VE Day

After six long years of fighting, World War II finally came to an end in 1945. The entire country was ecstatic and parties where thrown all over New Zealand to celebrate VE Day (Victory in Europe). For this task we had to imagine we were living in New Zealand in 1945 and are planning a VE party at your house, who we would invite and what we would do. I would invite my family gran parents, sibling e.c.t., all our friends, and everyone we know. I would have a huge fest and most of all hang out with everyone, just have a bit of fun group time after the long hard days.

Women at Work

Both men and women severed in WWII. Many women chose to enlist as nurses and be stationed overseas caring for wounded solders. For this activity we had to imagine that we one of the nurses working on one of the large medical ship, and finish this story...

One day you are walking along the deck of the ship when you hear a loud bang. You start to run as you see smoke coming from the far end of the ship. You run towards the room where your patients are waiting to receive treatment from the doctor. Just as you arrive at the door to their room you hear another loud bang and you, quickly sweep the door open and rush to the patients. Rushing to one bed to another trying to calm the men. Some of the men are wailing loudly and others are trying to get out of their beds. You look up to see there are no other nurses around to help, they must be searching the ship to see what happened, you reason. You are finally able to calm everyone down when one of the men cry "we're sinking, look there is water coming through the floor!" Everyone looks down and a new wave of panic spreads through the room, the men even more agitated than before. Suddenly your older sister Mary, and fellow nurse is at the door, "the ship is sinking" she cried, confirming the men's worst nightmare! Everyone is suddenly in at state of shock at the news, too scared to freak out. "Get the men to the lifeboats the others are sorting out the boats and will be here to help soon" Mary shouts trying to get hold of the situation. Mary and you take a end of a stretcher after laying a man down and rush out the door, you get there as more nurses rush behind you with stretchers. You make it to the lifeboats and drop the man you are caring down and start running back, after a few more trips you and the other nurses manage to collect all the men and sit them in the boats, then you push the boats onto the water. Then you and the other nurses hop into another boat, and slip it into the water too. You look back to see the ship disappearing from view, you finally let out a sigh after the panic everyone has calmed down all knowing tomorrow will also be as eventful as today.

A Call To Arms

Over the course of WWII, approximately 140,000 New Zealanders were sent over seas to serve in the war. Many were sent to fight in huge battles, including the Battle of the Atlantic that lasted for 2064 days or 5 years. The Battle of Atlantic came to a end in 1943, in large part due to the heroic efforts of people like Lloyd Trigg, a pilot from New Zealand. He was awarded a special medal from New Zealand Government for his bravery, it was called the Victoria Cross. For this task we had to chose a VC winner and learn more about them. I chose Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu, he was a second lieutenant in the 28th (maori) battalion. He fought bravely, though he had many injures. His team was successful in destroying a few machine-guns and holding their position in to the night. His medal was awarded to his family as he was unable to make it home.

An Eventful Experience

World War ll was made up of many battles and events. For this activity we to choose two key events and learn more about them. Here are my choices.

1939
3 September: Britain, France, New Zealand and Australia declare war on Germany

Britain and France declared war on Germany as Germany attacked Poland. New Zealand deceling war the same time as Britain.

4 October: New Zealand Goverment announces the formation of a Maori battalion of 2 NZEF

After waiting the Maori men could join the battalion of 2 NZEF, which was New Zealand's best fighting force.

Paying It Forward

In the mid-1930's, things began to change for the better in New Zealand. More people were able to find work and receive a steady paycheck. They were still careful, however, with their money and rarely, if ever, brought treats or gifts for one another. For this task we have to imagine that we are able to travel back in time to visit a family in the 1930's and give them gifts. I personally would take the Harry Potter books back because I believe that reading is important and these books are interesting to almost everyone. I would also like to take back some Cadbury chocolates like Boost and Crunchie bars.

Offering a Helping Hand

During this period, people struggled to find work both here at home and overseas. It was a really tough time for people living in the great plains of the United States because they were hit with a huge drought that lasted for most of the decade. Many of the crops were damaged an farmers were not able to make enough money to feed their families. For this activity we have to imagine we are there and have think up three ways to help make money for our family's. 

1. In summer grooming all the cats around the town.

2. Find and remove fleas in homes.

3. Go hunting with family and sell some of the meat.

Dealing with Stress

In New Zealand, many people lost their jobs during this decade. Experts predict that as much as 30% of the population was unemployed. It was a very stressful time for families. For this task we have to write about how we deal with stress. When I am stressed I like to read, or maybe watch a YouTube video, or possibly draw. When I am working on something at home to help me work I like to listen to some music, to help keep me calm and on task.