Problems in paradise: medical aspects of the New Zealand occupation of Western Samoa, 1914 -1918

Abstract

Western Samoa was an imperial German possession until occupied in August 1914 by 1,500 New Zealand troops. The force, which landed unopposed, was accompanied by almost 90 health staff of the New Zealand Army Medical Corps. They worked to ensure the health of two relief forces from 1914 to 1918. The German health administration they inherited became an added burden with respect to civilian health and sanitation matters on the island. Many health challenges and problems were faced by the Corps during its deployment in Western Samoa.