A surprise discovery in the 1980s unearthed the remarkable early twentieth century photographs of Berry & Co., now held in Te Papa's collection. Amongst the thousands of mystery images are more than a hundred of ordinary First World War servicemen, taken directly before the men left to fight. But who were they? A heartfelt public response has helped reunite many soldiers with their identities, and careful research has brought more to light. Though these soldiers represent only a tiny fraction of the thousands of men who departed to join the fighting overseas, through their poignant stories we are granted a remarkable lens on New Zealanders' experiences - their hope, anxiety, fear, pride and love - over the span of the Frist World War. Published alongside the TVNZ documentary, Berry Boys features the full collection of beautifully reproduced portraits, accompanied by the unique stories of the soldiers and their loved ones. Some died overseas, others lived long after the war and all were changed by it. Although they are only a fraction of the thousands of men who served, they offer a potent snapshot of the New Zealand of the time - and the changing face of the First World War itself.

About the Author
Michael Fitzgerald is Curator Colonial New Zealand at Te Papa, and has a particular interest in New Zealanders' wartime experiences and an in-depth knowledge of related collections at Te Papa. He is working on ongoing research into the life stories of soldiers and their families whose portraits were taken at the Berry & Co studio in Wellington.


Book Information
ISBN 9780994104120
Author Michael Fitzgerald
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Te Papa Press
Publisher Te Papa Press
Weight(grams) 1010g
Dimensions(mm) 280mm * 205mm * 17mm