Remuera Library Exhibition - from June 17 2015 - Auckland, NZ
"The Battle of Conscience" - La Bataille de la Conscience
Students from Baradene College of the Sacred Heart in Auckland, NZ and Lycée Professionnel Jean Macé, Chauny, France have worked together on a joint ambitious project to mark the anniversary of the First World War within the Shared Histories framework. The students researched the pacifist objection to war and those New Zealanders and French soldiers who deserted or...
Nous nous sommes rendus dans le cimetière militaire de Chauny afin de commémorer les soldats Britanniques, Allemands et Français ayant combattu durant la première guerre mondiale. Sur cette photo nous nous trouvons devant le cimetière français en présence du maire de Chauny, M.Lalonde, de notre assistant américain Geoffrey effectuant la lecture d'un poème écrit en français par une élève néo-zélandaise d'EPSOM ( Sarah-Louise ) et de notre proviseur, Mr Valentin. Les élèves de 1ére L1 se sont...
New Zealand and French students read poetry as a way of paying respect to the New Zealand soldiers who died in the Somme. Poems were read in Maori, French and the English language. We then laid a wreath and the New Zealand students sang a song in Maori. It was a great way to end the day and it was good to do this together. The students now understand very well that we both share a history for the First Wirld War.
Today the French students and the New Zealand students went on a day trip to the Chemin des Dames. They visited the underground museum called the 'Dragon's Cave' and walked to places on the battlefield. They learnt about the war and the 1917 Mutiny of French soldiers.
We visited the execution post in Pomeringe and then we went to the cemetery and found the graves of the soldiers who had been shot at dawn. This included a 17 year old Jamaican.
We were asked to put a larger photo of this image form the National Archives so it can be read more easily. It has been annotated when decoded. Hopefully this will be clearer to look at. It is the telegram announcing the execution of New Zealand soldier, Private Victor Spencer. [Archive File: AD1 767 22.30.74 'Courts martial of Pvt Victor Manson Spencer'.]
Work is progressing for the posters for the exhibition. This is first draft of the posters by the History students from Lycée Professionnel Jean Macé, in Chauny, France (formerly Lycée Professionnel Gay Lussac).
Looking back at 2014, all I can think about is how lucky I have been. I feel so inspired by the generosity that was shown to me by so many amazing people and that took me on the journey of a lifetime. I have developed a great love for remembrance and history and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in French culture, language, and history. The Young Ambassadors tour really made me connect authentically with the spirit of those who served a century ago. Being there, where they were. Where they...
Wow! it is really strange to think that it is already 2015 and that this time last year we were all finding out about being accepted into the young ambassadors and that we would be going to France. This opportunity was the absolute highlight of my 2014 and has given me some incredible memories and friends. Before we left I was nervous that the trip would be difficult with clashing personalities and being in each others company 24/7. I really needn't have worried, this trip and the programme has...
The photo is from the National Archives in Wellington. [ AD1 10/407/3] It shows conscientious objectors on the Waitemata troop ship being forcibly dressed in military uniforms.
Fourteen New Zealand Conscientious Objectors were secretly forced onto a ship and sent to France during the First World War. They were treated very harshly as the military authorities made efforts to intimidate the men, wear them down and break their spirit. They continued to resist, even though this made conditions...
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