Annies War

Discover the powerful story of family, conflict, and resilience in Annie's War. This remarkable paperback, published by Otago University Press, presents a unique first-hand account of a New Zealand family's experiences in England during the harrowing years of the First World War. Spanning from 1916 to 1919, this 256-page book captures Annie Montgomerie's unwavering spirit as she documents her life amidst the chaos of Zeppelin attacks and the influenza epidemic. Annie's diary serves as a window into her profound love for her sons, Oswald and Seton, who enlisted as pilots, as well as her candid observations on wartime life and her interaction with the English society. This memoir is richly illustrated with contemporary photographs that enhance the emotional depth of their story. Edited and transcribed by Annie's granddaughter, Susanna Montgomerie Norris, Annie's War is a poignant tribute to a Kiwi family's courage and ties during one of history's most challenging periods. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in personal narratives of war, this book is a must-have addition to any collection on New Zealand’s role in the First World War and family stories of resilience.

Author: Susanna Montgomerie Norris Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 175 x 228 mm
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 10-11-2014

Annie's War is a remarkable book. There have been many published collections of soldiers' diaries and letters from the First World War, but never a first-hand account of one New Zealand family's life in England during these challenging and frightening years.

When her sons, Oswald and Seton, decided they wanted to serve as pilots, which meant enlisting in Britain, Annie Montgomerie decreed that the whole family would go too. So from 1916 to 1919 they lived in London, facing Zeppelin attacks, giving hospitality to young New Zealand friends who left to fight (and sometimes never came back), watching Oswald and Seton go off to war, and suffering in the influenza epidemic.

Through all this Annie kept a diary, in which she recorded her deep love and concern for her family, her hatred of the war, her forthright, amusing an proudly Kiwi views on the English and myriad fascinating details about wartime London life. Annie's granddaughter, Susanna Montgomerie Norris, has transcribed and edited this extraordinary account, along with many letters and diary excerpts from her pilot father, Seton. Richly illustrated with contemporary photographs and other memorabilia, Annie's War offers a unique and compelling view of a crucial time in world history.