealanders became involved in almost every aspect of the naval war. About 200 joined the Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve. Some were already Royal Naval Reserves, while others with the requisite experience joined at this time. Some joined the RN as individual recruits, serving in all types of vessels from battleships to submarines. A number of men joined the Royal Naval Air Service. 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 WWI.
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...