Berry Boys: Portraits of First World War Soldiers and Families

A surprise discovery in the 1980s unearthed the remarkable early twentieth century photographs of Berry & Co., now held in Te Papa's collection.

Amongst the thousands of mystery images are more than a hundred of ordinary First World War servicemen, taken directly before the men left to fight. But who were they? A heartfelt public response has helped reunite many soldiers with their identities, and careful research has brought more to light.

Though these soldiers represent only a tiny fraction of the thousands of men who departed to join the fighting overseas, through their poignant stories we are granted a remarkable lens on New Zealanders’ experiences – their hope, anxiety, fear, pride and love – over the span of the Frist World War.

Published alongside the TVNZ documentary, Berry Boys features the full collection of beautifully reproduced portraits, accompanied by the unique stories of the soldiers and their loved ones. Some died overseas, others lived long after the war and all were changed by it. Although they are only a fraction of the thousands of men who served, they offer a potent snapshot of the New Zealand of the time - and the changing face of the First World War itself.