Great War Exhibition ends its New Zealand Season on The Shore

More than 18,000 New Zealand casualties, including 5,000 deaths are being recognised this month with the final showing of the touring exhibition Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten on the North Shore this month.

The Exhibition opened at Fort Takapuna on October 4th, 92 years after the Battle of s’Gravenstafel - a great victory for the New Zealand Division which set the scene for the disastrous assault on Passchendaele eight days later.

North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams says the city is honoured to be the final host for the international exhibition.

"It is fitting, given Fort Takapuna, is where many soldiers were in camp before heading off to represent our country, that the exhibition should be held at this historic military site"

Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten. is the Belgian people’s way of demonstrating they have not forgotten the great sacrifice made by our boys 92 years ago.

Passchendaele Society Chairman, Freddy Declerck, says “New Zealand should know that we have done this to bring Passchendaele (or at least a part of it) to the country who brought the biggest sacrifice in relation to their population during World War 1.

"We hope we have brought some knowledge about our common history, your ancestors and your families so that the next generation will not forget what really happened on this battlefield called "Passion Dale" so that they can become the next generation of ambassadors for peace."

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Bloodiest Day Commemorated in Film: Release coincides with anniversary

A documentary marking the most disastrous day in New Zealand’s military history is due to be released this month coinciding with the anniversary of the conflict which remains, today, New Zealand’s bloodiest day.

Appropriately titled, 'Our Bloodiest Day', the 50 minute feature explores the New Zealand sacrifice on October 12, 1917 during the Battle for Passchendaele, where in just two hours more than 2800 men were killed, wounded or listed as missing in action.

Producer/Director, Lauren McKenzie believes "it is well past time the courage, commitment and comradeship exhibited by the soldiers who fought and died that day was more widely acknowledged and understood.

"While the voices of the past are now lost to us, we have endeavoured to ensure their memories and experiences are not lost to future generations, by talking with their loved ones and a new generation of Belgians who continue to treasure and honour our commitment to peace on their soil."

Passchendaele Society Chairman, Freddy DeClerck, who specialises in the New Zealand involvement, was one of those interviewed for the documentary."We here in Zonnebeke revere the sacrifice of so many of your young men on our soil and it is pleasing to at last see a film crew recording that event for new generations. This story is very dear to our hearts and we are pleased to support any effort to bring it more into focus for the people of your country."

While Gallipoli remains the key focus for New Zealanders on ANZAC day, it is hoped the documentary will give more prominence to the lives lost on the Western Front, and recognition, in particular, to the slaughter at Passchendaele.

Copies of the documentary can be ordered through the touring exhibition, Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten, or contact lauren@primrose.co.nz

Getting there: Ferries run regularly between downtown Auckland and Devonport. Contact Fullers Ferries: P: +64 9 367 9118

Exhibition venue & dates: March - November 2009 AUCKLAND: 4 OCTOBER - 15 NOVEMBER | Fort Takapuna, 170 Vauxhall Road, Devonport

ENDS

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