2
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
2
GALLIPOLI THE NEW ZEALAND CAMPAIGN
E
ach year on Anzac Day, Kiwis and Australians mark the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings of April 25, 1915. On that day, thousands of young men stormed the beaches on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now Turkey.
For eight long months, New Zealand troops, alongside those from Australia, Great Britain and Ireland, France, India, and Newfoundland, battled harsh conditions and Ottoman forces desperately fighting to protect their homeland. By the time the campaign ended, more than 130,000 men had died: at least 87,000 Ottoman soldiers and 44,000 Allied soldiers. Among the dead were 2779 Kiwis, about a sixth of all those who had landed on the peninsula. In the wider story of World War I, the Gallipoli campaign made no large mark. The number of dead, although horrific, pales in comparison with the death toll in France and Belgium. However, the Gallipoli campaign played an important part in fostering a sense of national identity. New Zealand’s path to Gallipoli began with the outbreak of war between Britain and Germany in August 1914. Prime Minister William Massey pledged New Zealand’s support as part of the British Empire and set about raising a military force. The 8454-strong New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) left Wellington in October 1914 and, after linking up with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), steamed in convoy across the Indian Ocean, expecting to join British forces fighting on the Western Front. In early November 1914, the Ottoman Empire entered the war on the side of the Central Powers (Germany, AustriaHungary and Bulgaria) and posed a direct threat to the Suez Canal — an important British shipping lane between Europe and Asia. The British authorities decided to offload the Australian and New Zealand expeditionary forces in Egypt to complete their training and bolster the British forces guarding the canal. In April 1915 the NZEF was transported to the Greek island of Lemnos to prepare for the invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula, which guarded the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait — a strategic waterway leading to the Sea of Marmara
and, via the Bosphorus, the Black Sea. The Allied plan was to break through the straits, capture the Ottoman capital, Constantinople (now Istanbul), and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. It would also open up a supply line to Russia and new areas in which to attack the Central Powers. After the failure of British and French warships to ‘force’ the straits, the Allies dispatched the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF) to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula. Kiwis and Australians made up nearly half of the MEF’s 75,000 troops. Led by Lieutenant-General Sir Ian Hamilton, the MEF launched its invasion of the Dardanelles on April 25, 1915. While British (and later French) troops made the main landing at Cape Helles on the southern tip of the peninsula, LieutenantGeneral Sir William Birdwood’s Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – soon to become known as Anzacs – made a diversionary attack 20km to the north at Gaba Tepe. Because of navigational errors, the Anzacs landed about 2km north of the intended site. Instead of a flat stretch of coastline, they came ashore at Anzac Cove, a narrow beach overlooked by steep hills. The New Zealanders took up positions in the northern part of the Anzac sector. The landings never came close to achieving their goals. Although the Allies managed to secure footholds on the peninsula, the fighting quickly degenerated into trench warfare, with the Anzacs holding a tenuous perimeter against strong Ottoman attacks. The troops endured heat, flies, the stench of unburied bodies, insufficient water and disease. Early in May 1915, the NZ Infantry Brigade was ferried south to Helles, where it took part in an assault on the village of Krithia (now Alchiteppe) on May 8. The attack was a disaster; the Kiwis suffered more than 800 casualties but achieved nothing. In August 1915, the Allies launched a major offensive in a bid to break the deadlock. The plan was to capture the high ground overlooking the Anzac sector, the Sari Bair Range, while a British force landed further north at Suvla Bay. Major-General Sir Alexander Godley’s New Zealand and Australian
Moving Memories Nga tirohanga a mua ki muri Looking back to future.
POIGNANT: A mother says goodbye to her son, a sergeant in the NZEF. Main Body. UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER (1914)/AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM – TAMAKI PAENGAHIRA. PH-2003-1. THOMSON,GEORGE WILLIAM
Division played a prominent part, with New Zealand troops capturing one of the hills, Chunuk Bair. This was the limit of the Allied advance; an Ottoman counter-attack forced the troops who had relieved the New Zealanders off Chunuk Bair, while the British failed to make any progress inland from Suvla. In the aftermath of the Sari Bair offensive, the Allies tried to break through the Ottoman line north of Anzac. New Zealanders took part in costly attacks at Hill 60 in late August. Hill 60 turned out to be the last major Allied attack at Gallipoli. The failure of the August battles meant a return to stalemate. In mid-September 1915, the exhausted New Zealand infantry and mounted rifles were briefly withdrawn to Lemnos to rest and receive reinforcements from Egypt. By the time they returned to Anzac in November, the future of the campaign had been decided. Deciding to cut their losses, the British had replaced
Hamilton as commander-in-chief of the MEF. His successor, Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Munro, quickly proposed evacuation. In contrast to earlier operations, the evacuation was quick and efficient, starting on December 15, with 36,000 troops withdrawn over five nights. Soon after the October 1918 armistice with the Ottoman Empire, British and dominion Graves Registration units landed on Gallipoli to build permanent cemeteries. The battlefields are now part of the 33,000ha Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. The Ottoman hero of Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal, would eventually become, as Mustafa ¨rk, the founding President of Kemal Atatu the Turkish Republic. In New Zealand (and Australia), Gallipoli also helped foster a sense of national identity.Those at home were proud of how their men had performed on the world stage, establishing a reputation for fighting hard in difficult conditions. Anzac Day grew out of this pride. — NZHistory.net.nz
The Journey of our Cenotaph This exhibition illustrates the building of the World War One War Memorial and the later relocation from Rose Street to Laurie Hall Park. The planning, expertise and effort involved culminated on April 25th 2015 with the first ANZAC Dawn Service commemorating the Whangarei District’s Armed Forces held on the new site. Exhibition included in general admission From 1st May 2016 The Mim Ringer Gallery Whangarei Museum at Kiwi North 500 SH 14 Maunu Whangarei www.kiwinorth.co.nz
Friday, April 22, 2016
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
3
3
THE WEEK WE WENT TO WAR
A
s New Zealanders went about their daily lives in the winter of 1914, the European great powers were going to war
7pm: The Church of God Tabernacle, Tasman St, Wellington, announces that the apocalyptic Battle of ‘Harmagedon’ (Armageddon) is at hand.
1914, JUNE 28 (SATURDAY) 9.15pm, NZ time: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie are assassinated by Serbian nationalists in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (territory that was formally incorporated into the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1908).
1914, AUGUST 2 (SUNDAY) 4.30am NZT: Germany declares war on Russia.
1914, JULY 24 (FRIDAY) 4.30am: AustriaHungary delivers ultimatum to Serbia.
5.30am: German troops enter Luxembourg. Around 8am: First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill unilaterally orders British naval mobilisation.
120,000 New Zealanders enlisted, and around 100,000 served overseas
1914, JULY 28 (TUESDAY) 9.30pm: AustriaHungary declares war on Serbia.
1914, JULY 31 (FRIDAY) 3.30am: Tsar Nicholas II orders general Russian mobilisation. Austria-Hungary proclaims general mobilisation. Wellington city wants to borrow £365,585 ($55 million in 2014) on the London market for projects including a tunnel under Mt Victoria; Mayor JP Luke says that if war breaks out this will be hard to raise in the next five years. There are no transactions on the Wellington stock exchange because of the war scare.
Around 5pm: New Zealand learns of German declaration of war on Russia; there is excitement at Parliament, and prayers for peace in some churches.
7.30pm-8.55pm: Extraordinary meeting of New Zealand’s Executive (Cabinet, presided over by the Governor).
Members of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles join those from the Canterbury Infantry Regiment on board H.M.N.Z. Transport No.4, Tahiti, and H.M.N.Z. Transport No.11, Athenic, at Lyttelton on 23 September 1914. PHOTO: Archives New Zealand, AEGA 18982, PC4/1569
¯ori — yet French no longer be sent in Ma being censored; all ships entering the 1914, AUGUST 3 (MONDAY) four main ports are being examined; the is acceptable. 6.30am: Germany demands passage training ship HMS Philomel has been 3pm: The outbreak of war is announced through Belgium for its troops (necessary handed back to direct British control. by the Governor, Lord Liverpool, from the to implement the Postmaster-General Robert steps of Parliament. 1 million ‘Schlieffen Plan’ to encircle Heaton Rhodes announces the French army). that, since Sunday, war news 4.10pm, 4.55pm: The two houses of The total has been posted outside Parliament adjourn after resolving to take population of NZ Around 9am: British post offices. the ‘necessary steps’ to ‘have in readiness government decides on in 1914 was just an Expeditionary Force’. general mobilisation. Around 7.30pm: German over 1 million troops enter Belgium. Evening: Defence Minister James Allen 6.30pm: Belgium rejects announces that 8000 men are wanted for German ultimatum. Around 8pm: Telegram: ‘Auckland Flying the expeditionary force. Around 8pm: Prime Minister Club unanimously place their homing Around 9pm: New Zealand naval forces William Massey tells the House of pigeons at Government’s disposal’. 1914, AUGUST 6 (THURSDAY) placed under direct British control. New Representatives that he knows of ‘no Austria-Hungary belatedly declares war 11.30pm: King Albert of Belgium appeals Zealand begins censoring international occasion for serious alarm’, but proposes on Russia, France and Britain to France and Britain for military support. cables. The third member of the Triple to offer Britain a volunteer expeditionary Alliance, Italy, declares itself neutral force ‘if the occasion arises’. Massey’s 3.30am: The Committee of Imperial 1914, AUGUST 5 (WEDNESDAY) on the grounds that Austria-Hungary’s Defence meets in London; it decides offer is seconded by the Leader of the 5.30am: Britain demands German invasion of Serbia was an act to send six (reduced to four) divisions Opposition, Sir withdrawal from Belgium. of aggression. 11 to northern France as a British Joseph Ward. 10.30am: Britain declares war Expeditionary Force. Victoria Crosses 1914, AUGUST 4 9.30pm, New on Germany. (TUESDAY) 2.40pm: Massey promises to post Zealand time: were won by 10.40am: Crowds in London’s Whitehall Around 3am: Foreign official war news at Parliament and the The London stock soldiers serving with Secretary Sir Edward Grey link arms and sing Government Buildings. exchange closes patriotic songs. New Zealand forces confirms British guarantee 273 amid European 1914, AUGUST 7 (FRIDAY) (under 1839 Treaty of financial panic. 10.50am: Telegram sent conscientious 4pm: Massey tells the London) of Belgian neutrality. to British Army and Royal 11.30pm: Germany announces ‘imminent objectors were House of Representatives Navy: ‘War, Germany, act’. 5.30am: Germany declares war on threat of war’ with Russia. imprisoned for that “it is now certain that France. Secret alliance between Germany Around 12.55pm: the Expeditionary Force 1914, AUGUST 1 (SATURDAY) refusing military will be required”. Whether and the Ottoman Empire signed in Berlin. Telegraphed news of the Around 8am: French socialist leader ¯ori will be accepted for service outbreak of war is received Ma Jean Jaurè is assassinated in Paris. Around 3pm: Massey tells the House in Wellington by the service overseas is up to the that naval reservists have been called to 9.30am: German ultimatum to Russia Governor, Lord Liverpool. imperial authorities. their ships and the Garrison Artillery to delivered in St Petersburg. ¯ 2.35pm: Eastern Maori MP Apirana — all times are New Zealand time their forts, which ‘will be fully manned Ngata complains that telegrams can — NZ History.net.nz 11.30am: Belgian army begins mobilising. day and night’; international cables are
THE
ANZAC
DA
Exhibition 25 April - 29 May 2016
AT
Commemorating the Battle of the
KAURI MUSEUM
Somme and the Western Front.
A combined service of Paparoa RSA and The Kauri Museum will take place at the Museum, with fall in at the Matakohe War Memorial Hall at 10.30am.
Including a tribute display for Joseph Hartley Harris:A life of service through two world wars
www.kaurimuseum.com
09 431 7417
4
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
4
WHANGAREI RSA WAR VETERAN LUNCHEON Brian Towgood
Bill McCoid Bill served in NZ Army from 1966 through to 1970. He served in the Waiouru, Burnham, and Papakura Camps, and transferred to Malaya in November 1970. He spent 12 Months in Malaya with the V4 company then moved away from his Battalion, training for combat in Vietnam but still remaining in Malaya. In May 1969 he went to Vietnam to do a tour of duty for 365 days. (with Victor 4) and was attached to 6 RAR Australian Battalion. Bill was a Radio operator for company HQ, in the front line. He recalls it was very hard, as each operation was for 6 weeks at a time in the jungle. “It was a testing time on mind and body. Every 4 days we were resupplied with rations and ammunition. In the field we were sprayed by Agent Orange and not mosquito repellent as they told us at that time. My pack was very heavy with the weight of the radio, aerials, food, ammunition, water, our rifle with 10 magazines, and a spare 200 rounds loose, in small pouches.”
WHANGAREI
At the young age of 19, Brian vividly remembers the moment they touched down in Singapore, the biggest culture shock of his life.
Bill patrolled in certain AO, (area of operations) given by the Battalion HQ, in thick jungle or low vegetation, rocky ground, creeks, and a few hills, B 52 craters, often coming across booby traps.
If he had one piece of advice for the youth of today, it would be to give the military service a try, to find a place that opens their eyes.
One of the funniest things Bill recalls is one afternoon, after they had just come off an op, one of the boys said he would clean out the loo. He went into the magazine to get a smoke grenade, but got a white phosphate grenade by mistake. After he did his business, he shut the other 6 lids, pulled out the pin and dropped the grenade in. He took six steps back and BANG! The stench was horrific. He was made to clean it up the following morning.
“I feel that it should be something every young person should go through. It made me grow up and the friendships you make are for life,” he says. Brian served in a regiment based in Malacca, Malaya, a combination of armed forces from Australia, New Zealand and Britain. The 28 Commonwealth was a big camp where they took out training and two tours of duty through Borneo to slow the enemies down. The main role was a commitment from New Zealand to be ready and waiting to protect Malaysia if there where any problems.
In May 1970 the Company got orders that their tour of duty was over, and Bill returned to New Zealand. Bill had served 30 months over seas and returned back to his home town of Kaikohe. He initially went through difficult times when he arrived home.
There are many memories that Brian is happy to skip past and stays focused on his fondest; the camaraderie between friends. “We have the biggest bond, the camaraderie grows stronger and stronger with age.” It made me grow up and really appreciate what our life here is all about, even back then.” “I have not seen some of these boys for ten to fifteen years and the bond in indescribable.” Serving two years in Borneo, Brian came back to receive his deserved actice service medal and a bar with the wording Borneo which he wears with pride at the Whangarei dawn service each year.
“It’s hard to describe the role we had, it was a commitment that New Zealand had forces there and if there was a problem it was part of our groups role to tear it up.”
These days Bill represents the R.S.A. at funerals for war veterans.
ANZAC Commemorative Services 2016 ANZAC Day Services
0325635AA
Whangarei Dawn Parade Fall in at RSA Whangarei Dawn Service Laurie Hall Park Ngunguru Sports Complex Hukerenui -Monument Rd Tapuhi Maungatapere Community Hall Pehiaweri Marae Glenbervie Whangarei Maunu Lawn Cemetery
5.40 am 6.00 am 6. 15 am 9.00 am 9.00 am 10.00 am 10.00 am
Kamo Memorial Hall
10.00 am
Whananaki School
10.15 am
Hikurangi School
10.30 am
Maungakaramea Sports Club
10.30 am
Waipu – At Monument
11.00 am
Whangarei Heads Manaia Club
2.00 pm
www.whangareirsa.co.nz | email: xo@whangareirsa.co.nz
Phone 09 438 3792
Friday, April 22, 2016
5
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
5
Ben Smith
Chas Sibun When Chas Sibun returns to Korea he is treated like royalty and constantly referred to as a hero.
by the North Koreans and the Chinese. It was really hard going – you just kept your head down all the time.”
Back in Whangarei he’s just Chas and one of about 12 remaining local ‘heroes’ who served in the war between North and South Korea in the 1950s.
Over the years Chas has been a guest of the Korean government, and revisits battle sights to represent New Zealanders who fought in the Korean War.
This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the cease-fire in the three-year war involving the United Nations, in which New Zealand sent volunteers to help South Korea. Mr Sibun, 88, says the South Koreans are forever grateful - the relationship between them and the war veterans “very strong”. “The Korean people are very grateful for what we did to the point of it being embarrassing but the thing is we appreciate what they do for us as much as what we did for them,” he says, referring to the Koreans hosting about 30 Kiwi war veterans in their homes for a week each year. Mr Sibun served as a technical assistant, plotting the trajectory distance of the guns to fire, as well as serving on an observation post. He was discharged from the army as a bombardier (the artillery equivalent to a corporal.)
A total of 3,794 New Zealand soldiers served in a unit called K Force and 1,300 in the New Zealand navy deployment. In all, 37 New Zealanders were killed, 80 wounded and one taken prisoner. Korea, then, is described as a grim, cheerless country which smelt like a manure heap in summer and, in winter, it could be so cold that a man’s hands would freeze to his gun. But Mr Sibun, who was one of four representatives to return to Korea to celebrate the 60th anniversary, was amazed at the radical change the country has undergone, referring to the four-lane bridges that are threestoreys high. “It is unrecognisable now. There are men who said they’d never go back but then their names get pulled out and they wish they’d gone back sooner.
His worst memory of the experience was two nights before the cease fire in 1953 at the Battle of the Hook.
Mr Sibun and his comrades still meet at the RSA regularly, although, he says, the number of locals left are “disappearing quickly”.
“It was just before the truce was signed but they decided they’d try and get the little bit of land we were on. They missed out but we just got hammered
He puts his own longevity down to “good living” – which consists of “a healthy diet, behaving yourself and having a couple of beers now and again”.
Ben Smith was a cook in the army when he served in the UK and Middle East for five years during WW2 and still vividly recalls his first air raid experience. “When the first German air raid happened in the UK you didn’t know what was coming. I was in my bunk in the barracks and we were like headless chooks,” he said. “We were supposed to go underground but were all too inquisitive.” He encountered several more air raids after that but says the after-math was something that he will always remember. “We went into London to help clean up. It was a bit awesome the way people responded. There
was no panic - they just went about helping and cleaning up. It sticks in your mind.” Spuds, meat, consisting of beef or mutton, and local vegetables were Ben’s specialty and he says his crew were fed ‘very well’. Following his return home from the war, Ben, originally from a farming background in Dargaville, settled back into farming life in Hikurangi. There he lived with his five children and wife, who took over the cooking duties as “she was the better cook”. Ben received a number of service medals and has attended ANZAC Day ceremonies every year. This year will be no exception – the 92-year-old Whangarei rest home resident will be at the dawn service bright as a button.
TIME TO DOWNSIZE? THINKING OF MOVING BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO CALL HOME? Call us today to find out what we can do for you Proud to support the Whangarei RSA
THE PALMS LIFESTYLE VILLAGE
Villa 79, 45 Reed Street, Tikipunga, Whangarei Email: palmsvillage@xtra.co.nz • www.thepalmslifestyle.co.nz Hours: Mon to Fri 9am-4pm and closed on public holiday
Phone: 09 435 4020 • Freephone 0800 868 548
PROUD TO SUPPORT THE WHANGAREI RSA
HOME AWAY FROM HOME CARE • COMFORT • COMPANIONSHIP
Quality Care Within a Small Home Like Environment Proud to support the Whangarei RSA 62 Mill Road, Kensington, Whangarei | Ph: 09 437 6511 Email: shalomagedcare@xtra.co.nz
45-47 Kamo Road, Whangarei • Phone: 09 437 3311 Manager Maryanne Thompson, RN • Licensed by the Health Department Email: maryanne@parahaki.co.nz
6
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
6
¯ REI BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL WHANGA The Tradition of ANZAC
W
hanga¯rei Boys’ High School has had active involvement in the commemoration of ANZAC Day since its inception following the Great War. This was initially in the form of participation in civic parades and boys from the Cadets took part in the annual public ANZAC parades. A number of dignitaries, including Sir Bernard Freyberg received our Cadets in formal ceremonies such as that of 1941. For at least the past 75 years the school has held its own service and the Fideliter of 1940 records the end of term service at school on April 17.
The school’s involvement in these commemorative services is in no small part due to the many former pupils and staff who participated in the Great War and that which followed in 1939-1945. The Memorial Drive at the school was planted with pohutukawa trees as part of a school reunion on June 29 in 1934 to recognise those former Old Boys and Staff members who gave their lives in World War 1. These trees form part of the many poignant memories of those who attended WBHS in the ensuing period. An excerpt from the Fideliter of 1934 is included below, detailing the thoughts of the then President of the Old Boys’ Association (D. W. Baird) and the Chairman of the Board of Governors
(H. C. Rishworth). These words are still relevant today. Some of the more illustrious achievements of Old Boys on the fields of battle include Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg VC & DFC, Flight Lt Derek Ward DFC & Bar and Lt George Falkiner Military Medal. Today the tradition of commemorating ANZAC remains as strong as ever. Every year the service in the school hall is marked by traditional Scottish piping, the reading of poetry written by famous war poets, the recital of the roll of honour for those who fell in service to their country in the various wars and completed by the traditional rendering of the Ode accompanied by the bugle. Local MPs, the Whanga¯rei Mayor, the RSA, former Staff and Old Boys are regular attendees to this important event in the school calendar. The ceremony is completed by a guard of honour formed by Prefects and Senior Leaders for the VIPs and the laying of wreaths at the school Anchor.
Perpetuated Memory Here Mr D. W. Baird, the President on behalf of the Old Pupils’ Association, thanked the large number of next of kin of the fallen who had accepted the invitation of the Association to attend. Their presence was greatly appreciated.
This image is from an ANZAC Service in 1965, and about the earliest photo we have of an ANZAC Service. Shows both the girls and boys schools joining in the service which was held in the quad in front of what was then the assembly hall. Dignitaries can be seen on the verandah of the hall and the school brass band is being conducted by well known former teacher Mike Gifford. Inset is of the bugler for the day and this is quite pertinent as he is a 3rd former by the name of Arthur Parkin. Arthur was also a member of the NZ Hockey team who won gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
For some years, Mr Baird said, the Association had in view some means whereby the memory of those old boys who gave their lives might be perpetuated. The original intention was to erect memorial gates, but unfortunately it had not been possible to carry this out as yet. The purpose that afternoon was to plant an avenue of trees, each being in memory of some old pupil who had lost his life during 1914-1918. “To those of us who knew them personally, their memory will never be forgotten,” said Mr Baird, “but to those who are following after at the school some reminder of honour and respect is necessary. We have chosen trees as an emblem of respect, so that the tribute will keep evergreen in the memory of those who are now living in peace and security won for them. I hope the trees will flourish and be a living tribute to those who fell.” Mr Baird also thanked the Principal and the Board of Governors for their co-operation in enabling the present function to be held. “We are gathered here today to honour and commemorate the scholars of this school who were numbered among those who, at the call of King and country, left all that was dear to them,
endured hardness, faced danger and finally passed out of the sight of man by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom,” said Mr H. C. Rishworth, Chairman of the Board of Governors, “It is fitting that we should see to it that their names be not forgotten.” The Lessons They Learned “A few short years ago these men were boys, playing on the playing fields here, learning their lessons, getting into and out of scrapes, just as you boys do today. They learned other lessons, too – lessons of duty and sacrifice. The call came – they answered it, but did not return. “Men have dreamed of world peace, and peace is still a dream. It is for you boys and girls and the millions of your friends throughout the world to build as you grow up a better world than did your fathers, and make this dream of peace a reality. An Inspiring Gesture “May these memorials, which have been planted today, be an inspiration to the scholars of this school: a living memorial, calling you to live for your country, remembering that peace has its victories no less renowned than war”.
The 2nd is a photo of the whole school on military parade in 1944, something that was common in the day up until 1967. The trees can be seen in the background and at that stage they would have been 10 years old. The lone figure on the bank is the caretaker Herbert Edge who helped plant the trees.
WHANGAREI BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL
Is proud to continue its tradition of commemorating
ANZAC Day
and all those who gave service to their country.
“Developing Boys Into FINE MEN” For more information: www.wbhs.school.nz or
PHONE 09 430 4170
Friday, April 22, 2016
28
Northern Advocate
TH
7
MAORI BATTALION
The 28th (Ma-ori) Battalion was part of the 2nd New Zealand Division, the fighting arm of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) during the Second World War (1939-45). A frontline infantry unit made up entirely of volunteers, the Battalion usually contained 700-750 men, divided into five companies. The Ma-ori Battalion Like the other infantry battalions, the Ma-ori Battalion was divided into five companies: four rifle companies of about 125 men each and a headquarters (HQ) company of around 200 men. Each company was commanded by a major or captain. The Battalion’s four rifle companies (named A, B, C and D) were organised along tribal lines, while HQ Company drew its personnel from all over Ma-oridom. Each rifle company was divided into three platoons led by a lieutenant. Each platoon was in turn made up of three sections of about 10 men led by a non-commissioned officer (NCO). HQ Company was made up of six specialist platoons: signals, anti-aircraft, mortars, Bren Gun Carriers, pioneers and transport. Reinforcements The main body of the Ma-ori Battalion left New Zealand as part of 2NZEF’s 2nd Echelon in May 1940. To maintain its strength throughout the war, especially when heavy losses were suffered, groups of new recruits were regularly sent from New Zealand. 2NZEF’s 3rd Echelon sailed for the Middle East in August 1940, followed by the 4th Reinforcements in November and the 5th, 6th and 7th Reinforcements in 1941. The last Ma-ori recruits to see action, part of 2NZEF’s 14th Reinforcements, arrived in Italy in April 1945 (the 15th Reinforcements did not reach Egypt until May 1945, after the war in Europe ended).
Maori Battalion Song Maori Battalion march to victory Maori Battalion staunch and true Maori Battalion march to glory Take the honour of the people with you We will march, march, march to the enemy And we’ll fight right to the end. For God! For King! And for Country! AU - E! Ake, ake, kia kaha e!
Rewiti Ihaka Reweti Ihaka was killed during enemy artillery bombardment on 2 Nov 42. His remains are kept at the memorial graves at El Alamein. Reweti Ihaka had the distinction of being one of the few Maori of A Coy 28 Bn who had flaming red hair. His close friend from the same Northern company, was Tamati Paraone of Ngati Hine. Who shared some moving and emotional stories with me about Reweti some years ago at a commemoration ceremony at Maori Television.
Three Brothers in Arms
Who Not Only Fought For Their Country with Pride but Also With Honour
In Loving Memory Of My Three Uncles My Uncles were born with the gift of life From my great grandfather Eru and Tepaea his wife They grew up to be the most humble men who decided to fight for their country but then One was killed two remained and returned home to be with their whanau again It was there and then I saw the gift they bore Their wit, their knowledge their love and more Until upon that fatal day When God had come to take them away If this was their life that was meant to be I pray to the lord and to my family To remember my uncles’ who were so dear to me And honour all men who fought for Niu Tirani (New Zealand) So on Anzac Day, to all women and men Give a massive salute to our Maori Battalion!! Ake Ake Amene by Kathy Opai
Rawhti Ihaka
Riki Reihana Ihaka Riki was taken POW and had to undergo hand amputation. A surgical operation conducted by German surgeons. When Riki returned to NZ I remember (among other things two things about him) was his amazing bass voice. He had the ‘lowest’ bass voice I have ever heard and he would entertain everyone including us younger ones with his quality singing of ‘Old Man River’ and similar songs of his time. He could also roll ciggies with one hand by rolling the paper and tobacco along the top of his leg. Before licking the lot together forming a perfect round specimen equal to any tailor mates and he was quick. He’d light his match (way before cigarette lighters) using his one hand by flicking his thumb along the head of the match. This was pure magic and fascination to us kids.
Affectionately referred to by one and all as uncle Ra. His dodgy eyesight always gave me concerns as to how he gained entry into 28 Bn. His eyesight wasn’t too hot. I suspect, that during the physical examination, when asked by the specialist to ‘change eyes’ he kept the card over the same eye but only changed the card from one hand to the other. During his time POW term his captors one day noticed he was doodling with calculi. To their astonishment (I guess) they found that this was one smart Maori who loved Shakespeare and the Sciences including Mathematics. Rawhiti was honoured by his German captors by their presenting him with a parchment written in the Germanic style recognising his mathematic and scientific aptitudes. After the war Rawhiti attended Auckland University where he became the first Maori to be capped in the disciplines of Science and Mathematics. He was a teacher at St Stephens where he was nicknamed ‘Shack’ a nick name that stuck to all latter students from the clan Ihaka. His nephew now deceased Rawhiti Manuera was named after Rawhiti Ihaka and was the RSM of 161 Battery RNZA in Viet Nam.
Whangarei based He Puna Marama Trust was established in 1997 with a mission “to provide outstanding education to students and whanau seeking bilingual education”. The Trust’s core services have been in early childhood education and more recently the secondary sector. As the Trust expands it is committed to linking up its educational entities into a comprehensive whole, providing emergent education from babies (pepi) through to secondary (tai tama tane me tai tama wahine).
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8
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
8
THE WELLSFORD WAR MEMORIAL AND ANZAC DAY SERVICE The Wellsford Memorial RSA prepares for its ANZAC day breakfast. The day starts with a Dawn Parade at 0545 hrs at the Memorial Gates in Port Albert Road. On completion of the parade, a champagne breakfast is served at the RSA. There will also be a display of military hardware.
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On 25 April 1937 Gordon Coates, MP for Kaipara, himself a war veteran, unveiled the Wellsford First World War memorial. The memorial consisted of a bluestone arch of remembrance and ornamental iron gates at the entrance to the local showground. A granite tablet on one pillar listed the names of nine of the district’s fallen. Another tablet was added after the Second World War with a further 17 names. However, the town’s principal Second World War memorial was utilitarian rather than symbolic: a war memorial library. In December 1954 the Wellsford library was moved into the new war memorial building beside the main road. A memorial shrine was set up in the foyer, where a wooden tablet was displayed listing 21 names from the First World War and 23 from the Second World War.
In 1958 the First World War memorial, which had come close to collapsing, was rebuilt without the arch. In 2013 a new library building was erected beside the old showground, now known as War Memorial Park. The new library was opened with a dawn blessing on 17 June 2013 and a community celebration on 22 June 2013. As part of the project, the pillars from the war memorial gate were repositioned in the plaza in front of the library. The roll of honour from the old library was also transferred to the new library. The image shows the gates in their original location at the entrance to Wellsford Memorial Park in 2009. The information in this article has been retrieved from: www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/ wellsford-war-memorial
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Friday, April 22, 2016
9
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
9
WAIPU RSA Brits keep tight hold on NZ war diaries Northland family likely to be last to get papers back.
would be an “unfriendly act” if he took original material. Liddle ignored the library’s appeal, and returned to Sunderland Polytechnic, where he created what he called the “Personal Experience Archives” a large collection of WWI memorabilia.
Men of the New ZeaIand Rifle Brigade in northern France.
A Northland man has retrieved his father’s World War I dairies from a celebrated UK library- but the precious family mementos could be the last returned to veterans’ descendants by the British archive.
He also wrote Men of Gallipoli, based in part on his New Zealand and Australian research. In the 1976 book, he acknowledged the “Outstanding debt” he owed Colonel William “Bill” Murphy, a decorated Gallipoli veteran who put Liddell in touch with many old soldiers.
The two diaries returned to the veteran’s family may be the last recovered from the Leeds depository, which holds 146 collections of personal papers of men who served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) at Samoa, Gallipoli, the Western Front, and Egypt and Palestine from 1914-1918. Its manager told the Weekend Herald that cases such as the Northland diaries “are often complex, particularly where descendants rather than the original lender are involved”. Records held at Archives New Zealand made available to the Weekend Herald reveal there was high-level alarm some time after Liddle trawled New Zealand in 1974 collecting rare military records. He targeted Gallipoli veterans, and was helped by the Returned Services Association, which asked former soldiers for their war accounts. One Archives letter notes that the Alexander Turnbull Library told Liddle it
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Dozens of New Zealand diaries, letters, journals and personal documents are held in the Liddle Collection at Leeds University. The material, much relating to the Gallipoli campaign, was collected 40 years ago in New Zealand by British military historian Peter Liddle. He copied a lot of paperwork, but also took original documents back to the UK, where they now are part of one of Britain’s most valuable WWI collections.
Storage boxes holding the archive material of the Liddle Collection in Leeds .
Open 10am-4pm every day Situated on Molesworth Drive The material, much relating to the Gallipoli campaign, was collected 40 years ago in New Zealand by British mil itary historian Peter Liddle.
The arrangement, however, left Colonel Murphy deeply upset. Writing in the officiaI RSA journal, he said he felt “ regret and sadness” at the sight of irreplaceable material leaving the country.
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HARKER HERBALS
Liddle insisted that everything he took had been given freely. He said he photocopied a lot of material and only held onto original documents that had been willingly passed to him. In one 1984 letter, Liddle replied to a Westport family who asked for the return of a diary that the 1915 journal had been offered “for preservation in the archives here”. But that is not the recollection of Murray Hunter of Parakao, 30km west of Whangarei. The retired Northland farmer said his father George always maintained that he loaned his diaries to Liddell, who collected the Gallipoli veteran’s journals after an interview at the Whangarei RSA club. After an exchange of correspondence, managers of the Liddle collection agreed to return the two diaries.
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10
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
10
MAUNGATUROTO RSA
Image showing an historical ANZAC parade in Maungaturoto
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How we started In 1947 the land was donated so the Maungaturoto sub-branch of the Otamatea RSA could move a building onto the site. That building was then converted into RSA club rooms. In 1948 an application was made to Internal Affairs to create a returned serviceman’s cemetery in Maungaturoto. In 1949 land was made available by the Maungaturoto Hall Society for use of the land for a returned serviceman’s cemetery. The first burial was done in June 1950. 1954 saw the transfer of the Hall Society cemetery land to the Crown for the serviceman’s cemetery. The cemetery was named Maungaturoto Serviceman’s Lawn Cemetery. In 1954 an application was made to extend the RSA clubrooms, this was approved and building began. The timber was supplied by trees that were felled on local farms and milled locally. The RSA was officially opened in 1956. The Dawn Service march in those days started from the RSA and carried on down to the Maungaturoto Serviceman’s Lawn Cemetery. In 2002 the Maungaturoto Returned
Servicemen’s Association changed its name to the Maungaturoto Memorial Returned Services Association Inc. The Navy Museum donated an 1894 3 inch gun, which was mounted out the front of the RSA. In 2004 the RSA membership was very low, so a drive to improve membership was done, and was a big success. The RSA now has a good membership, with the Dawn Service last year seeing around 500 attendees. The RSA is open Friday and Saturday from 5.00pm, and there is an extensive A’La carte menu at very reasonable prices. The Maungaturoto RSA is a family oriented club, and they always want to welcome new members. The Maungaturoto RSA is holding its ANZAC service on Monday 25th April, commencing at 0600 hrs, starting at the Maungaturoto Centennial Hall in View Road. Those wishing to take part in the march need to assemble at 5.45hrs. On completion of the service, a complimentary breakfast will be held at the club rooms at 115 Hurndall Street.
Operating Hours are Monday-Wednesday 4-7.30pm • Thursday-Friday 11am-7.30pm Saturday-Sunday 12-7.30pm
Address: 97 Hurndall St, Maungaturoto • TELEPHONE: +64 (9) 431 8711
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2015 ANZAC Parade
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Friday, April 22, 2016
11
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
11
THE HISTORY OF THE RSA AND DARGAVILLE DAWN SERVICE The RSA was founded in 1916 by wounded veterans returning from World War One. Its establishment recognised a need to provide care for returning soldiers and to honour the memory of those who would never return. Support and remembrance has been at the heart of the RSA since 1916. We’re proud of our history and wish to share it with you, our highs and lows, our rituals of remembrance and our beloved badge. Honouring the past is important to us as it provides the pathway to the future The Foundation Meeting of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, 1916
Image of a Dargaville Returned & Services Association Dawn Service
DARGAVILLE MUSEUM
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Email: darg.museum@xtra.co.nz www.dargavillemuseum.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 439 7555 Fax: +64 9 439 7133
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12
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
12
HIKURANGI NEWS Wa ar Merm morial (A Articlle in the e Northern n Advoc cate Ju une 19 922 2) Word ha as been receive ed frrom Mr Fel on of Auck kla and d, the sculptor arttist entrus sted witth the e erecttion off the warr me emorial, thatt he e expectts to be herre to place itt in po osiition in n less than a fo ortniigh ht.
Fin weatther is hope ed fo or on Satturrday for the unveiiling off the Wa ar Me emoria al,, wh hic cerem mony is to be carried out by Colonel C. E. R. Ma acke esy. Dr. A. W. Av verill, Bis shop of Auckla and, who will be visiiting Hikurrangi tha at day, als so hope es to be prresentt at the function.
Th he who ole of the e mon ney y has not been n subscribe ed, bu ut a fi final ap ppeall is to o be mad de fo or the balance e duriing th he nex xt few days.
HIKURANGI AND RSA DISTRICTS
T
he RSA was started in 1946 at Hikurangi.
The hall used for this was in George St, but could not be sustained in the 1950’s. Hikurangi RSA then became a branch of the Whangarei RSA.
In 1926 the then First World War One Memorial Stone that was by the bridge on King Street got washed away. The Hikurangi Women’s Institute replaced a new Memorial Stone at the Hikurangi Primary School but some of the names were not listed on it.
War Memoriiall (Arrticle in the e Northe ern Ad dvocate 28 July 1922)
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Wars. The names of those missing on the old one were upgraded to the new one. The new stone was placed at the Hikurangi School where the old one was. The plaques in the Hikurangi War Memorial Hall in King St have also been upgraded. We have only one known Second World War Veteran left in the district. Our main purpose is ANZAC DAY SERVICE. We hold a Parade @10.15am which marches from the Hikurangi War Memorial Hall to the Hikurangi Primary School, but if wet we hold the service in the Hikurangi War Memorial Hall. We also hold a Widows Luncheon once a year.
Tra anscrip pt ta aken fro om the Hik kura angi New ws in the Nortthe ern Advo ocate e 20 May y 19211
HIKURANGI NEWS (Ow wn Corrresp pondent)
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North City Caravans - Piano Hill Enquires: nthcity@xtra.co.nz Phone: 09 433 8542 or 027 600 7759 www.northcitycarvans.co.nz
War Memoriall Proposed
A
t a me eeting convene ed by the Town Board and held d in n the Town n Hall on Monda ay a faiir number off reprrese enta ative peoplle were prese ent to o diisc cus ss th h qu u stion n of a memorrial to th he soldiers who we from Hikura angi and d the su urround ding dis stricts s to ta ake pa art in n th he great war.. Mr E Swa ann, chaiirm m n o th he Tow wn Boarrd, presided d and with him was Mr R. C. Cherrriies, a member of the Boarrd.
Pattton, and Mes ssrs T. Sh hore e, R. Patton, J. Ruttherf rd, A. M. Rust, E. Sw wann, E. H. Taylorr, W. Mc cKin nlay,, W. Good dhew an n W. S. Me eek.
The meetting g resolved d un nanimo ouslly that a war memo oria al sho ould d be erected by th he peo oplle off Hiku ura angi and d disttrict. Consid derablle discussion too ok pllace and d opin nion ns we ere e fre eely y ex xpresse e d.
The e com mmitte ee de ecid ded to o meet in the Tow wn oard office e on Mo onda ay, May 23, to o trran nsa act any business s req quired and re eporrt pro ogrress.
Mr R. C. Che errie was ap p ointe ed secreta ary y, and a comm mitte ee of twelve was set up to canvass the e district and d thereafter co onvene a meeting g of subscribers to decide t e form of the me emoriial and itts location, the committtee cons sisting of Mesda ames s McK Kin nla ay, Shore and
The ommitttee me sub bseq quen ntly whe en Mrr Rus st w s elec cted cha airma an and Mr Ru utherfo ord trreas surer. It was decide ed that the fund ds should be lo ged in n the Po t Office Saving gs Bank and d that the ch hairman, sec cre etarry and trreasurerr sh hould be trustees s.
It was ag greed d that th follo owin ng genttlem men in n the outlyin ng diisttrictts should be re eques sted to soliicit and collectt subscriptio ons:- Riponu ui, Mrr Charle es Brow wn; Mata apo ouri, Mr Woolley; Whana anaki, Mr H Colllier; Opu uawha anga, Mrr E. C. Foote; Whakapara a, Mr J. J. Whimp; Maru , Mr F. McDona ald; Hukere enui, Mr M. G. Kerr; Jordan n, Mr F. Ellliott.
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Ph 09 433 8818 Fax 09 433 8810
Friday, April 22, 2016
13
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
13
KAWAKAWA & DISTRICTS RETURNED AND SERVICES ASSOCIATION INC. HISTORY The New Zealand RSA was founded in 1916 in Wellington. In late 1918 a small band of returned soldiers from World War 1 met at Kawakawa to consider forming a Bay of Islands branch of the Auckland Returned Soldiers Association with the intention of supporting local returned soldiers and their families. From an initial membership of seven the membership rose to 150 in the first year. The BOI sub-branch formed at Kawakawa was the only one of its kind in Northland at the time. Much of the drive behind the new group originated from Mr Claude H Puttick of Kawakawa who was appointed secretary and who was the initial instigator. The branch grew so strong it was able to forms its own separate associations affiliated to Wellington which later split into other associations for Kaikohe & Districts, Whangaroa and Hokianga. In the early stages the local association was formed as a political fighting force with a political platform the first group in Kawakawa called the Bay of Islands Electorate. They fought for improvements in the local community environment. The association however soon abandoned the ideas of separate political action preferring to fight for the ex-servicemen. The idea of community associations took the place of electorate branches. Sub-branches of the BOI association were initially formed in Pakaraka, Ohaeawai, Kaikohe, Okaihau, Towai and Russell. Model for Others: In his report of March 1920 Mr W Pollock RSA organising secretary for the Auckland Province had to say of the association; The BOI association could be taken as a model of what a country association should be. A system has been adopted which could hardly be improved upon and with this system continued I foresee a longer life for this particular
body than for those associations who are trying to run everything from the one centre. The public of the whole district are cognisant of the aims of the association and the work it is doing and, as a result are sympathetic and willing to assist in any way. Surely this particular district has no monopoly of the qualities of energy and enthusiasm and what they have done others can do. Kawakawa & Districts RSA Club-rooms In 1922 the Kawakawa sub-branch built their clubrooms at 29 Albert Street Kawakawa opposite the Methodist Church. Work on the building was planned to commence on the morning of Good Friday 1922 and to be completed by the evening of Easter Monday. The hall was to be fifty feet by thirty feet. A local newspaper reported: They were good workers in those days and the building was a true community effort with all the returned soldiers and many of the local residents joining in what must have been the biggest and most enthusiastic working bee ever seen in Kawakawa. Many did labour such as they had never been used to, said the newspaper report. Every race and denomination was represented. The initial hall has been added to over time to form a modern facility including the original hall with a kitchen and meeting room, a bar with two lounge areas, a gaming room, toilets and an outdoor covered deck area catering for functions of up to 300 people. Current membership is 187 paid service and associate members with the club being a very important community facility used for weddings, birthdays, meetings and other community events. The club has a full time club manager Odelle Davies who can be contacted on 09 4040399 for club memberships and bookings. We actively support everyone in the wider community to join the club with membership open to anyone.
CLARKS COACHLINE “the best for the best”
The association has recently adopted a new constitution and has formed a Poppy Trust which is an entity whereby welfare money is secured and administered by a Trust formed specifically for returned and service welfare. Our annual Anzac Day programme involves meeting at the local Museum
at 9.45am, marching to the Johnstone Park Cenotaph for a service at 10.00am then returning to the club for morning tea and refreshments. All are welcomed to attend. Report compiled by: Hector Davies Kawakawa & Districts RSA President 2016 021 2429336
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KAWAKAWA DEPARTURE TIMES 10.45am, 12.00 noon, 1.15pm & 2.30pm A train may not run if there are no passengers leaving from Kawakawa TAUMARERE 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm & 3pm Operating days only
Special Charters by Arrangement Round trip approx 45 mins Engine Type dependent on availability
14
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
14
KAIKOHE RETURNED & SERVICEMAN ASSOCIATION DAWN PARADE & SERVICE The Kaikohe RSA Dawn Parade and Service will be held on Monday 25 April at 6.30am. The service will be held at the Kaikohe Memorial Hall, 5 Memorial Avenue, Kaikohe
Please meet at Kaikohe RSA, 158 Broadway at 5.45am, the parade then assembles at 5.55am and the parade will walk to the Kaikohe Memorial Hall at 5 Memorial Ave. where a Civic service
will be held. The service will be followed by Veterans breakfast and morning tea at 9.00am at the Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA
Kaikohe RSA
158 Broadway, Kaikohe Phone: 09 401 2368 Email: kaikohersa@xtra.co.nz
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Kaikohe
ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF KAIKOHE RSA Hours: Mon-Sun 7.00am - 9.00pm Marino Place, Kaikohe (09) 401 5088
Friday, April 22, 2016
15
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
15
KERIKERI RETURNED & SERVICES ASSN
T
Once again Kerikeri paid its share with eight never returning home.
he Kerikeri RSA began in 1937 when a meeting was held at the home of Captain F W Voelcker to consider forming a branch of the Returned and Services Association in Kerikeri.
After World War 2 membership was boosted and it was decided to look for a more permanent home.
At the start of WW1 young men from Kerikeri began joining up to join the New Zealand Expeditionary force. Of the known 15 who left for overseas five were never to return.
New clubrooms were built in the now Hone Heke Rd and were officially opened in March 1956. Patronage was good and many enjoyable functions were held. Due to the strict liquor laws the club set up a locker system which enabled the members to drink beer kept in their locker. As Kerikeri did not have a hotel this became very popular with members and visitors alike.
At the original meeting seventeen WW1 returned servicemen turned up however around 25 others who were unable to attend also expressed their wishes that they would become members. The club was formed and Captain F W Voelcker was elected the first President of the newly formed club.
Club ceased operating. At this stage the tennis court block at the front, was sold off to pay the outstanding debts of the Kerikeri Club. Since then the Kerikeri RSA has gone from strength to strength and today it runs a successful restaurant and function centre for use by its members, visitors and the local community. Currently the club has over 950 members. We still have 11 WW2 Veterans, 3 Korean War Veterans, 10 Vietnam Veterans, 26 Malayan and Borneo Veterans, 12 Veterans from recent conflicts along with 116 ex-servicemen and women.
In 1983 the Education Department required the land and buildings for the Kerikeri High School so the site was sold for $500,000. The RSA looked around for land and in April 1986 eventually bought a property in Cobham Rd from Westpac for $205,000. At this time the RSA formed a trust to look after its property assets to ensure that they were always protected should any disaster happen.
As WW2 approached and apart from the gatherings for reunions and smoko’s, little happened until the return of the men and women from overseas.
A new building was built by the Kerikeri Club on the RSA land. The RSA gave the club the use of the land and RSA members would automatically become members.
WW2 again saw many men from Kerikeri joining the Army, Navy and Air force and even a Home Guard unit was organised.
Due to financial difficulties in the early 2000’s the Kerikeri RSA took over ownership of the building and the Kerikeri
What does the future hold for the Kerikeri RSA Club, no one really knows? Changes to liquor licensing, lower drink driving levels along with more competing entertainment outlets in the district – only time will tell, although I am sure the Kerikeri RSA will still be around in some form or another to celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2037.
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With dwindling numbers in the 1960’s the Kerikeri Bridge Club joined the RSA and eventually the Kerikeri Club.
The resolution was passed, a sub of 5 shillings imposed and so the Kerikeri RSA had begun. Gatherings were held in homes and the local Cathay Theatre. To start with ANZAC Days were held at 10am at the Flagstaff War Memorial at the Kerikeri School. At 11am a service was held at the Cathay Theatre to enable the community to attend.
In 2012 the Kerikeri RSA was 75 years old and to celebrate an anniversary ball was held. The Royal New Zealand Navy band provided their rock band, jazz band and big band for the event.
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ANZAC Day Services Dawn Service Parade forms at 05 45am Morning Service Parade forms at 09 45am Speakers this year will be the Rt Hon Winston Peters, Mayor John Carter and Lt Regan Harris RNZN to deliver the Governor Generals address. All are welcome. Kerikeri Roll of Honour
Kerikeri WWI Baker D Baker V H Boyd J M Faithfull C B
WWII Callender RG Grant I Hewitt B D Raymond J
Shannon R Strongman M Studholme M Waha J
Vietnam Don A J S McLeod D J
ARE PROUD SUPPORTERTERS OF KERIKERI RSA Hours: Mon-Sun 7.00am - 9.00pm 99 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri (09) 407 0200
KERIKERI
Providers of quality care companions
WATER SUPPLIES
Proud to support the Kerikeri RSA
Servicing all of the FAR NORTH REGION. • Swimming Pools • Household Water Tanks etc
Delivery 7 days
Kerikeri Water Supplies
James: 09 407 4433 027 | 452 1450
Tender Loving Care in your own home
tlc4u2 specialises in providing live-in care in your own home, enhancing your life style and independence. - Respite Care (short term care) - Long Term Care - Recuperative/Rehabilitation - Palliative care (end of life care) - ACC referrals accepted
Proud to support the Kerikeri RSA For further information contact P 0800852482 | W www.tlc4u2.co.nz
16
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ANZAC DAY 2016
16
RUSSELL RSA Anzac Day in Russell
A
nzac Day in Russell is a little bit different from other areas. Every three years our Dawn Service is rotated between Russell township, Rawhiti marae and Ngaiotonga Marae. The reason for this is that many men left the peaceful tranquillity of both these places in both WW1 and WW2 and did not return. Their names forever etched on the honours boards in the Russell RSA, Russell School, Christ Church (The one with the musket holes) both Marae's and on the cenotaph at Rawhiti and Russell. At 9.30 am a Service is held at Long Beach Road Cemetery which some would say, has the best view in the Bay.
DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH HOTEL
25
ROOMS
100 WINES
30
BEERS
At 11.00 am a Civic Service takes place at the Russell Cenotaph which is located in the Village Green. On this Cenotaph are the names of the ten men from WW1 and the eleven from WW2 who made the ultimate sacrifice. These twenty-one men were resident in the Russell area at the time of enlistment. There are seven others who died, but
because they enlisted elsewhere are not included. Our ten WW1 men killed in action are as follows: A. Davidson, H. Hakaraia, G. Hooper, J. Rice, G. Rigden, J.P. Rivers, J.H. Saunders, R.C. Schmidt, L.S. Williams DCM, C.C. Wood. The following seven from Russell enlisted elsewhere: G. Cook, G. Duncan, H. Flowerday, R. Gordon, W. Gordon, H. Howe, H. Philson. Of the forty-four from Russell who enlisted seventeen did not return. On a per capita basis that is a very high percentage. Our eleven WW2 men killed in action are as follows: C. Baker, C. Bell, B. Hakaraia, W. Hakaraia, W.T.K. Hau, P. Howe, J. Kareko, H.W. Matene, D. Maunsell, J. Parkes, A.G. Rush. Also a high percentage. There are no details on how many men actually enlisted from Russell. We will remember them.
1
GREAT
MENU
NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST LICENSED HOTEL Visit us on the waterfront in historic Russell, Bay of Islands - 35 The Strand P +64 9 403 7829 www.theduke.co.nz
DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TAVEN Friendly staff, pool tables, movies, foosball, darts, quiz night, brilliant burgers & ribs, tab, gaming machines and our world famous community events.
09) 403 7831 •19 York Street, Russell 0255 The Duke of Marlborough Tavern (On the corner of York Street and Chapel Street)
Book your
Bay of Islands
experience through Russell Info, we have the knowledge and up to date information.
/ Cruises / ‘Local Knowledge is everything’ Tours Accommodation
Friday, April 22, 2016
Northern Advocate
ANZAC DAY 2016
17 17
THE KAITAIA RSA
T
he Far North (Kaitaia) RSA Inc is situated on Matthews Ave Kaitaia, opened in 1947 after many of the local community pulled together to fundraise enough money to build the original part of the RSA. Since then we have added a new building to the existing RSA which has given us a modern open clubrooms attracting all age groups. We have a growing membership, many different inner clubs which include an outdoor bowling green. We have a mixed membership, but are proud to say we still have a good number of returned and service members. Our associate members are a valued and very important part of our organisation as without them we would struggle to
continue which is imperative to be able to raise welfare funds to assist service personal and their dependants, the core reason RSA’s were formed 100 years ago this year. ANZAC day each year as with every RSA is a busy time, the most important on our calendar. Kaitaia RSA helps to organise and finance ANZAC parades not only for Kaitaia but Mangonui, Houhora and Te Kao. It is heart-warming to see all parades growing in numbers each year especially our Dawn Service with many more younger children attending. Our local ATC Cadets do us proud each year, standing guard at the cenotaph for the Dawn Service from 5 am is no mean feat.
To commemorate 100 years since World War One we painted the side of the building, had plaques made from each area in the Far North with the names of the fallen, then hung them along side the painting. In the grass below we placed 100 white crosses with a poppy on each, one representing each year. This caused great interest by passes by, many stopping to take photos. We would walk outside to find teenage children walking between the crosses, when asked what they were doing they replied looking to see if our great-granddad name is on
one of the plaques. Our returned service personal were very touched by this. Great to see the younger generation still remembering and wanting to learn. I am honoured to be part of the Kaitaia RSA working closely with Wynn Wells president, the Executive and members. We are lucky to have a welcoming friendly club which is always open to new ideas and members. Our motto is “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up” Lest We Forget.
SHACKLETON’S
PHARMACY
Proud to support Kaitaia RSA 89-91 Commerce St - Phone 408-0404 Parking at rear (Melba St). www.amcal.co.nz Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm • Sat 9am-12pm • Sun 10am-12pm
KAITAIA
Proud to support the Kaitaia RSA Open 6 Days Monday – Wednesday, 8.30am – 5pm Thursday – Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday, 8.30am – 2.30pm
We are not open Anzac Day
Commerce Street, Kaitaia (next to Liquor King) Phone: (09) 408-0906 • Fax: (09) 408-0509 email: sales@huntfishkaitaia.co.nz
Booking Now for Midwinter Saturday Nights
The Outlook Is Great for The Whole Family! Exciting & Informative tour with personal service
SPIT ROASTS
Only $50.00 Adults & $25.00 Child Includes Picnic Lunch Departs From Kaitaia Daily
PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE KAITAIA RSA
0800 267 262 Motor Inn & Restaurant
WANT TO ESCAPE?
238 Commerce Street Kaitaia
Proud to support the Kaitaia RSA
Harrisons Cape Runner
FREEPHONE 0800 227 373 For Bookings Cape Reinga Tours via 90 Mile Beach E-mail: capetours@xtra.co.nz 114 North Road, Kaitaia
18
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
GALLIPOLI 1915-2016 - lest we forget “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”
www.circamarine.com
‘Lest We Forget’ Care, comfort, companionship 202 Kamo Rd, Kamo Whangarei Phone 09 437 9302
Remembering our Brave New Zealanders Cairnfield House Rest Home/Hospital Where quality and loving care is assured 60 Jack Street, Whangarei Phone 09 437 0186 www.cairnfieldhouse.co.nz
Proud to Support Anzac Day
ROBINSON MEMORIALS
M O N U M E N TA L M A S O N S
Proudly supporting ANZAC Veterans & their famiies 8 Maunu Road Whangarei Phone 09 4383201
Supporting our local RSA 45 Kamo Road, Whangarei Phone 09 437 3311
Proud to Support Poppy Day Magic Tyres Phone 0800 867 897
Pipiwai Road, Kamo Phone 435 6117
MAGIC T YRES
4 Reyburn St, Whangarei
Proud to support Poppy Day
In tribute to our ANZAC veterans
12 Mangakahia Rd Maungatapere RD9, Whangarei Phone 434 6055
Phone 09 438 9779 152 Lower Dent St Whangarei
Proud to support RSA & Anzac Day
Proudly supporting ANZAC Veterans and their families
199 Kamo Rd, Whangarei Phone 09 437 5799
We will remember them
In Remembrance
262 Fairway Drive, Kamo Phone 09 435 3803
Proud to support our local RSA and Anzac Day
Proud to support POPPY DAY Phone 435 0188, Whangarei www.robinsonasphalts.co.nz
Rimu Park Phone 09 437 3933 www.radiuscare.net.nz
Proudly supporting our ANZACS
24 Hour Insulation Hotline
6/1 Three Mile Bush Road, Kamo • 09 435 0692
0800 111 344
Remembering those who fought for our freedom
Kamo Panel & Paint Ltd 2/5 Colenso St, Kamo Phone 435 1950
SHALOM AGED CARE The Insulation Experts
10 Hiko Road Kamo Phone 435 5044
$55/week
AN EXTRA ROOM AT YOUR PLACE
Phone 09 4352288 Fax 09 4352290 Email warrick@northlandinsulation.co.nz www.northlandinsulation.co.nz
Remembering our Brave ANZACS
62 Mill Rd, Kensington
Phone 437 6511
Friday, April 22, 2016
GALLIPOLI 1915-2016 - lest we forget We are here today for those who served and fell for us We are fully grateful for our freedom we have today
Phone 09 408 1020
Proudly Supporting ANZACS
On this day of remembrance Here’s to our brave heroes Let us never forget
UNITED KARA QUARRY
WOOD ROAD
Phone 438 2431
Supporting the RSA and in memory of our Anzacs
Free quotes/enquiries 71 Clyde Street
Phone 430 0512
for all your aggregate needs Phone: 09 430-0934 or 0274-335665
Proudly Supporting ANZACS
Proud to support Poppy Day
PETE’S TOWING Available 24/7
Proud to support RSA & Anzac Day Stanley Marine, Town Basin Whangarei Phone 438 4479
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“Forever remembered” Proud to support Poppy Day
Haines House Haulage Phone 435 7285
“Lest We Forget”
WHANGAREI R.S.A 9 Rust Ave, Whangarei Ph 438 3792
In Remembrance
Kamo Club Inc 7/11 Meldrum St Phone 09 435 1765 New Members Welcome! Join now for 2015 only $50
HONOURING OUR BRAVE ANZACS
We can manufacture & design to your requirements
Northern Advocate
Pipiwai Road, Kamo Ph: 09 435 3152
Fax (09) 435 3182; Mob (0274) 740 331
www.nmi.co.nz
Proudly sponsoring our ANZACS
Salty Dog Bait Phone 433 7002
Lest We Forget STIHL SHOP® Whangarei
17 Reyburn Street WHANGAREI Phone 09 438 8841
FOREVER GRATEFUL TO THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR AND DEFENDED OUR FREEDOM From everyone at
TYREMASTER
Phone 0800 738 374 or 438 7277
141 Lower Dent St, Whangarei Ph 438 8343 www.palmercanvas.co.nz
21 Port Road, Whangarei Phone 438 8883
Remembering those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today
Proud to support our local RSA
Never Forgotten
COST EFFECTIVE SCAFFOLDING SOLUTIONS Phone 09 438 5585 310 Port Road Whangarei
Phone 09 436 5506 E. admin@palmerscaffolding.co.nz
4 Hiko Road, Kamo Phone 435 2488 or 027 493 2122
20
Northern Advocate
Friday, April 22, 2016
ATC – PROVING THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO GET FIT FOR EDUCATION!
Operating through Northland, Auckland and Waikato, the Advance Training Centres have been working for over 25 years to offer free Youth Guarantee courses and expand career opportunities to youths aged between 16-19. With a strong military focus and ties, ANZAC is of course always an extremely important event on the ATC yearly calendar. This year is no different, and surrounding the 100 year celebrations, a time when more than ever they are proud to honour our fallen soldiers, and work their hardest to spread the word about the alternative options available for young people to develop and grown their education and employment skills. Advance Training Centres Ltd (ATC) began training in Kaitaia in 1991, soon followed by expansion into Whangarei in 1994 and Auckland in 1995. Since then further expansions have taken place with new branches also established in Dargaville (2003) and Hamilton (2010). ATC started with the establishment of Military
Prep School Programmes for the community and developed, diversifying into offering business administration and computing courses. The growth takes into consideration the interest from students that prefer more business qualifications rather than Physical Training. The non-physical component of the Military courses themselves also includes a level two social and community course, which teaches navigation and outdoor pursuits, along with other general and real life employment and social skills. “We do a lot of maths and literacy here as well, so they don’t miss out on anything they get in high school,” Keelan Smith, one of the many dedicated ATC tutors outlines of their offerings, for those students or parents looking for alternative options to traditional schooling for achieving NCEA Level 1 and/ or Level 2.
Academically students achieve their National Qualifications whilst programmes also prepare students in gaining relevant skills to pathway into further education or into employment opportunities at various levels within the domestic or international workforce.
For more information or to enquire about weekly enrolments call 0508 282 282, text ATC to 9090 or email study@advancetraining.co.nz
The ATC philosophy is to deliver high quality educational experiences paired with fun and exciting practical life skills training.
0508 282 282 CONTACT US TODAY! LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE! study@advancetraining.co.nz
ADVANCE TRAINING CENTRES NOW OFFERING PROGRAMMES IN MILITARY PREP OR COMPUTING: Gain NCEA Level 1 and/or Level 2
Structured Learning Environments
Academic & Employment Skills
*Youth Guarantee criteria applies. Must be 16-19 years old & a NZ citizen or Permanent Resident