Our Stories
These are the stories of Featherston Camp — the people who served, trained, protested, or were imprisoned here. Through personal accounts and historical moments, we remember the lives shaped by this place and its legacy in Aotearoa's wartime history.
First World War
Albert McPeak was born in Mauriceville and was a butcher in Masterton when he enlisted in the 13th Reinforcement in February 1916. After training at Trentham and Featherston this group left New Zealan
First World War
Benson Henry Wyman was born in 1881 in Auckland to William Henry and Alice Mary Wyman. He graduated from university with a Masters of Law in 1916.
First World War
Jethro Smith was the 6th child born to James Smith and Sarah Eliza (nee Pinfold). He was born 18 July 1894 in Woodville and attended the Woodlands Road School in 1903 and then Woodville School in 1906
First World War
Born in 1882 in Nelson, Noel went to Cambridge University, married an Englishwoman, and returned to NZ in 1910, becoming a solicitor at Adams & Harley of Nelson. Adams became a territorial artillery o
First World War
Five sons of the Summers family served in World War 1. Although most of the children were born in the Wairarapa, the family was living in Lower Hutt when war broke out. Tom and William (Bill) trained
First World War
Few people today know the story of the Featherston bootmaker who became a favourite of the troops who marched over the Rimutakas to Trentham. But it is evident that Frederick Rutherford, though only a
First World War
Wilfred Jackson was born at Makikihi, South Canterbury, on 27 July 1891, and was educated at Hunter School. After leaving school he completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter in Waimate, and went on t
First World War
Leslie Averill was a medical student in Auckland when he joined the 29th Reinforcement as an NCO in February 1917. He was promoted to 2nd lieutenant and in August was posted to the 34th Reinforcement,
First World War
Tom was born in Ashburton and was a miner in Runanga in 1912 when he travelled to New Plymouth and won the 1912 Round the Mountain 100 mile cycle race.
First World War
Draughtsman Marcus King received a call-up letter from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force recruiting director dated 24 August 1917, and went on to train at the Featherston Military Training Camp befo
First World War
Spencer Harold Cotter was born in Masterton 13 March 1895. He was educated at Masterton Central School, then Te Wharau where his family owned a general store, boarding house, Billiard Room and the sta
WWI 1914–1918
A folded letter and a service medal offer a glimpse into one soldier's experience of the camp and the war beyond it.
Post-war to present
A memorial and peace garden now stand near the camp site — a place of reflection and a symbol of the friendship that grew between Featherston and Japan.
WWI 1914–1918
During the First World War, a vast training camp rose on the edge of Featherston, reshaping the town and the lives of thousands of soldiers.
