'A Wonderful Lot of Chaps': Observations on New Zealand Army Culture in War Letters from Rod to Molly McLeay, 1940-1942

Elizabeth McLeay

doi:10.26686/jnzs.v0i8.5

Authors

Elizabeth McLeay

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26686/jnzs.v0i8.5

Abstract

The prevalent egalitarianism, mateship and hierarchy in the New Zealand army and as expressed in the letters of a junior officer Roderick Moscrop McLeay to his wife Molly during his period overseas during World War Two is analyzed. The letters show that the New Zealand Army at war was a hierarchical organization with clear distinctions among the various ranks.

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Author Biography

Elizabeth McLeay

Elizabeth McLeay is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Victoria University of Wellington. Recent publications include: The Cabinet and Political Power in New Zealand (Auckland, Oxford University Press, 1995). She was co-author of New Zealand under MMP: a new Politics? (Auckland, Auckland University Press/Bridget Williams Books, 1996). Her article in this journal is a revised version of a talk presented to the Stout Research Centre on 31 July 1996. It is part of a three-year research programme, funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, on the impact of MMP. The researchers are: Step hen Levine (Director), Jonathan Boston, Nigel Roberts, and Elizabeth McLeay, all from Victoria University of Wellington. The New Zealand Political Change Project is analysing the constitutional changes, Maori representation, changing parliamentary procedures (especially select committees), the party system, the role of the Governor-General, government formation, operation of the cabinet system; the impact upon the public service of coalitions and/or minority governments, policy processes and networks, and voter attitudes and electoral behaviour.