New Zealand war historian Glyn Harper shows Dean how enlistment was sold to New Zealanders. Why were so many young men like the O’Gorman brothers keen to sign up and risk their lives on a foreign adventure? The National Registration Scheme in 1915, collected the names and details of 208,513 men between 17 and 60, more than half of them immediately willing to serve overseas if required. As the war effort went on and more men were needed and conscription was introduced in 1916. Until then, the art of gentle persuasion was the Government’s main tool.

Each of the five brothers who went to Europe has a different story of enlistment, as recruitment efforts ramped up. Physically the O’Gorman boys had challenges when enlisting. They came from short stock, their mother only 4”11, and James was initially rejected when he tried to sign up, standing at just under 5”2. Thomas was also turned away for his bad teeth and varicose veins, but accepted in 1916 when recruiters were more desperate. The other boys suffered from skin conditions, eczema, scabies, and dermatitis, certainly made worse by rough uniforms and tough weather conditions. James’ record shows he was often treated for his skin conditions.

Dean O’Gorman and Great-Great Granddaughter Marie Arnold visit the old family home in Wellington. It was from here that parents Thomas and Bridget O’Gorman sent their beloved sons to war. Poignantly the house is right beside the Prime Minister’s, Premier House. Migrating via the goldfields in Australia, the O’Gormans were a tiny Irish couple who first landed in Dunedin where Bridget ran a pub, and was caught selling whisky on a Sunday! The sons all attended St Pats College from here, and official notices and their sons’ medals were sent to this address. Bridget and Thomas actually learned of Cornelius’ death in 1918 when his pension payments were stopped, before the death notice arrived.