I painted this image as it depicts a group of New Zealanders at the Battle of the Somme shortly before many in the group died fighting alongside the British and French armies.

The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of WW1.

Deaths exceeded 1 million and, in proportion to New Zealand’s population, we lost a larger amount of lives than any other country involved.

I chose to use this image as I feel this huge loss for New Zealanders is not recognised in the way the soldiers who died in Gallipoli are.

The lives lost in the Battle of the Somme deserve recognition, as they also died fighting for our country.

Lily McDonald Year 10 French