The Building of the Gun Emplacements in the Marlborough Sounds (New Zealand) - 1942

First published in 1999, this is the remarkable story of the construction of the 6" Mk. VII Gun Emplacements in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds - during World War II:

The Marlborough Sounds are today, one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand tourism. They are a picturesque and expansive system of waterways, greatly enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Back in 1942 however, the New Zealand Government was determined to keep the advancing Japanese Military out of this pristine and strategic location. Accordingly, they embarked on an extensive programme of Fort building. (Something not known to most New Zealander's  then, or today).

This was no easy project, as the sites concerned were only accessible by sea. The construction challenges were daunting - and this book tells it all!

At 257 pages (excluding soft-back covers) this is an extremely well researched and written book. The authors have approached their topic from both from a human and technical perspective. This makes the book interesting. Rather than just being a compilation of "facts and figures", it is rich in reminisces and anecdotes - from those who were there.

The authors have managed to achieve a really nice balance between technical and human considerations - and this makes the book eminently readable by all.

Those who are familiar with the Marlborough area (especially older readers) will certainly identify with many of the contributors.

To summarise, this book is a really enjoyable read. It certainly belongs on the bookshelf of every Fortification enthusiast "Down Under" (and elsewhere). Lots of information - and very well illustrated. It is a valuable addition to the published history of the Nelson / Marlborough Region of New Zealand.

If you would like to purchase a copy (and I'd highly recommend that you do) - please contact Kerry Neal at: pneal@xtra.co.nz

The price of the book is NZ $45:00 (inc. GST) - and I think that is extremely reasonable for a book of this quality. Postage is additional - and will vary, depending on where you live. You will need to arrange this with Kerry.

"Military Heritage in Wellington Region" (New Zealand)

SITE O Member Peter Cooke has recently published a great new brochure on Military Heritage in the Wellington Region (New Zealand):

It contains 12 folds of information on the subject (including the covers) - and is an "absolute must" for any enthusiast visiting Wellington and wanting to check out its Military sites.

The brochure has been published in association with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Department of Conservation. Copies can be obtained from the Information Desk of the Wellington City Council Offices, or if this is not practicable - you can e-mail Peter at: petercooke@paradise.net.nz for details of his address and availability. (If you send him a stamped self-addressed envelope, he may be able to send you a copy).

The amount of information Peter has managed to put into this brochure is outstanding - and travelers will find it an awful lot easier to cart around than both volumes of "Defending New Zealand - Ramparts on the Sea". A really welcome addition to Wellington's published Military history.

Al Scadden