World War 1 Resources

Trentham Camp Instructor with wife and child at Upper Hutt Home

The outbreak of World War 1 led to many young men leaving the Upper Hutt district to fight overseas. At the same time the establishment of a military training camp at Trentham led to an influx of new people to the area to work either as camp staff or in various support services. These included British Army officers recruited by the New Zealand Defence Department to serve as camp instructors.

One of these was Captain Arthur Brocks, seen here with his wife Annie and son Basil in the grounds of their home, "Brentwood". This was located near the camp in Ruahine Street, which is now a suburban neighbourhood but was then largely farmland and bush. Captain Brocks had served in Gallipoli (where he was wounded) and France and was a recipient of the Military Cross. He had been a member of the Imperial Army Gymnastic Staff when he was recruited by the New Zealand Defence Department to train new recruits at Trentham. Captain Brocks had been specially selected because of his expertise in bayonet-fighting and physical exercise.

Captain Brocks was retained by Trentham Camp after the War and he and his family continued to live in Upper Hutt for several more years. 

 

Further information

"Up-to-date Training: Expert in Bayonet Fighting" Evening Post, 29 September 1917's

Keeping Soldiers Fit: Childrens Games Played