File:Survivor Camp (Wigram AFB Archives).jpg

Remains of Norwich City survivors’ camp photographed by the New Zealand Pacific Aviation Survey Expedition in 1938. (Courtesy, Wigram Air Force Base Archives, RNZAF)

“The lifeboat axes came in very useful for this. Small trees were cut down, trimmed and lashed between four large trees in the form of a square. A trellis of smaller trees and branches was formed on top and over this the two sails were spread. Around three sides a barricade was made to keep out the crabs, leaving the lee side open for the fire, which was soon got under way. The ground was cleared of twigs etc., and then covered with leaves over which was placed a couple of blankets and old canvas which had been washed ashore. Altogether it looked and was fairly comfortable.” Statement of Daniel Hamer, Master, S.S. Norwich City, from the Board of Trade’s Inquiry records.