A documentary marking the most disastrous day in New Zealand’s military history is due for release this month (October 12^th) coinciding with the anniversary of the conflict which remains, today, New Zealand’s bloodiest day.

Appropriately titled, ‘Our Bloodiest Day’, the 50 minute feature explores the New Zealand sacrifice on October 12, 1917 during the Battle for Passchendaele, where in just two hours more than 2800 men were killed, wounded or listed as missing in action.


Casualties on both sides were so bad an informal ceasefire was granted to allow stretcher-bearers to clear the wounded from the battlefield, a task which took nearly three days.

Producer/Director, Lauren McKenzie says October 12, 1917 is a significant date in New Zealand’s history, where more people died in a single day than any other day in our history.

The losses here, more in fact, than the combined total from the eruption of Mt Tarawera, the Hawkes Bay earthquake, Tanigwai rail disaster, sinking of the Wahine and Erebus.

“It is well past time the courage, commitment and comradeship exhibited by the soldiers who fought and died that day was more widely acknowledged and understood.

“While the voices of the past are now lost to us, we have endeavoured to ensure their memories and experiences are not lost to future generations, by talking with their loved ones and a new generation of Belgians who continue to treasure and honour our commitment to peace on their soil. “

Filmed during the 90^th anniversary of the Battle, the documentary reflects on the differences of experience and memory in the two countries, focusing on the historical value in the terms of today’s generation in developing a better understanding of the events of Passchendaele, how it affected our country, communities and individuals.

Passchendaele Society Chairman, Freddy DeClerck, who specialises in the New Zealand involvement, was one of those interviewed who was also able to facilitate the filming of people, celebrations, and history for this documentary.

“We here in Zonnebeke revere the sacrifice of so many of your young men on our soil and it is pleasing to at last see a film crew recording that event for new generations.

“This story is very dear to our hearts and we are pleased to support any effort to bring it more into focus for the people of your country.”

The documentary producer has a personal interest in that her great-uncle (while surviving Passchendaele) was one of the men who would later lose his life in Flanders fields.

But Lauren McKenzie says she had not appreciated the enormity of the battle for the Western Front, and the sacrifice of the New Zealanders, until she set foot on Belgian soil.

“Travelling to Europe to film the commemorations provided an opportunity to not only explore the meaning of Passchendaele and New Zealand’s role there, but also to put these events into today’s context, because they form a vital thread in our history to how New Zealand sees itself on the world stage today.”

While Gallipoli remains the key focus for New Zealanders on ANZAC day, she hopes the documentary will give more prominence to the lives lost on the Western Front, and recognition, in particular, to the slaughter at Passchendaele.

“It is a part of our history too few know far too little about. And that needs to change. For it is only when we understand how Passchendaele helped form our identity we can better know and understand ourselves and who we are.”




For more information:

Lauren McKenzie

Director

The Primrose Trust

P: 021 22 66 785

E: lauren@primrose.co.nz

Thank you, to each and every one of you, for your sacrifice.

I agree - this Doco is a "must see".

On a similar vein a book worth reading is "Massacre at Passchendale" by Glyn Harper.



Tony

Remembering.

Thank you for the freedom that I enjoy.

RIP

Scottie.

I was looking at this posting and checked my records for locals who fell ...

PATTON Archibald 1st Btn. 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade. KIA 12th october 1917. Service no. 18689. Aged 33, son of John and Sarah Patton of Tyanee, Portglenone. Buried Perth Cem. (China Wall) Ypres. Comm. 1st Portglenone Pres. Church.

McNIECE , John Alexander Pte. Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. 3rd Bn. KIA: 15th October 1917.Service No: 45107. Aged 30.Son of John and Esther McNiece, of Ballymatoskerty, Toome, Co. Antrim. Ireland. Comm. Tyne Cot Memorial.

As a follow up to our documentary we are now working on a book - detailing the stories (as many as we can find) of the 845 New Zealanders who died this day. Some of the information we have already unearthed is fascinating....the mine manager for example, who beat the unions during the strike of 1915 and was responsible for introducing changes which kept New Zealand's gold mines viable for the next 20 years. He was one of the two highest ranking officers killed that day. He had joined up in NZ because he was working here, but was English, and had previously fought in the Boer War.

We welcome..ANY and ALL information and photographs about the New Zealanders who fought and died in the October 12, 1917, battle.

Please send to lauren@primrose.co.nz.

Those interested in our documentary are welcome to also make contact.