Last line of defence : New Zealanders remember the war at home / edited by Megan Hutching ; foreword by Helen Clark.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

My life had changed / Jane McIntyre -- Chief storeman in the stores / Harry Spencer -- I couldn't kill / Mervyn Browne -- I chose to be a pilot / George Judge -- Sworn to secrecy / Betty van Praag -- All dedicated girls / Maisie Munro -- I wanted a driving job / Ngaire Gibbons -- We trained on the predictors / Hazel Rowe -- They were calling for volunteers / Katherine Dyall -- Something called the filter room / Gwen Stevens -- We were very good shots / George Clark -- Everyone brought their watches to the instrument section / Peter Crispe -- So the Navy it was / Derek Laver -- Ordinary nursing duties / Maisie Takle -- Ironing the billiard table / Heather Crispe.

This book has many more interviews with women than men. There were large numbers of WAAFs, WRENs and WAACs serving in New Zealand, as well as women in the Women's War Service Auxiliary and land girls. There are sample interviews with men in the Army, Navy and Air Force who were stationed in New Zealand, along with some who served in the Home Guard. The book also includes the experiences of a conscientious objector.

Suitable for use with senior secondary classes.