Historian and author Renée Hollis is searching New Zealand for untold stories of Kiwi women during World War II and their service in New Zealand and overseas.
After the success of her book Voices of World War II: New Zealanders share their stories (Exisle Publishing), Renée is now working on a social history project focusing on the experiences of New Zealand women during World War II, immersing herself in letters and diaries from women who helped keep the home fires burning or served overseas.
Sources could include those who can recall childhood memories of wartime, mothers raising children while their husbands were fighting overseas, volunteers, land girls, women who worked in the factories as well as the Red Cross, the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAACs), the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAFs), the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens), etc.
She is also very interested to hear about the experiences of New Zealand women who served overseas as nurses, pilots, ambulance drivers or entertainers, etc.
Letters and diaries must be submitted by 19 June 2022.
Material can be emailed to Renée at this address: newzealandsilentarmy@gmail.com
Or letters, diaries and photographs can be posted to:
Renée Hollis
P.O. Box 85 Nelson
7040
* Please make sure that you include a return address.
Renée understands how precious these items are and will take great care of them.
After she has read the material, she will return all items via courier.