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The photos on this site provide a vivid, glimpse into the war in North Africa between 1940-43. Taken by the ordinary New Zealand soldier, they portray the scenes that these men thought worthy of recording. A large number of these pictures have been acquired from my grandfather who either photographed them himself, purchased them from army camp outlets or was given them by his mates in the field. He served with the 4th New Zealand Field Regiment, 2nd New Zealand Division as a gunner on a 25 pounder field gun. He saw action throughout both the North African and Italian campaigns until he was sent home in early 1945. Of particular interest are some of the Afrika Korps photgraphs. These were taken by German soldiers themselves and were either found by New Zealanders on the battlefields or "souvenired" from Afrika Korps prisoners. Other interesting pictures I have chosen are those of destroyed enemy armour, artillery and aircraft which naturally were a favourite photographic subject of the soldier in the field. The desert landscape was one of bleak isolation and harsh, searing heat. By day the men had to contend with swarms of flies, relentless sun and the ubiquitous, intrusive sand while at night, minus zero temperatures and the desert for a bed. The sacrifices and hardships these men endured were outstanding. In the future I will be developing this site further. n.b. If you have
any privately taken photographs of the desert war, I would like to see
them, especially Afrika Korps pics.
I am also seeking any information on the Afrika
Korps unit
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| all correspondence is welcome at: phil@bphprint.co.nz |