For our final Artefact Unpacked for 2021, it seems fitting to make it festive! This make-shift flag featuring Santa Claus, was hand painted onto an old white sheet by several members of the crew of HMNZS Wellington, during Christmas of 1995. It was flown from the main mast on Christmas day, whilst Wellington was deployed to the Persian Gulf. Wellington was patrolling the waters of the Arabian Gulf, as part of the United Nations Multinational Interception Force, which was enforcing the United Nations sanctioned general trade embargo against Iraq, after their invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Wellington successfully detained a number of vessels transporting prohibited goods during her time there. Although very far away from home, the flag shows the kiwi sailors’ Christmas spirit. The ship returned to Auckland in February 1996. The flag was kept and eventually made its way to the museum in 2011.
By Collections Assistant Hannah Pym
More to explore.
Clothing in the Collection
Collections Assistant Lori has been working hard on a project to rehouse the museum’s extensive clothing collection.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2024
Uncovering the latest acquisitions to the collection.
First Aid at Sea in the Second World War
Medical personnel played a vital role at sea during the Second World War.
Vietnam War Propaganda Leaflets – Artefact Unpacked
We uncover some Vietnam war propaganda leaflets.
Grave Marker – Artefact Unpacked
Uncover a 178-year-old Grave Marker donated to the Navy Museum.
New Collection Items – Winter 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection during Winter 2023.
Looking back on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Looking back on coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection.
Fleet Air Arm Flight Jacket
Artefact Unpacked – Fleet Air Arm jacket made from leather and sheepskin.
Dear Midge
Letters sent by a sailor to his daughter during WW2.
Celebrating First Female Chaplain
Celebrating the achievements and career of Principal Chaplain Pauline Law ONZM (Rtd).
Naval Cloak
Naval Boat Cloak owned by Commander John Elworthy.
Santa Flag
This flag was hand painted by crew from HMNZS Wellington.
Five Power Defence Arrangements
The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) were established in 1971.
Sweetheart Badges
These tiny badges are known as ‘sweetheart’ jewellery.
Red Bicycle
Red Bicycle used by Naval personnel in Second World War.
The ‘Beating’ Heart of the Navy
The drum has always played a special role in the military.
Sailor’s Grave
This grave marker was made for Able Seaman William Simpson.
A sailor’s diary – Battle of Kolombangara
AB Johnstone remembers the Battle of Kolombangara in his diary.
Te Kiwi Māia T-shirt and Contemporary Collecting
This T-shirt is one of the new items acquired for the collection.
To a Mother, from a loving Son
Personal collection of Peter Allen including letters to his Mother.
Minesweeper’s Gloves
Minesweeper’s gloves were made by home crafters and sent to ship’s crews.
International Women’s Day
In celebration of 2021 International Women’s Day we highlight Ruth Herrick.
Love is in the air
Sub Lt Francis and his bride, L/Wren Patricia Rowe married in London in 1944.
Christmas Cards
View a selection of Christmas cards from the Museum’s collection.
He Rā Maumahara
He Rā Maumahara National Day of Remembrance of the New Zealand Wars
Oil on Velvet
Oil on velvet painting of HMS Diomede in Auckland during the 1930s.
Watercolour – Battle of the Falkland Islands
Watercolour depicting the Battle of the Falkland Islands, 8 December 1914.
Portable Altar
This wooden case contains a portable altar used at sea by Reverend Henry G. Taylor.
War Time Bank Note
Bank note issued in 1942 by Japanese government for use in Dutch East Indies.