Broadcaster Ulric Williams introduces a partially scripted 'interview' with three New Zealand J-Force soldiers about their recent visit to Hiroshima, about a year after the dropping of the atomic bomb.
The men interviewed are Johnny Overend of Christchurch [military service number 49397], Larry Zampese of Greymouth [637559], and Johnny MacNab of Point Howard, Eastbourne, Wellington [635978].
They talk about the ruins of the city and the extent of the damage. They comment that the residents seemed to be still in shock, although plants are still growing and small gardens have been established despite the radiation. They discuss souvenirs they brought back, such as glass bottles melted by the blast. Trams are running again in some places and shops have reopened.
Mr MacNab recounts a conversation he had with a German priest about what the day of the bombing was like.
They end by sending Christmas greetings to their families. Mr Zampese sends his greeting in Italian to his parents in Greymouth.
This recording is one of a series made by the New Zealand Broadcasting Service unit stationed with J Force troops in Japan, 1946-1948. The recordings were sent back for playing on radio in New Zealand as part of the series 'With the Kiwis in Japan.'
[See ID21714 for a follow-up 1995 interview with John Macnab.]