In today's world of instant world wide communications it is easy to forget just how isolated people on the 'home front' felt during the First World War. Most combat was taking place on the opposite side of the world from New Zealand, and photographs from Gallipoli took six months to arrive and be printed. Even the newsreels showing 'the front' and army camps were screened months after the events happened. So, a glimpse of the men in command of the allied armies provided some sense of control and connection.

General Foch was an innovative commander and one who was big enough to admit mistakes and learn from them. On the 26th of March 1918 this French General was appointed the head of all Allied forces- a big change from the previous squabbling between the British and French commands. Foch's authority did not extend to overruling national commands, but he could at least coordinate strategy and direction of battle and by being the 'head' of all armies he could shelter his subordinate commanders from political interference. 

In today's world of instant world wide communications it is easy to forget just how isolated people on the 'home front' felt during the First World War. Most combat was taking place on the opposite side of the world from New Zealand, and photographs from Gallipoli took six months to arrive and be printed. Even the newsreels showing 'the front' and army camps were screened months after the events happened. So, a glimpse of the men in command of the allied armies provided some sense of control and connection. 

General Pershing was the commander of the American Forces, who entered the war on the Allied side in 1917. Pershing adamantly refused to integrate his troops into the other Allied armies, preferring to fight for the most part as a separate force. His men were ill-trained for the realities of trench warfare and suffered terrible casualties but by sheer numbers made an impact on the front line.

Judging by the consistent hand colouring this slide was part of a set made in 1918. MAVtech has others from this series on Kete.

In today's world of instant world wide communications it is easy to forget just how isolated people on the 'home front' felt during the First World War. Most combat was taking place on the opposite side of the world from New Zealand, and photographs from Gallipoli took six months to arrive and be printed. Even the newsreels showing 'the front' and army camps were screened months after the events happened. So, a glimpse of the men in command of the allied armies provided some sense of control and connection. 

General Joffre was a senior commander of the French Army who won early victories during the war. However, a string of losses eroded his position and by the time this slide was made he was likely no longer in direct command and instead had an advisory role. 

Judging by the consistent hand colouring this slide was part of a set made in 1918. MAVtech has others from this series on Kete. These slides were certainly shown in cinemas, but may also have been shown via magic lanterns to smaller audiences as well.

This was the slide that everyone wanted to see. It was made to celebrate the successful end of the First World War and was shown in cinemas of jubilant crowds.

But it didn't go to plan.

The returning troops brought with them strains of influenza which struck communities with a vengeance. Medical staff were ill equipped to deal with this new invisible enemy and the government was forced to close cinemas, along with many other public places.. A month later the cinemas opened again, but with an influenza which claimed 8,573 lives the slide would have been shown to a more muted audience 

MAVtech's collection holds many cinema slides- but this is one of the most intriguing. Unlike almost every other slide it has no writing on it (including on the edges) and is striking arranged with lots of 'blank space'. 

What was it used for?

It is impossible to be certain- but it probably celebrated the victory of the British Empire after World War One. The slide was found in a box with many other First World War slides, including one celebrating the victory. Although New Zealand's flag was flown by ships since 1869 (and was 'official' since 1902) it wasn't formally flown in battle until the Second World War, so the presence of the Imperial Union Jack would have made a lot of sense on a local slide. 

(The New Zealand flag was flown during the Gallipoli campaign at Quinn's Post- however this was unofficial and not ordered by the military command).

Britannia, the human personification of Britain, sits at the bottom of the slide.

Typed on damaged piece of paper sellotaped to back: “Perhaps 1918 Peace Procession. Miss M. McKegg was the successful Carnival Queen (Later Mrs Easton). Mr Vickers dressed as John Bull.”

Children lead the Armistice Day Peace Parade, along Oxford Street and west down Queen Street in 1918. The photograph is takenacross the Oxford Street and Queen Street intersection looking west towards the Levin Hotel. There are flags across the intersection and hanging from buildings.

1 B&W photo print, mounted (composite)

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Group of men who have dressed up for the Armistice Day Peace Parade 1918. This group poses in Oxford Street just north of the Oxford Street, Queen Street intersection.

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Procession passes the Arcadia Hotel on the corner of Oxford and Bath Streets during the Armistice Day Peace Parade 1918. In the background up Bath Street the Tararua Range can be seen.

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Two drummers lead a number of men in army uniform march northwards along Oxford Street during the Armistice Day Peace Parade, 1918. This photograph has been taken from the site of Levin School on Oxford Street.

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Photos glued to page cut from album.

Don Mathieson, Tom Vincent and Ken Aitken during the 1918 Armistice Day Peace Parade. Don Mathieson is dressed in a “kilt” with a large paste brush for a sporran, Tom Vincient is dressed in a suit and Ken Aitken is dressed asa clown.

1 Sepia tone print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Photos glued to page cut from album.

Ken Aitken dressed as a clown during the 1918 Armistice Peace Parade in Levin.

1 Sepia tone print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

An abandoned float on the western side of Oxford Street, late in the afternoon of the Armistice Day Peace Parade, 1918. A group of unidentifed men stand on the road to the right of the photograph and a boy climbs on a ladder behind the abandoned float.

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Written on back with black ballpoint pen: “Oxford Street, Levin. Victory Parade, 1918.”

Part of the procession during the Armistice Day Peace Parade,1918. This section of the parade features a small girl carrying a flag, Mr Rere Nicholson wearing a feather korowai (cloak) and hat, and a brass band. In the background are commercial businesses on the western side of Oxford Street

1 B&W photo print

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “Rere Niccolson, Celebration.”

Mr Rere Nicholson poses while dressed in korowai (cloaks) and holding a taiaha at the time of the Armistice Day Peace Parade, 1918. Behind Mr Nicholson are commercial buildings on the western side of Oxford Street.

1 B&W photo print

See also 2000.526.0005

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Inscription on reverse reads: “A class after the 1918 fire of the Foxton Promary School. Hall belonged to Brethren now the Lions”

Foxton School class outside the Park Street Hall after the fire which destroyed the Foxton School in 1918.

Photograph of an old photograph.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Written on back with black ballpoint pen - Celebrations at end 1914-18 way Oxford St. Pinks in background & I think Jing lee Shirley Tremewan

Penciled on back -

Appears to have been removed from a photo album.

Mr Rere Nicholson, Armistice Day Peace Parade, Oxford St., 1918 1 B&W photo print

Mr Rere Nicholson poses while dressed in korowai (cloaks) and holding a taiaha at the time of the Armistice Day Peace Parade, 1918. Behind Mr Nicholson are commercial buildings on the western side of Oxford Street.

See also – Acc.# 2000.524.0003 (copy)

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Scottish soldier seated in front of a backdrop of a garden.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Group photograph of a soccer team. ‘Barrhead & District League 1913-14’ on the shield. There is a trophy each side of the shield and a soccer ball in the centre front. Inset is a trophy and a photograph. Uncle Stewart Kellock is 4th from the left in the back row.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Photograph of Bd. V.D. Hastee of the 94th Battery R.7.A. Deepcut. Frimley. Hants. Note says, ‘I should like a letter if you can spare time’. This is a New Year greeting originally a Christmas but the Christmas has been crossed out and replaced with the New Year. Addressed to Mrs A. Kellock, 109 Filpark Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Two soldiers in Battledress wearing their war ribbons.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Baby on a chair.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Mother with Freddy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Soldier in front of a backdrop.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Young gentleman. Serious disposition. He is wearing a fob chain over his waistcoat.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Seaman standing with arm resting on a post.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Gentleman with a young girl at his side. The man is sitting in a very ornate chair.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Young man in military dress, he is wearing leather putties and a slouch hat. On the back of the postcard ‘(Beginning is indecipherable) Nan – A thousand thanks for all your trouble with my “wife” and myself. Am now awaiting sailing orders at Sutton Very?. Every good wish for a bright and happy future. Yours very sincerely (difficult to read signature) Sy A ?

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Painted postcard of a sailor by a shrine. I think this is a commercially produced card by the comments on the back of the card. ‘16 July 1916. Dear Agnes, I hope this leaves you in the best of health as it leaves me at present I am sorry I cant get any letters to C in ? but we cant get out to well as I would do better and hope you are in the best of health this will resemble me waiting on you write soon Goodbye with love from M Actin x x x

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Painted postcard of a girl. The name Gloria is etched on the lower right corner. On the back of the postcard. ‘Dear Agnes, This is another kind? P C from franie they are about the only thing of any good in the Country. I will be home on leave if God spares me about the end of Feb or March. you might tell Lluant to write. Good bye Dear Your M Actin x x x

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”