Soldiers place names

The call to arms for the First World War saw New Zealand men from all walks of life enlist, leaving our shores to fight and in many cases die.

World War 1 through place names: A soldier stands at attention on a memorial plinth. The soldier's head is bowed and they hold a rifle pointed downward.

The France Contingents tour of battlefields in Belgium as part of the World War 100 (WW100) commemorative events and programme.
Image: New Zealand Defence Force

Scarcely any family in New Zealand was not affected by the war – whether it was a family member, or a friend, everyone knew someone who had gone to fight. Memorials and place names through the country bear silent testament to bravery of the soldiers – the rank and file – who went to fight.