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Service and Sacrifice in Ellesmere
Description
NameService and Sacrifice
DescriptionWelcome to the collection of stories around the war and peacetime service and sacrifice of Ellesmere, through the heritage panel at the tuna (eel) sculpture at Leeston.
Like all communities across New Zealand, the Ellesmere district was greatly affected by the two World Wars, and a number of Ellesmere men had also fought in the South African (2nd Anglo-Boer) War (1899 – 1902).
Many families lost brothers, sons, and fathers in World War One (1914-18), or welcomed home men who were wounded in body or mind. The impact of the conflict was felt also in the significant reduction in the labour force in the district which reduced productivity and affected social life. Communities came together in support of the troops overseas and the people of war-torn Belgium, with fundraising events such as the sale of flowers on Violet Day or special carnivals. Funded by local donations, the Ellesmere and Districts Cenotaph was opened in Leeston in 1924, bearing the names of those killed in the War.
Although it was hoped that the scale of this conflict would never be repeated, just a little over 20 years later, more names were added to the district’s memorials for those who lost their lives in World War Two (1939-45). Ellesmere men and women have also served in subsequent conflicts such as Korea (1950-54), Malaya (1948– 60), and Vietnam (1962-72), as well as international peace-keeping roles, and continue to serve in our armed forces today.
The Ellesmere Returned and Services’ Association (RSA), continues to play a leading role in supporting the district’s service veterans and their families.Date2024
DescriptionWelcome to the collection of stories around the war and peacetime service and sacrifice of Ellesmere, through the heritage panel at the tuna (eel) sculpture at Leeston.Like all communities across New Zealand, the Ellesmere district was greatly affected by the two World Wars, and a number of Ellesmere men had also fought in the South African (2nd Anglo-Boer) War (1899 – 1902).
Many families lost brothers, sons, and fathers in World War One (1914-18), or welcomed home men who were wounded in body or mind. The impact of the conflict was felt also in the significant reduction in the labour force in the district which reduced productivity and affected social life. Communities came together in support of the troops overseas and the people of war-torn Belgium, with fundraising events such as the sale of flowers on Violet Day or special carnivals. Funded by local donations, the Ellesmere and Districts Cenotaph was opened in Leeston in 1924, bearing the names of those killed in the War.
Although it was hoped that the scale of this conflict would never be repeated, just a little over 20 years later, more names were added to the district’s memorials for those who lost their lives in World War Two (1939-45). Ellesmere men and women have also served in subsequent conflicts such as Korea (1950-54), Malaya (1948– 60), and Vietnam (1962-72), as well as international peace-keeping roles, and continue to serve in our armed forces today.
The Ellesmere Returned and Services’ Association (RSA), continues to play a leading role in supporting the district’s service veterans and their families.
Date2024Image
Collection
Attribution
Service and Sacrifice in Ellesmere (2024). Selwyn Stories, accessed 15/02/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6192
