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Complete New Zealand World War II period photograph collection…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
6-Apr-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
Complete New Zealand World War II period photograph collection of images and documents related to Des McGovern of the 27th New Zealand machine gun Battalion. He embarked New Zealand as a private with the 4th Reinforcements in 1940. His service took him to north Africa and Italy as documented by his hundreds of photographs. He was commissioned during his service and returned to New Zealand in 1945 as a 2nd Lieutenant. The 27th New Zealand MG Ban. Was one of the most elite New Zealand Regiments during World War II. The images are largely annotated verso and are contained in two modern albums and include desert battle images, group photos, Tunisia, Crete and Tobruk, troopship images and tanks etc. Very few images exist of the 27th New Zealand MG Btn. Men in action, yet this rare album contains many. Also included are images from the camera of a German Paratrooper. An historic collection which warrants further research, including a full set of 27th MG Btn. Christmas cards. Some documents laminated but photos and most documents essentially perfect. Page 170 of the official history of the 27th New Zealand MG Btn. Mentions McGovern - 'The two mortars were too hot to move and were left behind after vital parts had been removed. Corporal brown's Vickers gun, assisted by fire from the other under mack, was taken back to the transport, where it engaged the enemy to cover mack's withdrawal. The No. 1 Gunner (private Mcgovern) knocked out a spandau not more than 50 feet behind Mack's gun, which nevertheless was surrounded and could not be moved. Mack and Privates Harrison, Baker and Hoggard remained with it and gave covering fire while the rest of the force withdrew to prepared positions at Fort Capuzzo. They kept their gun working until further resistance was impossible, and then rendered it useless by removing vital parts. 'Until such time as we were completely cut off' says Mack, 'I did not feel free to make any decisions regarding pulling out completely'. The four men stayed near a disabled tank until it was almost dark, when they hid under the tank. Twice German transport was brought up close and then retired. The men were not detected and snuck away when the moon set. On the way back they encountered a German light armoured vehicle. 'It was moving straight towards US....we sighted it first and just had time to stop together facing inwards in a kneeling position....our hope was to make a last-second evasive action when really close and out of the line of sight of the crew. At about twelve feet this became unnecessary when we were ourselves sighted and (mistaken for some battle debris) neatly semi- circumnavigated'. They reached the fort before dawn.'. Mcgovern also contributed photos to the official History. This collection is unique, unpublished and is of great importance.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Militaria & Weapons: Ephemera