A tunnel's legacy from WWI

18 Jul 2024

The Wellington Combined Probus Club recently welcomed member speaker, Tricia, who spoke about her career and the history of New Zealand.

She spoke about her fifty-year career as a secondary school teacher, her involvement with water polo and rugby, as well as her time as a local historian.

Tricia shared a story that truly resonated with members as it regarded the naming of the Arras Tunnel in Wellington, and the significance of the poppies along the wall.

The tunnel serves as a memorial to the First World War and commemorates 500 Kiwi miners who were taken to Arras in France during the Battle of the Somme in 1916-1917 to expand the medieval tunnels under the trenches.

The tunnel system could accommodate 20,000 people and included running water, electric lights, kitchens, a light rail system and a fully equipped hospital.

This is an important part of New Zealand history, and the Club thanks Tricia for her commitment and time devoted to bringing it to light.