Nurse’s Uniform
This uniform was donated by Christina McDonald. She joined the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps in 1943 and was immediately seconded to HMNZS Philomel (Devonport Naval Base). She became the Sister in Charge of the brand new Royal New Zealand Naval Hospital.
In 1946 she reverted back to the Army and managed the hospital in Japan for the occupying J Force. She stayed there until 1949, when she returned to Philomel as the Matron of the RNZN Hospital. She left the hospital in 1956, later becoming the principal Matron of the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps before retiring in 1958.
More to explore.
First Aid at Sea in the Second World War
Medical personnel played a vital role at sea during the Second World War.
The Wartime Artwork of Owen (Miles) Spence
A selection of drawings from Owen (Miles) Spence from the Navy Museum collection.
The scuttling of the Graf Spee video
Short video of the scuttling of the Battleship the Admiral Graf Spee.
Fleet Air Arm Flight Jacket
Artefact Unpacked – Fleet Air Arm jacket made from leather and sheepskin.
Naval Cloak
Naval Boat Cloak owned by Commander John Elworthy.
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.
Minesweeper’s Gloves
Minesweeper’s gloves were made by home crafters and sent to ship’s crews.
Operation Struggle
Midget submarine XE3 carried out a successful attack on a Japanese cruiser.
Signalling Victory and Survival
White Ensign made by New Zealanders in a Japanese POW Camp.