In 1941, during the Second World War, journalist Peter Bates received a notice informing him that he had been called up for service overseas with the armed forces. Those conscripted were obliged by law to present themselves for service. Conscription was used during both world wars because the number of volunteers did not match the needs of the war effort.
Bates served with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was captured by enemy forces and interned in a camp in Italy, from which he escaped to Switzerland. Bates wrote histories of New Zealand's war participation in Greece, Crete and Egypt. His account of the Supply Company was part of the official history of New Zealand in the Second World War, published by the War History Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs.
Using this item
Alexander Turnbull Library, Peter Watson Bates Papers
Reference:
MS-Papers-4864-01
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