HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V REVIEWING NEW ZEALAND TROOPS ON SALISBURY PLAIN

This film shows the inspection of New Zealand troops during World War One at Bulford Field by King George V on 1 May 1917. It was shot by T. F. Scales for Pathe Freres before his enlistment as Official Photographer NZEF (UK). Pathe Freres had an ongoing agreement with the New Zealand High Commission for the filming of important events.

Brigadier-General Herbert Hart's diary records it was a “[b]eautiful day. The troops commenced moving out of Sling Camp at 9 o'clock, to the review ground on Bulford Field. 7000 New Zealanders were present. 4th [NZ] Brigade 4000. From Sling 1500, Codford Command 1000. Engineers, ASC, Cadets, and a few mounted. At 11.30 the King arrived accompanied by Generals Godley, Scalter, King... and Richardson and Ian Hamilton, also Mr Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, and the High Commissioner. The King inspected the assembled troops then took the march past. Then he presented some medals, the senior officers and women present were ‘presented’ to him and he left by a special train at one o'clock. The politicians then addressed the troops briefly and we returned to Sling Camp." (H. Hart, The Devil’s Own War: The Diary of Herbert Hart, 2009, p.176)

Features: Colonel V. S. Smyth; King George V; Brigadier F. E. Johnston; General Sir Alexander Godley; Brigadier General George Richardson; General Sir Ian Hamilton; Brigadier-General Herbert Hart; William Massey; Sir Joseph Ward; Sir Thomas Mackenzie; Christina Massey; Lady Ward, Major T. R. Eastward; Major C. B. Brereton.