Fast Facts - New Zealand: The First World War

Summary

World War 1, a political power struggle, saw New Zealand join as subjects of the British Empire. Thousands of Kiwi men volunteered, with nearly 50% of military-age men serving in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. The first mission was to capture German-controlled Samoa, followed by battles from Gallipoli to the Middle East. Over 2,500 Maori and Pacific Islanders fought alongside, and 500 women served as nurses. The war ended on November 11, 1918, with 18,500 New Zealand soldiers dead and 40,000 wounded. ANZAC Day commemorates their service.

Takeaways

• 🌐 World War 1 was a global conflict arising from political tensions and power struggles.
• 🏰 The main factions were the Allies and the Central Powers, which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
• 📅 On August 4, 1914, Britain declared war, marking the beginning of New Zealand's involvement in the war.
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand joined the war as part of the British Empire, with its citizens volunteering out of a sense of pride and duty.
• 👥 Nearly 50 percent of New Zealand's military-age men served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces.
• 🏝️ The first military action for New Zealand was to capture German-controlled Samoa, which was achieved without resistance.
• 🛫 Traveling to Egypt for training was a new experience for many Kiwi soldiers, as it was their first time overseas.
• 👮‍♂️ Over 2,500 Maori and Pacific Islanders served alongside the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
• 👩‍⚕️ In addition to men, 500 women served as nurses, with 10 losing their lives when their ship was sunk by a German U-boat.
• 🔥 New Zealand soldiers fought in numerous battles across different fronts, including Gallipoli, the Western Front, and the Middle East.
• 🕊️ The war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, after five years of fighting.
• 🕯️ By the end of the war, 18,500 New Zealand soldiers had died, and at least 40,000 more were wounded.
• 💐 ANZAC Day commemorates and honors the service and sacrifice of those who served in the war.

Q & A

What was the main cause of World War 1?

World War 1 was a result of a political power struggle, with the Allies on one side and the Central Powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, on the other.

When did Britain declare war, and how did New Zealand join the war?

Britain declared war on the 4th of August 1914. New Zealand joined the war not as an independent country but as proud subjects of the British Empire.

What was New Zealand's first role in World War 1?

New Zealand's first role in the war was to capture German-controlled Samoa, which was achieved with the German governor surrendering with no resistance.

What was significant about the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces' participation in the war?

Incredibly, almost 50 percent of men of military age served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, indicating a high level of involvement from the population.

Did only men serve in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War 1?

No, over 2 and a half thousand Maori and Pacific Islanders served alongside the men, and 500 women served as nurses.

What tragic event occurred involving the nurses during World War 1?

Ten nurses paid the ultimate sacrifice when their ship was sunk by a German U-boat.

In which regions did New Zealand soldiers fight during World War 1?

New Zealand soldiers fought in battles from Gallipoli to the Western Front and the Middle East.

When did World War 1 officially end?

World War 1 ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

What was the casualty count for New Zealand soldiers by the end of World War 1?

By the end of the war, 18,500 New Zealand soldiers had died, and at least another 40,000 were wounded.

What is the purpose of Anzac Day?

Anzac Day honors those who served in war, commemorating their sacrifices and service.

Why was it significant for Kiwi soldiers to travel to Egypt for training camps?

Traveling to Egypt for training camps was often the first time the Kiwi soldiers had been overseas, indicating the scale of the adventure they were embarking on.