The men and women whose memories make up this book are not heroes. Most of them did not fight in the Second World War, but those long years from 1939 to 1945 transformed their lives, whether they were living in New Zealand or, as some were, imprisoned on the other side of the world. Now, 50 years later, these New Zealanders rremember what life was like for them in a world at war.

Half a century may have past, but the experiences recounted in THE WAR YEARS will ensure that we do not forget the impact of war on the lives of ordinary men and women.