The late Rex Dawson was one of a number of Kaitaia men who served in J Force. Picture / Peter Jackson
Historian and author Renée Hollis is scouring the country for war stories, and is keen to hear any that Northlanders might have to tell.
After the success of her book Keepers of History: New Zealand Centenarians Tell Their Stories, she is now working on a social history project focusing on
the experiences of New Zealanders during World War II, immersing herself in letters and diaries from New Zealanders who served overseas or helped keep the home fires burning.
"I am looking for untold stories that give the reader a real insight into what life was really like during World War II," she said.
Sources could include those who served in all theatres, including J Force, nurses, whether they were Tui, who worked in military hospitals in war zones or at rehabilitation facilities in New Zealand, prisoners of war, or conscientious objectors who were imprisoned in New Zealand.
She is also anxious to collect stories from the Home Guard throughout New Zealand, the Women's War Service Auxiliary (Red Cross), the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAACs), the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAFs), the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens), and of men who did not serve due to the essential nature of their work in New Zealand
