RSA Review

AUTUMN 2013

TRELISE JOINS THE RSA Fashion designer Trelise Cooper has become the Auckland RSA’s first woman patron. And Auckland has sealed the biggest sponsorship deal in New Zealand RSA history. – page 12.

Photo: LAc Maria Oosterbaan

News

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Travel

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RSA Life

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What’s New

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Sole Kiwi Beefeater does dinner

A lot to North Africa beyond Alamein

Stripes earned with campaign ribbons

Legendary swing on the way back

The only New Zealander to work as a yeoman warder at the Tower of London has been on the speaking circuit in Gore.

A Kiwi couple discovers North Africa tourism is suffering from the negative image portrayed by the media.

A contemporary artwork memorial to returned service men and women has revitalised the area around the Papatoetoe RSA.

The sounds and sensations of ‘40s swing are on their way back as a big Kiwi band hits the RSA circuit.

Visit us online at www.rsa.org.nz

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

News The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 90 No. 1 Autumn 2013 Published April 5, 2013

In this issue 02 News 06 National 06 On The Road 14 Remembering 20 The Last Post 23 RSA Life 29 Classifieds 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

GRANDDAD WOULD’VE BEEN PROUD A 10-year-old boy left the Kaurihohore Cemetery at Kauri, Northland in January proudly wearing six medals that had been awarded to his late grandfather, Sgt Hori Hemi (George) Kiwi.

Jayden Brown never met his granddad. George Kiwi died suddenly, aged 61, in Whangarei in 1995 while recovering from a stroke. He is survived by his widow Bunny – whom he married while serving in Malaya in 1961 – and their two daughters, Cheryl and Careen.

Jayden, who goes to the Whananaki Primary School (on the east coast about 85km north of Whangarei), is Careen's son. She is a social worker married to farmer Barry Brown.

When he died, George Kiwi had been awarded only two general service medals, but was entitled to more for his long service in South-east Asia.

The then Northland RSA district president D'Arcy Bailey took the issue up with the New Zealand Defence Force, found that his late comrade had earned six medals, had them mounted, and arranged for the highest ranking officer in the Whangarei district, Brig (rtd) Harry Honnor, to present them to Bunny Kiwi at her late husband's graveside.

Bunny Kiwi brought Jayden along to the ceremony because she wanted him to receive his grandfather's medals, and the youngster had a wide and grateful grin after the gongs were pinned to his chest.

"It was a brilliant day. Jayden was so proud to wear the medals," says D'Arcy Bailey.

The six medals are: the New Zealand Operational Service Medal for service on operations since 1945; the General Service Medal for service in Malaya 1959-61; the NZ General Service Medal 1992 for service on the Thai border in 1963-65; the General Service Medal for service in Malaya

Thanks from frontline

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 DESIGN & LAYOUT: Sadhna Clark, 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

112 Wrights Road, Addington PO Box 37 346, Christchurch www.waterfordpress.co.nz 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.

Pte Ethan Witana (Crib 21 contingent in Bamyan, Afghanistan) unpacks a RNZRSA Christmas box. it’s an annual Christmas project for the RNZRSA to organise and co-ordinate the packing and consignment of gift boxes and Christmas cards to New Zealand Defence Force personnel on service around the world. The RSA enlists the help of schools with military links– those that helped in 2012 were St Mark’s (Wellington), Mount Cook (Wellington), Burnham, Linton, Trentham and Devonport. RNZRSA president Don McIver has received a note of “grateful thanks” to the RNZRSA and “special thanks” to the schools involved from Padre Stu Hight, who is with Crib 21). He says that the 152 NZDF personnel and the three-strong NZ Police contingent at Kiwi Base received parcels.

A thrilled Jayden Brown shows his late grandfather George Kiwi’s six medals to Brig (rtd) Harry Honnor (left, his mother, Bunny Kiwi, and then Northland RSA district president D’Arcy Bailey.

Words: Mike Barrington Photo: John Stone Published courtesy Northern Advocate 1963-65 with clasps for the Malaya peninsula and Borneo; the Defence Service Medal for three or more years' service with clasps for CMT and Regular; the Pingat Jasa Malayasia Medal for service in Malaya and Singapore 1957-66.

George Kiwi was one of six children who were raised in the Taumarunui area where their father

worked as a bushman. George's brother, Albert, also joined the army, reaching the rank of major before being killed in a parachute accident in Australia.

George was nicknamed 'Mr Fitness' because he was involved in squash, rugby, athletics and Top Town in Whangarei.

Bunny Kiwi's family followed her to New Zealand from Malaysia.

Note: Harry Honnor died on February 3, 2013.

SEARCH ExPOSES ANOmALy IN OffICIAL WAR RECORDS A son’s research into his father’s war work has unearthed an anomaly in New Zealand’s war records.

Alex Glennie says his father, Charles Alan Glennie (1920-2012), spent four and half years in the Chatham Islands – ostensibly as a radio telegraphist running radio the station (ZLC) but, in effect, monitoring German and Japanese radio communications, and coastwatching (maritime reconnaissance of enemy shipping).

He says this is confirmed in archives and history books, and in his father’s notes and conversations. Charles Glennie was attested to the RNZAF and was the officer-in-charge of the RNZAF flying-boat base in the Chathams.

In 1946 Charles Glennie transferred from the Chathams to Awarua Radio in Invercargill, where he remained until he retired in 1976 (by then station manager) after 40 years of continuous service for the Post and Telegraph Department.

Alex Glennie, from Invercargill, has talked to the son (now 87) of the family his father stayed with on the Chathams. The son says he always knew Charles as the OC flying boats.

However, Charles Glennie’s service file records contain none of this, only his time in the Canterbury Machine Battalion in the 1930s.

Inquiries at Archives New Zealand, the RNZAF Museum and the Army Museum have proved fruitless. Telecom and New Zealand Post records from this time were destroyed in a fire in 1990-91.

This lack of information means the Glennie family cannot claim a New Zealand War Service Medal for Charles. The New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed he was entitled to the medal, but the Glennies need to produce proof of service.

The most likely reason for the absence of evidence is that the documentation was never sent on.

Alex says his father’s attestation to the RNZAF was done through the Post Office, and the most likely reason for the absence of evidence is that the documentation was never sent on. These records have been shredded or burnt.

The other possibility is security.

After qualifying as a radio telegraphist at the Post and Telegraph Radio School in Wellington in 1941, Charles Glennie was sent to the Mechanics Bay flying-boat base in Auckland for three months of further training on flying boats.

He went from there to the Chathams.

Alex Glennie sees parallels between his father’s service and the coastwatchers who were sent to the Gilbert and Ellice islands in the Pacific.

“They were mostly civilians. They were captured and executed by the Japanese in 1941. My father followed this group through the Wellington Radio School and knew many of them.”

From then on, New Zealand attested its coast watchers to the Military to provide some protection under the Geneva Convention.

To page 4

News

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

mAORI BN GIfTS ‘PRECIOUS’ mERE TO ARmy mUSEUm The New Zealand Army’s 28 Maori Battalion (NZ) Association – which met formally for the last when it disbanded in December 2012 – has gifted its ceremonial greenstone to a new guardian, the National Army Museum, at Waiouru.

The greenstone mere was donated to the association by D Company veteran Tahu Potiki Hopkinson in 2000. It has passed through the hands of seven presidents.

After the 2010 decision to wind down the association, the association’s founding members decided the museum should become the kaitiaki, or guardian, of the mere.

“In true military style, they planned everything out,” says battalion spokesman Matt Te Pou. “They had talked about this for a very long time, and in 2010, they put in place that this day would come and that this mere would be handed over.

“They use the words whaka tika te whare – they wanted to make sure that their house was in order.”

Seven of the battalion’s surviving 23 veterans were at the museum in early March for a ceremony to mark the handover. Afterwards they were honoured with a haka by a visiting school group.

The mere will be exhibited near the greenstone Wall of Tears, symbolising the sacrifices of fallen Maori soldiers.

“It’s a very special and poignant place for it,” says museum director Jeanette Richardson.

“We are delighted to be able to fulfil the kaitiaki role for such a precious item. We will treasure the mere and our role as guardian very much,” she says.

Above: 18 Maori Battalion veterans at Waiouru for the handover of the unit’s ceremonial mere to the National Army Museum.

Right: The mere, which will be exhibited near the greenstone Wall of Tears, symbolising the sacrifices of fallen Maori soldiers.

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N-bomb ‘went rogue’, says new book on Christmas Is tests A new book argues that thousands of British servicemen were contaminated when a nuclear bomb “went rogue” and showered them with radioactive fall-out up to 300 times safe limits.

Journalist Alan Rimmer says in Between Heaven and Hell that nearly half of the 2409 servicemen who complained of illness after witnessing one or more of the 21 nuclear-bomb tests carried out by the United Kingdom in the 1950s, were at the Grapple Y test on April 28, 1958 when the United Kingdom detonated its biggest bomb, codenamed Grapple Y, over Christmas Island.

UK nuclear veteran Ken McGinley, who has been battling the UK government for compensation for 30 years, describes Rimmer’s findings as “prime facie evidence we were used as guinea pigs by the Government”.

“The 50-year cover-up is exposed. These papers prove that men were deliberately contaminated by fall-out.”

Rimmer, whose book was released late last year, has sourced documents released under Freedom of Information laws, including an official Meteorological Office report stating that the massive multi-megaton bomb produced cumulonimbus, rain-producing thunder clouds.

And a 42-page report released by the Atomic Weapons Establishment Safety Directorate says that after the Grapple Y explosion, radiation levels 150 times above the safe limits were recorded in the Vaskess Bay area of the island.

The UK government and the Ministry of Defence have always denied reports it rained following the Grapple Y blast. They have also insisted that the altitude at which the weapon was exploded was too high in the atmosphere to cause fall-out.

But the new evidence shows that not only To page 4

4 News

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

VIETNAm VETS SIGHT A NEW $50,000 TARGET Four Vietnam War veterans have taken on the task of raising $50,000 to repair the 96-year-old Kaitaia war memorial to those from the Far North who died during World War 1. The memorial, built in March 1916, is believed to be the oldest

in New Zealand. The foursome aims to complete the job by March 26, 1916.

Richie Taafe (ex-V Coy), from Awanui – who headed the push by Kaitaia College’s 41 Vietnam veterans to produce a Vietnam war honour roll and present it to the school – is one of the four involved with the town’s memorial. The others are Arthur Simeon (ex-161) and David Russell (ex-NZ Comp), both from Kaitaia, and Ray (Red) Beatson (ex-V Coy), who now lives in Auckland.

Taafe says the monument is in great need of repair. The right arm has been broken off and lost, and the inscriptions need replacing.

Because it is made from marble, a replacement piece has to be sourced from Italy. The group has discovered that the quarry is still operating.

They have also discovered a man in Kaitaia who has worked with marble.

Donations to: Ray Beatson, 76 Norwood Rd, Bayswater, Auckland 0622; 09 4453526 (evening), 09 9505642 (day); raybeaton@partnerslife. co.nz. Arthur Simeon, 7 Davis St, Kaitaia; 09 4080031; kitsim@xtra.co.nz. David Russell, 638 Takahue Rd, R.D.1, Kaitaia; 09 4080490; kedar. growers@xtra.co.nz. Richie Taafe, 470b West Coast Rd, Waipapakauri Ramp, R.D.1, Awanui; 09 4067198; nehotaafe@ihug.co.nz.

Search exposes anomaly in NZ war records From page 2 Alex Glennie says a number of archives and various history books, including Dale Williamson’s The New Zealand Coastwatching Service During World War 2, published in 2011, record New Zealand coastwatching activities in the Chathams.

The German Navy sank the Holmwood near the Chatham Islands in 1940, and German and Japanese operated submarines were recorded around the Chathams and New Zealand.

Most of the shipping convoys passed south of the Chathams as they travelled to and from Cape Horn. From 1940-41 the RNZAF used flying boats for its maritime reconnaissance operations.

The upshot of all of this is that the Glennie family needs information (photographs, documents, contacts, memories) or someone to prove what Charles Glennie was doing in the Chathams.

Contact: Alex C Glennie, 31 John St, Otatara, R.D.9, Invercargill 9879; 03 2130492; a.glennie@ xtra.co.nz.

Committed to providing quality care for New Zealand and Commonwealth veterans and their dependants Provider of: •Palliative Care •Long Term Rest Home/Hospital Care •Respite Care •Day Care •Home Based Care Services •Short Term Convalescent Care

Enquires regarding these services please contact

Christine Jones PH 021 270 2264

(Clinical Charge Nurse)

or check out our website www.rannerdale.co.nz 59 Hansons Lane, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

Taranaki Rhododendron Festival Coach tour to the Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival. A variety of gardens are visited from small cottage gardens to large country estates.

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Both tours have a night at the Grand Chateau Departs Auckland November2013 Options from Wellington and other centres are available.

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Flying direct from Auckland explore Adelaide and the surrounding region, visit the Barossa Valley and enjoy a 4 night Murray River cruise aboard the paddlewheeler PS Murray Princess discovering the flora and fauna. Includes Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf, Victor Harbour and McClarenvale, plenty of varied sights and leisure time.

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Russian ambassador Andrey Tatarinov (third from left) with, from left Chris King (president, Russian Convoy Club), Frank Jones , Bill Gallie and Derek Whitwam.

Stan Welch is at the back, and just the back of Syd Wells’ head is visible.

medals for ‘worst journey in world’ Eleven members of the Russian Convoy Club were at the Russian Embassy in Wellington to receive their Ushakov Medals – an honour created specifically for those who took on what Winston Churchill dubbed “the worst journey in the world”.

More than 100 New Zealanders who served on Royal Navy and Merchant Navy ships during the convoys are eligible for the medal. Those unable to make the presentation received their medals by courier.

Between 1941 and 1945, 78 convoys battled atrocious weather, hellish living conditions and intense German attacks on the World War 2 Arctic supply convoy run to the North Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel.

They ferried more than 4 million tonnes of war

supplies, including 5000 tanks and 7000-plus aircraft, but lost 16 Royal Navy ships and 85 merchant ships in the process.

• Production of new Arctic Star (and Bomber Command) clasps has begun in the United Kingdom. Up to a quarter of a million veterans and the families could be eligible to receive the new awards.

The Arctic Star will be based on the World War 2 campaign stars, featuring the head of King George VI. All who served for any length of time north of the Arctic Circle in World War 2 will be eligible for the new Arctic Star.

Priority for the new awards is being given to applications from veterans and widows, then other next of kin.

N-bomb ‘went rogue’, says new book From page 3 did military planners know it rained, but they knew the prevailing wind would carry the fallout toward areas where thousands of troops were stationed.

The 10-page Met Office report (Weather and Winds During Christmas Island Nuclear Tests) says that two hours after the blast, “precipitation reached the surface in a shower possibly caused by the bomb”.

The report also says wind blew toward the north-west taking fall-out over the camp and airfield. It also calculates when the fall-out would reach the camp.

The Aldermaston reports, Environmental Monitoring at Christmas Island 1957-1958, states: “A few very high values (up to 300 microcuries per square metre after extrapolation back to one hour after detonation) were recorded.”

Meanwhile, Gerry Wright, has been updating the roll of the 567 New Zealand naval personnel who served on the HMNZ ships, Pukaki and Rotoiti, at Christmas Island during the tests..

He has confirmed that 313 (55.2%) of them have died and 196 (34.57%) are alive. He has

not been able to locate the other 58 (10.23%).

Seven hundred veterans from New Zealand, Fiji and the UK have taken a class action lawsuit, claiming $NZ36.5m in damages, against the British government.

Massey University research done in the late 1990s, part-funded by the New Zealand government as a result of the veterans’ efforts, provides the scientific basis of their case. Researchers found that the incidence of genetic transmutations amongst nuclear test veterans was three times higher than normal. The researchers concluded that this condition was most likely caused by radiation exposure.

But the UK Supreme Court ruled against the veterans last October because their claims were not filed within a three-year statute of limitations set out in British law.

This despite the fact that the veterans did not have documentation to prove their cases until after the time-limit had elapsed – partly because the UK government failed to create or safeguard that information.

The veterans may now turn to the European Court of Human Rights to win compensation or a fairer pension scheme.

News

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

5

NZ’S ONLy BEEfEATER DOES DINNER

By Peter Owens

What’s in a gown? Gore mayor Tracy Hicks (left) and former beefeater Patrick Nolan compare designs.

Patrick Nolan has a unique place in New Zealand military history – he is the only New Zealander to have worked as a yeomen warder (popularly known as a “beefeater”) at the Tower of London.

After a visit to London in 1992, he applied for a position and, through a combination of unusual circumstances, was appointed in October that year. He retired in 2008.

Born and educated in the Manawatu, Nolan joined the New Zealand Army in 1962, served for 29 years and retired with the rank of warrant officer I. He served in Vietnam and Sinai, and “summered over” Scott Base, Antarctica as logistician for the New Zealand science programme.

Not only was he the first New Zealander to be a yeomen warder, he was also the first non-British resident. To qualify, you must have served in the regular armed forces for at least 22 years, and you must have retired with the rank of a senior non-commissioned officer.

In addition, you need long service and good

conduct medals, plus a personal recommendation from a British Army officer. The last requirement would have barred most non-British applicants, but Nolan had an extremely supportive letter of commendation from a British general with whom he had soldiered in Sinai.

So, after waiting for a vacancy through retirement and having committed the long and colourful history of the Tower of London to memory, Patrick Nolan was appointed. He and his wife, Dawn, took up residence in the tower and he began work.

The Tower of London was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror and houses the British crown jewels.

Traditionally yeomen warders looked after prisoners at the tower and safeguarded the jewels. Today they are tour guides and a tourist attraction in their own right.

It’s a busy place, says Patrick Nolan – “There were 48 million people through the tower when I was there.”

During his time in London, Nolan was also the

New Zealand trustee on the executive council of the Commonwealth Ex-Services League (chaired

by Prince Philip) and the United Kingdom representative of the Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association.

In this latter role he attended many ceremonies and functions on behalf of the RNZRSA, including making arrangements for the return of The Unknown Warrior to New Zealand and the opening of the New Zealand War Memorial in Hyde Park.

He also kept up his association with the New Zealand armed forces and, for many years, was the parade marshal for the Anzac Day service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

Since returning to New Zealand, the Nolans have spent some time at the New Zealand Army Museum in Waiouru and have now retired to Tauranga.

Patrick Nolan was in Gore as guest speaker at the Gore Gardening Club’s Autumn Harvest Show.

He also spoke to Gore Garden Club members and the Rotary Club of Gore’s dinner meeting.

PASSCHENDAELE LOCO ON TRACK fOR COmING CENTENARy Restoration of an historic steam locomotive reached a major milestone in December when the boiler of Ab608 Passchendaele (far right) was lifted back onto its wheels at Paekakariki.

The locomotive is nearing the end of a massive rebuild by volunteers and Steam Incorporated staff. Due for completion in mid-2013, the rebuild will have taken 20 years and cost $350,000. The locomotive is expected to play a role in the World War 1 centenary commemorations.

Ab608 Passchendaele, built in October 1915 at the Addington Railway Workshops in Christchurch, is the only steam locomotive officially given a name by New Zealand Railways in the 20th century.

In their prime the Ab class hauled major express trains in both islands, and were used on services on all main lines and most branch lines.

In 1925 railways minister Gordon Coates agreed to a proposal to name a steam locomotive “in memory of those members of the New Zealand Railways who fell in the Great War”. After considering Somme, Le Quesnoy and Ypres, he chose Passchendaele.

Ab608 was retired in October 1967 when its boiler required heavy repairs. It was given to the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society Inc for preservation, and arrived at Ferrymead, in Christchurch, in 1978. Steam Inc took charge of it in 1993 and set about restoration.

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

National Office

TImE TO START PLANNING fOR WW1 REmEmBRANCE Don McIver, RNZRSA president

Anzac Day, the annual commemorative highpoint of that season when we pause to remember all those who served for and died in service to our nation, will soon be upon us again. As in past years there will be special events around Anzac Day. By the time you read your copy of the Review the winner of the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition will have been announced, and will be preparing for a life-changing trip to the Anzac ceremonies on on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25. These young contestants have put their hearts and souls into their presentations.

They are always thoughtfully researched and passionately presented, and I have been moved by the spirit and emotion of their speeches. They reassure the listener that the future of our nation is in good hands.

And then, just before Anzac Day, the governor

general will announce the Anzac of the Year 2012. This prestigious RSA award epitomises our commitment to the Spirit of Anzac and those values of Courage, Compassion, Commitment and Comradeship it encompasses. Last year’s highly meritorious winner, the Student Volunteer Army, was there for the people of Canterbury when most needed. And the award illustrated that we are looking for anyone, of any age, from anywhere in the country, who has demonstrated, by outstanding service, those special Anzac values.

This year, too, we will see some serious RNZRSA planning for its commitment to the World War 1 centenary. Over the years 2014–2018 the country will commemorate the service of more than 100,000 young men and women to the war, and the tragic loss of more than 18,000 dead.

For a country with a population then of about 1

million, this was a remarkable contribution to a war in which the major events were played out on the other side of the world.

New Zealanders are already committing themselves to the remembrance programmes that are developing, and they will expect the RSA to be intimately involved in them. Much of the activity will be in the rural areas, in the small towns and villages that provided so many of the young men and women who served.

Every RSA in the country needs to consider now what role it will play and who should be its local partners in the preparation and implementation of its programmes. Our remembrance committee is developing our national programme and will provide the support and assistance you will need to put your programme in place. But you need to start your planning now. I know many RSAs are already well into the process. For a

wider view of what is happening nationally and advice on lottery funding, have a look at www.100.govt.nz.

Just before Anzac Day you will see the launch of the Fields of Remembrance (or White Crosses) project. A trust has been established by the RNZRSA, the Passchendaele Society (which originated the White Crosses concept) and the Auckland RSA (which has provided sponsorship to the Passchendaele Society).

The trust will advance the development of nationwide remembrance of those who served in World War 1 by encouraging participation of all New Zealanders in creating Fields of Remembrance (fields of white crosses) in every community on special commemorative dates.

It’s a very imaginative concept that I’m sure will resonate with New Zealanders countrywide. I have no doubt your RSA will want to be a part of it.

WELCOmE TO THE NEW NATIONAL OffICE Stephen Clarke, RNZRSA chief executive

As we enter autumn we can reflect on what a stunning summer we’ve enjoyed – in my case, double the usual number of ocean swims with my girls both in Wellington and at Auckland’s fabulous west-coast beaches. The rest of my summer was dedicated to the National Office review mentioned in the last issue.

Our commitment at National Council 2012 was to review and transform the RNZRSA national office so that we would be better placed to assist member RSAs make the strategic shift required; to enhance the provision of communications and marketing services; to tackle our organisational technology gap; to expand merchandise and sponsorships to support our centenary programme.

At a post-National Council meeting in

November, the National Executive Committee (NEC) expressed the concern that the project needed to be launched as soon as possible, but without undue haste, so that changes arising would not interfere with the major commitments to Anzac Day. It resolved that as chief executive, I should initiate the review, with the Executive Management Committee (EMC) having oversight of the process on behalf of the NEC. KPMG was engaged to provide independent advice on terms organisational structure and staff – this was the first National Office review in 25 years and it was critical we got it right.

The EMC participated in a workshop designed to clarify design principles for the review and the development of a proposed structure for consultation. Feedback was sought from staff

and assessed by the chief executive and KPMG, and the final document was produced.

The organisational chart outlines the new function based structure for National Office.

Inevitably a number of positions did not fit the new structure. There were minor changes to three positions (plus that of the chief executive) and these were offered to the incumbents.

Four staff were unsuccessful in the reassignment decisions made by me, with the assistance of a representative of KPMG, and confirmed by the national president.

After working alongside staff for many years, it is always emotional to say goodbye under any circumstances. The NEC and I were concerned that due consideration was given to those whose positions had been terminated. Affected staff

New who’s who Stephen Clarke, chief executive: Focus is on leading National Office in the development and implementation of RNZRSA strategy to ensure the RSA movement is relevant and thriving.

Supported by RNZRSA at university in 1990s; after overseas study joined National Office in 2001 to look after communications and commemorations. Appointed chief executive in late 2008.

History graduate of University of Otago and the University of New South Wales at Australian Defence Force Academy; military historian and regular consultant for film and television.

Jayne Collins, executive co-ordinator: Providing administrative support to the chief executive and national president.

Has worked as an executive assistant for a variety of people and organisations, including two principal judges, the New Zealand Customs Service and the NZBus chief executive officer.

Worked behind the bar at the Birkenhead RSA in the 1980s, and has been a territorial in the 4 Sigs Corps based at Papakura and in the North Shore Army Cadet Unit.

The post-restructure RNZRSA National Office staff (from left), Stephen Clarke, Lisa Ellingham, David Moger,Stacey Merrifield, Alastair Hoult, Jayne Collins, Margaret Snow, Rebecca Byrne.

Margaret Snow, manager advocacy and support: On behalf of ex-service community, makes submissions to the Law Commission and Committee on legislative changes, liaises with Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand, supports ex-service community and dependents with war pension appeals,helps train local RSA support advisers and volunteers.

Worked for RNZRASA since 2002. Joined British Wrens at 18 and trained as a radar plotter. Trained naval officers and ratings in radar, air traffic control and tactics in the UK and the Netherlands. served as a civilian at a NATO

base with the RAF, was in Royal Naval Reserve.

David Moger, manager business development: Focus on developing and supporting RSA membership recruitment, benefits and loyalty, and providing business planning and operations management to RSAs. Worked as sales and sales management in the a UK financial services firm, and as a divisional manager of a telecommunications firm. In New Zealand, has developed business opportunities with the science community, run businesses, been a chief executive and regional manager.

Lisa Ellingham, manager communications and

were provided with significant professional support to find new employment. In addition, despite the fact that RNZRSA does not have a redundancy policy, the NEC agreed that financial recompense was provided to recognise their valuable contribution.

The new structure is now in place. The structure is based on four functional areas: • Advocacy and support – to the ex-service community.

• Business development – develop membership and the profitable operation of all RSAs. • Communication and marketing – to support a vibrant and relevant RSA movement.

• Finance and administration – to provide financial and administration services for the National Office. marketing: Role is to connect the RSA with the New Zealand community, and help it reach the stage where it welcomed and supported by New Zealanders and remembered as a force for good.

Experience in management, change management and leadership in commercial and creative environments, event management and tourism. Previously RNZRSA manager national projects.

Stacey Merrifield, communications and marketing co-ordinator: RSA communications, branded goods and marketing activities to promote the RSA as a force for good at the heart of our communities.

Business and agency experience in communications, event management, sponsorship and campaign co-ordination. Special interest in all things web and digital, especially social media.

Alastair Hoult, manager finance and administration: Leads financial and administrative services. Has experience in senior finance roles in the health, dairy, not for profit and energy sectors.

Rebecca Byrne, finance co-ordinator: Provides accounting and financial services for National Office. Background in small-business management as an owner/operator.

8

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Your letters Consequences not always trivial

How about a back-date?

The Veteran’s Pension is being increased in April 2013. Is this going to be back-dated?

When politicians receive an increase, it is always back-dated. The current politicians receiving back pay and regular increases did not serve their country, compared with World War 2 veterans.

At a time of war, who would you rather have on your side – a serving soldier or a politician?

A Veteran’s Widow – World War 2, Cassino and El Alamein.

I have almost reached the stage in life of the very old man who, when asked what did all day, replied: “Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.”

When I do think – rarely – I ponder on how often the most trivial actions have extraordinary and far-reaching consequences.

For example: Way back in 1921, when I was living in Portsmouth, my maternal grandmother took me to the dockyard to see HMS Victory. I stared with all my childish amazement and emotion at the brass plaque that marked where Nelson fell, shot through the black by a bullet from the Redoubtable less than 20 yards away.

He became a real person to me and I determined to join the navy – and did indeed, as an artificer apprentice, in 1930.

HMS Fisgard and other hulks were the home and training workshop for the junior classes (A, B, C, D and E), while the seniors (F, G, H and J) were in the training quarters at Chatham.

Practical tests and theory exams were held every six months and, if you failed, you could be put back to a junior class.

Our schools had no advisers, and I was totally astonished to learn that I was to be fitter and turner...I had no father to advise me. When I was handed a hammer and a cold chisel, and given a chunk of mild steel and my place at the vice, I was already wishing I had never been inspired by Horatio.

My reading has since cooled by enthusiasm for him considerably. He was a passionate patriot and royalist (my country, right or wrong) and his brutal behaviour to Admiral Prince Francesco Caracciolo, who he hanged, is unforgivable and inexcusable. His treatment of his wife is very well known...and was so public it amounted to sheer cruelty.

Of course, the results of trivial decisions can also be delightful.

I recall calling in at Montreal on HMS York in 1937. I was broke, but my chum, Jim, pestered me to have a run ashore at a rather shoddy dance hall called The Palais D’or.

I was a lousy dancer and the girl I picked up was not much cop either. We got married in Reno in 1941 when my ship (Liverpool) was in the navy yard at Vallejo having a new bow

Suggested histories ready for recording

Spitfire rescue details questioned

Has a history been written of military personnel who were called up for service during World War 2 but, for various reasons, were unfit to go overseas? Also the 16th and 17th reinforcements, who were the basis of J Force.

And what about the story of the Armed Services Operatic Society under the control of Capt Harry Brusey? It was formed to raise money for the Patriotic Fund.

I know only of the The Mikado, which was performed at the Wellington Opera House on nine occasions and a few thousand pounds were collected.

E.McK.Wallis 638793 (Wellington)

I am amazed at the errors and misconceptions in the article, ‘They never even knew each other’s names’ (RSA Review, spring 2012).

I was a Spitfire pilot during World War 2, and flew five marques. Anyone who has ever sat in a Spitfire would know there was no room for stowage of life rafts – in fact, there was barely enough room for a well-fed pilot.

All pilots on operational missions carried rubber dinghies and parachutes, which were connected to the parachute harness. The rubber dinghy pack measured approximately 40cm x 30cm x 10cm, and was fairly heavy. The parachute harness had to be tight as the loop which went between the legs would tighten suddenly if the chute had to be deployed. This

No need for any apology

Horatio Nelson: He was Fred Cockram’s inspiration – until he got to know more about him.

and A turret fitted. We had 65 unforgettable years together.

Fred Cockram (Hakataramea)

could result in painful consequences. Because of height restrictions, it would be impossible to detach the dinghy from the parachute pack and the harness in flight.

And, as for throwing a dinghy out of the plane, it was impossible to slide the hood back at speeds in excess of 140mph. Throwing a dinghy out would also have been risking severe damage to the tail assembly with predictably catastrophic results.

The obvious answer to the problem these pilots faced was to call for the ASR Walrus, and maintain a patrol until it appeared.

Sorry to spoil a good line-shoot, but let’s get the facts right.

Charles Sharp, ex F/Lt 140 (PR) Sqn RAF

The refusal of the Japanese prisoners to provide a work party on Thursday, February 25, 1943 was not an isolated incident as implied by a Dominion Post reporter in ‘The Official Version’.

It was the final in an ongoing series of similar incidents intended to provoke a show down to determine who would run the Featherston camp – the New Zealand Army of the Japanese prisoners.

The revolt was not spontaneous. It was organised on the Wednesday evening by ringleader Adachi after the worksheet for Thursday had been issued.

The subsequent court of inquiry was headed

by Col C.G. (later Sir Guy) Powles and the report can be found in the National Archives. Paragraph xiii says: “After the incident, many improvised weapons, besides stones, were taken either from Japanese bodies or from the immediate vicinity of bodies.

These included hammers, meat forks, spanners, chisels and knives, thus showing clearly that the revolt had been organised beforehand.”

I have a letter written by a former guard who mentioned another improvised weapon – potatoes with razor blades embedded in them.

These were thrown at the guards during the riot, causing injuries.

Publication of the report recommended, New Zealand apology not necessary.

Don Beswick (Wellington)

British public urged Bomber Command to ‘give it back to them’ When World War 2 broke out I was a young high school student. My older brother went into the RAF before the war and was flying on operation by 1940. A brother in-law went in to the RAF in 1941 as a wireless operator/air gunner. My father and a sister worked for the Air Ministry for most of the war.

And I went into the RAF just after war’s end and then to Germany with BAFO, part of BAOR. I followed the events of the war very closely, especially the RAF’s part and have read the history extensively. I am vice-president and social secretary of the Nelson RNZAFA. One of the 32 former RNZAF Bomber Command airmen flown to London for the unveiling and dedication of the Bomber Command Memorial had this to say in an article (RSA Review, spring 2012): “I think we all felt that Churchill and the British people were wrong in condemning the BC boys for what they did. They were only doing what they were told to do, and in war you don’t fight with kit gloves.”

It seems there has been a complete misconception created by people with their own agenda about the attitude of a vast majority of the British public in Britain during World War 2. It can be said unequivocally that the attitude of this majority was right behind what Bomber Command was doing and there was a constant demand for retaliation – the catch-cry was ‘Give it back to them’.

Of course, a number of pacifists spoke out about the bombing, and since war’s end, a number of academics have written articles and

Those who lived in Britain during the war know only too well that newspapers and newsreels showed detailed results (of the bombing) to a public eager to feel that Britain was hitting back. books roundly condemning the bombing as morally wrong and a crime against humanity; these have got a good deal of publicity.

One was Anthony Clifford Grayling, born in 1949 (well after war’s end ) in Zambia. He went to university in England, became professor of philosophy at London University, and in 2006, wrote Among the Dead Cities, which posed the question, “Was the Allied bombing of civilians in World War 2 a necessity or a crime?”

Reviews of the book have been mixed: some say it was timely, and agree with its moral stance, others say it was inadequately researched and poorly argued, showed ignorance of many facts, and military history is too serious to be left to moral philosophers. Warsaw gets very little mention in the book, yet the facts are out there – six million civilians killed in Poland compared with two million Germans, many of the latter not by the RAF. Air Marshall Harris has received much adverse criticism for the bombing, but the bombing of industrial cities was conceived by Air Ministry

planners in February 1942 before Harris took over Bomber Command; it was supported by Lord Cherwell, Churchill’s chief scientific adviser, and the policy was endorsed by Churchill.

The orders to carry it out were formally issued to Bomber Command by the Air Ministry from the headquarters of the overall Allied commander, Gen Eisenhower.

The February directive listed more precise military and economic targets, while limiting attacks on cities to those with large industrial areas. For much of the last year of the war, Bomber Command was ordered to attack transport, oil, and other military targets Grayling maintained that Bomber Command’s campaign had little or no effect on the winning of the war, and was more about killing civilians.

This, to say the least, is mischievous nonsense.

While he went on to say so-called American precision bombing succeeded in paralysing the German economy, the facts are that much of this bombing was done in fog and low cloud, and as many as 80% of all bombs missed their target

(this comment is not intended to denigrate the American effort) Something not often appreciated and taken into account in the bombing debate is the fact that Russia was suffering greatly at the hands of the Germans and was under a lot of pressure.

The Russians demanded action from Britain, and the only way this could be done for some considerable time was through Bomber Command.

The much discussed and controversial bombing of Dresden towards the end of the war was done at the behest of the Russians to try and take pressure off their advancing armies. Dresden was a very important rail and road junction for troop and military equipment movement to the eastern front. This specific order went via the Air Ministry from the overall Allied Command Another misleading myth that has no relation to the truth is that the bombing of Germany cities was kept secret from the British public during the war. But those who lived in Britain during the war know only too well that newspapers and newsreels showed detailed results (of the bombing) to a public eager to feel that Britain was hitting back.

The statements that the British people did not approve of the boys of Bomber Command shows very plainly how history can be grossly perverted by the bias of the writer.

The acknowledgement to the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives in Bomber Command and all those who served in this dangerous and demanding facet of WW2 was long overdue.

John Jardine

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10

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Special report

JAPAN SAW StrAtegic vAlue iN Nz A letter from a Palmerston North reader in the Dominion Post (October 10, 2012 claimed “that the Japanese strategy in 1942 didn’t include invading either Australia or New Zealand.” This is a half-truth. Other sources have indicated that initially, Australia was to be bypassed, but the intention was to invade and occupy New Zealand.

A second letter (October 23) from the Palmerston North reader, in answer to a critic, asked: “Did the Japanese in World War 2 make plans and preparations to invade New Zealand?”

Clearly, yes. Did they intend to do so in 1942?

As we now know, from the Japanese High Command’s planning documents, they did not.

Unfortunately, the writer told us what the Japanese did not intend rather than what they did intend.

So, what do the documents say? If the invasion of New Zealand was not planned for 1942, was it planned for 1943? Or later? Or not at all?

It raises another question: Were those planning documents prepared during the war, or after the war to influence war crimes investigators?

How would the Dominion Post letter-writer have known the difference?

The writer described Japan’s plan to establish an outer perimeter of its empire in 1942, then returned to his/her original claim that Japan did not intend to invade New Zealand because it “lacked the army forces needed to invade Australia, and didn’t plan to bypass it and invade New Zealand”.

Many readers would accept the first part of the statement – that Japan lacked the army forces to invade Australia – as plausible and accept it as a valid reason for accepting the view that Japan did not intend to invade New Zealand.

By 1942, the Japanese base at Rabaul, in Papua New Guinea, had not reached its eventual peak of 100,000 soldiers. So, Japan may not have had sufficient resources to invade Australia.

However, by early May 1942, the Japanese considered they had sufficient army forces to occupy Port Moresby, on the south coast of Papua New Guinea – which had strategic value as a base for an invasion of Australia and New Zealand, and as a base for controlling the sea lanes and the opportunity to isolate Australia and New Zealand.

Debate has been to-ing and fro-ing in Wellington’s daily newspaper, the Dominion Post, over how real the Japanese threat to New Zealand was during World War 2. At the centre of the argument is whether or not the Japanese intended to invade New Zealand. DONALD BESWICK, from Wellington, is in no doubt that they did. He presents his case for the prosecution.

The Henderson Field airstrip, which was captured by the Americans when they invaded Guadacanal in 1942.

The attempted invasion of Port Moresby was repelled by United States Naval Forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. A month later, in June 1942, the Japanese Navy attempted to invade Midway Island (midway across the Pacific Ocean) to use as a base in Japan’s outer perimeter, but was again repelled by the US Navy (the Battle of Midway).

This halted Japanese expansion and was a turning point in the Pacific war. Another month later, in July 1942, the Japanese Army landed on the north coast of New Guinea (Buna and Gona)

Occupying New Zealand and isolating Australia would have cut off the food supply to Britain, and prevented external aid reaching NZ and Australia.

and tried to invade Port Moresby by crossing the Owen Stanley range and the infamous Kokoda trail. Japanese soldiers got within 80 kilometres of Port Moresby before being repelled by the Australians.

The Japanese were also running out of food and ammunition, and, from then on, were fighting a defensive rather than an offensive war.

Kenneth Hancock, in his book, New Zealand at War (published in 1946) says: “The intention of the Japanese to invade New Zealand was indicated by the discovery of excellent maps and charts of the dominion in Japanese Field Headquarters in southern Bougainville. Arrows on the maps indicated that the west coast of the North Island was selected for the projected landings.”

Rabaul was built by the Japanese to become a base even more powerful than Truk. When Allied reconnaissance teams went into Rabaul

immediately after the surrender, they found a mighty underground arsenal, with long tunnels stacked high with equipment and supplies, and almost everything necessary for further largescale offensives down the Pacific to New Zealand.

Among the discoveries were: more than 10,000 tonnes of provisions held as battle rations; nearly 3000 tonnes of clothing; 590 pieces of artillery; 1.75 million shells; nearly 330,000 grenades; 56,000 anti-tank bombs, and more than 11,000,000 rounds of rifle ammunition.

Plus: 19,000 bombs; more than 1000 trucks, 87 tanks, 70 tractors and 200 cars; tens of thousands of drums of petrol, oil and grease; more than 100 anti-aircraft guns.

At various times there were large numbers of aircraft at Rabaul, and at the surrender, the Japan had around 80,000 troops in the SolomonsBismarck area. The strength of the Japanese Navy To page 11

cOMPliANt cOlONel lAYS Out tHe JAPANeSe PlAN When the Allied Forces occupied Japan after the surrender, the Supreme Command Allied Powers interrogated suspected Japanese war criminals and interviewed other Japanese suspects who may have planned but were not personally involved in atrocities.

The latter group tended to speak more freely and frankly. One of them was Col Tashiro Shimazui, who, from 1941-45, had a senior position in the war planning and personnel section of the War Ministry in Tokyo. He was interviewed in October 1948 by a New Zealander, James Godwin.

Godwin, who was originally from Marlborough, joined the RNZAF in 1942 at the age of 18. After advanced training in Canada, he joined the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious late in 1943 as a lieutenant in the Fleet Air Arm.

He was a Japanese prisoner of war in Java and then in Japan. After liberation, hospital treatment and convalescence in New Zealand, he was posted to the Second Australian War Crimes Section of SCAP and given the rank of captain in the Australian Army. Godwin took notes during the interview and transcribed them as an interrogator-witness narrative.

Godwin: The 100,000 Japanese troops garrisoning Rabaul? Was this not a waste of valuable manpower with such a concentration of battle-ready troops?

Shimazui: From a military point of view, no.

Had the Battle of the Coral Sea been convincingly won by our navy, this army would then have been transported from New Britain to New Zealand via New Caledonia and Norfolk Island.

G: Why New Caledonia and Norfolk Island?

Did they have some military significance for the Japanese High Command?

S: Oh yes! An assigned number of troops would have been detailed to overcome resistance and garrison the new territory to deprive the Allies of port facilities and airfields. In fact it was intended to make New Caledonia our largest airbase in southern Oceania.

G: You mentioned New Zealand. Of what strategic or military value would this country have been?

S: Militarily New Zealand was not a threat.

However the war ministry was aware of the country’s potential to supply England with considerable amounts of food and other essential imports. By seizing the country, Japan would assist Germany to overcome the English by

denying them these valuable food supplies.

Conversely the Japanese Army of Occupation would be well supplied from New Zealand’s abundance and could have ensured a vital source of food for Japan.

G: Was a tenacious resistance expected to a Japanese invasion of New Zealand?

S: Perhaps around the larger cities, but only for a time. We were aware that the country’s national army was small by our standards and that its most capable soldiers were overseas fighting in the Middle East. The Home Guard and Territorials would have been quickly subdued by our overwhelming numbers and battle experienced troops.

G: Did not the closeness of Australia geographically raise some concern?

S: Not really. This possible threat had been

Special Report 11

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

MONeY tHe curreNcY OF OccuPAtiONAl POWer Japanese forces used occupation banknotes to replace the currencies of three captured territories – the Philippines, Malaya, and Sumatra (Dutch East Indies). And they printed occupation banknotes intended for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

When the Americans invaded Guadalcanal and captured the Henderson Field airfield in August 1942, they found large quantities of banknotes intended for Oceania where most countries (including New Zealand, Australia and Fiji) used pounds, shillings and pence. Some of these notes had been used on Guadacanal when the Japanese were building the airfield.

Peso and centavos banknotes used in the Philippines carried the prefix PI; dollars and cents notes used in Malaya carried prefixes such as MN and MU; gulden (guilder), half-gulden and cent banknotes used in Sumatra were written in Dutch and had prefixes such as SG, SH, and SL. They were headed De Japansche Regeering, which presumably translates to the Japanese regime or the Japanese government.

The occupation banknotes intended for Oceania included the pound, the shilling, and the halfshilling, and had prefixes such as OA and OC, which could have applied to different regions.

There is no evidence that Japan minted coins

for occupied territories. Metals such as gold, silver and even bronze would have been too valuable, and needed for the war effort.

A few people have assumed that, had the Japanese invaded and occupied New Zealand, they would have given us free money. But that’s not how the system works. The occupation banknotes would have become the only legal tender, and we would have had to buy those notes with our own notes and coins. Similarly, the banks would have had to hand over their reserves of notes and coins.

The Japanese would have collected all our silver coins – half-crowns (2/6d), florins (2/-), shillings (1/-), sixpences (6d), and threepences (3d), together with the bronze penny and halfpenny coins.

The hundreds, if not thousands, of kilograms of silver and bronze coins would have been shipped back to Japan to be melted down for the war effort.

Those who remember when New Zealand changed to decimal currency in 1967 will recall that we were not given free money, but had to buy the dollars and cents with our pounds, shillings and pence.

In this case coins were exchanged for coins.

But, in World War 2, the coins in occupied

countries were exchanged for paper – which is now worthless, because fortunately we won the war. The printing of occupation banknotes intended for Oceania was tangible proof of Japan’s intent to invade and occupy countries such as Australia and New Zealand in 1942.

When the Americans took Guadacanal, they discovered large quantities of these halfshilling, shilling and pound banknotes. The notes, which were used briefly on Guadacanal, were intended for use in Oceania where most countries (including New Zealand, Australia and Fiji) used pounds, shillings and pence.

Nz seen as a ‘suitable’ southern base From page 10

The USS Yorktown, hit by dive bombers during the Battle of Midway. The Americans’ success in repelling the Japanese invasion forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea (when the Japanese sought to take Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea)) and the Battle of Midway (further east), turned the tide in the Pacific War,

was nearly as formidable as that of its army. It had 46,000 men in the same area, heavily armed with automatic weapons, and nearly 20 million rounds of ammunition in Rabaul.

Navy dumps in the Rabaul area contained nearly 200,000 grenades, 16,000 bombs, and hundreds of torpedoes, depth charges and mines, plus anti-aircraft guns, 25,000 drums of petrol and oil, 20 tanks, 900 vehicles, and thousands of tonnes of food, clothing and other supplies.

If this quantity of equipment and supplies was still there when Japan surrendered, the total that was taken into Rabaul must have been staggering.

This was reflected in shipping movements.

During the latter half of 1942 and early in 1943, shipping in Rabaul averaged 250,000- 300,000 tonnes a month. To protect this, the Japanese moved in something like 40 squadrons. The army also had something like 300 aircraft in the area, and it is estimated that altogether the Japanese flew more than 1000 aircraft into Rabaul.

At the zenith of its power Rabaul was a mighty fortress and a formidable base.

To occupy another country, an army must have sufficient manpower and armament to control the main cities, and the navy must have sufficient ships to transport the army’s men and military equipment to the target country.

The army stockpile in Rabaul and its 100,000 soldiers would have been more than sufficient

considered but dismissed as improbable. It was our intention to base a heavy cruiser squadron and supporting naval units to operate from New Zealand and sufficient to deter units of Australia’s small naval capability.

G: Were you privy as to how this invasion of New Zealand was planned?

S: Generally yes. Our department assisted in collating all the information available which was considerable. We had thousands of photos of every public utility in the country, including port installations, dams, cross-country powerlines, railways, bridges and the like including the location of military training camps.

G: How did you obtain such a wealth of photos?

S: From Japanese nationals employed by the Oceania division of Foreign Affairs. They were supplied with excellent Kodak cameras and sent

have replaced the current money supply within the country and it was envisaged that Japanese colonisation would have followed including the confiscation of farms and property deemed suitable for Japanese ownership.

G: Would there have been no compensation?

At this point Shimazui had shrugged and given an answer that was clearly beyond his knowledge: “A decision relating to the spoils of war would no doubt be made but at the highest level. Tokyo, not Wellington, would have governed New Zealand until Japanese immigration surpassed the local population in numbers.”

G: Clearly, with regard to Australia, Japan may have felt it was strategically contained until such time as it was targeted for invasion, but what about Canada and the United States? Was

to overpower countries like Australia and New Zealand, both of which had their major forces in the Middle East.

That leaves the question of transportation and landing. To occupy New Zealand, Japanese naval forces would have had to invade and neutralise the main cities; the navy could then transport the army’s men and military equipment in to enforce the occupation.

Had Japan captured Port Moresby, it would have been able to control the sea lanes leading to Australia and New Zealand. Japanese planes had bombed Darwin, and a Japanese base at Port Moresby could have been used to mount an invasion of Darwin and the northern coast of Australia. The Australians thought they might have to retreat south to the “Brisbane line”.

However, the Japanese plan was evidently to capture New Caledonia and Norfolk Island, then invade and occupy New Zealand for use as a southern base. In this plan, Australia would be bypassed. Occupying New Zealand and isolating Australia would have cut off the food supply to Britain, and prevented external aid reaching New Zealand and Australia.

A Japanese blockade would also have prevented the return of Anzac troops from the Middle East. New Zealand food would have diverted to Japan, and, because its climate and topography were similar to Japan, New Zealand was seen as a suitable country for Japanese immigration.

FOr OceANiA iN POSt-WAr iNtervieW WitH KiWi abroad as tourists. Other photos were supplied by bona fide tourists after their return to Japan.

G: How was it proposed to administer the country after it was invaded? Would it have been a civil or military administration?

S: Until the country was pacified or the war had been won, the country would have been under martial law. To this end an elite group of university graduates enrolled in the military and designated as the Tactical Section, had been trained to oversee the country’s internal affairs and to prepare it for an orderly transition from military to Japanese civilian rule.

G: What about the local indigenous population?

How would they have been treated?

S: I really don’t know. New Zealand’s future as part of the Japanese Empire was not of immediate concern. Japanese occupation currency would

it honestly believed both of these large countries would have been intimidated by Japan?

S: Initially yes, but only by an honourable armistice. In a protracted war and with North America’s population and natural resources, it would have been impossible for Japan to win militarily. It was hoped that Japan’s swift conquests and formidable army would help to persuade a new understanding of the status quo by the Allied powers. As the tide of war turned into severe reverses for Japan, the prospect of an armistice changed to one of unconditional surrender. The atom bomb just hastened the end.

• Donald Beswick says this information has been sourced from Betrayal in High Places, a book written by New Zealand author James MacKay and published in 1996. (ISBN 0 473 038188).

12 News/Opinon

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

WOMAN PAtrON FirSt SteP tOWArdS ‘re-iNveNtiON’ Karen Phelps What does a New Zealand fashion designer have in common with the Returned Services Association? On the surface, not much if public perceptions are anything to go by.

But a new partnership between the Auckland RSA and fashion designer Trelise Cooper is set to change these perceptions and modernise the RSA brand, says Auckland RSA president Graham Gibson.

Cooper is the new patron of the Auckland RSA, replacing retiring patron General Rob Williams, recently honoured for his service with life membership. Gibson says Cooper has big shoes to fill, is ready for the challenge.

“We had a number of people we selected from. Trelise left school early and was said to be the least likely to succeed from her peers.

And look at where she is now. She’s a battler, and that fits in with the RSA image. Trelise also has relatives who have served in the military so she has a connection.”

Gibson says the choice of a woman was deliberate. Cooper will be the first woman patron in the Auckland RSA’s 96-year history.

“We wanted to select a woman to mark the changing face of the RSA as it seeks to modernise and rebrand. Women have never been really acknowledged in the armed forces as they should have been. It’s time to acknowledge the role they play.”

Cooper was “speechless” when approached, he says, But she has embraced her new role enthusiastically, including meeting war veterans and attending a New Zealand Defence Force/ Youth Development Unit passing-out parade.

“Trelise has been very keen to play her part

It’s about letting our walls down and letting people know the RSA is for young and old.

Sponsorship deal biggest in Nz rSA history The Auckland RSA’s new patron, Trelise Cooper, presents past patron Maj Gen Rob Williams with a farewell gift in recognition of his service to the club.

Auckland RSA president Graham Gibson supervises.

and assist however she can. She’s already introduced us to the corporate world and her business acumen has been very useful to us.

We’ve had the opportunity to engage with the public sector and develop potential relationships with a number of people.”

The partnership has also been mutually beneficial, with the Auckland RSA adding its support to a cause Cooper has been pioneering – the Puriri Tree Trust adventure and leadership course at a training centre at Matakana, north of Auckland. Each year, 500 to 750 young people, aged between 14 and 18, can be partly or fully sponsored to learn skills and team building.

“We are giving back and saying we want to

help the youth because they are our future,” says Gibson.

“Trelise has said she hopes the involvement working with ex-military personnel will encourage the young people to maybe even join our defence forces. We also plan to assist Trelise by offering sponsorships and subsidies.”

Gibson hopes the partnership will show other RSAs what’s possible: “This is the twenty-first century. We have to be relevant for the movement to survive. We have to reinvent ourselves, while not forgetting our core principles. The RSA is changing its look and rebranding to help us connect more with the public, but a lot of RSAs are struggling to change.”

Left: Trelise Cooper gets to know new friends...Cdr Brett Fotheringham RNZN (centre) and the deputy chief of army, Brig Peter Kelly (right). Right: Trelise Cooper makes her first speech as Auckland RSA patron during her official welcome to the club at a special function at SKYCITY. Photos: LAc Maria Oosterbaan.

The Auckland RSA's new partnership with SkyCity Auckland could be the biggest sponsorship deal in New Zealand RSA history.

Auckland RSA president Graham Gibson says the sponsorship, dubbed the Poppy Partnership, is not just about money. He believes SKYCITY's high profile through community sponsorships and events will help raise the profile of the Auckland RSA and, in turn, reflect on the national movement.

SKYCITY's general manager group services, Grainne Troute, says it fully supports the Auckland RSA's vision for a fresh public profile.

“The RSA is relevant to every New Zealander.

Everyone knows someone who has served or is currently serving our country, be it through the army, navy or air force.

“SKYCITY has come on board to help use our profile and our links with the community to reinvigorate the RSA and change people’s perceptions about this important organisation.”

Gibson sees teaming with the business world and, in turn, the general public as one of the keys to revitalising the RSA image nationwide.

“What we have achieved has the potential to be replicated through the country if we build on these initiatives.

“The RSA is very special to the public of New Zealand. The young people want to engage with us. It’s noticeable. They’re coming to the dawn services and there’s growing interest. The wars are a part of our history, our nationhood.

“For the survival of the RSA we need to engage more with the public and welcome them into our world. It’s about letting our walls down and letting people know the RSA is for young and old.”

The partnership was launched at SKYCITY on January 30. The next day Trelise Cooper was officially welcomed as Auckland RSA patron at a ceremony at SKYCITY.

RSA With a View: Alistair Kerr

We can all have a say now in what happens 30 years on Let’s, in our imagination, jump ahead 30 years to 2043. Let’s do some crystal-ball gazing into what the state of RSAs will, or could be, in that year.

For a start, “time, like an ever-rolling stream” will have carried off all our World War 2, Korean and Malayan veterans. Surviving Vietnam veterans will be in their 90s and, we hope we still have a core of Returned members from the various peacekeeping deployments, as well as those from Timor Leste and Afghanistan.

We hope even more that the numbers of Returned members will not have been increased by another war, although, as we see now, modern warfare will involve fewer people than in the past. So our RSA club of 2043 will consist of perhaps 80% Associate members with just a sprinkling of Service and Returned members.

So, what has all this foretelling got to do with us now? Well, it’s timely to look into the future. We are approaching the centenary of the RNZRSA, and many local associations are contemplating how to mark their local club’s centenary.

As the recent rebranding campaign emphasised, our primary aim is to remain a vital part

of our society, keeping alive our core values, the memory of sacrifice, and the need to prevent the need for that ever happening again. Of course, if we are to play this role, the RSA needs not only to survive, but to survive as a lively and respected influence on society.

Given the changing demographic of our membership, how then can we keep the spirit live.

I believe that on both a national and on a local association level, we need to do these things: • Emphasise the memorial aspect.

That, I see is our primary purpose, but how best to do it? Obviously, we need to ensure we continue to present our high profile on Anzac Day and Armistice Day. In every club, we need to carry out the ritual of the Ode, accompanied by the Last Post and Reveille, and do it on a regular, at least weekly, basis. As an added and poignant touch, I believe clubs can access information about the names on their roll of honour, giving the name, home town, and date and circumstances of death. That brings it even closer.

• Education of our members.

As time passes, (even now) for many of our

associate members, the military aspect of the RSA is there, but is something of the distant past. However, those traditions and memories can and should be passed on. That’s why I say the Ode ritual is so important.

Another way is to use your club newsletter/ magazine, including interviews with veterans, their memories of service life, and articles that reflect our core values. Of course, you have to be careful not to overdo this at the expense of the club’s regular news. The discrete placement of military memorabilia, pictures, models, etc., can help here. It’s worth remembering that for those “speculative” 80% of Associate members, in 2043 we’ll be looking at the centenary of World War 2 – an even more distant event.

• Club viability.

We can’t achieve these goals unless we have RSA clubs that are viable – in that they attract and keep their members because they offer a great social venue. We’ve looked at all this in the “more of a hub” idea in the rebranding initiative, but all clubs should never lose sight of that aim. If my semi-rural town is any indication, more and more restaurants are springing up as

we move to a dining-out society and we have to make and keep our place in the mix by providing top-class meals in top-class surroundings.

• Plan now.

As a former member of our executive committee, I know only too well that when you are concentrating on just keeping the club going as well as you possibly can, it’s easy to forget we also have to do some long-term planning.

Perhaps now, though, with the RNZRSA centenary looming, there is no better time to do just this. Ask yourself, ‘Will my RSA still be here serving its purpose in 2043?’ or ‘What can I, as an Associate member, do to ensure it will be here?’ Well, you can take a close look at your own club. Find out what is being planned in this area. Be aware of or ask questions about what your executive committee is doing about it.

I’d like to think that over the next three years we will read, not only in the RSA Review, but in newspapers all over the country, how this, that or the other RSA is planning to mark the centennial by some special project that will capture the imagination of the public. Will your club be one of them?

14

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Remembering

Fred Still ‘iN tHere At tHe SHArP eNd’ PETER OWENS catches up with a ‘grand old man’ of the RSA, whose eye for the future remains as keen as ever.

The 2013 New Year’s Honours List contained the name of Frederick (Fred) Cooper, awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for his contribution to the Gore community.

Yes, he’s a life member of a number of organisations in Eastern Southland, but it’s as one of the stalwarts of the Gore District Memorial RSA and the RNZRSA that he’s best known to the local community.

His record with the RSA is monumental. Enough to inspire RSA president, Brian Bennett, in June 2006, to comment that Fred Cooper’s service to the club “will not be passed in the future”.

Cooper joined the Gore District Memorial RSA shortly after returning home from Italy in 1946, and has been a member since. A life member of both the Gore and Mataura branches of the RSA, he has had two terms as president at Gore, been treasurer, and on the management committee.

He has been a regular at RSA working bees since 1957 and has served on the Gore executive since 1960. He still commands the Anzac Day and Remembrance Sunday parades, which in Gore are always well attended. He was RNZRSA Otago/Southland district president for two years, and the RSA representative on the Southland Pensions Board for 12 years His contribution has been recognised with two RNZRSA Gold Star Badges for services to the association – the first in March 1981, the second badge and a bar in May 1997.

Fred Cooper sees the RSA as primarily a welfare organisation: while it has other activities, the welfare of returned personnel and their widows is a very important aspect of its role. He has put that belief into practice as an active visitor to

The RSA’s future must lie with associate members to carry on the ideals and spirit.

Fred Cooper...67 years in the RSA and still out there doing it. His current duties include commanding the Gore Anzac Day and Remembrance Day parades.

sick and distressed ex-service personnel and their widows for more than 47 years.

As a builder and businessman with his feet firmly on the floor, he saw that a successful organisation must have suitable premises and facilities. He initiated and drove the purchase of the central site where Gore Memorial RSA stands, and the design and building the premises; he has also been responsible for the design and construction of subsequent alterations and extensions, and the purchase of adjoining land.

Fred Cooper enlisted with the RNZAF in 1940, but failed the air force medical. Indeed, in January 1941 he was told by the National Service Department that as “the medical board had declared (him) to be permanently unfit for service with the armed forces”, he had been

transferred to the Third Division of the General Reserve.

That did not stop him going to war. He left the family farm at Knapdale, near Gore, at the age of 21 as a corporal in the Royal New Zealand Engineers 7 Field Company in Italy.

He was “in there at the sharp end”, spending much of his active service clearing land mines and building bridges from the south of Italy to Trieste in the north. It was a dangerous job. He doesn’t say much about it, but is proud of having been one of the New Zealand sappers who built a bridge across a river in Italy that was vital to the Allied advance. This was completed over one night under constant enemy fire.

Returning to New Zealand in January 1946 he founded a construction company. The business

24BN ‘MArcHeS iNtO tHe SuNSet’ At the going-down of the sun 26 veterans fell in, stood easy or sat in wheelchairs for their last inspection in front of a crowd of around 2000 people at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

24 New Zealand Infantry Battalion Association president Murray Adlington introduced each old digger to the governor general, LtGen Sir Jerry Mataparae, who was accompanied by LtCol Chris Powell, commanding officer of 3 Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) and Northland Battalion. Territorial soldiers from this battalion and the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery Band provided the ceremonial components.

So, the 24 th completed its last parade on Saturday, April 21, 2012. After the beating of the retreat, 350 guests – veterans, wives, widows and families – were treated to a banquet in the museum’s events centre. The Eno sisters took them back to 1940s with songs and music.

More than 500 were out next morning for a commemorative service in the musuem’s hall of memories. Padre Anthoney Hawes, principal chaplain of the RNZAF, conducted the service and Auckland city councillor Michael Lee spoke of 24 Bn’s history and contribution.

A DVD has now been made of 24Bn beating the retreat, and the ceremonies that surrounded the occasion.

March Into The Sunset is available for purchase from John McRae – 09 5502640; 021 521900; john. mcrae@auckland.ac.nz. Cost: $25 (including postage).

Above: It’s all smiles and ready to march or wheel off for 24 Battalion’s final parade. Left: March Into The Sunset, the DVD that tells the story of the battalion’s last hurrah. Right, upper: SgtMaj I Rod Hickling and his wife at the banquet. Right: Battle weary old diggers with many a story to tell.

is now managed by his son, Peter, but Fred still sits as a director on the board.

Fred Cooper has a record of succeeding in what he has tried to do. He puts that down to his philosophy of attempting what was possible and always looking to the future.

He sees a great future for the RSA in New Zealand – provided its leaders look to the future.

Only a few service members are now able to support the organisation, and the future must lie with associate members to carry on the ideals and spirit of the organisation.

Despite all the time and energy he has put into the RSA and his business activities, he found time to marry Nell, and the couple continue to live in retirement in Gore.

And he has found time for three other longstanding interests.

Fred is a life member of the Gore and District’s Senior Citizens ‘Club and has served on the committee for 28 years. He’s the club’s building convener and helps on the kitchen roster.

The Knapdale-based Cooper family has long been a strong supporter of the Eastern Southland Hunt. On returning from the war, Fred followed the local hounds and was soon elected to the hunt committee. He remained on it for 30 years, was president for two terms, and prominent in the many working bees for the new premises near Gore. He is a life member of the hunt.

He and his family are also long-time supporters of the Te Anau Boat Club, and assisted with the design and construction of its premises.

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16

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Lost Trails Does anyone know anything about Frank William Maybury? He was born in London in 1878 and is believed to have died in New Zealand in 1957. He served in the Australian army in World War 1, and in 1939 wrote a letter to the Australian Army giving his address as Mahitahi, South Westland, New Zealand. His World War 1 service medal is inscribed with No 1854 4th Battalion, AIF; he later transferred to Anzac Provost Corps. Contact: Julie Norton – pelicanus77@hotmail.com.

Chris Harris is compiling some nostalgic memories of his father, William Philip Harris, for his family. William Harris served in the Middle East, and Chris is looking for the words of a song he used to sing. He says it goes something (he says he won’t vouch for the spelling) like: “Way out there in the hills of Toora, There lived a singing fool, So magnoon that his brains were missing, He’d never been to a Public School.

Chorus: Aiwa Saieda Aiwa adamerske, Aiwa shovty shovty, Ever been to Cairo then you will know what I mean. Contact: Chris Harris – 09 8281167; 027 2949424; charris@metalbilt.co.nz.

Caption Pte H.D.Sanderson (standing) and LCpl Ron McKay when they were repatriated with the Allies to Egypt (via Bari) in October 1944

Does anyone have any information about Capt W.J.Heslop, MBE, 25 Bn (an accountant who was born in Christchurch on July 12, 1910, was wounded in April 1941 and taken prisoner on November 23, 1941)) and LCpl Ron C.McKay, HQ 4 Brigade? Paul Sanderson is researching the World War 2 history of his father, Pte H.D.Sanderson, 3149, C-Coy, 18 Bn, 2NZEF. The three men were involved in this story from the New Zealand Electronic Text Collection: “During August and September a New Zealand officer (Capt Heslop) came through in a party of 15 or more British and United States escapers and evaders. After unsuccessful attempts to get away by hiding in the camp at Modena and walking off the Modena railway station disguised as an Italian, he had jumped from a train near Trevignano. On the way to Switzerland he met Italian partisans at Combai, and his and a number of other small groups of escaped prisoners spent the winter and spring in this area fed by the partisans or local farmers. In early August he and five US airmen set off for Yugoslavia with partisan guides, picking up other escaped prisoners on the way. Two of these were New Zealand other ranks (Pte Sanderson and LCpl McKay), both of whom had taken shelter in the hills, one (Pte Sanderson) with a party of Italian rebels operating near Tramonti di Sopra. The party reached an Allied military mission in Yugoslavia and was evacuated by air on the night of September 17-18.” Paul Sanderson is looking for more details about when his father linked up with Cpt Heslop & LCpl Mckay, especially from where they were

evacuated in Yugoslavia. After his father died in 1983, Paul Sanderson learned of a son he had in Italy during his time fighting with the Partisans. Paul’s Italian brother, Antonio, who never met his father, is writing a book about him. The two brothers plan to follow their father’s war journey in Italy in September.

Contact: Paul Sanderson – 239 Auckland St, South Gladstone, Queensland 4680, Australia; sanderson20@bigpond.com.

Family of Martin R.O’Shea are sought for the return of his World War 1 1914-15 Star medal.

James Theobald found the medal about 16 years ago while digging under a very old house in Remuera, Auckland. The ribbon had rotted away.

Using the name, rank and serial number on the back of the medal, he has obtained scanned copies of O’Shea’s NZDF personnel records (enlistment and medical discharge papers) from Archives NZ. The details on the back of the medal are: 2/2504, Cpl M.R.O’Shea, N.Z.E.F. Martin O’Shea – his middle name is recorded on NZDF personnel records as Roche, but was actually Rocke. He was sometimes known as Rocke O’Shea. Originally from Dunedin where he worked as a clerk for the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand Ltd, he enlisted in 1915, aged 20. He began as a bombardier and was promoted to corporal, and was listed as part of NZ Field Artillery in 15 Battalion. O’Shea was wounded and discharged from the army in 1917. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Otago University in 1918, was appointed registrar of Auckland University in 1923, and general secretary of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation in 1937. He moved to Wellington where he may have been a member of Rotary; the Rotary Club of Wellington records list an M. O’Shea as joining in 1938, and possibly still a member around 1965-66 or later.

Contact: James Theobald – 07 8886512; 021 2176855; jimmyanfejoa@xtra.co.nz.

Does anyone know what became of Mate Whitelaw? Tony Goodwin is writing an article on Joe Jensen, who marched at Waitangi in September 1942 as chaplain IV class to the 4th North Auckland Regiment. Mate was Joe’s batman. Joe was too old to serve overseas but enjoyed his short stint in the army. A commercial fisherman in earlier days, he soon found a dinghy and he and Mate would row out into the bay and set a long line, and so he fed the troops.

Many of this intake went as reinforcements to the “Gumdiggers” 28 Battalion. Contact: Tony Goodwin – 09 8284981; tonygoodwin@ ihug.co.nz.

Keith Gordon is keen to learn more about a New Zealander who served in the Foreign Legion and returned to New Zealand in 1952.

He suspects the serviceman is buried in the Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt cemetery. He would like to know his name, and if there is any printed material available on him. Contact: Julian Allen – julian_allen@goodyear.com.

This photo is believed to have been taken at a New Zealand Army reunion in Christchurch in 1960. Elizabeth Heaphy (her father, Desmond Harvey Paul, is on the far right of the back row) would like to know: What group/company/division is this? Who are the men in the photo? What year was the reunion? Where was the reunion held? Desmond Paul (Army

number 490396, 2 Ammunition Co, 2NZEF) mentions comrades’ names in his 1943 and 1944-45 diaries that she is transcribing.

He lived in Auckland all his life and was president of the Remuera RSA around the 1960s. Elizabeth would also like to find out our long he served on the committee and as president. Contact: Elizabeth Heaphy, 48 Endeavour Ave, Flagstaff, Hamilton; weheaphy@amcom.co.nz.

An old shipmate is trying to find Gordon Thomas who left the Navy as a lieutenant(E) in 1978.

He’d be in his 70s now. Contact: Gerry Wright – gerrywright@xtra.co.nz.

Harold Gillum – who came from Temuka and spent most of his life in South Canterbury – gave his six World War 2 medals to his niece, Lorraine Dempsey (nee Gillum). She is having them mounted and framed, along with a photo and regiment number (which she is still sourcing).

She is also trying to track down a diary which was given to a man in Christchurch before she knew of its existence. She never had the chance to speak to her uncle about the diary, but would like to read it and add it to the collection. Can anyone help in her search? Contact: Lorraine Dempsey – ldempsey50@hotmail.com.

Auckland War Memorial a couple of years ago, Adrian saw Lawrence Trives’s inscription on the roll of honour. He does know that Lawrence Trives’s father (his next of kin) was in the UK when his son died. Adrian would like to return the medals to Lawrence Trives’s family or at the least honour his memory by returning them to New Zealand and lodging them in a museum/archive. Contact: Adrian Hughes – info@homefrontmuseum.co.uk.

Bruce Paul is looking for RSA member Robet Forbes, of Christchurch or Dunedin, who was a friend of WAAC Lynley Edith Annie Bruce. Contact: zoopalz@xtra.co.nz.

Bernard Aptaker (an 85-year-old World War 2 navy veteran) was a member of the Hutt Valley RSA and left New Zealand in 1980. He spotted Graham Adam on a navy programme asking for members of HMS Patroller to make contact. Bernard was the cook and would like to make contact. Email: delil. davis@gmail.com.

Keith (Flash) Gordon would appreciate contact from anyone who served with FgOff Jim Vernon, of RAF 150 Sqd, who was KAO June 7, 1940 at Verges, France. Ex-7 Platoon. Contact: julian.allen@live. com; 0061 7 40981705.

Seeking descendants of the RNZAF crew killed when 40 Sqn Dakota 3526 went missing without trace between Espirtu Santo and Whenuapai on September 24, 1945. The crew were: FgOff Jack Hoffeins, aged 24 (pilot), FgOff Kenneth Arthur, 28 (navigator), PltOff Clinton Kennedy, 25 (wireless operator/air gunner), Cpl John Jacobs, 26 (engineer). Contact: FltLt Greg Pryce, Four Winds Association – gregory.pryce@nzdf.mil.nz; www. fourwindsrnzaf-com.webs.com/.

This photo came to light in a box of photographs when Alison Sander was involved in selling an old family home. It appears to be a photo from a newspaper and ‘Albert and Kevin Buckley taken VJ Day Greymouth New Zealand’ is written on the back.

She has identified and sourced service records for all the Australian soldiers in other photos. She would like to confirm that these two soldiers are wearing New Zealand uniforms (she believes she can see a fern in the cap), and would like to out who they are.

She believes they are friends of her uncle, who was born in Runanga (West Coast), but lived in Victoria from about 1924 and served in Australian Army in World War 2. Contact: Alison Sander – alisander@ bigpond.com; Petrie, Queensland, Australia.

David Butcher bought a watch recently from New York with the name and service number of Robert Robert Ross Edmond, 11521, 23 Canto, 5 Inf Bd, 2NZEF engraved on the back. David is after information about Robert Edmond. His research indicates Edmond enlisted in 1940 at the age of around 38, having lived in the Timaru area and working as a labourer. He left behind a brother and sister (though he didn’t list them as next of kin) and didn’t appear to have been married. After training, 23 Canto was shipped to England where it was part of the Battle of Britain defence. The unit then fought in Greece, Crete and North Africa. Edmond was wounded and captured in North Africa, and appears to spent the rest of the war as a POW in Poland before being repatriated in 1945 via the United Kingdom. He was buried in the Ashburton Cemetery in January 1972. Contact: David Butcher – dbu488150@gmail.com.

Information on or contact from relatives/descendants of Lawrence Stanley Trives, Auckland Infantry Battalion, NZEF, World War 1. His medals are in the possession of Adrian Hughes, curator of a World War 2 museum in Llandudno, North Wales.

The medals have been handed down through the Hughes family from his great-grandfather, who served in World War 1 in France whereas Lawrence Trives was in Turkey. Adrian has no idea how his great-grandfather came to have the medals, or if he and Trives ever met. When visiting the

Jeannie Overall has a World War 1 service medal which belonged to Pte L.G. (Lawrence George) Perry, whose sister, Mrs T Woods, lived in Pukekohe.

Jeannie would like to send the medal to his family.

Contact: Jeannie Overall – mjo2001@gmail.com.

This is 16-year-old Mavis Salisbury (now Tennet) at Papakura Military Camp in 1940. She would like to identify the two soldiers with her. Her father, V.J.Salisbury, served in World War 1; Mavis was in the WWAF, the auxilliary service at first and then the air force during World War 2. Contact: Mavis Tennet, Flat 19, 27-30 Vosper St, Motueka; 03 5266157.

Victory Medal found when moving house. Details – Front: The Great War for Civilisation 1914 – 1919.

Rear: An Angel with wings? Edge: 7/551 Sjt W. J. Taylor N.Z.D.F. Finders would love to reunite medal with family members. Contact: Brendon and Andrea Farrington – andreafarrington@ xtra.co.nz.

Remembering 17

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

duNediN WelcOMeS SOutH’S NeWeSt uNit Words & photos: John Cosgrove The New Zealand Army’s newest unit, 2/4 Battalion RNZIR, re-established links to the City of Dunedin through a charter parade with bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and swords drawn.

The South Island’s two major NZ Army Reserve Force units, 4 Otago Southland Bn Group and 2 Canterbury NMWC Bn Group, have merged to become 2/4Bn RNZIR. The retiring 4OSR Bn commander, LtCol Roger McElwain, a former New Zealand Army staff officer now chief executive officer of the University of Otago’s Language Centre, handed over the battalion colours to the new 2/4Bn commander, LtCol Grant McMillan, the principal of Ashburton College.

The night before the parade, more than 130 soldiers enjoyed rack of lamb and anecdotes at one of the largest regimental dinners in recent memory.

Photos (clockwise from bottom): 2/4Bn XO Maj Peter Amyes leads the salute to retiring 4OSRBn commander LtCol Roger McElwain (seated); Old 2Cants soliders Kevin Brown (left) and Frank Newsome with Maj Brian Fennessy; 2/4Bn commander LtCol Grant McMillan (left) accepts the 4OSRBn colours from LtCol Roger McElain (right).Cpl Piripi Matthews, from Dunedin, challenges 2Cants NMWC troops; Dunedin mayor David Cull inspects troops.

In the tranquil moments before Dawn there is a silence which heralds the new day and the time to reflect on the journey of 100 years

Lost Trails Peter Fraser is trying to find family of his grandfather’s half-brother (grand uncle), Mita Teriwhanga, 65378 28 Maori Bn, formerly of Cook St, Auckland.

He understands that Mita died in the 1970s, and that Mita and his wife, Hariata (‘Harriet’), had a son, John, who would now be in his late 70s, maybe a little older. Contact: Peter Fraser – peterfraser@ paradise.net.nz.

Photographs of the headstones of Sgt S.Alcock 39979, died June 25, 1942 and Sgt D.R.Dixon 413822, aged 20, died August 14, 1942 are available. The two air crew are buried in the Annan Cemetery, in the south-west of Scotland. A friend in Scotland has sent the photos to Allan Smith 923312. Contact: Allan Smith – 62 Fern Drive, Halswell, Christchurch 8025; 03 3228782; alnjoan@slingshot.co.nz.

If you’ve any information about the 100 United Kingdom WAAF personnel who “transferred” to the RNZAF shortly after World War 2, Mike Hutchins wants to hear from you. He is carrying out a research project on behalf of a contact with the UK Ex-WAAF Association. Contact: Mike Hutchins – 34 Darlington St, Ngatea 3503; 07 8678489; mikeandhilaryhutchins@gmail.com.

Mike Sullivan, who served in Vietnam in 1966 with 161 Battery, is looking for R.C.Spring-Rice,

Barry Oldham, Harry Haitana, Lou St Bruno, Archie Tawhai, Bob Hadfield and John Daly, all of whom served alongside him. Contact: Mike Sullivan – 18a Monaghan Ave, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025.

Were you a member of the crew that commissioned HMNZS Royalist in 1956 and then went on to serve in the Suez Crisis? If so, would like to take part in a project I am undertaking concerning that period to complete my BA (Honours) degree in history.

Contact: Margaret Snow – RNZRSA, P.O.Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141; 04 8949183; margarets@rsa.org.nz.

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18 Remembering

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

‘Wooden wonder’ photo revives Nan’s memories

PHOTOS: Clockwise, from below left: Libyan driver Haneesh displays his Christchurch RSA flag at his house; Haneesh with a plate mine, one of many that remain a hazard of travel in Libya; Matt (centre) and Lynda (right) Lysaght lay poppies on a sangar at the desolate Minqar Qaim; Lynda Lysaght in the outer defences used by the Australians at Tobruk, which were originally built by the Italians; The courtyard and barracks used by the Italians defending Takrouna, which was captured by 2 NZ Divison in its final engagement in North Africa; Matt and Lynda Lysaght (back) at the lonely memorial to Lt Moana Ngarimu VC at the Tebaga Gap battlefield; The German defences at the Mareth Line in southern Tunisia.

THERE’S a LOT TO NTH aFRICa bEyONd aLamEIN Haneesh, our Libyan driver, spots it first. Right alongside the track we’ve been following north of Bir Hachiem, in Libya. The round, black, dinner-plate-size mine with protruding detonator is partially buried in the sand, but very much ‘live’, according to both Haneesh and our British battlefield expert, Steve Hamilton. Remnants of other anti-personnel mines are scattered about.

When the other Libyan driver raises a rock and jokingly threatens to drop it on the mine, both Haneesh and Steve yell ‘No!’ and move smartly.

That’s enough for me. I’m convinced.

Their concern is real. Following the ceremonies remembering the famous battle at El Alamein, New Zealand defence minister Jonathon Coleman visited an Egyptian village where men and children had been injured by unexploded mines left behind from the conflict of 70 years ago. New Zealand pledged money for further mine clearance and assistance in developing land previously unusable because of the risk of unexploded ordnance.

The evidence of the conflict remains obvious.

Our trip to Bir Hachiem, site of a major Free French stand against the Axis forces in June ‘42, meant travelling in four-wheel-drive vehicles between parallel piles of stones, 40 metres apart. These ‘lines’ ensure we don’t stray into the as yet uncleared minefields that formed part of the Gazala Line, a British defensive position west of Tobruk.

Once at Bir Hachiem we have time to examine the ruins of many battles: the Roman fort from around 200AD, the Italian blockhouse from the 1930s, the Allied defensive positions of the 1940s. Barbed wire lies scattered about, shrapnel is everywhere, bomb and mortar craters are obvious. The sangars (rifle and machine gun pits) are eroded but clearly visible.

“West Australia Wildflowers” Wed 07 Aug- Sat 24 Aug ‘13

18 days to experience the fun, food and flowers of WA! Wine tasting at Margaret Rr, Esperance, mining at Kalgoorlie, Wave Rock, cruise the Swan Rr, wildflowers at Kalbarri Nat. Park, Monkey Mia, Geraldton, explore the Pinnacles, meet the locals.

Includes airfares, touring, all breakfasts, some dinners, lots of sights!

Cost: NZ$7,695.00 pp Twin share.

PLUS … This Winter …

Ph. Kea Tours 0800 532 868 Email: info@keatours.co.nz www.keatours.co.nz

Combine the famous TranzAlpine train with our regular West Coast of NZ tours to Shantytown, Punakaiki and the Blowholes and the magnificent glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

Similar North Africa trip as in article planned for 2015.

Matt and Lynda Lysaght, from Greymouth, travelled to Egypt for the 70th commemoration of the Battle of El Alamein last October. They both had uncles who served in the New Zealand forces in North Africa. From there they journeyed further west in Egypt, visiting a number of World War 2 battle sites, then flew into Libya and spent three days around Tobruk. After a week or so in Libya, they flew to Tunisia and spent six days visiting such places as the Mareth Line, Tebaga Gap and Takrouna. Their travels were re-tracing the path of the 2 New Zealand Division during the World War 2 North African campaign. The trip was ‘recce’ for a group tour this year. Story and photos: Matt Lysaght.

Steve spots an Italian anti-tank mine. Very much diffused this one. He reassembles the metrelong bottom box and the upper pressure-plate to demonstrate its modus operandi. Comfortingly, it’s full only of sand.

We headed for Minqar Qaim, scene of the famous New Zealand break-out on the night of June 27-28, 1942. We bounce across the stony desert for an hour and a half, then surge onto the plateau where 2 New Zealand Division was surrounded. It’s a hot, bleak and barren place.

Our guide explains the actions of that day and night. In memory of the men who fought and died here, we lay poppies in the still obvious sangars. Minquar Qaim is known amongst military historians as a spectacular feat of courage that prevented the potential destruction of the NZ division.

It’s calm and relaxed as we explore the old bunker fortifications around Tobruk, built by the Italians but used by the Aussies as they withstood the 13-month siege by Rommel.

Once again, in one of the constant reminders of the long history inherent in North Africa, the Roman fort built almost 1800 years ago was re-used by the Italians in the 1930s and then the Australians in 1941-42. Its walls and some buildings, although badly damaged, are still evident. The famous Fig Tree hospital under the limestone rocks is still there, including the outline map of Australia formed in stone by recovering troops. The field hospital could shelter up to 50 troops at a time; most recently it has been a goatherd’s night-shelter.

We pay our respects at the Tobruk War Cemetery and Memorial, one of the largest of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries in North Africa. As with all CWGC

cemeteries we encounter, it is beautifully kept. It is ironic that all these places are lovingly looked after by local Muslims; while they are paid for their work, the care and respect they show these soldiers from foreign lands is very touching. The caretakers would always come to greet us, find the cemetery and visitors’ record-books, and answer questions .

Haneesh, our driver, has arranged for our group of six to have dinner with his family in their home. He and his wife are the caretakers of the Tobruk CWGC cemetery; he proudly displays his photo collection of dignitaries who have visited the cemetery, then produces a large RNZRSA ‘Poppy’ flag, along with accompanying written messages and letters.

Little remains on the North African battlefields of the war equipment used by Axis and

Both our Libyan guide and British tour leader confidently assert we are probably the only Western tourists in Libya at the time.

Allies forces. According to Steve Hamilton, almost all of it was removed in the 1950s by an Italian scrapmetal firm. It was gathered up and transported to the harbours of Tripoli, Tobruk and Alexandria, then shipped back to Italy and scrapped. The only examples of the tanks and guns that once littered the desert sands are those in museums, mainly in El Alamein and Tobruk.

In Tunisia we are able to visit the Mareth Line close to the Libyan border. We stand in the anti-tank gun pits used by 5 and 6 NZ brigades as they fought off Rommels last major offensive action in North Africa. Three days later Rommel returned to Berlin to consult with Hitler and seek reinforcements. He was never to get back to his Afrika Korp.

Amazingly, the 1800-year-old Roman Wall built by emperor Hadrian Augustus, which formed the start line of the Battle of Tebaga Gap in March ‘43, is still obvious, though much reduced in size. Here the NZ Division fought a major infantry attack for Point 209, Hikurangi, a small hill that gave control of the valley. We get to the site of Lt Moana Ngarimu’s courageous attack and defence that was to earn him a posthumous VC. We leave poppies at the lonely memorial. Spent

bullets, shrapnel fragments and mine casings are easily found in the wadi and on the slopes leading up to the point.

Our last battlefield visit is the hilltop of Takrouna, taken by the NZ Division in its final engagement in North Africa in May 1943. It’s a prominent feature in the fertile plain. The courage and leadership of LSgt. Haane Manahi and his Maori Battalion comrades was crucial in the capture of the hill.

The views from the top are spectacular – the surrounding plain is full of maize, bean and grain crops, while olive groves with their neat rows fill the landscape. The higher rainfall of northern Tunisia is evident in the greenness of the fields and hills. Although many of the buildings remain the same as 70 years ago, we are nevertheless surprised to see the obvious buildings and courtyard that the Italian troops used as their barracks. Just below the pinnacle itself, the NZ soldiers surprised the Italian troops, and the bullet and grenade scars on the barrack walls are clearly evident.

The peaceful cafe at the top and the smiling welcome of the hostess belie the ferocity of the battle. The warmth of the welcome and the weather are typical of all we have experienced in North Africa. Tourist numbers have plummeted since the revolutions of the Arab Spring and visitors are keenly sought.

Surprisingly, it’s in Libya where we have some of our best experiences and feel most welcome.

Both our Libyan guide and British tour leader confidently assert we are probably the only Western tourists in the country at the time.

Certainly we are the only foreigners in the hotel in Tripoli for two nights and Tobruk for three.

It’s disappointing that the image of these countries given to the western world by the global media is the opposite of the warm hospitality we have received. Many times we have been freely guided by locals to view sights, offered the local sweet tea for nothing, laughed and joked with the domino players in a remote village, and shared tales of farming practices with shepherds we encounter in rural areas.

A photo of a De Havilland Mosquito bomber in the Waitomo News has stirred some special memories for Nan Waite, from Te Kuiti. Dubbed the”wooden wonder” during its World War 2 frontline service, the plane was a passion of her late husband, Kevin Cotter.

So much so that after the war ended, SqnLdr Cotter was assigned to command the last surviving Mosquito squadron in Germany.

He had joined the RNZAF in 1942, as soon as he was old enough, when part-way through a cabinetmaker’s apprenticeship.

“Pilots were desperately needed in England, so that;s what he trained as,” says Nan Waite.

“He’d ridden horses all his life – as all farm kids did in those days – and reckoned flying a plane was just as easy. It was almost second nature to him.”

He was seconded to the RAF and shipped to Canada, then England where he was stationed at Little Snoring, in Norfolk. The airfield was built in 1943 for Bomber Command, originally for Lancasters, then Mosquitoes.

His first posting as a Mosquito pilot was in Malta where he flew 28 bombing missions with 23Sqn. When returning from a raid over Europe he managed to nurse the crippled aircraft and his two crew home after one of the two engines had been shot out. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross from King George VI at Buckingham Palace.

After being demobbed, he returned to New Zealand. However, because of his experience, the Dutch government seconded him to establish an air force in Holland. He was then posted to northern Germany to command the last Mosquito squadron in the world.

“His job at Sleswick airbase was to bring the aircrew and planes together into a tight working unit, and to pass on his passion and knowledge about these rare planes,” says Nan Waite.

He was killed in 1953 when a limousine taking him back to the air base hit black ice and crashed., “I was only 33 and widowed in a foreign country with three children under seven, grieving for Kevin and with no idea what to do, “ Nan Waite recalls.

“But the RAF came though for us and organised

Nan Waite with Kevin Cotter’s World War 2 medals. From left, Distinguished Flying Cross; 39-45 Star; Italy Star; France & Germany Star; Defence Medal; War Service; Service to New Zealand.

Kev’s burial at the military cemetery in Hamburg, then our flights home to New Zealand.”

Back in Te Kuiti, she looked after her children, established a new home, and a got a job creating the library at Te Kuiti Primary School, where she worked for 10 years.

“Before we left England for Germany, the RAF offered Kev a three-year stint in Antarctica, which he turned down. Sometimes you wonder how different things may have been had he accepted that posting,” she muses.

• Story/photo courtesy Waitomo News.

Father the inspiration for poet Wendy Joy Baker has been writing poetry for eight years – and Anzac poems for six years. She says her Anzac poetry is driven by her loyalty, and her respect and admiration for her war-veteran father and all people who have served in and experienced war,.

She marches on Anzac Day, and last year

presented poems at Anzac services in Waipukurau and Napier. She recalls Anzac days when she and her mother proudly watched her father march.

Her 2013 Anzac dedication, Hearts on the line, was written at the Invercargill Cenotaph on February 28, 2013.

Baker, who has recently moved from southern Hawke’s Bay to Southland, describes poetry as one of her “creative passions”. She says she writes for the love of it.

You can read all of her Anzac poems – and some of her other work – on her website (www. hawkesbaynz.net/wendyjoybaker).

Hearts on the line They put their hearts on the line Many names...all important Many loved ones...all important They went to war... with the duty of protecting their country They put their hearts on the line... we must do the same... to honour their history ...to honour their bravery In our minds...their presence remains strong In our souls...their strength lives on In our blood... their love runs deep Wendy Joy Baker at the Invercargill Cenotaph where she wrote her 2013 Anzac poem, Hearts on the line..

They put their hearts on the line we respect

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

THE LaST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

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22

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Support/Advocacy

OF HEadSTONES aNd PLaQUES IN SERVICES CEmETERIES Margaret Snow, RNZRSA manager advocacy and support services The Supervisor of Services Cemeteries at Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand tells me that a number of widows and next of kin have been led to believe they do not have to pay for memorials as the veteran was a “Returned” man or a member of the local RSA. Consequently, when they send in the application form for the headstone or plaque, they do not send in the appropriate payment.

The cost of memorials ranges between $210 and $500, which is a highly subsidised rate, and they are ordered through VANZ. Ex-service memorials must be paid for at the time of ordering. This allows the order to be checked and processed, and the memorial made and installed.

Unless an individual’s death is deemed attributable to service, and the next of kin has a letter stating that from the War Pensions Claims Panel, the memorial is not free even if the veteran is a “Returned” member. RSA membership has no bearing on an individual’s entitlement for

Well, it’s quite obvious, my other leg is fine, and it’s the exact same age.

an ex-services memorial, or for interment into a services cemetery; the criterion is whether the deceased served in a recognised war or emergency, or is the partner of such a person.

A list of recognised wars and emergencies is on the VANZ website; your local RSA should also have a list available.

Many people still believe the spouse or partner of a veteran should not be buried in a services cemetery before the veteran has been buried.

This is not the case, but there is an expectation the veteran will be laid to rest with a spouse or partner who has predeceased them and is already in the services cemetery.

I frequently field calls from family members of a recently deceased veteran talking about RSA cemeteries, and I have to tell them there is no such thing. All services cemeteries in New Zealand are owned by local councils or cemetery authorities, and are run jointly with VANZ. Local RSAs are “interested parties”, but have no legal say in running any services cemetery.

However, many do help maintain the cemeteries and advise VANZ of necessary major works.

So, let your family know whether or not you are eligible and wish to be buried in a service cemetery, and make sure they know to go to VANZ for an order form for your plaque or headstone.

VANZ will ensure your next of kin or the executor of your will is told if a headstone or plaque can be provided free, or needs to be paid for.

Traumatic injury v. age-related osteoarthritis A veteran went to the doctor complaining of a terrible pain in his leg and seeking support for his War Disablement Pension application.

“I am afraid it’s just old age”, replied the doctor, “there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“That can’t be” fumed the vet, “you don’t know what you are doing.”

“How can you possibly know I am wrong?” countered the doctor.

“Well it’s quite obvious,” the veteran replied, “my other leg is fine, and it’s the exact same age.”

Many veterans and ex-service people come up against osteoarthritis and similar joint complaints in the spine, hips, knees and ankles, and apply for a War Disablement Pension. Some applications are accepted, some not.

The main reason for being declined is that there is nothing in the veteran’s service medical file to show injury to the joint concerned.

Decision-makers from the War Pensions Claims Panel through to the War Pensions Appeal Board have a good knowledge of the rigours of service, and look for something that shows

you had an injury, as you are expected to have been otherwise fully fit.

If something did happen to you and it has not made its way onto your records, you need to find someone who witnessed the event that caused the injury that has developed into a disability. Unfortunately, too many young men, in particular, did not report injuries because they did not want to be seen as a weak link. A number of ex-service men and women may well have reported a problem to medical staff, but the information has not been lodged in their service medical files.

I know that many of you will ask ”What about the reverse onus of proof”? Well, there still needs to be some evidence to show your disability is service-related. Section 18 of the War Pensions Act 1954 says evidence does not have to be at a very high level, but there has to be something that allows decision-makers to decide on applications in accordance with substantial justice and the merits of each case.

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a disability that comes to many with advancing age, and we can’t always pinpoint what started it. But don’t let that stop you making an application if you believe your arthritis was caused by something that happened in the Forces.

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23

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

RSA Life

maNGaWHaI CadETS SETTLE INTO OWN HOmE It has taken a while, but New Zealand’s newest cadet corps, the Mangawhai Cadet Unit, now has its own base on home soil. Around 250 supporters shared in the celebrations at the official opening on November 24.

The first Mangawhai cadets spent three years (from 2005 to 2008) commuting to Whangarei to the nearest cadet unit. However, in 2008 two Mangawhai officers made the move to establish their own unit in their own community.

The local cadets used the Mangawhai hall for parades until, on Anzac Day 2011, they were offered the lease of the old Hakaru Bowling Club building.

Unit members toiled for well over a year getting the building to a habitable standard, which included a new roof, drainage, gutting the inside, rewiring and repainting.

Cadets, cubs and supporters turned up for working bees; they were backed by expert help and donations from local tradespeople and businesses.

“The support from the local community has been incredible. So many businesses have donated services and products,” says the unit commander, Lt Sandra Grayson.

The Mangawhai unit has won three regional (2009-10-11) and two national (2011-12) skills at arms competitions, and the Gunson Cup for the 2012 national shooting competition.

Cdt Caprice Howard was awarded a Marksman Badge for scoring above 80 in the Gunson Cup shoot.

Four Mangawhai cadets went to Singapore in December on an international cadet exchange programme, a trip fully funded through a huge donation by The Club and the Kitty Hawks Bowling Club.

Two members of the New Plymouth RSA club have received awards in a rare ceremony. Club president Hawea ‘Guv’ Grey and vice-president Trevor Wylde were both presented with GoldStar awards for their tireless contribution to the organisation.

RNZRSA president Don McIver, who made the awards, says he cannot remember a time when two recipients from the same club received the award together.

He described both recipients as “outstanding men and outstanding members of RSA, who have done a great job for their club over the years”.

Both of them have also been involved at national level for more than fie years.

They join Ron Bingham and Jim Carmine in

the New Plymouth RSA’s Gold Star club.

Trevor Wylde, who served in the navy from 1954 to 1963, described his award as an emotional and honourable day. In his pocket he had a photo of his father, who received a Merit Badge in 1967 but died before be could receive a Gold Star.

“He would have gone on to get it otherwise.

This award is in part for Dad.” ‘Guv’ Grey joined the army as an engineer in 1960 before switching to the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and serving in Borneo, Vietnam, and Singapore.

He sees his RSA involvement as a part of his life: “I’ve learnt how to look after the RSA and the people within RSA, and that’s something I really enjoy.

Left: Cdr Glen Stokes RNZN (in white uniform), commandant of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, and Lt Sandra Grayson (to his left), commander of the Mangawhai Cadet Unit, line up with cadets at the entrance as they celebrate the official opening of the new, renovated clubrooms. Below: You can’t miss it – can you?

There aren’t many buildings around with this distinctive camouflage-style exterior design. Story and photos courtesy Mangawhai Focus.

Gold star double act a ‘rare ceremony’

memorial gate restoration timely A lych gate (that’s one of those gateways covered with a roof often found at the entrance to a traditional English-style churchyard) has been restored by members of the local Kawhia community over the last few months.

The gate, which stands in front of the All Saints Anglican Church, was built in 1925 to commemorate the men of Kawhia killed in World War 1.

A special service, conducted by the bishop of Taranaki, the Rt Rev Philip Richardson, was

held at the gate on Sunday, April 7 to mark the completion of restoration project.

In addition, William Smith, a local student of World War 1, will conduct a seminar (Lest We Forget – What?) on April 20 (2 30pm in the Kawhia Community Hall).

The seminar will discuss the war and its effect on the district. Smith says that with the centenary of the start of war in 1914 approaching, it is important to remind ourselves of what the conflict involved.

brother writes bomber pilot’s biography

Rare double act: Current New Plymouth RSA president Hawea (‘Guv’) Grey (left) and vicepresident Trevor Wylde have become just the third and fourth life members of the club. They were presented with their awards in the same ceremony – which is also a very rare occurrence.

Vince Ashworth has published a biography of his brother, WgCdr Artie Ashworth RAF, DSO, DFC & Bar, AFC & Bar, MID, (Pff).

Artie Ashworth, who served in the RAF from 1939 to 1967, was one of New Zealand’s most decorated World War 2 bomber pilots. He did two tours in 75 (New Zealand) Sqn, a tour in Malta and the Middle East in 38Sqn and a second tour with 75Sqn. He was then posted to the Pathfinder Force where, according to a number of authors, he played a key role in developing the early PFF tactics.

While on a bombing raid on Saarbrucken, Germany with 156Sqn, his Wellington was hit.

He ordered his crew to bail out of the blazing plane, and managed to fly the damaged bomber back to England on his own.

In 1943 he was seconded to the RNZAF where

he was a staff officer at the Pacific headquarters.

He later flew Corsairs on a tour with 17F Sqn in the Pacific. On his return to the UK in late 1944 he was posted to 635Pathfinder Sqn, flying Lancasters.

After the war he took a permanent commission in the RAF and served in Jordan, Iraq, the UK and Germany. He attended the Empire Test Pilots School where he was awarded the AFC for his work.

He sent on to command 139 (Jamaica) Sqn, flying Canberras, including a goodwill tour of the Caribbean for which he was awarded a second AFC. He also commanded 59Sqn in Germany and BSq of the RAF V-bomber force. He retired from the RAF in 1967 and died in England in 1994.

Orders: Vince Ashworth, 18 Maple Place, Morrinsville 3300; 07 8891970; vashworth@ clear.net.nz.

24 RSA Life – Motueka RSA

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

‘FRESH, NEW LOOk’ OPENS CLUb dOORS Sue Russell Major entranceway renovations have breathed new life into the Motueka Memorial RSA. Since opening its new front doors, the RSA has enjoyed a resurgence in visits from members and their families.

Secretary manager Warwick Burke says everyone has commented on how great it looks, how the spaciousness of the new entrance and use of bold colour has transformed the area.

"We’ve got all-new branding as well and we hope people like the fresh, new look. It was about time the old building had a makeover.”

A member, Greg Goodall, who has his own designing business, came up with a design aimed at making the environment more welcoming and inviting to members. Tony Riordan Builders Ltd got the job of tearing down the old and replacing it with the new.

Warwick Burke says the red in the RNZRSA's new logo calls on the poppy flower and the grey tiles create a modern, sleek feel. Although reasonably minor on the renovation scale, the changes have completely altered the RSA's image.

The Motueka Memorial RSA was established in 1916 with meetings in returning servicemen’s homes. The club took over the Motueka Institute Hall around 1955. Warwick Burke says there have been lots of alterations and additions to the building, and there was general consensus that a major overhaul was required.

"We want to encourage people to ask what we do, who we are, and why we exist. The RSA

We’ve got all-new branding as well and we hope people like the fresh, new look. It was about time the old building had a makeover.

is open to anyone. You can join as a youth member from the age of 13-18 and you don’t need a military or services background to make the most of what the RSA offers – fellowship and fun with members of your community.

The club restaurant is open for evening meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. The lounge and bar areas are separate from the gaming area. There is regular housie, snooker, pool, darts and raffles, and a “legendary” fishing competition. Quiz nights, monthly karaoke and Sky TV are popular.

A free caravan park behind the building can be used by members or affiliated members.

It can take up to six campervans, with stays limited to three nights.

"Members can also host their birthday and other functions in the club building, and funerals can be held there as well," Warwick Burke says.

The club website (www.motuekarsa.co.nz) is next in line for a revamp.

Above: In with the new: Bright and spacious, the new entrance to the Motueka RSA welcomes the club’s 1275 members. Below: Motueka RSA secretary manager Warwick Burke (left) and president Phil Sharkie stand in the new entrance.

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RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

25

artist earns his stripes with campaign ribbons A new, modern-style artwork has revitalised the area around the Papatoetoe RSA, and the community library and park.

Called Learning Your Stripes, it has been produced by New Zealand artist Regan Gentry.

It’s a contemporary memorial to returned servicemen and women, inspired by campaign ribbons attached to military and service medals.

As part of the Auckland Plan’s vision to be the world’s most liveable city, the Auckland City Council is encouraging public artworks in unexpected spaces.

The council says its objective is to bring more colour and vibrancy to the Auckland landscape and help create “a culturally rich and creative city”.

Regan Gentry relaxes amongst his stripes. He’s appropriately dressed, but will he qualify for another stripe?

TakaPaU ‘a LITTLE aGaINST GRaIN’ The official presentation of a club licence to the Takapau RSA on February 8 has been welcomed by president Andy Kells and many members of the association.

“It rips the heart out of a community when you lose your local pub,” says Kells. “So, as a club, we decided to apply for a licence for our members and invited guests. This is a little against the grain, with so many clubs, especially RSAs, finding it uneconomical to continue and face amalgamation or wind-up.”

The Takapau RSA was established as the Returned Soldiers’ Association in 1922 and incorporated in 1932. The present clubrooms,

which were built by members and opened in 1959, saw many convivial evenings in the “6 o’clock swill” era of the 1960s.

Now a very well used community hall caters for monthly Lions, Women’s Institute and Health Centre meetings, and is gaining popularity for 21sts and funeral wakes.

“The old boys would be pleased to know the clubrooms are well used and being put to good use,” says Kells said.

“Our strength comes from a more recent generation of service personnel. We have only one World War 2 veteran alive out of 150 who regularly paraded on Anzac Day post World

War 2. Our current members served either in Malaya, Vietnam, Singapore or BAOR (British Army of the Rhine), and we have a good associate membership as well.”

He says the licence applies to most lawful hours available to cover most contingencies during the week, but the club’s focus is to open on Friday evenings 5pm to 10 pm to allow likeminded members to congregate and discuss topical issues.

The club can also cater for public meetings; it has a ceiling-mounted projector and large pull-down screen, and can seat 60 people comfortably.

Cause for celebration: Takapau RSA president Andy Kells (centre front in red shirt) and these members are happy the community’s ‘heart’ has been transplanted the RSA.

Two recipients, three awards at Naval assn Hawke’s bay dinner Three awards were presented when the Royal New Zealand Naval Association’s Hawke’s Bay branch commemorated the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate with a dinner at the Napier RSA in December.

Napier RSA vice-president Joy Miller (exWRNZNS 709) received a RNZNRSA Merit Badge and Certificate from Tony Fraser, RNZRSA

Wairarapa/Hawke’s Bay/East Coast district secretary and president of the RNZNA Hawke’s Bay branch.

And Stanley Douglas (ex-Royal Navy P/ KX13501) was presented with two awards by Napier RSA president and RNZRSA Wairarapa/ Hawke’s Bay/East Coast district president John Purcell.

The Ushakov Medal, from the Russian Federation, was for his service on Arctic convoys during World War 2 (mainly on destroyers, he was also in the Mediterranean on Malta convoys and at the Normandy landings). The other medal was the RNZRSA District Long Service Award for 50 years of service (Stanley Douglas has been a RSA member at various clubs for 62 years).

Award presentations – Far left: Joy Miller (left) and Tony Fraser.

Left: Stanley Douglas (left) and John Purcell.

New Pukerua bay statue honours all A statue was unveiled at Pukerua Bay on Armistice Day to honour New Zealand servicemen and women, and their allies, who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions involving New Zealand armed forces.

The statue was donated by Stuart Wheeler, of Wheeler’s Guardian Funeral Home, who felt a lasting memorial would serve as a focal point to respect those that who served this country.

Around 100 people were there at 11am on November 11 to see Wheeler and Porirua mayor Nick Leggett unveil the statue. A dedicated service followed in the Returned Services section of the Whenua Tapu cemetery. Porirua RSA vice-president John Hannan reports that the weather was shocking, but cleared straight after the service for lunch at the Porirua RSA. In attendance were veterans from Porirua, Titahi Bay, Pukerua Bay, Paraparaumu, Johnsonville and Tawa RSAs, along with representatives of the armed forces, the RNZRSA, government ministers and the local MP. Police, local iwi, 28 Maori Battalion, the local rifle club, and local cadet units were also involved.

Photos: The guard of honour salutes (top) and the statue is unveiled (below).

26 RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

What’s On MONTHLY/TWO-MONTHLY CMT ASSOCIATION, SOUTH AUCKLAND BRANCH Meeting, second Saturday of month, Papakura RSA. Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome to join. Contact: John Bennetts – jandsbennetts@xtra.co.nz; 09 2986847.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) Meetings 20 Apr, 22 Jun, 10 Aug, 19 Oct, 23 Nov (luncheon) 1.30pm, Cashmere Club, 88 Hunter Tce, Christchurch. All welcome. Contact: Peter Scott, chairman – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St.Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@ actrix.co.nz.

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION Meetings, 13 Apr, 8 Jun,10 Aug, 12 Oct, 14 Dec, 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 – 634 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Ardmore RD2, Papakura 2582; 09 2967648; 0211 417119. peter-collins@xtra.co.nz; http://www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/rma_nz_home.html

APRIL 2013 BRNC DDARTMOUTH 28 APRIL 1963 NAVAL AIR CADETS 5OTH REUNION 27 Apr, Royal Castle Hotel. Dartmouth, United Kingdom. Contact: Richard G.Parker – P.O.Box 596, Kerikeri 0245, Bay of Islands, New Zealand; 09 4016661; sandycrispins@extra.co.nz.

MAY EX-HMNZS OTAGO ASSN REUNION 3-5 May, Ex-Navalmen’s Club, 44 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland. All welcome regardless of ships served. Hotel: Kingsgate Rosegarden, Parnell. Contact: Noel Davies, secretary/ treasurer – 09 3770662; Noel_Davies@xtra. co.nz; 8 Awatea Rd, Parnell, Auckland.

RNZN 1/70 INTAKE (7 JAN 1970) REUNION 10-12 May, Hamilton. Contact: Wayne Tapsell – 07 9575624, 029 2809734; wayne.tapsell@ customs.govt.nz. Neil Brimblecombe – 021 83 1872, neil@kiwibrims.com. Dave Franks – 07 8288612; 0274 978925; davecarol@xtra.co.nz.

JUNE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MILITARY BRATS OF SINGPAORE REUNION (ANZMBOS) 7-9 Jun, Auckland. Open to pupils of Australian or New Zealand defence force schools in Singapore from 1971 to 1988. ANZMBOS, formed 10 years ago, has about 350 members.

Friday evening: Meet & Greet, Army HQ, Arch Hill. Saturday: morning - memorial service, Centotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum; evening – dinner, Ellerslie Convention Centre.

Contact: Colin Liddell – cliddell@clear.net.nz; www.miltarybratsofsingapore.com; www.facebook.com/groups/anzmilitarybratsofsingapore.

NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL AIR SERVICE SQUADRON (NZSAS) 1955-57 7-9 Jun, Hotel Armitage, Tauranga. Contact: David Ogilvy – 6 La Cumbre Close, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3110; 07 5779014; ogie@kinect.co.nz.

NORTHLAND CMT & NATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION 20-year celebration, 8 Jun, Whangarei RSA. Contact: W.L.Smith – c/C.M.T.B& N.S. Association, P.O.Box 740, Whangarei.

RUSSIAN CONVOY CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND 27 Jun Lower Huttww RSA , 1100hrs. All ex-vets of the convoys , RN , MN , RAF welcome . Just turn up and introduce yourselves, or contact:

Derek Whitwam – derekw@paradise.net.nz; Chris King – cjking@xtra.co.nz.

JULY

Nov, Rotorua RSA. Contact: Alan Butler, chairman – 09 2998318; butlerallee@xtra.co.nz.

Joy Bell, secretary, 09 5333525; emjabee@ xtra.co.nz. New members welcome.

POWS/FAMILIES OF POWS, STALAG XVIIIZ (AUSTRIA) & SURROUNDING CAMPS MEETING & COMMEMORATION 26-28 Jul, Wolfsberg, Austria. Friday evening: Get-together and reception with the mayor of Wolfsberg, Town Hall. Saturday morning: Visit to exhibition at Wolfsberg Museum; visit to the former site of the camp; commemorative ceremony at the cemetery for POWs who died between 1941 and 1945. Saturday afternoon: Meeting with local families who were in contact with allied POWs during the war; sightseeing in Wolfsberg. Sunday morning: Visit to former work camps, such as Lavamund, in the area.

Sunday evening: Farewells. Contact: Ian Brown, United Kingdom – ian.brown47@ btinternet.com.

NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION 19 Nov (luncheon), 10.30am, Mount Maunganui RSA. Contact: Deidre Hauschild – c/- Mt Maunganui RSA,P.O.Box 4011, Mt Maunganui South 3116; 07 5764362; ldhausch@xtra.co.nz.

AUGUST

MARCH 2014

NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION 20 Aug, 10.30am, Mount Maunganui RSA. Contact: Deidre Hauschild – c/- Mt Maunganui RSA,P.O.Box 4011, Mt Maunganui South 3116; 07 5764362; ldhausch@xtra.co.nz.

AIR FORCE AVIONICS REUNION 14-16 Mar. All trades, all years. Enquiries: avionicsreunion@gmail.com.

OCTOBER RNZN ELECTRICAL REUNION 10-14 Oct, Picton. For Ems and REMs. 3RD RNZE BRANCH, SAPPERS’ ASSOCIATION 14-16 Oct, visit to Coolangatta to celebrate Sappers Day 2013 with colleagues in Australia.

Contact: Eric Elley, vice-president – 03 3107385; sunnyanderic@clear.net.nz.

RNZA ASSN AGM/REUNION 18-20 Oct, Palmerston North/Linton, in conjunction with 16 Field Regiment. All gunners, past and present,invited. Registration details to come.

Contact: Tony McLeod – rnza.association@ gmail.com; RNZAA.org.nz.

CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH CADET UNIT 25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION 25-27 Oct (Labour Weekend), Christchurch. Weekend of festivities for past cadets, officers and supporters.

Enquiries: cccu.25@gmail.com; 03 3439557 Mondays 1800-2100 hours.

HMNZS TOROA 85 TH-YEAR REUNION 25 -27 Oct (Labour weekend). Contact: Toroa Reunion – 211 St Andrews St, Dunedin;03 4778883; amanda.buchanan@nzdf.mil.nz ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CORPS OF SIGNALS ASSN NATIONAL REUNION 25-28 Oct (Labour weekend), Barossa Valley, South Australia.

Register: http://www.rasigs.com. Contact: RASigs Assn SA – Bruce Long, 0417 227533; president.sa@rasigs.com.

2RNZIR BAND REUNION 25-28 Oct (Labour Weekend). Expressions of interest sought.

Contact: Les Thompson – 03 323 8984; 021 02227739; steelhip@clear.net.nz.

NOVEMBER HMNZS TARANAKI, ALL-SHIPS REUNION 1-3 Nov, Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club, Auckland. Shipmates from all RNZN ships invited. Expressions of interest close 30 Apr, registration forms available 1 May. Contact: Reunion2013@hmnzstaranaki.org. Bill Sedgwick – P.O.Box 72831, Papakura 2244; 09 2963022. Bob Gage 09 4838502. Charlie Govind 09 2998089. Raniera (Dan) Bassett 09 2637247.

REME ASSOCIATION & BSXBA NEW ZEALAND BRANCHES Annual meeting/reunion, 8-10

HOROWHENUA ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION – LEVIN 50th year, seeking new members - gunners, ex-gunners, associated corps. Meets May and September to celebrate Gunners’ Day and El Alamein Day, lunch, Levin RSA. Contact: Adam Gibson – 34 Gordon Place, Levin; 06 3684187.

EX-RAF HALTON, RAF LOCKING OR RAF CRANWELL AIRCRAFT, RNZAF APPRENTICES. Contact: Ed Austin – 67/46 Beresford St, Pukekohe 2120, 09 2392698, edaustin38@gmail.com.

NEW ZEALAND MALAYA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION (INC) NATIONAL REUNION 2013 ‘Taste East Coast’, 21-24 Nov, Gisborne.

Registration forms: www.malayavets.co.nz.

Enquiries: Colin Moana – col.bev@slingshot. co.nz; 117 Roebuck Rd, Gisborne; 06 8686353.

HMNZS LACHLAN 1949–53 FIRST TWO COMMISSIONS 60th ANNIVERSARY, FINAL REUNION Contact: Keith Goddard - 4 Kimberley Rd, Waihi 3610, 07 8633318, 021 2516220, goddz@ xtra.co.nz. Frank Robb – 14/57 Enfield St, Hamilton 3200, 07 8644246.

RNZEME CORPS DAY/ST ELIGIUS DAY Nov-1 Dec, Rotorua RSA. Contact: Rolly Rolston – 07 3481055; 07 3481055 (fax); rotrsa@xtra.co.nz.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) New members, veterans, family members, historians. Contact: Peter Scott, chairman – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St.Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

MAY CMT & NATIONAL SERVICE REUNION 2-3 May, Wellington. Contact: John Hannan – jhannan@paradise.net.nz

CALLS TO JOIN AUCKLAND CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes all ex-CMT & National Service men who trained with the army, navy and air force under the scheme. Contact: Brian Caltaux – 09 4202004; caltauxbands@xtra.co.nz.

BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Are (or were) you para-Trained? Would you like to meet other ex-(or even current) paras, from the Parachute Regiment, SAS, or from the supporting arms – engineers, signals, medics, artillery etc? Would you like to help maintain the Airborne spirit around the world, and particularly in New Zealand? We meet regularly in Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full membership - all ranks of Parachute Regiment, SAS, supporting arms, and those with special service to British Airborne Forces; associate membership - immediate family; afflilate membership - those in airborne units of other countries.

Contact: Frank Clark, president – 04 2336123. Roy Tilley, secretary – 04 5660850, rmt@xtra.co.nz.

Website, www.britishairbornenz.tripod.com.

CANT NMWC REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeking 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 – 107a Langdons Rd, Papanui Christchurch 8053; 03 3525471; frankandaudrey@clear.net.nz.

CMT ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC If you took part in CMT or National Service training in the army, navy or air force, contact: Alison Smith, secretary – CMT Assoc Inc, 21 Kearneys Rd, Bromley, Christchurch 8062, 03 9817623, legles@paradise.net.nz.

CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH AUCKLAND BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome.

Meets monthly, 2nd Saturday, Papakura RSA. Contact: John Bennetts – jandsbennetts@xtra. co.nz; 09 2986847.

CMT ASSOCIATION SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Bruce Townshend – 14 Ewen Rd, Temuka 7920; 03 6156637; Temuka-RSA@ xtra.co.nz.

MOUNTED TROOPERS ASSOCIATION North Island branch of Royal NZ Armoured Corps Association. The $25 annual subscription fee includes membership of both the MTA and the RNZAC. Anyone who is serving or has served in RNZAC units in any way is eligible join - the only criteria is that you must have worn the ‘Black Beret’. Spouses of deceased eligible personnel are welcome. The MTA aims to bring former comrades together again through national reunions, members’ birthdays, funerals, unveilings, and regimental occasions to which the association is invited. Managed by a six-person trust board Chris Cooper (chairman), Bob Williams (secretary), Christine Campbell (treasurer), Doug Morrow, Geoff Kreegher and Colin Campbell. Prospective members in New Zealand should contact nearest troop co-ordinator; if you’re overseas, contact the MTA secretary. Contacts: Secretary - Bob Williams, P.O. Box 384, Thames 3540, New Zealand; +64 7 8686506; bw.crescent@xtra. co.nz. Troop co-ordinators – Auckland: Moa Larkins, P.O.Box 300014, Albany, Auckland 752; manofaction@slingshot.co.nz. Waikato/Bay of Plenty:Chris Cooper, cooppen@xtra.co.nz; 07 5444917. Hawke’s Bay: Willie Walker, 19 Pania Place, Parklands Estate, Napier; willieanddenise@hotmail.co.nz. Taranaki: Lenny Robinson, LENR@xtra.co.nz; 06 7638594. Central/Soputhern North Island: Stew Couchman, blongami@xtra. co.nz; 06 3258593.

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 – 634 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Ardmore R.D.2, Papakura 2582; 09 2967648; 021 1417119; peter-collins@xtra.co.nz; www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/rma_nz_home.html.

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

NE W Z E A LA ND M A LA Y A N V E T E R A NS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth forces or police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Barry Allison – 6 Coldstream Rd, Gisborne 4010; 06 8677284; bazbarbzinggizzie@xtra.co.nz.

OX & BUCKS LI, KINGS ROYAL RIFLE CORPS, RIFLE BRIGADE AND ROYAL GREEN JACKETS All past members of RGJ and former regiments

RSA Life 27

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

COMMUNITY deMONsTraTes dedICaTION A lone piper played on a hill for 30 minutes, then the local school children (who have been involved in Anzac dawn parades) sang a song of welcome to those who came to dedicate the refurbished Ngunguru War Memorial, around 25km north-east of Whangarei, on February 23.

Planning and construction of the memorial took eight months under the direction of a committee co-ordinated by Malaya veteran Ken Friend.

The project was made possible by grants from the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs, the Tutukaka Coast Lions Club and a local charitable trust.

And local businesses donated or did good deals on goods and services, and cash donations came from the public.

Dedication day was scorching hot, a little uncomfortable for some, but there was a very good attendance by locals and RSA members from Whangarei. A contingent of RNZAF personnel included WgCdr Darryl Cockroft and SqnLdr (Padre) Paul Allen-Bains, from Whenuapai, and Sgt Lewis Grant, who came from Woodburn to be the bugler for the Last Post.

Four schoolchildren unveiled Roll of Honour tablets inlaid in the Wall Of Remembrance, and the padre made the formal dedication. A third small tablet is inscribed in Maori “He wahi whakamaumahara mo te katoa” ( “This place of remembrance is for everyone”). Behind this tablet and built into the wall is a small container containing a handful of stones from Anzac Cove.

Archie Dixon, who has played a major role in the RSA at both local and national level, spoke of his current role as chairman of the RSA Trust, and his involvement in the Fields Of Remembrance, which is part of the lead-up to Anzac Day in Whangarei Speaking on behalf of the district’s Maori people, kaumatua Sonny Wellington mentioned

Ngunguru School pupils sing a song of welcome to wgo who came dedicate the new Ngunguru War Memorial.

that several of the names were relatives of his.

WgCdr Cockroft spoke of the RNZAF connections with the area, especially in recruitment and flight training. One of the strongest ties is the RNZAF holiday motel units in Ngunguru which RNZAF personnel use regularly.

The piper played a lament during the

Tokaanu Turangi RSA Women’s Section award recipients with the RSA club president, John Smith, during the 42nd birthday and award presentation celebrations. Story and photo courtesy Taupo Weekender.

Many happy 21s at 42nd birthday party Twenty-one awards were made at a special 42nd birthday celebration to acknowledge the service of Tokaanu Turangi RSA Women’s Section members.

The awards included gold and silver medals, and certificates of appreciation.

Some members were recognised for service that spanned 40 years; newer members were acknowledged for their service to the RSA. invited. Contact: Frank Jones – 09 4766974.

RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATION Includes HQ FAR EAST AIRFORCE, seeks NZ members ex RAF or RNZAF, who served at RAF Changi 1946-71.

Contact: B W Lloyd – 32 Redwood, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JN, UK. REGULAR FORCE CADET ASSOCIATION (INC) Provides contact between ex-cadets and enables them to re-establish contacts. Membership – $10 a year (July 1-June 30). Contact: Secretary, RF Cadet Association, P.O.Box 715, Paraparaumu 5032; www.rfcadet,org.nz.

RNZAF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE

The October 1, 2012 ceremony was the first awards presentation by the Women’s Section since the 1980s when former member Dolly Gamble received a gold medal for service.

Section president Kay McGhie says she is extremely proud of the club’s members: “To our newer club members, you are our future, our salvation, for the club to continue in the same manner of our wonderful past of 42 years.”

GRADUATES The New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College has formed an alumni association. Records of previous associations’ members were misplaced during move from Whenuapai to Trentham in 2004. Contact is if you wish to join, would like latest 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 5271008; 04 5271009 (fax); csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, CANTERBURY BRANCH All who served in RNZN or Commonwealth navies, and their partners,

wreath-laying, several of which were laid by local organisations and Tutukaka Coast veterans Colin Brickle (army), Alan Cox (navy) and Peter Mckay (air force).

Sgt Grant bugled the Last Post while the three flags were lowered, Ken Friend recited the Ode To The Fallen, and the Reveille was played while

the flags were raised. Flag attendants were Mack Littlejohn (navy), Rob Sanders (army) and Angus Stirling (air force).

The ceremony finished with the padre saying a final prayer and blessing the memorial, the National Anthem, and a haka from the Ngunguru School children.

Taradale presents first service medal The presentation of his Service Medal in front of friends and family at the Taradale RSA put the icing on Clive Weir’s territorial army career.

Furthermore his was the first service medal presented at the club.

In 1975 Clive Weir – then employed as a civilian as a steward in the Officers’ Mess at Fort Cautley in Auckland – was approached about joining the Territorial l Force.

He responded by becoming a driver/steward in the Territorial Force Army Service Corps, attached to First Auckland North Regiment (RAFA) at its Fort Cautley headquarters, in Auckland.

After 12 months and several annual-camp exercises with the unit, he transferred to 1 Field Hospital based at Mt Wellington. He was promoted to corporal and was chief steward of the Officers and Sergeants’ Mess.

He was involved in annual-camp exercises in the North Island, including some at Waiouru, was part of a combined exercise with New Zealand, Fijian and Australian army units and the RNZAF. In 1977 I Field Hospital was deployed to Tonga, along with an engineers’ unit. There, Clive Weir was chief steward at a couple of formal dinners for the New Zealand high commissioner and his wife, the late king of Tonga and his wife, and Army chief personnel. welcome. Monthly meetings, regular social gettogethers, ship visits, four newsletters a year.

Contact: Miles McIlraith (ex-RNZN), treasurer – 4987 State Highway 75, R.D., Little River 7591; 03 3251937; 03 3251936 (fax).

SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY VETERANS OF AUSTRALASIA (SAMVOA) All who served in uniform in South Africa and now live in New Zealand are invited to join. SAMVOA, which is running in Australia, is intended to preserve memories, and commemorate those who were injured, and fell in action. Attends Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades, and regular meetings. Information and application form: Chris

Clive Weir (left) reckons the Defence Medal presented to him by Taradale Club president Murray Pilmer has put the icing on his Territorial career.

He sought and was granted a discharge in 1980, and carried on in the hospitality Industry and the entertainment world as a bar manager and a certificated manager.

Pattison – 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz.

THE NEW ZEALAND MALAYA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth Forces or Police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Barry Allison – 6 Coldstream Rd, Gisborne 4010, 06 8677284; bazbarbzingizzie@xtra.co.nz; www. malaya.vets.co.nz TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix boys – those who served on the training ship – invited to join the association’s Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard – 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.

28 RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

PrOUd KeVs aT CrOssrOads The Kings Empire Veterans is an organisation at a crossroads. The KEV has a proud tradition, but could easily be overtaken by societal change and disappear. But the KEV has a dedicated band of members who are determined to avoid such a scenario. SUE RUSSELL investigates.

There’s a palpable desire to attract a younger breed of ex-servicemen and women to the ranks of New Zealand’s oldest military welfare organisation, the Kings Empire Veterans.

The proud tradition of the KEVs tracks back to 1900 when New Zealand’s governor general, Lord Ranfurly, aspired to create an organisation where war veterans would receive and give mutual comfort and support following the trauma of their experiences.

At that time, there were fewer than 7000 ‘vets’ in New Zealand, made up of ex-naval, imperial and colonial troops. Their ranks included veterans of wars dating back as far as 1840. As such the KEVs is the only institution in New Zealand carrying membership links back to the New Zealand and South African wars.

Now, over a century later, the same organisation is fuelled with a vibrant new energy as it seeks to enlist ex-servicemen and women into its ranks and to take up partners/wives as support members.

While there was resurgence in membership numbers during the 1980s KEVs national president Charles Cooke thinks there may well be some confusion among younger service men and women.

A uniformed Charles Cooke at Parliament.

“Maybe they don’t know they qualify. If they have experienced active duty, that’s our benchmark,” he says.

“I think the confusion has something to do with the fact modern-day, ex-military personnel don’t see themselves as vets in the way those who fought in our two world wars did.

“I can understand this given New Zealand, since that time, has not declared war as a nation. It’s a question of identity and I want to say to those who have seen active service in

Modern-day, ex-military personnel don’t see themselves as vets in the way those who fought in our two world wars did.

any capacity that you are welcome to join the Kings Empire Veterans.”

Current numbers stand around 5000, perhaps fewer, and as successive years come and go, the ages of those belonging increases. At 72,Charles Cooke is one of the youngest actively involved in the organisation. He’s convinced the way forward to secure a healthy future for the KEVs is to be willing to seize a new imagination from a younger, more vibrant membership, carrying their own aspirations based on the founding principles of ‘comradeship born of service’.

The Kings Empire Veterans is completely distinct from the RSA, though there is substantial common ground in the two organisation’s aims and aspirations.

“RSAs are very supportive of our cause,” says Cooke. “They provide the venues for branch meetings around the country, but we do not directly concern ourselves with the political sphere they take care of.”

He has been president of the Kings Empire Veterans for 18 months. He’s a busy man as often happens for those called to serve.

There are 30 KEV branches around the country.

Each branch is autonomous, setting its own subs and determining its own activity. A capitation fee of $2 per head is sent by branches through to the national office, though Cooke and others carry out executive office work voluntarily, something they recognise as very valuable.

Capitation-fee income is used to keep the admin and secretarial functions running.

“What we want to see now is rejuvenation of the KEV’s by extending a real invitation to our younger ex-military personnel to join,” says Charles Cooke. “They’re the ones who will carry our proud history and cause into the future in ways we can only imagine.”

Patron, historian and archivist Doug White has written a brief history of the KEVs. It makes for fascinating reading, giving those who care a fine overview of the Vets journey since its inception more than 100 years ago.

The KEVs finds itself at a cross-roads. The options are to quietly go to ground, or to reach out, regroup and take up the future – that’s their ‘higher ground’.

Charles Cooke is the point of contact for anyone interested in discussing membership of the KEVs – Ph: 09 4314341.

Five awarded life membership

Lilian Wells (left), Trevor Andresen and Angel Erstich with their life membership badges and certificates presented by the Far North Kaitaia) RSA. The awards were presented by the then Northland district president, Darcy Bailey. Angle Erstich, who is president of the National Women’s Association, has begun her 2013 travels with a visit to Mt Maunganui in March. She will be in Taupo on April 6-8 and Samoa from May 18-25, with the NWA conference/annual meeting in Tauranga on June 14.

Two life memberships were awarded at the Devonport RSA’s Christmas party. Ngaire Jones and Doreen Lobb were presented with their badges and certificates by club president Jimmy Jones.

This was Doreen Lobb’s fourth RSA honour; she has three awards from the Takapuna RSA - life membership of the Women’s Division (in recess), a Gold Badge 1977 and a Long-Service Badge.

Ngaire Jones was president of the Devonport Women’s Division for nine years. Both women are still active in organising functions and events.

PhOTOs sOUghT TO COMPleTe MOrrINsVIle COMMeMOraTION A commemorative wall – a focal part of Morrinsville’s new $1.7m museum and heritage centre – honours the 192 men from the district who have died in wars involving New Zealand’s armed services.

The Morrinsville Historical Society, which has been the power behind the development, is working towards having each name accompanied by a photograph.

Joan Jenkin, from the society, says 125 photos have been sourced; the others have a photo of their headstone or a silver fern.

The society is seeking help to fill the 67 gaps; it would like a photo or information that may lead to acquiring a photo, for: Pte Richard Aikman, Pte Lennie J.Birtles, Pte Albert V.Brame, Sgt Harry J.Bruce, Sgt Gordon E.Caicheon, Cyril W.Chadwick, Pte Albany de S.Coleman, Plt Off Roland G.Collender, Ernest W.J.Collingwod, F/S Charles H.Crease, Cpl Bernard H.G.Curry, Pte Daniel J.Curtin, Flt Lt Robert J.Dall, Dennis B.Donnovan, Sgt Frederick A.V.M.Drummond, Sgt Weiland F.Ensor, LCpl John Farrow, LCpl Ivan J.M.Gray, Seymour W.Hamilton, Pte William G.Hanson, LCpl Leslie C.Herbert, Pte Arthur G.Hill, Pte Nelson W.Hirst, Pte Robert I.Hitchon, LCpl Wilfred J.Hornsey, Pte Charles Howie, Sgt John McM.Jackman, FltLt Walter G.Jacobs, Pte George Jagerhorn, Andrew E.Jensen, John A.Johnson, Pte Alan G.Johnston, Gordon McG.Johnstone, Lt Charles D.M.Klaus, Frank P.Lambie, Pte Thomas B.Lyons-Philp,

The Morrinsville Historical Society is looking for 67 photos to fill the gaps in the commemorative wall in the town’s new museum and heritage centre. They will complete a set of 192 photos of the men from the district who have died in wars involved New Zealand armed forces.

Tpr Alphonsus P.Maguire, Pte Francis H.Mapp, Morris D.D.McCarthy, Cpl Gilbert M.Millar, James A.Morrison, Cpl Trelawney Moyle, Melville P.L.Moxsom RNZAF, Noel S.O’Keefe RNZAF, Cpl Peter A.Oxley, Sgt John Park, Pte Henry S.Paul, Shoeing Smith John W. Petersen, Pte Edward H.Price, LCpl Teaomarama Puhirerre, Pte Joseph J.Rankin, William J.A.Regan, Cpl Albert H.Rose, Leonard F.Scott, Spr Cyril A.Scrivener, F/S Victor J.Sharp, Pte Robert A.Simpson, Sgt John W.Smith, George C.Stewart, F/S Joseph

W.Stuart, Cpl Albert E.Taylor, Pte William H.Taylor, Vernor B.Wallace, Pte John T.Warena, Pte Kitohi Warena, Sgt Charles Wood, Everard N White RNZAF. Joan Jenkin says the Kereone area, just out of Morrinsville, was the first discharged soldier settlement in the British Empire. The legislation was passed in 1915 and the first settlers arrived in 1916. Some farms are still in the original families.

The Mangateparu settlement followed in 1917.

The heritage centre display includes a sample of

the very basic supplies some men arrived with.

Because war was the one thing these new farmers had in common, they had gatherings where they reminisced about their time in the armed forces. Early in 1917 New Zealand’s first Soldiers’ Settlers’ Association was formed in Morrinsville. The association maintained the camaraderie the men had had during the war and was a place to discuss farming, and matters of interest. Men from both the Kereone and Mangateparu settlements were involved.

29

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Local RSAs NORTHLANd

Northen Wairoa RSA Club

Hokianga Rd Dargaville Ph: 09 439 8164

All Visitors Most WelcoMe

Clubrooms open 11am Meals: Thurs Fri & Sat 6-8pm Light Lunches: Always available CateRing on Request 09 439 8164

KAITAIA FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA CLUB

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

Billiards - Snooker - Pool - Bowls - Darts

Pleasant lounge and excellent bar facilities

Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc) We are open everyday from 1pm Restaurant hours Mon and Thurs 6.00 -7.45pm or by arrangement Membership Night on Monday Pool Table - Sky TV - Pokies Excellent Accomodation next door Mid North Motor Inn Ph 09 405 3160

Courtesy Coach Available Please phone (09) 408 0423

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

“Hub of the North”

158 Broadway Kaikohe Ph 09 401 2368 Fax 09 401 2370

Visitors always 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

Opening Hours 11am Mon - Sat 3pm Sun Gunners' Restaurant

Lunch 12 - 1.30pm Wed- Fri Dinner 5 - 8.30pm Thurs-Sat Full Bar Facilities 18 Pokies * Mystery J/P * Sky Tv * Pool * Snooker * Darts * Bowls

Live Entertainment & Dancing every Friday evening.

Call in on your way north & view our memorabilia tables - A warm welcome awaits you

RUSSELL RSA 1 Chapel St Russell 0202 Ph: 09 403 7773 Fax: 09 403 7885Email: russellrsa@xtra.co.nz www.russellrsa.org.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 11AM TILL CLOSE

Diggers Restaurant open 7 days Lunch & Dinner Bar snacks available Pool, Darts, Gaming Machines Huge outdoor courtyard

Come and enjoy our clubrooms while holidaying in historical Russell We will make you welcome

Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road

KERIKERI

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

Open Seven Days

663 swAnson rd - Ph 833 9013 A wArm invitAtion is extended to rsA members & Guests to the friendliest rsA in the west

MEALS Lunch: Mon to Fri Dinner: Everynight Entertainment:Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun If you are in town give us a call. Ph: 09 828 5000

TAKAPUNA RSA CLUB

Cnr Northcote Rd & Mary Poynton Cres

Ph: 09 489 6738

The Razza....the place to be.

Welcomes visiting RSA members. Open 7 days from 11.00am.

Catering 7 days from 12 noon. Monday nights for Rebel (Outdoor) Bowls. Wednesday nights for Texas Hold’ Em poker.

Friday nights for Karaoke.

SILVERDALE

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

Open: 11am Mon-Sat. Noon on Sun

AUCKLANd

RSA

114 Hobsonville Road Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239

A warm, warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors. Special welcome to local and outof town visitors.

Open Tues from 4pm, Wed - Thurs from 2pm Fri - Sun from Midday.

• Restaurant open Fri - Sun lunch, Tues-Sun - Dinner excellent meals at reasonable prices • Live entertainment last Friday of each month, Karaoke all other Fridays.

• Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turnnig • Coach Tours welcome - advance notice helpful • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts & pool

THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART

Recreation Dr, Birkenhead, North Shore Ph: 09 418 2424 Fax: 09 418 3054 Email: secman@birkenheadrsa.com www.birkenheadrsa.com We welcome all RSA members & their guests to enjoy the friendly atmosphere & excellent facilities at our clubrooms

Clubrooms open sat - mon 11am tues - Fri 9 am bar open 7 Days from 11am Don stott memorial restaurant

Provides excellent ecconomical A la Carte meals Wed-Friday 12 -2pm Wed-Sunday from 5.30pm. Groups by arrangement

live entertainment

Wed: 1.30-4pm. Fri & Sat: from 7.00pm Pool * Darts * I/D Bowls * taB large screen sky * gamIng machInes tea/coffee & lIght meals anytIme

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Mt Wellington Panmure RSA 11 Pleasant View Rd Panmure

Ph: 09 570 5913 Fax: 09 570 5903 Email secrsa@vodafone.co.nz Excellent restaurant at reasonable prices. Bus loads by arrangement.

Dinner: Wed to Sat ---- Dances Friday Nights

Darts - Pool - Snooker - Gaming Machines - Courtesy coach available for local pick-ups / drop-offs When in Auckland Visit our Friendly Club.

NEW LYNN

Bus Trip Lunches phone Rona

Entertainment & Dancing Fri & Sat night Snooker * Pool * Indoor Bowls * Fishing *Outdoor Bowls * Golf and Darts* Gaming Machines Raffles: Wed, Thurs

Major Games on Big Screen or Weekend Entertainment

Contact Sec/Manager Sue East 09 424 9026 Fax: 09 424 2446

ORAKEI RSA

BAR & TAB FACILITIES Open 7days Gaming Facilities FREYBERG RESTAURANT Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm, Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.30pm open

Band Friday Nights Handy to rail & bus. Shop in New Lynn & relax in our spacious clubrooms

The Best in the West

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

Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710

(Members) Hours: Mon : 12-7.30pm. Tues:11am-8pm Wed: 11-9pm. Thurs & Fri: 11-11pm. Sat: 11-9pm. Sun: 2-7pm.

Bistro Lunch Tues-Fri 12-2pm. Evening Thurs-Fri 6-8pm Function room bookings for catering.

Sports sections, gaming machines ,Sky TV, big screen TV Handy to city centre, Ellerslie Race Course, Kelly Tarlton Underwater World, Eastern suburbs, Mission Bay, St Helliers, Remuera etc.

Glen Eden RSA

9 Glendale Rd West Auckland Ph: 09 818 4219 Web: www.glenedenrsa.co.nz

Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun. Entertainment: Fri & Sat.

We are better than the rest. We are the friendliest in the West

WAIHEKE RSA

INC

Clubrooms and Bar Open 7 Days Restaurant Open 6 Days, closed Monday Take advantage of the free transport to our doorstep for Super Gold Card holders.

Spoil yourselves with a trip to our wonderful Island and enjoy our hospitality.

Ph: (09) 372 9019 Bar: (09) 372 5554

Restaurant: (09) 372 6655 E-mail: waiheke.rsa@xtra.co.nz

Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd

Affiliated Members and Guests Most Welcome Restaurant, Family Karaoke Sundays from 1pm Functions venue available email admin@ptchevrsa.co.nz

Friday night raffles, Entertainment Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

HOWICK RSA

Phone: 09 534 9702 • 25 Wellington St Howick

When visiting Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs call into our pleasant clubrooms and enjoy our hospitality

IN THE  OF HOWICK

TE ATATU

Fridays & Saturdays from 7 pm DINE & DANCE LIVE MUSIC www.howickrsa.co.nz

MEMORIAL RSA

HENDERSON

1 Harbour View Rd Te Atatu Peninsula

RSA

66-70 Railside Ave Ph (09) 838 9012 www.hsnrsa.co.nz

Open 7 Days: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

13.00 - 22.00 11.00 - 22.00 11.00 - 22.00 11.00 - 22.00

Friday Saturday Sunday

11.00 - 23.00 11.00 - 22.00 13.00 - 21.00

Home Away from Home Phone: 09 834 3698

Memorial RSA (Inc)

2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland

The Orpheus Restaurant Open Thurs - Sat lunch 12 - 2 pm, dinner 5.30 - 8pm

Bus trips catered for by request.

29 Belgium Street, Ostend

BIRKENHEAD RSA

28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568

meAls Our spacious Club rooms allow us to cater for large or small groups Lunch every Friday 12 - 2pm We have large outdoor garden area, Big Screen for major games, Sky T.V., pool, bowls, darts, cards, fishing, golf, quiz.

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

www.whangareirsa.co.nz

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc

Come & visit your mates. A friendly Welcome Assured

11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm

HOBSONVILLE

WHANGAREI

Overlooking the Racecourse

memoriAl rsA

hours Mon toThurs 11am - 11pm. Fri & Sat

Hours 11am-10pm, Mon to Sat. Noon-6pm Sun

Family Restaurant - Meals Wed Thurs Friday and by arrangement.

AVONDALE RSA

swAnson

PAPATOETOE

DISTRICT RSA (Inc)

22 Wallace Rd Ph: 09 278 6372 Email: papatoetoersa@xtra.co.nz Bar Hours Mon 11am -7.30pm Tues, Wed: 11am - 10pm Thurs: 11am - 10.30pm Fri: 11am - 10pm Sat: 11am - 11pm Sun: noon - 7pm BISTRO Lunch: Tues -Fri 12-1.00pm Dinner: Tues 6pm - 7.30pm Thurs Fri Sat 6pm - 8.00pm. Ph: 09 278 6374

(Hours may vary without prior notice) Social Nights with live bands: Thurs & fortnightly Saturday.

Family Nights - have entertainment on the second Friday of the month and starting in mid-July on Friday nights, Housie, Trivia and Karaoke

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

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

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

darts * Pool * snooker housie * i/d bowls * dinning & dancing A wArm welcome to All members & their guests

30

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Local RSAs MANUREWA

OTOROHANGA MEMORIAL

2-8 Maich Road, Manurewa Phone: 09 267 0515 Office & Fax : 09 266 8673

Now located in The Otorohanga Club, Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga Open 9am Monday to Saturday, 11am Sunday

RSA (Inc)

Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm Dinners: Wed-Sun 5.30-8.30pm Sun: from 5.30pm Anzac Bar: Entertainment every Fri-Sat-Sun Darts : Snooker : 8 Ball : Bowls: Sky Tv : Gaming : TAB

President Graham & members extend the hand of friendship to you & yours and invite local & out of town visitors to our friendly new RSA Clubrooms

All new members most welcome

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 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

NGARUAWAHIA RSA (Inc)

4 Market St, P: 07 824 8905, E: ngaruawahiarsa@vodafone.co.nz

Friendly social atmosphere. Entertainment including live music, raffles, quizzes. Children welcome till 9:30pm. Pool, Snooker, Darts, Gaming Machines, Sky TV, Courtesy Van

Bar hours: Tues-Sat 12pm until late Restaurant hours: Tues-Sat 12-2pm & 6pm until late

MT MAUNGANUI

RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC)

Top restaurant with excellent a la carte meals Open Tuesday to Sunday

Clubrooms open 7 days Mon/Tues 10.00am-9.00pm Wed/Thurs 11.00am-10.00pm Fri/Sat 11.00am-11.00pm Sunday noon-8.00pm

Restaurant open 7 days Lunch: Mon/Fri Noon-1.30pm Dinner: Mon/Sat 6.00-8.00pm Sunday: Carvery 5.30pm-7.30pm

Entertainment every Friday & Saturday night, Sundays from 4.00pm Regular Shows.

TAB, 18 Gaming Machines, 3 Eight Ball & 8 Snooker Tables, Sky TV, Big Screens & Data Projector, Courtesy Bus, Friendly Members, Great Staff, Wonderful Food, 12 Beers on tap, Excellent Wines, All This in the best climate in NZ Phone / Fax: 07 575 4477 Web: www.mtrsa.co.nz Email: mtrsa@xtra.co.nz Affiliated Members, Guests and Potential Members Welcome

MATAMATA

MEMORIAL R.S.A. (Inc.) Ngaio Street Ph: 07 888 7190 Open from Mon- Sat 3pm, Sun 4pm.

Poppyfields Restaurant:

Open for bus tours & private functions by arrangement

TOKAANU-TURANGI & Districts Memorial Rsa

Ph: 07 386 8717 PO Box 1 Katopu Place Turangi Email: trgirsa@hotmail.com Bar 7 days from 11am Restaurant Thur - Sat evenings Gaming Machines, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Library, Big Screen Sky TV TuRn 3RD RIGHT FROM ROunDABOuT

HASTINGS RSA

Gaming Machines T.A.B. Sky Big screen, EFTPOS Entertainment most Friday and Saturday nights 8-ball, Snooker, Darts, Indoor Bowls Function Hall available for Reunion Meetings etc.

Avenue Road West Ph: 06 878 8808 Fax: 06 878 7642

OpEN SEvEN DAyS

Ample pArking (free) for buses And cArs

All The Games You Can Play, TAB & Superscreen TVs/Videos

TAUPO

“The Centre Of it All”

* Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball * Indoor Bowls Rendezvous Restaurant Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.00 - 8.00pm Closed Sunday

Club Hours Mon- Wed: 11am-10pm.

Thurs- Sat: 11am - Late. Sun: 2 - 8pm Horomatangi Street Phone: 07 378 7476 Please visit our wesite at: www.tauporsa.co.nz

TE TE PUKE PUKE

MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RSA RSA A (Inc) (Inc)

16 Oxford Street Ph: 07 573 7922

Hours: Mon 1pm - 6.30 pm, Tues - Sat 11am - 9pm Restaurant open Thurs, Fri and Sat nights. Tues - Lunch

All RSA members & Visitors are most welcome to our warm & friendly, air conditioned club

Taumarunui & District RSA

10 Marae St, Taumarunui PO Box 24 PH: 07 895 7517 FAX: 07 895 8343 Email: taumrsa@xtra.co.nz

MANAGER: John Callinan MEMBERS: 862 Restaurant open 7 nights from 5:30pm Club open daily from 11:00am Sunday from 1:00pm 18 Gaming Machines, Courtesy Coach Charge back facilities to local motels.

If you are coming to Taumarunui we can arrange local tours, golf club bookings, Motel Bookings.

Entertainment Centre of Taumarunui

TE AWAMUTU

District Memorial RSA (Inc)

381 ALEXANDER STREET

Turn into the main street at the traffic filter and look for our Rose Garden at the end of the main shopping area.

Bar Hours - Mon-Thurs: 11am- 9pm Fri: 11-11pm.

Sat: 11-10pm

WHAKATANE RSA (Inc)

Richardson St Ph: 07 307 0343 Fax: 07 307 2604 Email: whakatanersa@xtra.co.nz

Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours

Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 10.30-8pm Restaurant Hours Lunch and Dinner 7 days Bar Snacks Available Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Function Room Live Entertainment Friday Nights

GAllIPOlI ReSTAURANT Ph: 06 876 4739 Open everyday great value meals

vISITORS WELCOME

Naenae Memorial RSA (Inc) 23, Treadwell St, Ph 04 567 8159, Open 7 Days Indoor Bowls * Darts * Snooker Outdoor Bowls * Pentanque

When visiting Hutt Valley call at our comfortable clubrooms.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU

Close to motels in the heart of town

544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui THE NEW GENERATION RSA

EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON

RSA (Inc)

Sun: 1- 8pm

Restaurant Hours - Dinner: Fri Sat Sun: 5.00pm onwards

Groups catered for during week on request

Come and visit our friendly Club the

‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’

HAMILTON Combined Returned Services Club

Rostrevor Street, Po Box 9028 Ph 07 8380131 Fax 07 8340170 Email: hamcrsc@clear.net.nz. Web: www.hamcrsc.co.nz

Open 7 Days Club Restaurant Lunches Tues-Fri Dinner Tues-Sun from 5.30pm.

FUNCTION BOOKINGS BY ARRANGEMENT 18 Gaming Machines * TAB * Sky Big Screen * ATM *Eft Pos * 8 Ball * Snooker * Euchre * 500 * Darts * I/D Bowls

A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane

WHANGAMATA RSA (INC)

Otaki & District Memorial RSA 9 Raukawa Street Ph: 06 36 46221 Open Tues - Sunday Dining room Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun roast lunch TAB - Sky - Snooker - Darts Fridays entertainment Affiliated Members and Guests most welcome

324 Port Road, Whangamata Ph/Fax: 07 865 9419 Email: whangamata.rsa@actrix.co.nz Web: www.whangamatarsanz.com

Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula

Clubrooms Open: 7 days from 11 am Restaurant Open: 6 days from 11 am Closed Mondays Group Bookings, Bus Tours, etc. by arrangement

Entertainment Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, 8 Ball, Darts, Indoor Bowls, Golf, 12 Gaming Machines

Visitors Most Welcome

ACHILLES RESTAURANT Welcome to All. Open for lunch Friday from 12 noon.

Dinners Mon, Wed & Thu from 5.30; Fri & Sat from 6.00pm All facilities, Gaming Machines.

110 Amohia Street (Just 50 meters off SH1) Tel: 04 902 7927 www.pramrsa.co.nz

SEATOUN RSA Inc 12-16 Dundas St , Seatoun Wellington Ph: 04 388 2029 Operating from Seatoun Bowling Club premises Open from 3 pm Mon - Fri. 2 pm Sat. 3 pm Sun

ROTORUA RSA (Inc)

ENJOY OUR COMPANY AND MAKE THE STOP

Haupapa St, Rotorua

We offer a warm welcome to our thermally heated club.

Bar open 7 days.

Restaurant Tues-Fri 12-2pm & Tues-Sat 6-8pm New Café Mon-Fri from 9am-2pm Sky TV, Big Screen TV, Snooker, 8 Ball, Darts Indoor Bowls, Flag 500, Mahjong, Line Dancing, Old Time Dancing, 18 Gaming machines, Live bands

Registered Military Museum

VISITORS WELCOME

SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc) 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.

Rotorua RSA

1072 Haupapa St, Rotorua Phone/Fax: 348 1056 Email: rotrsa@xtra.co.nz www.rotrsa.co.nz

RSA TAURANGA 1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 Email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz www.tgarsa.co.nz

Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands

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

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 ...

Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am

170 St Hill Street, Wanganui Phone: Clubrooms 345 5750 * Restaurant 345 4140 *

Oaktree Restaurant

Email: admin@wanganuirsa.co.nz * Website: www.wanganuirsa.co.nz

“When in the Bay stay with us” Motor Inn accommodation available Excellent Rates “Visitors Welcome Anytime”

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

Open 7 Days from Breakfast - 7.00am - Lunch - 12.00 noon Dinner - 5.00pm

Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750

RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

31

Local RSAs NAPIER RSA 34 Vautier Street, Napier

Office: 06 835 7629 Fax: 06 835 1357 Club: 06 835 1034

A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun

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.

tArAdAle

& distriCts rsA inC

156 Gloucester Street Ph/Fax 06 844 4808

Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner

All Indoor Sports available. Gaming Machines Live Music Saturday nights.

Wheelchair available

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

ASHBURTON Where the North meets the South

GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB

OPEN 7 DAYS

LEVIN RSA

Open for All generations club open:

Fri/Sat: 11am till late Sun 12am–7pm

Mon to Thur and Sat: 10.30am -10pm Fri: 10.30am - 11.00pm Sun: 10.30am - 6.00pm

FEATURES Pool, Darts, Big Screen, EFTPOS, Courtesy

Lunch 12.00 - 2.00pm Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun Dinner Wed-Sat 5.00pm - 8.30pm

Coach,Off Sales, Gaming, SKY TV, Live Entertainment, Karaoke, Jukebox, Air conditioning - Conference room for hire, Power plugs for motorhomes Restaurant available Thur – Sat for Lunch & Dinner ALL RSA & CHARTERED CLUB MEMBERS WELCOME

Hours Mon - Tues: 11am-7pm. Wed Thurs Fri: 11am-10pm. Sat: 11am-12pm. Sun: 11am- 5pm Mon+Wed Lunch noon. Bistro Thurs, Fri, Sat 5.30-8pm

Sat-Sun 10.30 am

1 Easton Street. Ph: 06 363 7670 Fax: 06 363 6838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz CLUB HOURS

12 Cox Street

Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am

FOXTON RSA INC.

Mon: 2pm–7pm Tues: Midday-7pm Wed: 11am–9.30pm Thur: 11am-10.00pm

ASHBURTON RSA [INC]

Full Platter Bistro:

FeATuReS: *ATM * eft-pos * Modern dual Jackpot 18 Gaming Machines * 8-Ball * Snooker * Darts * Sky TV * Library * Live entertainment FunCtion FaCiLities aVaiLaBLe FoR HiRe

RSA - That’s the Spirit

181 Tainui Street Facilities include a family bar, pool table, dart boards & gaming machines. Housie is played every Monday at 7.30pm. Raffles Tuesday & Friday.

We extend to all members a cordial invitation to visit our clubrooms situated on the main highway 5 minutes from the town centre and motels.

HOURS: Mon - Sun open from 12pm. Lunch time Courtesy Coach Available Fridays

Call and make some West Coast friends

32 Bristol Street, Levin (next to KFC) P: 368 3475 e: rsalevin@paradise.net.nz www.levinrsa.org.nz

TAWA RSA 89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Chartered Club visitors We are open:

Mon to Wed & Sun 4- 7pm Thurs & Sat 4 -8pm. Fri 4 -10pm Meals Friday 6.30 - 8.00pm

Milton Bruce RSA

POOl DARtS SKy tV

31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927

Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*

PORIRUA RSA (Inc) MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLANd

RESTAURANT HOURS Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm

NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME

RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123

Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz

Restaurant: Lunch Wed, thurs, Fri. Dinner thurs, Fri, sat & sun.

Courtesy Van Available Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA members, families and friends

Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm

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

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

Hours: Tues - Thurs 11am -10pm.

Fri 11am - Late. Sat 3pm - Late. Sun 11am - 6pm.

Meals: Lunch Tues - Fri & Sun 12 - 1.30pm.

Dinner Fri, Sat 6pm to 8pm Breakfast Sunday 9am-11am

inVeRCaRgiLL WoRKingMen’s CLuB inC. Incorporating the inVeRCaRgiLL R.s.a.

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

PAPANUI RSA

CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge

Bistro Open 7 Days A Week Lunch 11.30 - 2.00pm Dinner 5:00 - 9.00pm

RIVERTON RSA 141 Palmerston Street

Tues - Thurs 3 - 10pm. Fri 3 - 11pm. Sat 3pm - 11pm When travelling near Western Southland, call in at our clubrooms where you will receive a friendly welcome and hospitality

MOSGIEL

MEMORIAL RSA

6 Church St (Opens: 11 am) Lunches 7 days from 12noon Dinner Wed - Sat from 5.30pm

When travelling near Dunedin call at our clubrooms in Mosgiel. You will be given a warm welcome and you may meet some old friends.

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

ALL VISITORS WELCOME

VISITORS WELCOME

OPEN SEVEN DAYS

Mon 11am - 7pm. Tues 11am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 8pm. Thurs 11am - 11pm. Fri 11am - 12pm. Sat 10am - 12pm. Sun 10am - 9pm

Memorial RSA Inc

12 Civic Ave Ph: 03 208 6218 Fax: 03 208 6220 Email: GoreRSA@xtra.co.nz Clubrooms Open 10.30 am 7 days a week Bar Hours Mon - Fri 10.30 am - 11 pm Sat 10.30 am - 1 am Sun 10.30 am - 9.30 pm Family Bar The Gore RSA Bistro Wed - Fri 12-2 pm.

Tues - Sun 5.30 pm - 8 pm Private functions by arrangement * 5 F/size Snooker Tables * 18 Gaming Machines * Big Screen Sky TV * TAB Live entertainment each month. Tea coffee in our smoke free lounge. Off street parking for visitors.

Raffles: Thurs & Fri. Flag 500 Wed 7 pm during winter

21 Waiti Rd Timaru Ph: 03 688 4123

Music Every Saturday Housie Tuesday Nights

5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343

* Sky Tv * TAB * Gaming Room * Pool * Darts * Indoor Bowls * EFTPOS * Wine Club * Kapa Haka BAR HOURS

TIMARU

Gore District

Ph: 03 352 9770 55 Bellvue Ave Papanui Rd & 1 Harewood Rd

Access also from

Visiting Christchurch

Try our hospitality in the heart of Papanui. Adjacent to major civic amenities incl. shopping mall,motels & hotels

Club Hours

Mon -Tues: 11am -9pm. Wed-Thurs: 11am-10pm. Fri- Sat: 11am- 11pm. Sun: 11am- 8pm

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

Chartered Club 66 Wellington St

Picton

RSA & Club

Full Trading Hours.

Pool & Snooker Tables. Games Machines.

Bistro Meals: Open 7 Days

Everybody Welcome

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.

RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC. P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.

CHARTERED CLUB

35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra

Alexandra Clyde RSA

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

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

CATERINg A SPECIALTy Gaming Machines, Sky Tv,Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls

Visitors Welcome

motueka

memorial rsa (inc) 49 High Street

www.motuekarsa.co.nz

Open 7 Days Mon-Fri 4pm. Sat 11am. Sun 2pm Restaurant & Dining Room Tues, Thurs - Sun

5.30pm - 8.30pm. Fri & Sat Lunch: 12 noon - 1.00 pm rsa - clubs nz members most welcome

32

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Travel Australia SAILPORT

M O O LO O L A B A A PA R T M E N T S

271 Elizabeth Street, Sydney + 61 2 9264 6001

DIRECT BOOKING ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE Visit: www.hydeparkinn.com.au

The Hyde Park Inn offers friendly, personalised service and spectacular views across Hyde Park. Central CBD location, just minutes to shopping, theatres, Central Station, The Opera House, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross.

Our features include: • Self catering facilities • Complimentary continental breakfast • Air-conditioning • Balcony to Deluxe Rooms • Large family rooms and apartments • Free car parking • Free in-house movie channels • Guest laundry • DVD players to all rooms • In-room Broadband Access • Flat Screen LCD televisions

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

Owned by RSL NSW Branch • Special rates for RSA Members • Special long term rates available

Telephone: 00617 5444 1844 email: reception@sailport.com.au.

Cnr River Esplanade & Hancock St, Mooloolaba, Queensland Australia.

Eligible RSA members can join a NSW RSL Sub Branch for even better rates.

w w w. s a i l p o r t . c o m . a u

Anyone for f a Gold Coast Getaway??

Getaway??

Welcome to Palazzo Colonnades boutique, high-rise holiday accommodation apartments in Surfers Paradise....

•

Fully self contained, air conditioned one bedroom and two bedroom apartments

•

Swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and BBQ facilities

•

Under cover, fully secured free parking

•

Flat screen televisions and AUSTAR cable television free of charge

•

In room wireless internet broadband service

•

Extensive choice of restaurants within minutes walking distance

•

1.5km from Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre

•

150 metres to the beach and 6-8 minutes leisurely stroll to Cavill Avenue

HOT DEAL! Stay 5 Pay 4 from AUS $608.00* TO BOOK PHONE +61 7 5538 4555

Address: 2988 - 2994 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 4217 Telephone: +61 7 5538 4555 Email: info@palazzocolonnades.com.au

FOR THE BEST RATES BOOK DIRECT AT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.palazzocolonnades.com.au * Valid for sale until 20/09/13. Block out dates apply.

Surfers Paradise Luxurious, Tranquil, Breathtaking Absoloute waterfrount location only minutes from the heart of Caloundra.

Spacious self contained apartments, gym, pool, spa, kiddies pool, sauna.

Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Secured complex with on-site Mangers.

Moorings Beach Resort 88 Esplanade, PO Box 225, Golden Beach, Caloundra Q 4551 e: moorings@westnet.com.au www.mooringsbeachresort.com.au

Fully self contained boutique apartments - 4 star self rating, all with lift access, airconditioning & ocean views. Direct access to beach 50 meters. Heated pool and spa, BBQ area. Transport arranged from Brisbane or Coolangatta Airports. Easy walk to heart of Surfers or Broadbeach

Book direct and get great deals from friendly kiwis, Ph: 00617 5526 7588, Or email: info@emeraldsands.com.au Or visit: www.emeraldsands.com.au

1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom sub-penthouses. All fully self-contained apartments with private spa baths.

Expansive sea views opposite patrolled beach.

Resort facilities – outdoor pool, tennis court, gym, games room.

Indoor Pool Renovation SPECIALS – ALL APARTMENTS strictly 28th Jan – 28th March 2013 only.

Call or email today for FANTASTIC one off savings over this limited period!

238 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Ph. 00 617 5535 8866 Fax. 00 617 5535 8523 Email. mail@burleighsurf.com.au

w w w.burleighsur f.com.au

GOLD COAST SPECIALS SPACIOUS HOLIDAY HOLIDAY APARTMENTS APARTMENTS SPACIOUS

Book 4 weeks or more receive 20% discount

Affordable Beach Front Spacious Apartments The heart of the Sunshine Coast Qld.

HEALTHY VACATIONS • www.sundeck.com.au Le Lavandou Holiday Apartments 2 Bedroom & 2 Bathroom fully self contained apartments. Quiet peaceful setting close to all Broadbeach restaurants, shops and clubs.

Great Deals for RSA Members 1May – 22 June, 23 July – 1 Sept 7 night stay $665 Save $280 Phone: 0061 7 55390244 Email holidays@lelavandou.com.au Check us out at: www.lelavandouapartments.com

Ph: 00617 5492 1388 MALIBU MOOLOOLABA

• Ocean Views from all Apartments • 2 Bedroom / 2 bathroom air conditioned • Heated lap pool & spa • Lift access to all 10 floors • Secure U/C Parking • Central to cafes, restaurants, shops, bars & clubs • TV / DVD FREE Austar • 2 Rooftop apartments (Private BBQ) - One with spa SPECIAL DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION THIS ADVERT 81 The Esplanade Mooloolaba 4557 Ph: 00617 5444 1133 Fax: 00617 5444 1280 E: info@mailibu.com.au www.malibu.com.au

Phone: 00617 5409 7555 Email: holiday@sundeck.com.au Lifts, Heated Pool, Spa & Massage Treatments

Travel New Zealand HAMILTON. Barclay Motel, 280 Ulster St. Close to City, RSA & all amenities. RSA Member Special, from $99 double, including 2 free continental breakfasts. Hosts/owners, Neil & Margaret Brimblecombe ex CPO RNZN. Booking Feephone 0800 80 80 90. Ask about our Sunday & Monday Specials. Check us out - www.barclay.co.nz.

HAMILTON Gardena Court Motel. We are close to all clubs, amenities, RSA members special from $99 single/Dble includes continental breakfast for 2 each morning subject to availability. We Guarantee value for money.

Hosts: Alan & Dale Padgett. 257 Ulster St. Ph 07 838 1769.

Email: stay@gardena.co.nz. Web: www.gardena.co.nz Reservations: 0800 STAY GARDENA (0800 782 942)

33

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

ACAPULCO MOTOR INN

Medals

TAUPO

Welcomes RSA members Off season discounts may apply 20 ground floor units

MEDAL MOUNTING

10% Discount to all members

COURT STYLE

19 Rifle Range Road www.acapulcotaupo.co.nz

Phone 0800 378 7174

SWING STYLE

Next time you are travelling book via

www.kiwikarma.co.nz is a website that passes 3% of your accommodation costs to a charity of your choice like Cancer Society, Arthritis, Breast Cancer Research Trust and Stroke Foundation.

This comes at no extra cost to the person making the booking as hotels/motels pay commission to sites such as ours.

www.kiwikarma.co.nz LEVIN Ploughman Motel 364 Oxford St, 0800 12 24 48, ploughmanmotel@paradise.net.nz, very affordable rates, 6 spacious comfortable g/floor units, free wireless Internet, 500m to town & RSA, 75mins to ferry.

NAPIER. Colonial Lodge Motel. Next door to Taradale RSA. 17 g/f fully s/c units serviced daily.

Sky digital, heated swimming & private spa pools, games room, bbq, large garden grounds.

Qualmark 4 Star Plus.Tariff $110 - $150 for 1-2 persons. RSA member discount. Reservations 0800 68 44 77. Ph/Fax 06 844 7788. Your hosts Sarah & Mark Johnson. stay@colonialmotel.co.nz www.colonialmotel.co.nz

Medals professionally mounted court or swing style. $15 per medal. Courier return $6.10 . No hidden costs.

Damage free mounting. New ribbon.

Fully insured. Framing service. Medal cases, replicas and miniatures stocked.

Free NZDSM or NZOSM lapel pin with each mounting order. NZ wide mail order service or by appointment.

Turnaround is usually 7 days.

A G Bairstow NZ Medals Ltd

English Tie & Medal Co Medals mounted or supplied. * Full size or miniature Replica Medal groups for family members. * Blazer Badges and Framed Medal Displays. * Commemorative medals, incl. CMT. We do not deal or trade original medals

P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610

MEDALS MOUNTED Court or Swing style.

Professional quality guaranteed work. Reasonable prices. Medals also framed for family history displays, museum quality work. Medals & military souvenirs purchased for my own collection especially gallantry awards eg. DFC, MC, MM etc.

German & Allied hats, helmets uniforms, RNZAF RAF pilots wings & boots also sought. Ph: Ian Hamilton 09 266 5783

Tours Pilgrimages Battle of Montecassino 70th Anniversary Pilgrimage May 2014

Gallipoli – ANZAC Day

100th Anniversary Pilgrimage

PO Box 128-134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph : 09 571 2074 aubreyb@clear.net.nz

www.nzmedals.com

ALSO BUYING MEDALS, DIARIES AND MILITARY ITEMS MEDAL MOUNTING, MILITARY HISTORY & GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Orders, decorations & medals (full size & miniatures) court mounted for day, evening wear, and for family history displays. Medals mounted with respect for over 40 years with no modifications to medals or clasps. Contact Medal Mounting Wellington, H.E. Chamberlain, Ph: 04 293 3504. 470 Te Moana Rd. Waikanae. Email: clas.chamberlain@xtra.co.nz.

FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Our 2013 programe includes: NZ: High Country Spectacular, Pacific Coast, Winterless North, Hawkes Bay Historic Homes, Top of the South, South of the South, Chatham Islands, Taranaki Rhodo Fest, Kapiti Coast, Taipa Bay for Christmas. AUSTRALIA: Tasmania, Lake Eyre & Outback, Wet Season Spectacular (from Darwin), Melbourne, Adelaide and the Murray River, Cape York, Gold Coast Stay Put, Red Centre, North West Safari, Western Australian Wanderer, Waltzing the Matilda.

PACIFIC: Norfolk Island, Samoa

For a free colour brochure contact Scottsdale Tours FREE phone 0800 66 44 14 www.scottsdaletours.co.nz

MEDAL MOUNTING

Court or Swing Style, Full Size & Miniature medals,Ribbon Bars, Extra sets of medals for family, Framed Family Groups. Supplier of replica WW2 wings and brevet.

26 Years Experience. Contact: Tony Prowse, 6 Chilton Dr, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast Ph. 04 2973232. Email: tsprowse@xtra.co.nz

Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts PLEASE CONTACT

DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

Wanted to Buy

April 2015 email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz

RUSSELL. F/furn 2 bdrm apartment. Sleeps 4 available all year. 2 adults $400 p week or $80 p night, $15 pn extra person. Ph: 09 426 9747 Fax: 09 426 9780 Email: donandmyra@xtra.co.nz WANGANUI. Bignell St Motel, Quiet Warm Friendly, Comfortable, Pets by arrangement $55 single + $15pp extra. Phone Now 0800 244 635

Battle of Crete 75th Anniversary Pilgrimage May 2016

BOOKINGS & REGISTRATIONS NOW AVALIABLE To make a booking or to register your interest please call Tempo Holidays on 0800 443510 or email

Old Daggers and Fittings.

Antique Chinese and Asian Bronzes.

All conditions considered.

pilgrimages@tempoholidays.co.nz

WELLINGTON Harbour City Motor Inn Cnr Victoria & Webb Str 0800 33 24 68 e: harbourcitymotorinn@ xtra.co.nz, www.harbourcitymotorinn.co.nz. Located in central city with studios, one bedroom unit and 3-bedroom apartment. Close to airport & ferry. Special RSA rates. Host Dolly.

WHAKATANE Bay Hotel Units 90 McAllister Street. Very handy to RSA. Discount for RSA members. Friendly service, courtesy pickup, Pets very welcome. Your hosts Betty & Willy Arends.

Ph 07 308 6788 Fax 07 308 6749

JAPANESE SWORDS WANTED

Specialist Buyer - TOP PRICES VIETNAM TOURS 20 Days ex Auck, Wgtn, Chch.

From $6495 pp share twin. Special conditions apply. Kiwi Vietnam Tours PO Box 123 Rongotea Ph 06 324 8444, info@kiwivietnamtours.co.nz www.kiwivietnamtours.co.nz

Contact: Mr Jordan Phone: (07) 576 7944 • Mobile: 021 963 991 Email: jamesandmargie@xtra.co.nz

34

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

What’s New

Sure to be challenging, even contentiouS’ Monte Cassino: Ten Armies in Hell, by Peter Caddick-Adams. Reviewer: Doug McGilvary of Nelson, a former journalist and Territorial Army officer.

For five ghastly months in 1943-44 the battlefield of Cassino was indeed a hell-hole where Allied soldiers endured primeval conditions and, even when snatching exhausted sleep, were never free of danger. With manoeuvre impossible, it was reminiscent of the Somme, the awful heights of Gallipoli, and the carnage of Stalingrad.

For the New Zealand Division, fresh from triumphs at El Alamein and its series of “left hooks” that contributed significantly to eventual victory over Rommel in Tunisia, the transition from desert sands to swamps and impenetrable rock was severely testing.

Everything except air power favoured the resolute and astutely generalled Germans blocking the advance of composite armies through Italy. With concrete, iron, deliberate flooding of rivers, booby traps and mine-laying, they had powerfully strengthened the already formidable natural defensive advantages of a daunting mountain range. Add extraordinary enemy observation from precipitous heights and the Allies’ misery was complete. Even minor movement by individual soldiers was

Peter Caddick-Adams....diligent researcher.

often enough to bring down a deluge of fire from hidden artillery, mortars, machine-guns and ever-menacing snipers.

The attrition rate of casualties averaged more than 1200 a day from both sides during the campaign. Exposure, continuously wet clothing, snow and frostbite added to the man-contrived hazards in that miserable place.

Soft-skinned vehicles were vulnerable within gun range and only mules or porters could negotiate the steep rocky trails – and then only by night -- to bring up food and ammunition.

And to return carrying bodies.

Caddick-Adams reports an English

stretcher-bearer, aged 42, carrying a wounded officer for 16 hours before he collapsed and died from exhaustion.

There is much interesting information from diligent research, a characteristic of this author, although one wonders at times whether the extent of details in covering some actions is not too great for the needs of a general readership.

The New Zealanders get a chapter of their own, mainly concerned with slogging through rubble after Cassino town was demolished by aerial bombing.

Gen Freyberg’s role in particular is examined, not always favourably. He is regarded as limited above divisional command and handicapped by lack of trained staff officers at corps planning level. Astonishingly, though, the author says American Gen Mark Clark felt intimidated and ill at ease in Freyberg’s presence, and the overall British commander, Gen Alexander, was “probably in awe” of him.

Oliver Leese, a key subordinate of Field Marshal Montgomery, both in North Africa and Europe, also is criticised. But Clark gets more sympathetic treatment than most authors allow for his defiance of orders to shut off the German retreat after Cassino, in favour of being first into Rome.

An enduring controversy about the decision to destroy the ancient Benedictine monastery

by bombing at the summit of Monte Cassino (in which Freyberg had a leading role) gets plenty of attention One shock is revelations about the extent of desertions, although not only in Italy. “Eighth Army suffered easily the highest desertion rates within the British forces, which were also the highest of any Western Allied army.”

There is well justified praise for the important contributions of French and Polish units in this international force. The commander of the Indian Division, an English general, even from hospital urged enveloping attacks through the mountains rather than continuing with costly frontal assaults, a route that finally achieved success for “the brave Poles”.

Photographs, many not seen in other publications, and maps add to the book’s appeal, as do references to modern day Cassino, including the marvellously restored monastery.

Cassino has had more than its fair share of study by military historians, but Caddick-Adams has crafted an absorbing, occasionally inspiring, story of one of World War 2’s most difficult battles. He is widely experienced in lecturing to military cadets and conducting battlefield tours. His workmanlike prose is well suited to this stark narrative, and many of his views are sure to be challenging, even contentious.

big band comes up with WW2 favourites The legendary big band sound of the 1940s is returning to New Zealand RSAs. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration this year, the Rodger Fox Big Band has prepared two special World War 2 packages for New Zealand RSAs. The band can play any style of music – it has endured through its versatility – but it particularly enjoys the Glenn Miller era of the 1940s.

“The Glenn Miller band music was uplifting during the grim years of World War 2, and we attempt to recreate the original sound,” says Rodger Fox. “His music was particularly evocative for members of the armed services, both in the United States and Europe, who never knew whether they were experiencing it for the very last time.”

Two show packages (you can listen or dance)

have been developed. Fox says he’s happy to provide either during the 70th anniversary of a crucial stage of World War 2 (in 1943, British prime minister Winston Churchill said, “It’s not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning”.

The choices are: • The King of Swing – vocalist Erna Ferry with Glenn Miller numbers.

• The Fox And the Woolf – Ferry and jazz vocalist Ray Woolf and Erna Ferry sing songs of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jnr. And don’t worry if your venue isn’t big enough to accommodate an 18-piece band, says Fox: “We can provide a smaller group or combo playing the same material and making a similar impact.”

The Rodger Fox Big Band in full swing.

The Canterbury Medical Research Foundation has been funding research here for over 50 years... and to date has funded more than $17 million dollars in research grants.

Canterbury Medical Research Foundation Level 1, 230 Antigua Street, Christchurch. Phone (03) 353 1240 Email: health@cmrf.org.nz www.cmrf.org.nz CC No. CC11203

What’s New 35

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2013

Pix throW light on tunnel graffiti Karen Phelps A simple OE in a campervan has led New Zealand photographer Brett Killington to spend several years in the darkness documenting graffiti left by soldiers during World War 1.

United Kingdom-based Killington, who gained his qualifications as a photographer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, has been taking his photos in a group of quarries connected by a series of tunnels, about 20 metres under the ground in Arras, in northern France.

His contact with the graffiti during his campervan holiday prompted him to start researching the New Zealanders who had left some of the

graffiti behind. The NZ Tunnelling Company was formed in September 1915 through an urgent request from Britain, which needed a large number of tunnellers to work on the Western Front. A series of underground quarries dating back to medieval times had the potential to create an underground route to the German front line.

The NZ Tunnelling Company arrived in Arras on March 15, 1916 and set about connecting the quarries through a series of tunnels that eventually took them from the centre of Arras to the German frontline. Each quarry was given a geographically correct New Zealand place name.

During the Battle of Arras the use of the tunnels surprised the Germans and helped in the initial attack. However, like most actions in this war, success and failure came in equal measures, with the loss of many men.

Killington says the graffiti brings home the realities of war and that each of the millions of soldiers who fought were individuals who must never be forgotten. This prompted his desire to take the soldiers’ graffiti to a wider audience.

Christopher Pugsley, a military historian based at Sandhurst Military Training College in England, provided Killington with a copy of the tunnellers’ war diary, and helped him gain full access to the tunnel systems to produce photographic work for a centenary exhibition.

Killington says the graffiti gives an important insight into the war. It includes individual names carved into the chalk walls, along with drawings of men, women, wine bottles and other objects.

“One of the reasons for the graffiti would be about the men being remembered. For some, it would be the last time they would write their name/mark. Some graffiti is humorous, some sad, some of it may have been done out of boredom.

“Some of it shows impressive artistic talent.

Some of the most finely executed graffiti are of unknown women, perhaps the soldier’s mother or sweetheart, who they sorely missed. In one area a series of crosses is carved into a wall. I’ve

‘i just knew this was a story that had to be told’

Above/bottom left: Arras tunnel graffiti photographed by Brett Killington

been told they were made by stretcher-bearers waiting to go up for the wounded during battle.”

Photographing the graffiti has given him new respect for what the soldiers endured, he says.

“The longest time we stayed underground was six hours, and it was pretty tiring. The New Zealanders worked eight-hour shifts in complete silence nearly every day.

“I know these were hardened miners, but the conditions they worked in were very difficult, with the Germans nearby and the ever present dampness of the underground. I left a piece of equipment out overnight and the next day it was soaking wet. The health of many of these men was affected for the rest of their lives.”

Killington’s exhibition is planned to start on April 9, 2017, the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of Arras. It will be held in the Carriere Wellington museum, which is in a quarry of the tunnelling system. He hopes it will tour.

He is also working on a new project in Belgium, using pinhole cameras sponsored by Ilford Harman International to document the battlefields where New Zealanders fought.

“The graffiti humanises the war and brings me closer to those who were there. It creates an emotive response from the viewer. We must never forget a generation prepared to sacrifice their lives for their family and later generations.

This is why the graffiti is still so relevant.”

• Killington’s project documenting the graffiti can be followed at www.64stops.com under heading of WW1 Tunnels.

a to Z of anZac a ‘caPtivating reSource’ Over the last decade I’ve noticed the number of children’s books detailing a war story or war remembrance coming out before Anzac Day; they fill a ready market, as witnessed by the growing numbers of children attending dawn services.

Now, acclaimed children’s writer Philippa Werry fills a gap in the market by explaining the story and significance of Anzac Day itself.

As detailed in the sub-title, Werry embarks on explaining “what it is and why it matters” through 64 lavishly designed pages, easily accessible text, with diary entries, historic ephemera, maps, tables and an abundance of illustrations (both new and historical).

She examines the Gallipoli Campaign through a series of short sections on the Allied strategy, the landings, the campaign, the battle of Chunuk Bair and evacuation. Cut-away boxes tell the story of the man with the donkey, of how Kiwi and Turk soldiers communicated home from the front, and of Leslie Shaw, our youngest soldier at Gallipoli, who was just 14 years and three

months when he landed.

Werry then deals with New Zealand’s wider involvement in World War 1, the casualties, the participation of Maori and Pacific Islanders, and the experience of conscientious objectors.

‘Remembering our War Dead’ looks at the story of the poppy, battlefield pilgrimage, war memorials and their epitaphs. Her final chapter tracks the changing observance of Anzac Day in New Zealand and overseas, especially Turkey, France and the United Kingdom.

The book also explains the Anzac Day rituals, such as Last Post and the Gunfire Breakfast, and their meaning. The conclusion, “In War and Peace”, examines the ongoing meaning of the

day, but particularly its ability to honour the enduring Anzac spirit. Werry cites the Student Volunteer Army, concluding: ‘Anzac Day belongs to all of us and everyone can take part. It shows the strength of the human spirit. It promises that we can work together in unity. It is a day of hope in a better future.

An addendum includes useful websites and a list of “more things to do”, including inviting the RSA to your school or a visit to see the RSA’s war memorabilia collection. It would have been interesting to have something on the meaning of Anzac Day to current Defence Force personnel; the memory of the five servicemen and woman recently killed in Afghanistan will be fresh in their remembrance this year.

However, this A to Z of all things Anzac is a captivating resource that will provide children with added understanding when they attend their next dawn service. But don’t think this book is for children only – many RSA members and visitors would find it an enjoyable and insightful read. Frankly, every RSA should have it handy to the coffee and Anzac biscuits this Anzac Day.

A new accommodation booking website gives Kiwis the chance to travel – and at the same time give to charity.

Site developer Craig Crestani says Kiwi Karma (www.kiwikarma.co.nz) donates 3% of the total room cost to a charity of the guest’s choice.

Because hotels pay a commission to such sites, there is no extra cost to the user.

Charities involved with the site include:

Arthritis New Zealand, Asthma Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Trust, Cancer Society, Caritas, Forest & Bird, Plunket, SAFE, Stroke Foundation, and World Vision.

The site has 3000-plus listings across accommodation ranging from backpackers to lodges in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.

Wellington-based Crestani, who has been in the industry for seven years, says he developed

the site, while working with his wife, marketer Shelley Crestani, who has clients in the charity sector.

“The website was one of those three-o’clockin-the-morning ideas,” he says. “I realised I could marry my experience in accommodation with Shelley’s expertise in marketing to develop a business that would also give back to the community”.

An A to Z of Anzac Day The New Zealand Story

by Philippa Werry. Reviewer: Stephen Clarke.

When Kath Hansen began to research a book on her husband’s father and his two brothers; World War 1 involvement, she soon realised there was a bigger story to be told.

The Hansen family arrived in New Zealand alongside Anglican missionaries in 1814. A century later many of the Hansens – 42 of them, in fact – headed to the Western Front to fight on behalf of their country Fourteen did not return – double the national average for family loss during that war .

“Most of them belonged to the infantry, which had the highest number of casualties,” says Kath Hansen. “Sometimes I was almost ready to cry when I heard about the terrible situations the men had to endure.”

One of the things that struck her most was the men’s sacrifices continued after they returned home. None lived to 80, and 10 died from war injuries.

Bert Hansen, who was exposed to gas during the war, died at 50 from lung cancer. Kath Hansen...almost ready to cry about ‘terrible situations His oldest brother, the men had to endure’ Arthur, was badly injured in the war and committed suicide.

Another brother, Theo, also exposed to gas, spent a lot of time in the sanatorium, and died in his mid-30s.

Hansen discovered that Bert was possibly the only New Zealand prisoner of war to escape twice from the Germans. Theo was awarded a military medal on October 4, 1917 for bravery at Passchendaele.

Hansen had written books on the family history, but this 18-month project was her first experience with war history. It was a challenge: “I knew very little about the war beforehand. I had to read many books before I even started to get a picture of what happened.”

She found it difficult to find details of what each man did during battles and had to match up the dates of their service record with the position of the New Zealand Division at the time. She then had to crosscheck to ascertain whether they were on the front, in hospital or on leave. Historical accuracy was checked by Brig (rtd) John Gray, author of a history of the New Zealand Division, which was published in 2010.

“I just knew this was a story that had to be told, especially with the centenary of World War I and the bicentenary of the Hansen family’s arrival in New Zealand both coming up 2014.

• In the Field – Mud and Blood on the Western Front is available from Kath Hansen: hansen@ xtra.co.nz

charity travel ‘one of those three-o’clock-in-the-morning ideas’

To order a copy please call

Coll Bell PO Box 96, Matakana 0948 • Ph 09 422 7817 Email collcaroline@farmside.co.nz

$20-00 + P&P [$3-00]