Discover the poignant history of the Marquette sinking through this compelling book, a must-read for history enthusiasts and collectors alike. The story chronicles the tragic events that unfolded on 23 October 1915, when the No. 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital ship, not marked for safety, was brutally torpedoed by a German U-boat. This shocking disaster claimed the lives of ten courageous New Zealand nurses and 22 medical corps personnel, forever etching their names in the annals of New Zealand's wartime sacrifices. This richly illustrated paperback, with dimensions of 210 x 250 mm and 136 pages, offers intimate insights into not only the sinking but also the establishment of the Nurses’ Memorial Chapel in Christchurch—New Zealand's first hospital chapel dedicated to nurses lost in all war conflicts and epidemics. The chapel stands as a testament to the resilience and honor of those who served. Written by Anna Rogers and published by Friends of The Nurses Memorial Chapel, this book dives deep into the avoidable tragedy, the emotions of the families left behind, and the chapel's struggle for survival against demolition and earthquake damage. With its fascinating narrative and vivid imagery, it serves as a vital reminder of our history, ensuring that the legacy of the Marquette and its heroes will never be forgotten and will truly stand for all time. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with fast shipping from our NZ-based store, which means you won't face unexpected import charges or duties.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 210 x 250 mm
Pages: 136
Bind: paperback
Author: Anna Rogers Publisher: Friends of The Nurses Memorial Chapel
Publication Date: 28-10-2018

Among the thousands of New Zealand deaths in the First World War, the 32 caused by the 1915 sinking of the Marquette were particularly poignant, shocking – and scandalous. Along with a British ammunition column, No. 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital sailed from Egypt bound for Salonika on 19 October. Not marked as a hospital ship and therefore vulnerable to German U-boat attack, the Marquette was torpedoed in the Aegean Sea on the morning of 23 October. Ten New Zealand nurses and 22 mostly Medical Corps men died. Several more were injured, some severely. And the disaster was entirely avoidable: medical personnel should never have been onboard. The Nurses’ Memorial Chapel in Christchurch honours the three local nurses who were lost in the sinking. It is the country’s first hospital chapel and its only memorial chapel to women who perished in all wars or in the 1918 influenza epidemic. It is thought to be the only purpose-built hospital chapel in the world that commemorates nurses who died in the Great War. Yet this lovely building was twice threatened with demolition in the 20th century and only survived thanks to a passionate, hard-fought campaign. Then came bad damage in the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010–11, followed by superb restoration and reopening in 2018. This vivid, compelling and attractive book tells the story of the Marquette sinking, and the scandal surrounding it, and of the creation of the chapel and the challenges it has faced. It will help to ensure that tragedy of the Marquette, the names of those who died and the special building that honours them, will never be forgotten but stand for all time.

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