U series

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Reference
56411
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Reference
56411
Media type
Audio
Item unavailable online
Credits
RNZ Collection
New Zealand Mobile Broadcasting Unit, Broadcaster

The European War series, or U-series, as it is known, consists of a set of 1472 disc recordings made by the New Zealand Mobile Broadcasting Unit during World War II, in North Africa and Italy.

The Broadcasting Unit sailed on 27 August 1940 with the third contingent of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF).

The unit was a three-man team, initially comprising N. R. Palmer, M. D. Laurenson, and N. B. Johnston. Noel Palmer who commanded the unit, was an assistant engineer from the National Broadcasting Service head office, Doug Laurenson was a 1ZB announcer and Noel Johnston was a 2YA technician. The three were given no rank but were accorded the status and privileges of officers. Command of the unit was taken over by A. L. (Arch) Curry from August 1943 when Palmer returned to New Zealand.