RSA Spring 2015

SPRING 2015

A SOLDIER’S DAY IN IRAQ

A New Zealand soldier who is part of the New Zealand and Australian mission in Iraq traces a typical day of training with Iraqi troops – page 6. Photo: Courtesy Army News.

News

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Remembering

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Health & Well-being

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What’s New

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Young and old plant trees together

Rail ride: all aboard Passchendaele

Give prostate cancer the finger

Fancy a flight in a World War 2 fighter?

RSA members and school pupils plant the first 100 trees in a WW1 memorial forest being developed in Coromandel.

Close to 350 people rode the rail for a special Chunuk Bair commemorative train trip from Paekakariki to Otaki.

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer in New Zealand men.

Regular checks are important.

If you have ever fancied hurtling through the sky in a classic fighter plane, next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka is your best bet.

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.RSA.ORG.NZ

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RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

News The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 91 No.3 Spring 2015 Published September 14, 2015

In this issue 02 News 08 National 09 Letters 12 Remembering 15 Lost Trails 16 Last Post 28 What’s On 38 What’s New For RSA Review enquiries and subscriptions, contact: RSA Review Anzac House, 181 Willis Street PO Box 27 248, Wellington 6141 Phone 04 384 7994 Fax 04 385 3325 rsareview@rsa.org.nz www.rsa.org.nz Last Post, What’s On and Lost Trails are placed in RSA Review as a free service.

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RADIATION REPORT IMMINENT Dion Crooks

An independent report into likely exposure and risk from radiation during the New Zealand government’s 1973 two-frigate protest against French nuclear testing at Mururoa is expected to be released in October.

The report was commissioned by Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) in August and is bring carried out by Crown research agency Environmental Science and Research Ltd. it is addressing three issues: • the external dose rate to veterans from nuclear testing; • the internal (perhaps also external) dose rate from seawater used in ships; • hereditary effect on offspring.

Described as “a scientific report written with consideration of a non-specialist/technical audience”, the report is the result of sustained efforts over the last two years by the Mururoa Nuclear Veterans Group (MNVG) Its president, Wayne O’Donnell, says the group – formed in 2013 and registered as a legal society – has been monitoring the health of the veterans, their children and grandchildren, and is establishing a trust fund to enable the medical testing of the veterans’ children and grandchildren, and help those in need.

He says the report stems from the MNVG’s meetings with veterans affairs minister Craig Foss in May. Following that meeting, Foss directed VANZ to commission an independent examination of the issues.

O’Donnell says Foss and VANZ chief executive officer Jackie Couchman – both relatively new to their positions – have proved far more receptive and open to looking at the issues than their predecessors.

He says the group hopes the results of this work “will establish the truth of the genetic transfer

of illnesses related to the nuclear exposure encountered by the crews”.

“We wanted to get it recognised as an issue, and ideally, to get help from the Government in funding research.”

New Zealand’s protest in 1973 attracted international attention and helped force the French to switch to underground testing.

Around 500 crew, observers (including a government minister, Fraser Colman) and news media sailed aboard HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Otago to witness two atmospheric nuclear tests at Mururoa Atoll.

A number of Mururoa veterans – and some of their children – have died. The MNVG says there has also been a significant number of miscarriages, stillborn children, and children born with deformities or health problems.

The group has been searching for veterans and their descendants to contribute to the research.

However, the search has been complicated by the lack of complete data on who was on board the frigates. While a full role is available for Canterbury, no such list can be found for Otago.

Contact has been lost with some of the widows and children of those who have died, says O’Donnell. “We need to make contact with these people so that they can be informed of any

findings. We also need to record any medical issues suffered by the generational children of the nuclear veterans.”

At the end of June, 93 veterans who served at Mururoa were receiving a War Disablement Pension under the Veterans’ Support Act. A list of “conclusively presumed conditions” supports veterans of Pacific testing. A veteran diagnosed with a disability on the list is entitled to free medical treatment.

Until now the New Zealand government has taken the position that the available evidence indicated Mururoa veterans were not exposed to harmful doses of ionising radiation in the frigates, neither of which came within 20 nautical miles – the minimum safe distance – of a detonation.

However, O’Donnell, who was a navy engineer and diver, says it is not just a matter of direct exposure to radiation. He says seawater was collected and the salt removed to provide drinking water, and food was stored on the upper deck.

“This water had been radiated for years and years. The testing of samples showed that it had high levels. We were ingesting it”.

He says the concern should be whether radiation was involved, not how much: “Any radiation is too much.”

The class action by New Zealand, British and Fijian veterans against the British government remains stalled. The veterans are seeking $35.5 million compensation for health problems they argue are related to their exposure to radiation.

They link the illnesses to radioactive fallout from their enforced presence at British nuclear tests in the mid-Pacific in the 1950s as part of Operation Grapple The code name for nine British tests in the Pacific between 1957 and 1958).

A 4-3 decision by a Supreme Court tribunal has prevented the veterans from suing the British Ministry of Defence. And the ministry continues

to stonewall, fuelling the veterans’ belief the bureaucrats are aiming to outlast them.

Of the 551 Kiwi veterans involved in Grapple on the frigates Pukaki and Rotoiti), around 410 are dead, mostly from cancer. And only around 3000 of the 22,000 British soldiers who witnessed nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s are still alive.

In January this year the Fiji government announced it would pay compensation to the remaining 24 veterans who were at Christmas Island. Prime minister Voreque Bainimarama, whose father led the 60-strong contingent, said the government wanted to bring justice “to a

brave and proud group of Fijians to whom a great injustice was done”.

The New Zealand Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association built its case largely on the findings of research it commissioned from Massey University in 2007. Massey’s DNA and psychological testing on nuclear test veterans showed DNA damage at the same level as Chernobyl clean-up workers, genetic transmutations three times higher than normal (most likely caused by exposure to radiation), elevated rates of cancer, and high levels of stress, anxiety and mental health issues amongst veterans.

The Napier RSA is thinking big with an educational trust it is forming with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board. The RSA hopes the concept will have nationwide impact and will make a meaningful difference in society.

The trust (which is in the process of being established) will seek to identify, support, mentor and fund young students whose potential could be impeded by family situations, background or other circumstances.

The RSA plans to announce the first recipients of grants at its centenary celebrations next April.

“The aim is to help them into health and/or social services careers so that they will return to their communities to bring about changes,” says Ron Rowe, who sits on the Napier RSA executive.

“This concept of returning talented young people to their communities will be a key factor in creating change. On completion of their studies, they would return to their communities to assist

and bring about positive, attitudinal changes .”

He says the Napier RSA’s aim is for the trust concept to go nationwide. The trust model will be available for other clubs and RSAs to replicate.

He says the idea came about when the Napier RSA was thinking of how to celebrate its April 2016 centenary in a more long-lasting way.

“We will have a big party of course, but we also wanted to initiate something as part of the celebrations that would have a more far reaching and permanent effect. We’re saying ‘Come celebrate with us’, but rather than just a big party, the trust is a legacy that will last.

This is what we want to be known for – having done something really positive for the wider community.”

The RSA’s initial investigations led to a meeting with Russell Wills, a health board children’s commissioner and paediatrician, who suggested targeting young people who showed promise,

but could not realise their potential. When the RSA investigated further, it found the board had already set up The Programme Incubator, aimed at low-decile schools and students, and Turuki, a Maori workforce development strategy. Ron Rowe says it made sense for the RSA to team up with the board and work together.

The RSA’s main contribution to the project will be running a national lottery to start the trust.

Three Hyundai cars are being offered as prizes, along with two $1000 vouchers from Mitre 10.

The aim is to raise up to half a million dollars.

But with limited time to get the lottery off the ground, there is a lot of work ahead, says Rowe.

Although the Napier RSA has 3500 members, the club realises it cannot undertake the project alone, and is inviting RSAs and affiliated chartered clubs to sell tickets to support the project.

Tickets will go on sale on December 11 and the lottery will be drawn on March 24 next year.

HMNZS Otago in heavy seas (left) and HMNZS Canterbury (right).

Lawsuit against British government stalled in the legal system

Educational trust to target young people with potential

News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

In Brief Ode revised

The service sacrifice of both male and female military personnel is now being acknowledged at commemorative events following a revision to the Maori version of the Ode of Remembrance. The RSA has officially approved a change to the first line of the Ode of Remembrance in Maori – from “E kore ra tou e koroheketia” to “E kore ra tou e kauma tuatia”. In English this line reads “They shall grow not old”; however, the definition of ‘koroheketia’ is ‘grow to be an old man’ as ‘koro’ is male specific. Replacing this with ‘kauma tuatia’, which means ‘to grow old’, and in most iwi refers to both males and females growing old, allows female service personnel to be recognised and acknowledged in the same way as males. The New Zealand Defence Force sought the revision.

Red tape cut

Veterans will find it easier to claim their recreational travel concession from December 7. Eligible veterans will be able to claim up to $200 a year for travel costs by filling out a statutory declaration, rather than having to keep track of receipts. Receipts will still be required for travel by public transport, air, or for claims of more than $200 per year.

However, veterans affairs minister Craig Foss says it’s important to note there is no change to eligibility : “Veterans who currently receive this support will continue to do so.”

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MARcHINg TO ANgIE’S TuNE Sue Russell The composer of a four-minute, brass-band march played at the top of the Rimutaka Hills has a long history of performing with brass bands.

Masterton-based music teacher Angie Cook played in a brass band in her native England from the age of eight. Her sister still plays for the championship Thorseby Band in Nottinghamshire.

Angie Cook’s March Rimutaka played for the first time as part of the special September 27 re-enactment commemoration of the World War 1 soldiers’ march over the Rimutakas from training at Featherston to Trentham camp before heading overseas by ship from Wellington.

“Back in World War 1 the marches were led by a band,” she says. “The reason was to inspire and support the soldiers taking their last steps on New Zealand soil before going to war. I wanted my piece to reflect this in its moods.”

She squeezed work on the four-minute piece into her busy life – she balances 30-plus hours a week of private music tutoring in Masterton and Palmerston North with her role as musical director of the Wairarapa Singers, a highly successful choral society.

In writing the four-section composition she deliberately chose specific keys for each part that conveyed a shift in mood, from quite light and bright in the first section through to more and more sombre, before returning to “a more perky” mood.

Before starting work on the piece back in March, she did what she always does before creating music: she prayed. This connection

Music teacher Angie Cook...the composer of March Rimutaka,

with God before starting work is essential to her, she says, and it’s through prayer that she knows the key to base the music on.

“Once I had had this conversation, the writing of the piece was relatively easy. I composed it on the piano first, then began to orchestrate it after returning from a visit to England. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed the process.”

She originally chose the keys, in section order, of E flat major, A flat major, F minor and D flat major. Each key has a historical connection with a certain characteristic–though she did not discover this until she had made the choice.

Back in composer Bach’s time, keys were deliberately chosen because of their characteristics.

E flat major is the key of love, devotion, intimate conversation with God. A flat major is the key of the grave, putrefaction, judgment and eternity, while F minor reflects deep depression, misery and longing from the grave. Finally, D flat major

I was probably about 10 years old and felt like a right little budding Beethoven.

is about degeneration into grief and rapture.

“I found it so interesting that the keys I chose for each section seemed perfectly suitable for the mood I was attempting to invoke,” says Cook.

She was, however, asked by conductor Rick Henderson to modify these keys to make the piece work for the instruments that will play it on the day – “to make it easier for the piccolo, the tubas and the trombones, which are all non-transposing instruments.”

After its debut on Rimutakas, the march will be played by the Masterton Brass Band on Remembrance Sunday at St Matthew’s Church in a concert with the Wairarapa Singers. The original score will also be sent to Angie Cook’s parents’ band, the Burbage Silver Band in Leicestershire: “I’m looking forward to this because it will be played in the keys I first composed it in.”

She has enjoyed composing from a very early age. She remembers composing little pieces for the children to play on their recorders: “I was probably about 10 years old and felt like a right little budding Beethoven.”

She will be among those at the top of the Rimutakas for that “very special moment” of hearing her work performed for the first time.

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4 News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

VETERANS’ MEMORIES cAPTuRED IN FILM Kim Newth Seasoned filmmaker David Blyth and historian/ author Patricia Stroud have combined their expertise and experience to ensure some of New Zealand’s war veterans are not forgotten.

Their effort has resulted in Memories of Service, a short film that is a compilation of nine veterans’ stories spanning World War 2, Korea and Vietnam. This is just the beginning, with editing now under way to allow full veterans’ interviews to be presented. Funding is being sought through a Lottery grant to continue the project into 2016. Ultimately, they hope to archive some 40 veterans’ stories.

The idea to film local war veterans came from the Silverdale & Districts RSA’s long-serving museum curator, Patricia Stroud, who had become acutely conscious of the pressing need to preserve the memories of veterans before they were lost.

It helps that she has a passion for New Zealand history. Her 2003 children’s book, Caesar the ANZAC Dog, tells the true story of a bulldog that went to war. In World War 1, Caesar was the official mascot of 4th Battalion (A Company) New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He died in action while helping to locate wounded soldiers.

“When I was little, all the men in our family and community wore khaki or air force blue; occasionally there were men in navy blue,” she says.

“Now the young men who went to war are getting very old. I had this idea in my head about wanting to record their stories. As luck would have it, I ran into David, who was keen to help.

“What we have been saying to these men is this is not for us, it is for your grandchildren’s grandchildren.”

Blyth was a natural fit for the project. In 2002, he made a short film, Our Oldest Soldier, about

PHOTOS – Top: Filmmaker David Blyth (left), historian Patricia Stroud (centre) and Silverdale & Districts RSA president Frank Corrigan (right). Bottom (from left): veterans Ernest Davenport, James McQueen and Les Hughes.

his grandfather, LtCol ‘Curly’ Lawrence Morris (‘Curly’) Blyth, who served in World War 1 and was acting captain when the New Zealand Division famously captured the French town of Le Quesnoy in the last week of the war. Blyth made another documentary, French Connection, in 2011 telling the story of the fortress town’s liberation. (Both documentaries can be viewed at NZ On Screen).

“So last May, when Patricia suggested the idea of filming some of our local veterans, it was a no brainer,” he says. “I said ‘Let’s get on with it’.”

Stroud contributed $2000 and Blyth also gave financial assistance to kick-start the project. The Silverdale RSA has given $5000.

“What they are doing is fantastic,” says Silverdale & Districts RSA president Frank

Coggan. “It is terribly important work – it is history. When these men are gone, the history goes with them.”

Silverdale & Districts RSA veteran Tom Beale, who served on Guadalcanal in early April 1943, has also supported the project from the start and helped with funding applications and promotion (it was Tom who got in touch with the RSA Review regarding Memories of Service).

“I, too, look back to when I was young. I cannot forget the example that many set,” he says.

Memories of Service gives a taste of the many veterans’ stories being gathered.

One of them, Invercargill-born James McQueen, dreamed of serving his country as a pilot in World War 2. Instead, his training culminated in a posting as a wireless operator/air gunner to Royal Air Force Bomber Command.

Flying with Bomber Command was notoriously dangerous. On just his second sortie, he and his crew were shot out of the sky by a Me 110. More than 70 years later, his memories of bailing out

of a burning bomber remain chillingly vivid.

“There were what appeared to be sparks – I think it was probably burning oil coming back from the starboard engine – and I thought I had two options. I can either sit here and fry, or take my chances.”

For years afterwards, he was haunted by feelings of failure over not having made it as a pilot and surviving only two operations. He even considered taking his own life before accepting that survival was something worth celebrating.

One cannot help but be moved by his honesty as he describes the war’s personal impact.

Ernest Davenport also served in Bomber Command and bailed out of a damaged bomber.

He was taken captive by German soldiers before being sent to a prison camp. At the end of the war, the Germans considered shooting their prisoners. Fortunately they thought better of it and left the camp as the Russian advance closed in. It is compelling to hear Ernest recount this harrowing experience from so long ago.

James Easton was captured by the Japanese in Singapore and worked on the infamous Burma Railway, enduring malaria and near starvation.

In Memories of Service, he comes across as a man who still managed to come through it all with his sense of humour intact. At 98, he is now one of the last survivors of that time.

A news item about Memories of Service has screened on South Korea’s YTN News. The short film includes the stories of two Korean War veterans, Les Hughes and Kenneth Johnstone.

Other veterans featured in this film are Ronald Mayhill (Royal Air Force Bomber Command, World War 2), John Wills (New Zealand Army, World War 2, Desert War), Thomas Brosnahan (New Zealand Army, Vietnam War), and Harold ‘Bunny’ Burrows (Royal Air Force Bomber Command, World War 2).

•Memories of Service can be viewed online at NZ On Screen, New Zealand’s digital archive: www. nzonscreen.com/title/memories-of-service-compile-2014. The Auckland War Memorial Museum also plans to share the interviews.

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Marlborough RSA Burleigh Memorial Olive Grove committee chairman John Cragg, left, and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology horticulture lecturer Don Cross with the World War 1 memorial olive oil bottles.

Allied soldiers in World War 1 took refuge under olive trees, and 100 years on, their contribution is being remembered by a special commemorative olive oil bottle being produced by the Marlborough RSA. The idea to create and fill the small, traditionally shaped bottles with oil from the Marlborough RSA’s Burleigh Memorial Olive Grove came from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology horticulture lecturer Don Cross. The plan is to harvest and cold-press olives from the grove each year, and sell it in 250ml bottles.

An initial run of 3000 bottles was produced, with Marlborough companies Prenzel and Wine Bottlers Marlborough sponsoring the filling and labelling. The bottles sell for $20 each, with funds

going to the Marlborough RSA welfare fund.

“It’s really very good oil,” says Cross, who hopes other RSAs will take up the idea.

“Commemorating World War 1 is a special part of New Zealand history and I would love to see one of these bottles on the table, next to the salt and pepper, in homes around Marlborough and the country.”

The labels include the Marlborough RSA’s Three Services Olive Oil logo and the Ode of Remembrance.

Burleigh Memorial Olive Grove committee chairman John Cragg said they hoped to have the bottles ready before Anzac Day, but were delayed. “We are still really pleased with what we have created,” he said.

News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

YOUNG, OLD PLANT SEEDS TOGETHER Dion Crooks RSA members and school pupils worked side by side to plant the first 100 trees in a World War 1 memorial forest being developed on the Coromandel.

A group of 20-30 pupils from three Coromandel Area School classes, with students ranging from year three to six, and a half a dozen or so from the Coromandel RSA planted 39 totaras – one for each soldier from the area killed in World War 1.

The rest of the trees planted were kahikatea, and the children also planted smaller hebes and flaxes they had grown themselves as part of an environmental education project.

The pupils also erected 39 crosses, building on the Field of Crosses project initiated for Anzac Day this year by the Auckland RSA. As well as being part of the Supreme Sacrifice memorial forest, the plantings will provide beautification for Coromandel’s wastewater treatment plant, which sits alongside the forest land.

Coromandel RSA president Ian Franklyn was very impressed with the willingness of the students to participate in the project, saying it is great that young people are keen to participate

in remembering soldiers who gave their lives more than 100 years ago.

“It was heart-warming to see all these young people getting their hands in the earth to help grow a forest that will benefit their children and future generations.”

It is intended to plant a further 900 trees on the site this season as part of a joint venture between the Thames-Coromandel District Council and the Waikato Regional Council. The district council is working with schools, iwi, RSAs, service clubs, Wintec, community groups and agencies, including the Department of Conservation.

These plantings will form part of the planned New Zealand World War I Memorial Forest – 18,166 native trees (one for each New Zealand service person killed in the war) planted at sites around the Thames-Coromandel district. The plan is to complete the project by November 11, 1918, the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.

The project was officially launched with the planting of 100 trees at Cathedral Cove on Arbor Day in June. The Cathedral Cove site represents the Gallipoli campaign and, as part of the ceremony, local schoolchildren laid 2779 flax crosses (the number of New Zealand soldiers killed at Gallipoli) along the path through the

Helping hand for angel’s broken arm Kaitaia’s historic World War I memorial, looking good with its broken right arm replaced, will be rededicated when its centennial is commemorated next year.

Prime minister John Key will be invited to attend the centennial and rededication of Kaitaia’s unique war memorial in Kaitaia on March 24 next year.

The memorial – an angel on a plinth inscribed in English and te reo Maori, embracing the service and sacrifice of 84 New Zealand soldiers from Mangonui county at Gallipoli in 1915 – is now the central feature in Remembrance Park opposite the Far North RSA clubrooms.

The park commemorates those from the Far North who died serving in South Africa, the two world wars, Malaya-Borneo and Vietnam. It is now set for a facelift, with the Far North District Council’s $150,000 budget including colourful mosaic tiles and painted poppies.

The angel, classified by the Historic Places Trust in 2012 for its significance as one of the first World War I memorials in New Zealand, was made from Italian marble for a Te Rarawa leader, Riapo Puhipi (Leopold Busby). It was sited in a paddock on Commerce St (where the Kauri Arms Tavern now stands) and was unveiled on March 24, 1916.

In the 1960s the angel was shifted to stand alongside a World War 2 memorial near the town’s memorial swimming pool, and in 1993, both memorials were relocated to Remembrance Park.

Kaitaia’s angel...right arm now intact.

The angel’s raised right arm was knocked off in the second move and for many years the marble eyes regarded the stump with apparent unconcern. But the amputation worried local Vietnam war veterans Ray Beatson, Ritchie Taaffe, David Russell and others; they formed a restoration group three years ago, raised funds, and had the arm replaced five months ago.

Taaffe says Leopold Busby paid 78 pounds ($156) for the angel in 1916, but the project to have the new arm made and fitted by local sculptor and carver Paul Marshall cost $48,000.

The restoration group is now working on the Remembrance Park upgrade with the Te Hiku Community Board, the council, the RSA, the Kaitaia Business Association and other parties, providing voluntary community muscle for the planned lawn to replace a strip of road on the western side of the memorial.

Vietnam vets (from left) Ritchie Taafe (V Coy), Arthur Simeon (161 By), David Russel l(Saigon) and Red Beatson (V Coy) headed seawards for a spell from their work on the Kaitaia war memorial.

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Left: Coromandel Area School students, Chaelyn Croft (right) and Kaiya Kerrison standing with RSA president Ian Franklyn, councillor Tony Brljevich and RSA members Frank Mead and Kevin Stone at the Hauraki Road planting site.

Below: Conservation minister Maggie Barrie plants the ceremonial first tree in another part of the memorial forest on Arbor Day.

new trees. The first two trees were planted there on Anzac Day, the 100th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli.

Other sites around the Coromandel will represent different battles or aspects of the war.

For example, a council reserve at the northern entrance to Whangamata will represent the Battle of Le Quesnoy, fought in the closing days of the war in 1918. A total of 122 trees (the number of Kiwi soldiers who died in the battle to liberate the French town) will be planted at the reserve, which will be called Le Quesnoy Park.

The public can help by donating $100 to the cost of a tree, or by planting, or both. You can also choose to donate $150 and plant the tree yourself. A tree can be named in honour of a specific New Zealand soldier killed in the war, and will be planted on the site dedicated to that battle or campaign.

Trees can also be dedicated to the “unknown soldier”, or gifted on behalf of a family without a specific soldier in mind.

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6 News

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A KIWI SOLDIER IN IRAQ A New Zealand soldier in Iraq takes us through a typical day in the life of the Kiwis involved in the New Zealand and Australian training mission of Iraqi troops in Iraq. Story/photos courtesy of Army News.

Our days begin the night before with “battle prep”. This involves making sure we are properly prepared for the following day with our dress, equipment, ammo, rations, water (lots of it) and anything else we may need, all ready to go. Battle prep achieves two things: it shaves off valuable minutes from our morning routine which could be better spent sleeping; and it allows us to avoid a telling-off from our section commander whose job, among other things, is to make sure we’re all ready on time.

The early start is meant to help us and the “Jundi” (Iraqi soldiers) avoid the intense heat of the afternoon. That’s the theory anyway.

Reveille is at 0500 hours, but the day is already heating up, so the benefit of the early start seems to vanish in the dust and haze. A cold shower would be a good way to start the day, but the heat being what it is means the water in the compound’s reservoir tanks is always hot.

Breakfast sees us at the mess forming a chowline and procuring takeaway trays to sustain us through the day. Shortly after this, the convoy is “geared up” and ready to depart. We await the final confirmatory orders and the arrival of the interpreters before stepping out the gate.

We leave our compound and enter the main part of Camp Taji, and before long we’re at our destination. This is when our work begins.

Training activities are conducted at several rifle ranges or one of the many small training areas.

As Force Protection, my fellow infantrymen

PHOTOS: New Zealand troops in action training Iraqi troops (jundi) on the ground in Iraq.

and I are first out of the vehicles so that we can check the site for any possible dangers and then secure it to hand over to the Kiwi training team we’ve been assigned to protect.

The training areas are varied, but all require the same slow methodical approach to ensure the safety of the trainers and any other Coalition Force personnel present. Once security is established, the training team starts to set up the training site. This may involve the odd stand-off with packs of wild dogs or jackals that also call Camp Taji home.

Not long after, the Jundi arrive. It generally takes another half-hour or so to conduct the morning parade before training activities get under way. A few hours of decent training is

generally all that can be accomplished before the temperature, which is hitting the low 40s by mid-morning, takes its toll on the Jundi.

All of this occurs whilst we, the guardian angels and sentinels, provide both close protection and over-watch for the New Zealand and Australian trainers operating at our site.

This means long hot days in the sun, wearing body armour and uniform, observing and understanding the atmosphere of each training environment, and maintaining constant vigilance regardless of our levels of discomfort.

If a threat presents itself, we might only have an instant in which to either respond or diffuse it in order to ensure that our trainers are kept safe. At the end of the day, the Jundi do a mad

sprint to get the much coveted seat on top of the transport truck. In that respect and many others, they are not unlike New Zealand soldiers.

Around midday, we return to our secure compound within Taji Camp for a much needed shower and some lunch. The day is not over until we have completed our post-patrol debriefs, refuelled vehicles, checked and re-stocked the wagons, and completed orders for the next day’s training.

Life in our compound, which our Task Group shares with American troops and various civilian contractors, is fairly bland with not much available in the way of entertainment. Like most Kiwis, we adapt and find other ways to stay occupied and social in our downtime.

With the unforgiving heat, the early starts, and the long days, doing absolutely nothing is a luxury we don’t pass up when the opportunity presents itself. Watching movies, hitting the gym and talking with loved ones back home are some of the ways the boys unwind. Some people have taken to writing journals to record their experiences or to aid in the future when spinning a war story to the lads over a beer back home.

Luckily, both gyms here have decent air conditioning because if the boys couldn’t hit the weights as a release from the working day, life would be harder. Skype and Facebook work well enough on the supplied internet to have an intermittent conversation, but failing that, mail day is always the most anticipated day. Words from loved ones, Kiwi snacks, or anything that reminds us of home is always welcome.

After the sun sets and it cools down, the preparations for the next day begin and the cycle resumes. Next morning we are out the door again to do our part in protecting both our trainers and the Jundi.

RSA ‘whole-heartedly right behind New Zealand troops and their families at home’ The RSA wants the Kiwi troops in Iraq to know the RSA is whole-heartedly behind them and their families, says national president BJ Clark.

“We understand the nature and demands of modern conflict and the impact it has on serving personnel and their families at home,” he says.

“It’s a priority to us that the 140 troops serving in Iraq know we support them and are here to support their loved ones back in New Zealand.”

The RSA is working with the New Zealand Defence Force and Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand to ensure the organisations’ support services are aligned to the needs of the troops and their families before, during and after deployment.

“RSA support services are available to all current and former service personnel and their families, and particularly recognise the additional

issues of those who have served in overseas operations,” says Clark.

“It can start with as little as an understanding ear to listen confidentially to your concerns, a supportive chat with other veterans or access to financial assistance and specialist services.

This is where the funds raised through our poppy appeal are deployed and we want as many people as possible to know they are available and, more importantly, to access them.”

RSAs have support advisers to connect individuals and families with RSA support services. This could be anything from advice on benefits and financial assistance to supporting applications for entitlements and service through Veterans’ Affairs and respite from family pressures.

“One example is a recent initiative that saw

local RSA members providing local families of current serving personnel in Iraq with much needed ‘time out’ with activities for children and some ‘me time’ for the mums once a month,” says Clark.

“We want to develop this concept further so that we can provide this kind of support to all service personnel and their families, regardless of whether they are overseas or serving in New Zealand.”

The commander joint forces New Zealand, MajGen Tim Gall says support troops get from families, friends and the wider community is really important when you’re deployed.

“In the case of the RSA, that’s especially the case, because we know that many of its members have been in our shoes, both at home

and overseas, and they know what it’s like to be carrying out difficult tasks in uncertain environments.”

RSA chief executive David Moger says the RSA is working closely with the NZDF and the Government to ensure troops’ service and their families’ sacrifices are properly recognised.

Serving personnel and their families may not realise they do not have to be a RSA member to take advantage of the support available: “We encourage anyone who knows someone who needs support or is looking for help themselves, to ring the local RSA and ask to speak to a support adviser. Our services are confidential and free of charge.”

• To locate an RSA, visit www.rsa.org.nz.

News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

7

PILOT’S SON IN FLYINg SEAT Zoe Hunter, Sun Tauranga Roger Beauchamp sat in his father’s chair – the captain’s seat – in the cockpit of a New Zealand Catalina flying boat used during World War 2.

He was lost for words.

Emotions welled up as the 68-year-old parked himself where his father had been when rescuing five United States servicemen, who’d been adrift in rough water and heavy swell for six days.

“I just had a big mind jam,” says Roger. “The guy said: ‘You can go and sit up in the cockpit if you want to’. I said: ‘I’d love to sit where my father would have sat.’ I couldn’t talk. It cracked me up.”

Memories of his father’s time during World War 2 resurfaced for him when a new film, Return of the Catalina, premiered at Classic Flyers in Mount Maunganui in August. Daniel Bunker’s feature-length documentary follows a band of aviators and their adventure to remember forgotten Catalina pilots of the war.

Royal New Zealand Air Force FlLt Donald Stanley Beauchamp was captain of the NZ4017 XX-T of No.6Sqn when he rescued five men from the open sea on February 4, 1944.

On sighting the rafts adrift in the Pacific Ocean, he was unable to contact base for instructions, so decided to attempt the rescue, knowing full well he should fail. But he managed to land the heavily-laden Catalina in rough water and transfer the men to the aircraft before flying back to base.

He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross Immediate Award – the same award that the late Dambuster pilot Les Munro received.

‘Dumbo’ was the code name used to signify search and rescue missions, and became the unofficial nickname for any air-sea rescue aircraft.

“Each time they rescued some guy, they’d paint one of these little elephants on the side up the front,” says Roger Beauchamp. “Dad’s

Cpl Warming-Smith, who is keen to be part of the new ATC squadron, at the Anzac parade in Rangiora.

Rangiora may get its own ATc squadron

Roger Beauchamp in the cockpit of a Catalina flying boat, the same type of aircraft captained by his father, Donald, during World War 2. Donald Beauchamp was decorated for a sea rescue of five American survivors of a downed Liberator plane. Photo: Bruce Barnard, Sun, Tauranga.

Catalina had a few of those painted on it.”

Roger Beauchamp has kept miniatures of his father’s medals, including the DFC, 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and NZ War Service Medal. He wears them every Anzac Day. He also has a log book which his father wrote in daily.

“He didn’t write much. He just writes: ‘Flight 4017 today spotted and picked up five survivors from a shot down Liberator’, and that’s it. There’s no drama about it, they just record it and that’s it.

“I know everybody always say it, but he never talked about it. The strange part to me was he never flew an aeroplane after he came back from the war. Not one. I don’t know if he didn’t

want to talk about it – it was just something that never came up.”

Fifty-six Catalinas (NZ4001-NZ4056) were operated by the RNZAF between 1943 and1953.

With more than 14,000 hours on the airframe, a Z-Cat aircraft was sold to the Catalina Club of New Zealand in 1994 and made the 20,000-kilometre flight to New Zealand. ZK-PBY was registered to The Catalina Co. on March 23, 1995. It was repainted in a wartime scheme to represent NZ4017 XX-T of No.6 Sqn RNZAF. Donald Beauchamp never saw it; he died in 1987. And neither he nor his flying boat feature in the film, which is about an Australian Catalina.

A new Air Training Corps (ATC) squadron has been proposed for Rangiora. Once officially recognised, it will be the 100th New Zealand Cadet Force unit.

No 88 (Rangiora) Sqn, which will be based on the Rangiora airfield, has community backing and endorsement from the Waimakariri district mayor, David Ayers. The new squadron’s number has a link with the RNZAF’s 488Sqn of World War 2, which included several pilots from the North Canterbury area.

The unit’s foundation officers are FltLt Tania MacKinnon, FltLt Mark Lamb-Morrow and FltLt Carolyn Green. A number of cadets in the Rangiora area have indicated their keenness as it will save them a one-hour drive to Wigram, in Christchurch.

The commandant of New Zealand Cadet Forces, Cdr Glen Stokes RNZN, has approved limited support for the Rangiora squadron. Support has also come from Buzz Harvey (WO rtd, RNZAF), Brian Roberts (ATCANZ Training Centre), business people, and former New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Cadet Force personnel.

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8

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

National Office

to show your support, you can fly the flag BJ Clark, RSA national president The time is drawing near when the first of two referenda on the flag debate will be conducted.

The RSA and many other New Zealanders told a Parliamentary select committee that the two-referenda process was flawed. However, as Parliament has now passed the legislation that sets up this process, we will play our part in that process.

The first referendum will ask the nation to vote for four selected flags. If you don’t support a change to the flag, you have two choices: don’t vote or make your vote informal. If you don’t vote, the referendum will be written off as a low turn-out and the public being lethargic about a postal vote.

So, I recommend the second option. Send in your voting form without ticking a flag option and write on the ballot paper something like “I vote for the current flag”. This will be an informal vote, which has to be counted, and will prove to the Government at the first referendum that New Zealanders wish to retain our current flag.

A lot of money is being spent to convince people we need to change the flag.

The RSA cannot compete against wealthy business people who run their own competition or the Government, which is spending $6.7 million ‘Flag man’ Denis Hampton. for the consultation process, including the Flag Referendum Panel’s meetings, which did not seem to attract much participation around the country. We also can’t compete against the well-funded TV commercials, or say we will come to you to discuss the issue, which is the latest offer from the Flag Referendum Panel.

Interestingly, the panel members are being paid $640 a day in line with the Cabinet Fees Framework. As an appointee to the recently formed Veterans’ Advisory Board, I will receive $245 a day for the three or four meetings we will have a year. Does this mean the flag change process is more important than the welfare of our veterans?

We need to get out and use every opportunity to have our flag message heard. Talk to your MP, write to your local newspaper, engage friends, family, work colleagues and encourage them to use their vote to retain the flag.

If you’re keen to show your support for the current flag in advance of the vote, you can fly the flag – on a flagpole, through a RSA flag bumper sticker, or on social media by following the RSA on Facebook www.facebook/RSANational and Twitter @RSANational.

You can also make a donation to our flag fighting campaign on the RSA’s give-a-little page www. givealittle.co.nz/cause/rsafightingforourflag.

An example of someone passionately leading the flag campaign at a local level is ex-RNZAF radio electronics specialist Denis Hampton, aka Christchurch’s “flag man”. Denis travels all over Christchurch standing on street corners waving his flag, and he gets a lot of people sounding their horns in support. One of his relatives, Robert Edward Watkins, was killed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

The challenge for those of us who support the current flag is to not take anything for granted.

The Government hasn’t taken heed of the polls, so let us send the message loud and clear at the first referendum.

the funds raised through our Poppy Appeal are deployed and we want as many people as possible to know that they are available, and more importantly, to access them.

Given the public perception, it’s hardly surprising that not all current service personnel are aware they are eligible to receive our support or that they don’t have to be a member of the RSA to access the services we have available. They too, associate us with something they might need in the future, rather than a movement they can participate in and benefit from right now.

As we head towards our centennial year in

2016, it’s vital that we engage with our current service personnel to ensure the Association’s survival into the next century. It’s not enough that we welcome them into our RSAs once a year during our Anzac Day commemorations. We are the Returned and Services Association and we need to make our current service personnel and their families feel part of our organisation all year round.

I look forward to sharing with you the outcome of these focus groups and the steps we are taking to ensure we improve our engagement with our current service personnel, regardless of whether

they become ‘returned’ in the future. In the meantime, our members and, in particular, our older veterans, can help us by welcoming our current and recently returned service personnel and their families into their RSA’s.

Current service personnel are not the future of the RSA – they, like you, are the Returned and Services’ Association today. Nearly 100 years ago, returning Anzacs established the RSA to provide support and comfort for service men and women and their families. We proudly continue their legacy and with your support, will continue to do so well into the future.

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Contact your local RSA and ask for one to be ordered for you through the RSA National Office. Your card comes fully customised with your name printed on it and is valid for a year.

Your family and friends could also benefit from a Club Card. These deals are attractive to people of all ages. If you think your friends, children or even grandchildren could benefit from having a Club Card and you’ve been looking for a way to get them involved in the RSA, encourage them to join your local RSA club or our on-line RSA club, the RSA National Association. And, remember, all current NZDF personnel can join the RSA for free.

To find out more: https://rsa.org,nz/ Membership/Join.

putting the `&’ INto ‘returned AND SERVICES’

Let us send the message loud and clear at the first referendum.

David Moger, RSA chief executive In August, RSA National Office visited Linton Military Camp and RNZAF Base Ohakea to kick off a series of focus groups at bases around the country with the support of the New Zealand Defence Force. The purpose of these conversations is to understand how current service personnel feel about the RSA and how we can better engage with them now and in the future.

While many New Zealanders associate the RSA and our Poppy Appeal with our older veterans, our support services are available to all current and former service personnel and their families – including the Police. In fact, this is where

rsa club card: have we got a deal for you?

Grant Marris, RSA business development manager Have you got your RSA Club Card yet? If not, you’re missing out on some seriously good deals.

We have leveraged our corporate relationships to bring RSA members a host of discounts and benefits with some of New Zealand’s leading retailers and service providers.

With an RSA Club Card in your wallet, you can enjoy significant savings – whether you’re planning home maintenance, thinking about your next holiday, or need to keep your car on the road.

Our portfolio of participating businesses is growing all the time.

And we want as many RSA members as possible to take advantage of these savings. Current benefits of using the RSA Club Card include:

The RSA Club Card... an on-line RSA.

• Insurance (Vero) – discount package up to 40 per cent; • Mondo Travel – discounts on hotels, vehicle rentals, duty-free and holiday deals;

9

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

Your say RSA WITH A VIEW: Alistair Kerr

OF WEBSITES AND BOARDINg-ScHOOL DORMS Two topics this time – one an RSA-based topic and the other strictly personal.

Firstly, I want to draw your attention to our RSA website. Yes, I know we don’t all have direct access to internet, but with the computer becoming so widely used, I’m sure you know somebody who has done even if you don’t.

Some websites are not always people’s go-to internet destination, but I suggest that if you’ve not already done so, have a close look at our excellent RSA site.

What will you find there? For a start, you’ll get a brief, but clear outline of the “4C “objectives of our association – Courage, Camaraderie, Compassion and Commitment. You can catch up on RSA community activities, and on a

collection of news stories featuring the association. Coming Events lists important happenings, which, though they may not involve you, will give you an idea of how active our association is on a national level. And don’t overlook a spot at the bottom of the Home Page headed FAQs, which answers many questions people ask about the RSA. The more you, know, the better an ambassador you can be to people who may be interested to join us.

As is fitting, there is a section detailing our many acts of remembrance, highlighting one of our core values.

These are only five of the website’s many sections but I hope that they will encourage you to look further into our associations’ informative

and up-to-date source of information. Oh, and may I ask, does your club have its own website?

Is it current and informative? Check it out.

My personal topic goes back to my school days and was motivated by the centenary celebrations of the Battle for Chunuk Bair on Gallipoli. Back then, at Waitaki Boys’ High School, Oamaru, we boarders slept in dormitories which were little more than large huts with no windows, but sliding canvas screens, more often than not kept lowered as I am sure the rector at that time felt growing boys needed to learn to endure a little hardship. These dormitories must have been built around 1915-16, as each bore the name of a Gallipoli feature – Anzac Cove, Quinn’s Post, Lone Pine, Sari Bair, The Apex and Chunuk Bair.

As an insouciant teenager, I didn’t give much thought to the significance of the memories those names should have inspired, even though I knew of their origins.

But the current Gallipoli centenary events make me wish we had all been told a lot more.

I suppose that, at that time, Gallipoli was only 30 years in the past and, with another major war making current history, there were bigger things to consider. However, I am sure that, like me, a few ancient ex-Waitakians are connecting the Anzac story with their memories of their old school.

P.S. I am sure that I have omitted one of the dormitory names. Perhaps a reader can help with that.

YOUR LETTERS

Put the word `war’ back into Veterans’ Disability Pension Prior to December 7, 2014 the War Disablement Pension was available to eligible veterans under the War Pensions Act 1954. From December 7, 2014 it was replaced by the Disablement Pension, which is available to eligible veterans under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014.

The purpose of the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 is to provide for the rehabilitation and support of veterans who, as a result of being placed in

harm’s way in the service of New Zealand, have been injured or become ill.

Subpar 3 – Disablement pension of the act states: “A veteran (whether resident in New Zealand or overseas) who suffers disablement as a consequence of service-related injury or illness is entitled to a disablement pension.”

Under the new legislation, the word ‘war’ has been taken out of the benefit available to entitled

veterans. Veterans on a War Disablement Pension are being encouraged by Veterans’ Affairs NZ to transfer to the Disability Pension.

Further, they have been advised that if they apply for a new condition or reassessment of an accepted disability, they will automatically be transferred to a Disablement Pension.

Without denigrating those with disabilities through reasons such as birth, accident or

injury, the disabilities suffered as a result of being placed in harm’s way in the service of New Zealand are different. The difference is significant, and needs to be recognised.

Put the word ‘’war’ back into the Veterans’ Disability Pension.

Red Beatson Kaitaia

10 News

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

MURALS MULTIPLY IN NGARUAwAHIA Sue Russell Ngaruawahia is rapidly becoming commemorative-mural country. Six murals have been unveiled in the town in the last 12 months, and another is planned for November.

The latest of the murals, New Zealand in Asia, honours those who died and served in Vietnam, Korea, Borneo, Japan, Malaya, Kuwait, Afghanistan and East Timor. It received design input from Ngaruawahia veterans and was blessed at the unveiling by Rev Ivan Smith and veteran James Mahara.

Last year two murals, Roll of Honour and Flanders Field, were unveiled in August to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of World War 1.

Three more – Simpson and his Donkey, Robert Capstick’s Letter Home and Two NZ Tuis – were erected on Anzac Day this year.

And the Ngaruawahia Memorial RSA is planning to unveil another mural – this time honouring soldiers from the 28th Maori Battalion – on Armistice Day in November The club has many members who have seen active service, including a 92-year-old J Force veteran, two who served in Korea, three from the Malaysian Emergency, three from Borneo and two from Vietnam.

All up, 120 current and former Ngaruawahia RSA members served actively overseas.

“While this year is especially symbolic in terms of our club’s connection with those who served in World War 1, we have taken the opportunity to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War with the unveiling of this mural,” Ngaruawahia RSA president Ian Howie says of the New Zealand in Asia unveiling.

“I think that the murals are really wonderful, quite dignified, and are very in keeping with the

This photographs will be the model for the new mural the Ngaruawahia Memorial RSA plans to unveil on Armistice Day on Armistice Day in November to honour soldiers of the 28th Maori Battalion. It will stand alongside the RSA’s other mural, including Simpson and his Donkey (top left), Robert Capstick’s Letter Home (bottom left), Two NZ Tuis (top right) and NZ in Asia (bottom right).

mood and symbolism of our club’s history,” he says. The RSA is proud of its heritage and the contribution it makes to its community, he says.

He has been a member for 33 years and president for five years. A year ago, the club merged with the Ngaruawahia RSA Association to ensure its viability.

While there is still a challenge to attract new young members through the club’s doors, Howie thinks they are “getting better and better at finding ways to energise the clubroom to attract visitors and potential new associate members

and the like”. The RSA has a reggae night and a Bavarian night coming up.

“We are very much into trying different things, targeting those very much younger than our average age member.

“We have a new junior membership category and already have half a dozen members. It’s very encouraging.”

The arrival of new club manager Wendy Diamond early this year has also brought a fresh perspective and energy, he says Ian Howie says that the undoubted highlight

of his year was being selected to attend Anzac Day commemorations in Turkey.

“My wife, Sue, who is ex-Australian Army, and I found out only three weeks before Anzac Day that we had been accepted to attend.

“We did a tour of Turkey and the whole atmosphere evoked quite an eerie feeling.”

In Ngaruawahia the day was marked with the placement of white crosses in the Field of Remembrance, a dawn service and breakfast, followed by a civil ceremony. More than 200 attended the dawn service.

John Graham, president of the Manaia and District RSA, welfare officer David Self and vice-president Arnold Megaw with one of three fledgling turkish red pines planted on the Manaia golf course.

Manaia pines direct descendants of Lone Pine Three new trees on the Manaia golf course in Taranaki are direct descendants of the original Lone Pine that stood on the Gallipoli battlefield until it was pulverised during the fighting in 1915. Manaia and District RSA members planted the pinus brutia, known as turkish red pines, to honour those who died at Gallipoli.

The trees are part of the 12 two-year-old seedlings grown by Scion Forestry Research Station at its nursery in Rotorua, and given to RSAs around the country for use in commemoration ceremonies, and to the National Army Museum in Waiouru for a memorial garden.

A public dedication is planned at Manaia at 11am on Armistice Day (November 11).

Manaia RSA president John Graham says the golf course was a natural choice for a commemorative area because it is easily accessible to the public through the domain and a walkway.

The RSA plans to erect a bench for people to sit on, and hopes the fledgling trees will grow into a sheltered area of beauty for residents to visit often.

Scion tree breeder Toby Stovold says the project

has been very exciting and has created a lot of interest. He collected the seeds from a tree at the Paeroa golf course, the only definitively known, direct descendant of the original Lone Pine.

Authenticated New Zealand descendants trace back to cones from the original Lone Pine brought back to Australia and planted by two soldiers, LCpl Benjamin Smith and Sgt Keith McDowel after World War 1.

The Paeroa golf course pine is believed to be from one of the trees grown in Australia. The Paeroa pine is the parent of Manaia’s toddler trees.

Stovold says Scion’s initial batch of nine seedlings, grown in 2009, was so popular one was even stolen by somebody pretending to be from the RSA. Following this success, and with the support of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Scion decided to rear a larger crop of seedlings for the Gallipoli centenary.

Twelve of the resulting 50 seedlings were donated to the RSA. The rest went to institutions, including local councils and military camps.

I M P O R TA N T N E W C O I N A N N O U N C E M E N T

September

2015

A new coin commemorating the New Zealanders who fought at the Battle of Chanuk Bair Portrait of Cyril Basset laying phone lines in the midst of battle

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Battalions from Auckland, Wellington and Otago stemmed the Turkish onslaught with a selfless courage that has come to define ourr nation. In the Centenary of the Battle of Chunuk Bair, a crown coin has been released to commemorate the New Zealanders who fought during this pivotal battle of the Gallipoli Campaign.

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In Flanders field s the poppies blow Between the cros ses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard ami d the guns belo w.

We are the Dea d. Short days ago We lived, felt daw n, saw sunset glow Loved and were , loved, and now we lie In Flanders field s.

Certificate reproduces the In Flanders Fields poem

Take up our qua rrel with the foe: To you from faili ng hands we thro w The torch; be your s to hold it high .

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep , though poppies grow In Flanders field s.

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12

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

Remembering

fROM GREAT BARRIER TO HIROSHIMA Kim Newth World War 2 veteran Jack Woodroffe, who turned 93 on September 7, wants to set the record straight on his New Zealand wartime service.

His military service records show him as being on L.W.O.P. (leave without pay) at a time when he says he was stationed on Great Barrier Island to help defend it from potential enemy attack.

There is no official record of him having spent time on the island. He says the oversight means his Certificate of Discharge is also incorrect.

A New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson for personnel archives told the RSA Review that information contained in its World War 2 military records archive cannot be altered retrospectively.

Requests to correct military records do crop up from time to time. She recommended the best course of action for anyone in Jack Woodroffe’s position would be to write a signed statement or letter of clarification that could then be added to their personal file.

He has several photos relating to his time on the island. One shows the Trifina, a mail and supplies boat at the wharf in Port Fitzroy.

“Soldiers are on the wharf and our camp is top right,” he says. “Off-duty volunteers were called for the trip to Auckland and back; I went two or three times.”

Another photo, dated July 1943, shows troops on a rest period at the camp. Woodroffe says he is absent from that photo because he was on duty at his post by the entrance to Port Fitzroy

Unloading supplies from Trifina at Port Fitzroy, on Great Barrier Island (above) and World War 2 veteran Jack Woodroffe (top right)

Harbour. He estimates that 90-100 men would have been serving on the island at the time.

The harbour was seen by the army as a strategic asset worth defending, since it could so easily have become a staging post for an invasion of New Zealand from the sea. According to a World War 2 history of the island, the army took over Port Fitzroy’s local hall as a mess and headquarters in 1942, after the Japanese had entered the war.

Jack Woodroffe is mystified as to why his period of active service there, between June and August 1943, was recorded at the time as L.W.O.P.

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These experiences from more than 70 years ago remain strongly etched in his memory and he looks back to his time on the island with great affection. As he tells it, the remoteness of the location required a high degree of resourcefulness. Fresh water was brought up from a creek and the men slept in tents. During rest period at camp, they would make bread dough in old washtubs, before putting it aside to rise overnight.

Early next morning, the dough would be baked in half a dozen, 40-gallon drums, converted for use as ovens and set back in a clay bank. Eight loaves at a time were baked on trays above hot embers in each drum, their tops sealed during baking with a plug of clay putty.

“This was done daily – we had hot bread every morning.”

He says each of the island’s 10 outposts was manned 24 hours a day; four soldiers on each six-hour shift. At his harbour post, they were in a dugout in the side of a hill, armed with a Bren gun. Every boat coming into the harbour had to be checked.

“We were equipped with an up-to-date list of the names and numbers of all boats allowed to use Port Fitzroy Harbour. If a boat wanted to come into harbour, it had to get past us and our Bren gun. All of them had been instructed to check in with us before going into the harbour.”

On one stormy night, a boat failed to stop when challenged. “The skipper of the boat did not hear our challenge and went straight on through. So out came our gun and we only had to fire a shot well above him and back he came.” As the specialist marksmen in his group, he was the one who fired the shot.

While Japanese submarines and reconnaissance planes were sighted around New Zealand coastal waters in 1942 and 1943, Jack Woodroffe says no enemy vessel attempted to gain entry to the port during his time on the island.

However, the threat of a Japanese attack had felt very real. The men slept in a tent behind the hill, out of sight of the harbour. To check the shipping list at night, they worked by candle light, surveying the harbour from their dugout through a narrow window slit to minimise the risk of detection. “There was nothing to show we were there – everything was hidden.”

They carried water to their post from a small creek about a mile away, using a yoke made from a ti-tree branch with a jerry can on each side. The men also bathed in the creek. Their diet was mostly tinned food.

To post their mail, they would seal their letters in a waterproof tobacco tin: “When we saw the mail and supply boat coming out, one of us would swim out to meet the boat in the channel and throw the tin on board to a waiting sailor.”

The man in the water would then keep swimming across the channel to an old, deserted homestead on the other side to fill a bag with fresh fruit from the orchard.

Jack Woodroffe’s war did not end on Great Barrier Island. By the following year, he had joined the RNZAF and was training to be a pilot.

However, in the middle of his final exams in January 1945, an army officer turned up and announced that a troop ship in Wellington Harbour – the Empress of Scotland bound for Egypt – was 300 men short. The prospect of getting on the ship appealed and Jack joined those heading to Egypt, and then on to Italy.

“My air-force training had included morse code, signals and training with radio, so I was put into the HQ signals squadron, a very elite troop. They picked me to go to Japan not long after Hiroshima had been bombed and I was one of the first to set foot in Japan after that.

I was part of an advance group sent to set up quarters for the oncoming (J Force) troop ship with thousands on board.”

He says he will never forget the aftermath of the atomic bomb.

“We were given weekend leave and took a bus into Hiroshima. We saw survivors who were crippled, doubled up. The city was a mess for miles and miles. Hiroshima was just a heap of rubble.

Someone took a photo of me on my hands and knees scratching around looking for artefacts.

No-one knew about the dangers of radiation.

I’m still suffering from radiation poisoning with boils over my legs and cancer operations. I’ve had to get ulcers regularly cut out.”

One of the men who had been sitting his pilot’s exam at the same time as Jack – and who had passed his pilot’s licence – ended up in Japan too. He took Jack for a flight over Hiroshima and he took photos of the devastation with his Box Brownie camera.

It took years for the Japanese service to be recognised: “We took the Government to court. I have a copy of all the proceedings in book form.

It was recently copied and is now in our local museum. We won the case. Two medals were issued, 50 years after returning home.”

The New Zealand Service Medal 1946-1949, instituted in 1995, recognises New Zealand military personnel who served in the occupation forces in Japan between March 1946 and March 1949. In 2002 the Royal Warrant was amended to also recognise service between September 1945 and March 1946, including service by the crews of HMNZ Ships Gambia and Achilles in Japanese waters.

According to Jack Woodroffe’s Certificate of Discharge, he was finally discharged in Wellington on July 31, 1946.

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14 Remembering

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

GUNNERS MADE MILITARY HISTORY IN ‘NAM Around 120 ex-161 Battery gunners in Vietnam came together for a formal parade at Linton Camp to recognise the service they gave in difficult and controversial conditions.

The first artillery battery of 120 men – the first of 800 gunners to serve in Vietnam over the next seven years – arrived in Vietnam on July 15, 195 to support Australian and American troops.

The day the first gun arrived, the signal went to Wellington, ‘First gun ready’, and 161 was at war. Between July 15, 1965 and May 1, 1971 the battery’s gunners fired almost 232,000 rounds.

Four of them were killed in action, one died of wounds, many were wounded, and two were awarded the Military Cross for bravery.

The parade at Linton Camp on July 15 saw members of the first Vietnam gun teams – now in their 70s – firing an original L5 105mm pack howitzer. All of the Vietnam veterans (some had come from England, Australia and Switzerland) marched past before today’s generation of their 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery.

Former gunner John Barrett, who organised the reunion, says the two-day gathering in Palmerston North was an opportunity to acknowledge the courage and professionalism of 161 Battery, which earned the respect of the Australians and Americans they supported.

In its most famous operation – the Battle of Long Tan in 1966 – the battery provided a classic example of the value of accurate and sustained artillery fire in preventing an Australian infantry unit being overrun.

16By received the United States Meritorious Unit Commendation for its outstanding fire

PHOTOS – Left: The C gun crew from 1971 back together in 2015...from left, Sgt Frank Duggan (detachment commander), Gnr Des Wallace, Gnt Arty Davidson, Gnr Gavin Thrush, Gnr Alan Strang, Gnr ‘Chop’ Karatea, 2Lt John Wasson (section commander). Below: The 2015 version of 16th Field Regiment perform a haka for the 161 Battery veterans.

support for the US 173rd Airborne Brigade and the South Vietnamese Presidential Citation of the Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf for meritorious service.

“But when they came home, they were spat on and vilified for simply doing their job as the anti-war protest came to a head,” says Barrett.

It wasn’t until 2008 that Vietnam veterans got a formal apology from the New Zealand government.

The battery made military history by becoming the first entire New Zealand military unit to be flown to war by successive flights of the then brand-new RNZAF Hercules transport aircraft, which are still flying 50 years later.

PHOTOS: Left: HMNZS Gambia was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender. Centre: Laurie Carr. Right: An allied ship takes a direct hit from a kamikaze plane.

LAURIE’s 75-year love affair with the sea continues Wayne Henderson Ninety-one-year-old Laurie Carr has a 75-year naval story that began in 1939 when he was 16 and a sea cadet with the training ship, TS Steadfast, in Canterbury.

At the aged of 18, he was called up in 1942 through the World War 2 ballot to join the New Zealand Army. He applied to join the navy and, 13 months later, was transferred.

While in army uniform he stayed in touch with sea cadets, and assisted with a Sea Cadet Corps camp at Quail Island in 1943.

On December 23, 1943, having transferred to the navy as a signalman, he travelled by merchant ship to the United Kingdom. After 32 days at sea, he arrived at Aden, then continued by troopship.

After about two months Signalman Carr sailed from Caradoc to Colombo, and in February 1944 was drafted to HMNZS Gambia. By a stroke of luck, he had caught up with Les Martin, a former Sea Cadet friend, just before joining Gambia.

Martin was also in the Gambia crew.

The went on to Australia to refuel and were involved in many actions during 1944. One was the bombardment of Surabaya (Borneo) to shell key Japanese-held installations. Gambia headed home late in 1944 for a refit in Auckland, and, once ready, returned to patrolling in the Pacific.

Laurie Carr recalls listening to an American

radio station, which often referred to the British Pacific Fleet as ‘Task Force 37’, which was operating under a security black-out.

“A key thing to be careful of in the Pacific was typhoons,” he says. “An American aircraft carrier had its wooden aircraft decking stripped off from a typhoon.”

Gambia often refuelled at Manus in what seemed to be a large, open harbour full of Allied naval ships. From July 1945, the naval assault shifted to the Japanese homeland. Close to Japan Gambia had the difficult and dangerous task of towing a destroyer that had been hit by the Japanese to Leyte.

Gambia came under several attacks, one when it was targeted by a Japanese kamikaze pilot while the ship was flying the flag to cease hostilities with Japan. The plane was shot down

by American Corsairs and Gambia’s deck was littered with debris from the action.

Gambia also served as “fleet guide”in the middle of four aircraft carriers, providing cover and anti-aircraft cover.

Gambia was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender, which took place on the USS Missouri, just a few ships away. A vast number of Allied ships were in the bay.

After the surrender signing, Gambia picked up former Allied prisoners of war around the South China Sea. The Japanese had left the prisons unattended.

Laurie Carr recalls the state of the POWs:

“They looked like skeletons. You’d take one of them by the hand and lead him away. The others would follow without too much fuss. It was a terrible sight.

After the war, he witnessed the Allies’ relief effort for Japan, with a seemingly endless stream of DC3s flying into Japan with supplies. At the peak, there was a plane landing every 30 seconds on one runway.

Some people referred to Gambia as ‘The Quiet Navy’. Other ships, such as HMNZS Achilles (involved with the pursuit of the Graf Spee), received a lot of the limelight. But with 12 six-inch guns, Gambia had the most powerful armament in the Royal New Zealand Navy, a displacement twice the scale of an Anzac-class frigate, and at peak, 950 on board.

On his discharge from the NZ Navy in 1946, Laurie Carr rejoined Sea Cadets as an instructor back with TS Steadfast. Years later this became a commission when he served as a Sea Cadet officer with the Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve Special Branch. A “reasonable number” of Sea Cadet officers had war service at that time.

In October 1947, he received a letter from Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, thanking him and congratulating him for his contribution to Sea Cadets, in particular the Canterbury Sea Cadets.

Laurie spent seven years as a lieutenant in Christchurch and attended the Sea Cadet officers course in Auckland annually. He was awarded the Cadet Forces Medal for Long Service in the

late 1940s, his war service counting double.

TS Steadfast paraded in Crystal St, Richmond until the unit shifted to HMNZS Pegasus in Montreal St in 1953. Laurie, who had been a carpenter with Wiseman Construction, helped build Pegasus.

In 1962 he moved to Nelson as captain of a harbour-board tug, and worked there for 13 years until he retired at 60. However, his retirement was put on hold for a period while he looked after the Nelson dredge, Tasman Bay. For about two years (1963-64), Laurie helped with TS Talisman after contact from Wally Strong, the unit commander at the time. Laurie was the office in command, with the rank of LtCdr in the RNZNVR Special Branch. However, work commitments (he was on 24-hour call) prevented him from continuing with Sea Cadets.

Since the Christchurch earthquake, TS Steadfast and TS Cornwell have joined forces to become one unit (renamed TS Godley) parading at HMNZS Pegasus under LtCdr Peter Marshall (NZCF).

Laurie Carr and his wife, Kath, live in Christchurch. They have a son, daughter, five grandchildren and two (soon to be three) greatgrandchildren. Their son, Phillip, was a Sea Cadet with TS Talisman and celebrated his 16th birthday while on the trip to the Antarctic on board HMNZS Endeavour. One of their grandsons was also a cadet with TS Steadfast. Laurie continues to take up the annual invitation to attend the Christchurch Sea Cadets’ end-of-year parade.

Remembering 15

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

Lost Trails Nurse Betty Tate

Betty Tate – a nurse in ward 4 at the Barrett Street Hospital in New Plymouth – was a great help to Debbie Coombe’s father, who spent many years in hospital with a lot of health problems.

The young nurse went on to join the army and they lost contact. Debbie’s dad wants to say thank you for all she did for him. He knows that Betty went to Canada either before going into the army or during army training. She may also have married and changed her last name.

Contact: Debbie – debbie.n.coombe@gmail.com.

James Nolan Reichenbach

Jennifer would like to contact anyone familiar with the war zones where her father, James Nolan Reichenbach NZ421572, was stationed in the northern Pacific, He was a leading aircraftsman in 25 Servicing Unit, Royal New Zealand Air Force (December 7, 1943 to December 20, 1944 and 31 Nat (December 21, 1944 to November 11, 1945.

Contact: Jennifer – jennifer@vcnz.co.nz.

Ganges Boys

A member of the Ganges UK Association is visiting his son in Wellington during February and would like to meet anyone who trained as a boy at HMS Ganges in Shotley, in the United Kingdom.

Contact: Pat – patjon@xtra.co.nz.

30 Bn, Pacific, ww2

A descendant of a 30 Battalion member would like to contact members of 30 (NZ) Battalion.

Contact: Mark – markc@rsa.org.nz.

Bathurst minesweepers

Tales wanted from those who served in the Bathurst minesweepers.

Contact: Gerry Wright – gerrywright.co.nz; 8 Rowan Rd, Epsom, Auckland, 1023.

Lawrence George Perry family

Does anyone have information on a New Zealand World War I soldier, Lawrence George Perry, believed to have been from the Auckland region.

Contact: Jeannie – mjo2001@gmail.com.

Air force personnel

Searching for Air Force personnel who served at RAF Changi or HQFEAF during between 1946 and 1971 when the RAF withdrew from Singapore. Air Force Regulars, National Service, both genders, all ranks including 41Sqn RNZAF personnel. Family enquiries welcome. See www.rafchangi.co.uk, e-mail memsecchangi@telco4u.net or Malcolm Flack, 14, Highfield Close, Amersham, Bucks.

HP6 6HG for free enquiry pack.

Contact: Brian Lloyd –memsecchangi@telco4u.net

war-grave headstones in Italy

During a visit to Commonwealth war graves in Italy, Gail Eraio (a Cook Islands RSA committee member from Rarotonga) took photos of headstones in cemeteries at Beachhead (Anzio), Cassino and Sangro. Her father was in the 19th Armoured Regiment and her focus was on the graves; she called their regimental details and laid poppies on their graves. If members of these soldiers’ families would like copies, she will forward them by email. The graves she photographed are: Beachhead (Anzio): 422385 Gawith A, F/Sgt Royal NZ Air Force. died May 24, 1944, aged 24; 425007 Waaka T, F/Sgt Royal NZ Air Force, died May 24, 1944, aged 23.

Cassino: 6026 Buchan NW, Sgt NZ Armoured Corps, died May 14, 1944, aged 27; 80932 Barnes RK, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Feb 18, 1944, aged 25; 35631 Boyer L, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Mar 20, 1944, aged 30; 270772 Fisher LW, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Dec 14, 1944, aged 29; 34162 Glendining RH, Lt NZ Armoured Corps, died May15, 1944, aged 32; 35733 Hambly HR, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Mar 17, 1944, aged 24; 40152 Hercus IH, Sgt NZ Armoured Corps, died Mar 16, 1944, aged 28; 81898 Monaghan JJ, Tpr

NZ Armoured Corps, died Mar 17, 1944, aged 24.

48620 Phillips LL, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Mar 17, 1944, aged 23; 40350 Watson LG, Cpl NZ Armoured Corps, died Feb 24, 1944, aged 28.

Sangro: 406935 Walsh PST, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps. died Jan 13, 1944, aged 22; 81537 White GE, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Nov 18, 1943, aged 25; 48226 Wilson M, LCpl NZ Armoured Corps, died Nov 18, 1943, aged 24; 81455 Glossop GA, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Nov 18, 1943, aged 26; 48213 Hyndham P, Cpl NZ Armoured Corps, died Nov 18, 1943, aged 23; 81368 Tod, HS, Tpr NZ Armoured Corps, died Nov 18, 1943, aged 29; 633010 Lepper HB, Cpl NZ Armoured Corps, died Nov 18, 1943, aged 23; 37357 Moody RE, Sgt NZ Armoured Corps. died Nov 18, 1943, aged 29; 61868 Strang BA, Lt NZ Armoured Corps, died Dec 3, 1943, aged 26; 66204 Mitchell JD, Gunner NZ Artillery, died Nov 28, 1943, aged 27; 34342 Cohen P, Sapper NZ Engineers, died Dec 2, 1943, aged 30.

Gail also went to a memorial service at Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa in the province of Florence (Firenze) where there is a memorial to members of the New Zealand Battalion which liberated the village.

Amongst these names are members of 28th Maori Battalion which, it has recently been established, was also present in that action. She has a photo of this memorial – the names on it are: Anderson, Arthur H, aged 28; Anderson, Ernest E, 22; Atkins, Jerry, 23; Barlass, James D, 28; Barrington, Vernon A, 23; Brislane, Rex M, 27; Brown, Iowarth N, 30; Blaikie, James, 34; Brown, Raymond B, 22; Cates, DC, 25; Chalcraft, Leslie W, 21; Clearwater, Colin S, 21;Donaldson, Ian, 24; Doney, Percival C, 29; Findlay, Allen M, 23; Flerie, Leonard A, 24; Gordon, James P, 22; Gordon, John E, 32; Gower, Max V, 23; Hoseit, William, 33; Hosking, Noel J, 30; Healy, Edward P, 27; Ham, Phillip, 22; Hendra, Thomas H, 38; Hinaki, Rongo, 21; Hughson, Robert H, 27; Kingsford, Ken I, 30; Kutia, Henry H, 20; Lean, Rocke F, 31; Laidlaw, Colin R, 27; Leonard, John E, 25; Lindsay, Albert A, 31; Montgomery, William Y, 35; Mundy, Maurice J; McCartney, SydneyA, 24; Naera, Kepa, 23; Newport, Basil A, 23; Parata, Hape, 24; Pene, Pani, 40; Petersen, Kenneth W, 27; Reeves, Charles S, 33; Tamblyn, Ronald W, 21; Walker, Terence N, 22; Wilson, Oliver W, 32.

Also listed on this memorial are the names of villagers who had been rounded up by the German Army and shot one hour before the NZ Army entered the town.

Contact: Gail Eraio – itchyfet@oyster.net.ck.

Medals found in wellington

Found in central Wellington four or so years ago: MBE Mily PLUS pictured with four miniatures (MBE Military, General Service Medal with clasp Malaya ERII, Vietnam Medal ERII, and South Vietnam Campaign Medal).

Contact: Bridget – robandbridget@paradise.net.nz.

1ST concert Party (1965) LP

Between 1965 and 1968, while Barry was serving at HQ 28 Comwel Brigade, 1RNZIR recorded as LP titled 1RNZIR Concert Party. Does anyone know where you can buy a copy of the LP or a recording of it on tape or CD? Very happy to pay all expenses and/or make a donation.

Contact: Barry – barry@12rf.org.

A.G Morrison

Information sought on Alexander Graham Morrison, a World War soldier in the Wellington Mounted Rifles. Died ages about 30, after sickness contracted in Egypt. Does anyone know who his army mates were, or anything about his military life?

Contact: Stephanie – stephanie@rsa.org.nz

Information on 2nd NZEf North Africa

The Napier RSA has received maps, photos and articles relating to three 2nd NZEF members who were killed in action in North Africa during World War 2. The RSA hopes these historic items

can be passed on to family members. The three men are: Thomas Henry Christison 41799, Driver, died in Tunisia, April 24, 1943, aged 37; Joshua William Clare 42019, Driver, died Egypt, August 29, 1941, aged 35; Leonard Charles Feeney 43746, Signalman, died Tunisia, March 21, 1943, aged 26.

Contact: Tony Fraser (Napier RSA support adviser) – tony.fraser@xtra.co.nz. Napier RSA, 06 835762

Daniel Mervyn wilkisnon

Trying to locate next of kin or family member to return medal and try to understand how it came into the possession of my family (when my mother died, the medal was found amongst her possessions). Military records show that Pvt Donaughey’s fatherb was buried in Canterbury.

Contact: Sam – smlabone@hotmail..com

Mother’s two friends

Keith McCorry has had no contact with his son, ex-serviceman Daniel Mervyn Wilkinson M999269.

May be living in Rarotonga but is unsure, could be a member of the RSA. Contact: Keith – neil.d@aucklandcitymission.org.nz or 09 3039200

When Marjorie Elizabeth Raymond, who lived in Murray Bridge, South Australia, died about 17 years ago, her daughter kept in contact with two of her best friends, Cynthia Hedges (Breton Grove, Kingston) and Pauline Yerex (Carterton).

Any information welcome.

Contact: Linda - lindajaneraymond@hotmail.com

Norman Barnard Otto westerholm

cpl Michael Domnic campbell McKey

I have a ‘dead man’s penny’ in the name of Norman Barnard Otto Westerholm. The plaque was found at the bottom of a garden in Wellington. Norman Barnard Otto Westerholm is buried at Etaples cemetery. His mother was Gertie Galloway, of Wellington. Information, leads or thoughts welcome .

Contact: Moys – moys5@xtra.co.nz

Ernest coxshall’s medals

Looking for father’s British Military Medal, which was awarded the medal for bravery in Burma. He may have sold his medals.

Contact: Sonya - sonya.ward@xtra.co.nz

Pte Robert Thomas Donaughey

Have come across a medal from the South African War with Pte Donaughey’s details on it. He is thought to have come from Canterbury. All of the engravings on the outside of the medal are: 5645 TPR: R. DONAUGHEY. N.Z.M.R ?th CONT.

The grandson of Cpl Michael Dominic Campbell McKey (also known as McKay) 24671. Wellington Regt 1st Bn NZEF, killed at Messines, June 7, 1917, would like to locate his medals. They were picked up by Michael’s father, Michael McKey, a retired draper/hotel owner of Dunedin.

Contact: Don – paydonmckey@xtra.co.nz

Benjamin charles vernon family

Contact and/or information sought on descendants or family of 41672 Pte Benjamin Charles Vernon, 2 Otago Regiment. Died of wounds September 1, 1918 and buried in Bagneux Cemetery. His only sister. Mrs T. B. Furniss. lived in Kilbirnie at that time. I have letters, photographs, postcards and what is known as the ‘Dead Mans Penny’. One of the photos is of a soldier in uniform and signed ‘A.Campbell’ on the back.

Contact: Paul – jytte@xtra.co.nz

16

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

A

AITKEN HA 405575 WWII, RNZAF 19/01/2015 Christchurch AKUIRA TO 206748 Korea, 16 Fd Regt 05/08/2015 Masterton ALLEN AG 45461 WWII, NZ Army 27/11/2014 Christchurch ALLEN CA 44135 Fd Coy Engs Auckland ANDREWS JF 22594595 Malaya,Royal Army Service Corps 22/02/2015 Auckland APPLEBY W 248101 WWII, NZ Army 11/08/2015 Stanmore Bay, Auckland ARAROA JH 538537 Whakatane ARCUS JR 207447 WWII, Gunner, 38 Fd Regt NZA 18/09/2014 Masterton ARENDS W 35012 Whakatane B

BAILEY GC 830513 11/07/2015 Hamilton BAMBERY DJ 282352 WWII, 2NZEF 31/07/2015 Waikouaiti BAGLEY LJ NZ4258 WWII Mt Mauganui 19/04/15 BANCROFT CS 43135 WWII, NZ Army, RNZAF, RNZN 03/07/2015 Auckland BARRON CL R227743 WWII, OS 29/05/2015 Mosgiel BARRY PEJ Q83320 RNZAF, NZ Army, NZ Police 23/06/2015 Christchurch BATCHELOR GG 33178 Malaya, NZ Army 14/06/2015 Christchurch BATCHELOR PJM 642277 WWII, Home Service 14/06/2015 Dunedin BATY AF 4210749 WWII, LAC, RNMAF 20/07/2015 Mosgiel BAUCKHAM HA 28/03/2015 Taradale BEGBIE SJ 300815 ASC, CMT 12/06/2015 Hamilton BELL AD 4311605 WWII, RNZAF 23/06/2015 Waimate BISHOP JE PJX361825 WWII, RN 14/06/2015.

Nelson BLANKER L 2609015 Dutch Army 14/02/2015 Papakura BLUMMONT J 233286 WWII, NZ Army, 35 Bn 24/07/2015 Palmerston North BOOKER RJ 339216 CMT, 14/05/2015 Tauranga BORROW W 429933 WWII 02/07/2015 Mosgiel BOWMAN KC 4211830 WWII, RNZAF, NZ Army 21/04/2015 Taradale BRADFORD EJ 827670 Tauranga BREMFORD RPR 17028 WWII, NZ Army 03/07/2015 Taradale BREMNER AN J927874 NZ Army 06/06/2015 Dunedin BRENNAN AN 364076 WWII, NZ Army, Japan, 22/04/2015 Auckland BROOKES A E80734 RNZAF 06/06/2015 Auckland BROOKS CL 06/04/2015 Taradale BROWN AM NZ 12047 RNZN 25/03/2015 Papatoetoe BROWN LF NZ433428 WWII, RNZAF 30/03/21015 Christchurch BROWN RA A84755 02/05/2015 Tauranga BRUNTON ER NZ415237 RNZAF, Home Service 01/04/2015 Taradale BUTLER PJ 22188370 BAOR, British Army 22/06/2015 Taradale C

CAINS NW 398270 WWII, 4Fd Regt 2NZEF 07/07/2015 Lower Hutt CALDER CA 198157 NZ Army 22/01/2015 Papatoetoe CAMERON DA 10309 WWII, RNZN 28/07/2015 Motueka CAMPBELL D 4215933 & 62097 WWII, RNZAF, NZ Army 23/07/2015 Thames CARNE GW 449217 WWII, 22nd Bn 02/08/2015 Palmerston North CARSON SE 2174 WWII, NZ Army 10/03/2015 Christchurch CARTER PG 1891170 WWII, RNZAF 30/04/2015

Auckland CHAPMAN-STONE WD 784136 NZ Army, CMT 25/05/2015 Tahunanui, Nelson CHEETHAM RD 627211 WWII 07/08/2015 Masterton CHRISTOPHERS TH 54140 WWII, 29th Light Atta 28/06/2015 CLAYDON JR 70111 WWII, RNZAF 15/12/2014 Christchurch CLEAR MW 439463 WWII, RNZAF 11/07/2015 Mosgiel CLIFTON ID 444641 RNZAF 09/05/2015 Whangarei CONDON M 281071 WWII 2NZEF 19/06/2015 Mosgiel COPPILLIE C 14164705 WWII, British Army 20/07/2015 Hastings COPSEY PE 654487 Japan 01/06/2015 Tauranga COTTER HL 676080 CMT, 1st Wgtn Regt 04/07/2015 Masterton COUPER JR 01/04/2015 Otane CROOK JD 888073 NZ Army, Korea 19/02/2015 Christchurch CROSSAN FJ 36447 NZ Army 04/06/2015 Remuera CROZIER NG WWII 03/08/2015 Dunedin CUMMINS DW 458518 WWII 25/04/2015 Whangarei D

DAVEY T 339242 CMT 21/02/2015 Auckland DAVIES SA H3756 South-East Asia, RNZASC/ RNZCT 29/07/2014 Masterton DAVIS WJ 343632 NZ Army, Home Service 10/06/2015 Greenmeadows DELANEY AJ 789281 NZ Army, NS 11/07/2015 Nelson DICKSON JG 922280 CMT 02/07/2015 Dunedin DOWNEY DJ 40483 CMT 16/06/2015 Hastings DUNN FG 263306 WWII, NZ Army 09/07/2015 Dunedin E

EAST R NZD2261 WWII, RNZN 09/12/2014 Christchurch ELLIOTT V R803566 RNZAF 01/06/2015 Auckland EVANS GA 23/06/2015 Taradale F

FAWDRAY EB 251242 WWll, 2NZEF 25/07/2015 Geraldine FELTON GE 074445 WWII, RNVR 25/02/2015 Christchurch FLAVELL ESE 206876 17th Fd, K Force, 163 Bty 18/06/2015 Te Puke FLEMING RG 814040 RNZN 18/05/2015 Christchurch FORBES GB 16516 WWII, Tpr Div Cav 5th Reinf 19/09/2014 Masterton FRENCH LB 925097 4 Fd Sqn, RNZE Ranfurly G

GALLOWAY LM 454799 NZ Army 28/06/2015 Papatoetoe GAMBLE P W/362193 WRAC/RNZAF 21/03/2015 42084 Christchurch GAMBLE D NZ8685 WWII, RNZN 09/07/2015 Turangi GARLAND K D/MX 857527 WWII, RNZN 8/07/2015 Hastings GEMPTON GB 410443 WWII, NZ Army 13/11/2014 Christchurch GILBERT MJ 435183 WWII, NZ Army 03/08/2015 Orewa GILL AT 22115236 WWII, British Forces 12/07/2015 Howick GOODENOUGH AN 184509 WWII, NZ Army 22/03/2015 Christchurch GORDGE CH 643628 NZ Army, J Force 21/05/2015 Morrinsville GORDON KC 643171 27 Bn 2NZEF 42143 19/05/2015 Queensland GRAY DW 411351 WWII, RNZAF 19/01/2015 Papatoetoe GRAY RD 79126 RNZAF, Home Service 18/02/2015 Taradale GREENWOOD L NZ1521 Civil War, ZTP 12/05/1945 GRIFFEN LR 629682 WWII/J Force, NZ Army/

CYC 02/12/2014 Christchurch GULLY L A1829 WWII, RNZN 15/06/2015 Dargaville GUNN RE 815678 NZ Army, Korea 14/07/2015 Riwaka H

HAMILTON EF F990592 RNZAF 27/05/2015 Auckland HAMILTON H 3971 1RNZ1R, Malaya 10/08/2015 Wairoa HANSEN GT 346802 CMT 24/06/2015 Waiheke Island HARRIS MV NZ624996 RNZN 11/06/2015 Masterton HARRIS RC 458213 NZ Army, Home Service 12/06/2015 Taradale HARRIS S MX63994/NZ WWII, RNZN 06/07/2015 Mt Maunganui HARRISON RE 648810 2NZEF, Japan 27/06/2015 Bethlehem HAYWARD WH 445346 WWII, RNZAF 21/11/2014 Christchurch HEATH SP 438009 NZ Army 15/07/2015 HEMMINS WH 49813 WWII, 37 Bn 03/08/2015 Dargaville HERLIHY MJ 39656 Malaya, NZArmy 23/10/2014 Porirua HIBBARD MM 416240 WWII,NZ Army 22/03/2015 Christchurch HINKS AH 562963 RN 13/07/2015 Alexandra HOBBS JH 15020 WWII, NZ Army 06/07/2015 Christchurch HOLDER BE W3192 WWII, WAAF 13/06/2015 Howick HOLLAND J 438539 RNZAF 15/08/2015 Blenheim HOLLERON JW 10382 WWII, RNZN 20/04/2015 Clive HORE GR 81514 RNZAF 29/07/2015 Waipu HUGHES EFL NZ10851 WWII, RNZN 30/03/2015 Christchurch HUMPHRIES JP NZ431142 WWII, RNZAF 17/07/2015 Howick HUNT TF 22950718 1st Bn, Austria/Egypt, Cyprus 09/06/2015 Porirua I

IRVINE NR 615077 18th Regt Auckland IRVING LF 618479 WWII, NZ Army 27/07/2015 Leithfield J

JACKSON BP 431125 WW2, LAC 29/05/2015 Hamilton JACKSON J 23013781 Arty 23/06/2015 Gulf Harbour JARVIS F 8739 WWII, FAA 06/06/2015 Hamilton JEFFERIES FH C5355 WWII, RNZN 29/04/2015 Christchurch JEFFREYS D 136939 WWII, NZ Army 13/05/2015 Whangarei JEFFRIES PJ R310566 WWII, MN 18/07/2015 Auckland JOHNSON KV 14414752 British Army 22/05/2015 Auckland JONES JE NZ Police 06/01/2015 Marton K

KING NA 728310 NZ Army, Vietnam 16/03/2015 Mangere KIWIKIWI VT 304295 NZ Army, Malaya/Borneo 16/04/2015 Christchurch L

LASHER J 328344 NZ Army 16/06/2015 Howick LAST HARRIS LB 785184 NZ Army, CMT 12/07/2015 Nelson LAWSON CM 441899 /NZ438253 WWII, NZ Army, RNZAF 08/08/2015 Ranfurly Veterans Home LAWSON E 17/02/2015 Tamatea LE NOEL RA y37972 RNZ EME 161 Bt Foxton LEGGETT WD NZ13450 RNZN, RNZAF,Korea 29/07/2015 Hamilton LEWIN RMH 448695 WWII, 27 Bn, J Force 11/07/2015 Whangarei LEWIS FG 22870119 27 Coy, Malaya 19/07/2015

Papamoa LINDSAY RC 31905 WWII, NZ Army 17/06/2015 Ranfurly Veterans Home LITTLEJOHN TN 20/07/2015 Milton LLOYD JE 345950 RNZAF 03/08/2015 Auckland LOWE SR 439759 WWII, 2NZEF 10/08/2015 Mosgiel M

MCAULIFFE CP NZ4213032 WWII, RNZAF 30/04/2015 Christchurch MCCASKILL AJ 39718 28th Maori Bn 22/06/2015 Hamilton MCCULLOCH KH 206511 WWII Korea, NZN Signal Corp NZ Army 01/08/2015 Porirua MCDONALD TE 4225 WAAF 03/08/2015 Whangarei MACDOUGALL NW 4312729 WWII, RNZAF 10/08/2015 Rangiora MCFADDEN PG 364076 WWII, NZ Army, Japan 02/05/2015 Auckland MCGOWAN TV RNZN12209 WWII, RNZN 30/05/2015 Auckland MCINTYRE J 38085 Korea/Vietnam, RAA, NZ Army 11/03/2015 Christchurch MCLACHLAN AR 817677 NZ Army 13/12/2014 Christchurch MCLEAN HD 194202 WWII, WWCR, 2NZEF 14/05/2015 Marton MCMILLAN J 273321 WWII, NZ Army, 5th Fd Ambulance 04/04/2015 Taradale MALLOY RP 43346 Whiskey 3 Vietnam 24/08/2015 Massey, Auckland MALLINDER D NZ36179 Armoured Corps 09/07/2014 Wellington MARDEN K C20196 NZNN Whakatane MARTINAC IR 645082 NZ Army, Korea 20/06/2015 Dunedin MAY RB 206336 NZ Army Whakatane MEDDING PA 442428 WWII, RNZAF 06/06/2015 Masterton MEIHANA PT X982305 Vietnam, NZ Army, V6,1RNZIR, 5Spt Sqn 22/03/2015 Napier MEIKLEJOHN CG B79420 Malaya, RNZAF 09/05/2015 Christchurch MESSERSCHMIDT B 14195001 WWII, British Army 18/07/2015 Hastings MILLAR AD 208749 Korean, NZ Army, Arty 15/08/2015 Whangarei MOORE CL L/331311 WWII, British Army 28/06/2015 Taradale MORGAN WE 426208 WWII, NZ Army 14/06/2015 Christchurch MUNRO JL NZ413942 WWII, 1690 BDTU 04/08/2015 Tauranga MURPHY A 650310 NZ Army, J Force 21/09/2014 Christchurch MURRAY CS 429397 Bouganville, Green Islands, Jacquinot Bay, 1st Bn NZ Army 28/05/2015 Porirua N

NGAKI I X79808 25/04/2015 Te Puke NICHOL JG 206531 WWII, Korea, J Force, NZ Army/RNZAF 30/03/2015 Christchurch NOONAN TJ 204316 Korea, NZ Army 15/12/2014 Christchurch O

ODLUM WJ 462978 NZ Army, CMT 20/05/2015 Morrinsville OLSEN WA 829077 WWII, NZEF Pahiatua OSBORNE ER NZ7522 WWII, NZ Army, RNZN 15/12/2014 Christchurch O’SULLIVAN IJ 47466 WWII, NZ Army 05/07/2015 Whangarei OWEN LA 100450 WWII, NZ Army, 24 Bn 2NZEF 09/08/2015 Whangarei OWENS J 329592 NZ Army, CMT 08/03/2015 Papatoetoe P

PAGE GG PJX517509 Germany, CPL RAOC 03/04/2015 Auckland PALMER LN 22601499 Korea, NZRE 22/05/2015

Remembering 17

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

aN OFFICER, GENTLEMAN AND HERO LOST SqnLdr Les Munro – the world’s last World War 2 Dambusters pilot – was farewelled with an honorary flypast following his memorial service at Tauranga’s Classic Flyers Aviation Centre.

Five Harvard aircraft performed the aerial salute known as the “missing man”, which was given in memory of fallen pilots.

The Historic Aircraft Trust and New Zealand Warbirds, with support from the Museum of Transport & Technology and (Motat) Perpetual Guardian, organised the aerial salute.

Motat chief executive Michael Frawley described the ‘missing man’ special aerial salute as “a fitting tribute to a remarkable man who put service before self in both combat and civilian life”.

More than 600 people turned out for the memorial service and the 96-year-old’s death on August 4 made global headlines; tributes and condolences poured in from around the world.

Memories told about Les Munro’s upbringing in Gisborne in the 1920s, his World War 2 accolades, raising a family in the King Country, his contribution as mayor of the Waitomo district, and his retirement in Tauranga in the 2000s.

“New Zealand has lost an officer, a gentleman and a hero, but from Motat’s perspective, we’re privileged to be able to tell his story to future generations,” Frawley said.

“We are placing a book of remembrance along with a wreath near the Lancaster bomber in our Aviation Display Hall and invite members of the public to visit Motat and pay their last respects to Mr Munro by signing it.”

The last of the Dambusters, SqnLdr Les Munro (left) was honoured with a ‘missing man’ flypast after his memorial service at Tauranga’s Classic Flyers Aviation Centre.

Les Munro donated his medals, logbooks and other war memorabilia to Motat just a few months ago. He had put them up for auction to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bomber Command memorial in London, but British businessman and philanthropist Lord Ashcroft offered £75,000 ($175,500) to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and returned the medals to the New Zealander.

Motat is now working with Perpetual Guardian managing director Andrew Barnes, who has established the NZ Bomber Command Fund through the Perpetual Guardian Foundation. He kick-started the fund with a $30,000 donation to help preserve the historical legacy of the unit.

“The initial aim is to raise funds for a travelling exhibition highlighting the courage and commitment of Les Munro and the other New Zealand members of Bomber Command,” says Barnes. “This will in turn be used to fund a dedicated pavilion and archive at Motat.”

Printers plan WW1 special edition poetry book The Printing Museum is planning to publish a book of New Zealand World War I poetry. The publication, seen as part of the the World War 1 centenary, will be produced by letterpress with lead type specially cast for the edition Printing Museum Society member Dan Tait-Jamieson says the society believes no such compilation exists. The book is expected to include up to 20 poems with additional, original line drawings Stringent production values will be applied to the composition, design, paper and binding, he

says. A World War 1-era press will be used, and the whole exercise will be a printing-community effort that will involve teaching skills to volunteers.

The society – a group of working or retired printers, design and typographical enthusiasts – began in 1984 when a small group rescued two outdated letterpress printing machines destined for the wreckers. The museum is one of the few operating foundries in the world).

• Suggestions for the poetry book: Dan TaitJamieson: 04 4759909; MoanaPress@t-j.co.nz.

THE LAST POST PARKER A 14136647 British Army 17/04/2015 Christchurch PARKER J FAAFX113815 Fleet A RNZN 05/12/14 Masterton PARKES DJE DJX730639 WWII, RN 10/07/2015 Nelson PARKINSON TM 74980 WWII, RNZAF 10/08/2015 Blenheim PARSON VA W/218665 British Army 06/06/2015 Takanini PEXTON PT N341769 11/07/2015 Wellsford POULTER DB 75240 Malaya, 14 Sqn, RNZAF 19/06/2015 Matakana PROVAN CD HS3375/442517 WWII NZArmy/ RNZAF 22/05/2015 Masterton R

RAINFORD IR 2371585 RAF 06/08/2015 Auckland RANDELL AF 708810 NZ Army, Home Service 08/06/2015 Greenmeadows REED BK D474815 NZ Army 29/01/2015 Christchurch REEVES NM 817247 NZ Army, Home Service 06/03/2015 Taradale REYNOLDS S Y29416 RNZN 04/06/2015 Auckland RICKETTS WC 436602 WWII, RNZAF 01/05/2015 Christchurch ROBERSTON HL 37018 WWII, 2 Div Sigs 10/08/2015 Whangarei ROBINSON IL 438272 WWII, NZ Army 24/07/2015 Manaia ROBINSON LF 4210092 WWII, RAF Bomber Command 19/06/2015 Whangarei RODGER A 4312631/6849 WWII, NZ Army, RNZAF 06/05/2015 Auckland ROGERS BD 5065 WWII, 19th Bn 26/06/2015

Opunake ROGERS GFC 1240657 WWII, RAF 22/04/2015 Taradale ROGERS KC 33943 NZ Army 05/06/2015 Waipu ROLTON GL NZ13505 Pacific, RNZN 21/07/2015 Dunedin ROOKE CK 180273 WWII, Royal West Kents, Gurkas MC 26/07/2015 Nelson ROWLINGS B 130930 RNZAF 13/06/2015 Whangarei S

SALT BA 208535 Korea, NZ Army 20/02/2015 Christchurch SANDERS PL 14/04/2015 Napier SANDERS R 457545 WWII, NZ Army 25/05/2015 Christchurch SCHWASS B 134088 RNZAF Whakatane SHACKELL JG R646730 MN 03/05/2015 Papatoetoe SHARPE VM W/263394 WWII, British Army 17/01/2015 Christchurch SILVER DF T79551 RNZAF 29/07/2015 Auckland SKELLEY P 446606 WWII, NZ Army 15/06/2015 Howick SMEATON D 230925 CMT 16/05/2015 Maungatapu SMITH FGA 439020 WWII, 6 NZ Fd Coy 08/08/2105 Whangarei SMITH NK 969151 CMT 27/06/2015 Dunedin SOWDEN WN NZ11365 WWII, RNZN 26/05/2015 Auckland SOWMAN S M51232 Singapore, NZ Army 11/07/2015 Nelson SPECKMAN WT 2306477 RAF 25/05/2015 Mt. Wellington STANLEY RO 689337 Korea, K Force 22/06/2015 Hamilton

STAPLES H 442483 J Force 19/06/2015 Hamilton STENT KH 641011 CMT, NZ Army 03/06/2015 Nelson STEVENS M NZ414355 WWII, RNZAF 12/05/2015 Christchurch STEWART D 4214156 WWII, 3RNZAF 02/07/2015 Mosgiel STONEMAN T Royal Navy English WWII, RN 11/07/2015 Waitara STREET GH 676785 NZ Army 30/06/2015 Papamoa STUART VG 03/07/2015 Greenmeadows STUBBS DH NZ426243 WWII, NZ Army, RNZAF Christchurch SUTHERLAND JRT 676930 CMT 1st Wgtn Regt 14/07/2015 Masterton SYME W 22453877 NZ Army 07/01/2015 Papatoetoe T

TE MAUROA BH 68386 WWII, 28 Maori Bn 07/08/2015 Wairoa TESTER TJ 64672 WWII, NZ Army 24/05/2015 Mangere THOMAS SF 774605 NZ Army 11/01/2015 Christchurch THOMSON RM NZ429393 WWII, RNZAF 20/03/2015 Christchurch THORNE CR 829109 JForce, Replacement Force 30/05/2015 Masterton TIPOKI M W555355 Vietnam, 1RNZR1 11/08/2015 Wairoa TOWE VA CJX356995 WWII, RNZN 07/05/2015 Auckland TURNER BN 1606703 WWII, RNZAF 10/03/2015 Te Atatu TURNER L 111707 28/03/2015 Auckland TYREE VR 783064 CMT, 4th Med Regt RNZA

25/07/2015 Richmond, Nelson V

VIBERT JG 402227 WWII, RNZAF 23/07/2015 Palmerston North VICKERS FL 14426 WWII, RNZN 03/08/2015 Orewa W

WALLIS LG 375281 WWII, NZ Army 29/07/2015 Whangarei WARRINGTON S NZ411480 WWII, RNZAF 06/08/2015 Stanmore Bay WATSON GH 436001 WWII, NZ Army 21/05/2015 Christchurch WAYMOUTH J NZ 11883 WWII, RNZN 11/07/2015 Hastings WELLS KJ 308294 NZ Army, CMT 25/05/2015 Morrinsville WHITE ED 48256 2NZEF 13/06/2015 Thames WHITE NT 452066 WWII, NZ Army 13/04/2015 Christchurch WHITING KW NK WWII, RNZN 16/06/2015 Hastings WILKINSON J 453597 WWII, NZ Army 13/06/2015 Papatoetoe WILLIAMS MG 537088 Whakatane WILLIAMS MJ 283359 WWII, RN 29/06/2015 Rangiora WOOD NC 344562 NZ Army 10/07/2015 Glen Eden WRIGHT AD 393235 WWII, 8th Reinf, 2NZEF 18/07/2015 Masterton WYLIE GA 818195 Korea, NZ Army 01/07/2015 Christchurch

Remembering

Be a construction industry mentor. Help build the future.

Pass on your knowledge.

Are you a retired construction contractor or tradesman?

Do you want to give something back to the industry and the future of New Zealand Construction?

National Personnel is a nationwide construction expert.

We have teams of construction workers assisting with major projects in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

We recognise that New Zealand has amazing knowledge, skills, experience and mana amongst our retired construction community. You may have run your own contracting company, had your own plant machinery, worked for one of the big construction companies or been a tradie all of your working life. Well now that you have retired you can still make a HUGE difference.

We need mentors – people who can teach, guide and advise our workforce how to be a success in our industry.

We need people who are passionate about getting the job done right and to high quality. Together, we can help to raise the bar in how construction work is delivered in New Zealand.

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

cHANcE BROUGHT DIARY BAcK TO LIfE Jo Bailey It is a story of extraordinary coincidence. Leslie Story, of Temuka, was on his way home from work one evening following his return home from fighting in World War 1 when he noticed a canvas valise attached to the back of a motorbicycle on the street.

He took a closer look, and couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw that written on the valise, in indelible pencil, was his regimental number 6-1408. On the back of the valise he could just make out his name.

Pte Leslie Story had lost the valise in France in 1917 after leaving it with billets in Messine when the Canterbury Infantry Battalion was called to the front line to straighten a trench.

When he was wounded and evacuated to England, his possessions in the valise, which included his wartime diaries detailing his years of service from Gallipoli to France, were left behind. He never expected to see them again.

But another Temuka ex-soldier took possession of the bag at the New Zealand discharge depot in Torquay, England, and brought it home. The diaries were intact and, although the entries were brief, they provide an insight into the horrors of war.

Leslie Story landed in Gallipoli on the morning of April 25, 1915 with the first party of New Zealanders off the German prize ship, Lutzow.

Soon after, he and several other New Zealand and Australian soldiers were cut off from his unit; for about six days, he existed on a bottle of water and two army biscuits.

On April 27, he wrote : Fighting still fierce, being shelled by a big gun. Shell dropped short from Queen buried many of us. Bandaged several badly wounded. Very little food.

He was lucky to survive on May 9 when his diary entry read: I had narrow escape, bullet going through the front and out the back of my

hat, cutting a strip of hair out and the other going into my haversack. Pierced a hole through two tins of meat and one of groceries, grazing my leg.

June 8, 1915: My birthday 20 years. Moved up to trenches at 11am. Very little fighting during afternoon. Grew heavier towards morning.

On June 26, he wrote: Nothing doing in the morning. In the afternoon had a swim. Just came out when the Turks opened fire with their battery storming the beach with shrapnel killing and wounding many in the water.

Then on Saturday August 7, during the struggle for Chunuk Bair when the Canterbury Infantry Battalion suffered 107 casualties, he wrote: A big advance with the bayonet, took many trenches digging in. Heavy fire all day it being terrible, no water. Wounded and dead lie everywhere.

Leslie’s older brothers, Gilmore and Clifford, also fought at Gallipoli. Miraculously all three returned home safely, each receiving a bronze medallion for his service.

Clifford, who had signed up first, was one of only six of the 1st Canterbury Battalion to return to New Zealand. He was wounded in the lungs at Gallipoli, and later gassed in France during the Somme push and suffered from shell shock.

Gilmore served with the Wellington Mounted Rifles in Gallipoli and later in Egypt and Palestine.

After the war all three brothers married and had families.

Clifford and Gilmore Story went farming and Leslie Story was a cabinetmaker in Timaru for many years. He supplied furniture for the 1952 visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.

He died in 1963 and is buried in the RSA section of the Timaru Cemetery.

Leslie Story’s grandson, Ian James, transcribed the diaries, which have been used in The Storys of Abdy Farm, a book documenting the history of the Story family and its descendants in Yorkshire and New Zealand from 1790-2014. It is available at Scorpio books (Christchurch), Blackmores (Nelson) and on line (www.wickcandle.co.nz).

We are looking to train volunteers who will then move onto become a paid mentor (income set to mitigate impact on superannuation taxation), we want to hear from you!!

We can give you the chance to make a difference in this hugely rewarding mentoring role.

Why you should register to be a National Personnel mentor: • • • • •

You will get to: Keep an active involvement in the industry Develop lasting relationships Give something back to the industry and its future Be a part of the industry again Pass on your knowledge of the trade and life experiences You will also receive payment, travel costs and become part of a passionate team who want to make a difference.

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PHOTOS – Left: Poppies attached to the commemorative putukakawa. Right: The new Field of Crosses.

crosses added to pohutakawa memorial

White crosses have been added to the original pohutakawa trees to mark the centenary of New Zealand’s first Anzac war memorial.

The pohutakawas were planted in Rata St, Eastbourne, Wellington on July 14, 1914 “in commemoration of the brave deeds done by our soldiers in Gallipoli” by the then mayor of Eastbourne, J.P.Kelly.

Next day, the hospital ship Willochra arrived in Wellington, bringing back the first wounded from Gallipoli. Its arrival is the subject of Will Bowring’s The Homecoming from Gallipoli painting.

The eight white crosses – the basis of of the Eastbourne RSA’s Field of Remembrance – represent the eight Eastbourne soldiers who died on Gallipoli.

Forty-four men – a significant number considering the small population of Eastbourne – went to World War 1. Eleven of them landed on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

None of them made the end of the campaign – all were evacuated or killed before the end of the campaign.

Eastbourne RSA president Stephen Phillips says the pohutukawa are still flourishing and are “an important memorial of the eight men “.

Jill Herman and Sarah Beamish, descendants of two of the soldiers remembered, were at the commemoration, along with many other Eastbourne and Wellington residents. The RSA was represented by chief executive officer David Moger and national vice-president Bob Hill.

Remembering 19

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

PHOTOS – Top left: Adrian Ahern, Chris Turver and volunteer guard Terry Hunn; above: The 7th Battalion Army band entertains Arthur Manz (98) and Keown Shirley (95)’ far left: Students from Otaki College, Waitohu School and Whakatupuranga Rua Mano welcome the group with a haka at the Otaki railway station.

Left: The vintage steam train Passchendaele at Otaki station.

RIDING THE RAIL ABOARD PASSCHENDAeLE Story and photos: Athol Corbett Close to 350 people rode the rail for a special Chunuk Bair commemorative train trip from Paekakariki to Otaki in August. They were remembering the New Zealand soldiers who

died during the battle for Chunuk Bair, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.

The trip was organised by the Kapiti Coast District Council, with events at the Otaki railway station hosted by the Otaki RSA & Community Club. The train, towed by the vintage steam engine, Passchendaele, was met at the Otaki

station by a lone piper and a welcome kapa haka performed by a group of Otaki College, Waitohu School and Whakatupuranga Rua Mano pupils.

The Ode was recited by Otaki RSA president Pat Kenny and in Maori by Rupene Waaka, from the local iwi. Kapiti mayor Ross Church and the Turkish Embassy’s charge d’affaires,

Aziz Sevi, spoke. Performances on the station platform included songs from the Coasters Musical Theatre and the 7th Battalion Army Band. Many people dressed in period costume, and there were exhibits and mementos from World War 1 in the station. The train spent two hours in Otaki before making the return journey.

TARGET – photographing 33,000 war graves in 87 countries

Pvt Ronald Bailey

Cpt Robin Barlow

A story in the spring 2014 RSA Review offered information supplied by Dennis Boggs, a volunteer for The War Graves Photographic Project (TWGPP), which is based in the United Kingdom. It prompted TERRY SNOW to remind us that there is a very large, comprehensive New Zealand War Graves Trust project. He outlines its activities.

The New Zealand War Graves Trust (NZWGT) has a major project in hand – to photograph all the war graves and primary memorials of New Zealanders who have died in conflicts while serving with New Zealand and Allied forces.

This covers all conflicts from the 2nd AngloBoer war (1899-1902), to the present day, and peacekeeping operations in places such as East Timor and Afghanistan.

FgOff Walter Bocock

Sgt Douglas Gordon

We now have the only comprehensive roll of honour of New Zealanders who died in conflict.

There are nearly 33,000 New Zealand war graves in 87 countries.

In the last 10 years, the NZWGT has collected more than 30,000 photographs. These will become the heart of a digital archive and database, accessed via a website linked to the Auckland War Memorial Museum’s on-line cenotaph, giving free public access to the information and images.

The archive, database and website include research with historical and present-day information about the people, cemeteries, locations and countries. The wider community is encouraged to provide information for individual web pages.

The images for users are free on the NZWGT website (www.nzwargraves.org.nz).

The largest numbers of New Zealand war graves are in France (7776), Belgium (4711), Egypt (2924), Italy (2157), Turkey (2348), the United Kingdom (2105), and New Zealand (3548). But there are graves across the globe. In some places there are only one or two – such as in the Faroe Islands, Bulgaria, Malawi or Sai Wan Cemetery Hong Kong (where Kiwi pilot Daniel McAleese, from

Sgt Jack Lawrence

Sapper Daniel McLaren

A photographer was escorted by machinegun-carrying police to ease security fears.

Otago, was buried after being shot down in his Avenger plane off Formosa in 1945).

NZWGT photos are taken to museum standard by professionals. And the database is being compiled in sometimes difficult conditions.

The trust has photos of graves in Syria that are now inaccessible and graves in Libya that have been destroyed by vandals. A photographer was escorted by machine gun-carrying police to a cemetery in Karachi because of security fears.

The work is funded by grants from charitable foundations. For example, Pelorus Trust made a grant in 2014 for photos from Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt, then a 2015 grant to gather photographs of war graves and primary memorials from

Pvt Henry Lees

Brig James Hargest

Sweden, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Casualties in Iceland were from 1941, 1943 and 1944. On April 22, 1944, a Ventura aircraft from RNZAF 1407 on a meteorological flight for the RAF crashed and the four crew– who included 23-year-old Trevor Hosken from Auckland and 27-year-old Norman Hickmott from Nelson – are buried in Reykjavik Cemetery.

We also have photographs from Ambon, in eastern Indonesia and Beira in Mozambique.

In 2014 a NZWGT photographer attended the Anzac service in Labuan, a federal territory of Malaysia, and photographed the graves of Kiwis, together with several extra New Zealand casualties who served with the Australian forces.

There are 2000-3000 photos to obtain from 51 countries, some to be revisited for logistical reasons (new New Zealand casualties found, graves refurbished, GPS co-ordinates to be added). This may take three or four years, depending on funding.

In 2005, the RSA national executive gave its support to the NZWGT project. The then RSA chief executive, Stephen Clarke, wrote confirming that the RSA had “provided local and detailed knowledge to assist this worthy initiative”.

20 Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

This extract is from the newly released Man of Iron, by historian Jock Vennell. The book is the story of William Malone, the Taranaki farmer/soldier who led the New Zealanders’ attack that took Chunuk Bair on Gallipoli. Published courtesy of Army News.

So died one of the grand and original figures of the Gallipoli campaign, a free spirit who could stretch his mind beyond the clubby world of the Godleys and Johnstons and would stretch his integrity for no man. It seems unconconscionable that he received no posthumous decoration for his day on Chunuk Bair. By the standard set at Lone Pine, he should have received the Victoria Cross. In death, as in life, Malone was not much loved by those in authority. He was always going to be an outsider.

– Les Carlyon, Gallipoli

The Malone story is one deeply embedded in the pioneering history of New Zealand and of Taranaki in particular. Its background is the struggle with Maori over land in the 1860s; the settlement of the Taranaki bush country and the massive forest clearances that followed; territorial soldiering and its denouement as Britain and its Empire went to war in the early years of the twentieth century. Its climax was the Gallipoli campaign of 1915 and the heroic defence of Chunuk Bair in which Malone and most of his Wellington Battalion were to die.

The story began in the early 1880s, with the arrival of William George Malone on the beach at New Plymouth — a young middle-class migrant with energy and ambition, determined to better himself in the rough-edged society of 19thcentury New Zealand. Through hard physical work, organising ability and a shrewd business sense, he became a successful Taranaki farmer and lawyer, an aspiring politician, and finally the Territorial Force commander who was to

become his country’s best-known soldier from the Gallipoli campaign.

At the time he went to war, Malone was a welleducated man, tall for the time and strongly built, his body developed and toughened by a decade spent extracting a farm from the Taranaki bush.

Temperley would recall him as ‘a picturesque rugged figure, a typical old New Zealand pioneer with a powerful jaw and an appearance of great strength and determination’.

Family sources and tributes reveal a man who was politically liberal but morally conser -vative, devoutly religious, generous to family and friends, scrupulous in his business dealings. He was ambitious in a personal sense, but also deeply concerned for the future of both his province and his country. The Taranaki Herald would describe him during his first election campaign as ‘a man of energy, ability, absolute honesty and high ideals’.

Malone was 55 years old when he left New Zealand with his battalion in October 1914 and

need not have volunteered for war service. He did so willingly and for a mix of reasons — high among them a sense of duty to Britain and an empire he saw to be under threat, and an underlying belief in the regenerating power of war. From the war with Germany and its Allies, he believed, ever y member of the British Empire, including New Zealand, would emerge better and stronger.

At a deeper level, Malone was a soldier by temperament and training—aggressive, determined, physically and morally courageous, a skilled organiser and trainer of troops, and at Quinn’s Post and on Chunuk Bair an inspirational battlefield commander.

Before leaving for Awapuni Camp in October 1914, he told a neighbour that he had been ‘waiting for years’ for the chance to go to war.

Of all his occupations, he told another, he liked ‘soldiering and war’ best and farming next.

Lawyering he did not like at all.

War, he wrote to Ida from Gallipoli, was ‘one

Remembering 21

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

great pleasure of the best sort. The pleasure — or perhaps “la joie” of living, of doing a new job, of feeling physically and mentally absolutely fit to do it, of doing something for one’s country, when it needs the service of its men. There are no real hardships under the circumstances, or so it seems to me...’

As an educated soldier, however, Malone was untypical of his day. Most of his fellow officers were products of a British military system that ‘valued athletic skills over brains capable of mastering the intricacies of war’. Attributes of equal or even greater importance to a senior commander — intelligence, high educational achievement, resistance to breakdown under stress, and moral courage, tended to be ignored.

From his reading of the military theorists, Malone understood that war in the twentieth century required commanding officers to have a trained mind, which could only be achieved by wide-ranging study. He had studied the campaigns of the great commanders of the 19th century and the more recent South African and Russo-Japanese wars. He had grasped what many of his contemporaries appeared to have only dimly understood—a new and very destructive type of warfare had arrived and the tactics and mindsets of 19th-century conflicts would no longer suffice.

Malone was a man of unusually complex character and beliefs. There was the strict but loving family man, the man of high principles and egalitarian instincts, the generous friend who would not see anyone in distress if he could help them out, financially or otherwise. There was the patriot who combined pride in Britain and its Empire with an idealistic vision of New Zealand as the birthplace of a newer and greater nation. There was the man who believed with Ruskin that peace inclined society to vice and decay, and that war was a regenerating force in the life of nations. There was the soldier driven by duty—to his country and the Empire, to the men he admired and loved. There was the ‘insubordinate’ commander who refused to squander the lives of those men in a suicidal daylight attack on the crest of Chunuk Bair.

There was the soldier who could weep at the

Where other battalion commanders on Gallipoli simply obeyed orders without question, Malone needed to be sure in his mind that they were the right ones. With good reason would Brig Earl Johnston complain that he was more trouble than his other three battalion commanders put together. For the welfare of his men, he stood up to his military superiors as did no other commanding officer at Gallipoli. sight of badly wounded men and regret the deaths of even his Turkish enemies, the ‘hard man’ who loved wildflowers, classical music and small children. As the brute strength and physical courage of the warrior is often shot through with streaks of gentleness, so it was with Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone.

To his superior officers, however, Malone could be an abrasive and difficult subordinate — a man who would challenge their decisions if they did not make sense to him and who refused to take no for an answer. Where other battalion commanders on Gallipoli simply obeyed orders without question, Malone needed to be sure in his mind that they were the right ones. With good reason would Brigadier Earl Johnston complain that he was more trouble than his other three battalion commanders put together.

For the welfare of his men he stood up to his military superiors as did no other commanding officer on Gallipoli.

As with most men of great ability and drive, there were less admirable traits. Malone’s inflexibility of mind and narrow moral code made him prudish in matters of sexual morality, as shown by his opposition to the issue of prophylactics for the use of troops returning from leave in Cairo. He could be both petty and prudish, as shown by his ban on ‘suggestive’ band music

as the troopship Arawa left Wellington, and his attempts to censor ‘off colour’ material from a shipboard concert en route to Egypt. His admitted prejudice against the Australian troops on Gallipoli in most cases made little practical sense.

The Anzacs may have differed in character and in their approach to discipline, but they were equals in fighting ability and learners together in the art of war.

Malone’s outstanding leadership abilities were eventually acknowledged. Malone’s second-incommand, Major (later Brigadier-General) Herbert Hart, would recall him as ‘a born soldier and a great leader’ who had laid the foundations on which the fighting efficiency of the Wellington Battalion was built. After reading his diary and letters for the first time in 1936, the official British war historian, Brigadier-General AspinallOglander, would pay a high (if belated) tribute to Malone’s abilities as a strategist, tactician, and leader of men.

‘Malone was probably one of the best military brains on the peninsula,’ wrote H.V.Howe in the 1960s. ‘Had he lived, he would most likely have become one of the most prominent of all Dominion commanders.’

One hundred years on, the issue of whether Malone’s siting of his trenches was responsible for the loss of Chunuk Bair — and by implication

the failure of the final Allied offensive on Gallipoli — has been convincingly settled. Temperley’s report after the battle blatantly misreported what had happened on the ridge; the Anzac commanders and official historians accepted it as fact. Malone’s memory was dishonoured and his family and friends were forced to live with this for another 50 years.

Vindication came in 1965 with the publication of Robert Rhodes James’ masterly reinterpretation of the Gallipoli campaign. It has been reinforced in more recent times by military historian Dr Chris Pugsley and Defence Force historian John Crawford. Having emerged from the shadow of Chunuk Bair, Malone can finally be recognised as one of New Zealand’s finest soldiers of World War I. Ultimately, it will be for the capture and epic defence of Chunuk Bair that Malone will live in the memory of his country.

‘For the first time since the landing, Anzac troops stood on the summit of Sari Bair gazing down at the Narrows,’ Cecil Malthus recalled.

‘If ever there was a leader who deserved this honour it was Colonel Malone of the Wellingtons.

It was he who by his intelligence and tenacity had converted Quinn’s Post from a shambles to a stronghold, and in the open fighting, too, he had shown brilliant and aggressive leadership.’

Under Malone’s inspired leadership, the Wellingtons on Chunuk Bair would perform one of the outstanding feats of arms in their country’s military history — ‘New Zealand’s cruellest and finest hour’, as playwright Maurice Shadbolt memorably put it. It was a cruel twist of fate that saw him fall to ‘friendly’ fire and see him denied the Victoria Cross he so richly deserved.

Despite his assurances to his wife, Malone felt he would not survive the war. Just before leaving New Zealand in October 1914, he told a fellow officer: ‘Something tells me I shan’t come back here, that I will go out.’ Waiting under Chunuk Bair for the barrage to lift, he had made peace with his God and his beloved Ida. If death was to be, he had found a way to stand easy in its shadow.

Dulce est pro patria mori.

THE COLOUR OF WAR –VIA A POSTCARD Robyn Gosset Think World War 1 and up comes a picture of grey. The endless mud and shell craters, and young men slumped against the side of a trench.

Perhaps it is because we see old film always in black and white that everything appears grey.

But, tucked away in homes all over France and Belgium, a cottage industry was developing.

Women were doing piecework and producing the colourful and beautiful little works of art that finished up as postcards to be sent home by troops to family, sweethearts or friends. It could be seen as an industry arising from war.

In many cases the postcard arrived, but the sender never came home. The once beautiful card sat on the mantlepiece or a window sill, and gradually faded However, those that were put away or kept in an album kept their colour and have become very collectable .

There is some debate as to whether the patterns were stitched individually. It may have begun that way, but later they were done on a Heilmann or Schiffi embroidery machine.

The women received rolls of starched silk organza, anything from 25 to 400 perforated units on which the design was embroidered.

When the rolls were complete, they were sent to ‘finishing factories’ where the ribbons were cut at the perforations and the delicate pictures inserted in cardboard mounts.

The silk cards were first produced in 1898. The date seems correct, although some authorities claim the cards began at Krefeld in Germany, others that they originated in France or Switzerland.

They were apparently first displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1900. But it wasn’t until the start of war in 1914 that they took off in popularity. and during the four years of war. It is claimed

that about 10 million were produced during the four years of war.

Initially it was a home industry, but they became so popular Paris workshops were set up with an assembly-line system of production. By 1919 their popularity was on the wane and those produced from then on had no reference to war.

The cards came in two designs – a plain panel, either vertical or horizontal, or an envelope design where a greeting card or sometimes a delicate embroidered silk handkerchief could be inserted Several of the small greeting cards that were inserted in the envelopes were created and signed by a famous Belle Epoque French artist of the time, Xavier Sagar. If his tiny signature can be seen on a card, it is collectable in its own right.

The designs were in their hundreds. Apart

from the many with butterflies, hearts and flowers, there were patriotic themes, portraits of statesmen and military leaders of the time, regimental badges, and the war dates, 1914 to 1918. Many showed flags of the allied nations – Britain, Italy, Russia, Belgium and France, and some the ensign of the Japanese Imperial Army.

At the same time as these embroidered ‘silks’, as they were known, were being produced another type of silk card was being produced by Neyret Freres in Paris. This company produced woven silk pictures on Jaquard looms and did a series of 66 cards referred to as ‘flames’ – so called because they bore pictures of various churches and cathedrals in flames after being bombarded by shells.

Their subject matter dictated that they carried the colours of fire against the grey background of the church, so lacked the brilliance of the embroidered cards.

War souvenirs by postcards – from Belgium (far left), the New Zealand connection (left); a hanky corner (above) and for a sweetheart (below).

They were distributed by E Deffrene of Paris and were equally as popular as the ‘silks’. For both sender and receiver, these bright little cards for a time took away the horrors of war.

22

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

Support & Well-Being

SHORT OF BREATH? GET HELP Matt’s visit to his doctor following an accident and medical visit with a chest infection was about to change his life for the better.

He had a cough, pain in his chest when lying on his left side, and noisy breathing when he exhaled. He says that because he had to pay to go to the doctor, he would wait to see if he got better by myself – “and then, when I did go, I was usually very sick”.

Matt, 72, smoked for about five years when he was young. He used to be very active and could run 20 kilometres without any problem.

His energy levels had become very low recently and he was keen (but scared) to understand why he was getting so many lung infections.

His doctor referred him for a spirometry test and a chest x-ray as he suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic lung disease usually caused by smoking.

It is estimated that one of seven New Zealanders aged 45 and over has COPD – more than 200,000 people. Symptoms include

% al 0 r 10 tu Na

shortness of breath, coughing and phlegm.

“COPD often goes undiagnosed in the early stages,” says the Asthma Foundation’s medical director, Kyle Perrin. “People ignore shortness of breath or just stop doing activities that make them breathless. Often we are not able to diagnose COPD until symptoms have become severe.”

While his x-ray was “clear”, Matt’s spirometry showed he had COPD. Once the diagnosis was made, the respiratory nurse worked with him to help him understand his written management plan. This included teaching him about when and how to use his inhalers correctly.

He had not been taking his previously prescribed preventer or symptom reliever inhalers as he thought they were not doing him any good and were a bad thing – he didn’t want to rely on them as they would make his lungs weak.

The nurse’s help gave Matt the confidence to act early if his lung condition got worse.

Educating and empowering him to believe in himself to manage his health condition will allow him to manage his symptoms and maintain good lung function.

A referral to (and attending) pulmonary rehabilitation will reinforce the importance of exercising, using medication as prescribed,

recognising the early signs of deterioration, and putting his action plan place, and linking him with others who have COPD and learning from each other.

Matt is overjoyed: “Helping me understand my lung condition, my inhalers and their use, just the right way to do things means I can control what happens to me. Now I understand and my health has never been better.”

Kyle Perrin says anyone with shortness of breath, coughing and phlegm should see a doctor for a simple breathing test (spirometry) which can show if they have developed COPD. “Once COPD has developed, there is no cure. With the right management you can still live a full life. The only thing you can do to prevent further deterioration is to stop smoking. If people continue smoking, their lungs will get worse and the disease can be fatal.”

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24 Support & Well-Being – Blue September

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

GIVE PROSTATE CANCER THE FINGER “Every man has one, but most men don’t know anything about it. It’s only when problems arise that men generally tend to take it seriously.

What we’re talking about is the prostate gland – a small gland about the size of a walnut that sits just below the bladder. What most men don’t know is what their prostate gland does – it produces some of the fluid in semen and is a critical part of a man’s sex life.

The prostate gland can cause men quite a lot of grief, particularly as they age. There can be infections, and it sometimes becomes enlarged and causes urinary problems.

It can also develop prostate cancer. This is serious, but, if detected early, can be treated effectively.

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men age. It is not common in men under 50 unless there is a family history of the disease in close male relatives. If a father or brother has been diagnosed, the risk is doubled; if two or more relatives have been diagnosed under the age of 65, the risk increases by five to 11 times.

A lot of men may not actually be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. Typically these include the need to urinate often, especially at night, pain when urinating, blood in urine,or pain in the lower back.

Prostate cancer is the number-one cancer in New Zealand men. About one in 10 of them will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. Regular checks are important.

The Blue September awareness campaign is about making men aware of the risk of prostate cancer and encouraging them to “get checked”.

There are two checks that should be considered: • The PSA blood test that measures a protein in the blood specific to prostate conditions. It is a good, but not totally reliable, indicator of the presence of prostate cancer.

• The digital rectal examination (DRE) – a physical examination doctors perform to assess the condition of the prostate gland.

To page 26

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26 Support & Well-Being – Blue September

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

`Don’t die of embarrassment’ From page 24 Men over 50 should consider having a regular check for prostate cancer using both tests.

Because of the limitations of the blood test and the difficulty in physically examining the whole of the gland, the combined results of both tests provides the best indicator of the possibility of disease.

This year’s Blue September campaign uses New Zealand actor and Blue September ambassador Mark Hadlow to send a very direct message to men. A new television commercial carries with key message, ‘Don’t die of embarrassment. Man up and give prostate cancer the finger’.

“Men seem to have a great inhibition to having the ‘finger test’ on their prostate,” says Prostate Cancer Foundation chief executive Graeme Woodside. “In this year’s campaign we are encouraging men to get over their sense of embarrassment and have a routine prostate check. Our aim is to save more men from an untimely death from prostate cancer.”

As well as spreading the message, Blue September is also about raising funds to support the work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, which relies heavily on volunteer support and donations. It receives no government funding.

“Our sponsors actively support Blue September by running awareness and promotional events,” says Woodside. “You name it, they do it. Corporate sponsorship is vital in running Blue September.

PlaceMakers, for example, has raised well over a million dollars over the seven years it has been a sponsor– this year it has been doing Tradie breakfasts in stores, a gala dinner and The Battle of the Barbecue Cook-Off. And The Coffee Club has also been behind us for several years. Cory’s Electrical, Auto Super Shoppes and SkyCity all lend their weight in getting the prostate cancer message out there.”

This year, for the first time, Farmers has become

In this year’s campaign we are encouraging men to get over their sense of embarrassment and have a routine prostate check. Our aim is to save more men from a n u nt i me ly de at h from prostate cancer. a sponsor, adopting the Prostate Cancer Foundation as one of its core charities. This followed research in which Farmers staff and customers indicated that along with the other charities they support, they wanted the company to support a men’s health charity, says Farmers’ marketing corporate relations manager, Nikki Newton-Cross.

During Blue September Kiwis have been wearing their blue ribbons, painting themselves blue and wearing blue to show their support for those with prostate cancer and those working towards reducing its incidence in New Zealand.

As a sign of community support, landmark buildings around the country are also turning blue. The Auckland Sky Tower has been turning blue every year, and eight buildings in Rotorua will be blue again this year thanks to the efforts of prostate cancer survivor Phil Hunt.

Above all, says Woodside, the message is for men to talk with their health professionals and “get checked” for prostate cancer. * Information: Website www.blueseptember. org.nz.

Bikers in blue supporting the Blue September campaign.

Support & Well-Being 27

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

MARK KEEN TO BROADEN SUPPORT SCOPE He has only recently been appointed the new RNZRSA support services manager, but Mark Compain already has big ideas. He speaks to KAREN PHELPS about his plans and how he hopes to make a difference.

One of Mark Compain’s earliest memories is looking at his grandfather’s RSA badge sitting in pride of place in his grandmother’s home. “I remember wanting my own badge and to follow in his footsteps,” he says.

The RSA has always played a big role in Compain’s life. He hails from a long line of service men and women dating back to the New Zealand Wars.

He joined the RSA in his own right after 21 years in the Regular Force. His five tours of duty included operational service in Bosnia, East Timor and Afghanistan, and he remains an active member of the Army Reserves.

So what led him to his new role with the RNZRSA? He says that being taken under the wing of Malaya and Vietnam veterans when he joined the Wanganui RSA as a young man spurred his interest in the service side of the organisation.

On his 21st birthday the veterans gave him a service membership to the RSA. Years later when he left the army and moved to Paraparaumu, he joined the local RSA and found himself gradually becoming more involved in support activities.

In his professional life he has held roles involving risk management and capability development with the New Zealand Police, the NZ Transport Agency and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

He hopes these skills and experience, combined with tertiary qualifications in business studies and a certificate in care and counsel for combat trauma, will prove useful in his new role.

What does he hope to achieve? He has already identified two main areas where he feels improvements can be made.

First, he wants to strengthen and develop the support-services network of volunteers. One idea is to attract younger people as support advisers by tapping into organisations that recruit volunteers.

“The number of veterans is increasing at a greater rate than at any time since World War 2 as the Government sends our men and women overseas in greater numbers.

“Our older volunteers need the support of

Focus groups with servicing personnel are part of a deliberate programme to build a strong relationship between the RSA and serving Defence staff.

Mark Compain...the RSA’s new support services manager.

younger people coming through to ensure the longevity of our support services. Younger people will also bring a certain vibrancy and a different outlook, that will complement age and experience.”

Second, a need for broader-based support targeting not just older veterans but also younger veterans and contemporary service personnel and their families.

“There has been a lot of work done over the past two years in this area, but we also need to extend this support to families while people are deployed overseas.”

He points to the RSA’s club-card scheme and its discounts for members as a step in the right direction to helping young families, but acknowledges that a long-term plan is needed.

The RSA has already taken the first step by engaging with the New Zealand Defence Force to identify what assistance is needed.

The RSA has run focus groups with serving personnel at Linton and Ohakea to test their perception of the RSA and ask how the RSA could best assist them. Mark Compain says

similar meetings are planned for Whenuapai and Devonport, and the aim is to cover all major military bases.

Compain says it’s part of a deliberate programme to build a strong relationship between the RSA and serving Defence staff.

As a member of the Paraparaumu RSA he has been involved in identifying where local service personnel and their families need assistance. A family focus group with Defence and ex-Defence personnel on the Kapiti Coast quickly identified that families wanted somewhere safe to bring their children so that parents could relax and catch up. Two families

in Kapiti have since been offered support.

“One family had three children under five, so we’ve taken the older children out to give mum a break.

“We have plans to develop this kind of support and we’re hoping that schemes like this will gain momentum. For example, parents could come to the RSA and older veterans could be mentors.”

As a great grandson of a Gallipoli veteran, Mark Compain has walked New Zealand battlefields following his family’s footsteps through Gallipoli, France, Belgium and Italy on several occasions, and he hopes his experiences will prove useful in his new role.

“I’m ex-military and a returned serviceman.

I’m of that post-Vietnam cohort that hasn’t really engaged with the RSA, so I have an insight as to why that may be and how we might change things.

“As a part of the Army Reserves, I can maintain my networks in the Defence Force and keep my finger on the pulse in terms of attitudes and perceptions.

“Going into this role I’m grateful for the opportunity to address issues that have been vexing my generation and, if not addressed, will continue to vex those to come, and to support all returned and service persons and their families. There’s a lot of hard work to do.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

“After looking at my grandfather’s RSA badge and to now be in the position where I can help support returned service people across all generations is a really great feeling.”

I’m grateful for the opportunity to address issues that have been vexing my generation and, if not addressed, will continue to vex those to come...

There’s a lot of hard work to do. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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28

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

What’s On (Labour weekend). Venue to be announced.

REUNION 13-15 Nov. Based at “new” Christchurch Memorial RSA, Armagh St,Christchurch. Note: Friday, 13 Nov is Canterbury Anniversary Day. AUCKLAND BRANCH, CMT/NS ASSOCIATION Information: RNZAA website, http://www.rnzaa. BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Are (or INC Meets monthly on third Tuesday, 1100 hours, org.nz). Contact: Skin Frances – skin_frances@ were) you para-trained and like to meet other New Lynn RSA. New members welcome for outlook.com; 03 3832967; 021 2168109. ex-(or current) paras? Regular meetings of friendship and camaraderie, fun and laughter, Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo perhaps a light lunch. Guest speakers, outings, VICTOR 2 COY VIETNAM 1967-68 REUNION to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full bus trips. Anzac Day parades; unit parades as 13-15 Nov, Hastings RSA. Includes mortar/pio- membership – all ranks of Parachute Regiment, at Auckland Naval Base HMNZS Philomel, for neer/RP sections, New Zealand Component, BN SAS, support arms (engineers, signals, medics, Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and HQ and 104 BTY RAA. Contact: Bukit Hill – 13 artillery etc) and those with special service to lay a wreath. Contact: Mark Sinclair, president Bledisloe St, Masterton 5810; 06 3772979 (home); British Airborne Forces; associate membership – 09 534 8138; Malcolm Baird, vice-president 09 027 6590679; bukithill2xtra.co.nz. to immediate family; afflilate membership 2676557; Brian Caltaux, secretary– 09 4209794. to airborne units of other countries. Contact: 2ND NEW ZEALAND DIVISIONAL CAVALRY Frank Clark, president – 04 2336123. Roy Tilley, CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC (WAIKATO BRANCH) 26 Nov, 11.30am, Hamilton secretary – 04 5660850, rmt@xtra.co.nz. Website, Anyone who did Compulsory Military Training Combined Returned Services Club, Christmas www.britishairbornenz.tripod.com. or National Service welcome. Meets monthly, luncheon. Contact: Molly Varley ­– 07 8565317.

Papanui RSA. Variety of activities, Contact: Alison CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH CANTERBURY Smith, secretary – 21 Kearneys Rd, Christchurch BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen 8062; 03 9817623, legles@paradise.net.nz. welcome. Contact: Bruce Townshend – 14 Ewen RNZN ARTIFICER APPRENTICES CLASS 1/66 Rd, Temuka 7920; 03 6156637; Temuka-RSA@ ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH 50TH REUNION 26-28 Feb, Auckland.

Includes xtra.co.nz.

BRANCH) 31 Oct meeting, 28 Nov Christmas all who joined on 12 Jan, 1966.

Registration and luncheon, 1.30pm, Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave, Christchurch. Contact: Peter Scott – 27 interest: Mike Wade – 022-355-2850; mcjwade@ EX-RAF HALTON, RAF LOCKING OR RAF CRANWELL AIRCRAFT, RNZAF APPRENTICES. Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 gmail.com.

Contact: Ed Austin – 67/46 Beresford St, Pukekohe 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

2120, 09 2392698, edaustin38@gmail.com.

REGULARS

ASSOCIATION CONTACTS

2016 – FEBRUARY

MARCH

SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, third RSA NATIONAL LAWN BOWLS TOURNAMENT Thursday. Gore RSA or nominated venue. Usually 7-9 Mar, Gore RSA. Contact: Secretary – P.O.Box lunch, on-site visit, or speaker. Contact: John 333, Gore 9740; 03 2086218.

Turner – 03 2016084, ardlussa@farmside.co.nz.

GURR BATTALION IRNZIR MALAYA/MALAYSIA 1963–65 ‘THE ORIGINALS’ REUNION. 18–20 Mar. Hastings RSA. Members, wives, widows, families welcome. Registration: c/- PO Box 839, Hastings 4156; 06 8785649; puk.hmec@ xtra.co.nz.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY STEWARDS’ REUNION 9-11 Oct, Ngata Ringa Sports Complex, KAITAIA WAR MEMORIAL REDEDICATION Birkenhead RSA, North Shore. Contact: Chief 24 Mar, Kaitaia Cenotaph. All returned service Steward D.Kingi, Stewards’ Reunion treasurer men and women invited to rededication on 100th – HMS Philomel, Private Bag 32901, Devonport, anniversary of original dedication. Enquiries: North Shore City 0744; 09 4455999; stewardRed Beatson – 09 4453526 (home) 09 9505642 sreunion@hotmail.com; Facebook, Royal New (bus); Arthur Simeon 09 4080031; David Russell Zealand Navy Stewards’ Reunion. Application 09 4080490; Richie Taafe 09 4067198. forms can be downloaded.

REUNIONS/EVENTS/MEETINGS OCTOBER

SAPPERS’ ASSOCIATION NORTHERN BRANCH 11 Oct, Sappers’ Day – 0920 hours, church parade, St David’s Church, 70 Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland (jacket and medals); 1200 hours, annual meeting, Pt Chevalier RSA, 1136 Great North Rd, Auckland; 1230 hours, luncheon. Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

APRIL 23 ACS/5 CET ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 50TH ANNIVERSARY 23-25 Apr (Anzac weekend), Blenheim. Reunion of 23 Intake Airmen Cadet School/5 CET. Information and registrations: 23intakeacs@gmail.com.

JUNE

NEW ZEALAND KOREA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING 17-18 Oct, Napier RSA. Contact: Ray Perry, president, 06 RSA NATIONAL SNOOKER PAIRS 4-6 Jun 8726105; John Campbell, secretary – 06 8586010. (Queen’s Birthday weekend). Mt Maunganui.

RSA NATIONAL DARTS 24-25 Oct (Labour RSA VICTORY CLUB DARTS 4-6 Jun (Queen’s Birthday weekend). Napier. weekend). Manurewa RSA. RSA NATIONAL SNOOKER SINGLES 24-25 Oct RSA NATIONAL INDOOR BOWLS 25-26 Jun. Rotorua.

(Labour weekend). Whangamata RSA.

NOVEMBER

JULY

ALL SHIPS REUNION – 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONING OF HMNZS BLACKPOOL F77 & 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONING OF HMNZS ROYALIST 15-18 Jul, New Plymouth.

Details to be finalised. Apply for application forms; will be sent when programme completed.

RNZN ENGINE ROOM BRANCH REUNION Trevor Wylde – 146a Ngamotu Rd, Spotswood, Friday-Sunday, 6-8 Nov, Napier. Registration New Plymouth 4310; 06 7515595 (phone/fax); forms available from February 1. Closing date 027 4844587; trevor.cherryl@xtra.co.nz with fees: September 15. Expressions of interest/information: Dennis Zachan – 12 Norrie Place,Tamatea, Napier 4112; 06 8442201; 021 RSA NATIONAL DARTS 22-24 Oct (Labour 673242; exstokers@gmail.com. weekend). Tauranga.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION (RNZAA) ANNUAL MEETING/ RSA NATIONAL SNOOKER SINGLES 22-24 Oct ROYAL NEW ZEALAND DENTAL CORPS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS 5-8 Nov, Wellington. For past and present members.

Information: WO2 Ross Heald – 027 6821814; ROSS.HEALD@nzdf.mil.nz.

OCTOBER

ASSOCIATION INC Veteran membership available to NZDF members who have completed a posting in the United Nations Military Commission since 1 Jan 1958 and have been awarded appropriate medallic recognition. Membership details: Douglas Callander, secretary – 23 Longcroft Tce, Newlands, Wellington 6037; 04 4783238; 04 4783602 (fax); callanderd@clear.net.nz.

NEW ZEALAND MALAYAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth forces or police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Barry Allison – 6 Coldstream Rd, Gisborne 4010; 06 8677284; bazbarbzinggizzie@xtra.co.nz.

OX & BUCKS LI, KINGS ROYAL RIFLE CORPS, RIFLE BRIGADE AND ROYAL GREEN JACKETS All past members of RGJ and former regiments invited. Contact: Frank Jones – 09 4766974.

RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATION Includes HQ Far East Air Force, seeks New Zealand members ex RAF or RNZAF, who served at RAF Changi 1946-71. Contact: B W Lloyd – 32 Redwood, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JN, UK.

REGULAR FORCE CADET ASSOCIATION (INC) Provides contact between ex-cadets and enables them to re-establish contacts. Membership: $10 HOROWHENUA ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION a year (1 Jul-30 Jun. Contact: Secretary – RF – LEVIN 50th year; gunners, ex-gunners, asso- Cadet Association, P.O.Box 715, Paraparaumu ciated corps. Meets May and Sep to celebrate 5032; www.rfcadet,org.nz.

Gunners’ Day and El Alamein Day, lunch, Levin RSA. Contact: Adam Gibson – 34 Gordon Place, RNZAF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE GRADUATES New Zealand Defence Force Levin; 06 3684187.

Command and Staff College has formed an ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH alumni association. Records of previous assoBRANCH) New members, veterans, family mem- ciations’ members misplaced during move bers, historians. Contact: Peter Scott, chairman from Whenuapai to Trentham in 2004. If you – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; wish to join, would like information, or wish to re-connect with former colleagues and course 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz. members, contact: Alumni secretary NZDF J FORCE ASSOCIATION, WESTERN BAY OF CSC – Trentham Military Camp, Private Bag PLENTY BRANCH Meets third Wednesday of 905, Upper Hutt 5140; 04 5271008; 04 5271009 month at Mt Maunganui RSA. Welcomes visitors. (fax); csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz.

Membership: 19 veterans, 22 wives and widows.

Activities: Christmas dinner, quarterly 8 ball ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, competition, short trips. Contact: President, Ron CANTERBURY BRANCH All who served in Browne – 07 5758916; ronaldbrowne@xtra.co.nz. RNZN or Commonwealth navies, and their partners, welcome. Monthly meetings, regular MOUNTED TROOPERS’ ASSOCIATION (MTA) social get-togethers, ship visits, four newsletNorth Island branch of the Royal NZ Armoured ters a year. Contact: Miles McIlraith (ex-RNZN), Corps Association (RNZAC). If you are serving or treasurer – 4987 State Highway 75, R.D., Little have served, in an armoured unit in any way, you River 7591; 03 3251937; 03 3251936 (fax). are eligible to join. Family members of deceased personnel welcome. The aim is to bring comrades SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY VETERANS OF together through national reunions, member’s AUSTRALASIA (SAMVOA) All who served in birthdays, funerals, unveilings and regimental uniform in South Africa and now live in New occasions to which the association is invited, Zealand are invited to join. Also in Australia. and to provide collegial support to members. The Aims to preserve memories, and commemorate MTA is managed by a six-person trust board: Stew those who were injured or fell in action. Attends Couchman (chair), Doug Walker (secretary), Zac Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades; Hunter (treasurer), Morris Meha and Jim Taylor. regular meetings. Information: Chris Pattison Membership enquires, application form: Zac – 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz.

Hunter – 027 343 2017, ikehunter@xtra.co.nz; Stew Couchman – 06 3258593, BLongami@xtra. THE NEW ZEALAND MALAYA VETERANS’ co.nz; Doug Walker – 027 4950473, walkd@tpk. ASSOCIATION Welcomes new members who govt.nz. Annual subscription of $25 includes served with Commonwealth Forces or Police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: membership of both the MTA and RNZAC. Barry Allison – 6 Coldstream Rd, Gisborne 4010, N E W Z E A L A N D B A T T L E O F C R E T E 06 8677284; bazbarbzingizzie@xtra.co.nz; www.

ASSOCIATION Contact: Deirdre Nottle, c/- malaya.vets.co.nz.

Mount Maunganui RSA, P.O.Box 4011, Mount Maunganui South 3116; 07 5482018; dee.haus- THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeks members to rekindle their activity with the association. child@gmail.com.

Regular meetings at Papanui RSA, Christchurch.

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES Send rank, name, address, phone number and ASSOCIATION Meets two-monthly, 2pm, Pt e-mail address to: Frank Newsome – Unit 19, 53 Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to Condell Ave, Papanui, Christchurch 8053; 03 serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces 3525471; frankandaudrey@clear.net.nz.

RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets.

Contact: Peter Collins – peter-collins@xtra. TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix co.nz; www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/ boys – those who served on training ship TS Vindicatrix are invited to join Lower North Island rma_nz_home.html. branch. Write: Arthur Woolard – 21 Pohutukawa N E W Z E A L A N D K O R E A V E T E R A N S ’ Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.

29

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

RSA Life

RNZRSA vice president John Smith and Taupo Women’s section vice president Diane Wilson chat during dinner at the Taupo RSA.

Vets gather round for Chunuk Bair in Taupo King Country’s centenarians Kathleen Murdoch and Merv Mason. Photos: Waitomo News.

kING COUNTRY’S 100 club The King Country’s oldest returned service people are into three figures, but they’re still regulars on Anzac Day. In fact 103-year-old Kathleen Murdoch was the speaker at this year’s Piopio service,while Merv Mason, at 101, does not march any more but makes a big effort to get to the service in Te Kuiti.

Kathleen Murdoch served as a nurse in Italy in the 13th Reinforcement, and in Egypt and Italy, during World War 2. The youngest of seven children, she was born on her family’s farm, Glenmorgan, at Papakaio, just north of Oamaru. She had done a significant amount of private nursing before joining the army in the latter part of the war.

On her return from overseas, she worked at the Services Hospital in Rotorua before marrying her late husband, farmer Roy Murdoch, in 1948. They lived in Rotorua for a while before moving to their Waitomo farm between Te Kuiti and Piopio. She still lives there with her daughter, Christine.

“All the guys I served with are gone now,” says Merv Mason. “I’ve outlived them all. But the comradeship we forged during war time is something I’ll cherish forever.”

When Anzac Day comes round, he takes time to reflect on war and its effect on those who served: “The experience of war is hard to describe. It’s a gap in your life that you’ll never

get back. Although defending your country is the highest honour, I don’t have the same feelings about war now. I don’t regret going, but I think they’re a big waste of good people.”

He remains extremely proud to be a member of the RSA and says Anzac Day still means a lot to him.

“It’s important for me to be there to pay my respects to all the men who gave their lives for this country. The best part for me is seeing the community, especially the younger people, line the streets to honour our returned servicemen and women. It means a hell of a lot.”

When Britain and France declared war on Germany in 1939, Merv Mason wasn’t about to stand by and watch. The Huntly farmhand volunteered for the Royal New Zealand Air Force to “do his part” for his country. After training in Ashburton and Rotorua, he was sent to Calgary, Canada for further training in 1942, becoming a wireless radio technician and air gunner.

But before heading overseas, Merv married the love of his life, Joan, in November 1942. She stayed in Ohinewai, near Huntly, while her new husband flew to join the war effort just weeks after their wedding.

After his training in Canada, he was stationed in Fiji with the No 5 Flying Boat Squadron, where he carried out watches (aboard the aircraft as a wireless radio technician and air gunner)

across the Pacific in Catalina flying boats from 1943-45. The Catalina, which could take off and land on water, was one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War 2. No 5 Sqn was made up of nine crew members and six biplanes.

He rose to the rank of flight sergeant, and although he saw no “rough stuff ”, he clocked up 500 hours on reconnaissance and support missions, and is proud to have been part of New Zealand’s war effort.

“Joining the war effort was the right thing to do. I didn’t rush into it, but I was proud to have done my bit for the New Zealand Armed Forces. I volunteered for the Air Force because it had more appeal to me. After I finished my training (in New Zealand and Canada), I was sent to Fiji to complete a conversion course on Catalina boats. We flew around the Pacific monitoring the war situation, but I never really had any active service.”

He remembers how No 5 Sqn would spend months on end sharpening skills in preparation for action: “During our down time, we would visit the local villages and get to know the people. But most of our time was spent training and going through drills in case of emergency.

I’m just happy with the fact that at least I was trying to do something.”

In 1947, Merv and Joan Mason began farming at Waimiha, and retired to Te Kuiti in 1982.

Governor general to reopen Banks Peninsula War Memorial

Nearly $700,000 has been spent on repairing and renovating the Banks Peninsula War Memorial in Akaroa.

Governor general Sir Jerry Mateparae will officially reopen the Banks Peninsula War Memorial on October 23. He will also plant a Gallipoli pine tree in Akaroa’s Garden of Tane. The tree is descendant of the solitary Turkish red pine that stood on Lone Pine Hill above Anzac Cove Close to $700,000 has been spent on repairing and renovating the memorial and grounds, which were damaged following the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Funding has been raised through donations by trusts and a $195,794 grant from Christchurch City Council’s Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund. Although repair work was not completed, the memorial, on the Akaroa foreshore, was used for the Anzac commemorations in April.

It was a day of good food, good mates, good memories and great conversation for the 60 or so veterans who gathered at the Taupo RSA for a luncheon in August to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle for Chunuk Bair.

The occasion was sponsored by the Taupo RSA Trust and the Taupo RSA. Guest speaker Maj Patrick Hibbs, the commandant of the Waiouru Military Training Facility, provided an insight into the way the military operates now compared with the veterans’ days – involvement in campaigns ranging from World War 2, to Afghanistan, to peacekeeping operations.

Cadets from the Taupo Cadet Unit assisted veterans with mobility issues, and the setting-up and clearing-up of the dining room.

Kaiapoi stalwart badged

Kaiapoi RSA member John Power (second from left) after being presented with an M Badge by national president BJ Clark (left). With them are Kaiapoi president Neil Price (second from right) and Canterbury district president Pat Duggan (right).

Presidents meet in Wgtn

The 2014-15 district presidents took time to visit Peter Jackson’s The Great War exhibition during their forum in Wellington. National president BJ Clark is fourth from left.

30 RSA Life – Warkworth RSA

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

COMMUNITY SPIRIT ESSENCE OF CLUB Sue Russell Warkworth RSA is a vibrant ‘going forward’ club positioning itself for the future, says manager Robbie Blair, who has been with the club for five years.

He says he is relishing the challenges that come with managing change.

“I think they chose me for this role because they wanted someone outside the traditional model.

“I had not worked in an RSA before, but had managed a sports club. This RSA was looking for someone with a fresh perspective.”

He credits the Warkworth RSA’s success to a keen sense of doing good in and for its community and members – something he describes as community spirit.

“This RSA carries a proud heritage of welfare for the vets, but these days with so few World War 2 vets still with us, we have to reposition our focus and redefine what welfare really means.”

The club has 1500 members, 300-400 of whom are service members; the majority are associate members.

Robbie Blair has recently completed a survey seeking members’ feedback on the idea of levying a small amount for welfare.

“I am very much driven by the ideal to leave this club better off than when I came into the role,” he says.

“And that sort of thinking dovetails into the ideology of the founding of the RSA – to support returned servicemen who fought to leave this country a better place for future generations.

“I work closely with our president, John Stephen, and a very active and “can do” executive committee.

Craft beers have also found a place in the

club and have been welcomed by members and guests alike.

The club has established a supply connection with 8 Wired Brewing, a local boutique brewery that was crowned champion brewery at the Brewers’ Guild Awards in 2011.

“We wanted to get new beer varietals in to give our members the experience of just how great locally brewed beer can be,” says Blair.

“We also introduced on tap Carlsburg, Pure Blond low carb and Speights, and Monteiths lower alcohol options.”

With good host responsibility in mind, the club has also cranked up its courtesy-van operation and now has pick-ups and drop-offs around the wider Matakana, Leigh, Snells Beach and Kaipara Flats districts.

Robbie Blair is keen to see the club continue to evolve its inside spaces for a more discerning membership.

To begin this, fluorescent lights in the main lounge have been replaced with subdued lighting located specifically where people sit.

He and the committee have also worked hard to forge other income streams, like renting a little-used room to the local Senior Net organisation.

“As income from gaming was steadily dropping, we were challenged with new ways to attract members and guests.”

The club has upgraded two gaming machines and reduced its total number from 18 to 14, getting rid of the poorer performing machines.

This has reduced compliance costs, while at the same time, the gaming income has increased.

The net result has been an overall saving for the club.

To page 31

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Warkworth RSA manager Robbie Blair (top) with the roll of honour which was once displayed in the Warkworth Town Hall but has been in storage at the RSA for years. The club has introduced craft beer, installed a self serving TAB and upgraded its gaming mchines.

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RSA Life 31

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

Far left: Poppies and white crosses and a parade of 19 military vehicles formed part of the Eltham RSA’s Anzac Day commemorations.

Left: Medals on display at the Eltham Fire Service building, part of a display of war memorabilia at the station.

FIRE STATION SUPPORT ‘HEARTENING’ FOR ELTHAM Sue Russell

When you don’t have clubrooms to call your own, it is heartening to get support from another organisation. For the Eltham RSA, this came as an offer by the Eltham Fire Service to house war memorabilia at the fire station.

Eltham RSA president Geoff Campbell says the gesture means a great deal to the RSA and its 85 members – 55 men and 30 women.

“Given that we don’t have our own clubrooms, the Fire Service building is very important to us.

Not only because we can display war medals and the like from local families, but because for more than 40 years, we have had access to the fire station.”

The Fire Service provided two small wall spaces

and the cabinets were funded by a Taranaki Electricity Trust grant.

With renewed interest by younger generations in recognising New Zealand’s military past, the display space is of real value to the wider community, says Campbell.

Every Thursday afternoon the RSA meets for fellowship and fun at the fire station, and once a year the club comes together for a dinner. This year members went to an Anzac play.

Rather than seeing lack of a dedicated RSA building as a negative, Campbell, an RSA member for 25 years, says the reality is quite the opposite.

“There is no way a small association such as ours could afford to maintain its own facilities.”

A visit to view the WW1 display at Te Papa and the new national war memorial is being planned.

But he is concerned about the impact national

membership – joining the RSA organisation without belonging to a specific club– will have long-term on the viability of some clubs: “It doesn’t do any good for local clubs and I wouldn’t want to see this pathway get too far out of hand.”

This year’s Anzac Day commemorations were especially poignant, given the significance of the Gallipoli centennial, he says.

“Everybody here learnt something about Gallipoli that they didn’t know before. We had a tremendous Anzac Day.” Part of Eltham’s 2015 Anzac Day involved RSA members, the Women’s Institute and the public knitting and crocheting more than 1000 poppies. They were displayed in two wall hangings, each with 500 poppies, at an art gallery and at the library. Further poppies were used to decorate graves.

Geoff Campbell rates the Eltham cemetery as one of the best services cemeteries in the country: “The services area is a beautiful space and has 200 graves, while the general section has another 60 graves. A further 116 men from the Eltham area are buried overseas.”

Each Anzac day the men from the RSA place white crosses on the lawn of the service area, he says. The RSA women make bunches of flowers for every grave as well and there are always a lot of people who gather at the cemetery.

This year’s Anzac Day also featured a display of World War 1 memorabilia, including a genuine periscope used for siting over the trenches.

Nineteen military vehicles paraded, the local school also put on a display, and local businesses donated materials to repaint the memorial gates at the school.

GREYMOUTH WOMEN STITCH POPPY dISPLAY FOR ANZAC dAY Between 350 and 370 poppies were stitched on to a dark backdrop by Elsie Perrie and a friend for the Greymouth RSA Women’s Section Anzac display.

Poppies from the RSA, the Women’s Institute and the public were used by Jillian Hardy, the owner of the Pins and Needles craft shop, to decorate her shop window with a display for Poppy Day. The Anzac woodwork was donated by Hone Kohe.

Left: Greymouth RSA Women’s Section members (from left) S.Richardson, J.O’Connell, E.Perrie, L.Menzies and E. Jones with the cross-stitch wreath. Right: This mural was donated to the Greymouth RSA by Mark Haldane, Dig A Tattoo and Han Ma Un Tae Kwon Do for Anzac Day 2015.

Variety of membership packages on offer From page 30 A self-serving TAB terminal has also been installed.

The club has a strong Women’s Section with 100 members who are active doing their own fundraising. As part of the World War 1 centennial celebrations, the club raised $4000 to buy street flags.

Two years ago the club also began introducing new membership packages and subscriptions.

Standard membership is now priced at $55 a

year and you get bar prices are lower than for guests; or you can get a platinum card for $90 , which brings with it further special deals on beverages and meals.

Robbie Blair’s vision for the club in five years’ time is simple: “To have a full and active membership, to be providing great service and support to the members, to be self-sufficient and to give back to the community through grants, to become very much a community club and a community meeting place.”

WARKWORTH When you want a dinner venue that suits the kids and budget, try Gunners Restaurant in the Warkworth RSA… it’s super comfortable and friendly... The family will love the food... Dad will love the prices... everyone should love the salad bar and vegie buffet! And the kids will definitely love the free sundae...

Gunners Restaurant, central to town, big or small groups, with their famous $10 lunch roast every Wednesday…

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Open Monday - Sunday 7:00am - 9:00pm 6 Percy Street Warkworth 09 425 1040

Proud to supply Warkworth RSA

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32 RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • SpRIng 2015

YEARS OF SERVICE REWARdEd Many years of service to the Howick RSA were reward when Ron Hulse was awarded life membership and Pat McClenaghan received a district long-service award.

Ron Hulse’s time in the Royal New Zealand Navy from 1947 to 1964 included active service in Korean waters during the Korean War and taking part in the navy “personnel exposure to effects of atomic explosion” experiment.

His RSA membership dates from 1982 (as far back as the records go), but photos of him in an early RSA working party indicate a much earlier joining date. As a Howick RSA member, he was involved in the welfare section, visiting sick members in hospital, helping organise and officiating at funerals, helping office staff, and visiting schools to speak about Anzac Day and New Zealanders who went to war.

He and his wife, Daphine, have never missed a year collecting on Poppy Day and helped raise money for new clubrooms and the club’s development from the “tin shed” locker system.

He was vice-president in 1999 and president from 2000-2003. He was in the club daily, welcoming guests and making sure people on their own were introduced to others. He took an active interest in the “old digs”, the over-60s, the women’s section, and the returned women’s section, and represented the club at receptions.

At the end of his term as president, the Hulses moved to Whangaparoa, but retained membership at Howick.

Pat McClenaghan 329273 served in the artillery.

Left: Former Howick RSA president Ron Hulse (with wife Daphine) has been awarded life membership. Above: Pat McClenaghan (centre) receives his award from Auckland RSA vice-president Graham Dolan and Howick RSA president Mike Cole.

He joined the Howick RSA in 1978, transferred to Rotorua in 1982, and rejoined Howick in 1999, was appointed to the executive committee in 2003, vice-president in 2004-05, and president in 2006-07. He remained on the committee and was elected vice-president again in 2010. He was elected a life member in 2011.

He began helping with counting Poppy Day money in 2000 and, for the last 10 years, has been responsible for counting and banking the money. He organised poppy sales in 2007 and 2008 when sales topped $40,000 for the first time.

Since May 2006 he has been the RSA representative to the Stevenson Village Trust, interviewing

prospective tenants and inspecting units every six months. He was also on the Howick RSA Property Trust for 10 years.

In 2002 he began assisting the club’s welfare officer, and has continued to transport club members to hospitals, represented the RSA and delivered the Ode at many funerals, and for several years helped the women’s section with refreshments at funerals.

Since 2003 he has been very active in supporting returned men and women who have lost partners. He has lunch at the club on Fridays and makes a point of mingling, helps staff with clearing tables, and sells raffle tickets.

Big guns drafted for Gold Stars Three members of the Waipawa and Districts RSA have been honoured by the national RSA body. Long-time members Jack McCleary and Wally Malcolm received gold star badges and former Waipawa president Maitland Manning was presented a merit badge.

“There’s only one award higher (than gold star) and that’s life membership,” RSA national vice-president Bob (Bukit) Hill said in presenting the awards. “When we do these presentations, the national president or vice-president does the presentation – it’s that important.”

Waipawa RSA president Gwyn Burton spoke of the trio’s contribution to wartime efforts and to the RSA and community as a whole.

Jack McCleary was in the navy and helped clear minesweepers in the Hauraki Gulf during World War 2. He spent around 50 years on the Waipawa Volunteer Fire Brigade, receiving a

Queen’s Service Medal, and at 89, is still making the odd effort to re-join.

A member of the RSA for more than 40 years, he still mans poppy-collection tables for Anzac commemorations, and provides a link between the committee, RSA members and the public.

Wally Malcolm, 93, spent two years in a prisoner-of-war camp in Munich after he was captured in Italy in World War 2. Back home, he became a Waipawa RSA committee member in 1979, was vice-president for nearly 10 years, is still on the committee, continues to be a regular poppy collector, and been a hospital visitor for 10 years.

Maitland Manning was invited to join the Waipawa RSA in 2001 to be an honorary padre, became

Gore pair top 90 years with the RSA Two long-serving Gore RSA members have been honoured with long-service awards. Verna Stevens has given 50 years of continuous service to the RSA movement, while Brian Mahon has continued through his 41 years with the Gore RSA. Verna Stevens joined the Invercargill RSA women’s section in 1965 when her husband, Jack, was stationed in the city for work. When they moved, she joined the Tokanui RSA for a brief period and then the Balclutha RSA for a further year. She returned to the Gore district and joined the Mataura RSA, where she was the welfare officer for eight years.

She joined the Gore RSA women’s section in 1976, became president in 1979, and remains an active member. She was elected to the club committee when it was formed, and remained on it until it was disbanded.

She has since concentrated her efforts on the welfare committee and many returned service people have benefited from her efforts.

More recently she has broadened the scope of welfare to encompass the members of the Gore RSA Memorial Club.

Verna and Jack (a ‘returned’ member of the Gore RSA) were married for 60 years. Jack died this year.

Brian Mahon began his service with the Associated Club Members committee in 1973.

When the RSA club committee was formed, he was elected and served until it was disbanded.

He was elected to the RSA executive in 1980, was president from 1993-95, and continued on the committee until 2004. After leaving the executive, he put his main efforts into the welfare committee until his retirement in 2015. He received a 20-year National Long Service Award.

Long-termers recognised: Back (from left), Waipawa and Districts RSA vice-president Andrew Renton-Green, president Gwyn Burton, RSA national vice-president Bob Hill, Central Hawke’s Bay mayor Peter Butler. Front (from left), gold award recipients Jack McCleary and Wally Malcolm, and merit badge recipient Maitland Manning. Photos: Central Hawke’s Bay News.

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vice-president in 2006 and president from 2009 to 2015. Membership rose during his presidency, and he has been instrumental in running Anzac and Armistice Day commemorations.

About 100 people attended the awards ceremony.

– Courtesy Central Hawke’s Bay News

Verna Stevens (left) and Brian Mahon (centre) with Otago/Southland RSA district president Jenepher Glover.

Special Report 33

RSA REVIEW • Spring 2015

PHOTOS – Left: Houses and small farms surround the Tyne Cot Cemetery at Passchendaele.

Below: Visitors contemplate wreaths of poppies laid below the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing. Below: The memorial is a wall is 230 metres long, inscribed with the names of almost 35,000 missing soldiers.

‘we thank you for giving us your today’ KAREN PHELPS, a regular contributor to RSA Review, shares her thoughts and feelings during a visit to the Tyne Cot Cemetery in the town of Passchendaele, Belgium. It’s the largest Commonwealth cemetery and contains more New Zealand graves than any other cemetery.

It’s cold and drizzling in this small Belgian town.

The fields are soggy patches of bright green turned to trails of mud. Tall trees stand sentry reaching towards a lifeless grey sky.

It’s probably fitting; I’m in the town of Passchendaele, and these are exactly the conditions which our soldiers would have battled under all those years ago, those bloody battles which have become synonymous with the horrors of war.

The ridge leading to this small town is where the British Army made its biggest attempt to break through the Flanders Front between July 16 and November 10, 1917. It is the site of the most New Zealand lives lost in our history before that time since 1840.

Many of these men lie in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, which is on this ridge and has become a common pilgrimage site.

It’s the largest Commonwealth cemetery – 11,957 Commonwealth servicemen and four Germans are buried or commemorated. Only 3487 of the burials are identified completely and 2936 are partially identified. It’s a mass grave full of nameless headstones. Tyne Cot Cemetery contains more New Zealand World War 1 graves than any other cemetery. There are 520 graves of New Zealanders, 322 unidentified.

Today there are houses and small farms around the cemetery. It’s not much different in that respect from when, at the end of 1916, the German Flandern I Stellung dug two lines of bunkers between them. In the summer of 1917 Britain was determined to break the stalemate

on the Flanders Front, and over two weeks starting on July 16, the British artillery fired 4.2 million shells at the German positions. In September 1917 some of the exhausted British soldiers were replaced by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. From September 20-26 the Allies broke through nearly everywhere on the Wilhelm Stellung. On October 1 they reached the Flandern I Stellung. But the Germans pinned the Allies down with machine-gun fire from their bunkers.

It was not until November 10 that Passchendaele was in the hands of the British, thanks to the assistance of Canadian troops. The battle became deadlocked on the ridge and many lives were lost – the New Zealand Division counted 18,000 casualties including around 5000 deaths, and three Victoria Crosses for bravery; the Australians suffered 26,756 casualties, including 6673 dead; 245,000 British and 215,000 Germans lost their lives.

Today tourists from many nations wander around the cemetery. The scent of earth lingers in the air as rain washes clean the lines of identical white tombstones. It’s almost beautiful in its symmetry if you don’t think about the fact each stone represents a soldier mown down by machine-guns and artillery.

The graves of New Zealanders are marked with a special silver fern engraving. They are easy to identify, even if many of them simply say ‘unknown soldier’ as the remains lying beneath have never been formally identified.

Amongst the usual tourists it’s heartening to

Poppies of remembrance and tribute below the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing wall.

see many groups of school children and on many graves, young people have left their remembrances – a poppy, a poem, a simple wooden cross.

I walk past four German concrete bunkers that remain in the cemetery. The entire rear of the cemetery is occupied by the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, a 230-metre long wall inscribed with the names of almost 35,000 missing soldiers. In the centre of the wall is the New Zealand Apse commemorating more than 1000 New Zealanders with no known grave. Reading the names listed under the various regiments ...Auckland, Canterbury, Otago...brings home the reality of war.

It’s an emotional moment standing in front of this vast white wall reading name after name after name. Wreaths of poppies have been laid beneath, crosses and other symbols of remembrance of ‘those whose graves are known only to God’.

A letter soggy from the rain, which a schoolchild has left, catches my eye. I pick it up: “Dear the People who Died for Us

We thank you for giving us your today for our tomorrow. Our lives today would be very different if it wasn’t for your bravery and courage.

We wouldn’t have the freedom we have now.

We can’t begin to think what the conditions were like in the trenches, the wet, the cold, the mud the wondering whether you were going to live another day, seeing the soldiers that were wounded or killed wondering if that was going to be you next. We will always remember you.”

I place the letter back in its place, back beneath the names of the soldiers who it was intended for.

Walking out under the entrance archway I notice an inscription: the land on which this cemetery stands is the free gift of the Belgian people for the perpetual resting place of those of the Allied Armies who fell in the war of 1914-1918 and are honoured here.

As I walked around, I stopped often to see if I could feel any sense of the horror that occurred here. I couldn’t. The cemetery feels peaceful. But it’s fitting. These soldiers can finally find their rest.

34

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

Local RSAs NORTHLAND

Northern Wairoa RSA Club

Hokianga Rd Dargaville Ph: 09 439 8164

ALL VISITORS MOST WELCOME

Clubrooms open 11am Meals: Thurs Fri & Sat 6-8pm Light Lunches: Always available CATERING ON REQUEST 09 439 8164

Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road

KERIKERI

RSA (Inc) Visitors and Guests Most Welcome Bistro Wed-Sun 5.30 - 8.30pm

Open Seven Days

SILVERDALE

43A Vipond Rd, Whangaparaoa, Turn off at top of Silverdale Hill onto Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Vipond Rd is 2.7km on left A special welcome to members of clubs with reciprocal visiting rights to use our club facilities. Comfort & friendship is assured

Open: 11am Mon-Sat. Noon on Sun Family Restaurant Hrs Lunch: 12-2pm, Tues-Sat. 12.30pm-2pm Sun Dinner 5.30-8.30pm Wed-Sat, 5.30-7.30pm Tues & Sun Note Sunday Lunch & Dinner Carvery

AUCKLAND

Bus trips catered for by request.

KAITAIA FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA CLUB

Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia When visiting the Far North you are welcomed to visit our Clubrooms where comfort and friendship is assured.

Billiards - Snooker - Pool - Bowls - Darts

Pleasant lounge and excellent bar facilities

Hours 11am-10pm, Mon to Sat. Noon-6pm Sun

Family Restaurant - Meals Wed Thurs Friday and by arrangement.

Courtesy Coach Available Please phone (09) 408 0423

HOBSONVILLE

114 Hobsonville Road • Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239 • E: hobbyrsa@xtra.co.nz

RSA

A warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors.

Special welcome to local and out of town visitors.

Open Tues - Thurs from 2pm. Fri - Sun from Midday.

• Restaurant open Fri - Sun lunch, Wed - Sun Dinner.

Excellent meals at reasonable prices.

• Live entertainment last Friday of each month.

• Quiz Nights 7pm 3rd Thursday of every month.

Car Boot Sale last Sunday of every month 8am, sellers $8 • Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turnnig • Coach Tours welcome - advance booking essential • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts, pool, indoor bowls & fishing club

THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART

WHANGAREI THE HUB OF THE CITY

Warmly welcomes visitors to our Clubrooms at 7 Rust Ave Bar Service 7 days Snooker, Pool, Darts, Gaming Courtesy Coach Bistro Wed to Fri 12-2 & 5-8p.m.

Saturday 6-8p.m.

PH 09 438 3792 admin@whangareirsa.co.nz

www.whangareirsa.co.nz

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc 28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568 Opening Hours 11am Mon - Sat 3pm Sun Gunners' Restaurant

Lunch 12 - 1.30pm Wed- Fri Dinner 5 - 8.30pm Thurs-Sat Full Bar Facilities 18 Pokies * Mystery J/P * Sky Tv * Pool * Snooker * Darts * Bowls

Live Entertainment & Dancing every Friday evening.

Call in on your way north & view our memorabilia tables - A warm welcome awaits you

RUSSELL RSA 1 Chapel St Russell 0202 Ph: 09 403 7773 Fax: 09 403 7885Email: russellrsa@xtra.co.nz www.russellrsa.org.nz OPEN EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAY FROM 11:30AM TILL CLOSE Diggers Restaurant open 6 days Lunch & Dinner Bar snacks available Pool, Darts, Gaming Machines Huge outdoor courtyard

Come and enjoy our clubrooms while holidaying in historical Russell We will make you welcome

Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc) We are open everyday from 11am Meals Daily from 11am till 9pm Great quality food at affordable prices All visitors are most welcome to enjoy our club facilities • • • • • •

Sky TV TAB Pod Gaming Machines Pool Tables Courtesy Van Available Facilities available for function hire

BIRKENHEAD RSA

Recreation Dr, Birkenhead, North Shore Ph: 09 418 2424 Fax: 09 418 3054 Email: secman@birkenheadrsa.com www.birkenheadrsa.com We welcome all RSA members & their guests to enjoy the friendly atmosphere & excellent facilities at our clubrooms

CLUBROOMS OPEN SAT - MON 11AM TUES - FRI 9 AM BAR OPEN 7 DAYS from 11am DON STOTT MEMORIAL RESTAURANT

Provides excellent ecconomical A la Carte meals Wed-Friday 12 -2pm Wed-Sunday from 5.30pm. Groups by arrangement

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Wed: 1.30-4pm. Fri & Sat: from 7.00pm POOL * DARTS * I/D BOWLS * TAB LARGE SCREEN SKY * GAMING MACHINES TEA/COFFEE & LIGHT MEALS ANYTIME

Mt Wellington Panmure RSA

Visitors always welcome

ORAKEI RSA

Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710

(Members) Hours: Mon : 12-7.30pm. Tues:11am-8pm Wed: 11-9pm. Thurs & Fri: 11-11pm. Sat: 11-9pm. Sun: 2-7pm.

Bistro Lunch Tues-Fri 12-2pm. Evening Thurs-Fri 6-8pm Function room bookings for catering.

Sports sections, gaming machines ,Sky TV, big screen TV Handy to city centre, Ellerslie Race Course, Kelly Tarlton Underwater World, Eastern suburbs, Mission Bay, St Helliers, Remuera etc.

WAIHEKE RSA

INC

29 Belgium Street, Ostend

Clubrooms and Bar Open 7 Days Restaurant Open 6 Days, closed Monday Take advantage of the free transport to our doorstep for Super Gold Card holders.

Spoil yourselves with a trip to our wonderful Island and enjoy our hospitality.

Ph: (09) 372 9019 Bar: (09) 372 5554

Restaurant: (09) 372 6655 E-mail: waiheke.rsa@xtra.co.nz

PAPATOETOE DISTRICT RSA (Inc)

22 Wallace Rd Ph: 09 278 6372 Email: papatoetoersa@xtra.co.nz

Ph: 09 570 5913 Fax: 09 570 5903 Email secrsa@vodafone.co.nz

Bar Hours Mon 11am -7.30pm Tues, Wed: 11am - 10pm Thurs: 11am - 10.30pm Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: noon - 7pm BISTRO Lunch: Tues -Fri 12-1.00pm Dinner: Tues 6pm - 7.30pm Thurs Fri Sat 6pm - 8.00pm. Ph: 09 278 6374

Bar Menu Seven Days. Bus loads by arrangement.

Live Entertainment every 2nd Friday

Darts - Pool - Snooker - Gaming Machines - Courtesy coach available for local pick-ups / drop-offs When in Auckland Visit our Friendly Club.

When visiting Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs call into our pleasant clubrooms and enjoy our hospitality

IN THE  OF HOWICK Fridays & Saturdays from 7 pm DINE & DANCE LIVE MUSIC www.howickrsa.co.nz

HENDERSON RSA

66-70 Railside Ave Ph (09) 838 9012 www.hsnrsa.co.nz

Service with a smile, and bar prices better than most.

18 gaming machines, self service TAB, Housie every Thursday, live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings, 4 snooker tables, 3 pool tables and 8 competition dart boards. 5 big screen TV’s.

Whatever you’re interested in we’ve got it covered, visit us today!

EAST COAST BAYS RSA (Inc)

15 Bute Road Browns Bay Ph: 09 478 8033 North of the Harbour Bridge ecbrsa@xtra.co.nz

When heading north, staying or visiting the North Shore, stop at East Coast Bays RSA Lunches Tues-Sat 12-2pm.Dinner Wed Carvery 6-8pm Thurs-Sat 6-8.30pm Sun from 5.30pm VISIT OUR CLUBROOMS Open: Mon-Sat from 11am Sun 2-8pm

DANCING FRI & SAT 7.30PM

Coach tours welcome by arrangement Gaming Machine * Darts * Pool * Snooker Housie I/d Bowls * Dinning & Dancing * TAB * Raffles

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS

WAIKATO / KING COUNTRY / BAY OF PLENTY

163 Queens Rd, Panmure

(Hours may vary without prior notice) Social Nights with live bands: Thurs Family Nights - have entertainment on the second Friday of the month and starting in mid-July on Friday nights and Housie

TE AROHA MEMORIAL RSA (Inc) Rewi Street

Ph 07 884 8124

Club open from Mon 3pm- Tues - Sat 2pm, Meals Available Thurs, Fri, Sat from 6pm A warm, friendly welcome awaits you

VISITORS CORDIALLY WELCOME

Snooker Gaming Machines 8 Ball I/D Bowls Darts Sky Tv

NEW LYNN

Memorial RSA (Inc)

2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland BAR & TAB FACILITIES Open 7days Gaming Facilities FREYBERG RESTAURANT Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm, Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.30pm open

Band Friday Nights Handy to rail & bus. Shop in New Lynn & relax in our spacious clubrooms

Whether you are going to or from the Airport or just passing through pop in & spend a relaxing & friendly time with us.

We Are Your Airport Club

AVONDALE RSA Overlooking the Racecourse

Come & visit your mates. A friendly Welcome Assured

MEALS Lunch: Mon to Fri Dinner: Everynight Entertainment: Thursday, Friday and Sunday Evenings If you are in town give us a call. Ph: 09 828 5000

SWANSON MEMORIAL RSA

MEALS Our spacious Restaurant allows us to cater for up to 200 people at any one time Lunch open from Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 2pm Dinners Wednesday - Saturday 5 - 8.30pm Sunday Buffet 5 - 7.30pm We have large outdoor garden area, Big Screen for major games, Sky T.V., pool, bowls, darts, cards, fishing, golf, quiz.

663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013

A WARM INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO RSA MEMBERS & GUESTS TO THE FRIENDLIEST RSA IN THE WEST

OPOTIKI COUNTY RSA INC When passing through Opotiki call in and enjoy our hospitality.

We are the Gateway to East Cape Club Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm till late Sun 2pm till late Meals + Bar Snacks 7 days Membership draw nights Wed, Fri, Sat. Snooker - Pool - Indoor Bowls - Darts St John Street, OPOTIKI. Phone (07) 315 6174

The Best in the West

11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm

158 Broadway, Kaikohe Ph 09 401 2368 kaikohersa@xtra.co.nz “Look us up on Facebook”

Contact Manager 09 424 9026 Fax: 09 424 2446

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

HOURS Mon toThurs 11am - 11pm. Fri & Sat

“Friendliest Club in The North”

Entertainment & Dancing Fri & Sat night Snooker * Pool * Indoor Bowls * Fishing *Outdoor Bowls * Golf and Darts* Gaming Machines Raffles: Wed, Thurs

HOWICK RSA

Phone: 09 534 9702 • 25 Wellington St Howick

Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd

Affiliated Members and Guests Most Welcome Restaurant, Family Karaoke Sundays from 1pm Functions venue available email admin@ptchevrsa.co.nz

Friday night raffles, Entertainment Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Glen Eden RSA

9 Glendale Rd West Auckland Ph: 09 818 4219 Web: www.glenedenrsa.co.nz

Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun. Entertainment: Fri & Sat.

We are better than the rest. We are the friendliest in the West

MT MAUNGANUI

RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui THE NEW GENERATION RSA

Clubrooms open 7 days Mon/Tues 10.00am-9.00pm Wed/Thurs 11.00am-10.00pm Fri/Sat 11.00am-11.00pm Sunday noon-8.00pm

Restaurant open 7 days Lunch: Mon/Fri Noon-1.30pm Dinner: Mon/Sat 6.00-8.00pm Sunday: Carvery 5.30pm-7.30pm

Entertainment every Friday & Saturday night, Sundays from 4.00pm Regular Shows.

TAB, 18 Gaming Machines, 3 Eight Ball & 8 Snooker Tables, Sky TV, Big Screens & Data Projector, Courtesy Bus, Friendly Members, Great Staff, Wonderful Food, 12 Beers on tap, Excellent Wines, All This in the best climate in NZ Phone / Fax: 07 575 4477 Web: www.mtrsa.co.nz Email: mtrsa@xtra.co.nz Affiliated Members, Guests and Potential Members Welcome

35

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

Local RSAs NGARUAWAHIA RSA (Inc)

4 Market St, P: 07 824 8905, E: ngaruawahiarsa@gmail.com

Friendly social atmosphere. Entertainment including live music, raffles, quizzes. Children welcome till 8:30pm.

Pool,Darts, Gaming Machines, Sky TV, Courtesy Van

Open 7 days, Poppies Restaurant available at RSA Visit us on Facebook

TE AWAMUTU

District Memorial RSA (Inc) 381 ALEXANDER STREET P. 07 8713707 E. tarsa@xtra.co.nz

Turn into the main street at the traffic filter and look for our Rose Garden at the end of the main shopping area.

Bar Hours - Mon-Thurs: 11am- 9pm Fri: 11-11pm.

Sat: 11-10pm

MEMORIAL R.S.A. (Inc.) Ngaio Street Ph: 07 888 7190 Open from Mon- Sat 3pm, Sun 4pm.

Poppyfields Restaurant:

Mon 12 noon to 1pm, 5pm to 7pm.

Wed & Thurs 5pm-7pm, Fri & Sat 5pm to 8.30pm Sun Smorgasboard 5pm to 7pm Groups catered for during week on request

Come and visit our friendly Club the

‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’

Open for bus tours & private functions by arrangement

TE TE PUKE PUKE

MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RSA RSA A (Inc) (Inc)

16 Oxford Street Ph: 07 573 7922

Hours: Club open daily from 12 noon. Sunday from 3pm Restaurant: Thurs, Fri and Sat nights. Lunch ‘Pension Day Tuesday’

All RSA members & Visitors are most welcome to our warm & friendly, air conditioned club

TAUPO “The Centre Of it All”

WANGANUI Great Entertainment...

S BER MEM ME W NE ELCO W

Live Bands 18 Gaming Machines TAB Terminal Big Screen TVs' 8 Ball * Darts * Bowls Euchre * Housie Raffles * Members' Jackpots

Gallipoli Restaurant

HAMILTON Combined Returned Services Club

Rostrevor Street, Po Box 9028 Ph 07 8380131 Fax 07 8340170 Email: hamcrsc@clear.net.nz. Web: www.hamcrsc.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS Club Restaurant Lunches Tues-Fri Dinner Tues-Sun from 5.30pm.

FUNCTION BOOKINGS BY ARRANGEMENT 18 Gaming Machines * TAB * Sky Big Screen * ATM *Eft Pos * 8 Ball * Snooker * Euchre * 500 * Darts * I/D Bowls

Rendezvous Restaurant

Club Hours Mon- Wed: 11am -10pm.

Thurs- Sat: 11am - Late. Sun: 2 - 8pm Horomatangi Street Phone: 07 378 7476 Please visit our wesite at: www.tauporsa.co.nz

Taumarunui & District RSA 10 Marae St, Taumarunui

PO Box 24 PH: 07 895 7517 FAX: 07 895 8343 Email: taumrsa@xtra.co.nz

WHANGAMATA RSA (INC) 324 Port Road, Whangamata Ph/Fax: 07 865 9419 Email: whangamata.rsa@actrix.co.nz Web: www.whangamatarsanz.com

Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula

Clubrooms Open: 7 days from 11 am Restaurant Open: 6 days from 11 am Closed Mondays Group Bookings, Bus Tours, etc. by arrangement

Entertainment Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, 8 Ball, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Golf, 12 Gaming Machines

Entertainment Centre of Taumarunui

& Districts Memorial RSA

Ph: 07 386 8717 PO Box 1 Katopu Place Turangi Email: trgirsa@hotmail.com Bar 7 days from 11am Restaurant Thur - Sat evenings Gaming Machines, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Library, Big Screen Sky TV TURN 3RD RIGHT FROM ROUNDABOUT

27 Studholme Street Morrinsville Ph: 07 889-7014

Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750

Email: admin@wanganuirsa.co.nz * Website: www.wanganuirsa.co.nz

1 Easton Street, Ph: 06 3637670 Fax: 06 3636838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz Friendly & safe environment (children welcomed)

Open:

HASTINGS RSA Avenue Road West Ph: 06 878 8808 Fax: 06 878 7642

OPEN SEVEN DAYS

Mon. & Tues.

Wednesday Thursday Fri. & Sat. Sunday First & last Sun of the month

11am - 7pm 11am - 9pm 11am - 10pm 11am - 12pm 2pm - 7pm 12pm - 7pm

Reasonably priced quality meals available: Lunch – Thurs., Fri., Sat. 12pm to 1.30pm Sun (first and last of the month) Dinner –Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 6pm to 8.00pm SKY TV, big screen, pool, darts, pokies, juke box Campervans welcomed (two sites are powered) Venue available for hire for special events and functions

All The Games You Can Play, TAB & Superscreen TVs/Videos GALLIPOLI RESTAURANT

Ph: 06 876 4739

VISITORS WELCOME

PORIRUA RSA (Inc) 5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343 OPEN SEVEN DAYS

Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz

* Sky Tv * TAB * Gaming Room * Pool * Darts * Indoor Bowls * EFTPOS * Wine Club * Kapa Haka BAR HOURS Mon 11am - 7pm. Tues 11am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 8pm. Thurs 11am - 11pm. Fri 11am - 12pm. Sat 10am - 12pm. Sun 10am - 9pm

RESTAURANT HOURS

CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge

WHAKATANE RSA (Inc) A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 12noon-6pm

Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm Bistro Open 7 Days A Week Lunch 11.30 - 2.00pm Dinner 5:00 - 9.00pm Live Band Friday and Saturday 8.00pm and Sundays 3.00pm 3 Bars, Garden Bar, Large TV Screens, Sky Sport, TAB, Internet, Library, Gaming Room, Conference Facilities.

47 Udy Street, Petone. Ph 568 5404 Members, Guests and Affiliated members welcome

Restaurant Hours

Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Karaoke Thursday evenings

Live Entertainment Friday Nights Close to motels in the heart of town

Richardson St Ph: 07 307 0343 E: admin@whakatanersa.co.nz

RSA TAURANGA 1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands

Retreat Restaurant: Thurs - Sat 5pm - 8pm Lunch every 2nd Tuesday 11am - 1pm

Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am

Family Lounge: Regular entertainment, 12 gaming machines with $1000 jackpot, Sky TV on the big screens, pool & snooker tables, indoor & outdoor bowls, fishing and darts.

Open 7 Days from Breakfast - 7.00am - Lunch - 12.00 noon Dinner - 5.00pm

www.morrinsvillersa.org.nz

Princess Street Hawera When in our area you are cordially invited to visit our Clubrooms & enjoy our hospitality. A friendly welcome is assured to all.

Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm

Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 E: admin@tgarsa.co.nz | www.tgarsa.co.nz

Hours: Tues - Fri: 3pm - 10pm, Sat 11am - Late, 3rd Sunday each month: 3pm - 8pm

Bar Hours: Mon, Tues 3-7pm Wed 3-9pm, Thurs 3-7pm.

Fri, Sat 3-9pm Clubrooms open some mornings Bistro Meals: Fri. 5-7pm

170 St Hill Street, Wanganui Phone: Clubrooms 345 5750 * Restaurant 345 4140 *

Oaktree Restaurant

“When in the Bay stay with us” Motor Inn accommodation available Excellent Rates “Visitors Welcome Anytime”

NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME

BULLS

SH1 Bulls Ph 06 322 0875

Hours Mon, Tues & Sun:11am -8pm Wed -Sat:11am -10pm When passing through Bulls call at our clubrooms, enjoy our hospitality and have a friendly chat.

Visitors Made Welcome

Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sat Bar Snacks Available

TOKAANU-TURANGI

SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc)

… MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE GUESTS WELCOME ...

Visitors Most Welcome

MANAGER: John Callinan MEMBERS: 862 Restaurant open 7 nights from 5:30pm Club open daily from 11:00am Sunday from 1:00pm 18 Gaming Machines, Courtesy Coach Charge back facilities to local motels.

If you are coming to Taumarunui we can arrange local tours, golf club bookings, Motel Bookings.

9 Raukawa Street Ph: 06 36 46221 Open Tues - Sunday Dining room Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun roast lunch TAB - Sky - Snooker - Darts Fridays entertainment Affiliated Members and Guests most welcome

Lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am Dinner Monday & Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm Tuesday Pension Day Special - Lunches Whiteboard Dinner Specials

* Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball * Indoor Bowls Wed, Thur, Fri Lunch 12 - 2pm Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat Dinner 5 - 8 Closed Tuesday and Sunday

Otaki & District Memorial RSA

Sun: 1- 8pm

Restaurant Hours

MATAMATA

EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON

TAWA RSA 89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Char tered Club visitors We are open: POOL Wed to Sun from 4pm DARTS Meals Friday 6.00 - 8.00pm Sunday Roast the last Sunday of SKY TV each month 6.00pm-8pm

INC TARADALE &RSADISTRICTS 156 Gloucester Street Ph/Fax 06 844 4808

Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am Sat-Sun 10.30 am

NAPIER RSA

34 Vautier Street, Napier Office: 06 835 7629 Fax: 06 835 1357 Club: 06 835 1034

A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun

Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner When in Napier or Hastings visit us, we are only 8 minutes from either city. Motel accommodation next door with discounts available

All Visitors Assured of a Warm & Sincere Welcome

Top meals at reasonable prices

• Live entertainment Fri & Sat nights • Parking • Conference room • Taxi chits available for discounted fares

Membership still open. Affiliated members Welcome

Conveniently located to Marine Parade, motels and city centre THERE ARE NO STRANGERS AMONG US, ONLY FRIENDS WE HAVE NOT MET.

ANY CHANGES TO CLUB ADVERTS OR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PLEASE CONTACT DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 Email:davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

36

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

Local RSAs MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLAND

ashburton rsa [inc]

12 Cox Street

Hours Mon - Tues: 11am-7pm. Wed Thurs Fri: 11am-10pm. Sat: 11am-12pm. Sun: 11am- 5pm Tues+Wed Lunch noon. Bistro Thurs, Fri, Sat 5.30-8pm

All Indoor Sports available. Gaming Machines Live Music Every Alternative Saturday nights.

Wheelchair available

ashburton Where the North meets the South

PAPANUI RSA Ph: 03 352 9770 55 Bellvue Ave Papanui Rd & 1 Harewood Rd

Access also from

Visiting Christchurch Try our hospitality in the heart of Papanui. Adjacent to major civic amenities incl. shopping mall,motels & hotels Club Hours

Mon -Tues: 11am -9pm. Wed-Thurs: 11am-10pm. Fri- Sat: 11am- 11pm. Sun: 11am- 8pm

GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB

Gore District

181 Tainui Street Phone 03 768 7307 Open Daily - Visitors Welcome

Call and make some West Coast friends

RIVERTON & DISTRICTS 141 Palmerston Street Riverton 9822 Phone: (03) 2348737 Enjoy Southern Hospitality Tue-Sat 3-6pm & Fri 3-9pm

Marlborough RSA 42 Alfred Street Blenheim (In Clubs Marlborough Complex)

We extend a cordial invitation to all visiting members to visit our Clubrooms Open 7 Days from 9.00, Restaurant meals - 7 Days.

Gaming, Pool, Snooker, Sky TV.

Christchurch Memorial Returned and Services Association Inc.

Lunch: 7 days 12 - 2 pm Dinner: 7 days 5pm onwards

Eftpos, Sky TV, Snooker Billiards, Pool, Bowls, Cards, Darts, Gaming Machines, Library, Live Entertainment, Off Street Parking.

Power Point for Campervans

Welcome

Milton Bruce RSA 31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927

Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*

12 Civic Ave Ph: 03 208 6218 Fax: 03 208 6220 Email: GoreRSA@xtra.co.nz Clubrooms Open 10.30 am 7 days a week Bar Hours Mon - Fri 10.30 am - 11 pm Sat 10.30 am - 1 am Sun 10.30 am - 9.30 pm Family Bar The Gore RSA Bistro Wed - Fri 12-2 pm.

Tues - Sun from 5.30 pm Private functions by arrangement * 5 F/size Snooker Tables * 18 Gaming Machines * Big Screen Sky TV * TAB Live entertainment each month. Tea coffee in our smoke free lounge. Off street parking for visitors.

Raffles: Thurs & Fri. Flag 500 Wed 7 pm during winter

154 Esk Street, Invercargill Ph. 03 218 8693 Fax 03 218 3011 e-mail office@iwmc.co.nz Hours Mon - Wed. 11.00am - 10.00pm Thurs. 11.00am - 11.00pm Fri. 11.00am - 12 midnight Sat. 10.00am - 1.30am Sun. 12.00noon - 9.00pm Bottle Store Corinthian Restaurant open for lunch Mon - Fri 12noon - 1.30pm Dinner Thurs. - Sun. from 6.00pm Corinthian Convention Centre available for meetings, conferences or functions, large or small 24 Gaming machines - 5 snooker tables Sky TV 5 pool tables Raffles Mon. - Sat. Band on Sat. nights Off-street parking

Facilities: Administration Office Support and Welfare Office Museum • Event/function Centre Trenches Restaurant and Bar (Public License) Poppy Club members’ bar Memorial Plaza and Remembrance Wall Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday 08:00am to Midnight Thursday to Saturday 08:00am to 01:00am Sunday 08:00am to 11:00pm

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner available P: 03-3799724 E: office@christchurchrsa.org.nz www.christchurchrsa.org.nz | www.trenches.co.nz 74 Armagh Street, P.O. Box 354, Christchurch 8140,

NEW BRIGHTON RSA

Our 2015 - 16 tours include: NZ: High Country Spectacular 25 Sep-6 Oct; Wonders of Westland 12-20 Oct; Taranaki Rhodo Festival 30 Oct-2 Nov; Chatham Islands 7-12 Nov; East Cape for Christmas 23 - 27 Dec; Winterless North Feb 2016; Top of the South Feb 2016; South of the South March 2016; Great Barrier Island April 2016 AUSTRALIA: Australia's Red Centre 7-24 Jul; South Australia Explorer 27 Jul-9 Aug; Sydney, Canberra & Outback 12-26 Aug; Cape York Discoverer 30 Aug-9 Sep; Touring Tasmania Jan 2016; Melbourne, Adelaide & Murray River April 2016. PACIFIC: Norfolk Island 29 Nov-6 Dec; Samoa May 2016.

For our colour brochure or to make a booking, phone 0800 66 44 14 or email info@scottsdaletours.co.nz www.scottsdaletours.co.nz VIETNAM TOURS 20 Days ex Auck, Wgtn, Chch.

From $6795 pp share twin. Special conditions apply.

Kiwi Vietnam Tours 305 Kahuterawa Rd RD 2 Palmerston North Ph.06 324 8444 | info@kiwivietnamtours.co.nz | www.kiwivietnamtours.co.nz

Alexandra Clyde RSA

CATERING A SPECIALTY Gaming Machines, Sky Tv,Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls

Visitors Welcome

NELSON RSA (Inc) 168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson. Phone 03 548 6815.

Open from 11.00 am Monday – Saturday; 11.30 am Sunday Tribute: 6.00 pm Wednesdays Lunch 11.00 am – 2.00 pm; Dinner 5.30 – 8.30 pm

Painting by Peter McIntyre Image courtesy of National Army Museum, NZ

Battle of Crete 75th Commemoration Pilgrimage 17 – 23 May 2016 Plus Gallipoli to Athens Overland Expedition 9 – 17 May 2016 On May the 20th 1941, ANZAC, Greek and British forces stood side by side with the heroic population of Crete in the defence of their Southern Mediterranean Island against the elite of Hitler’s war machine. The ensuing battle is etched forever in ANZAC history.

Now, 75 years later, veterans and the descendants of these brave soldiers and civilians will gather on Crete to honour their courageous endeavours by attending commemorative services, explore the For more information and a copy of our tour brochure call Tempo Holidays on (09) 520 1490 or email greg@tempoholidays.co.nz

Ph: 03 388 9059 Meals available Thurs, Fri & Sat “All Welcome”

RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC. P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.

Operating from Club Waimea Premises Lower Queen Street, Richmond. Phone 03 543 9179.

Open from 11.00am till late. Club Waimea facilities including Caravan Park facilities which are available to all R.S.A. Members.

Meals are available Wednesday - Sunday 11.30am Onwards

49 High Street

Look us up on Facebook

Open 7 Days Mon-Thur 2.30pm Fri-Sun 11.00am Restaurant open 7 days

Dinner 5.30-8:30pm Lunch Fri-Sun 11:30am-1:30pm rsa - clubs nz members most welcome

PO Box 10 Ph: 03 448 8090 Fax: 03 448 8023 Bar Hours Mon-Sat: 11am-Late Sun: 4.30 9pm Bistro Hours Thurs: 6.30-8.30pm. Fri: 6-9pm Sun: 6-8pm Snack Bar open all hours

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Open daily from 3.30pm Sunday 11.30am

Travel New Zealand RUSSELL. F/furn 2 bdrm apartment. Sleeps 4 available all year. 2 adults $400 p week or $80 p night, $15 pn extra person.

Ph: 0 9 4 2 6 9 7 4 7 Email: donandmyra@xtra.co.nz

motueka

35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra

MEALS

Last Thurs of month Fri from 5.30pm, Sat from 5.30pm

FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FOR SENIORS

21 Mafeking Street, New Brighton, Christchurch

memorial rsa (inc) CHARTERED CLUB

CLUB BAR HOURS

Wed 1pm - 7pm, Thurs 4pm - 7pm, Fri 4pm till late, Sat 4pm til late

Tours

Private function bookings are welcome

INVERCARGILL WORKINGMEN’S CLUB INC. Incorporating the INVERCARGILL R.S.A.

38 Kirk Rd, Templeton

ALL VISITORS WELCOME

Bistro Meals Facilities

Memorial RSA Inc

Paparua Templeton RSA

RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc)

Special Package Deal* Offer includes: Accommodation plus Breakfast & Dinner Buffet

Ph: 07 578 9654 Single: $130 Double $165 Scan for more info >>

82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123 Restaurant: Lunch Wed, Thurs, Fri. Dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. Courtesy Van Available Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA members, families and friends

1237 Cameron Rd,Greerton, Tauranga Email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz www.greertonmotorinn.co.nz/rr

WANGANUI. Bignell St Motel, Quiet Warm Friendly, Comfortable, Pets by arrangement $65 single + $15pp extra. Phone Now 0800 244 635 WHAKATANE Bay Hotel Units 90 McAllister Street. Very handy to RSA. Discount for RSA members. Friendly service, courtesy pickup, Pets very welcome. Your hosts Betty & Willy Arends.

Ph 07 308 6788 Fax 07 308 6749

37

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

Medals MEDAL MOUNTING Damage free professional medal mounting in either court style or swing style $20 per medal with new ribbon (full size & miniature). $8 return courier NZ wide.

Replicas of all medals available at just $50 per medal inc mounting.

NZ wide mail order service or by appointment.

Turnaround is usually 7 days.

Framing from just $150

COURT STYLE

SWING STYLE

MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style.

If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied.

Duplicate groups made up to order.

Registered with New Zealand Defence Force as an Approved Medal Mounter Quality work guaranteed Contact: Russell Barker, P O Box 346, Waikanae 5250 Phone: 04 293 1045 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kiwimedalmounting.com

A G Bairstow NZ Medals Ltd

English Tie & Medal Co *Replica medals and Miniatures supplied and mounted. *Full sized and Mini medal groups for other family members. *Framed Medal Displays and Copy displays. *Regimental Ties & Blazer pocket badges.

PO Box 128-134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph : 09 571 2074 aubreyb@clear.net.nz

www.nzmedals.com

MEDALS MOUNTED Court or Swing style.

Professional quality guaranteed work. Reasonable prices. Medals also framed for family history displays, museum quality work. Medals & military souvenirs purchased for my own collection especially gallantry awards eg. DFC, MC, MM etc.

German & Allied hats, helmets uniforms, RNZAF RAF pilots wings & boots also sought. Ph: Ian Hamilton 09 266 5783

MEDAL MOUNTING, MILITARY HISTORY & GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Orders, decorations & medals (full size & miniatures) court mounted for day, evening wear, and for family history displays. Medals mounted with respect for over 44 years with no modifications to medals or clasps. Contact Medal Mounting Wellington, H.E. Chamberlain, Ph: 04 293 3504. 470 Te Moana Rd. Waikanae. Email: clas.chamberlain@xtra.co.nz.

We do not deal or trade original medals

“our service is free” Ian 027 940 4495 Brian 021 0234 3312 e: medalsreunitednz@gmail.com w: www.medalsreunitednz.co.nz

Travel Australia

P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610

MEDAL MOUNTING Court or Swing Style, Full Size & Miniature medals,Ribbon Bars, Extra sets of medals for family, Framed Family Groups. Supplier of replica WW2 wings and brevet.

29 Years Experience. Contact: Tony Prowse, 6 Chilton Dr, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast Ph. 04 2973232. Email: tsprowse@xtra.co.nz NZ Defence Force Approved Mounter

FREE High Speed 271 Elizabeth Street, Sydney + 61 2 9264 6001

DIRECT BOOKING ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE Visit: www.hydeparkinn.com.au

The Hyde Park Inn offers friendly, personalised service and spectacular views across Hyde Park. Central CBD location, just minutes to shopping, theatres, Central Station, The Opera House, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross.

Our features include: • Self catering facilities • Complimentary continental breakfast • Air-conditioning • Balcony to Deluxe Rooms • Large family rooms and apartments • Free car parking • Free in-house movie channels • Guest laundry • DVD players to all rooms • Flat Screen LCD televisions

Owned by RSL NSW Branch • Special rates for RSA Members • Special long term rates available Eligible RSA members can join a NSW RSL Sub Branch for even better rates.

• Fully self contained, air conditioned one bedroom and two bedroom apartments

• Flat screen televisions and AUSTAR cable television free of charge • In room wireless internet broadband service • Extensive choice of restaurants within minutes walking distance • 1.5km from Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre • 150 metres to the beach and 6-8 minutes leisurely stroll to Cavill Avenue

Surfers Paradise

Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts

Fully self contained boutique apartments - 4 star self rating, all with lift access, airconditioning & ocean views. Direct access to beach 50 meters. Heated pool and spa, BBQ area. Transport arranged from Brisbane or Coolangatta Airports. Easy walk to heart of Surfers or Broadbeach

Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

HOT DEAL!

Book direct and get great deals from friendly kiwis,

Stay 5 Pay 4 from AUS $608.00*

Ph: 00617 5526 7588, Or email: info@emeraldsands.com.au Or visit: www.emeraldsands.com.au

TO BOOK PHONE +61 7 5538 4555

Address: 2988 - 2994 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 4217 Telephone: +61 7 5538 4555 Email: info@palazzocolonnades.com.au

FOR THE BEST RATES BOOK DIRECT AT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.palazzocolonnades.com.au * Valid for sale 1/6/15 - 18/12/15. Block out dates apply.

Being completely self-contained, each air-conditioned apartment offers all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen and laundry and satellite television (with 2 Movie channels and 3 Sports channels amongst others). Also, for peace of mind, each apartment has its own secure internal car park space. Only 50m to Mermaid Beach Surf Lifesaving Club through the park.

40 -44 Ventura Road, Mermaid Beach, QLD 4218, Australia PH +61 7 5575 6100 FAX +61 7 5575 6199 EMAIL info@mermaidparkview.com.au www.mermaidparkview.com.au

Welcome to Palazzo Colonnades boutique, high-rise holiday accommodation apartments in Surfers Paradise....

• Under cover, fully secured free parking

Mermaid Beach Park View is a beautifully maintained boutique self catering apartment complex, ideal for couples of all ages, families or small groups. And considering the range of facilities on offer, Park View is excellent value-for-money.

Wireless broadband is also available throughout the complex. 10% Discount with this advertisement.

Anyone for f a Gold Coast Getaway??

Getaway??

• Heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and BBQ facilities

Accommodation on the Gold Coast - Mermaid Beach Holiday Apartments.

PLEASE CONTACT:

DAVE McKEE

38

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

What’s New

FANCY A FLIGHT IN A CLASSIC FIGHTER? If you’ve always fancied yourself tearing across the skies in one of those classic fighting planes, next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka international airshow could well be your best opportunity.

On Rides Day (Monday March 28), visitors will bet the opportunity to get off the ground in anything from a warbird to a microlight. And if you’re a veteran over 90, Classic Flights (based at the Wanaka airport) will take you for a free flight in a Tiger Moth before the show starts on the next day (Tuesday March 29). Contact 03 4434043.

The show will run over Easter – ‘practice day’ on Friday, March 25, the event on Saturday-Sunday (March 26-27) and then Rides Day. Event manager Mandy Deans says one of WOW’s aims is to encourage people into aviation careers and warbird flying as there are relatively few new warbird pilots coming into the scene.

There will also be an emphasis on sport aircraft in the 2016 airshow. Some operators, such as Wanaka Helicopters, will give passengers the opportunity to take the controls during flight.

Bookings recommended (www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com).

The show began 26 years ago as a picnic outing with a handful of warbirds collected by aviation and farming pioneer Sir Tim Wallis.

It now attracts up to 80 aircraft from many genres, and offers a wealth of entertainment and displays.

Next year’s show will include an overseas aircraft, a short-take-off and landing competition for sport aircraft, and a jet air race.

A number of amphibious aircraft, including a Catalina flying boat, will fly over the Wanaka lakefront in the free, public event at dusk on Friday, March 25, accompanied by a commentary, search lights, music and reenactments.

One or two of the Spitfires based permanently in New Zealand head the line-up of warplanes.

They will be joined by a Goodyear FG-1D Corsair,

PHOTOS (clockwise from top): A Catalina flying boat, assorted WW2 jet fighters, a restored Avro Anson Mk1 and former news reader and aviator Jim Hickey at Warbirds Over Wanaka.

which was operated by the RNZAF in the Pacific, a Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk, and a sleek North American P51-D Mustang.

A restored, twin-engine Avro Anson Mk1 will also form part of the line-up. The pilots of these aircraft are among New Zealand’s most experienced aviators, many of them commercial-airline pilots with thousands of hours in their log books.

In the jet-fighter air race, teams of pilots from the United States and New Zealand will make

a spectacular dash around a marked course.

One or more Vampires and L-39 jets, which have a top speed of more than 700kilometres per hour, are likely to compete.

The course, marked by two inflated pylons, begins near the Wanaka airfield. The jets will be lined up by a starter aircraft, and will then race out over the Clutha River towards Lake Hawea and loop back to finish over the runway.

Aviation enthusiasts will get the opportunity

to turn old aircraft parts into cash during the show. WOWMart will provide a marketplace for people to sell second-hand aircraft parts on the Saturday and Sunday. All items will be displayed in the Classic Flights hangar at Wanaka Airport.

The show will take 10 per cent of sales to help fund the new Warbirds Over Wanaka flying scholarships. Anyone wanting to sell items will need to register via the Warbirds Over Wanaka website(www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com).

Photos the heroes of this war story Dion Crooks

As agent for After the Battle publications in the UK, I sell special interest military books and magazines.

I am the single source to purchase these products in NZ.

021 434303 sales@battlebooks.co.nz

Order our books online: www.battlebooks.co.nz Offer for RSA readers 10% off use code 2222 at the checkout

Do you have a good book in you that’s waiting to get out? We are currently looking for people with interesting and insightful stories to tell in a range of genres and situations, including military and war-time events.

Your story could relate to any war, battle, or other type of conflict, and could be told from any perspective – personal involvement, historical research, or in relation to the experiences of others, such as a friend or family member. We will consider both non-fiction and fiction for publication.

If you have any material that you believe could make a good book that others would enjoy reading, please contact us to discuss your writing/publishing project. If you have a manuscript available, we will be happy to make an assessment of your work and provide a written response within two weeks of receiving it.

Contact Chris Mundy, Director, at National Pacific Press Ltd, Tel. (04) 233 8204 or (027) 698 8626, or email us at books@npp.co.nz

So many millions of words have been written about World War 2 you’d think it nigh impossible to come up with anything much new or different, especially if you intend to deal with the broader scale of the war.

But Battle of Britain International Ltd has done just that with The Defeat of Germany Then and Now. It picks up with the Normandy invasion and tells the story to the point of Germany’s surrender through the eyes of the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force (SHEAF).

It’s a hefty hardback of 544 pages presented in the “then and now” format and style of the publisher’s quarterly After The Battle magazine.

The new book does not go in for deep analysis.

SHEAF’s daily communiques are reproduced unedited in their original typographical style.

These are accompanied by a vast collection of photographs, also sourced from SHEAF. This combination of communique and photos is given geographical and historical context by an accompanying commentary. Although obviously written from an Allied point of view, it remains neutral in tone and adds to the authenticity of the production.

It’s not an easy read. You’re not likely to plunge in and zip from go to whoa. However, it is a deep source of information to dip in and out of, and invariably find interesting.

But back to those photos. They are true showstealers. Yes, they were subject to censorship.

Yet these photographers have done more than any thousand words could manage to capture what life – and all too often, death – was like for the soldiers doing the hard grunt on the ground.

Those “then” shots have been augmented by “now” shots that pick out the scene as it is today. In many cases, it’s remarkable how little the landscape has changed.

At $110, it’s not a cheap publication. But if you’ve an interest in World War 2 or history, you should get your money’s worth.

• Information/orders: Battle Books New Zealand, sales@battlebooks.co.nz; www.battlebooks.co.nz; 021 434303

What’s New 39

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

VC WINNERS CROSS PATHS From one Victoria Cross winner to the family of another – Cpl Willie Apiata has presented a brass quatrefoil artwork to the descendants of Cyril Bassett, the only New Zealander awarded a Victoria Cross at Gallipoli.

Bassett’s grandson, Mark Bramwell, of Auckland accepted the tribute on behalf of the family. The artwork was created by New Zealand artist Max Gimblett and was part of a Remembrance installation in St David’s Church, Khyber Pass Rd, Auckland for three months until late July.

The RSA has attached Bassett’s name to its annual secondary-school speech contest, with winner earning a trip to the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli. Caitlin PapuniMcLellan, from Opotiki, won this year’s contest and delivered her speech at the presentation ceremony.

Bassett, an Aucklander, received the VC for his bravery during the briefly successful Allied assault on Chunuk Bair, the highest point on the

Gallipoli Peninsula. He was quoted as saying: “I got the Victoria Cross – my mates just got wooden crosses.”

A noted yachtsman in Auckland, he was married in 1926 on the site where St David’s now stands and died in 1981.

Aucklander Paul Baragwanath, whose grandfather, Owen, was the minister at St David’s for a number of years, directed and curated the Remembrance project.

He heads The Friends of St David’s campaign to raise funds to preserve the building, known as the “Soldiers’ Church” – it has stained glass windows, an angled floor, and seating for 600.

The sale of brass quatrefoil artworks created

by Gimblett, who grew up around the church and now lives in New York, are seen as key to the campaign.

The concept is that the “artworks of remembrance” will serve as permanent reminders in New Zealand homes and offices of the New Zealanders who have served in all wars.

Exhibition pays tribute to women of the war

St David’s Church in Auckland – the Soldiers’ Church

Monte Cassino centrepiece of southern Italy tour British battlefield guide Maj Mike Peters will lead a small, special-interest group to follow the World War 2 Italian Campaign through Sicily and southern Italy. Special emphasis is being given to Cassino/Monte Cassino and the New Zealand Division’s participation in the campaign The 14-day tour, from October 5-19 next year, will begin in Malta, then follow the key battles during 1943 and 1944, including Salerno, Monte Casino, Anzio and the seaborne and airborne invasions of Sicily. The trip will end in Rome.

Peters, a retired British Army officer and chairman of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides, has written two books on World War 2. David Cooper, director of tour organiser Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre, will assist as manager. He, too, has extensive knowledge of military history.

The group will spend two days in Malta, which for two years to November 1942 held out against a bombing onslaught and a threatened invasion

by Axis forces, then have four days Sicily where the Allies landed on July 9, 1943. By August 17, no Axis forces remained on the island.

The tour then moves to the Naples and Salerno area for four days. Salerno was the landing spot for the main Allied invasion force after the capture of Sicily. The objective was to capture the port of Naples, 80 kilometres away, which could not be attacked directly because it was beyond air-fighter support range from Sicily.

The attack began on September 9, 1943, and Naples was taken on October 1.

The Germans retreated to defend the Gustav Line south of Rome, with its centre anchored at Cassino and overlooked by the famous mountain monastery of Monte Cassino.

The original abbey at Monte Cassino... pre-bombing (insert) and post-bombing.

The tour group will spend eight days following the Gustav Line to Anzio, and then to Rome. The aim is to explore the area and learn about the campaign, especially Monte Cassino where the New Zealand suffered more than 1000 casualties.

Monte Cassino was eventually taken in May 1944 by the Polish Division after the controversial bombing by the Americans reduced the original abbey to ruins, The itinerary follows the Sangro River to the Adriatic Sea and the seaside town of Anzio where, in January 1944, around 40,000 troops made an amphibious landing.

From here it’s a 60-minute drive to Rome and a free afternoon. Rome, declared an open city, was occupied by the Allies on June 4, 1944, two days before D-Day in Normandy, France. With the build-up of American and British forces through France in 1944, the Italian campaign become secondary to the main war effort.

Denis & Ruth Ryan 86b Ngataringa Road Devonport Auckland 0624 New Zealand Denis & Ruth Ryan 86b Ngataringa Road Devonport Auckland 0624 New Zealand Denis & Ruth Ryan 86b Ngataringa Road Devonport Auckland 0624 New Zealand Denis & Ruth Ryan 86b Ngataringa Road Devonport Auckland 0624 New Zealand

Women played an important role in both world wars; those with medical training joined the armed forces in Gallipoli, Egypt and the Western Front. The women who stayed in New Zealand tended farms and worked in factories, keeping the home fires burning.

The women of the war years are largely forgotten or portrayed in movies as a side story or love interest before the fighting begins.

The Women of Empire 1914-1918 exhibition pays tribute to New Zealand and Australian women who played such an important role – as ambulance drivers, orderlies and motorcycle messengers overseas, and running businesses at home while the men were away.

The exhibition, which shows a collection of stories and costumes from 1914-1918, is the only one of its kind in Australasia. It is showing in only three places in New Zealand – at Waiouru, Thames and Nelson.

The original costumes and accessories come from the Dressing Australia Museum of Costume collection by Keith and Fiona Baverstock. There are also nurses’ uniforms from the other side of the trenches.

“All costumes are original and have been sourced from around the world,” says exhibition curator Keith Baverstock. “The exhibition demonstrates what these extraordinary women were capable of, women who would not have been encouraged to travel, and would have been shunned by the medical profession for daring to call themselves a doctor.”

• The Women of Empire 1914-1918 exhibition is at the National Army Museum, Waiouru until November 13, the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre from November 16-26, and the Nelson Provincial Museum from December 4-January 31.

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Italy WW II 1943 - 1944 Battlefields Small Group Tour - 5th to 19th October 2016

An exciting itinerary including Malta, Sicily, Salerno, Monte Cassino, Anzio and Rome – Special attention to the achievements and experiences of the NZ 2nd Division in Italy with emphasis on the Cassino battle

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40 News

RSA REVIEW • SPRING 2015

TRAGIC TALE INSPIRES TAWA TROUPE Dion Crooks The tragic story of a World War 1 Anzac soldier could – 100 years on – prove a catalyst for a young Kiwi’s career.

Cpl William Earp, from Tawa, Wellington,was killed in action at Gallipoli on May 2, 1915. Close to 100 years later, his story was chosen as the theme for a Tawa College production in New Zealand’s annual Stage Challenge contest for secondary schools.

The production won several regional awards, and Joshua Nightingale, head boy at Tawa College and one of the driving forces of the school’s effort, earned a Ministry of Youth Development national award for excellence for student leadership (judged on dedication and enthusiasm towards performance, and student and teacher recommendations).

In another year’s time, he will be off to The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. For the next 12 to 18 months, he will be part of a group promoting performing arts around the US, Europe and maybe Japan.

He was given the opportunity to audition for the college after representing New Zealand at a dancing workshop in Los Angeles last year. He will have around six months of training before hitting the road with the performing troupe.

The college trains about 200 students in dance, music, drama and teaching methods in what it terms an innovative and creative learning environment It sees itself fostering students’ artistic, intellectual and personal growth in the belief they will become better performers, teachers and human beings.

Is this possibly the launch of a professional stage career? Joshua Nightingale, who is also part of the Hutt City Dance Centre, is not yet sure if that’s the path he wants to follow. He is keeping his options open: “I’d love to do something that involves dance and business.

That would be my ideal job.”

“But you get so much out of it. As well as the dancing, the training includes areas such as psychology, sociology and leadership. I’ll learn a lot about myself, and a lot I can bring back to New Zealand.”

The William Earp connection arose during discussions on a theme for Tawa College’s entry in Stage Challenge – an eight-minute dance and drama presentation around a common theme or idea.

The topicality of the Gallipoli centennial commemorations led the group to decide on an Anzac theme, and more particularly, a local story.

PHOTOS – Left: Cpl William Earp, from Tawa, Wellington was killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915. Right: Tawa College head boy Joshua Nightingale was instrumental in developing an Anzac theme around Earp for New Zealand’s Stage Challenge contest for secondary schools. The production won several regional awards and won Joshua a Ministry of Youth Development national award for excellence for student leadership.

Their research led them to William Edward Earp, eldest son of Edward William and Lizzie Lindsay Shand, who farmed at Tawa Flat. Born at Tawa Flat in 1893, William went to the Tawa Flat School, the Terrace School in Wellington and then Wellington College.

When he enlisted in the New Zealand Army on August 14, William Earp’s papers noted that he was an accountant with Miller & Ahearne, in Wellington.

Possibly because of his three years in the Territorials, 5th (Wellington) Regiment, he became 8/821 Cpl Earp, 14th (South Otago) Company, Otago Infantry Battalion, and sailed on October 18, 1914. The Otago battalion was part of the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

The NZEF trained in Egypt and the Otago Infantry landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli on April 25-26, 1915. The Otagos were part of the forces committed to attacking the Turkish-held hill, Baby 700 on May 2. However, after a number of delays, they ended up attacking in daylight against prepared Turkish forces. It was a disaster, with the Allied troops forced back from Baby 700 to their original positions.

No complete account exists of the Otagos’ losses. The War Diary records five offices wounded, eight missing, 11 men killed, 174

Brothers’ WW1 story recalled on cheese Peter Owens The military service of North Otago brothers Norman and George Berry has been recognised by a commemorative cheese.

The brothers went to World War 1 to battle side by side. They fought together at Passchendaele, and they are buried next to each other in Oamaru’s soldier cemetery (which has 16 official war graves).

And now, in one of the more unusual tributes to the centenary of New Zealand’s involvement in World War 1, Whitestone Cheese has released a limited edition Brothers in Arms version of its award-winning Livingstone Gold cheese.

Simon Berry – Norman Berry’s grandson and chief executive of Whitestone – says the company was approached to supply cheese to the café at Sir Peter Jackson’s The Great War Exhibition.

Two dollars of each Brothers in Arms cheese sold is donated to exhibition.

This led to the development of the limitededition commemorative cheese by adapting Whitestone’s gold-medal Livingstone Gold cheddar into small “baby” waxed cheeses.

“The more we researched about our family connection with World War 1, the more interesting it became,” says Simon Berry. The brothers’ story

The Brothers in Arms commemorative cheese

is told on a concertina label on the cheeses. They enlisted together and left for war on February 17, 1917. Both did their final training at Sling Camp in England. Both were wounded in battle at Passchendaele, and hospitalised – Norman with shell shock and George with a bullet wound to the arm.

Without knowing the other was there, they were returned to Sling where they met up again.

Both were declared unfit for further service and they travelled home together on the Tahiti.

The brothers were instrumental in establishing the RSA in Oamaru and retained a strong identity with North Otago.

wounded and 208 missing, leaving 365 of the 800 who attacked. But, in truth, the Otagos never knew how many were lost.

Cpl Earp is listed amongst those killed in action. Pte Kenneth Boulton, from Paremata, was also with the 14th South Otago Company 8/809, and was killed in the same attack. Both are commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial at Anzac Cove.

Joshua Nightingale says producing the performance and the set was quite a learning experience for the 50-odd students involved, on and back

stage. They wanted to stick as much as possible to history, but did apply a little artistic licence.

They built a massive poppy set and handpainted a 7.2-metre x 3.5m screen, with a soldier standing with a gun, silhouetted against a blood-red sunset.

And they used music, dance and drama to mirror the mixed emotions that would have been involved at the time: “For instance, when the troopship was leaving, we had a mixture of families, sad that their sons were going l but also very proud that their family was represented.”

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