HMS NEW ZEALAND
This first episode from the third series of Great War Stories chronicles HMS New Zealand, a navy battleship that served in the Royal Navy (New Zealand didn’t have a navy in World War I). The ‘first-class battleship’ was paid for by New Zealand to aid British sea power. Nearly half the population of New Zealand visited the ship when it visited in 1913. Its role in the Battle of Jutland is explored, including a ‘lucky charm’ piupiu worn by its captain in battle. The series of short documentaries screened during TV3’s nightly news, as part of Great War centennial commemorations. Thanks to NZONSCREEN.
New Zealand didn’t have a Navy in WWI? We did – it was called the Royal Navy. New Zealand contributed money and personnel, and as the piece says a Battle Cruiser HMS New Zealand.
During WWI, New Zealand provided funding for the Royal Navy, and New Zealanders were a part of the ships’ companies of RN ships operating across the globe. HMS New Zealand participated in the major naval actions of the war, and was one of the few Invincible class battle cruisers to come through the war unscathed. New Zealand’s other vessel HMS Philomel conducted operations mainly in Middle East waters before returning to New Zealand for a refit in 1917, and was alongside for the remainder of the war.
New Zealand personnel made other contributions – Lt George Sanders was awarded a Posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions against German submarines when in command of the Q Ship HMS Prize off Ireland in 1917. Lieutenant Commander Bernard Freyberg commanding Hood Division of the Royal Naval Division; was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership of the Division in France, and went on to command the New Zealand Division in World War II and become Governor General of New Zealand in 1946.
A task force of HM Ships Psyche and Pyramus escorted ships carrying 1400 troops to capture the German colony of Samoa 1500nm north of New Zealand to deny the German Fleet a refuelling depot.
So, in WWI, there may not have been a RNZN, but New Zealand had one of, if not the largest navy in the world.