12 November 2008
The 90th anniversary of the end of World War I was marked on 11 November 2008 at ceremonies across New Zealand, and in many other countries around the world.
The New Zealand Defence Force was represented at services both in New Zealand and offshore. Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rhys Jones attended a service in Cambridge, Brigadier Warren Whiting attended a large service in Verdun, France, and Air Commodore Gavin Howse laid a wreath on behalf of the NZDF at Bourail war memorial cemetery in New Caledonia.
NZDF personnel at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, held a joint remembrance service with other McMurdo personnel and staff from Scott Base.
In Wellington attendees braved cold, drizzly weather at the national commemorative service at the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
A 25-person Guard of Honour, and catafalque guards comprising personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force were paraded in support of the ceremony. A dawn to dusk Vigil was held over the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Music was provided by the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Two minutes silence was observed as the peace bell Rangimarie was tolled 11 times to signify the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Wreaths were laid by a number of dignitaries including the Governor General Anand Satyanand, outgoing Prime Minister Helen Clark, outgoing Defence Minster Phil Goff, Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Jack Steer and National President of the RNZRSA Robin Klitscher.
Background of Armistice Day:
Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the official end of World War on November 11, 1918. It commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
While the signing of the Armistice marked the official end of the war, the majority of New Zealand’s Expeditionary Force did not return home until 1919.
World War I was undoubtedly the most traumatic event in New Zealand’s history. From a population of a little over one million in 1914, the Dominion sent just over 100,000 soldiers overseas as members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the War.
In addition, many New Zealanders served with the British and Australian Armed Forces. The loss of 16,697 members of the NZEF overseas meant that approximately 15 in every 1000 New Zealanders became victims (in Britain the comparable figure was 16, in Australia 12 and Canada eight).
When deaths among NZEF personnel in New Zealand and those who died after discharge from the war-related conditions up to the end of 1923 are included, New Zealand's death toll rises to 18,166.
Since the end of the World War I, much attention in New Zealand has focused on the Gallipoli campaign, but it was the Western Front in France and Belgium where the majority of New Zealanders fought and the majority of casualties were suffered. Hardly a family was unaffected by these terrible losses, which continued to have a major impact on New Zealand society long after the end of hostilities.
Above right image caption: The Governor General inspects the guard. (OH08-0788-14tn)
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