This unusual and rather touching photograph shows Royal New Zealand Air Force recruits, who have just boarded the ship which will take them to Canada and an unknown future.

They seem to be a mixture of trainee aircrew with the characteristic white bands on their caps, and a few others of unknown trade. The New Zealand flash can be seen on the left shoulder of the uniforms.

In this detail from the photograph, Pat Menzies can be seen third from left, top row. He became a gunner on 83 Squadron and survived the war. See also: Searby & the End of a Kiwi Gunner’s Tour

Photograph of RNZAF boys on ship: courtesy of Kevin Menzies