Statistics

In spite of its small size and limited resources, New Zealand made a substantial contribution to the Imperial War effort. From an eligible male population of around 250,000, over 124,000 were called to active service overseas. In all, 42% embarked overseas, a larger percentage than any other overseas portion of the British Empire. 90,000 were volunteers while over 30,000 were called to the colours via the Military Service Act. Maori and Pacific Islanders provided 66 officers and 2968 other ranks. Women too were represented, with more than 640 serving as nurses. Seventeen nurses lost their lives in the course of duty during the War.

Significant numbers of New Zealanders served in the Australian Expeditionary Force, Royal Flying Corps, in home units, and other Imperial formations. The total number of who served from 1914 to 1918 amounted to more than 188,300. There was a price for such commitment; 16,697 members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force were killed and more than 41,000 wounded. A further 505 died while under training in New Zealand and 964 succumbed to wounds, illness and other injuries shortly after discharge. More would suffer in later years as a result of their war service.