Read reviews and reflections from a NZ historian and many other readers and find out what they think of the book La Basse-Ville 1917, highlighting the book’s research depth, humanity and impact.
“The book itself defies categorization. It is part travelogue, part history. It reflects on the nature of war and its impact on 2 difference societies a world apart: New Zealand and Belgium. It will both overwhelm and entrance you. It is the story of Dominique Cooreman’s love affair with New Zealand and New Zealanders and we are the richer for it.”
Christopher Pugley – Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) – Military Historian, New Zealand
“This unique book sheds light on New Zealand’s part in an almost forgotten WWI interlude in the Belgian Summer of 1917. By commuting between Belgium and New Zealand for over 12 years, the author has gathered a vast amount of information on operations near the now defunct hamlet of La Basse-Ville [part of Warneton, Belgium], near the French border, and the New Zealanders who fought there. She also visited the main locations the soldiers passed through on their way to La Basse Ville, and most of the New Zealand places they had come from.
The book covers Māori and Pākehā men alike, adding stories and a context to names and Regimental Numbers on Memorials across New Zealand. It is a treasure trove of info on both the military operations at La Basse Ville, providing an expansive insight to those wanting to contextualise casualty dates for their forebears, and the family and backgrounds of many of the men, exemplifying the typical background of WWI soldiers.
The author conducted many lengthy interviews with descendants or family members of the soldiers, which combined with her own original research enabled her to voice their stories in a most compelling fashion. Of particular interest are the first ever lists of all those lost at La Basse Ville and of decorations and medals awarded for action there.
The book also ranges across a wide range of related topics, including the psychological impact of war on the men and their families and should help many families find closure 100+ years after the event, for the losses and injuries suffered.”
Nicole Birrell – Company Director, Governance & Risk Leader, Melbourne, Australia
“A lot of fascinating stuff I’d never seen before — a really well-researched piece of military history.” – Field Marshall Sir John Chapple, UK
“I’ve read your book closely from cover to cover. It’s an incredible piece of research, and has given me so much information about where and when my two great uncles were at the time they were killed (…) Now I know so much more about LBV (…) I doubt if I’ll find out anything about other men that you may have missed. Thank you again for all that you did (…) yesterday. We were privileged to be in your company, benefitting from your deep knowledge and wisdom. So many NZers owe you a great debt for the wonderful work you have done in remembering all their compatriot. Kia kaha! ” – Prof. Robert Gregory, Rotorua, New Zealand
“Dominique Cooreman, the Lady from Flanders Field had come to town. She was embraced by locals in our community; she stimulated, motivated and inspired. (…) What a wonderful legacy from a seed sown by a quiet achiever, Dominique Cooreman, who now offers this dignified record of Charles Sciascia’s war and the battle in which he and many fellow soldiers lost their lives.” – Brendan Duffy, former Mayor of Horowhenua
“As we prepare for the WW1 centennial memorial on Sunday, I wanted to tell you how often I think of you, and how deeply grateful I am for all the years of work you put into your research and the eventual publication of your book. I use it regularly as a reference and still pick it up from time to time to read another section.
I was particularly moved yesterday by the notice on p 261, showing the “In Memoriam” for Murdoch McLeod (not a relative) and the prose beneath it. Those words drew me I (…) shed a few tears — it is deeply poignant.
I also very much enjoyed the section on your own family in Chapter 16. (…)
Thank you again for giving me such a clear understanding of what happened to our Leonard Martin.” – Karen Mc Leod, Cyprus
“Kia ora whānau,
Paul dropped off your book and I haven’t been able to put it down. What a wealth of information for anyone who loves history and family history — snippets everywhere. If you’re interested in our war stories, it’s all here. In many ways, not a stone has been left unturned. The research is meticulous, clearly referenced, and gathered in one place like nothing I’ve seen before.
Thank you, Dominique, for your work, your passion, and your love for our family. We owe you a deep debt of gratitude.” – Marina Sciascia, Pōrangahau, New Zealand
“Great book with so much information and I also believe there is not a New Zealander that does not have family who were in Belgium.” – Karen Morris, Auckland, New Zealand
“Hi Dominique,
As you prepare to pack up your life in New Zealand and return to Belgium to be closer to your family, please know that you are very much in our thoughts.
As a member of Adopt an Anzac, it has been a privilege to work alongside you over the past twelve years. Our journeys were different, but our purpose was shared — to put faces to names and to restore humanity to those who served and died. You achieved something truly remarkable.
I still remember our first meeting(…)You had an important story to tell. What began with one man — Charles Rangiwawahia Sciascia — grew into the story of more than a thousand soldiers who fought and fell at La Basse-Ville. It became far more than you ever imagined, and you brought it to life with dedication and care.
Perhaps your greatest achievement has been putting La Basse-Ville back on the map. The signage guiding visitors to the site, and the beautiful memorial to Charles — to which you contributed so much — ensure that this history will never again be forgotten.(…)
I wholeheartedly recommend your thorough and beautifully researched book(…)
Warmest wishes,“
Linda Fletcher – Former Horowhenua Chronicle correspondent
Levin, New Zealand
“Well done and you deserve to be recognized for all your hard work and bringing families together and filling in the gaps that they could only wonder about. You give back their loved ones in a way that no one has done before. I hope you know how special you are and gift you give everyone who reads your book.” – Donna Pirini, Waipukurau, New Zealand
“Still reading your book — the depth of personal detail you’ve uncovered is remarkable, probably far more than many families ever knew. I hope it inspires others to begin their own pilgrimages.
I’m almost certain I passed right through the old La Basse-Ville battlefield area you describe, which now explains the Anzac graves I came across when visiting the new Christmas Day football memorial in 2017. “- Neil Watkins, UK
“Again, thank you for being who you are — our voice in the wilderness, always guided by aroha. Our warmest wishes to you, Dominique, and to your family.
As this Remembrance Day comes around once more, I find myself thinking of you and of all the remarkable work you have done for “the boys” and their families. I still pick up your book and read it, and I’m always struck by the depth of your research and the stories you uncovered — so moving, so meaningful.
Much love to you, Dominique.
Arohanui“
Tuhiao Narain, Auckland, New Zealand
“You are a remarkable woman. You honour the fallen and carry your country’s pain with dignity and compassion — as I do, and as you know.
But today, I salute you. I thank you for what must be one of the most selfless missions any historian has undertaken.
Salute.“
Dave Lyes, Canterbury, New Zealand
“I have read your book in one go, during the whole night as I could not stop it. My father and uncle were in WWI and I went to WWII. It is written by a scholar but not for scholars.” – Murray Cameron, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
“To quote someone else : ‘I marvelled with delight’ reading your book. You are a human begin, like the soldiers, with compassion for the families of those lost in war. In a honest way you share your experiences, your difficulties and wanted to put everything in a broader context, with room for opinions different from yours. Thorough and precise research, lengthy interviews with people on both sides of the world, reflections: you have been dedicated for over 12 years. You understand fully what happened and became the soldiers voices through the lengthy interviews you had with people on both sides of the world. You were the detective for the Sciascia’s and later for others. Very authentic and inviting your readers to make the same quest. Your legacy is unifying through the differences.” – A.D., New Zealand