Gallipoli wounded arrive home on the Willochra

The first large group of men wounded at Gallipoli to return to New Zealand arrived in Wellington on the Willochra in mid-July 1915 as part of a draft of around 300 men. Their welcome began even before the ship reached the wharf. 

The Willochra arrived at about midnight on 14 July 1915 and anchored in the harbour. In the morning the prime minister, the minister of defence and representatives of the military and the press went on board. Some relatives also took boats out to the ship – they were not allowed on board but were able to exchange greetings with the men.

Most people caught their first glimpse of the returning men as the ship arrived at Glasgow Wharf in the afternoon. About 2000 people - next of kin, officials and journalists – waited in a reserved area alongside the berth.

The government had arranged free railway travel to the main ports to enable next of kin to meet their menfolk. The general public assembled outside this area, on adjacent wharves and along the route from the ship to the official reception at the Town Hall. With most of the city observing a half-holiday, the streets were busy. Members of the public crowded the Town Hall galleries, while on the ground floor the men, their next of kin (those who had passes) and officials were served light refreshments. Men not fit enough to attend the reception were sent directly to hospital or – if they were destined for another port – stayed on the Willochra, where they could be visited by next of kin.

Men returning to Auckland or another town accessible via the North Island Main Trunk Line travelled on a specially outfitted ‘Red Cross train’ that evening. Some were accompanied by next of kin. They received further welcomes along the way. Those still on board were welcomed again at Auckland Railway Station before processing in motor cars to an official reception at the Town Hall.

Men bound for Canterbury and Otago left Wellington on the Willochra on 16 July, with some accompanied by next of kin. They received similar welcomes in Lyttelton and Port Chalmers, and as they reached Christchurch and Dunedin. Comparable arrangements were made, or rail or steamer passes provided, for men returning to regions such as the West Coast. Some of the men were welcomed again as they arrived back in their home towns and suburbs.