WINTER 2017
THE ‘MAHENO’S LINK ARMS
A 50-year connection between a small, country school in New Zealand and a WW1 hospital ship has strengthened even further. A group of pupils, staff and parents from Maheno School was part of an Anzac dedication ceremony for the Maheno wreck off the Queensland coast – page 18-19 News
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Anzac Day
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RSA LIfe
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Mike’s mural a reality The nation remembers Dream comes true
Escaper did it twice
Mike and Diane Court shared a dream of a mural at the Mosgiel RSA carpark. Sadly Mike did not see it come to reality.
Lt Bert Hansen was one of 42 of his wider family to serve in World War 1. And he escaped twice from the Germans.
Ana Whangapirita holds a portrait of Driver Boyce Whangapirita, lost in Korea. as she remembers at the dawn service in Wellington.
Sgt Mason Robinson has spent nine years bringing to life his vision of a memorial statue for Nelson and Tasman service men and women.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
News The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 93 No.2 Winter 2017 Published June 8, 2017
In this issue 02 News 08 National 12 Defence 16 Last Post 17 Lost Trails 26 What’s On 27 RSA Life 34 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. PUBLISHER: James Lynch Ph (03) 983 5500 james@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITOR: Dion Crooks Ph (03) 983 5505 dion@waterfordpress.co.nz ADVERTISING: Paul Crowther Ph (03) 983 5503 paul@waterfordpress.co.nz Dave McKee Ph (03) 983 5518 davem@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION MANAGER Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz DESIGN & LAYOUT: Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Aisling Mullins, Donne Threadwell, Liki Udam, Caleb Yappa, Ph (03) 983 5560 art@waterfordpress.co.nz OFFICE / ACCOUNTS: Helen Bourne, Jill Holland Ph (03) 983 5500 helen@waterfordpress.co.nz CUSTOMER SERVICES: Ann-Marie Frentz Ph: (03) 983 5554 annmarie@waterfordpress.co.nz GENERAL MANAGER: Rex Lynch rex@waterfordpress.co.nz
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Views and opinions expressed in the RSA Review are not necessarily those of the RNZRSA, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. RNZRSA accepts no responsibility for loss of manuscripts or photos.
BURNHAM HUB ‘THE PROTOTYPE’ Kelly Deeks As the RSA looks to work as closely as possible with contemporary Veterans and serving Military Personnel, the new Community Hub at Burnham Military Camp is one of the steps towards making that happen. The Hub, which opened late last year, provides a place for Service Personnel and their families to receive support in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Services available include financial assistance, advice and advocacy, family care, and connection to a network of people with similar military experiences. The Hub is the result of two years of hard graft by the RSA, the New Zealand Defence Force, and community donors. The project was initiated by Canterbury Community Services Officer Lynne Price; she worked closely with RSA Canterbury District Support Adviser Eddie Bassett, who has now handed the reins to his successor, Brian Mannix. “We are hoping to establish hubs at all the main military camps in New Zealand,” says Brian. “Burnham is the prototype. Once it’s really going and we’re starting to see a result, we hope the Defence Force and Community Support Officers will get on board with their local RSAs to establish more hubs.” He says some RSAs have expressed an interest. Brian is a Vietnam veteran who wasn’t really welcomed by the RSA when he returned home from service. While all soldiers become Honorary RSA Members when they join the forces, most do not join the RSA. He was one of these – it was not until he left the NZDF and worked as a
From left: Maj Nikki Gardner (Burnham Camp Commander), Eddie Bassett (RSA) Lynne Price (CSO) and Padre Ralph Bradley at the opening of the Burnham Hub.
civilian that he was encouraged by his workmates to go to the Templeton RSA with them. “It was a small RSA and it was welcoming,” he says. “It catered for the older veterans, but it also had social events for the younger ones as well, and it still does. The RSA is keen to keep its profile in the right place for the younger soldiers.” RSA national president BJ Clark says that in a recent meeting he had with the Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, RAdm John Martin, they discussed the idea of an RSA Manager having a regular opportunity to have a hub in the NZDF headquarters building where Defence personnel could stop for a chat about how the RSA might be able to assist them. “On a local level the RSA is working to improve the links between local RSAs and NZDF camps and bases,” says BJ. “We want to expand that to having a presence on all of the New Zealand bases.” While the RSAs focus has not moved away from the more mature Veterans, it has certainly
moved towards the younger serving personnel and contemporary Veterans. “We’ve got a bit of work to do in convincing them that they are Veterans and that we’re here to support them. These young people have served on multiple overseas deployments. The ones who have come home physically injured are the obvious ones; not so obvious are those who have come home injured mentally or emotionally. They need to know we are here to help whenever these issues manifest themselves.” He says support offered by the RSA has previously been carried out in a more measured manner, such as help with glasses, teeth, medical appointments, cataracts, and mobility support. “The young people have different needs, and we have to get our heads around it and understand and acknowledge those needs are immediate. We have to step up. We’re not struggling with it, but we’re having to change some of our attitudes, such as the Support Officer being in at 10am.” From the National Office in Wellington, RSA Support Services Manager Mark Compain and Senior Support Adviser Danny Nelson are now developing initiatives to allow the RSA to get the message across to young servicemen and women. BJ says that eventually the RSA would love to become part of NZDF initiation and resettlement programmes.
Heather relaxes after 50 Anzac years Templeton RSA looks at prospect of sharing with Regt History Centre
Simon Bloomberg Waimea News For the first time in 50 years, Heather Bartlett was quite relaxed about Anzac Day 2017. Because, for the first time since she was 18, she did not have to prepare the wreaths and chaplets for the Anzac Day services around the Waimea district. The 67-year-old great grandmother ‘retired’ last year, signalling the end of an era for the Richmond-Waimea RSA which has laid her intricate floral tributes at Anzac Memorials in Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield, Kohatu and Murchison for half a century. She started making the wreaths and chaplets after taking over Kay’s Floral Studio in Richmond in 1966. Jeanette Lewis had been making the wreaths at the shop for a number of years, and Heather was happy to continue providing the service for the RSA. “I just carried it on when I bought the shop. Then I left the shop in 1971, but Eddie Armstrong, the RSA President, lived just down the road, and I’ve always known Terry Richardson (the current RSA President), so they just kept coming back to me.” The wreaths and chaplets are made from laurel leaves which, to begin with, she picked from a tree in her father’s backyard, and later from two trees she planted at her Richmond property. The leaves are stapled onto a wooden and polystyrene base and the flowers, usually lilies and chrysanthemums as well as some poppies, are woven into the arrangement using florist’s wire. “There are about 100 leaves for each chaplet and I’d start leafing them up around the 20th,” Heather says. “Then the flowers would arrive the day before. That was always stressful because you’d order the flowers about three weeks
Heather Bartlett: ‘Making them was the easy part.’
before and hope they’d arrive on time – the lilies always came closed up in buds, so you’d hope they would open up in time too. “Making them was the easy part. It would take me only an hour to an hour-and-a-half for each one, but mind you, I’d made a few...I had it down to a fine art. It was just a job that had to be done”. However, she says, it always made her think about the significance of what she was doing and “what Anzac Day means to everyone”. “There was a lot of work in them, but I never charged for them – just covered the costs of the flowers, because it was for the RSA and you don’t do that.”
The Templeton RSA has begun a feasibility study into the prospect of the club moving to a new site in Rolleston along with Regimental History Centre, at present based in Burnham Military Camp. The proposal got the thumbs up from a special general meeting of the Templeton RSA. All but three of the 66 present voted for the proposition. However, in giving their backing, members emphasised that any move should not be at the expense of the identity of the RSA, which will be 80 years old next year Templeton RSA President John Rae says the feasibility study involves discussions with the Selwyn District Council and History Centre. “It’s an exciting prospect, but there’s a lot to consider and we need to know fully what our options are,” he says. He says the RSA has been looking at ways of boosting membership, especially among younger people, and has concluded there is no scope to do that in Templeton. However, it sees plenty of potential in Rolleston. The town’s population has soared in recent years. It is also home to a number of Templeton RSA members and to a number of people who work at Burnham Military Camp. The Regimental History Centre, a sub-group of the Canterbury Regiment Association, houses a collection of South Island military history – including replicas of Charles Upham VC’s medals, and a bass drum that went ashore at Gallipoli in 1915 full of shell dressings to be applied to the wounds of soldiers..
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
SOLDIER SAM MARCHES ON As part of the lead-up to Anzac Day 2017 Amberley RSA Member and local historian James Drewery outfitted a full-size mannequin as a young World War 1 Soldier and badged as a Canterbury Battalion rifleman. Using much of his genuine personal collection and items of replica uniform and equipment, James achieved a result that was complete in every detail – down to such items as a personal Bible with a period photograph of a wife and young baby patiently awaiting the safe return of their loved husband and father. Soldier Sam was ready for the road. First stop: the Greta Valley School for a power-pointsupported presentation of how Soldier Sam ate, travelled, slept and generally lived. This was the start of the road to all 10 of the North Canterbury schools; some talks were done in conjunction with the placement of commemorative World War 1 crosses. James was supported by fellow RSA Members who, at times, were called upon to swing the gas rattle made specially for the display. Soldier Sam’s reception from schools was, without exception amazing, says James. Questions were varied and genuine, and often triggered by the opportunity for pupils to carefully examine and try on all parts of his marching pack and equipment. Replica tins of Soldiers’ food circa 1917 engendered great interest, as did the hard tack biscuits James baked using a recipe from the Canberra War Museums website. Carrying 100 .303 rounds and an imitation rifle gave the children a feeling of how tough the marching conditions must have been as they strapped on the webbing and packs. Presentations are still being made, although more of a “grown up” nature with the talks more directed to the fighting conditions Soldier Sam endured.
Rangiora RSA Member Lloyd Thomas gives Harry Renner, a Pupil at the Redwood School, in Christchurch, instruction on the correct way of handling Soldier Sam’s rifle.
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‘Emotional’ Steven thrilled by return of stolen medals Steven Heller did not go to an Anzac Day ceremony this year – the first time he has missed in half a century. And most of May was a miserable time as he contemplated the loss of his eight medals and formal jacket stolen from his home in Porirua just before Anzac Day. However, right at the end of May – after publicity about his loss – the unharmed medals and formal jacket were left in a plastic bag on his doorstep. “It was quite emotional for me,” says the 58-year-old former New Zealand Army Major “Everything’s in the same condition as I left it in my wardrobe. He was “fairly confident” that whoever had taken the medals would not be able to do much with them thanks to their uniqueness and the media attention. They were attached to a sports blazer with featuring five army sports pockets. “It’s a jacket no-one else has got, and there are quite a few people in the army who know who wears it. There’s no point in anyone else trying to wear it anywhere – people would know who it belongs too. ”But I was hoping beyond hope they hadn’t just biffed them in the bin.” Steven, whose military career with the New Zealand and Australian forces spanned 27 years, believes this was the first Anzac Day ceremony he has missed since he was five. “My grandfather fought in World War 2 and I was introduced to Anzac Day at an early age. I went religiously with him until he passed away.” The medals included recognition of his time with the New Zealand Defence Force, the Australian Defence Force, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) for work in former Yugoslavia, and various other hot spots.
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HADDON TARGETS SISTER’S MARK Don Farmer Wairarapa Times Age
Highly decorated Soldier Haddon Donald, who rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, is the highest ranking New Zealand Army Officer of World War 2 still living, He is also a former MP for Wairarapa, serving in the Holyoake Government from 1963 to 1969, and thought to be the oldest surviving ex-Member of Parliament. A telegram from Queen Elizabeth II congratulating him on his 100th birthday in late March added to a long list of honours, which includes the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Efficiency Decoration, and an Officer of the Legion of Merit (United States). He received similar messages from Prime Minister Bill English and Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy. There was also a message of congratulations from 97-year-old MajGen Sandy Thomas, a fellow World War 2 Commander who fought with the New Zealand Army in Crete. The day before his birthday, 145 people came to a party in his honour at his Masterton home. He describes it as “the best I’ve ever been to”. He is no stranger to long living – he is the last of six siblings. A brother, Val, was the youngest to die – at 92; the oldest has been sister Alison Hansard who lived until she was 103. Haddon Donald has set himself the goal of living “at least another three years” to better his sister’s tenure. He says his four children –Robyn, Rhodes, Andrew and Fiona – have contributed enormously to his life, as has his lifelong love of gardening and outdoor pursuits, and his passion for being a hunter and gatherer. He has never smoked and has only ever been a “moderate” drinker. In business he worked for 50 years in the family firm Donald Presses Ltd and was Company
Haddon Donald at his 100th-birthday celebration. Photo: Tom Donald.
Chairman for 16 of those years; in sport he was five times captain of New Zealand’s representative rifle team. His war record is peppered with achievements and acts of outstanding bravery, especially on Crete and his actions, and that of the 22nd Battalion, defending Maleme Airfield. He also fought in the North African and Italian campaigns and was wounded four times, the worst when he was “blown up” by an artillery shell. In politics he stood successfully for National in the Wairarapa electorate in 1963 after the
retirement of Bertie Cooksley, who had been the party’s MP here for five terms. He headed off Labour challenger Jack Williams by 501 votes, and went on to repeat the dose in 1966 against the same Labour candidate with a majority of 533. But in 1969 the tables turned and Jack Williams ousted him by 467 votes. Mr Donald was born in Masterton and has lived the bulk of his life in the town. He did retire to Taupo, but moved back to his home town about three years ago. His wife Ana (nee Beetham) died in 2014 and is buried in Masterton.
‘Long Range Donald’ a master of KBO Haddon Donald’s father, Vivian, introduced his son to shooting at an early age by taking him to the Masterton/Opaki Rifle Club. It became one of Haddon’s great loves. He is a Life Member and Patron of the Masterton Rifle Club and the National Rifle Association of New Zealand, Vice-President of the National Rifle Association of Great Britain and of the Bisley-based British Commonwealth Rifle Club. He shot in his first National Championships at Trentham in 1935 at the age of 18. Apart from his World War 2 years, he shot at the nationals every year until he was 90. Individually, he reached runner-up in the NRA Grand Aggregate and his company, Donald Presses, later sponsored this event for about 15 years. A very successful long-range shot (his Masterton club nickname was ‘Long Range Donald’), he led three New Zealand rifle teams to Bisley, United Kingdom and Connaught, Canada, in 1953, 1960 and 1976. During the war, he took Snipers from his company to train at Bisley and maintained they had the best record in the New Zealand Army. His 1960 New Zealand team won four team shoots at Bisley and was second in the other two against 10 countries or more. Individuals from the team won or were second in six events. In Canada, the Kiwis won two of the three internationals, the Governor General’s Prize and 11 other matches. One observer termed this “the finest team ever to shoot at Bisley”. No other New Zealand shooting team has gone close to matching this record. Haddon Donald was President of New Zealand NRA from 1969 to 1975, was elected a Life Member in 1975 and Patron in 2009. Fellow shooters remember Haddon often saying “KBO” when he set off somewhere. This referred to “Keep Buggering On”, a saying Winston Churchill taught him to follow during when a battle wasn’t going so well during World War 2.
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The link between the New Zealand and Australian Panmures could develop into an ongoing relationship. Several families from Panmure (south-west Victoria) are interested in coming to Panmure (Auckland) for Anzac Day next year. This follows a visit by Mt Wellington Panmure RSA Padre Maj Colin Burgess to the Victorian namesake for Anzac Day 2017. The relationship has grown from a request to the Mt Wellington Panmure RSA from the Australlan Panmure Action Group secretary Lisette Mill for a New Zealand flag to fly at the tiny Australian town’s War Memorial in Australia. She extended an invitation to the Kiwis to come to Anzac Day and exchange flags. Colin Burgess took up that invitation, and in Panmure was presented with an Australian flag, gifted by the Action Group to the Mt Wellington Panmure RSA. It was one of the flags raised at a wreath-laying ceremony (involving Lisette Mills’ family) at the Canberra War Memorial in February. In a serendipitous twist to the Panmure connection, Lisette Mill had, in her first contact with the Mt Wellington Panmure RSA, mentioned that her grandfather, Fred Barwick, came from Gisborne. Colin Burgess’s father had lived in Gisborne, so Colin got out his “family heritage stuff” and found a newspaper article about Lisette’s grandfather and his father, Fred Burgess, in the Gisborne RSA together. The two Freds had served together for the Wellington Mounted Rifles in Cairo and Palestine during World War 1, then both settled in Gisborne and joined the RSA.
Colin sent Lisette a photo of her grandfather and grandmother celebrating at the Gisborne RSA, and accepted the invitation to Panmure’s Anzac Day service, which was held at the nearby, larger town of Warrnambool. On arriving there, he met Lisette and the Panmure Action Group, and showed them photos of Panmure, Auckland, including the new transport hub. “They really loved what they saw,” he says. “Our Panmure is part of a 1.2-million city, whereas their Panmure is a little farming community with a shop and a church, and not much else.” On Anzac Day, he shared a meal at the Warrnambool RSL, then joined the Anzac Day march, presented a speech, and laid four poppies – one for those who fought and never returned; one for those who did return; one for the medical brigade and the nurses corps; and one for the animals, particularly the horses. After the service, he was approached by a man wearing a brass badge with the letters, WMRB, on it. Asked why he was wearing a Wellington Mounted Rifle Brigade badge, the man said his grandfather was in the Wellington Mounted Rifle Brigade, and was from Gisborne. “I went straight back to my little bag where I had Dad’s Returned Servicemen’s address book. This man’s grandfather was Bull, and two or three names above my father’s name. Over the page was Lisette’s grandfather’s name. Barwick. Bull and Burgess all within a couple of pages in this little address book. I couldn’t believe it.” Before leaving Warrnambool, Colin got a photo with a mounted rifleman as a special souvenir that was representative of his father’s role in World War 1.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
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East Coast Bays RSA goes with the bowlers
The new mural overlooking the Mosgiel RSA carpark.
MIKE’S MURAL DREAM BECOMES A REALITY About a year ago Mike and Diane Court were having a coffee on the deck at the Mosgiel RSA and decided a mural would look nice on the dreary, brick wall overlooking the carpark. Mike took the idea to the local Community Board, which put the proposal to Mosgiel RSA president Noel Graham and hospitality manager Jill Magon. The RSA didn’t have the money to fund it, but approached the Mosgiel Business Association, which has a strategy for the enhancement and beautification of Mosgiel’s central areas. The partly completed mural was presented to the public on Anzac Day and the finished, 18-metre-long product was officially unveiled on May 25. Local artist Daniel Mead came up with the concept after being allowed access into the RSA’s memorabilia room, and he and Tessa Petley completed the work.
Sadly, Mike Court was not there to see it. After several months of health problems, he died on May 7. The intention had been for him to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony on what would have been his 71st birthday. Diane says she took him to see the mural the day before he died and he was thrilled with it. She and their children, Melanie and Michael, were at the opening, and the words ‘In Memory of Mike Court’ have been added to the mural. “He would have been the one to unveil it,” says Business Association secretary Kristy Compton. “One person has to care a lot for anything to happen, and he was that person.” She says bringing the mural idea to reality was a collaborative, community effort, which goes to show what can be achieved when everyone works together. The Business Association applied for a Dunedin City Council grant to cover for $6500 of the
mural’s $9000 price tag. This was declined, but the association has since been invited to re-apply. “We really wanted to surprise the community for Anzac Day, so we decided to go the hard road, find sponsors, and fund it ourselves,” says Kristy. “We’ve had donations from members of the Business Association, Mosgiel Lions Club has put money in, and the RSA put on a quiz night which came up with $1100. We’ve got $1400 left to raise, and the business association is covering that until we can do some more fundraising.” In applying for council funding, she had to prove community engagement. “We had 17,000 people view our Facebook post, which was absolutely overwhelming, and one reason we decided to go for it without council funding. “We’ve been posting updates – one video had 16,000 views. Thousands and thousands of people have been engaged with the process.”
RSA members and lawn bowlers are set to unite on Auckland’s North Shore. Members of the East Coast Bays RSA and the Browns Bay Bowling Club have agreed to support a merger. Following the sale of their premises, RSA members considered three options – working from a branch office; moving to become the Bays Club community organisation; or going with a Browns Bay Bowling Club proposal to create a new community hub. RSA president Kerry Kay says an “overwhelming majority” of members at the meeting voted to join forces with the Bowling Club and operate out of the main clubroom facilities under a short-term tenancy agreement. The RSA premises has been conditionally sold to the Browns Bay Medical Centre. He is confident of the joint venture with the Bowling Club: “We’ll look at a short lease, then work through how it’s going to work and what the compromises are going to be on both sides. We’re going to lose a bit of identity. It always happens, but we’ve got to look to the future.” Bowling Club chairman Tim Preston says the six-month lease will give the two organisations the chance to investigate closer ties. “We will get clear idea of potential pathways as a combined entity, or if the model doesn’t feel as though it’s working. It’s pretty exciting. We have an opportunity to set a template for a lot of organisations to follow.” The short-term lease is seen as the first step towards a proposed community-facilities hub. The Upper Harbour and Hibiscus and Bays local boards have funded a feasibility study into the hub, which would include badminton North Harbour, Bowls North Harbour, the Browns Bay Racquets Club, and North Harbour Volleyball.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
RSA/SERVICES FAMILY BACKS NEEDY TODDLER
Elijah North on the arm of his mother, Laura North, with RSA Senior Support Adviser Danny Nelson, and TJ in front.
Military and civilian members of the Waiouru community have pulled together to raise funds for the 23-month-old son of two New Zealand Army officers. Elijah North was the star of the show at the Waiouru Community Centre as locals gathered to fundraise for the toddler’s specialist treatment in Australia. Elijah has Microcephaly, a medical condition that hampers brain development. He has also been diagnosed with another genetic disorder and suffers from numerous health issues affecting most parts of his body. The event, organised by his parents, Laura and Tane North, launched the campaign to fund medical treatment in Australia in July. Both Laura and Tane are Army Captains. They spoke about the trials Elijah faces, the family’s journey, and what they will be doing. Laura says they have recently become aware of the Neurological and Physical Abilitation (NAPA) Centre in Australia, which offers traditional and non-traditional therapy programmes for children and adults with disabilities. “Our goal is to take Elijah to NAPA to give him the best possible chance to develop. With this treatment, he will have a better chance at a full life which we hope will involve independent movement, communication and the ability to positively contribute to society.” Depending on the outcome of the July visit,
return treatments could be required. NAPA specialises in three-week intensive programmes – with some children achieving the same progress as in a year of traditional therapy. The RSA donated $10,000 from Poppy and other funds to help Elijah get the treatment. “A lot of people out there won’t think to come to the RSA – but this is what Poppy Funds are for,,” says RSA Senior Support Adviser Danny Nelson. “This is where the organisation came from, and what the RSA is about, at its core: the support of our service people and their families.” The RSA has various trusts and funds to support the health, welfare and well-being of current and former service personnel and their families. “This specific case relates to medical needs that could dramatically increase the quality of life for Elijah,” he says. “Others’ situations include medical, financial, vocational, or lifestyle challenges. Helping with this is the RSA’s purpose. We’re there to support our people. This is what the organisation is for. If you or your family could use some help, contact us.” • Information on how to assist Elijah: Norths’ facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ elijahwonderboynorth. RSA District Support Advisers cover all of New Zealand. For who they are and what they offer: http://rsa.org.nz/ Support/Support-Services.
MOUNT DOES ‘FABULOUS JOB’ IN TRIBUTE TO HERO Courtesy Sunlive, Tauranga Dam Buster Squadron Leader Les Munro will certainly not be forgotten –as long as the Mount Maunganui’s new restaurant remains open. The Munro Restaurant, which officially opened in early April, is a tribute to the World War 2 hero who spent his later years in the Tauranga/ Mount area. A huge photo of a Lancaster bomber, identical to the one he piloted, plus several pieces of art, depict the life of John Leslie Munro. Les’s son, Graeme, and grandson, Tom, were part of the official opening ceremony in early April to celebrate the re-development and refurbishment. Wall art, posters and information on The Dam Busters movie, which premiered in Wellington in 1955, are on display alongside a life-size glass figure of Les. The restaurant was renamed in his honour in 2014. “This tribute is excellent,” says Graeme Munro. “It has taken a while to put together, but the Mount RSA has done a fabulous job. It has come up really well. “My favourite thing is that it depicts all of Dad’s life – from his time on the farm through to his war service and his post-war years when he was in community service and representing people in the Waitomo/King Country area. “Dad would have been very humbled by this. He wasn’t one looking for public attention, he
Left: Tom (left) and Graeme Munro unveil the Mt Maunganui RSA tribute to Les Munro. Above: Graeme chats with photographer Alf Rendall. Photos: Tracy Hardy –Sunlive, Tauranga
would have been abashed by this type of display.” Mount RSA Club Support Manager Peter Moss has fond memories of a “very staunch RSA man”, who he describes as an “absolute gentleman, a really super man”. In 2014 Les gave the RSA permission to use his name for the restaurant. The following year the club received a donation from the daughter and son-in-law of the RSA’s Vice-President to put towards a full-size glass figure of Les. “We had a bit of change left over, so we decided
to add to the glass figure of Les and make it a full size tribute,” says Peter Moss. The Lancaster in the photo is not the one flown by Les – that no longer exists. This one is still flying in Australia, and Les’s 617 squadron number has been added to it. The wall art depicts Les’s life from his days on the farm in Gisborne, his role with the Dam Busters, his mayoralty in the Waitomo district, his time on the Nelson RSA executive board and more. Peter Moss says $8500 was spent on the wall
art and thanks the adjuncts, sports/service clubs and individuals who contributed “to this fitting tribute”. “We wrote to them all, and they all donated. We hugely appreciate their generosity.” The restaurant, which has an outdoor deck, is fully licensed and has cafe facilities. It can seat up to 130. During the day, the offering ranges from bistro meals to light cabinet offerings; in the evening it’s a combination of buffet and an a-la-carte menu.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
National
HARD WORK BLOSSOMS INTO HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL POPPY DAY BJ Clark, RSA National President Well Poppy Day and Anzac Day are behind us and I am sure many RSA Executive and Staff will be taking the opportunity to get their breath back. Travelling around the country, I saw firsthand the incredible amount of effort put into both days to ensure that they were a success. So, well done to all the RSAs. This year saw an incredible amount of publicity generated by the National Office to support RSAs in their Poppy collection. We had the National Poppy Launch at Sky City, some great support from our amazing Poppy Ambassadors, and the involvement of the media who generated some very good reports. All these opportunities had to be planned by Hamish and his Team, Great effort Team. Reports from around the country indicated that Anzac Day was once again well supported with large crowds attending more than 240 services. This is, of course, a great opportunity for RSAs to show off their RSA and invite visitors to enjoy the facilities on a regular basis, not just on Anzac Day.
The National Office is working very well under the leadership of Jack Steer. They are all very passionate about supporting our RSA “Family” and working very hard for you all. Our Support Team of Mark and Danny is working very hard to bring our Support Services into a relevant, efficient service better able to support those who have served, and in a timelier manner. The third member of the Support Team, Richard Terrill, is working on appeals and the VSA14 review. Kaye Farmer is busy planning our Annual Conference which this year is going to be held in the Salvation Army Hall in Wellington. It is a concern of mine that we spend far too much time dealing with Remits, some of which could easily be dealt with outside of Council. This is something I would like to discuss this year at Council; I am not looking to circumvent the democratic process, merely trying to see if we can do it in a better way. Surely we should use the opportunity of so many RSAs being represented at Council to plan the way forward
and provide an opportunity to them to voice their opinion. This year we will be trialling some break-out focus groups to provide attendees an opportunity to suggest the way forward. I am concerned over the recent spate of “wannabees”, people who feel the need to wear medals they have not earned. Veterans’ medals are a history of their service, an acknowledgement from his country that they have served and often risked their lives during that service. So let me be very clear, I find the actions of these people very offensive and there is no excuse. I have no sympathy for any fines that may be imposed or any ridicule they may face from public exposure. If they wish to wear medals, they should join up and earn them. We will be making submissions to the relevant authorities for the law to be clearer and more effective in dealing with these people. We are working very hard with a variety of initiatives to connect with our contemporary Veteran cohort. I have a regular meeting with the Chief of Navy, RAdm John Martin, to discuss
how both Defence and the RSA can ensure that we remain relevant and in a position to assist contemporary Veterans when they require it. In the past we have made mistakes by not being there to acknowledge the current cohorts; we should ensure we don’t repeat those mistakes. The Government has now made a decision on the repatriation of those service personnel buried overseas. The Working Group tasked by the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs to produce recommendations worked very efficiently to produce a number of options for the Government to consider. The work will now begin on planning the operation which will require a number of agencies to work together to ensure it is carried out effectively and efficiently. Take care and keep up the great work you are all doing. • A thought: “Only by binding together as a single force will we remain strong and unconquerable.”
TIME FOR US TO CONCENTRATE AND WORK ON OUR POSITIVES
Jack Steer, RSA Chief Executive
It’s roughly six months since I took over the position of Chief Executive. I have seen both the good and the bad of the RSA family. Fortunately, the good aspects of the RSA far outweigh the bad. Two of the key tenets of my service in the New Zealand Defence Force were teamwork and trust. These seem to be lost on many of our ex-service RSA Members. For example, contemporary Veterans and potential Members are sometimes looked down on with people questioning their right to be in an RSA. Current and ex-Service women are looked at with a sceptical eye, with questions asked of both groups as to why they are even in an RSA. On many occasions people take great delight in accusing the National Office staff of not respecting the privacy of individuals or of siphoning off money. Initiatives that could benefit both RSAs and the individual Members are often scorned
and withheld from members. Veterans have been denied support they are entitled to because they have assisted the National Office to progress the aims of the whole RSA movement. District Presidents are not included in discussions or meetings because for some reason or another they are aligned with the National Office. Then, no matter how often this is promulgated, there are the never-ending questions regarding the benefits of capitation. Requests for advice on the amounts raised on Poppy Day that will enable us to thank the people of New Zealand for their support are sometimes ignored or responses delayed as long as possible. Capitation payments are often left to the last minute; some RSAs are carrying capitation debt for several years. The same can be said for merchandise debt. The Club Card, a valuable initiative, is often held back from the membership.
Not surprisingly I find these attitudes a little disturbing. Fortunately they are not widespread, however they do at times paint a bleak picture of our organisation, and this does have an impact on our survivability and our reputation. The lack of trust in particular has an impact on our ability to develop external relationships and partnerships that will benefit all. I believe the aim of our organisation is to provide support to our Veterans and their families (by that I mean everyone who has signed up to join the NZDF). We also focus on remembrance, because through that we can say thank you for the sacrifices of those who have served our country. Fortunately a great number of our Members get this and work hard (remembering most of them are volunteers) to provide the support required. This is a challenging task given the nature of support our Veterans require today. Often it is required in a very short time-frame and is life-changing if handled right. More often than not, things are handled right and many lives are enhanced by the work of the RSA family. That is something we should be proud of and which we need to continually work on improving. Individual associations work hard to develop relationships that enhance their ability to provide support and well-being to those in their areas.
Our Support Advisers around the country work extremely hard to develop and nurture their networks. All this is a good aspect of the RSA family. Our challenge and indeed our opportunity, is to ensure that the support we provide is appropriate to the needs of our Veterans today. When I have attended District and Local meetings I have been heartened by the attitude and dedication of those there. The positive attitude towards our future and the support of our veterans is really uplifting. It reminds me what we are really here for. So yes, I have seen the bad side of the RSA. Fortunately I have also seen the good side as well. And I just know that eventually the good side of the RSA family will effectively counter those who prefer to live and act on the bad side. Challenges have been part of the last 100 years of the RSA. The challenge today is to provide current Veterans and their families with the support they need, support that is adapted to the new environment we live in. The other part of this challenge is to overwhelm those who provide a negative attitude to our organisation and for the good aspects to become even more prominent. This is what your National Office will be focusing on to provide the greatest number of opportunities for you all.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
RSA WITH A VIEW: Alistair Kerr
CHECK OUT THE STORY BEHIND THE MEDALS Two recent events led me to think about medals and their place in the daily life of the RSA as an institution. Anzac Day is behind us and, no doubt, all that day RSA clubrooms were full of people wearing a great variety of medals. For something less uplifting, there has been publicity about a member in trouble for wearing medals to which he was not entitled. I was surprised to hear of that happening. I would have thought the RSA would have been absolutely the last place where anyone could consider getting away with that sort of thing. Ex-Servicemen have a keen eye for the medals worn by their mates and I am sure they can very quickly spot something ‘not quite right’. Any impostor would be sure to be noticed, as the offender was in this case. Obviously someone put ‘two and two together’ and realised something was wrong. However, that incident is behind us and, who knows, it
may send a message to potential impostors. On a more positive note, the wearing of medals on special occasions is very much a distinctive part of our RSA culture. After all, they are honourably earned and proudly displayed – not, I am sure, in a self-important way, but with a quiet pride in that the wearer has in some ways served his or her country. Of course, every medal has a story of some sort behind it. One may reflect a brave deed, while another a long period of service in some campaign, or perhaps helping keep the peace in a far-off land. My own club would be typical of many RSAs on Anzac Day – there’s a wide variety of medals and ribbons. Sadly, the World War 2 medals are now mostly worn by surviving family members, but we still see the occasional ’39-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, and medals for service in Korea, Malaya
and Vietnam still being worn by those who earned them. One World War 2 Veteran, an ex-Royal Marine, has two distinctively different medals presented by the Russian government for his service in the Russian convoys. Another member has the Military Cross that was awarded to his father. A little-known medal is the Rhodesian Medal worn by a Member for service as one of the 74 Now Zealand Cease-fire Monitors during the Rhodesian Bush War of the 1970s Many uniformed Service Members visit us for Anzac Day and it’s interesting to pick out medals for service in Timor L’Este, Afghanistan and the Gulf. Another group of former Rhodesia ex-servicemen have medals from service in the Rhodesian conflict of the late 1970s, while yet another has them from service in the French Foreign Legion. Two of our Members have the British Merchant
Navy Veterans’ Badge, which was awarded for war and immediate post-war service in ships operating in war zones or supplying military operations. This is quite a variety, and I am sure it reflects a similar range of in our larger RSA clubs. More importantly, the occasional display of medals on special occasions does much to demonstrate some of our core values in a public way. By doing so, we preserve the historical traditions we have inherited from those who have founded, developed and enjoyed RSA membership over the last 100 years. And, of course, keeping and handing down medals in families helps enshrine a small part of our military history in the memories of succeeding generations. On the next occasion when medals are worn in your clubrooms, ask the wearer about them. I am sure they will be proud to tell you the story.
READER TAKES ISSUE OVER WHERE WOMEN SHOULD SIT IN RSA Ross Wardlaw – National President of the Kings Empire Veterans, president of the RSA Kings Empire Veterans affiliate, and Te Awamutu RSAWelfare Support Services Adviser – takes issue with Alistair Kerr (‘Where do women sit in the scheme of things’ – RSA Review, summer 2017 issue). Don’t get me wrong. There are some wonderful, hard-working Women’s Sections in our RSA community, even though it seems most of them are like most affiliate members’ groups in that they are becoming smaller through natural attrition. Maybe some of them need to come into the 21st Century. Some members of some Women’s Sections are not yet Associate Members of their local RSAs. Maybe they don’t wish to become Associate Members as this would require payment of a full Associate Member’s fee. Maybe they are happy paying just a Women’s Section fee each year as the full subscription is lower. But they still expect all the privileges that all the other members have paid to enjoy. There is no reason why they cannot make a donation to their own Women’s Section as well as paying the RSA Associate Member’s fee. This
would be similar to what is done by the Kings Empire Veterans. Maybe it is time to require all members of the Women’s Section to become full Associate Members of the Club/RSA to which they belong. Since the Women’s Section is a fully affiliated part of the RSA, it makes sense that its Members pay the Associate Members subscription. This need not affect their operation because their home RSA would fully fund them from this income. If some members of the Women’s Sections do not wish to become Associate Members of their own RSA, that positive move forward will not gather any more forward motion. Surely, since the Women’s Section is a fully affiliated part of the RSA, it makes sense that all their members should pay the Associate Members subscription. This need not affect their operation because their home RSA would fully fund them from this income. I look forward to seeing the day when a female
Returned Service Member from today’s era will wish to be a member of a Women’s Section when she is automatically an ex- Service Member or Veteran in her own right. At my RSA, my wife (as an ex-Service woman) has found nothing but positive help from the Executive Committee as well as from Members in general. I guess that’s why she holds a position on the District Executive Committee – no one stood against her for this elected position. Women’s Section members must also understand that they are not taken for granted. It seems a lot of these members should be enjoying what their local RSAs can offer them as Full or Associate Members. Under today’s Health and Safety laws, it is certainly getting harder to use some RSA kitchens for functions and funeral; a large number of the better or stronger RSA kitchens have professional caterers and other people are not allowed in . I also believe that at last year’s RSA National Executive Conference in Wellington, the National Women’s Council moved past its affiliate status
I look forward to seeing the day when a female Returned Service Member will wish to be a member of a Women’s Section when she is automatically an ex-Service Member or Veteran in her own right.
LETTERS
ANZAC LEAGUE CONNECTION ‘TENUOUS AT VERY BEST’ In light of the New Zealand rugby league team’s appalling efforts and subsequent drug fiasco, it is high time the New Zealand Defence Force and the RNZRSA brought an end to this embarrassing feature played out on our calendar each year. The connection between league and Anzac is, at the very best, tenuous. To also see a Naval Reservist from Wellington singing the National Anthem to a carefully orchestrated change of time shows the level to which the National Rugby League has stooped to commercialise and capitalise on such a sacred occasion. It is an insult to the Moascar Cup, the Kings Cup, the Gallaher Shield and the 1945 New Zealand Kiwis, to name but a few things we hold dear. League was never played between the Australian and New Zealand services in either world war, and has become a recent sporting addition only in the last decade or so.
Of the 1914 Australian rugby league team that played against England, only one member served overseas and he was a native-born New Zealander. Billy Kelly, who played more games for New Zealand than his brief solitary test match for his adopted country, was the only one to volunteer. We have to remember that Anzacs were British subjects, so qualification wasn’t necessary, as observed on Chunuk Bair where 123 native-born Australians are listed on the NZ memorial. So, when league tries to capitalise on its contribution to the Anzac cause, it would do well to remember that Australian legends such as Arthur Halloway, Frank Burge, Sandy Pearce and Wally Messenger were still playing club football, while five former Wallabies died on Gallipoli alone. The wearing of a poppy by the New Zealand league team is, to say the least, sacrilegious.
I’m sure General Freyberg VC DSO and a former Horowhenua rugby union representative would be turning in his grave. John Holms Sunshine Coast (Australia) and former New Zealand serviceman Editor’s note: The use of the ‘Anzac’ name invoked controversy when this fixture was introduced in 1997. The word ‘Anzac’ is protected in Australia and its use in commercial events requires permission from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. This was given for the 1997–99 period. Subsequent changes in sponsorship led to an official name change, but the match continued to be commonly referred to as the ‘Anzac test’. However, the concept has now been scrapped – this year’s test was the last that will be played at this time of the year.
(where it should be) by getting on to the District Executive Presidents’ Council. Does affiliation at this level give all other affiliate groups the right to be elected to that status and the opportunity to be on the RSA Presidents’ Forum? Or should the Women’s Section be graceful and step down to be with all the other affiliate groups? I am also well aware that the Women’s Section is so very important for help on Poppy Day. As these Poppy Days are growing, a little word of wisdom. Is it proper to say that men are now a very big part in looking after this day as well? With the “huge” change in the laws as well as rules from the RSA Support Advisers’ Executive in Wellington, the Support Advisers, or Welfare Officers as they have been known in the past, no longer exist. With a new breed of Support Services Advisers now in the community, it takes away most of the stress of the more mature members of the Women’s Section doing the new paperwork for Veterans as well as Widows and Ex-Service Members. It is very important that these Women’s Section members know they are a most important part of the RSA, visiting friends and Veterans in Rest Homes and Hospitals. I am very positive about the prospect of women as Presidents of RSAs, elected by right on their RSA’s Executive Terms. This should happen sooner rather than later. So, Women’s Section Presidents, VicePresidents, Executive Members and Ordinary Members, take a deep thought as well as a deep breath about moving forward.
Huntly RSA history The Huntly RSA has commissioned a local Historian, Jean Beverland, to write a history of the organisation. As president, I am anxious to provide as much background material as possible. We believe the present premises were built in 1933. If any readers have a photograph of the building as it was then or have photographs of any prior premises, we would be grateful to receive them so that copies might be made and the originals returned to the sender with thanks. Any records or historical information concerning early members of the club will also be gratefully received. Please email to frywt@ xtra.co.nz. Anyone wishing to indicate interest in the final publication can also use this address. When costs are available, we will send this information to you. We hope this will give us an accurate indication of the number of copies we need for interested members. Ian Douglas Todd President, Huntly RSA
10 Defence Matters
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Anzac Reflections
A REGULAR ANZAC DAY FOR APORO Anil Ganason
As he does every year, Aporo Joyce was one of the hundreds paying their Anzac respects at Porirua’s Civic Centre. “I think it has a very important position as a commemoration,” says the former Policeman. “We recall, we reflect, we remember for those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice.” He served with the United Nations in Cyprus from 1964-65: “The UN wanted the assistance of some civilian Policemen. They came from New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Denmark and Austria. We served over there to preserve life and property, keep the peace as best we could, and to try our best to normalise the issues that disturbed the nation.” Anzac Day is the most important commemoration of the year for Navy veteran Robert McKillop,
who served in the New Zealand Navy from 1963 to 2002, and was stationed in Wellington and Dunedin. “It’s the primary one,” he says, “but I also always attend the service for the HMS Neptune, which was the greatest loss of the life of naval personnel in World War 2.” Cadets Warrant Officer Austin Rangi, aged 19, who had a great grandfather at Gallipolli, says Anzac Day unites New Zealanders. “It’s a moment where everyone can share a common value, something for us to all reflect on and break down the boundaries we often see in New Zealand”. Seven services were held in Porirua to commemorate the Gallipoli landing and remember the wider aspects of Anzac Day.
Aporo Joyce wears five medals each Anzac Day...from left, the Queen’s Service Medal; the Operations Service Medal; the United Nations Medal in the cause of peace; the Police Long-Service and Good Conduct Medal; the New Zealand Defence Medal from the New Zealand Government.
• Anil Ganason is a journalism student at Whitireia Polytechnic, in Porirua.
Corrections novices hit dawn-service note The Honour Guard and Standard-bearers at the Anzac Day ceremony to honour the memory of the 10 New Zealand and Australian Airmen buried in the Chevington Cemetery.
Anzac airmen honoured in the north They’d never so much as played more than a note between them. But with nine months of training, eight employees from the Department of Corrections played to around 300 people at 2016 Anzac dawn service in Paremoremo. This year, they were back to play two hymns and the National Anthem – and two of the players performed solos.
Band tutor Billy Middleton, also a Corrections employee, says he had to “start from scratch” with the novice musicians. The would-be players had weeks of music theory before the rented brass instruments were obtained for them to start on. They rehearse once a week, on Saturdays, for four or five hours. Band members put in the time and money themselves.
Ana Whangapirita holds a portrait of a loved one lost in Korea, Driver Boyce Whangapirita, at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, in Wellington. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force.
Brilliant sunshine attracted a large attendance of people to honour the memory of the 10 World War 2 Airmen of Australia and New Zealand buried in the Chevington Cemetery, close to the former RAF Acklington in northern England. The annual Anzac Day ceremony was organised by the Newcastle & Gateshead Branch of the RAF Association. The Reviewing Officer was WgCdr Gareth Taylor, WO Karen Bowers was the Parade Marshal. and there as an Honour Guard from RAF Boulmer. The RAF Association contingent was headed by Newcastle Branch President AirCdre Ian Forster OBE. Standard Bearers came from RAFA Branches at Newcastle, Hartlepool, Rothbury, Alnwick, Hexham, the WRAF, the Royal Observer Corps, the RAF Police Association, the Parachute Regiment, the Royal Artillery, the Royal British Legion and the ATC. The Padre was the Rev Michael Boag, the Vicar of Rothbury, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force was represented by FltLt B.Baines.
Flt Lt B.Baines (front centre), representing the RNZAF, takes the salute at Chevington with (from left) Rev Michael Boag, WgCdr Gareth Taylor, RAF and AirCdre Ian Forster (Newcastle Branch President).
Following the playing of the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, wreaths were laid at the RAF Memorial by WgCdr Taylor on behalf of the RAF and by representatives of Australia, New Zealand, The RAF Association, RAFPA, the RBL, the MP, Northumberland County Council, Chevington Parish Council and local residents. During the reading of the Roll of Honour, cadets of 1801 (Alnwick) Squadron, ATC, placed a cross on the grave of each Anzac, and local farmer Bruce Jobson placed a wreath on the grave of his uncle, Sgt George Jobson, who died in an air crash in 1942 while flying in a Sterling bomber with No 75 (New Zealand) Squadron. Following the Act of Remembrance, FltLt Baines spoke on behalf of the RNZAF and the poem, A Mother’s Prayer, read by WO Bowers. The ceremony closed with the National Anthem and a march-past led by RAF Boulmers’ Guard of Honour with WgCdr Taylor taking the salute. The ceremony was followed by a buffet reception in Broomhill.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
MARGARET – NUMBER 61 AT PUKERAU Peter Owens
In its heyday Pukerau, 15 kilometres east of Gore, was the centre for a flourishing farming industry. The village had its own baker, retail outlets and a maternity hospital. These days, most of the properties there are occupied by commuters to Gore. However, the primary school continues to flourish and there there is always a strong attendance at the school’s War Memorial Gates on Anzac Day. This year more than 80 residents and former residents of the district gathered for a short service conducted by Rev Bruce Cavanagh, a former member of the New Zealand Defence Force. The ceremony was chaired by Bruce Catto, a local farmer whose family served in the world wars. Commemorative wreaths were laid by local organisations, including the school, and a local,
Vic Herring sounded the Last Post. Margaret Pullar, a former resident who was attending her 61st Anzac Day service at Pukerau, gave an address on the state of the world and New Zealand’s place. After the service there was a chance to view the Roll of Honour in the school, along with an Anzac display produced by the school pupils. Pukerau Primary School is also the custodian of two historic flags – the New Zealand ensign that was wrapped around the body of VC recipient Sgt Dick Travis VC before his burial in France in 1918, and the French tricolour, the national flag of France, that was draped over his headstone. The two flags have been on display at the school and are being repaired at the Otago Museum. They will be the focal point of a permanent display designed by Colleen Watt, a former head teacher at Pukerau Primary. This display will be opened to the public on Anzac Day 2018.
Left: Former resident Margaret Pullar gave an address at the Pukerau service. This was her 61st Anzac Day service in the village. Above: The Anzac display put together by Pukerau Primary School pupils.
WW1 battles explained and remembered Just over 1000 crosses in Timaru’s Field of Remembrance represent each of those from the South Canterbury area who died in World War 1. The WWI commemorative area, a large circular area, has a map of the world showing the location of all WWI battles; surrounding plinths provide an explanation of each battle. The Memorial Wall, which runs along a central path through the map area, also has a plaque for each battle.
South Canterbury RSA General Manager Michelle Brown says the South Canterbury WW1 Centenary Committee was set up to ensure that throughout the centenary period, battles significant to South Canterbury were commemorated. “The Committee produces the white crosses and ensures that every year before Anzac Day, the Field is built with an amazing volunteer workforce. We are very proud of it.”
Above: A drone captures an aerial view of Timaru District Council surveyors’ work in spacing the crosses in Timaru’s Field of Remembrance. Left: A ground-level view of the crosses.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Defence Matters
TONI’S GOT AIR FORCE IN HER BLOOD Toni Tate says she wanted to join the Navy when she left school, but on discovering her family connection to the Air Force, she was “really determined to take that route”. She joined the RNZAF in 1986 and is now based in Wellington as a Warrant Officer with Joint Forces New Zealand. Her family link to the Air Force stretches back to World War 1. Her great-grandfather, AirCdre Trevor “Tiny” Watts White joined the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles Volunteers as a 13-year-old trumpeter in 1909. He became a sapper with the Mounted Rifles,
Story and photos: Air Force News
then served as a corporal with the NZEF’s 1st Reinforcements in Gallipoli. He also served in Samoa, Egypt and Palestine. During his 80 days in the trenches on the Turkish peninsula, he saw his first plane, a German Taube, dropping steel darts. He had no idea he would become a pilot himself. While in Gallipoli, he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps for pilot training. With his small stature, he could easily squeeze into the cockpit, making him ‘the perfect pilot’ for the Air Force He was posted to active service in France for 56 (Scout) Sqn. He was shot down over the Arras Front and was briefly a prisoner of war in Germany. Recalled to active service in World War 2, he was appointed Commanding Officer of Levin and Rongotai to set up pilot training. He was then sent to Canada as the RNZAF Liaison Officer for the Commonwealth Air Training Scheme. He continued his association with the Air Force after retiring as a Group Captain in 1951. A month before his death in 1979, he received an honorary Air Commodore rank, “I always feel quite humble re-reading his story at this time of the year (Anzac Day),” says Toni. “It’s quite remarkable. I think about all the people who didn’t come home from the war. To page 13
Above: W/O Toni Tate with a photograph of her great-grandfather AirCdre Trevor (Tiny Watts White and his medals from World War 1 and World War 2. Far left: A Manawatu Evening Standard interview with Tiny White in September 1976.
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Defence Matters 13
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
‘A LOT OF GOOD WORK’ AMID VICIOUS CYCLE They are caught in a vicious cycle of violence and poverty but the South Sudanese people are the most amazingly proud and resilient folk, according to LtCol Esther Harrop. After completing her six-month tenure as the New Zealand Defence Force’s Senior National Officer in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, she is now Military Assistant to New Zealander David Shearer, the new United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General. “I’ve met some wonderfully brave people. Despite their extreme poverty and very real fear of death, they still have hope.” She cites an example of women living in a village close to the United Nations House compound in the South Sudanese capital of Juba. “These women work so hard to get food to feed their children. They spend their days gathering firewood to sell or make into charcoal, looking after sick children and trying to keep what is left of their families safe. Their husbands are either dead or barely making both ends meet.”
Luz Baguloro, Public Affairs Manager, Joint Forces New Zealand The three-year civil war has disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese, who are predominantly farmers, and has caused what the UN describes as “an escalating catastrophe”. NZDF Military Liaison Officers Maj Keith Bradley and Maj Dave Leonard have witnessed some of the intense fighting between government forces and rebels, and the flight of tens of thousands of people trying to escape the hostilities. “It sounds like a cliché but we really do punch above our weight.,” says Esther. “David Shearer has said our Kiwi officers are making a huge difference to the success of the mission. We get on with people and get things done.” Fighting, famine and a collapsing economy have left about 7 million people – nearly twothirds of South Sudan’s population – in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. There are 1.9
LtCol Esther Harrop continues to do her bit to help people cope with the escalating crisis in South Sudan.
million internally displaced people in the country. In February, the UN declared famine in parts of the northern-central, which has seen some of the fiercest fighting, and warned that people were already dying from hunger. Conditions in Protection of Civilian sites, which can accommodate up to 120,000 internally displaced people, are “pretty bleak” too. Families share a dwelling the size of a single garage and covered with a plastic or canvas roof. UN agencies have set up makeshift classrooms
in the hope that educating the next generation is key to the future. “There are central water points, central open toilets, open drains, no grass and a few trees. Kids play by the drains and the barbed wire fence, occasionally have a soccer ball. They have practically nothing, but still manage to share a laugh and a smile.” Despite the vicious cycle, LtCol Harrop remains hopeful: “There is a lot of good work going on here and we in the NZDF contribute to that.”
AIR FORCE BLOOD CONTINUES TO RUN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS From page 12 My great-grandfather came home, but there were so many who didn’t and they were all so young. She also remembers her proud armed forces ancestry, including grandparents who met and married while serving in the Army in Egypt during World War 2. And she casts her mind forward as well. “I think about the future —more and more people
are turning up to Anzac Day commemorations, which is great to see. I think about hope and inspiration.” Toni Tate, who was 10 years old when Tiny White died, says her own career has given her the chance to follow in her great-grandfather’s footsteps and to earn more about his legacy. She is in awe of what he achieved: “From the reports I’ve read, he was passionate and dedicated to aviation. His flying career
spanned many years and he showed a lot of tenacity. After World War 1 he carried on flying as a commercial pilot. ”There’s a picture of one of the planes he flew during World War 1 and it looks like it’s just going to fall apart – they were referred to as ‘kites’. It was a Maurice Farman used for reconnaissance missions. “To survive all that and come back to New Zealand and continue with aviation is incredible.”
At just over 1.56 metres (five feet), ‘Tiny’ White: was “really tiny and lived up yo his nickname”, she says. However, he had a good set of lungs and won the New Zealand trumpeting championships in 1911. And now Toni’s 18-year-old son has applied to join the Air Force and is going through the recruiting process. She finds that special.
14 Defence Matters
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
A computer-generated model of HMNZS Aotearoa.
‘LARGEST NAVAL VESSEL’ TO BE AOTEAROA Tradition and global reputation have been combined in the naming of New Zealand’s largest naval vessel. The Royal New Zealand Navy’s still-to-be-built Maritime Sustainment Capability Fleet replenishment tanker has been named HMNZS Aotearoa. South Korean firm Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s biggest shipbuilder, will begin building Aotearoa next year for delivery in January 2020.
Story and photo: Navy Today The $493 million, 24,000-tonne ship will replace the 30-year-old HMNZS Endeavour, which will be decommissioned next year. The naming decision was made by five members of a Navy panel, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Navy, Cdre David Gibbs. The panel considered a range of names, then presented a shortlist of six to the Chief of Navy, RAdm John Martin, who
made the final choice. He says the name reflects the importance of the ship to New Zealand. “It’s a big name for a big ship. Aotearoa will represent us as a nation on the international stage whether conducting operational support, maritime sustainment or providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.” RAdm Martin says Aotearoa will offer more than just the replenishment role provided by Endeavour. “It will have the ability to deploy anywhere in the world. It has the ability to conduct embarked helicopter operations, and will be capable of carrying a significant tonnage of operational supplies. “And it will provide an important Antarctic
support capability to assist with our Southern Ocean monitoring.” He says Aotearoa will be a world-first naval “environship” – Hyundai will use the Rolls-Royce Environship concept design under licence. This incorporates a new wave-piercing hull form which reduces resistance and lowers fuel burn, while its combined diesel electric and diesel propulsion plant has lower fuel emissions than older vessels. The vessel’s “winterisation” capabilities include ice-strengthening for operations in Antarctica, including resupplying McMurdo Station and Scott Base, supporting personnel in the Ross Dependency and monitoring activity in the Southern Ocean.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
A
ALBERT JT E462442 RNZAF Malaya 24/02/2017 Palmerston North KEY AV 05/02/2017 ALEXANDRA RA N86860 Recruiting Officer 27/04/2017 Auckland ALLPRESS BK 332640 RNZAF 05/04/2017 Albany ANDERSON RA 31145818 RAF, Malaya 08/04/2017 Tauranga ANDERSON WG 972100 CMT Invercargill B
BAINBRIDGE HG 168010 RAF 05/03/2017 Red Beach BAIRD JD 451139 RNZAF 03/03/2017 Dunedin BALDERSON C 299432 NZ Army Inf, WWII 20/04/2017 Lower Hutt BENNETT BS 453897 2NZEF Div Sigs WWII 07/05/2017 Hamilton BERESFORD CW NZ416444 RNZAF WWII 22/12/2016 Auckland BETTS EW 302898 NZ Army 29/04/2017 Tauranga BEVINS N 450685 NZ Army, WWII 10/02/2017 Palmerston North BICKERSTAFF CE 101798 47 Bn, 5 FD Regt, D NZEF, WWII 26/02/2017 Napier BILLING RV 813357 WAAC 20/09/2016 Auckland BLACK RE 75847 RNZAF 16/03/2017 Papakura BOWLER JR CMT UK National Service 22/06/2016 Auckland BRIDGE GSJ 712300 RNZAF L A A SQN,CMT 18/03/2017 Wellington BRITTIN PG 49460 05/04/2017 Hastings BROUGHTON GS 656511 NZ Army J Force 06/03/2017 Whangarei BROWNE LC No 5 Squadron 29/04/2017 Orewa BROWNLIE NM 10864 819507 RNZN,F.A. Arm NZ Army – Brigade Band, J Force, WWII 18/12/2016 Richmond C
CALLAND HR 73425 WWII 03/05/2017 Hamilton CALLINAN J FgOff RNZAF 08/02/17 Oamaru CALVERT JKM 15/03/2017 Mt Maunganui CAMPBELL DR 440356 22nd Bn, WWII 18/02/2017 Whanganui CARPENTER AR 887103 WWII 27/03/2017 Omokoroa CHALMERS W 578446 27/03/2017 Hastings CLARK JD 816094 CMT, WWII 01/04/2017 Rangiora COOK DM 925271 03/08/2016 Mt Maunganui COTTER GB 465423 30/07/2016 Mt Maunganui COX G 300369 CMT NZ Army 10/02/2017 Morrinsville CREAN IR 814481 20/04/2017 Invercargill CRIMP DJ 784002 NZ Army Korean War Reserve 20/02/2017 Richmond CRISPIN GW 618327 15th Reinf, WWII 20/04/2017 Gore CRONIN JH 458819 18/03/2017 Mt Maunganui D
DALE RD 62970 2NZEF, WWII 12/04/2017 Temuka DALE H 143087 WWII 12/10/1921 Mt Maunganui DEMPSEY JP 01/02/2017 DIMON HD 641673 NZ Army Auckland DIXON N 459855 NZ Army WWII 08/04/2017 Nelson DORREEN BA 809171 NZ Army WWII 13/03/2016 Auckland DOWNLAND EH 447211 23rd Bn NZEF WWII 02/05/2017 Dunedin DROWER HL 648105 WWII 19/01/2017 Mt Maunganui
DUNN HT RNZN WWII 20/04/2017 Dunedin DUNN PP 448109 NZ Army WWII 07/04/2017 Lower Hutt DYER LA SSX858162 02/03/2017 Mt Maunganui E
EASTWOOD N 429996 RNZAF, LAC 04/04/2017 Hastings EVANS DC 645749 NZ Army WWII 16/03/2017 Temuka EXCELL RA 3532 RNZN WWII 01/03/2017 Invercargill F
FAIRHALL WR 456209 NZ Army 27Bn WWII 03/12/2016 Palmerston North FENTON VG 3108391 RAF 21/04/2017 Taradale/Napier FISK W 438948 29/10/2016 Auckland FLEMING J 924619 29/03/2017 Lower Hutt FORDE JP 969799 CMT 15/03/2017 Invercargill FRANKLYN IA 16204 RNZN Coromandel FRASER M 578305 14/01/2017 Havelock North FRASER TU 206003 RAF 21/10/2016 Auckland G
GOLDSBURY M RNZAF 21/03/2017 Whanganui GOLDSMITH CW 463547 NZ Army 23/12/2016 Auckland GRAY W 72474 RNZAF Auckland GRENVILLE JRW XRNZN Auckland H
HARDING GT 442167 27Bn WWII 04/05/2017 HARRIS JM 824054 15/03/2017 Mt Maunganui HARRIS PG NZ9030 RNZN WWII 04/03/2017 Kaiapoi HAY GJ S857847 1RNZIR 19/04/2017 Amberley HESFORD LW 431437 RNZAF WWII 04/03/2017 Dunedin HEWAERD H 228718 Medical Corps WWII 03/05/2017 Kaiapoi HEYWOOD S 324299 07/03/2017 Hastings HIGGINS PSR 327078 NZ Army 06/09/2016 Auckland HIGHMAN RF RN 12/04/2017 Karitane HINTON C 441355 &amp 436677 RNZAF WWII 20/03/2017 Hamilton HISCOCK A NZ425254 WWII 16/02/2017 Pukekohe HOLDER MTJ 22995537 REngs 03/05/2017 Army Bay HOLLINGWORTH G 73960 26/03/2017 Mt Maunganui HOLMES BT 579515 RNZAC 20/03/2017 Napier HOOPER CW M543478 NZ Army Band 1RNZIR Band RNZMC Malaya 07/03/2017 HUGGARD DO J75609 RNZAF 11/05/2017 Auckland HURST SM F/Sgt RNZAF 21/07/16 Oamaru. J
JAMIESON L R150685 MN WWII 15/02/2017 Tauranga JARVIS MD 579737 10/04/2017 Hastings JOHNSON MW 2144286 RAF WWII 02/03/2017 Auckland JOHNSON RS 437116 RNZAF WWII 11/04/2017 Hamilton JOHNSTON ARM 48768 NZ Army Wgtn Regt WWII 14/02/2017 Australia JONES JM 180724 NZ Army WWII 03/02/2017 Auckland JONES LF 45641 RNZAF CMT 04/05/2017 Tauranga K
KENNETT LT RNZAF 11/12/16 Oamaru KIELY JK 444515 NZ Army 25/04/2017 Auckland KING EB 969087 CMT 15/03/2017 Invercargill
KINLOCH J 206790 16 Fd Regt Korea 12/04/2017 Nelson KIRKPATRICK TL 4099937 RAF 05/03/2016 Tauranga KRIJT CA 74834 RNZAF, WWII 24/12/2016 Opotiki L
LANGSTON N 4106879 RNZAF WWII 07/04/2017 Auckland LANGTON N 579736V SAAF, WWII 336 RAF 13/03/2017 Havelock North LAWRENCE (HORN) VM 49796 WRN WWII 24/04/2017 Dunedin LEA RNM W011842 RNZN 29/07/2016 Auckland LEARY J 23390332 08/05/2017 Napier LEESE DR M16433 RNZN 02/04/2017 Palmerston North LEMMON DM 346144 NZ Army 20/02/2016 Auckland LOFTUS J 72268 RNZAF, WWII Whangarei LOVELAND PT 23471696 Cyprus 25/02/2017 Tauranga M
MCCAULEY D NZW822 WRENS WWII 08/01/2017 Auckland MCDERMOTT CC 398812 RNZN WWII 22/03/2017 Dunedin MCDONALD SS 204090 RNZASC K-Force Whangarei MCGARVEY R 812822 J Force 28/01/2017 Hastings MCGRATH GF S1016961 27/11/2016 Mt Maunganui MCKENZIE NC 2NZEF Invercargill MCNAB TG Sgt 23Bn RNZA 17/09/16 Oamaru MAHENO HH 304688 IRNIR Malaya 01/03/2017 Invercargill MAGICAL RJ 810837 18/09/2016 Mt Maunganui MARTIN AC 5820 RNZN NZEF WWII 25/03/2017 Temuka MONAGMAN PW RNZ14876 RNZN WWII 03/02/2017 Auckland MONSON AR 271045 19th Armoured Regt 24/03/2017 Whangarei MURRAY CA 22496561 R.E.M.E. 14/04/2017 Whanganui N
NICHOLAS RC 81200 4th Armour 10/03/2017 Dargaville NICOLL A R595412 11/02/2017 Hastings O
ODDY R 22330351 RA 05/03/2017 Nelson OLDFIELD R 372563 British Army 07/11/2016 Auckland ONEROA RH P411368 RNZIR 23/04/2016 Woodend P
PAUL RL R580168 MN 23/01/2017 Auckland PEARCE KJ 447461 WWII 22/03/2017 Geraldine PEDERSEN J NZ2337 RNZN Orewa PENN LW 623017 CMT 19th Intake 22/03/2017 Whanganui PHILLIPS TJ NZ16235 RNZN, Malaya 04/08/2016 Kumeu PITMAN R NZ 13566 RNZN, Korea, Malaya 22/02/2017 Mangere POUTAPU (POU) W K478041 161 Bty, Vietnam 12/03/2017 Ngaruawahia PRENTICE LC 898299 WWII 29/03/2017 Temuka PRITCHARD S 14658055 Royal Engs (British Army) WWII Whangarei PRUJEAN BG NZ8078 RNZN, WWII 24/03/2017 Feilding PYKE IC NZ Police BSAP 14/11/2016 Auckland R
REDMAN LS 970244 CMT 30/01/2017 Invercargill REES RV 651268 NZ Army 18/10/2016 Auckland
REWETI RR 42289 RNZIR, Vietnam 18/02/2017 Whanganui RICKETTS AG NZ 2229 NZ Army, RNZAF, WWII 06/03/2017 Nelson ROBERTSON JM NZ415785 186 Sqn, RAF 26/01/2017 Cromwell RUDSITS ER 5918 RNZN, WWII 05/04/2017 Mt Maunganui S
SADLER RL L16869 RNZN, Malaya/Borneo 01/03/2017 SANDRIC J 2083489 WWII 04/04/2016 Mt Maunganui SAVAGE KR 208790 NZ Army K Force 27/03/2017 Tauranga SELWOOD RV J17672 Ldg. E.M, RNZN 24/08/2016 Waitakere SINCLAIR BD 645122 1RNZIR, Malaya Vietnam 31/03/2017 Palmerston North SLATER WA 208288 K Force Invercargill SLATER WA 208288; R307545 MN Korea WWII 04/05/2017 Bluff SMART CR 07/02/2017 SMITH KE 439965 / 46347 RNZAF WWII 09/03/2017 Napier SMITH TG MN, WWII 21/12/2016 Stoke Nelson STEVENSON JG 465314 1 Bn RNZIR NZ Army Malaya 04/04/2017 Kerikeri STEWART P NZ7563 11/01/2017 Hastings SWALLOW A 22398594 1st Bn 07/03/2017 Invercargill SWINBURN PE W14712 WAAC, WWII 25/02/2017 Westport T
TANNER JS 48119 27/06/1920 Mt Maunganui TANNER RC W36360 NZ Army 2 NZ Regt Malaya 21/03/2017 Palmerston North TAYLOR IA 629963 NZ Army 21/12/2016 Auckland THOMAS RE 802579 CMT MN 15/02/2017 Nelson THOMPSON RJ NZ415565 RNZAF WWII 28/02/2017 Palmerston North THOMPSON SM 62165 2NZEF 21st & 24th Bn NZ Army, WWII 16/03/2017 Kerikeri THORNLEY B 23586308 British Army Porirua W
WALMSLEY G 14954486 WWII 19/01/2017 Hastings WALTERS NR 623400 CMT 23/02/2017 Nelson WARD A J690905 Malaysia 14/04/2017 Hastings WARREN EL 442452 WWII 10/03/2017 Napier WARRINGTON RJ 930055 ATC 11/04/2017 Dunedin WATSON MAJ 651538 WWII 15/04/2017 Mt Maunganui WATSON TI 14986 RNZN 15/04/2017 Whanganui WEAVER L 294345 15/02/2017 Hastings WELLS PF RNVR WWII 01/01/2014 Hamilton WHITE L Y1017956 09/03/2017 Mt Maunganui WILLIAMS LA 73482 3rd Fijian Bn, WWII 19/02/2017 Matamata WILLIAMS RE 814161 16th Fld Regt, K Force 08/05/2017 Oxford WINDLE BJQ NZ Army, WWII 23/02/2017 Napier WING CT 477670 NZ Army 29/04/2017 Tauranga WILSON KGB 438599 RNZAF WWII 06/01/2017 Tauranga WIN O NZ 9941 RNZN Pacific 06/01/2017 Manurewa, Auckland WOOD T 14964403 WWII 04/08/2016 Hastings WOODHILL R 928417 WWII 25/11/2016 Temuka WYATT WP NZ 2056 06/12/2016 Mt Maunganui
Women take charge at Woodbourne Base Story and photo: Air Force News
Left: First women on the Woodbourne Base top block: WgCdr Berni Pothan (left) and W/O Annette Walding.
The appointment of an all-women command at Woodbourne Base is a first for the RNZAF. WgCdr Berni Pothan is Base Commander and W/O Annette Walding Command Warrant Officer. In her 20-plus years in the Air Force, WgCdr Pothan has held roles in operations, command and training. She says the Woodbourne position has been a career goal for a long time. “This is a significant senior command appointment, and not many get such an opportunity.” W/O Walding, who has been in the Air Force for 29 years, has a technical background, and has held a number of trade, training and leadership roles.
Although WgCdr Pothan isn’t the first female officer to take a significant lead role on a base, she is the first to be appointed a Base Commander in the current structure. Likewise, W/O Walding is not the NZDF’s first female Command Warrant Officer. However, this is the first time women have been posted simultaneously into the two positions. They have worked together several times over the last 15 years. “History shows we are not afraid to challenge the status quo,” says W/O Walding. Base Woodbourne’s primary function is training the Air Force’s newest personnel, and providing all specialist trade training up to advanced and post-graduate level.
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Lost Trails Grave in Paris
Loader, Charles Turi 11/1723, Gunner, NZ 1ST Field Artillery, died 28/10/1918. Two Kiwis who are living in Paris discovered this soldier’s grave in a cemetery in the suburb of Saint Cloud and laid a wreath on the grave on Anzac Day. They would like to be put in touch with family or descendants so that they can send a photograph of the grave. Contact: Terry O’Brien – terryandjude@clear. net.nz or Jane Niven – jane.niven@me.com
Hello Charlie
Attention Charlie Sergent, 2 Battalion Mortar Platoon. Allan Penman aka ‘Evil’ lost contact two years ago and would like to hear from anyone who knows anything about Charlie’s whereabouts. Contact: Charlie – 03 413 9598; penman@clear. net.nz
Looking for ‘R.W.R 481553’
Information and full service name sought by Lynette Syme for the R.W.R service number 481553. Contact: Lynette – lynette15@xtra.co.nz
RNZAF friend from way back
Mike Klarwill is searching for an old, really good friend, Brian James Sinclair, who joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1967 at the Airman Cadet School at Woodbourne Air Force Base. Brian started as a Clerk GD, then remustered to Mess Steward. He spent most of his time at Woodbourne (Blenheim) and then at Shelly Bay ( Wellington). He took early release, and lived and worked in Wellington, where he and Mike caught up frequently until about 1972 when Brian disappeared. Mike was a Clerk Admin who worked at Woodbourne and at Wigram for four years, and then at Defence HQ, Wellington, for four years. He would dearly like to find Brian. Contact: Mike – elle_karnthita@hotmail.com
Desley P Hill RNZAF
Ian is ex-Royal New Zealand Air Forc e, 80078 who served from 1960-67. He has recently returned from overseas and is trying to find Desley Hill RNZAF 81041, who was an experienced operator in the Base Telephone Exchanges. They were stationed at RNZAF Whenuapai (Auckland); Desley was transferred to Defence Headquarters in Stout St, Wellington. Desley arranged and hosted Ian’s 21st-birthday party at her parents’ home. Ian has been searching for her for many years so that he can return a set of studio photos which were taken at that time as he believes she and her family would like them. He has
tried New Zealand Defence Force Personnel Archives, but there is on information since Desley left the RNZAF Contact: Ian – ian80078@gmail.com
Alfred George Rush
Trying to locate family members of Alfred George Rush 4717, who was killed in action in the Western Desert on November 25, 1941. He enlisted in Russell where he worked as a Telegraphist in the Post Office. His mother, Elizabeth, was living in Ophir St. Newton, Auckland at the time of his death. He went to Whangarei Boys’ High School. . Contact: Beau Sanders, Russell – 09 403 7097
Huntly RSA history
The Huntly RSA has commissioned a local historian, Jean Beverland, to write a history of the organisation, and is anxious to provide as much background material as possible. It is believed that the club’s present premises were built in 1933. If you have a photograph of the building as it was then or you have photographs of any prior premises, could you send them to the club so that copies can be made, and the originals returned. Any records or historical information about early members of the club will also be gratefully received. You can also indicate your interest in the final publication, and further information will be sent to you. Contact: Huntly RSA – frywt@xtra.co.nz
Driver Ken Lindsay
Wanting to find a ex-Army driver who was with Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps and stationed at Papakura around about the late 1980. His name is Ken Lindsay. If you know of him or his whereabouts, can you please tell him Ray Farrell is looking for him and give him my mobile phone number – 021 02666294 Contact: Ray Farrell, Auckl;and Combined RSA District Support Adviser – o21 02666294.
Medals returned
Do you have medal you would like returned? Medals Reunited New Zealand© (MRNZ) is a voluntary, free service dedicated to returning war and service medals of mainly New Zealand Veterans, to their families or a traceable descendant. Typically, medals and associated ephemera that have been found (or pre-owned) are sent to MRNZ for research and return once the recipient or surviving descendant kin has been located. Ian D.Martyn, Founder, Nelson – medalsreunit ednz@gmail.com; 027 9404495; 03 5467728; www.medalsreunitednz.co.nz.
Otaki College hosts Presidential summit
Three wise men... Paraparaumu RSA President Chris Turver (left), RSA National President BJ Clark (centre) and Otaki RSA President Pat Kenny compare notes after a ceremony at Otaki College to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of the SS Otaki during World War 1. Photo: Athol Corbett.
Correction & addition In our March 2017 issue of RSA Review, we captioned the photo (above) incorrectly. Roger Stratton’s account of his father’s time as a Prisoner of War in the Montelupone area of Italy included reference to Alberto Muccichini, the Deputy Mayor of Montelupone and his daughter, Alice. They were very friendly and Alice was a helpful translator for Roger and Janine Stratton during their visit there. The photo shows Roger’s wife, Janine Stratton (second from right), with (from left), Andrea Scola, Alice Muccichini and Alberto Muccichini. Roger has also provided a photo (left) of his father, Pte S T Stratton, which was not available when we printed in March. We apologise for the original error and thank Roger for his further contribution.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Remembering
THE 'MAHENO'S LINK ARMS Anzac trip opens youngsters' eyes to a whole new world Maheno is a small town a little way south of Oamaru with a school that opened in 1875. The SS Maheno was a steamship built in 1905...a trans-Tasman liner until 1935 and commandeered as a hospital ship in World War 1. The Maheno was wrecked off the Queensland coast in 1935, and its rusted hull has become a stopping spot for tourists. The link between school and ship was forged in 1967 when the Union Steamship Company presented the ship’s bell, which had been removed from the wreck, to the school where it has hung since. In 2015, seven Maheno School children, parents and principal Ryan Fraser were invited to Fraser Island for the Anzac Day commemorations, 100 years after HMNZS Maheno began life as a hospital ship. They took with them her bell, which was used to create two replicas in Australia. This year eight year-seven and year-eight children, and six staff and parents (including Ryan Fraser) represented the school and town at Anzac Day ceremonies on Fraser Island. The school group was hosted at a luncheon where the menu was based on the Maheno’s Christmas Day fare. The visitors were also part of the unveiling of a commemorative, bronze plaque, set in rock amist sand dunes near the wreck and outlining the ship’s history.
Words Neil Grant Photos Paula Symes The Maheno pupils performed a haka at the service, and one of them, Oliver Symes, rang a replica bell. A children’s book detailing the life of the Maheno and its significance as a hospital ship, is due to be published. It will include drawings by Butchulla children – the Butchulla people have been granted native title to K’gari (Fraser Island). Ryan Fraser says it was a “special moment” and the pupils continued to gain more of an understanding of the school’s links to the ship and the island. Before heading to Fraser Island, the Maheno group joined pupils and staff of the Albert State School in Maryborough for an Anzac service a few days before April 25. Maheno School, which currently has just over 50 pupils, has been invited back to Fraser Island for Anzac Day 2019, and Ryan Fraser is keen for the school to take part. An idea has also been floated to create a replica of the bronze plaque for the school – ship“just thoughts at this stage,” he says.
Memorial aims to inspire pause for thought With the Maheno wreck slowly succumbing to the forces of Nature, the aim is to establish a permanent memorial to record and recognise the ship’s role as a hospital ship. Around 15,000 visitors stop at the Maheno wreck each year, but only a few appreciate the historical significance of the ship, its links to the Anzac concept of 'mateship', and its role as a hospital ship. And, while the Maheno was one of many hospital ships during World War 1, it is a lonesurvivor. The hope is that the record of its history will encourage visitors to reflect on the contribution of hospital ships, their crews, and doctors, nurses and medical personnel. A cyclone helped the Maheno cheat the scrapyard. The ship was being hauled to Japan to be broken up for scrap when on July 7, 1935, a cyclone broke the tow-line and she was cast onto a beach on Fraser Island (K’Gari), north of Brisbane. Another cyclone in March 1936 drove the ship
further into the sand scuttling any chance of refloating her. TSS Maheno began life as a Union Steamship Company passenger ship in 1905, setting records for the voyage between Australia and New Zealand. At the start of World War 1, she was commissioned by the New Zealand government as a hospital ship. In her first trip in this role, she transported 445 invalids from Gallipoli in August 1915 to the Greek Island of Lemnos. Further trips with wounded saw her go to Malta, Gibraltar, Alexandria and Southampton. In 1916, she twice brought New Zealand wounded back to Wellington. During the Somme campaign, she ferried wounded between France and England, and until 1919 made further trips back to New Zealand. By this time she had carried and treated nearly 16,000 wounded men. Returned to the Union Steamship Company, Maheno resumed trans-Tasman duties until 1935, when she was sold as scrap.
WHAT THE KIDS HAD TO “Kids these days get so many opportunities,” says Maheno School Principal Ryan Fraser, referring particularly to the trips that have developed from the school’s connections to the ship Maheno. This year eight Maheno School pupils went to Fraser Island, Australia for the dedication of a memorial plaque to the TSS Maheno’s wreck and her role as a hospital ship in World War 1. Ryan Fraser has encouraged them to write about what they saw and what it meant to them.
Nearly every family had someone who went to fight My ears were ringing from the rumble and screaming from an Australian military jet which flew above the whole of Fraser Island/K’gari. I then realise how big an event this is. The march of the catafalque party, the ringing of the Maheno bell and the performance of the cooey and the haka have an an impact on my life. During the trip it occurred to me why the Anzacs mean so much to people. The fact that nearly every family in New Zealand and Australia had a son, husband, brother, cousin or uncle who went to war to fight is amazing.
– Ethan Borton
The commemorative lunch I could tell the Christmas lunch would have made our soldiers feel a little more at home as soon as the food was being served to the hundreds of supporters. The effort put into this fantastic lunch from the original 1918 menu was incredible. Out of the delicious soup, fish, turkey, ham, puddings and drink, the pumpkin soup was sure to be my favourite part of the meal. This trip has shown me how much effort this day of remembrance is worth. Our little school will surely keep the ship’s stories and fame alive, The adventure created for us is something we will always treasure.
– Sophie McMillan-Sinclair Lake McKenzie
It was Day 6 on Fraser Island and we were travelling on the massive off-road bus. We were travelling to Lake McKenzie which is 200 metres above sea level to see the silica sand and the crystal-clear water. I like the silica sand and how it makes our skin and hair go do soft. The lake slowly came into view of the beastly truck. The impact on me has been of making history,
Remembering 19
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Left: Who's who on the front page: Maheno School pupil (front to back) – Jack Jones (aged 11), Caleb Scrivener (12), Ben Hamilton (11), Ethan Borton (12), Katelin Mooney (11), Sophie McMillan-Sinclair (12), Katie Kinnaird ( 12) and Oliver Symes (11) with the rusted hull of the former hospital ship, SS Maheno.
PHOTOS – Above: The Maheno group visits Australia Zoo. Above right: Oliver Symes rings the replica Maheno bell. Right: the rusting hull of the Maheno. Below right: The commemorative plaque that was unveiled and dedicated next to the Maheno wreck on Anzac Day. Below, The Maheno group takes a bird's-eye look over Brisbane. Left: New friends – children from Maheno and Fraser Island get together.
SAY ABOUT IT ALL and getting to meet new friends has allowed me to talk in public easier and appreciate what whose who went to war did for us.
– Ben Hamilton Fraser Island
The adventure starts at Fraser Island where we drove across the sandy highway not knowing we would see any dingos, but we saw two. We travelled further down the highway and view the Dilli Village sign. As we keep smoothly drifting down this road we sight the Maheno ship; we come to a halt while our driver told everyone about the ship. Everyone stares out the window with amazed faces; we had now experienced what it felt like to see the ship. We calmly carry on down the tyre-tracked road and discover the Happy Valley sign ready to explore our accommodation. I will remember meeting and getting to know new people, especially our bus drivers who took us places on Fraser Island. Also remembering people who fought for New Zealand during the war.
– Jack Jones The Maheno
I remember the first time I saw it on the beach, and all I thought was wow, this is really it. When I first walked up to the ship, I felt so lucky to be standing beside the rusting piece of history that we had learned so much about – covered in barnacles and seaweed, It was amazing and sad to see how time had changed the hospital ship to its current state on the beach. This adventure has shown me the importance of Anzac Day and the remembrance of the soldiers. This amazing trip has left me with stories and memories that I’ll remember forever.
– Katie Kinnaird
Anzac service at Albert State School We walk through the gates at Albert State
School. I start peering around with my beady eyes. I’m amazed with how big the school is, the kids must have fun here. The bell rang and we stared as the kids piled on the seats, Mr Murtagh, the principal, introduced us and we started off with our National Anthem. After we sang, the school repeated with their National Anthem. We finished with a haka, and the laying of crosses began. Crosses were laid as the names of the Anzac soldiers got called. We left remembering the soldiers who served us and the impact that had on me was how grateful I am for the what they did for us.
– Caleb Scrivener Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo, it’s here Under the rocks lizards are hiding. So cute the baby cheetah was. Turtles walking in their cages. Rangers roaming around the zoo. Amazing animals we saw, Looking around at the animals in the zoo. It was fun going to the zoo, Animals attacking their food. Zoo, that’s what it is. Otters swimming in their tanks. Ohh, the zoo was fun. I would go there again
– Oliver Symes
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
SANDERS VC: SHORT BUT BRILLIANT CAREER LtCdr William Sanders is the only New Zealander to have been awarded a Victoria Cross for valour in a naval action. The centenary of that action was in April. Michael Wynd traces events. Willian Sanders was born in Auckland in 1883 and grew up desiring a life at sea. He got his chance in 1899, as a cabin boy on the coastal steamer, Kapanui. In 1902 he joined the Union Steam Ship Company’s Aparima and gained his first ocean-going experience. He then served for a time in a Government Steamer before moving to sailing ships involved in the trans-Tasman timber trade. At the outbreak of World War 1 he volunteered for the Navy, but for reasons not clear, was not accepted. In April 1916 in London, he volunteered for naval service and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. After Officer training, he volunteered for service in the Q-ships. In 1916 the Royal Navy was desperate to combat the attacks by U-boats on Allied merchant shipping and responded by sending out armed decoy vessels, code-named Q-ships. Sanders joined the Sailing Vessel HMS Helgoland (Q17) as both First Lieutenant and Gunnery Officer. He took part in two actions against u-boats and gained a reputation for his coolness under fire. He was given command of his own ship, the Schooner HMS First Prize (Q21), a captured German Merchant Ship. She was commissioned on April 25, 1917 and left port for her first operation that very night. In the evening of April 30 Prize encountered U-93, which was headed back to Germany. The u-boat was at least twice the size of the Prize, had a top speed of 17 knots, and even submerged, was faster than the schooner on the surface. The
From the time he was a boy, Auckland-born William Sanders wanted a life at sea. He was to get his wish – starting as a cabin boy and ending up a Victoria Cross-winning Captain in the Royal Navy.
U-boat’s two 100mm guns had a greater range than Prize’s pair of 12-pounders. Sighting what he thought was a defenceless merchant ship, the U-boat commander chose to open fire and close on what appeared a sitting duck. The German Captain was in for a rude shock. Showing matchless courage, Sanders held his fire for 20 minutes, all the time enduring the continuous German shelling, and at the same time encouraging his men to stay calm. Not until the U-boat was less than the length of a football field away did he give the order to open fire. The Schooner engaged her foe virtually at point-blank range, and shell after shell struck the German. During the action, the U-boat Commander and two of his men were blown overboard and taken prisoner. It was almost dark by the time the Prize ceased fire, and the U-boat appeared to be sinking and on fire. Both Sanders and his captive agreed
In 15 months Sanders rose from Sub-Lieutenant to Lieutenant-Commander, and was awarded the Victoria Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. He did not live to receive his decorations.
U-93 had sunk. They were wrong. With skilful damage control and seamanship, the boat’s first lieutenant managed to get the badly damaged u-boat back to Wilhelmshaven despite the fact it could not submerge. U-93’s safe arrival was the beginning of the end for the Prize, for all on board had a good description of the British Q-ship. Prize was also in danger of sinking after the firefight with, amongst other damage, one of her diesel engines shot to pieces and the second would not start. By a stroke of luck, one of the German Prisoners was a diesel mechanic and he managed to get the good motor running. Slowly Prize got under way, and made slowly for Queenstown, in southern Ireland. While Prize was being repaired Sanders was called to the headquarters of the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, who offered him command of a destroyer, a patrol boat or any other suitable ship. For reasons he apparently kept to himself, Sanders declined, a decision that almost certainly sealed his fate. Unknown to him, the Germans knew his ship and were out to get her. By May 27, Prize was back on patrol and on June 12 in action again, exchanging fire with an unidentified U-boat. It was an inconclusive scrap, but during the action Sanders’ right wrist was hit by shell splinters. Although he made light of his wounds, there were signs
the strains of combat were beginning to tell. Letters home to his father make it plain that constant patrols, little time in harbour and the fact he had a bout of pneumonia were making life almost intolerable. But there was some joy, for the London Gazette of June 22 announced he had been awarded the Victoria Cross. Early in August, Sanders applied to the Admiralty to be relieved of his command, “owing to overstrain, the result of special service in which he is engaged”. His request, sent on August 3, got a good hearing and the reply, “A relief will be sent”. Before this news reached Milford Haven, Prize was on patrol again, and on August 13 encountered e UB-48. Once more there was an opening flurry of gunfire with neither side suffering serious damage. The Commander of the U-boat submerged his boat and bided his time. Early the following morning, he fired one torpedo at the Q-ship and missed. His second shot, 20 minutes later, found its mark, and Prize blew up in a sheet of flame. There were no survivors. The sinking ended a short but brilliant naval career. In 15 months Sanders rose from SubLieutenant to Lieutenant-Commander, and was awarded the Victoria Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. He did not live to receive his decorations.
AT 99 NORM’S STILL A STARTER FOR SATURDAY-NIGHT DANCING Norm Batterham, one of the oldest Members of the East Coast Bays RSA, celebrated his 99th birthday in March. Norm is as fit as they come, lives alone and shuns any suggestion he apply for home help from Veterans Affairs. He is active in the RSA, going to Saturday-night dances and playing indoor bowls. The sea was in Norm’s blood. He lived in a naval port (Portsmouth, England); he was from a naval family of four (his father was a stoker in the Royal Navy); he was a sea cadet in his early years. It was no surprise that in 1936 he should join the navy to see the world. The Recruiting Office told him the engineering branch was pretty full, but they were short of cooks; Norm signed on as a cook. After some initial training, he was waiting for a posting to a ship and worked in a London club. His posting was to the Battlecruiser HMS Hood, the flagship of the Mediterranean Fleet. For two and a half years, the length of an overseas posting in those days, Hood and her attendant fleet cruised the waters of the Mediterranean, exercising and showing the might of the Royal Navy in many ports. As the shadow of impending war began to spread across Europe, HMS Hood sailed for home to refit. When war was declared, Norm left the
Norm Batterham – now 99 and a Member of the East Coast Bays RSA on Auckland’s North Shore – went from the Battlecruiser HMS Hood to one of the smallest ships in the Royal Navy.
spit, polish and formality of an Admiral’s flagship for one of the smallest ships in the Navy. HMS Bluebell was a brand new Flower-Class Corvette, one of hundreds built in small shipyards in Britain and Canada to serve as convoy escorts. Bluebell was to be Norm’s home for the next three years and eight months. She escorted many convoys, mostly going out from Liverpool to relieve the Canadian escort
in mid-Atlantic and bring the convoy the rest of the way to Britain. She also took convoys to Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean – and two convoys to Russia where she would then wait in one of the most inhospitable parts in the world for a return convoy to form. En route to Russia, Norm saw an ammunition ship torpedoed and blown up in a shattering explosion that blew large pieces of the ship
hundreds of feet in the air while the rest of it disappeared in seconds. They brought a convoy into Liverpool one day to find the port smoking amid the ruins after a heavy air raid that night. On the way to Gibraltar one night, they detected a U-boat which they attacked with depth charges. The contact was lost, but they were credited with sinking U-208. Mostly, Bluebell covered the tail of a convoy and recovered survivors. On one occasion, with more than 200 on board and a crew of 90, it was standing room only for several days. In early 1944 Norm was posted ashore. Bluebell went back to Russia and, on the return trip, was torpedoed and sank with only one survivor. For the Normandy invasion on D-Day Norm was on a tank-landing craft (LST 238) bringing heavy vehicles into the beach. As the war in Europe drew to a close, he was sent to Italy where he worked as a cook in a succession of camps holding thousands of troops waiting for transport home. When the war was over, New Zealand acquired six Loch-class frigates from Britain and brought them to New Zealand. Norm was the cook on Pukaki, and has been in New Zealand since. He says if anybody has a bottle of rum and a long weekend he will tell more war stories.
STAYING SAFE A refresher workshop for senior road users
Have fun and brush up on ways to maintain your mobility and independence Staying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop designed for all senior road users aged 70 and over. The aim of this workshop is to: • help you to maintain and improve your safe driving practices • give you information about other transport options available when driving is no longer possible.
For more information about courses, please contact the NZ Transport Agency on 0800 822 422. You can take a self-assessment quiz, watch safety videos and read about how to improve your safety on the road at road-users. Why not visit today?
22 Remembering
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
AIRMEN STOP TANKS IN THEIR TRACKS
Bob Cotton reveals the role of Kiwi airmen in thwarting a Japanese secret plan for a tank ambush of Australian troops on Bougainville during World War 2. Wellington Draughtsman turned wartime RNZAF Fighter Bomber Pilot PltOff K L Albert sparked a month-long air-ground battle across Bougainville when he spotted a broken-down Japanese tank in a jungle clearing in early 1945. His discovery on a routine patrol on March 3 came as a “bombshell” for Allied military commanders unaware of the presence of Japanese tanks on the south-west Pacific island. Over the next four days RNZAF Corsair fighterbombers of Nos 18 and 20 squadrons RNZAF, Boomerangs and Wirraways of No 5 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron RAAF and US Marine Air Wing PBJ Mitchell medium bombers wrecked a secret Japanese plan to ambush unsuspecting Australian ground troops with tanks in northern Bougainville. Later in March No 18 RNZAF and No 5 RAAF Airmen were back in action after further sightings of Japanese armour in another part of the island. During these two episodes Anzac Airmen destroyed or damaged five tanks or armoured fighting vehicles, their hide-outs and supply depots, and killed many Japanese troops. These anti-tank operations never received public recognition in New Zealand, but the Bougainville battle was a classic of ground-attack warfare. It was carried out in difficult and dangerous conditions over tangled jungle of hilly, ravine-riven terrain. Flying at times perilously low in poor weather and in near dark, the Allied Airmen were also up against Japanese so adept
at camouflage for survival they had managed to hide the armour for up to a year. The determination and skilful ground-attack work of the airmen is clear from their squadron operations record books and associated reports held by the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, the New Zealand National Archives and the Australian War Memorial and National Archives. What also stands out is the airmen’s professionalism – some commentators back home were questioning the conduct of Australia and
Taken by an RAAF Wirraway of No 5 (TR) Sqn RAAF, this is a rare photo of a Japanese tank under air attack in the Pacific War. The tank is one of two in a Bougainville clearing first attacked by No 18 Squadron RNZAF Corsairs on March 3, 1945. Photo: Air Force Museum of NZ, PR521; Australian War Memorial OG2293.
Left: Three senior pilots of No 18 Squadron RNZAF who led attacks on the Japanese tanks on Bougainville, (from left) Flt Lt W A Hardham, SqnLdr Guy Corbet and Flt Lt E D Smart. Photo: Air Force Museum of NZ PR5453. Right: Chocks away for a No 18 Squadron Corsair carrying a 1000lb “Daisy Cutter” bomb like that used on the Japanese tanks. The protruding pole on the bomb ensured it exploded above ground causing maximum damage and also cleared vegetation from around the hidden tanks. Photo. Air Force Museum of NZ, PR 5751.
New Zealand’s continuing involvement in the south-west Pacific War. Japanese tanks were in the open on a path through a clearing when discovered in the Ruri Bay area on the morning of March 3 by SqnLdr Guy Corbet and Albert’s routine patrol. One had broken down; the other, spotted shortly afterwards, was attempting to tow it. The pilots immediately strafed the tanks, leaving one smoking and a dead Japanese soldier on the track. Allied Senior Commanders believed these tanks were positioning to ambush Australian Imperial Force troops preparing to attack Japanese forces on the Soraken Peninsula. The troops were ill equipped to deal with enemy armour, and anti-tank weapons were sent urgently. Meanwhile Corbet, an experienced Combat Pilot who had flown Hurricane fighters with the Royal Air Force in England, and his counterpart in No 5 RAAF, SqnLdr “Beau” (B M) Palmer, from Queensland, both operating out of the Piva airstrip at Torokina, organised the battle with the tanks. Two further attacks by Corsairs with 1000pound ‘Daisy Cutter’ bombs and gunfire were made on March 3. One was by Corbet and FgOff G M Kirk (Tauranga), guided in by Palmer in a Boomerang. The other was an eight-plane strike led by Corbet and FltLt E D Smart (Auckland). These attacks destroyed the broken-down tank in the clearing and damaged two tanks the Japanese were trying to hide in the nearby jungle.
Overnight the Japanese moved the damaged tanks. Next day No 5 Sqn hunted them while four Corsairs led by Corbet re-bombed the original site, and eight planes under FltLt W A Hardham (Palmerston North) and PlOff F M Thomson attacked a possible tank “hide.” In the evening Palmer sighted one of the tanks and led in bombing and strafing attacks by three Corsairs, piloted by PltOff K C Gibson, FgOff R A Coulter and F/S J D McCabe, further damaging it. A concerted Allied effort was made on the third day to destroy the damaged tanks. Possible “hides” in the area around the clearing were twice plastered with 2000lb bombs by nine plane formations of US Marine Corps PBJs led in by Corbet and FgOff B G Neill. No results were seen, but later nine Corsairs led by Hardham and F/S I G Field, and again guided by Palmer, found and destroyed one of the tanks damaged the previous evening. Field’s formation also destroyed the suspected “hide” attacked the previous day. Next day Field, with four Corsairs from No 18 and four from No 20 Sqn RNZAF, bombed and destroyed a supply depot near the burned-out tank in the clearing. Coastwatchers also reported a large number of Japanese soldiers killed when their truck was hit. No 18 RNZAF Sqn and No 5 RAAF Sqn were again in action on March 21. Following a To page 23
Hard copies of the Super Seniors newsletter are available from all Work and Income offices, Citizens Advice Bureaux and Grey Power branches.
Keeping informed and in touch There are a variety of ways to keep up to date with seniors’ issues and news. The SuperSeniors website (superseniors.msd.govt.nz) is a gateway to information specifically tailored to be useful and relevant for seniors. Alongside New Zealand stories about older people ageing actively and positively, there is information on planning for the future and local services available to seniors. Six times a year we publish the SuperSeniors e-newsletter. The newsletter features useful information, including original articles for and about seniors, and offers practical SuperGold Card discounts across a range of health and wellbeing categories. If you don’t already receive the SuperSeniors newsletter and wish to, signing up is easy. To receive the newsletter by email, please sign up on the SuperSeniors website superseniors.msd.govt.nz. At the bottom of the home page is a link to click on to subscribe. You don’t have to be aged over 65 to receive the newsletter. In fact many family members receive the newsletter on behalf of older relatives who may not have easy access to the internet. Past editions are on the website.
For those that like Facebook, there is the SuperSeniors Facebook page (facebook.com/OfficeforSeniors). With over 8,250 followers we have created an online community of seniors who join in discussions on a range of issues. If you follow the page you will receive regular news links and information relating to older people and ageing. It is an excellent way to keep up to date with national and international news, local services and offers - and to simply connect with others. Finally, if you need to tell the Ministry of Social Development about any changes to your details, MyMSD is the easy way to keep in touch. You can use MyMSD to check and update your contact details, view letters, check your payment details, apply for some types of assistance, check your Payment Card balance and Community Services Card details and more. You can use MyMSD on a smartphone, tablet or computer. It’s quick and easy to use and saves you having to wait on the phone or travel to see us. Updating a phone number or email address can be done in seconds. You can register as a MyMSD user at my.msd.govt.nz. All you need to get started is your client number. We want New Zealand’s seniors to have access to information on issues that affect them and the support and services offered in their communities. We look forward to keeping in touch.
Remembering 23
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
COLIN CLAIMS 'ORDER OF THE BOOT' Gillian Vine catches up with a man whose prize souvenir from the war was a pair of flash American boots.
Soldiers bring back some unusual wartime souvenirs, but who else but Colin Challis came home from the Pacific War treasuring a pair of boots? Colin, 94, says they were unlike anything he had seen: “These were American boots, ‘inside out’ ones.” They were made of nubuck, cattle hide sanded or buffed on the outside to produce a stronger leather than suede. They were very welcome, says the former Army Motor Mechanic: “Compared with the US, a lot of our gear was inadequate and we had to borrow off Americans.” The Dunedin man who “always wanted to be a motor mechanic” had begun his apprenticeship with Napier Motors in the 1930s; it was a career that was to last 48 years. “I was about two years into my apprenticeship when the war started with Germany. I was too young to go overseas then.” Instead, he was assigned to the Territorials: “Then the Japanese came into the war and we
never got out of the Territorials as promised. One day, they lined us up in Burnham. When your name was called, you went over and had an interview with the Air Force people.” They were looking for skills in “all sorts of trades”. Those who made the cut were transferred to the Royal New Zealand Air Force for additional training in preparation for going overseas. “They taught things that as a trade mechanic I never would have learned otherwise,” says Colin. “It was just magnificent for knowledge.” And Air Force pay was double that of the Army. “The comradeship was better in the Army, but the professionalism was better and the food was much better in the Air Force,” he recalls. “We were rationed, even in the Forces.” Then it was off overseas for a year – “an adventure” he viewed it. It didn’t start well. His plane flew into a storm and had to land in New Caledonia instead of the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). New Caledonia was paradise compared with Nissan Island, in eastern Papua New Guinea (“a terrible place”). The Nissan (or Green Island) atoll, roughly O-shaped and about one kilometre wide, encircles a lagoon 13km long and 4.8km across, with the sea entering through three narrow gaps. It had been occupied by the Japanese for two years and used as a flying-boat
Airmen discover and destroy Japanese tanks From page 22 report from Bougainville locals, an Australian Boomerang Pilot, FltLt E G Reynolds, located a tank and signs of an armoured fighting vehicle. Guided by a No 5 Sqn Wirraway, eight Corsairs under Hardham and PltOff Duckmanton scored near misses on the tank with bombs and strafed and damaged the AFV. Bombing and strafing the area continued next day without visible success. Corbett, who was awarded the US Air Medal,
died in Christchurch in 1993. Palmer, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross, died in Queensland in 2011. • References: No 18 Sqn RNZAF, Operations Record Book, Air Force Museum of NZ 1992/167/1C; NZ National Archives R12208732. No 5 (TR) Sqn RAAF Unit History Sheets (ORB) A9186,13, National Archives of Australia.
Colin Challis with half of his prize World War 2 souvenirs – a pair of flash American boots.
base. On February 15, 1944, the New Zealand 3rd Division took it back as part of the campaign to isolate the Japanese supply base at Rabaul, 200km away. Nissan then became a significant air and PT boat base. At peak, 17,000 troops from New Zealand, Australia and the United States were on the tiny island. Colin's job was repairing trucks, cranes and small engines. He winces at the memory of no fresh water, mosquitoes everywhere, and rats with extraordinary boldness. “The rats used to get under our mosquito nets and bite us. One chap got bitten on the backside and had a great hunk taken out.” The men trapped as many as they could – “ so many we had to take turns emptying the traps”
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– but with no way to get rid of food scraps, the rats just kept multiplying. Sea snakes were another pest – they would bite anyone unwise enough to put his feet on the sand under the sea. It was, says Colin, a great incentive to learn to swim. The troops drank coconut milk, so much that Colin developed a skin allergy from it, Whenever it rained, they put out tins to collect fresh water. But his worst memory of Nissan was the smell: “They buried a lot of bodies on Nissan, but very shallow and then they were exhumed. Oh, the stench.” When Guadacanal, the main island of the Solomons, was cleared of Japanese (“The only Japanese we saw were prisoners of war being marched past our lines”), Colin was transferred to Henderson Airfield, near the Solomons’ present capital, Honiara, then barely a village. He worked mainly on trucks and small engines, not aircraft – “Well, not officially”, he grins. “We were told not to go into the jungle, but of course we did. We wanted to see some wildlife, crocs and snakes. We were stupid.” Food was usually canned, and they had the Japanese to thank for their first fresh meat in months: “The Japs left this huge fridge on Guadalcanal, known as Tojo’s Icebox, and we fixed it up. One day, we got fresh New Zealand meat. We thought we were in heaven.” The New Zealanders envied the Americans, who had better food and nightly film shows –“but we had better beer rations”. They put that advantage to good use: “We saved our beer up and swapped it for a Jeep that needed repairs. We fixed it and had our own transport.” Back home after a year, he was told he’d have a fortnight’s leave before returning to the Pacific – “but they dropped the bomb on Hiroshima”. So it was back to Dunedin, bringing memories of comradeship and hardship – and his precious American boots. • The 75th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign will be marked with a programme of events in Honiara from August 5-9. New Zealand, Australian and US forces will take part.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Health & Well-Being
KEEP YOUR LUNGS HEALTHY OVER WINTER Vanessa Searing Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Asthma Respiratory Foundation New Zealand
It is extremely important to look after your respiratory health as well as you can during the winter months in New Zealand. We all know how uncomfortable having the flu’ or a cold house can be. “For people with poor respiratory health, particularly older people or those with COPD, it is especially important,” says Teresa Demetriou, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s General Manager – Education and Research. She says viral and bacterial infections, such as the common cold, influenza and sinusitis, can have complications for people with respiratory conditions. She advises avoiding close contact with people who have a cold or flu, washing your hands regularly with soap and water, and using an alcohol-based sanitiser. Flu’ vaccine is available free to all people 65 and over, and to anyone with asthma and on regular preventative therapy, or with a chronic respiratory disease with impaired lung function. You can get the vaccine from general practitioners or participating pharmacies. “In New Zealand, many houses are damp and cold, leading to more colds and flu’ and increased hospitalisations,” says Teresa. Room temperatures under 16 Celsius are
• Respiratory disease includes asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnoea, bronchiectasis, childhood bronchiolitis and childhood pneumonia. • Respiratory disease is New Zealand’s third most common cause of death. • Respiratory disease costs New Zealand more than $6 billion every year. • One in six (more than 700,000) New Zealanders live with a respiratory condition, and this rate is worsening. • Respiratory disease accounts for one in 10 hospital stays. • More than half of those admitted to hospital with a poverty-related condition are there because of a respiratory problem such as asthma, bronchiolitis, acute infection or pneumonia.
Teresa Demetriou, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand’s General Manager – Education and Research.
considered harmful for health. The World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of 18 Celsius in houses. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ recommends using an electric or flued gas heater to keep houses warm. ‘Flued’ means the heater has a vent to carry away emissions. Wood fires and unflued gas heaters should be avoided. Double-glazed windows can halve the heat loss in comparison with single-glazed windows. Well-fitting curtains reduce heat-loss at night
and keep in the heat gained during daylight. Insulate the ceiling and under the floor — 40 per cent of heat can be lost through an uninsulated ceiling and 10 per cent through the floor. “Damp homes are likely to cause health problems and are more difficult to heat,” says Teresa. “Houses need to be insulated, ventilated and heated adequately to prevent dampness and mould growth. The cheapest and most effective way to ventilate your home is open windows a little during the day. Ventilation systems and dehumidifiers can also improve the situation. You need to ensure that the air you’re breathing inside your house is free of particles and pollution. Check that the filters on air-conditioning systems, central heat pumps and air purifiers filters are clean and effective, and maintain and service filters at home, in your car and at work regularly. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on vacuum cleaners to remove harmful particles such as dust mites and their faeces, pollen and animal dander. Cigarette smoke contains 4000 harmful chemicals and is a trigger for people with respiratory conditions. Tobacco smoke damages your cilia,
the little hair-like structures that remove dust, pollens and other irritants from your lungs. This compromises the normal cleaning action of lungs, making smokers more prone to chest infections. Do your best to avoid smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke. And don’t forget to exercise. Regular exercise improves lung capacity, increases blood-flow, and helps prevent excessive weight gain. The Ministry of Health recommends at least two and a half hours of moderate activity or one and a quarter hours of vigorous physical activity over a week, plus at least two muscle-strengthening activities per week. Find an activity you enjoy, invite workout buddies, create a weekly schedule, and stick to it. Exercise is very important in improving overall health and keeping those lungs healthy over winter. • Teresa Demetriou is responsible for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand's education and research portfolio. She is a registered nurse with primary-health experience and understanding of respiratory-nurse practice. She says she takes an evidence-based approach to disseminating information, resources, knowledge and skills. PHOTOS – Left: Colleen and Andrew Anderson (centre) spent Anzac Day with family members (from left) Sam Anderson, Karen Anderson, Christian Anderson and Carmelle Anderson. Below: The Field of Remembrance on front lawn of the Levin Home for War Veterans.
Levin looks to expand Field of Remembrance Like no other Levin Home for War Veterans An elder-centred community We take every opportunity to bring companionship, spontaneity, fun, meaning and purpose into the lives of elders. We’ll support you to continue doing the things you love in a way that’s right for you. Your space There are no ‘shoeboxes’ at Levin Home - the rooms are large and spacious. Residents also enjoy the spacious grounds and gardens, modern recreation spaces and refurbished lounges.
Positive ageing services We offer a full range of positive ageing services, including rest home, hospital and dementia care, as well as short term respite and health recovery care. The social life Levin Home’s busy social calendar and stimulating recreation programme make for a vibrant atmosphere. Family and friends are always welcome, and the home even boasts its own RSA-style club, known as the Veterans Arms.
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Visit: www.enlivencentral.org.nz | Freephone: 0508 36 54 83
The Field of Remembrance at the Levin Home for War Veterans has a distinct point of difference. Most Fields of Remembrance honour those whose lives were cut short during World War I, but this one honours those who survived that war and made the Levin home their home. Home Administrator Vicky Prouting says the near-600 white crosses on the front lawn heighten interest in the home’s Anzac Day service. Close to 200 – residents, their families, staff, locals and New Zealand Defence Force personnel – turned out for this year’s to join the Anzac commemorations at the home. Vicky Prouting says the plan now is to add crosses for residents who served in other wars, such as World War 2, Malaya and Vietnam. World War 2 veteran Andrew Anderson and wife Colleen, who moved in last August, experienced the home’s Anzac commemorations for the first time this year. Andrew, who was a wireless operator in World War 2, took part in the veterans’ parade and laid a wreath on behalf of the New Zealand Army. “I was based all over the place – the Middle East, Egypt, Italy and more,” he says. “We got blown up a few times and had a lot of close
calls, but luck seemed to be on our side. Not everyone was as lucky.” Their family also attended the commemorations. “It was a lovely service,” says granddaughter Carmelle Anderson. “Andy was determined to stand to lay the wreath. It’s so nice that they have a service here.” • The Levin Home for War Veterans is operated by Enliven, part of not-for-profit organisation Presbyterian Support Central. The home opened in 1959 to support war veterans and returned servicemen. Today it offers rest-home, hospital and dementia care for men and women. Information: 06 366 0052; www.enlivencentral. org.nz. To make a donation, call 0508 TO HELP.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
What’s On REGULAR MEETINGS AUCKLAND CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Meets monthly, third Tuesday, 1100 hours, New Lynn RSA, Auckland. New members welcome for friendship and camaraderie, fun and laughter, perhaps a light lunch. Activities include: guest speakers, outings, bus trips. Anzac Day parades; unit parades at Auckland Naval Base HMNZS Philomel for Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and lay a wreath. Contact: Mark Sinclair, president – 09 534 8138; Brian Caltaux, secretary– 09 420 9794. CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who did Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome. Meets monthly, Papanui RSA, Christchurch. Variety of activities. Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 358 3099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz. ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) Meetings – 30 Sep, 26 Nov (Christmas luncheon), 2pm, Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave, Christchurch. Lots of fun, talks by veterans,historians and people who have been to reunions in Italy, military New displays, DVD shows. Contact: Peter Scott – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 355 6732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz. ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, PAPANUI CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH Meets first Tuesday of month, 5.30pm, Papanui RSA, C hristchurch. Regular social events. All who served in RNZN or Commonwealth navies, and partners welcome.. Contact: Gavin Jones, president, 9811538; Dennis Moffat, secretary/ treasurer 323 6317. SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, third Thursday. Gore RSA or nominated venue. Usually lunch, on-site visit, or speaker. Contact: John Turner – 03 201 6084, ardlussa@farmside. co.nz.
REUNIONS/EVENTS/MEETINGS JUNE
RNZRSA NATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Annual meeting/conference 12-13 Jun, Swanson RSA. Contact: Angel Erstich, president, RSA National Women’s Association – P O Box 8, Awanui, Far North 0451; 09 406 7195. RNZN ELECTRICAL, RADIO ELECTRICAL & WEAPONS ELECTRICAL REUNION 16-19 Jun, Tauranga RSA. Contact: Maurice Mitchell,, Greenies Reunion, P.O.Box 9352, Newmarket, Auckland 1149; 021 945 516; alarm1@xtra.co.nz. RSA NATIONAL INDOOR BOWLS TOURNAMENT 24-25 Jun, Hosted by Tokoroa RSA. Contact: 07 886 9291; 027 281 4896.
JULY
NZ MALAYAN VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION 31 Jul-31 Aug. Return to Malaysia tour in recognition of Merdeka 60th anniversary, Kuala Lumpur. Contact: Maher Escorted Tours – 0800 500 518; bill.wullie@gmail.com.
AUGUST
COMMUNITY OF VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY 20 Aug, 1000 hours, Manukau Memorial Gardens, Puhinui Rd, Manukau. Reassemble at Manurewa RSA for refreshments, light meal, mix and mingle. Organiser: Ken Ford – 021 233 8547.
SEPTEMBER
EXERCISE TROPICAL DAWN 1988: 1 PLATOON (DELTA) REUNION 2 Sep, 3.30pm, Club Carterton. Contact: James King – 61 Brooklyn Rd, Carterton; 06 379 9007.
OCTOBER
CHARLES UPHAM MEMORIAL SHIELD VC & BAR 8-BALL POOL TOURNAMENT 21-22 Oct, Levin Cosmpolitian Club. EntrIes close 30 September. NEW ZEALAND MALAYAN VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION 27-29 Oct, Biennial general meeting and reunion, Clubs of Marlborough. Contact: malayanveterans@gmail.com; downland accommodation, programme and registration documents from website.
NOVEMBER
RSA NATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 6-9 Nov, hosted by Clubs Hastings at Hastings and Hawke’s Bay golf clubs. Open to RSA members who area 18-hole New Zealand Golf Association affiliated members. Entries close 2 Oct, limited to 120 players. Contact: General Manager, Clubs Hastings – P.O.Box 560, Hastings 4156; 06 8788808; info@clubshastings; www.clubshastings.co.nz. Download programme and entry form. VICTOR 2 COY VIETNAM 1967-68 50-years reunion 10-12 Nov, Tauranga RSA. Fifty years since company landed in Vietnam. All who served with Victor 2 Co and their dependants encouraged to attend. Contact: Bukit Hill – 13 Bledisloe St, Masterton; 06 377 2979; 027 6590679; bukithill@xtra.co.nz. ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARMOURED CORPS CAMBRAI CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS 20-25 Nov, weekly series of events – parades, open days and services – across New Zealand. Will include current and former RNZAC personnel, and general public. Details top follow. Information: RNZAC Cambrai Centenary Celebrations facebook page – www.facebook.com /RNZAC17/.
AUGUST 2018
HMNZS CANTERBURY F421 REUNION – ALL COMMISSIONS 31 Aug-2 Sep, proposed venue – Tauranga/Mt Maunganui area. Register expressions of interest to: Bill Newell – 22 Blanche Rd, Papamoa 3118, 07 562 0609, newell1@ outlook.co.nz, or Mort Anderson – 027 541 8963, andomb@xtra.co.nz, or Geoff Kelly – 07 542 3331, GandHK@xtra.co.nz, or Lindsay Roberts – 07 548 0665, tigert4798@ihug.co.nz.
NOVEMBER
RNZN ENGINEERING BRANCH REUNION 10-12 Nov, Rangiora RSA. Information: Graeme Matheson – Rangiora RSA. 82 Victoria St, Rangiora 7400, or Bill Lochrie – New Brighton RSA,21 Mafeking St,New Brighton, Christchurch.
ASSOCIATION CONTACTS AUCKLAND CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Activities: guest speakers, outings, bus trips. Anzac Day parades; unit parades at Auckland Naval Base HMNZS Philomel for Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and lay a wreath. Contact: Mark Sinclair, president – 09 534 8138; Brian Caltaux, secretary– 09 420 9794 BAY OF PLENTY AREA, NEW ZEALAND KOREA VETERANS Independent organisation since January 1 and the cessation of New Zealand Korea Veterans’ Association. Active in the Katikati, Kawerau, Matamata, Mt Maunganui, Opotiki, Paeroa, Papamoa, Tauranga, Te Aroha, Te Puke,
Waihi and Whakatane areas. Publishes Stand Easy newsletter, at least three luncheon meetings a year. Contact: Bill Clark, president – 07 571 4048; Lindsay Weavers, secretary/treasurer – 07 308 9678; 8a Anzac Ave, Whakatane 3120. BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Paratrained and like to meet other (ex- or current) paras? Regular meetings of Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full membership – all ranks of Parachute Regiment, SAS, support arms (engineers, signals, medics, artillery etc) and those with special service to British Airborne Forces; associate membership to immediate family; afflilate membership to airborne units of other countries. Contact: Frank Clark, president – 04 233 6123. Roy Tilley, secretary – 04 5660850, rmt@xtra.co.nz. Website, www.britishairbornenz. tripod.com. CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who did Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome. Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 358 3099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz. CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Bruce Townshend – 14 Ewen Rd, Temuka 7920; 03 615 6637; Temuka-RSA@ xtra.co.nz. CMT/NATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 358 3099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz. EX-RAF HALTON, RAF LOCKING OR RAF CRANWELL AIRCRAFT, RNZAF APPRENTICES. Contact: Ed Austin – 67/46 Beresford St, Pukekohe 2120, 09 239 2698, edaustin38@gmail.com. HOROWHENUA ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION – LEVIN 50th year; gunners, ex-gunners, associated corps. Meets May and Sep to celebrate Gunners’ Day and El Alamein Day, lunch, Levin RSA. Contact: Adam Gibson – 34 Gordon Place, Levin; 06 368 4187. ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) New members, veterans, family members, historians. Contact Peter Scott, chairman – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 355 6732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz. J FORCE ASSOCIATION, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH Meets third Wednesday of the month at Mt Maunganui RSA. Welcomes visitors. Membership: 19 veterans, 22 wives and widows. Activities: Christmas dinner, quarterly 8 ball competition, short trips. Contact: President, Ron Browne – 07 575 8916; ronaldbrowne@xtra.co.nz. MOUNTED TROOPERS’ ASSOCIATION (MTA) North Island branch ,Royal NZ Armoured Corps Association (RNZAC). If you are serving or have served in an armoured unit in any way, you are eligible to join. Family members of deceased personnel welcome. Aim: to bring comrades together through national reunions, birthdays, funerals, unveilings, regimental occasions, provide collegial support to members. Managed by six-person trust board: Stew Couchman (chair), Doug Walker (secretary), Zac Hunter (treasurer), Morris Meha and Jim Taylor. Membership enquires, application form: Zac Hunter – 027 343 2017, ikehunter@xtra.co.nz; Stew Couchman – 06 325 8593, BLongami@xtra.co.nz; Doug Walker – 027 495 0473, walkd@tpk.govt.nz. $25 annual subscription covers MTA and RNZAC membership. NEW ZEALAND ARMY BAND ASSOCIATION For ex-members of NZ Army Band, 1 RNZIR/NZ Regt bands. To promote and forward interests and welfare of members, and foster relationship
between with the NZ Army Band. Committee meets quarterly at the Papanui RSA, Christchurch; all members welcome. Contact: Wayne Shears – 03 942 8636; wayneshears@outlook.co.nz. NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION Contacts: Deirdre Nottle, secretary/treasurer – 07 5482018; 027 284 7697; deenottle@gmail.com. Southern sub-branch co-ordinators, Lynne and Doug McMIllan – 03 577 5990; 021 0239 1903 (Lynn); eqs@paradise.net.nz. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION Meets two-monthly, 2pm, Pt Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets. Contact: Peter Collins – peter-collins@xtra. co.nz; www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/ rma_nz_home.html. NEW ZEALAND MALAYAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth forces or police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Paul Anderson – PO Box 8112, Cherrywood, Tauranga 3145; 07 576 7757; 027 207 9623. 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 – 09 476 6974. REGULAR FORCE CADET ASSOCIATION (INC) Provides contact between ex-cadets and enables them to re-establish contacts. Membership: $10 a kevsyear (1 Jul-30 Jun. Contact: Secretary – RF Cadet Association, P.O.Box 715, Paraparaumu 5032; www.rfcadet.org.nz. RNZAF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE GRADUATES New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College has formed an alumni association. Records of previous associations’ members misplaced during move from Whenuapai to Trentham in 2004. If you wish to join, would like information, or wish to re-connect with former colleagues and course members, contact: Alumni secretary NZDF CSC – Trentham Military Camp, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140; 04 527 1008; 04 527 1009 (fax); csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz. ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, PAPANUI CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH All who served in RNZN or Commonwealth navies, and partners welcome.. Contact: Gavin Jones, president, 981 1538; Dennis Moffat, secretary/ treasurer 323 6317. SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY VETERANS OF AUSTRALASIA (SAMVOA) All who served in uniform in South Africa and now live in New Zealand invited to join. Also in Australia. Aims to preserve memories, and commemorate those who were injured or fell in action. Attends Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades; regular meetings. Information: Chris Pattison – 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz. SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CMT and National Servicemen. Contact: John Turner – 03 201 6084, ardlussa@farmside.co.nz. THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeks members to rekindle their activity with the association. Regular meetings at Papanui RSA, Christchurch. Send rank, name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Frank Newsome – Unit 19, 53 Condell Ave, Papanui, Christchurch 8053; 03 352 5471; frankandaudrey@clear.net.nz. TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix boys – those who served on training ship TS Vindicatrix are invited to join Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard – 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.
27
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
RSA Life
AFGHANISTAN VET NOW PATRON OF THE AUKS An Afghanistan vet is the new patron of the Auckland RSA. Jason Pore, 45, who lost a leg to a landmine while serving with the Special Air Service in Afghanistan in 2004, says he was surprised to be offered the role. “It’s a real honour and a way for me to support my fellow comrades,” he says. “I’m looking forward to this new opportunity.” Previous Patrons have included a former Prime Minister Sir Rob Muldoon, Businessman and Philanthropist Sir Kenneth Myers, several Defence Chiefs and, most recently, Fashion Designer Dame Trelise Cooper. Jason Pore was Vice-Captain of the New Zealand Defence Force team at last year’s Invictus Games at Orlando, Florida, and will captain the NZDF team at this year’s Games in Toronto in September. In April he led an NZDF Veterans’ team in a race up Auckland’s Sky Tower to raise funds for the Auckland RSA’s annual poppy appeal. The Auckland RSA is the principal supporter of the NZDF Invictus and the Defence Blacks rugby team, and the Fields of Remembrance (World War 1 centenary crosses). Jason joined the New Zealand Army in 1990, and served in the 1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR) and the NZSAS. He went to East Timor three times and then to Afghanistan. On operations in Afghanistan in 2003, he drove
over a land mine; his injuries resulted in the amputation of his lower, left leg and the start of a long road of physical and psychological rehabilitation. “Rehabilitation wasn’t easy,” he says. “I was very withdrawn after my injury. It took me eight years to come to terms with what had happened to me. Nothing scares me now because I feel normal, but it took me a very long time to feel this way.” The Invictus Games – rehabilitation through an adaptive sports programme – has played a large role in Jason’s life in recent years: “Representing the NZDF, as well as the veterans and families of the wounded, is humbling and deeply meaningful to me, he said at the time of his appointment. “We have been well served over the last century by our patrons and Jason, as a recent veteran, will connect with our young veterans as he’s walked the talk in terms of his tough journey from soldier to civilian,” says Auckland RSA President Graham Gibson, who is a Vietnam Veteran. The Auckland RSA is all about comradeship and making the connection with current serving men and women, and those recently out of the NZDF, he says. “Our new patron understands what comradeship is all about and that it’s key to supporting and strengthening our community.”
For he’s a jolly good fellow Maitland Manning – Waipawa RSA president, Hawke’s Bay-Wairarapa-East Coast RSA district vice-president and a RNZRSA board member since 2011 – has been made a Chartered Fellow of Institute of Directors. The Fellowship recognises a member’s qualifications, background, character and experience as a role model for others, their organisations and the contribution to their community as a whole. “One of the greatest contributions anyone could make is in giving back to their local community,” he says. He is chairman of Presbyterian Support Services East Coast, Presbyterian Support New Zealand and Family Works New Zealand, was a Central Hawke’s Bay district councillor from 2004 to 2016, and served on the Hawke’s Bay Crematorium Joint Committee from 2005 to 2016, six years as chairman and six as deputy chairman. “Demand on social support services is increasing for families, children and our elderly, but each one of us can help in different ways and see the results,” he says. “Across
Jason Pore...It’s a way to support my fellow comrades, I’m looking forward to this new opportunity.’
South Island Rail Tour 12 nights 4th – 16th September 2017
Maitland Manning...professional honour.
all sectors of the community - young and old, from all walks of life - people are coming together to help do more for others in need.”
Gore women celebrate their 75th Nearly 50 women gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Gore RSA’s women’s section. Members from the Tapanui, Awarua, Bluff, Balfour and Lumsden RSA women’s sections were at the celebration. The speaker was Holy Trinity Anglican Church pastor Gary Griffith-Smith. Gore President Glenise Terry says the club’s women’s section has 30 members and the aim is to support the RSA, In the early days, women were eligible to join the organisation if their father or husband was a returned serviceman. Now, women members of the RSA can join the women’s section. She joined when she moved to Gore about 26 years ago: “It was a place to meet people.” Left: Gore RSA Women’s Section president Glenise Terry (right) and member Verna Stevens set to cut the cake, Photo: Margaret Phillips
An adventure by rail & road around the South Island is a great way to discover the history of our early settlers and the grand scenic beauty of the South. Flying to Christchurch, join the privately chartered Silverfern Railcar and travel the Midland line through the Alps to Greymouth and Westport. We journey down the Southern main trunk line to Dunedin and join the Taieri Gorge Train to Middlemarch. We visit Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill by motor coach and re-join the Railcar in Bluff for the journey to Dunedin. Scenic highlights include the Reefton Saddle and Buller Gorge, Caroline Bay and Blueskin Bay, Milford Sound Cruise and the Taieri Gorge. Free time available for optional sightseeing with two night stays in Greymouth, Queenstown, Invercargill and Dunedin. From East to West, an experience with the Best! Phone for further information
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28 RSA Life
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
BUGLER’S DREAM UNVEILED AT LAST Nine years ago Mason Robinson was watching the unveiling of the statue of a New Zealand soldier on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge when he had an idea: a statue to recognise the sacrifice of men and women from the Nelson and Tasman districts who served their country. About a week later, the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band Bugler Sergeant was at a service at Marsden Valley just out of Nelson. He looked around him and thought: “For the Veterans and Soldiers, there was no real memorial here for their last resting place.” That, he says, was the light-bulb moment. He says his motivation was to honour his father and the servicemen of past and present. “I just look at the veterans before me and think what they’ve gone through. They deserve the best. The community involvement has just been phenomenal.” In April this year, 500-plus service and ex-service people, cadets, guests and public gathered at Nelson’s Marsden Valley Cemetery for the unveiling and dedication of the new World War 1 Memorial. The RNZAF Black Falcons team provided a fly-over, Sgt Robinson played The Last Post, and Veterans’ Affairs Minister David Bennet performed the unveiling. Once Sgt Robinson’s idea gained traction, funding was obtained for Oamaru-based artist and sculptor Don Paterson to build a statue. His subject was J H (Jack) Cock, from Nelson, and the statue was unveiled 100 years to the day after he was killed on April 15, 1917. His Royal Flying Corps plane was shot down by Kurt Wolf, one of Germany’s “air aces” of World War 1. The bronzed statue is made of crushed marble and epoxy-resin. The internal is primarily fibreglass with steel arms through it. Every crease of Jack’s uniform has been drilled and filled with a marble/resin mixture. The hands and face are made of copper. Don Paterson says the detail, down to Jack’s
It has taken nine years, but Sgt Mason Robinson has at last seen his dream come to fruition.
buttons and moustache, took a lot of time. “The Soldier is standing respectfully in reversed arms, but a little slumped, and a brodie helmet is clipped to his pack. He has earned the right to stand a little slumped, exhausted, distant in thoughts of lost mates and the horrific scenes he has witnessed. “He is finally at rest, yet bears the weight of his lost innocence. He is perhaps contemplative, thinking about what he has been through, as he faces a return to normal life, knowing that nothing will be the same. The battles are over, but the memories remain.”
But Sgt Robinson realised a memorial was needed to match the statue. He came up with the design; Nelmac produced concept drawings and engineering plans; on-site construction was carried out by Army engineers from Burnham and Linton – Sgt Robbie Skerton, LCpl Andy Good, LCpl Michael Hodge, and Spr Todd Hamilton, Spr Michael Whitehead and Spr Brendon Guy.. “Without the dedication and can-do approach by the NZ Army engineers, we would not have made it,” Mason says. “ I wanted their stay in Nelson to be one they would enjoy and never forget – they are now part of Nelson history”
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Former Mount manager new president of Crete Association Peter Moss, Mount Maunganui RSA Support Manager and a former General Manager of the Club, has been elected the new President of the New Zealand Battle of Crete Association. He is also Chairman for the Tauranga /Mt. Maunganui WW100 organisation, and was the driving force behind the development of the Mount Maunganui RSA’s newly opened Munro’s Cafe & Restaurant. Other officers elected at the association’s annual meeting in February were: Patron: Air Marshal Sir Bruce Ferguson; Vice-presidents: David Travers-Watt (Tauranga), Robin Lloyd (Wellington); Secretary/Treasurer: Deirdre Nottle; Southern Sub-Branch Co-ordinators: Lynne and Doug McMillan (Blenheim); Committee: Howard Boseley (Tauranga), Stewart Gradon (Tauranga); Accountant: Darren Mills (Mills Consulting, Tauranga). The association has held public memorial services for the 76th commemoration of the Battle of Crete at the Mount Maunganui RSA on May 21 and at HMNZS Pegasus, in Christchurch on May 28. At the Mount Maunganui service Lt. Col. Warren Banks was the keynote speaker and the 6th Hauraki Bn Defence Force Cadets for Army, Navy and Air were in attendance. The service was followed by a demonstration of Crete /Greek dancing by the Athena Dancers. In Christchurch, historian Mark Wilson, who has been involved in a number of the association’s visits to Crete, presented an address.
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details about the meal ingredients contained within. Convenience is the key, says Johnathan. Meals may be stored in the home freezer until required. Meals are in packaging designed to trap the steam as the meal heats and can be heated in an oven or microwave when desired. Jonathan says Home Cater will soon be able to be delivered to nearly the whole country, including small out of the way areas. • Home Cater meals can easily be ordered through the Home Cater website (www.homecater.co.nz) or by ringing 0800 30 32 32 Next day delivery in Auckland is possible and delivery can also be made to other parts of New Zealand. If you quote ‘R.S.A. Review ( Issue 2 ) 2017’ in the instructions space on the web order or over the phone, you will receive a 5% discount. Offer open to the end of November 2017
29
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Local RSAs NORTHLAND Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road
KERIKERI
AVONDALE RSA Overlooking the Racecourse
RSA (Inc) Visitors and Guests Most Welcome
Come & spend times in a friendly environment with your friends. Bar Hours: Tues - Thurs: 2pm - 11.30pm, Fri: 12 Noon - 11.30pm Sat: 11am - 11.30pm, Sun: 12 Noon - 9.30pm New faces very welcome. Memberships available. Entertainment: Fri, Sat & Sundays Restaurant Open: Fri, Sat & Sun: 5.30pm - 8.30pm
Restaurant Wed-Sun 5.30 - 8.30pm
KAITAIA FAR NORTH
Bar Open Seven Days From 3.30pm
(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
WHANGAREI
AUCKLAND
www.whangareirsa.co.nz
114 Hobsonville Road • Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239 • E: hobbyrsa@xtra.co.nz
RSA
Open Tues - Thurs from 2pm. Fri - Sun from Midday. • Restaurant open Fri - lunch and Dinner. Excellent meals at reasonable prices. • Live entertainment last Friday of each month. • Quiz Nights 7pm 3rd Thursday of every month. • Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turning • Coach Tours welcome - advance booking essential • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts, pool, indoor bowls
THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART
Come and enjoy our clubrooms while holidaying in historical Russell We will make you welcome
BIRKENHEAD RSA Recreation Dr, Birkenhead, North Shore Ph: 09 418 2424 Fax: 09 418 3054 Email: secman@birkenheadrsa.com www.birkenheadrsa.com
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
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
Mt Wellington Panmure RSA 163 Queens Rd, Panmure
Ph: 09 570 5913 Fax: 09 570 5903 Email secrsa@vodafone.co.nz 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.
NEW LYNN
Memorial RSA (Inc)
BAR & TAB FACILITIES Open 7days Gaming Facilities FREYBERG RESTAURANT Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm, Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.30pm open
Handy to rail & bus. Shop in New Lynn & relax in our spacious clubrooms
158 Broadway, Kaikohe Ph 09 401 2368 kaikohersa@xtra.co.nz “Look us up on Facebook”
Visitors always welcome
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
The Orpheus Restaurant Open Thurs - Sat lunch 12 - 2 pm, dinner 5.30 - 8pm Bus Trip Lunches phone Rona Snooker - Pool - Darts - Warriors Supporters Section
We have excellent facilities for reunions and other functions NEW RETURNED AND SERVICE MEMBERS WELCOME. Inquiries to Sec/Manager 09 636 6644 PO Box 13016, Onehunga
The Best in the West
SWANSON MEMORIAL RSA HOURS Mon toThurs 11am - 11pm. Fri & Sat
Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710
ORAKEI RSA
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
(Members)
Handy to city centre, Ellerslie Race Course, Kelly Tarlton Underwater World, Eastern suburbs, Mission Bay, St Helliers, Remuera etc.
WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc 28 Neville St Warkworth Ph: 09 425 8568
Opening Hours: Mon - Tues from 12.30pm, Wed - Sat 11am, Sun 3pm Gunner Restaurant: Wed $12.50 Roast, Thu & Fri Lunch & Dinner, Sat Dinner.
14 Gaming Machines - 4 Large Pool Tables - 4 Dart Boards Live band every Friday evening - TAB - Sky TV
RSA
66-70 Railside Ave Ph (09) 838 9012 www.hsnrsa.co.nz
WAIHEKE RSA
INC
29 Belgium Street, Ostend
Clubrooms and Bar Open 7 Days DINNER HOURS - Tuesday to Sunday 5.30pm to 9pm LUNCH HOURS - Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.30pm
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
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
E-mail: manager@waihekersa.com
PAPATOETOE & DISTRICTS RSA (Inc)
22 Wallace Rd Ph: 09 278 6372 Email: manager@papatoetoersa.org.nz Bar Hours: Mon. 2pm - 7pm, Tues - Wed. 2pm - 10pm Thurs. 11am - 10.30pm Fri. 11am - 10pm Sat. 11am - 10.30pm Sun. 12pm - 7pm BISTRO Lunch: Thurs - Fri. 12pm - 2pm (Last orders 1.45pm) Dinner: Thurs - Sat. 6pm - 8.30pm (Last orders 8.15)
(All times and days may vary without notice). Social Nights with live bands: Thurs Family Nights - Entertainment on the second Friday of the month Housie Tuesday & Friday nights
Snooker Gaming Machines 8 Ball I/D Bowls Darts Sky Tv
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
http://papatoetoersa.wix.com/rsa-papatoetoe
11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm
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.
HENDERSON Sec | Manager Barry (Gus ) Rieper
ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Band Friday Nights “Friendliest Club in The North”
HOWICK RSA
Phone: 09 534 9702 • 25 Wellington St Howick
We welcome all RSA members & their guests to enjoy thefriendly atmosphere & excellent facilities at our clubrooms
2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland
Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc)
Friday night raffles, Entertainment Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Major Games on Big Screen or Weekend Entertainment
POOL * DARTS * I/D BOWLS * TAB LARGE SCREEN SKY * GAMING MACHINES TEA/COFFEE & LIGHT MEALS ANYTIME
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
Restaurant, Family Karaoke Sundays from 1pm Functions venue available email admin@ptchevrsa.co.nz
A warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors. Special welcome to local and out of town visitors.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WED: 1.30-4PM. FRI & SAT: FROM 7.00PM
RUSSELL RSA
Affiliated Members and Guests Most Welcome
HOBSONVILLE
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
Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd
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
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
OPOTIKI COUNTY RSA INC When passing through Opotiki call in and enjoy our hospitality.
We are the Gateway to East Cape
Glen Eden RSA
663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013
9 Glendale Rd West Auckland Ph: 09 818 4219 Web: www.glenedenrsa.co.nz
A WARM INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO RSA MEMBERS & GUESTS TO THE FRIENDLIEST RSA IN THE WEST
Entertainment: Fri & Sat.
Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun.
We are better than the rest. We are the friendliest in the West
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
30
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Local RSAs MT MAUNGANUI
RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
RSA TAURANGA
27 Studholme Street Morrinsville Ph: 07 889-7014
1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga
Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 E: admin@tgarsa.co.nz | www.tgarsa.co.nz
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
Hours: Tues - Fri: 3pm - 10pm, Sat 3pm - Late, 3rd Sunday each month: 3pm - 8pm Moorish Restaurant: Thurs - Sat 5pm - 8pm Lunch every 2nd Tuesday 11am - 1pm
Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am
Family Lounge: Regular entertainment, 10 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
“When in the Bay stay with us” Motor Inn accommodation available Excellent Rates “Visitors Welcome Anytime”
Affiliated Members, Guests and Potential Members Welcome
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
Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands
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.
Oaktree Restaurant
MEMORIAL R.S.A. (Inc.) Ngaio Street Ph: 07 888 7190 Open from Mon- Sat 3pm, Sun 4pm.
Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 5:30 to 7:30pm Fri & Sat 5:30 to 8:30pm Lunch Thursday 12pm noon Groups catered for during week on request
Come and visit our friendly Club the
‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’
EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON
179 -185 Jellicoe St TE TE PUKE PUKE Ph: 07 573 8555
Open from 11am Seven days a week All RSA members & Visitors are most welcome to our warm & friendly, air conditioned club
TAUPO “The Centre Of it All” * Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball
Poppies Restaurant Open Tues – Fri for lunch, 12pm-2pm Open Mon – Sat for dinner, 5pm-8pm Closed Sunday
Club Hours Mon- Sat: 10.30am - Late.
Sun: 2 - 8pm Horomatangi Street Phone: 07 378 7476 Please visit our wesite at: www.tauporsa.co.nz
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
CITIZENS CITIZENS RSA RSA
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 * Sky Big Screen * ATM *Eft Pos * 8 Ball * Snooker * Euchre * 500 * Darts * I/D Bowls
Lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am Dinner Monday & Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm Tuesday Pension Day Special - Lunches Whiteboard Dinner Specials
… MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE GUESTS WELCOME ... 170 St Hill Street, Wanganui Phone: Clubrooms 345 5750 * Restaurant 345 4140 *
Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750
Email: admin@wanganuirsa.co.nz * Website: www.wanganuirsa.co.nz
WAITARA RSA North Taranaki 16 Queen St, Waitara - OPEN 7 DAYS
RESTAURANT Lunch Tuesday to Sunday: 11.00am to 2.00pm Dinner Tuesday to Saturday: 5.00pm to 8.30pm BAR FACILITIES
WHANGAMATA RSA (INC) 324 Port Road, Whangamata Ph/Fax: 07 865 9419 Email: whangamata.rsa@actrix.co.nz Web: www.whangamatarsanz.com
TAB - Gaming Machines - Pool & Darts - Large Screen TV’S - Sky Sport - Courtesy Vans available. Come enjoy some time with our friendly members.
PO Box 24 PH: 07 895 7517 FAX: 07 895 8343 Email: taumrsa@xtra.co.nz
MANAGER: John Callinan MEMBERS: 862
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.
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
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.
1 Easton Street, Ph: 06 3637670 Fax: 06 3636838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz Friendly & safe environment (children welcomed)
Open:
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
PORIRUA RSA (Inc) 5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343 OPEN SEVEN DAYS * 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 Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm
NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME
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
Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz
WHAKATANE RSA (Inc) A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours
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
Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Karaoke Thursday evenings
Entertainment Centre of Taumarunui
Richardson St Ph: 07 307 0343 E: admin@whakatanersa.co.nz
Live Entertainment Friday Nights Close to motels in the heart of town
Facilities: Amazing views · 24 Gaming machines · 3 Snooker Tables · 2 Pool Tables · TAB self service terminal · Entertainment Every weekend
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
Restaurant Hours
Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sat Bar Snacks Available
A Club Vista Partner 32 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach Club open 7 days from 11am
Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm
Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 12noon-6pm
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.
Paraparaumu Memorial RSA Inc
04 298 4031 | www.clubvista.co.nz
Visitors Most Welcome CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge
Taumarunui & District RSA 10 Marae St, Taumarunui
OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun
Bar Hours - Mon-Thurs: 11am- 9pm Fri: 11-11pm Sat: 11-10pm Sun: 1- 8pm
Poppyfields Restaurant:
Open for bus tours & private functions by arrangement
A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms
SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc)
Restaurant Hours
MATAMATA
NAPIER RSA
34 Vautier Street, Napier Office: 06 835 7629 Fax: 06 835 1357 Club: 06 835 1034
Otaki & District Memorial RSA 9 Raukawa Street Ph: 06 36 46221 Open 7 Days Restaurant – Tues, Fri, Sat & Sun roast lunch TAB - Sky - Snooker - Darts - Gaming Machines Regular entertainment Affiliated Members and Guests most welcome
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
31
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Local RSAs REGULARS
MOSGIEL MEMORIAL RSA
TARADALE &RSADISTRICTS INC 156 Gloucester Street
RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC.
6 Church St Mosgiel
Open Monday 11am - 9pm • Weekends 11am till late Happy Hour Thurs, Fri, Sat 5pm - 7pm Restaurant Lunch Tues - Fri/Sunday 12pm - 2pm Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5pm - 8.30pm Friday - Saturday 5pm - 8.30pm
Phone: 03 489 7182 • www.mosgielrsa.co.nz
P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.
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
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
ALL VISITORS WELCOME
Ph/Fax 06 844 4808
motueka
Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am Sat-Sun 10.30 am
memorial rsa (inc)
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
MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLAND
49 High Street CHARTERED CLUB 35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra
Alexandra Clyde RSA
12 Cox Street
CATERING A SPECIALTY Gaming Machines, Sky Tv, Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls
Gore District Memorial RSA Inc
Hours Mon - Tues: 11am-7pm. Wed Thurs Fri: 11am-10pm. Sat: 11am-12pm. Sun: 11am- 5pm
12 Bowler Ave Ph: 03 208 6218 Fax: 03 208 6220 Email: GoreRSA@xtra.co.nz
Tues+Wed Lunch noon. Bistro Thurs, Fri, Sat 5.30-8pm
Clubrooms Open 10.30am 7 days a week Bar Hours Mon - Fri 10.30am - 11pm Sat 10.30am - 1am Sun 10.30am - 9.30pm Family Bar The Gore RSA BistroWed - Fri 12-2pm. Tues - Sun from 5.30pm 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
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 Access also from Papanui Rd & 1 Harewood Rd
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 Bistro Meals
Lunch: 7 days 12 - 2 pm Dinner: 7 days 5pm onwards
Facilities
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
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
RSA, Clubs NZ and Motor Caravan members most welcome
RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 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 ex tend ed to all RSA members, families and friends
Call and make some West Coast friends
NEW BRIGHTON RSA 21 Mafeking Street, New Brighton, Christchurch Ph: 03 388 9059 Open daily from 3.30pm Sunday 11.30am Meals available Thurs, Fri & Sat “All Welcome”
Travel New Zealand
RIVERTON & DISTRICTS
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
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.
Tours VIETNAM TOURS. 20 Days ex Auck, Wgtn, Chch. From $6895pp 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
Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*
INVERCARGILL WORKINGMEN’S CLUB INC. Incorporating the INVERCARGILL R.S.A.
Open 7 Days from 4pm.
181 Tainui Street Phone 03 768 7307 Open Daily - Visitors 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
Visitors Welcome
ashburton rsa [inc]
Ph. 03 528 9777
GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB
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,
Private function bookings are welcome
Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552
waterfordpress.co.nz
32
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Travel Australia www.pandanusmooloolaba.com.au
The Hyde Park Inn offers friendly, personalised service and spectacular views across Hyde Park. Central CBD location in walking distance to shops, theatres, Central Station, The Opera House, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross. Our comfortable rooms at the Hyde Park Inn include such features as self catering facilities, Complimentary light continental breakfast, Large family rooms and apartments, Free car parking, Guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi and much more!
Largest holiday apartments in the area. Opened in 2005, across from main car park to the beach. • Complete cooking & laundry facilities • Fully air conditioned • Full gymnasium • Free foxtel TV • Free Wifi • Heated pool & spa • be let as 1, 2 and 3 bedroom. • 2 Carparks
Beachfront Apartments • Heated swimming pool and spa • BBQ area • Close to local restaurants • Short walk to Thr Star Casino • 50 Metres to the famous Broadbeach Oasis Mall
Tel: +61 7 5457 8989 Free call: 1300 787 668 15 – 21 Smith St, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Noosa Pacific Resort is nestled along the Noosa River, conveniently located giving you the best of both worlds. With Hasting Street’s upmarket boutiques and renowned fine dining to the relaxed style of Gympie Terrace’s excellent eateries and beautiful parklands beneath the canopy of trees. With the option of garden view or waterfront apartments Noosa Pacific caters to all budgets. Hire water sport equipment, catch some fish or jump on a water taxi right outside the resort from our personal jetty. With endless options to enjoy Noosa and its surrounds treat yourself to a perfect holiday in a perfect location.
P: (07) 54499444 E: info@noosapacific.com.au W: noosapacific.com.au A: 24 Munna Cres, Noosaville
Please ring direct to check for availability Phone +61 07 5443 3022
Our holiday apartments are situated at Cotton Tree only 300 metres from one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches & surf clubs and opposite the beautiful Maroochy River great surfing, fishing, boating, swimming & only 5 minutes walk to With the option of garden view or theNoosa Maroochydore Bowls club, the Rsl & tennis clubs! waterfront apartments Pacific caters to all budgets. Our fully self-contained reverse cycle air conditioned
apartments are spacious & tastefully decorated & provide comfortable and relaxing accommodation for you to enjoy, all the balconies face the water and park at cotton tree. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. We have free WIFI…
Email: info@argyleonthepark.com.au www.argyleonthepark.com.au
Sandpiper Apartments is a 11 storey resort complex located on the beach. Every apartment faces the ocean and includes a private balcony. Spectacular views. Book for 7-nights in a 1-Bedroom Ocean view apartment - $1,015 Book for 7-nights in a 2-Bedroom Ocean view apartment - $1,155 Please contact Sandpiper direct for bookings for the Commonwealth Games
www.sandpiperapartments.com.au | 155 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach | 07 559 201 44
84 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba Queensland, Australia.
• Lift access to all levels • Heated swimming pool • Free wifi • Genuine direct beach access • Self contained with kitchens and laundry • Helpful advise from tour desk • 2 and 4 bedroom apartments with ensuites and full bathrooms • Large flat screen TVs with Foxtel • Yatch club close by and restaurants just a stroll along Mooloolaba beach.
www.84thespit.com Phone: (+61) 7 5444-1642
SAILPORT
M O O LO O L A B A A PA R T M E N T S
Overlooking Mooloolaba Wharf and Marina. 100 metres to Surf Club and safe patrolled Beach. Great rates, modern 4 star luxury 1,2 & 3 bedrooms. Spacious, fully self contained & air conditioned. Central to all the Sunshine Coast attractions. Special - Stay 7 Pay 5 Feb, May - July, November
Telephone: 00617 5444 1844 email: reception@sailport.com.au.
Cnr River Esplanade & Hancock St, Mooloolaba, Queensland Australia.
w w w. s a i l p o r t . c o m . a u
|
07 5444 1844
33
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
Medals MEDAL MOUNTING COURT STYLE
SWING STYLE
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
A G Bairstow - NZ Medals Ltd PO Box 128 - 134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph: 09 571 2074 E: aubreyb@clear.net.nz
www.nzmedals.com
MEDAL MOUNTING
RARE DOUBLE CEREMONY FOR CADET STALWARTS Two people – each of whom had given 12 years of service to No 16 (City of Tauranga) Sqn Air Training Cadets – have been honoured with New Zealand Cadet Forces Medals for “long, efficient and continuous service”. FtLt Lynn White commanded the unit for four years before passing the role on to FtLt Adrian Edwards in February. Both received their medals for serving with the cadet unit for 12 years. The service awards were presented at their Change of Command ceremony by the Commandant of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, LtCol Grant Morris, of the New Zealand Army. Representatives of the Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit Army Cadets, the TS Chatham Sea Cadets, the Bay of Plenty Area Support Officer,
and local members of the RSA were also present. It is rare for two medals to be presented at the same time, especially at a Change of Command parade, which occurs infrequently, says SqnLdr Doug Fisher, the NZCF Area Support Officer Bay of Plenty “The medal requires the recipient to do 20 days per year during weekends and week nights for 12 years. Both Officers have dedicated themselves to the young people in the unit, and what makes this unique is that neither has children currently involved.” • Within weeks of this parade and presentation FtLt Lynn White lost her battle with cancer; she died on March 9. The NZCF farewelled her on March 15.
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
Left: LtCol Grant Morris, with FtLt Lynn White and FlLt Adrian Edwards. Below: Tauranga’s 16 Squadron Air Cadets on parade. Photos: Darren Facing.
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. We do not sell or trade in original medals
P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610
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Trace the events of WWI and WWII on a historic journey alongside a team of experts with Back-Roads Touring. Explore the picturesque sights of France’s northerly fringes as we set the scene for an unforgettable tour – these are the journeys filled with courageous stories that must be experienced first-hand. Back-Roads Touring has spent the last 20 years operating tours in Western Europe. Dedicated to delivering a truly authentic experience, each Tour Leader boasts a vast collection of unique personal stories that match perfectly with their knowledge and passion. From royal protection officers to soldiers; philanthropists to artists; their fascinating tales will enrich your tour every step of the way, taking your journey that little bit further to experience the events of WWI and WWII. Stand at lesser-known locations of Normandy’s
military history, explore Pegasus Bridge, see history told through needlework at the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry and hear the Last Post played at Ypres With each tour crafted to create lasting memories to add to your family history, the dedicated Tour Leaders at Back-Roads bring the events that took place in the fields of Flanders and the beaches of Normandy back to life. Each of the battlefields tours offer the flexibility to include visits to specific cemeteries not listed on the itinerary, for those looking to pay their respects to a fallen relative or family friend and walk in their footsteps along the front. To end each day, the Back-Roads experience is completed by staying at hand-picked boutique accommodation, offering unrivalled charm. On a battlefields tour, the experts at Back-Roads Touring marry history and storytelling to create an unforgettable experience that you will be sure to remember. Save 10% on all 2018 Back-Roads tours booked now until the 31 August. Call O800 223 369 or visit backroadstouring.com for more details.
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RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
What’s New
NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST FAMILY OF WORLD WAR 1 It’s the largest European family in New Zealand – 10,000 descendants recorded in 1990 by a researcher. So it’s no surprise that the Hansen family made one of the biggest contributions from a single family to the World War 1 effort – 42 of them served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the Australian Imperial Force. Fourteen of them never returned, and 11 are buried in France and Belgium. Their contribution was largely forgotten until hobby historian Kath Hansen, wife of a Hansen descendant, Stan, began researching the family’s contribution as the centenary of World War 1 approached. This led to her writing, ‘In the Field – blood and mud on the Western Front’, about the 42 who served. The book was for the benefit of family members. “To my horror, I found that 11 of the 42 Hansen cousins never returned home and remained buried on the Western Front,” says Kath. “Three more are buried in New Zealand. I was told by a WW1 historian that this ratio of one in three dead is twice the national average for New Zealand families.” One story in particular has led her to write a second book. It focuses on Stan’s father, Herbert (Bert) Reginald Hansen, the only Kiwi soldier to escape twice from German captivity on the Western Front. Bert arrived with the New Zealand Division in France in the northern spring of 1916 and was soon promoted to a QMS. But in April 1918 the 22-year-old was captured, along with 200 other Kiwis, by the Germans in northern France. “The Germans had commenced their spring offensive the previous month and were making good progress,” says Kath. “The English Army was caught out with a gap in their line of defence and the NZ Division hurriedly re-organised
Stan Hansen (centre) with Gregory Andrews (left), New Zealand’s Ambassador to Belgium, and Freddy de Klerk(right) at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.
The first of the Hansens to come to New Zealand arrived in December 1814. They were Thomas and Hannah Hansen, their son, Thomas Jnr, and Thomas Snr’s sister, Hannah (married to John King). Thomas was captain of the Active and they brought Samuel Marsden to the Bay of Islands. The brig carried 35 passengers, crew and returning natives plus an incredible collection of cattle, livestock, poultry, goats, cats and dogs. Forty-two of the wider Hansen family fought in World War 1, and Stan and Kath Hansen are about to release their second book on the family and its WW1 involvement. They tell Karen Phelps all about it.
Kath and Stan Hansen...recording these things is important, otherwise they get lost.
approximately 1000 spare soldiers, including Bert, into Entrenching Battalions to be sent north to help the English fill that gap and protect the little town of Meteren. It was the largest haul of New Zealand prisoners taken by the Germans in one single event.” Uncovering the past led Stan and Kath to make several trips to Belgium and France to visit graves, memorials and locations first hand. The first trip was in 2011, just before the publication of the first book. They photographed each grave and laid a poppy. They also visited the six prisons where Bert was held and nearly died of starvation and disease, and the church he escaped from. Stan says the detailed descriptions Bert left in his memoirs were so precise he could immediately locate the locked door through which Bert escaped. “The parish priest had been there for 10 years and had never met any descendants of the men held in the church when it was used as a hospital during the war,” says Kath. “He was very pleased to meet us and gave us a black and white photograph of the prisoners, one of which was Bert.” Last year the Hansens ventured to Belgium again, this time to track down the safe houses Bert was hidden in. “They are all still there,” says Kath. “One is a restaurant now, and we ate lunch there. The
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owner took us upstairs so that we could see the bedroom where Bert would have been hidden.” They also laid a wreath at the nightly ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, Belgium, in memory of Bert’s 11 cousins who did not return home. The memorial is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers killed in the Ypres salient of World War I and who have no known graves. It is engraved with the 54,389 soldiers’ names. They laid another wreath at the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial ground for World War 1 dead in the Ypres Salient on the Western Front. This October they will again visit Belgium, this time to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. On October 12, 1917, 846 New Zealanders were killed in one day in Passchendaele in Belgium. It was the greatest loss of life in a single day in New Zealand’s military history and resulted in significant losses for the extended Hansen family, says Stan.
The trip will be especially poignant as Stan and Kath will be accompanied by their children (Sue, 60, Eric, 58 and Ian, 55) and their grandchildren (Nicola, 33 and Amanda, 31). They plan to lay another wreath at the Menin Gate Memorial and take part in official ceremonies in and around Zonnebeke. “It was young men wanting some adventure,” says Stan, considering why Hansen descendants would have volunteered to go to war before conscription was made compulsory in 1916. “I’m not sure they would have put their hands up so willingly if they’d known the reality. I feel rather sad that so many of them lost their lives.” “We felt they were all but forgotten,” adds Kath, whose own father, Robert Courtney, also fought in the trenches on the Western Front and in Belgium, but was lucky enough to come home. “That’s why recording these things is so important, otherwise they get lost. The books have brought to life all of these soldiers from our family and brought home the shocking loss of life.”
NEW BOOK CAPTURES BERT Kath Hansen has written a small book for family members about the remarkable escape story of Lt Bert Hansen, her husband Stan’s father. Now, with the support of researchers in Belgium, a more in-depth book will be published this year about Bert’s two escapes from German captivity in 1918 Fort MacDonald, in French Flanders – the fourth prison in which Bert was held – was infamous. Kath says its reputation reflected its gruesome conditions and after the war, it was well known as “the black hole of Lille” – a collection point for Allied prisoners of war for transportation to Germany. Here, Bert met Kiwis from Entrenching Battalion units who had been captured at Meteren the same day as him. After six days in the Black Hole, Bert fell ill and was confined to his cot. A pivotal moment then occurred, says Kathy. “A German sergeant reluctantly agreed to send him some aspirin, and, as he was leaving, turned round and asked Bert his name. This led to Bert’s ‘out of jail pass’, which saved his life and put him on the path to freedom. They found they shared the same surname, from the same province on the Germany/Denmark border where Bert’s ancestors had originated. He told Bert they were probably related. The sergeant sent for two stretcher-bearers who conveyed Bert to the prison hospital where he was well cared for. He arranged for Bert to be transferred to a quiet, little hospital in Belgium. The hospital turned out to be a very old and beautiful church in the town of Leuize-en-Hainaut.
Bert quickly spied a possible escape route – an old door with two bolts and a rusty lock guarded by patrols. Over time he managed to loosen the bolt without anyone noticing and made a pact with an Australian soldier – if Bert managed to open the door and escape, the Aussie would lock it behind him. When the off-duty guards, who slept in the church, went to a concert one evening, came back late after consuming alcohol, and fell asleep, Bert saw his chance. “I have been over the top a few times both in attacks and on raids,” he wrote in his memoir. “I’ve been through some pretty severe ‘strafes’ and experienced my fair share of the usual hair’sbreadth escapes, but for real nerve strain, allow
What’s New 35
RSA REVIEW • WINTER 2017
‘WHITE MOUSE’ DEBUTS ON MELBOURNE STAGE Nancy Wake’s undercover exploits during World War 2 are recalled in a new musical show and CD produced in Australia. The CD, which will be first cast of the musical, The White Mouse: The Nancy Wake Story, will be released once the show has been staged. The show, which has 18 musical tracks. covers Nancy Wake’s pre- and early-war life in France and her work with the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation. The musical is due to debut on July 27 at the Caulfield RSL in Melbourne. The lyrics have been written by Christine Croyden and the music by Drew Lane. Nancy Wake was born in New Zealand and, although living in Australia and Europe for much of her life, remained connected to this country. Her wartime efforts have been recognised in France, the United Kingdom. Australia, and the United States, and she has been the subject of films and books, including her auto-biography. The White Mouse was the Gestapo’s name for Nancy Wake when she worked with the French Resistance. She was one of the few female
The force behind the musical... Christine Croyden did the writing and Drew Lane produced the music.
special agents to survive the war; she died in 2011, aged 98. • Information: Christine Croyden – crisdez@ netspace.net.au; Graeme Wake, Auckland – g.c.wake@massey.ac.nz.
Wasted years for ‘passionate young couple’ Sheila Stevenson sits in freezing, dirty, industrial Wakefield, England. Coal is hard to get and, of course, there’s no central heating; she’s far from her Scottish family; her two small children always seem to be ill; food and clothing are strictly rationed; she finds a first grey hair and wonders if, on his return, husband Alan will think she has become old. Alan, a young doctor with his first proper job, was among the first to leave for the war –three months after the birth of their first child. He reassures Sheila that he is still the same man as when he left. But the reader knows they have both changed. The Germans surrender in early May 1945, and Alan learns he may be sent directly to the East to join the fight against the Japanese. He daren’t tell Sheila. Love Letters from World War Two is a love story and social commentary on the very different lives and attitudes of 1939 to 1945. The central theme is the story of Alan and Sheila, and their separation by war. That story is told through their letters. It was to be six weary years before they were able to live together as a family again. The letters present a heart-warming record of enduring love with all the tribulations of forced separation.
For these two young people, these are wasted years that can never be recovered. Alan survives Dunkirk, narrowly misses the D-Day invasion and is sent to the Gold Coast in West Africa (Ghana) where he finds himself in a new and amazing country. Food is plentiful, there is no rationing, and there’s a warm sea to swim in. He is there to help combat malaria and his work takes him into remote jungle and isolated villages. Robert Stevenson, their first child, transcribed these letters as a tribute to his parents so that they might be remembered by younger family. He has added explanatory notes and appendices and pictures. He says he found that the people he knew as ‘Mum and Dad’ were far more than the elderly people he remembered. He now sees them as passionate young people.
New Zealand’s first resident Ambassador to Egypt, Rene Wilson, will host The Innovative Travel Company’s 75th commemorative tour to Egypt in October. He also hosted the 70th commemorative tour. As part of his posting, he visited every war cemetery in Egypt in which New Zealand soldiers are buried and documented each site. He sees it as important that these lesser known gravesites are visited. The tour will also include the
Cairo Commonwealth Cemetery and sites in Ancient Egypt. The tour will be an Allied Forces affair with participants from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
• Love Letters from World War Two, produced by Robert Stevenson Publishing in conjunction with Writers’ World. Available via United Kingdom-based internet book retailers or through Robert Stevenson (+44 7973313307; elisharobert. stevenson@gmail.com. ISBNs: 978-0-9955749-0-8 & 978-0-9955749-1-5
Did anything good come out of the Somme? Former ambassador to lead tour to Egypt The 1916 Battle of the Somme encapsulates all that went wrong on the Western Front during World War 1. The loss of life and stoic endurance of Allied troops after incompetent generals sent their men over the top is hard to ignore. But was it as simple as that? Without excusing the commanders’ unimaginative tactics and their callous disregard for their soldiers’ safety, Somme: Into the Breach shows the extent to which the Allies were often able to break through the German front lines. While it is true that the generals’ inexperience and lack of foresight and ambition led to overall failure, the battle was punctuated by a series of successful British attacks and rearguard actions which, if exploited intelligently, could have brought about a very different result. It would be misleading to classify the repeated do-or-die attempts to defeat the Germans on the
Somme as a success story, but there is a positive underlying message. The courage of the British and Allied troops during more than four months of fighting with catastrophic casualties forms the core of the book. Ans some British generals did learn from the debacle and adopted winning tactics. Hugh Sebag-Montefiore, a barrister before becoming a journalist and historian, scoured archives in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. For the first time in a general book on the battle, the viewpoint is not just that of the British. There is moving testimony from what were once British dominions. • Somme Into the Breach is published by Trade Paperback Viking (UK Adult) . Recommended retail price: $40.00.
HANSEN’S GREAT ESCAPES
Above: The church door through which Bert Hansen made his first escape. Left: Bert Hansen and an identified boy, taken in France or Belgium in 1918-19.
me to recommend a lone-hand escape from any enemy prison in the still hours of the morning. The sensation of liberty quite overcame all my doubts and fears, and from that moment, I felt that whatever might happen, it was worthwhile.” He walked to Brussels where he was hidden for many weeks before making contact with the Secret Service who organised safe houses for him to make his way to the border under one condition – he had to take two non-French-speaking POWs (one English, one Irish) with him. Bert agreed, but it was to prove his downfall. The Irish lad refused to walk across fields during the day to avoid German road patrols and they were all captured and taken to a prison in Liege. Bert began to work out his second escape plan when he was told he was being sent to
Germany to be tried as a spy. He and other POWs were waiting for the train when it arrived on the other side of the track. In the confusion and dark, foggy conditions (no lights were allowed at the station because of air raids), Bert made a dash for freedom. Two days later, he reached his last safe house in Brussels. The Armistice was signed five days later and he was finally a free man. He was hospitalised, given a new uniform, and sent to England on December 4, 1918, which is where his memoir ends. He was 22 years of age. Bert Hansen’s memoirs were unseen and unread during his lifetime. His son, Stan, was close to 80 when he read them for the first time. “It was quite emotional,” Stan recalls. “I was staggered to think of what he went through and that he never spoke about it. I didn’t know he could speak French, for example. Even though I learned French at school and struggled with it, Dad never mentioned anything. I think he just closed a door on World War 1 in his mind.” Bert became the father of five children and died of lung cancer when he was 55 – common, says Kath, for soldiers who had been exposed to mustard gas. Bert was the youngest of a trio of brothers who served. Kath says it is important to acknowledge that not all th0se who lost their lives because of war did so on the battlefield. Bert’s brother, Theo M.M, died in a sanatorium and the oldest brother, Arthur, who had been badly wounded in the Messines battle, committed suicide, both back in New Zealand.
• Information: Robyn Galloway, The Innovative Travel Company – PO Box 21-247, Christchurch 8013; 0508 100111 (toll-free); o3 3653910; robyn@ innovative-travel.com; www.innovative-travel.com.
Historic Harbour Cruise
Take a journey back in time with a cruise along the Waitemata Harbour on the beautifully restored WWI hospital launch, Nautilus.
Nautilus cruises are a one-hour experience and depart Monday’s at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Visit maritimemuseum.co.nz or call 09 373 0800 to book.
ENGLAND
YPRES FRANCE
WELLS
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BELGIUM PADSTOW
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LILLE
SOMME
ST MICHAELS MOUNT
2
DARTMOOR
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FOWEY FALMOUTH AMIENS
2 VILLERS BRETONNEUX
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SALISBURY
HAWKCHURCH
LONDON