Rooms 9 and 10 have been looking into an ANZAC soldier (or any soldier) that they could make a connection with. These are some of the soldiers from our families. We researched them and looked up other information that interested us about the war.

Edward Rigby

Edward was born 25 October 1875 in Wellington, New Zealand. He took part in World War 1. The ship he was on departed from Wellington, New Zealand on the 14 of March 1917. Their destination was Devonport, England. Their ship was called Ruapehu. Edward died on the 4 of November 1918. He was killed in action, in Le Quesnoy, France. His next of kin was his friend Micheal Hockney. His headstone is in France where he died.

Life on Board Ruapehu

Ruapehu was named after the mountain called Ruapehu, located in the centre of the North Islands, southwest of the southern Lake Taupo. Ruapehu was built in 1901 by Wiliam Denny who lived in Dumbarton, Scotland. The soldiers were exercising on board the ship as well as being taught by an instructor. Soldiers would eat bully beef and army biscuits with jam. 

Uniforms in World War 1

Edward wore a khaki golden button-up long-sleeve top and matching khaki

long pants with pockets. As well as a khaki jacket with a red rim on the

soldiers. Edward also had black leather lace up shoes and a khaki hat. Edwards uniform was held together with beige straps that went over his shoulder and then across his waist. And a beige sash for his equipment.

Le Quesnoy Battle

Only 4 kilometres east of Beaudignies in northern France is Le Quesnoy. In World War 1 the town was in the German hands for nearly the whole of the War. Until the British announced war against Germany. The British asked the New Zealand navy force to fight for the British. It was one of the last major wars in World War 1 by the New Zealand Army. To this day the town of Le Quesnoy continues to mark the important role that New Zealand played in its history. That battle was the last battle Edward Rigby fought in. The day's action cost the lives of about 140 New Zealand soldiers. By Beth R

Arthur Eric Theodore Shepherd

Arthur was born in September 5th, 1910, when Arthur died he was 89 on the 14th July 2001. Arthur is from Sydney, Australia. When Arthur signed up to be in the war, his survives number was NX 72826. Arthur’s name was Captain AET Shepherd when in New Guinea… But retired as Lieutenant Colonel.

The Sportsman

In Eric's (Arthur) youth he attended Sydney boys high School where he represented the school in both rugby and cricket. In his final year at Sydney boys high school, in 1928 he was awarded the John Skyring cross memorial prize for sportsmanship. The first of many significant awards he was to be given.

An Army Marches On His Stomach

The soldiers in world war 2 had to eat different foods depending on where they were. If they were in camp or barracks they eat hot tasty freshly cooked food. If they were preparing to battle in the field, kitchens were sometimes set up so they still got fresh food. At the front soldiers ate preserved food - canned and dehydrated food. This is important to keep their spirits high and keep them healthy.

Uniform In World War 2

The original world war 2 uniform was a dark olive-dull cotton jacket (wool coat) with a sewn-on cloth belt (greens) and light-shade dull trousers.  By Maddie J

ARTHUR CRAWFORD

Arthur fought in the first world, he was born in 1877 on the 15 December. He died in 1918 on 09 June. The cause of his death was that he had too many wounds. Arthur's service number was 16282. He was married to Mis Isabella Cunnigham Crawford. Arthur won the MC ( Military Cross) for being conspicuous, gallantry and devotion.

ANZAC DAY

Anzac Day is a day when we remember people who fought in the First and Second World War. We celebrate it on the 25 of April.

WEAPONS IN THE FIRST WW

In the First World War there were several weapons used, such as the bayonet, cannon, grenade, tank, rifle and many more. There were over 21 types of weapons used.

WHY DO WE USE THE POPPY TO REMEMBER WW1

You may be thinking “Why do we use poppies to remember people in WW1”. Well, the answer is kinder cool. After the war poppies started growing in Flanders Field, in the colours red and black.  By Isabelle C

ALAN HUGH MILlER

Forward observation officer

A forward observation officer is someone who directs where thighs are friendly and not friendly.

Animals

Over 16 million animals served in the first WW1. Horses, Donkeys, Mules and Camels. They carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies

Medal

Alan Hugh Miller was awarded the military cross at the battle of Somme in France .1 million soldiers died or were wounded; he won it for showing bravery in battle. He was wounded while trying to save others. The military cross was the 2 highest medal at the time.

Life After war

After the war, Alan returned to his farm in Tokomaru Bay. He had two daughters. Shirley is my great-grandmother.

Weapons

The rifle was the most common weapon used. It had speed and accuracy.

The machine gun was crucial for defending trenches. All troops had hand grenades in ww1 for trench warfare.

Honour

In honour of Alan Hugh Miller all of the Porter males have Miller in their middle name. BY Toby P