Great War Stories 4 - Bill Dobson

Bill Dobson was one of around 500 New Zealanders to be taken prisoner by the Germans during World War I. His grandsons, filmmakers Grant and Bryce Campbell, use Dobson’s letters home, his sketch book and contemporary photographs to describe his journey. Bill was one of 210 Kiwis captured at French village Méteren, near the Belgian border, during Germany’s 1918 Spring Offensive. Camp conditions were tough, but Dobson filled his time with prolific sketching and performing in the Camp Concert Party. Post-war, Dobson married vaudeville performer Louise Morris.

By Jove, Ma, this is a cold show France. When they have wars they ought to choose some place nearer the equator. It would do me. Ma, dear, it’s a big game and it’s hard to play.

– Bill Dobson writes home

Key Cast & Crew

Mike McRoberts

Narrator

Grant Campbell

Subject

Anna Cottrell

Producer, Writer, Director

John Patrick

Sound Recordist

Matt Henley

Camera Operator

Sam Caldwell

Sound Recordist