Tudor Collins did several tours of the Pacific Islands on RNZN ships and the first images to come out are from trips on HMNZS Arbutus and HMNZS Bellona.
HMNZS Arbutus was a Corvette commissioned into the RNZN in late 1944 for WW2 service in the Pacific, after which she did a couple of, “showing the flag”, trips back into the Pacific during the late 1940’s.
HMNZS Bellona was a Dido class light cruiser whose service in the RNZN began in 1946.
Bellona made annual visits to the Pacific Islands through the late 1940’s and the early 1950’s and Tudor Collins went along to record the pomp and ceremony as well as the every day life of the Pacific Islands people.
Most of the images in the gallery below are from the Arbutus trips and some from the Bellona trips.
They come with virtually no documentation so if you recognise anyone in these photos, or the villages pictured, please leave a message on the blog or contact us through our web site.
More to explore.
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
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Grave Marker – Artefact Unpacked
Uncover a 178-year-old Grave Marker donated to the Navy Museum.
The Wartime Artwork of Owen (Miles) Spence
A selection of drawings from Owen (Miles) Spence from the Navy Museum collection.
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.
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.