Keeping the stories alive

“We dug our trenches behind rocky ground covered with ferns and bushes. Early next morning we jumped out to see gliders and bombers coming in from the sea. Paratroops ÿ lled the sky, the troops on the ground ÿ ring at them as they ° oated down.”

˛ is is Tauranga’s Alf Watt, ‘Wattie’ to his mates, writing home during World War II. It was the morning of May 20, 1941. ˛ e battle for Crete had just begun. “Gradually the enemy came our way. ˛ e place was littered with dead and wounded. We really haven’t been trained for hand-to-hand ÿ ghting, but I had to use my bayonet to save my own skin.”

Twelve brutal days as New Zealand forces helped try repel a massive German airborne assault. And when it was over, the Allies had su˝ ered a humiliating defeat. Of the 7700 New Zealand soldiers on Crete, 671 were killed, another 2000 were taken prisoner and the rest were either evacuated or ° ed into the surrounding mountain villages.

Almost 82 years on

And this Sunday, May 21 – almost 82 years to the day after the bloodshed, David Watt – that’s the late Alf ‘Wattie’ Watt’s son, will be at the Mount Maunganui RSA for the New Zealand Battle of Crete Association’s 82nd Commemoration service. He will honour, remember and be thankful.

“Like a lot of kids, as we grew up, we just blocked our ears to Dad’s war stories – we thought that was all before our time. I didn’t show a skerrick of interest. And after my father died, I realised I had questions that wouldn’t be answered.” ˛ en later in life, as David says, we kick ourselves.

“Why should they do that? I wasn’t even born. But our forefathers left a special mark on those people. We shouldn’t forget it. ˛ e stories must live on.”

And with the association providing the platform, and the commemorations, that might just happen.

David recalls walking into a village hall on Crete and there was a display of children’s projects on the invasion.

“˛ e lesson is still being taught – unbelievable.”

˛ ere were kids’ drawings of Cretan people armed with pitchforks and rocks ready to defend themselves against the full might of the Nazi war machine. “˛ ey are still living it today.”

Fall in love with Lotus!

Everyone in the SPCA shelter loves Lotus. She came to us a while ago and we’re desperate to ÿ nd her a home that she deserves.

Lotus is a chatty girl with a huge heart. Lotus could be a great ÿ t for most families; she’ll suit a chilled out home or would be equally well in a

David felt he couldn’t return home and blank it out. “Or do I try to contribute something from this end?” home bustling with activity. Aged six months she’d love a family where she can get lots of attention. Apply to meet her today! Call the Tauranga centre on: 07 5780245. Ref no: 575737. attention. Apply Tauranga centre

“˛ is association is picking up on those people who start thinking about things that have gone before them – like the Battle for Crete and the roles their family played. And if we don’t step and do some research, get the information and history together, we are going to lose it.”

“ is association is picking up Battle a church group. “We were

David visited Greece with a church group. “We were going to follow St Paul’s journey but when I saw the endless rows of old, old olive trees, I thought these are the same trees that Dad would have seen. It woke me up.”

Cretan embrace

What tore at him, was the Cretan people approaching him and spontaneously embracing him. David says there’s a deep love, respect and gratitude for what New Zealanders did for them.

So he became a passionate members of the Crete Association. He continues the good work to-day.

‘Wattie’ nearly died two-three times during WWII.

is from his diary.

during o the would of is

“As I moved o˝ a bullet hit me. I felt a bit stunned but managed to stand again. I thought I could feel blood running down my back. Len (Wattie’s mate) said: ‘Your back’s covered in something wet’. He smelled my coat. ‘God man,’ he cried. ‘It smells like rum. If that rum bottle hadn’t taken the shot you would be a corpse right now’.”

It’s a knowledge thing according to David, an awareness and an appreciation.

˛ e NZ Battle of Crete Association’s 82nd Commemoration Service is at Mount Maunganui RSA this Sunday, May 21, at 10.30am. David Watt is bugler for the service.

THERE’S LOTS TO SEE & DO IN YOUR CITY CENTRE

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POP-POCALYPSE EXHIBITION

Tauranga Art Gallery’s atrium has been transformed into a vibrant, psychedelic world dominated by an epic, fire-breathing taniwha.View the free POP-POCALYPSE exhibition at Tauranga Art Gallery until the 28th May.

Discover free stuff, fun stuff, kids eat free, and meal deals in the city centre. From free fluffy Fridays, cafes and restaurants with dedicated kids playrooms, to Hairy Maclary, we’ve got family time sorted. See the line up on our website…

Kids In The City

Outdoor Photo Exhibition

The Acorn Foundation celebrates 20 years of connecting generous people who care with causes that matter in our region. Enduring Connections is the resulting exhibition - check it out on The Strand now.

Date Night In The City

Whatever you fancy, from the freshest fish and chips on the waterfront, a gourmet Asian fusion banquet, a cocktail over happy hour, to award-winning fine dining, we have it all. There’s a table with your name on it right here...