Great War Stories 4 - Thomas Blake

Captain Thomas Blake was one of about 40 veterinarians to serve New Zealand in the First World War. He accompanied some of the 10,000 Kiwi farm horses sent to the frontlines in the Middle East and, later France. They faced terrible conditions: sand and heat in Sinai, mud and rain in France, and suffered disease and horrific wounds. This Great War Stories episode explores the tight bond between horse and soldier. In the end, only four horses came home. Blake also made history: while in Egypt, he became the first Kiwi to marry while the troops were on active service.

The emotional bond is quite incredible. These horses would often lie down in the sand and protect their riders from sand storms.

– Charlotte Cantley, New Zealand Veterinary Association

Key Cast & Crew

Mike McRoberts

Narrator

Anna Cottrell

Producer, Writer, Director

Peter Metcalf

Editor

Matt Henley

Camera Operator

Richard Sutherland

Executive Producer

Amanda Evans

Composer