This is the first reel of a three reel film documenting the arrival, training, hospitalisation and convalescence of New Zealand Expeditionary Force troops in the United Kingdom during World War One. It is a compilation of a number of films taken by a team of cameramen led by Staff Sergeant T. F. Scales who had been employed by the NZEF in arrangement with his employer Pathe Freres, which was a continuation of a pre-war agreement between Pathe and the NZ High Commission in London. Scales, much like his colleague H. A. Sanders who worked for the NZEF in France, was tasked with:
“1. Arranging and supervising the installation of cinematographs at Camps and Hospitals for the entertainment of troops and patients and for education purposes.
2. Selecting and arranging programmes and their circulation.
3. Taking pictures of life in the camps and any special events of interest to New Zealand.” (XFG 4/2255, 29 March 1919, ZWR9/18 NA WA 10/1/4).
This film fell into the third category, and was shown at a War Film Exhibition in London from the 28th to 30th of January. It was then sent to New Zealand in February 1919, where earlier Brigadier Richardson, the Officer in Charge of NZEF Administration, had reported to headquarters that:
“As the film depicted the life of a New Zealand soldier in England from the time of his disembarkation here until re-embarkation for New Zealand, showing the various stages for training for service overseas and of his treatment in Hospital Convalescent Camp, it was a very good piece of propaganda.” (Richardson to H2Q NZ Military Forces Wellington, XFQ 4/5279, 9 November 1918, NA 1A29/119)
Intertitles: “WITH THE NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. PART 1.”
“This film has been specially taken to show the arrival, training, Hospital treatment and recreation of our Troops.”
“Scenes on arrival of Reinforcements.”
The film opens with shots of the arrival of a New Zealand Reinforcement troopship at Liverpool in late 1917 and close ups of soldiers waving to, and poking face at, camera. Stores and officers’ luggage are unloaded. Soldiers assemble on the wharf and march off with their kitbags.
“New Zealand Infantry Training Camp, Sling. Marching into Camp.”
Scenes at the New Zealand Training Depot at Sling on the Salisbury Plains. Soldiers march across open field down to their tents, form up, then march off to a meal.
“First Inspection”
An inspection is held by Brigadier General Fulton, Major Skelly and Camp staff. Paybooks are checked, then haircuts and the ‘Bill Massey’ hobnail boots. Reinforcement officers are inspected and the reel closes with a gathering of camp staff under Brigadier General Fulton.
From notes by Chris Pugsley.