Background
Born in Christchurch in 1894, Cresswell was the son of Hannah (née Reese) and Walter Joseph Cresswell, a solicitor. His younger brother, Walter D."Arcy Cresswell, also known as an author in later life, was born in 1896.
Born in Christchurch in 1894, Cresswell was the son of Hannah (née Reese) and Walter Joseph Cresswell, a solicitor. His younger brother, Walter D."Arcy Cresswell, also known as an author in later life, was born in 1896.
Douglas Cresswell was educated at Robin Hood Bay in Portuguese Underwood in the Marlborough Sounds, and later (1908-1912) at Christ"s College in Christchurch.
After finishing school he travelled abroad. After the war he farmed on the plains near Ashburton for about ten years. She was born in 1910.
They had at least one child.
From the 1930s, Cresswell became well known for his talks on radio covering topics including pioneer settlers, farming and industry, and he wrote many books, particularly about 19th century European settlement in New Zealand. Cresswell was the Christchurch secretary of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), formed by John A. Lee following (Lee"s) expulsion from the Labour Party.
At the 1943 general election, Cresswell was the DLP"s candidate in the Timaru electorate, polling third behind the Labour and National candidates. In later life he lived in Governors Bay where a road - Cresswell Avenue - is named after him.
He died at Governors Bay in 1960, and Fanny died in 1986.
Both Cresswells were buried at Street Cuthbert’s churchyard, Governors Bay.
