An annotated bibliography for Kiwi involvement in WW2. The primary source for this subject is the The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945 (NZETC, 2005). It is very comprehensive extending to 50 volumes when I last counted – although many are general NZ history rather than WW2. It is available on-line, and if you search around you can find hard copies.
New Zealand
A brief summary of the various wars involving New Zealand, with additional details on the New Zealand Wars (1845-72), and Kiwis in World War II (1939-45) .
2 New Zealand (NZ) Division
Most Kiwis fighting during World War II fought as part of 2 New Zealand Division. For the moment I’ve just written aspects of their time in Italy 1943-45.
Timeline of New Zealand’s Involvement in WW2
So far I’ve just roughed out a skeleton on which to hang the detail of the Kiwi involvement in WW2.
Kiwi Vehicle Camouflage during WW2
During WW2 the 2 New Zealand Division adopted British camouflage patterns on their vehicles. This is one of my WW2 Painting Guides. I focus on the Italian Campaign because this is my particular interest. The illustrations are a small selection from Jeffrey Plowman and Malcolm Thomas’s books of the Kiwi Armour series. These are great resources with many more illustrations. I recommend them.
2 NZ Division Timeline – Sango River to Orsogna
This WW2 timeline picks up 2 New Zealand Division as they enter the line in Italy and goes through to the fighting around Orsogna.
WW2 Painting Guide: Kiwi and British in the Mediterranean 2006
During WW2 the 2 New Zealand Division adopted British uniforms. So this painting guide covers both Kiwi and British, but only in the Mediterranean. This is one of my WW2 Painting Guides.
2 NZ Division Timeline – Rimini Airfield, Italy
This WW2 timeline picks up 2 New Zealand Division as they, in conjunction with 3 Greek Mountain Brigade, approach Rimini. The timeline covers the period 12-21 Sep 1944.
Order of Battle of 2 New Zealand Division
Order of battle for 2 New Zealand Division during WW2. The organisations are primarily based on Phillips (1957, p. 27), Doherty (1999), and Plowman, J. and Thomas, M. (2000, 2002). I have ignored HQ (unless it included armoured vehicles), transport, support, administration, and band elements.
Wargaming the Battle for Ruapekapeka Pa
The Battle for Ruapekapeka Pa (‘The Bat’s Nest’) was the last engagement of Hone Heki’s War.
New Zealand’s Wars: Kiwis fighting at home and abroad
I had been studying Luso-Spanish military history for many years when a friend asked me: “What do you know about your own history? New Zealand History?” Frankly, at that time I had to admit I knew virtually nothing. I have tried to overcome that ignorance, although I’ve never quite managed to write up very much.
Challenges of Wargaming the New Zealand Wars
The New Zealand Wars pose a severe challenge for the wargamer. The challenge derives from a combination of the following three factors:
Wargaming the Battle of Te Ahuahu
There is much in the description of the Battle of Te Ahuahu that can inform a wargaming refight.
Wargaming Boulcott’s Farm 16 May 1846
Brief thoughts on wargaming Boulcott’s Farm (16 May 1846).
Timeline of Hone Heke’s War 1845-46
The first of the New Zealnd Wars has several alternative names, including The First Maori War, The Northern War, and Hone Heke’s War. I prefer the last name as it was Hone Heke that started the war and gave it real flavour. And Hone Heke is one of my two favourite characters of the NZ wars (the other is Titokawaru – more on him later).
Timeline of the First Taranaki War 1860
In early June the Atiawa and Ngati Maniapoto allies began building a pa at Puketakauere, a mile from the British field base at Camp Waitara and in full sight of it. This posed certain problems for the British. It restricted their movement, and endangered their supply lines and the security of the camp.