Memories of Service 4 - John Fallow

“Ask your mother!” That’s what John Fallow’s father told him, when he said he’d like to join the navy at the outbreak of World War II. She relented and John embarked on his wartime career aboard minesweepers. A six month course in Australia followed and, after exemplary work, an accelerated promotion; just one of three granted by the Royal NZ Navy during the war. Clearing mines from major ports following the sinking of the RMS Niagara outside the Hauraki Gulf led to working alongside US allies in the Pacific. John had a lucky war. His ship never fired a shot in anger. 

I said to my father: can I enlist now? And he said: ask your mother; knowing that Mum was very much against that.

– John Fallow

Key Cast & Crew

Stephen Latty

Camera, Sound

David Blyth

Director, Interviewer, Producer

Patricia Stroud

Producer, Research

Edward Larsen

Editor

Jed Town

Composer