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A documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli which includes recollections of events from World War I, World War II and the Korean War, interspersed with music and Bible verses. It opens with a medley of voices of speakers who feature in the programme.
Where have all the flowers gone sung in German by Marlene Dietrich
Wanda Hall, daughter of Professor G.W. von Zedlitz of Victoria University, details the backlash her father and family experienced during World War I because of his German ancestry.
Cliff Emeny of Stratford, air crewman in World War II, recalls the grief suffered by the bride of a Scottish friend who was shot down the afternoon after his wedding. Aircrew like him became remote from the results of their attacks. He is thankful for his experiences as a prisoner of war (POW) in a Japanese camp. He was concerned that his children did not realise the true nature of war, which forced him to discuss his experiences with them.
Army chaplain, Reverend G.D. Falloon of Timaru, recalls four images of war he will never forget.
Canon Wi Huata of Hamilton, the Māori Battalion padre, describes his first action in Italy and the initial excitement being replaced by fear. He called out to God to help them.
Tai Paul of Rotorua, a member of the Māori Battalion, was blinded in the North African desert, in June 1942 at Minqa Qam. He talks about how he recovered and was determined to overcome his disability.
An unidentified male interviewer speaks with Mrs Horowai Maniapoto [Hiria Ngarimu] and Mrs [Maraea] Ngarimu, sister and mother, of Lieutenant Ngarimu, Victoria Cross. His sister describes the family's reaction to his death and how they felt the tremendous loss. They were pleased about the V.C. but would have preferred to have him back. Mrs Ngarimu speaks briefly about her son's death.
A reading of the United Nations preamble.
Mrs Lightfoot, of Palmerston North and formerly of Holland, recalls the bombing of the Netherlands. The Germans took everything they could. The Jews were treated like sheep packed into trains and trucks. After a time we knew they were going to be killed. She does not hate Germans but does not like or love them. There is resentment when they come and spend money in shops in Netherlands.
Song by Marlene Dietrich.
Archdeacon James Young, chaplain in the Pahiatua refugee camp, remembers how they hated the term 'displaced persons'.
A Quaker, Edward Dowsett of Auckland, was a conscientious objector in World War I. He recalls how he appeared before a court martial at Trentham Camp. He was sentenced to two years hard labour. He first served in Wellington's old Terrace Jail. He was assigned a job that was never finished and no progress was ever made. Waikeria Prison was easier as their work was in developing the land. He holds no grudge against the government and was prepared to take the consequences.
Bill Spratt of Timaru, who was gassed in World War I, says he felt the need to do his duty. At the battle of the Somme he was gassed badly and couldn't speak. He had been training to be a professional singer but gas upset that. He is against war but sometimes force has to be used. War is dirty but brings out the good as well as the bad.
Where have all the flowers gone.
Rear Admiral Sir Peter Phipps, Chief of Defence Staff: World War II - he was bitter about loss of life through lack of proper preparation and training.
Turkish Army soldiers' views of Gallipoli (excerpts of a speech made to military cadets, from Radio Ankara) They were fighting in a just cause, defending their country and the result was a triumph of justice. They feel gratitude to men who fell at the Dardanelles. The Turkish Army believe the ANZAC forces were worthy opponents and are now still our friends. They send greetings to Australia and New Zealand.
Turkish music followed by a reading from the Bible.
Bob Keenan of Dunedin who served in the Korean War and later married a Japanese woman. He says she has had no problems in New Zealand and has adopted European ways. War made him appreciate what we have in New Zealand and made him work harder.
Mrs Toni Thacker of Greymouth, who is a German bride. She was living in the British sector of Germany after World War II and didn't look on the British as enemies.
Arthur Thompson of Wellington fits artificial limbs on war amputees. He says some adapt faster than others. Most of them have adapted well by now.
Reading of a letter by a war amputee. He hates war and doesn't believe it brings tolerance or understanding. He has no regrets as he volunteered.
Angus Miller of Timaru, a 200% disabled airman. He had third degree burns, numerous fractures and is now almost immobile. He is biased against those who made war inevitable. He used to pray for death when he was in hospital but now each day is a bonus. He believes it should be compulsory for all people in all nations to attend screenings of documentaries showing concentration camps. Nobody wins a war, not even the victors. He is still in constant pain and uses his eyes and ears more now.
Music, a Bible reading and a song by Marlene Dietrich.
Douglas Smith, a former broadcaster, recalls Hiroshima and a visit he made after the bombing. Only the survivors of Hiroshima understand the implications of war and peace in the twentieth century.