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Kiwi of the Week

Rene Shadbolt

René Shadbolt led the only New Zealand contingent to the Spanish Civil War. She and fellow nurse, Isobel Dodds, cared for wounded soldiers, particularly those from the International Brigades, from July 1937 to November 1938.

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Today in History

20 May

1941 German paratroops assault Crete

The Battle for Crete raged for 12 days before the Allies were driven off the island. Casualties were high on both sides. More than 650 New Zealanders were killed and 2000 taken prisoner. more...

Internal links

The battle: days 1-3 - The Battle for Crete Peter Fraser

External links

Official history of the Battle for Crete (NZETC)

1773 NZ's first sheep released

During his second voyage to New Zealand James Cook released a ewe and a ram from the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) in Queen Charlotte Sound. They survived only a few days, an inauspicious start to this country's long association with sheep. more...

External links

Cook's Three Voyages (Te Ara)
James Cook biography (DNZB)
Whakatu tribes (Te Ara)
Agricultural production (Te Ara)
Sheep images and media (Te Ara)
Life of James Cook (Google Books)

Loss of the <em>City of Dunedin</em> with all hands

1865 Loss of the City of Dunedin with all hands

The paddle steamer City of Dunedin departed Wellington at around 5 p.m. on Saturday 20 May. It was never heard from again and no trace was ever found of its 25 crew and at least 22 passengers.

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