Great War Stories Harry Varnham
Upper Hutt farm worker Harry Varnham was keen to do his bit for the war effort but his experience in the front lines would have a lifelong impact on his mental health. In 1916, although too young, he enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was sent to the Western Front, where he faced the horrors of trench warfare and was severely wounded, resulting in the loss of his right leg. Harry returned home to New Zealand and built a life for himself, eventually marrying and having children. Sadly, he was never quite the same. War had taken its toll and he struggled to escape the mental scars of his experience. Decades later Harry took his own life.
Short films telling personal stories about New Zealanders affected by Gallipoli and the First World War.
Primary Title
- Great War Stories
Episode Title
- Harry Varnham
Date Broadcast
- Monday 12 February 2018
Original Broadcast Date
- Friday 21 April 2017
Duration
- 04:23
Series
- 4
Episode
- 3
Channel
- Internet
Broadcaster
- New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Programme Description
- Short films telling personal stories about New Zealanders affected by Gallipoli and the First World War.
Episode Description
- Upper Hutt farm worker Harry Varnham was keen to do his bit for the war effort but his experience in the front lines would have a lifelong impact on his mental health. In 1916, although too young, he enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was sent to the Western Front, where he faced the horrors of trench warfare and was severely wounded, resulting in the loss of his right leg. Harry returned home to New Zealand and built a life for himself, eventually marrying and having children. Sadly, he was never quite the same. War had taken its toll and he struggled to escape the mental scars of his experience. Decades later Harry took his own life.
Classification
- Unknown
Owning Collection
- Chapman Archive
Broadcast Platform
- Television
Languages
- English
Captions
Live Broadcast
- No
Rights Statement
- Made for the University of Auckland's educational use as permitted by the Screenrights Licensing Agreement.
Notes
- Research and scripts: AC Productions. Images, historic video and further sources: Archives New Zealand and National Library of New Zealand. Originally broadcast as a segment of TV3 News (now Newshub), MediaWorks Television.
Subjects
- World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, New Zealand
- World War, 1914-1918--Campaigns--Turkey--Gallipoli Peninsula
- Soldiers' writings, New Zealand
- Documentary television programs--New Zealand
Genres
- Biography
- History
- War
Contributors
- Mike McRoberts (Narrator)
- Anna Cottrell (Director)
- Anna Cottrell (Producer)
- AC Productions (Production Unit)
- NZ On Air (Funder)
Subjects
- World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, New Zealand
- World War, 1914-1918--Campaigns--Turkey--Gallipoli Peninsula
- Soldiers' writings, New Zealand
- Documentary television programs--New Zealand