Must have been very scary living during the war years in this country. I come from Fiji, born during the 2nd WW. In comparison, although my mum told us that a couple of NZ military contingent were based in Fiji to protect it from a probable Japanese invasion, I have no recollection. I was still a toddler when the war ended. I think, unlike Europe, we were hardly affected.
I have visited and stayed with my father in law in the Harbornne area, where he lived. His family owned large chunks of land I believe which was in Bramhall, now turned into a golf course my husband tells me.