Fraser's words brought NZ into conflict

Seventy years ago today New Zealand joined forces with Great Britain in declaring war on Nazi Germany, which had invaded neighbouring Poland two days earlier.

The declaration marked the start of a six-year long conflict in which 140,000 New Zealand men and women fought in Europe, Africa and the Pacific - 104,000 in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the rest in the British or New Zealand naval or air forces.

By the end of World War II, some 11,928 New Zealanders had been killed.

The length of the New Zealand engagement - 2176 days - was matched only by Great Britain, Australia, and some British colonies.

The death rate per million of New Zealanders (at 6684) was the highest in the Commonwealth, with Britain at 5123 and Australia, 3232.

One of the first Kiwi deaths was pilot officer Cedric Whittington who was part of 224 Squadron of England-based coastal command. The 21-year-old from Taranaki died on September 7 while on patrol duties.

New Zealand was one of the first countries to become involved in the global conflict. Its declaration was simultaneous with Britain's.

In contrast to its entry into the World War I, New Zealand acted in its own right by formally declaring war. Australia however held that the King's declaration - such as for the World War I in 1914 - automatically extended to all his Dominions.

At 11.30pm on September 3, Acting Prime Minister Peter Fraser - filling in for an ailing Michael Savage - issued this statement confirming that New Zealand was at war: "This is not an occasion for many words; it is a dark day in the history of the world ... It is with deep regret and sadness that I make this announcement on behalf of the Government, and the people will receive it with similar feelings. That will not, however, affect the determination of both Government and people to play their part."