After Armistice: dealing with the effects of war
As we commemorate the 101st Armistice Day, it's timely that we reflect on the aftermath of the First World War; not only the massive scale of loss, but also the ongoing suffering experienced by those who returned from the first industrialised war.
Arriving in back in Wellington, Colonel Evans pointedly reminded the soldiers of those left behind: “Remember,” he said, “When you go ashore you are not heroes. The heroes lie in France”. Having lost their comrades in the thousands, the soldiers hardly needed to be reminded of their 'luck' in making it through. Yet for those who survived, the physical and mental toll of the war was immense and for many unspeakable. Each service person confronted the psychological and emotional impact of a war unprecedented in its violence in their own personal way.
One soldier who suffered through his war service was Private Ivor Norman (Norm) Fleet 31249. A bushman who enlisted in Taumarunui, Fleet fought with the Wellington Infantry Regiment and received gunshot wounds to both legs during a clean-up operation at Bellevue Spur on 22 October 1917. His right leg was later amputated and he eventually returned to New Zealand where simply carried on with his life, marrying Elsie Petley in 1928, building his own house and forging a long and productive career. Norm rarely spoke of the war and relatives only recall seeing him in tears as his nephews left for the Second World War; a small clue to the pain that returned servicemen held inside. Like Norm, millions suffered silently in the aftermath. Today we honour their service and acknowledge the immeasurable suffering that came from it.
Lest we forget.
Find out more about Armistice Day and the Museum's collections here. www.aucklandmuseum.com...
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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