RSA Review December 2016

SUMMER 2016

THE INVISIBLE SCARS A landmark court decision on a post-traumatic-stress-injury compensation claim is resounding through the ranks. It has directed attention to the issue and the invisible scars that come with PTSI – page 4.

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Remembering

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RSA Life

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Personal delivery for Xmas parcels

Action-man Aaron turns on Armistice

Hunterville stalwart earns a top award

Mystery of the medal in the fire solved

RSA president BJ Clark has acquired the full Xmas-parcel experience. He has received them, packed them, now delivered them.

When Aaron Mulligan had a brainwave about an Armistice Day ceremony at his school, he didn’t hang about.

Maureen Fenton says her 20 years of work for the RSA have been a pleasure. Now she has a RSA merit certificate to prove it.

When 10-year-old Richard Howitt found a medal in the fire, he never guessed it would take 50 years to find the owner.

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.RSA.ORG.NZ

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

News BJ goes full cycle with Christmas parcels for Kiwi troops overseas The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 92 No.4 Summer 2016 Published December 13, 2016

In this issue 02 News 06 National 08 Defence Matters 14 Last Post 19 Lost Trails 22 RSA Life 24 What’s On 31 What’s New For RSA Review enquiries and subscriptions, contact: RSA Review Anzac House, 181 Willis Street PO Box 27 248, Wellington 6141 Phone 04 384 7994 Fax 04 385 3325 rsareview@rsa.org.nz www.rsa.org.nz Last Post, What’s On and Lost Trails are placed in RSA Review as a free service.

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RSA national president BJ Clark knows a thing or two about the parcels the RSA, Countdown and Wellington school children combine to send every Christmas to troops overseas.

He was on the receiving end while in the Sinai and Antarctica. He helped pack this year’s lot.

And then he was in the Persian Gulf area helping deliver them to the troops.

“It’s difficult to express how special it is, unwrapping a box full of uniquely Kiwi treats – and reading the card,” he says.

“When Kiwi troops are overseas, helping those who can’t help themselves, it’s an understatement to say conditions can get challenging. Even in situations where we were well supplied, everyone feels a long way from home at Christmas time.”

Volunteers from the supermarket, defence and charity sectors gathered at Trentham in mid-September to pack parcels for the 220 New Zealand military personnel currently serving overseas. Packers included RSA people, schoolchildren, veterans, and several store managers from Countdown.

The supermarket donated more than $15,000

Gaye Grosett, a Countdown store manager, and land component commander Brig Mike Shapland pack the Christmas parcels.

worth of Kiwi treats including Marmite, peanut alabs, Anzac biscuits, and the ingredients to make the classic onion dip. Each parcel includes a card written by a Wellington primary school pupil.

Once the packing is done, a complex and

concerted relay involving New Zealand Post, DHL, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and allied air forces gets them delivered for Christmas. The RSA parcels tradition stretches back 76 years and has involved 45 operational deployments.

TRIO REVISITS CARNIVAL DAYS It was September 1946, and Elsa Cresswell, Nancy Hammond and Ellen Jarvis got dressed up for a Queen Carnival fundraising event. They were young, single and part of a massive drive to raise money to extend the Blenheim RSA to cope with returning soldiers from World War 2.

Such events were common in those times, and many RSAs were involved in organising them as a community event, as a fundraiser, or as a combination of both.

In September, the same trio – all now in their 90s – again headed out together, this time to the Age Concern Marlborough seniors’ dance, themed Puttin’ On The Ritz, at the Clubs of Marlborough (which includes the RSA) complex.

They were escorted by three young men from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

“For all three of them to be alive and active in the community is pretty good,” says dance organiser Ken Ham.”We made a real fuss of them.” says Elsa Cresswell agrees: “It’s unusual that all three of us were all here and able to go.”

She remembers the queen carnival at His Majesty’s Theatre; all three of them were ‘queens’ of a fundraising committee. Nancy, queen of the sports committee, was named overall queen as her group raised the most money.

Elsa recalls the fundraising drive as being “very busy”.

“When it was all over I had two days in bed.

There were no computers and everything was done by hand. It was quite a big undertaking.

We sold raffle tickets for threepence a ticket. It

Photos – Above: Seventy years on: Nancy Hammond, 90 (left), Ellen Jarvis, 90 (centre) and Elsa Cresswell, 92 (right) recall the 1946 event and enjoy the 2016 seniors’ dance with FltSgt Garth Haylock. Above right: Elsa Cresswell with photos of a ball she sent to as a young woman. (tight: Olive Sutherland-Waite, 97, dances with John McPherson.

took a long time to raise the money. We did all sorts of fundraising functions...cake stalls were popular, and we ran dances and sports events.”

This year’s Age Concern event was based on “traditional or old-time dancing, and music of the years more senior people might enjoy”, says Ken Ham: “It’s a very heavily subsidised community event with the help of sponsors.”

Also on the 2016 dance floor was 97-year-old former dancer Olive Sutherland-Waite. She was a competitive ballroom dancer in Britain when she was in her 30s, and has been to all seven Age Concern Marlborough senior dances.

While she does not dance much these days, she loves soaking up the atmosphere and dressing for the occasion.

Veterans march and parade to mark 100 years of the RSA

GENERAL MANAGER: Rex Lynch

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Veterans parade in Wellington to commemorate the RSA’s 100th anniversary.

Around 160 returned and service personnel commemorated and celebrated the 100th anniversary of the RSA by marching through Wellington and parading at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. There they joined another 40 or so veterans at a review by RAdm John Martin, Royal New Zealand Navy.

Members of the RSA, the New Zealand Defence Force and the Australian RSL were involved in a remembrance ceremony before the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Musicians from the NZ Army Band performed Nightfall in Camp, The Last Post; the commemoration was closed by a piper playing the lament.

RSA national vice president Bob Hill (commonly known as Bukit, which is Malay for Hill) organised the parade. He retired from the New Zealand Army in 1985 as a regimental sergeant major “This parade – with all of us marching together, past and present service personnel, from all branches of the military – is one way we can recognise, support and remember the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before us, and those who will come after.”

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

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AUSSIE DETERMINED TO REVIVE STH CANTY a special general meeting to consider a merger with Timaru Town & Country. At a meeting in August last year, 285 votes were cast – 68 per New South Canterbury RSA president Greg cent of members voted against the proposal.

O’Brien is used to challenges. And now the This led to considerable dissension amongst Australian-born and bred, Timaru-domiciled members, but it is generally accepted that if the law-practice manager is determined to secure club is to survive, it must be prepared to face the local RSA’s financial status operating in a world of considerable competiHe has no illusions. Since his election, he has tion in the hospitality industry. Coupled with made no secret of his view that the organisation this is are tighter licensing laws and growing must be seen to be accepted as relevant to the unwillingness among New Zealanders to drink wider South Canterbury community. and drive.

He says that when he was assisting the comGreg O’Brien is a realist. He says he has yet to mittee last year, he became aware of give the club’s financial position some of the problems and challenges. a thorough vetting, but believes While the RSA sits on one of the internal bickering may well be a best sites (Waiiti Rd) in Timaru, there significant cause of the club’s prehave been long-standing financial sent position. He intends attacking problems because of low use of the this problem and then working to facilities. The situation became so restore the club’s fortunes. fraught that in 2013, there was a He brings professional and proposal to merge with the Timaru military qualifications. He was Town & Country Club. That was voted educated in rural Victoria and is a down, but was revived last year in the fellow of the Australian Institute of face of a continuing financial crisis.

Public Accountants, the equivalent A report to the South Canterbury Greg O’Brien: no illusions. of New Zealand and the United RSA’s executive committee in May Kingdom chartered accountants. last year alleged the club income was at least He has served in the Australian armed forces $1000 a week short of what it needed cover and has been practice manager for Timaru law operating costs. This report was compiled by firm RSM since 2007. the club’s manager, Michelle Brown.

He joined the South Canterbury RSA when he She calculated that the club needed to turn arrived in Timaru in 1997. In 2015 the committee over $10,000 a week just to cover its working sought his assistance with disciplinary matters. commitments to staff and suppliers. At the time The club moved to its current site on August of the report, the club was banking $8000-9000 30, 1975. It now has more than 1100 members – weekly.

125 returned and 301 service men and women, This information sparked some members to call and around 700 associate members.

Peter Owens

Winning ways: The Whangarei sea cadets corps which won the RSA’s national community service award.

‘Safer boating’ efforts earn top award for Whangarei boys A group of Whangarei sea cadets has won the RSA’s top national community service award for its efforts in promoting safR boating.

The unit was presented with the RSA’s community services award by the governor-general during the National Council in Wellington. It is the first time Whangarei has won the award.

The training ship Diomede in Whangarei is the country’s northern-most sea-cadet unit. It trains 11 teenagers between 13 and 18 years of age, with leadership skills.

Diomede commanding officer David Gilbert says his unit was nominated for the work the cadets did with Maritime New Zealand by spreading the safer boating message in Northland last year. The unit’s application for the award was endorsed by Whangarei mayor Sheryl Mai. “Our cadets travelled around Northland to boat launches and pushed safety messages because Northland has a prolific number of boating incidents,” David Gilbert says.

“We handed out safety packages and towards the end, we went to high schools and spoke at their assemblies on things like how to look out for rips and just general water safety messages.”

He acknowledged the support of his cadets’ parents, who drove their children to picnic spots to spread water-safety messages.

Petty Officer Mason Kennedy, 15, followed his two older brothers, Cam and Lachie, to Diomede and reckoned it was so much fun.

“They used to come home and tell us about the cadetship and how good it was,” he says.

“That’s what got me interested in the cadetship.”

This is his second year and his ambition is to join the navy and train in seamanship and combat. His advice to anyone thinking of joining the sea cadets is: “Definitely get involved. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, The skills you learn here you never dream of learning. You want to come back each week...it’s so much fun.”

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

COURT’S LANDMARK DECISION RESOUNDS THROUGH THE RANKS

What do these people think about the Wellington District Court decision to support an Afghanistan veterans’ claim for compensation for post-traumatic stress injury PTSI).

Clockwise from top left: Mark Compain (RSA), John Miller (lawyer), Sarah Martin (ACC), Paul Nealis (New Zealand Defence Force).

A Wellington court decision to support an Afghanistan veteran’s disputed ACC claim for compensation for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) has dealt the establishment a solid shake-up.

KAREN PHELPS follows up on the fall-out.

In a landmark court case for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) sufferers, the District Court in Wellington has ruled that a veteran should not be refused ACC cover for a claim for a workrelated mental injury.

The man, who was not publicly identified, had served in Afghanistan where he had been under mortar attack and seen a helicopter explode with 16 people on board; he couldn’t sleep at night because of the flashbacks of the sounds of rocket attacks.

When working as a police officer, he had seen a suicide victim hanging and a murder victim disembowelled. In civilian life, his five-year-old daughter’s face was mauled in a dog attack and he survived a car crash that fractured his neck.

The New Zealand Defence Force, acting as an ACC-accredited employer, turned down his claim.

It took the view his mental injury did not come within the ACC’s definition of a work-related mental injury – his PTSI was not the result of a single incident, but of a series of incidents.

The veteran’s legal team successfully argued that his Afghanistan tour in 2009 had had the most significant impact on him. The court ruled

in the veteran’s favour, saying that tour came within the alternative wording of the definition, which also covered a series of events arising from the same causal circumstance, and together formed a single incident or occasion.

“The decision to decline the claim was made by the NZDF because, as an accredited employer, it takes responsibility for its employees’ workinjury claims,” says an ACC spokesperson, Sarah Martin.

“ACC’s position in court was consistent with previous decisions upheld on workplace mental injury. After considering this case, the court was satisfied the mental injury could be accepted. ACC continues to consider new claims for work-related mental injury on a case-by-case basis, in line with the legislation.”

The NZDF’s chief medical officer, WgCdr Paul Nealis, couldn’t comment directly on the specific case, but said the NZDF has been working on addressing PTSI issues for some time.

“We’ve always recognised there are a number of ways you can have what we call service-induced mental injury. It can be from a single event, or multiple events, or multiple

deployments. That’s always been recognised by us and covered internally.

“We normally apply for ACC cover (for the individual), but we also put through a veteran’s claim. We don’t restrict access to care or what an individual needs based on diagnosis, as a diagnosis is just a label, but provide the care the individual needs.”

He says that in terms of assistance and care, there is no distinction between serving and non-serving veterans for Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) cover.

The veteran’s lawyer, John Miller, from John Miller Law in Wellington, says it was not an easy case to win.

“It was difficult because ACC, and in this case also the NZDF as an accredited employer, took what I call a conservative approach to interpreting the legislation. I think their approach is often ‘How can we cut someone out?’ We took a purposive approach – what is the purpose of the legislation? The courts are taking this approach nowadays, but it takes a while to filter down.” .

RSA support services manager Mark Compain says the RSA heard of the case only when it hit the headlines. His concern is what happened between the time the veteran’s claim was rejected (July 2014) and the case was decided (November 2016).

“There is not only the health and safety of the veteran to consider; the reality is that in cases such as this, the primary caregiver is usually the spouse.

We are concerned about the health of the whole family. We will be asking why the RSA was not contacted to see how we could help if the NZDF ACC provider felt they could not assist. I would like to think we could have provided some assistance to the vet if desired so that he didn’t feel like he was alone.”

Having served in the military, he suspects veterans suffering from PTSI also suffer emotionally from being turned down for help by the organisation that is meant to protect them.

“There is a huge emotional attachment to the service. So, when loyalty and support is not returned by the very organisation you have served and sacrificed for, forsaking certain rights and putting yourself at risk, it can have a devastating impact on a person.”

Paul Nealis acknowledges there has been disconnect between bodies able to offer veterans assistance, and the NZDF is working on this.

Recovery co-ordinators have been appointed in the main regions to guide claimants.

“We have an increasing appreciation for the social contract that is service,” he says. “When an individual is injured on operational service

representing New Zealand, there is a social obligation to assist. In the NZDF, we take this to mean we have a lifelong duty to ensure our people are cared for when they need it.: He says that over the last three years, the NZDF has been working towards problem-centric care that extends right through a person’s life, “That allows us to work out who provides what at each step and ensure seamless handovers to stop people being lost in the gaps. We are working toward multidisciplinary care for individuals, their families, their units if they are still in service.”

Mark Compain says the recent case highlights a couple of key issues – lack of understanding of PTSI, and the nature of modern military service.

“We’re working hard on getting people to understand that although the nature of conflict has changed and you may not have large numbers of physical casualties, the psychological stress of being in a conflict zone can be just as bad.

“In our work with non-government organisations such as NO DUFF NZ, we are seeing a lot of psychologically wounded veterans being identified. Few are self-referring; a third party is referring them.”

Paul Nealis echoes these comments: “One of the difficulties of this type of injury is that paranoia can be a symptom, and anger or blame towards the services. This can lead to a degree of disengagement. It’s a recognised and natural part of the injury process, but can make it difficult to manage certain individuals.

“High-risk cases typically disengage from the forces within six months of getting home. We know that four to six years on, the injury tends to resurface. If they are outside the NZDF and haven’t linked into help, they will struggle.

“Our rate of significantly impaired veterans is much lower than in other countries; so when a veteran presents at a general practice, the understanding of veteran medicine is different from overseas. Therefore, the level of understanding in the community is much lower.

He says the NZDF is working with VANZ and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners to increase awareness around issues of managing veterans and the help they need.

“We are working on a training programme with them and hope to be doing some educational pieces for general practice in the coming year.”

He acknowledges that fear of admitting a problem and of losing employment is a disincentive for injury victims to seek help.

It was difficult because ACC, and in this case NZDF as an accredited employer, took what I call a conservative approach to interpreting the legislation. I think their approach is often, ‘How can we cut someone out?’

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

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KOREA VETS SECURE BURSARIES Sue Russell Declining membership numbers led to the momentous decision by the New Zealand Korea Veterans’ Association to cease to exist.

The process began in October 2015 when the KVA executive tabled the proposal at its annual meeting. When RSA Review spoke with former president, Des Vinten, in November the final chapter of the closure, which took 12 months to enact, was fresh in his mind.

The association was formed in the early 1970s to support those who had served in the Korean War, in the main conflict (June 1950-July 1953) or in the Garrison that remained until 1957.

Over that time, 4700 New Zealand military personnel served in Kayforce, under United Nations Command, and 1300 were on frigates during the war and after the armistice. Forty-five lost their lives, 33 of them during the war years.

Des says that when he became president five years ago, the KVA had 560 members. But

by October 2015, that had dropped below 420, prompting the decision to wind up the association’s headquarters.

He says the decision was the right one and was supported by the majority of members.

“We took the time to share our thoughts with branches, so it was good that the constitution required that the process took 12 months. By the time it was formally enacted at our AGM this year, members had adjusted to it.”

He says the most important matter was to find a legal mechanism to ensure bursary funds, which were provided annually to top students in two schools in Korea, would be safeguarded in perpetuity. This was achieved by changing the association’s rules applying to the governance of the funds, with the support of the New Zealand embassy in Korea, and Veterans Affairs and the chief of defence in New Zealand.

The result is that $58,000 of former KVA funds

Des Vinten relaxes with his bikes.

have been transferred to a bank in Seoul, plus funds provided by Korean companies operating in New Zealand and New Zealand companies doing business in Korea.

Bursary draw-downs will continue from these funds, managed by the newly formed New Zealand Korean Veterans Trust (Des Vinten is one of the three trustees).

He counts finding a way to ensure the future of the bursaries as his most important contribution as president.

He says New Zealand Korea veterans are still treated with veneration by Koreans.

“Just like conquering heroes. Every time I visit I am amazed at how they treat us. They seem to know who we are and understand what our service meant in gaining their freedom.”

At his closing address at this year’s annual meeting, he urged the 30 or so vets present to go back to their districts and remain engaged with their fellow veterans.

“With the average age of Korea vets now in the high 80s, there are not too many more years left when we can engage in the camaraderie that comes with having experienced a significant

time together. I hope that even with the national organisation gone, the all-important support and friendship between those who served remains.”

So how are groups such as the Malayan and Vietnam veterans associations bracing for the time that will inevitability come to them.

Both groups share a passion and commitment to see issues advanced concerning the repatriation of the bodies from Malaysia of New Zealand servicemen killed during the Malayan Emergency (1948 -60) or the Vietnam War. In all, 31 soldiers from the Malayan/Borneo theatres are buried in Malaysia, most in the Terandak Military Cemetery within the Terandak Military Camp in Malacca Malaya Veterans’ Association national secretary Paul Anderson says this matter is the uppermost concern.

At its peak the association had upward of 3000 members, but records of branch members have, in part, been lost. He is keen to update this information and asks anyone who can help to make contact through the association’s facebook page or directly to him.

“When we came back from Malaya (Malaysia), we weren’t treated too well by some RSA members of the day who had served in the world wars. We saw some horrific things go down in Malaya and Borneo and it was sad to see this treatment.”

Contemplating a similar eventual demise to that of the KVA is a matter Paul and others on the executive are preparing for.

“We’ll be introducing the question of the future of the association for discussion at the next AGM (at Clubs of Marlborough, Blenheim on October 27-29, 2017), so it is important we have as many members along as possible. Any hand-over legally will involve changing our constitution and, at this time, we’re just open to initial discussions and ideas.”

To page 7

A memorial for all A new art installation (above) commemorating those who served in World War 1 has been unveiled in the Auckland Domain.

The Tower of Remembrance is covered by hundreds of solid brass quatrefoils similar to the 10,000 produced by New York-based New Zealand artist Max Gimblett to raise $1 million for St David’s church, in Auckland.

The museum’s director of collection and research, David Reeves, says the tower was unveiled exactly 100 years after the day Sgt James Rankin was killed in action on the Somme in northern France.

Sgt Rankin was from Grafton and his family were members of St David’s Church; he died in the Battle of the Somme on September 20, 1916 and was honoured at the unveiling ceremony.

Paul Baragwanath, curator of the St David’s Art of Remembrance project, says Sgt Rankin represents not only St David’s men who died, but all New Zealanders who died or were affected

by World War 1.

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

National Office

ARMISTICE DAY – A TIME FOR KIWIS TO REMEMBER AND REFLECT BJ Clark, RSA national president

On November 11, 98 years ago, the guns fell silent on the Western Front for the last time, marking the armistice that ended the global catastrophe that was the First World War. That armistice – which famously took effect at the “eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” – is now a day and a moment of remembrance all around the world.

Because of a quirk of history, it is a day that has not received the same attention in New Zealand where we typically focus on honouring our service men and women around Anzac Day. Now, wreath-laying ceremonies mark Armistice Day at the National War Memorial in Wellington and at some other local war memorials.

As part of these ceremonies, two minutes’ silence is observed at 11am in memory of those New Zealanders who died while serving their country.

This year, the RSA joined forces with the All Blacks to invite all New Zealanders to take a

moment to pause and reflect on all those Kiwis who served in that war and every operation since, including those serving in our armed forces today.

You might wonder what role the All Blacks have in remembering the service and sacrifice of our military.

Just as in the wider society, the ranks of rugby players and the All Blacks of their day were well and truly reduced on the front lines in Turkey, in Europe and in the Middle East during World War 1.

Thirteen All Blacks were killed in action during that war, including the captain of the 1905-06 “Originals,” Dave Gallaher. Another seven All Blacks never came home from World War 2.

To honour their fallen and all those New Zealanders who never came home, the All Blacks traditionally wear a poppy on their sleeve in one of the test matches on their northern hemisphere tour each year.

This calls to mind the blood that was spilled

and the sacrifice of all those who have gone abroad in service of New Zealand.

As All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said, the All Blacks squad will rarely swap any of the jerseys that feature the poppy, such is their meaning within the team.

On November 13, the All Blacks wore the poppy in the test match against Italy in Rome.

They went on to win 68-10.

That match, at that time, in that place, carried another, more sombre tone, however: a reminder of the important role Kiwis played in the Italian campaign and, in particular, at Monte Cassino, only a short distance from Rome.

All Black Jack Hardy was killed at Cassino on May 19, 1944 while fellow All Black George Hart lost his life at Sora on June 3, 1944 and is buried at Cassino. They were among 2100 New Zealanders killed in operations in Italy from 1943 to 1945.

The All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby kindly lent their support to our efforts to highlight

Armistice Day as another time when we can honour the sacrifice of generations past and present.

Steve Hansen and captain Kieran Read called on all Kiwis to join them and people all around the world to pause and mark Armistice Day. Jointly, we asked all Kiwis to take a moment and think of all those who have served New Zealand.

At the RSA we are keen to ensure New Zealander understand this is not just a historical milestone.

We have 41,000 veterans still with us, 30,000 of whom have served in operations since the Vietnam War. Their service occurred in places as far flung as Bosnia and Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

As is tradition around Anzac Day, Kiwis can wear a poppy in remembrance. The honouring of Armistice Day is especially poignant at this time as we remember the centenary of World War I, and all the sacrifices made then and since by our services personnel, their families, and their communities.

still serving our country, often in unfriendly and dangerous environments. They are our new veterans who also may need the support of the RSA, perhaps in a different way from what we have been used to.

The work of the RNZRSA in providing support is very important to the livelihood and well-being of many. When coupled to the remembrance activities and advocacy work, this gives us a great profile, both in New Zealand and internationally.

One of the things that has always impressed me is the hard work of all of those people who make our organisation tick. Supporting those who have served our country is an honourable profession, and I am proud to be working with you.

We, in the national office, will be increasing our efforts to provide support and improve communication throughout the RNZRSA organisation.

Keep an eye out for more information, especially

via digital means, such as social media, and on our website (www.rsa.org.nz).

There will also be a regular email update from my office to as many of our members as possible – if you would like to receive these newsletters, please email: hello@rsa.org.nz.

I look forward to getting around the country and meeting as many of you as I can, and to working with you to advance the work of the RNZRSA.

GREETINGS FROM THE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE Jack Steer, RSA chief executive

Greetings to you all from the national office of the RNZRSA. I am delighted to have been appointed as the chief executive and look forward to working with you all to provide support to our returned and service personnel, their families and dependents.

During my time serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy I was fortunate enough to meet and engage with many of our veterans.

As I write this, young men and women are

LANDMARK DECISION RESOUNDS IN RANKS From page 4 Paul Nealis says the NZDF used to have a list of conditions indicating a person was no longer fit to serve, but now takes a riskmanagement approach – looking at the specific condition and how it can be managed within the service. On this model, there are very few cases where a person would be deemed unfit for service, he says.

“We need to make it easy for individuals to engage with the service on this issue. It’s about reducing the stigma and perceived adverse outcomes. The challenge is how to make it OK to come forward and get help.”

So, does the Wellington court ruling make it easier for veterans to get assistance from ACC? “From an internal perspective, it doesn’t make much difference at all – we would cover these cases anyway,” he says.

“VANZ is expected to provide a certain level of cover for each condition. That is usually a top-up on ACC cover. Where ACC declines an individual but meets VANZ requirements, VANZ meets the full cover. That does away with the risk of double dipping or people falling into the cracks in the system.

“The VANZ cover is based on having a diagnosis accepted under the new statement of principles developed by the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs. It details the requirements for each condition covered by VANZ. Because the diagnostic labels are very precise, there is a training requirement for the NZDF, and indeed the wider health community, in how you apply the correct labels.

“We need to be careful we do not swap the ACC need for precision in diagnosis with that required for VANZ, thereby creating the same disconnect. We are working with VANZ to provide the technical expertise to those supporting our veterans in the community to make things easier for the provider and smoother for the veteran.”

Although John Miller acknowledges the Wellington case will serve as a precedent, he doesn’t think this will mean it will automatically be simple for PTSI sufferers to make ACC claims.

“They shouldn’t be deterred from making claims, and if ACC knocks them back, they shouldn’t accept it, they should challenge it.

“But the problem is they are fighting the might of ACC and all its resources, which are ironically funded by people such as these veterans ACC should be trying to help. There should be a fairer

way to challenge ACC because the resources are all in the favour of ACC, not the litigant.

“But this ruling does open up an alternative approach. ACC was adopting a hard-line approach, and this will give them cause to think, especially as this case has attracted so much publicity.”

Mark Compain says the case has wider implications for New Zealand.

“My concern is that PTSI could affect people in other types of employment such as the police force, for example. If the law doesn’t recognise the clinical facts of PTSI, then it needs to be changed, and quickly. If we look at the social cost to the country in terms of mental health, the cost of changing the law and helping people early will be far less than not supporting people because of a couple of words on a piece of paper.

“Let’s learn from this. “Full credit to the veteran for pursuing the case. I think it will help other veterans who are suffering in silence and give them the confidence to seek help.

“We welcome the judgement on this case and think it is a sensible and benevolent interpretation of the law’s intent. We will certainly be watching very closely to see that this precedent, where appropriate, will be maintained.”

Part of the medal display in the new gallery.

Museum develops war gallery On the eve of Armistice Day, the doors opened to the Pou Maumahara Memorial Discovery Centre, a new war memorial gallery at the Auckland Museum.

Museum director Roy Clare says it’s a space in to remember service people, reflect on their deeds, and discover their individual stories. It’s also for research and for visitors to contribute personal knowledge and information.

The purpose of is sombre commemoration and reflection, he says: “But the gallery is aesthetically breathtaking...the latest standards of lighting, design and interpretation”.

The gallery encourages users to delve into the stories of New Zealanders through digital interactives, photographs, diaries, military equipment, hundreds of military medals, and objects from the museum collections.

News/Opinion

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

7

RSA WITH A VIEW: Alistair Kerr

WHERE DO WOMEN SIT IN SCHEME OF THINGS? I was recently asked by one of our women members: “What exactly is the place of the women’s section in our overall organisation?”

I have to admit I was a bit stumped by the question. Perhaps that reflects the attitude of many RSA members whose reply might well have been something like: “Well, they’re always there. They sell poppies and do some catering.”

That set me to thinking that there is a lot more to the role of our women than just that.

For an overview of the section’s history, I turned to our website which told me women have officially been a part of the RSA since 1942, although women’s’ committees had existed since the RSA was founded in 1916.

Our women have filled various needs in the movement. From the beginning they provided support for widows of men killed, and wives of those wounded or taken prisoner.

From the mid-’20s they have spearheaded

I suppose that in many busy clubs, women have to find their place in competition with many other groups such as sports sections. But the women’s section is not just an add-on group like these; it’s a long-standing, officially affiliated body within the RNZRSA. As such, its views must be respected and its needs must be met.

What of the future of the women’s section?

The RSA, was through the reasons for its foundation, a male, ex-serviceman-dominated body; women (initially) were physically exluded and

only in recent times – and rather grudgingly, I sense –admitted to active membership.

As our associate members are rapidly becoming the dominant group in our membership, it is vital that every club encourages as many as possible of its female associate members to be involved in the women’s section.

Now that it is RSA policy to become more involved in the wider community, I am sure a proactive women’s section will be a vital part of that involvement.

Also, with women playing a significantly greater active role in all our armed forces, there will be yet-to-be tapped potential for women returned and service members.

Who knows? We may yet hear of a feamle associate member being el;ected a club president.

With a proud history of 10 years of service, the RSA Women’s Section can hold up its head as a valued part of our greater Association.

and all organisations connected with this matter to do something about it soon.”

With the decision by the Australian government to support repatriation of the bodies of Australians killed in Vietnam, he hopes and expects New Zealand to follow suit – soon.

“It’s an issue of tremendous importance to us.

We’ve been trying for repatriation since 2004 and I’m pleased to see the matter finally being addressed by the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board.”

He still recalls treatment of critcally injured New Zealand soldiers who subsequently died of their wounds.

“They didn’t come home to New Zealand; they went to an Australian hospital where many

died. While they got good care, it really says something about the political tensions of the day that surrounded the war.

“When we came home from duty, we came home in the middle of the night. We got spat at and, to this day, we still believe in the cause we fought for.

“We certainly hope the current government recognises the ongoing need for support of all returned service personnel.

“Given our treatment when we returned and the lack of positive leadership on matters of critical importance to Vietnam veterans, and to all vets, I’m not prepared to be PC. I’m proud to be CP – a ‘cynical patriot’ demanding better outcomes for our veterans.”

Now that it is RSA policy to become more involved in the community, I am sure a pro-active women’s section will be a vital part of the movement. the selling of poppies on Poppy Day and, in many clubs, they have provided expert catering services of club events and funerals.

If my own club is typical, they still provide a valuable back-up to our support officers in terms of visiting members at home, in hospitals and in rest homes.

I wondered if my questioner felt that, in the overall scheme of things, the women’s section was rather taken for granted. If so, she may well have been right.

Korea veterans secure bursaries, Malaysia and Vietnam vets consider times ahead From page 5 The association has lobbied Veterans Affairs, the RSA and the Government on issues of ongoing concern for members, including welfare pensions and medallic recognition.

“We have quite a strong voice in the RSA, and in Vets Affairs.”

A delegates meeting will be held next July before the 60th anniversary commemorations on Malaysia’s independence day (Merdeka Day) on August 31.

Relationships with Malaysia remain strong, says Paul: “The Malaysian high commissioner, Dato Kim Lim Eng, recently invited 40 veterans and their wives to a Christmas luncheon.”

John Deazley, president of the NZ Vietnam Veterans’ Association for the past four years, says the association has 1300 members, having peaked at over 2000. The youngest members are in their mid-60s.

He served 16 months in Vietnam during the war which stretched from 1965 to 1972. In total 3890 New Zealanders served in Vietnam, with a peak of 543 in January 1969.

New Zealand servicemen killed were buried in Malaysia and John is outspoken on the matter of repatriation of their bodies.

“These men are buried in a foreign country which did not have any connection to the war they died in. We’re strongly calling for the Government, Vets’ Affairs, New Zealand Defence

8

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Defence Matters

THE DEFENCE FORCE STORY IN PICTURES

Rebecca Quilliam, Editor, Air Force News The New Zealand Defence Force’s photographic unit are often among the first to arrive at the scene, and their imagery tells the story of the military’s work.

Two years ago the unit – which provides a window for the public to get a glimpse into military operations, exercises and humanitarian efforts – underwent a restructure that resulted in a reduction in numbers from 13 to eight.

This year, new photographers were recruited for the first time in seven years, and there has been a change in emphasis.

“Traditionally we did a lot of roles for bases like group photos, presentations and medal ceremonies,” says unit head Sgt Sam Shepherd.

But, out of that review, came a shift in focus to public affairs and the operational aspects of the military “The review saw limited need for a professional photographer to be involved in the work we were previously undertaking and instead, became more aligned to the organisation’s priorities, and to tell the story of the Defence Force.”

Leading Aircraftsman Chad Sharman is the newest addition, joining in late August after finishing his recruit course. Becoming an NZDF

Leading Aircraftsman Chad Sharman is the new boy at the New Zealand Defence Force’s photographic unit.

Two established members are A/Sgt Amanda McErllich (above left) and Cpl Brad Hansen (above right).

photographer combines his passion for photography with serving in the military.

“It’s a unique situation, where your imagery is the window the public looks through to see our people’s story,” he says.

He has been on a NH90 helicopter during a search and rescue mission, been to the Tradoc (Training and Doctrine Command) change of command where Col Karyn Thompson became the first woman to head the unit, and the air force’s Turangawaewae opening.

While the photographers are all air force recruits, they work in an NZDF unit, splitting

their time between the three services. They deploy with military personnel to cover most missions.

When Sam Shepherd finished his recruit course 11 years ago, deployments were rare, but there have been 22 this year.

Acting Sgt Amanda McErlich, who has been the unit’s interim manager, says the photographers’ work is used in external media and social media around the world.

Shepherd says the most fulfilling part of his role was being deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Antarctica, which the public could not reach. In 2013 he was sent to the Philippines in

the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, which flattened parts of the country and killed at least 6300.

“Our Hercules shifted a huge amount of cargo and after taking some photos, I put the camera down and pitched in as well. I enjoyed that I could show the rest of the world what we were out there doing. I also enjoyed being able to help out in that regard.”

McErlich says the the “human element” was central to the Invictus Games (an international paralympic-style multi-sport event for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel), which she covered this year.

“I was inspired by the people, seeing the emotion on their faces and getting really attached to that emotion – y ou’re celebrating the wins right along with them as you take photos of them.”

However, it isn’t all exciting work, they say.

There is time away from family, a lot of administration, and a rising expectation that photographers will join personnel on operations.

“I think people are getting the idea that we are specialists and we do know what we are doing – it’s a lot harder than just picking up a camera and snapping a shot.”

It’s not just for anyone who enjoys taking photos. You need a tertiary qualification before recruiting and “you’ve got to expect to go out of your comfort zone”, says McErlich.

Torches designed to shine a light on domestic violence Hercules aircraft A pair of torches for the New Zealand Defence Force was unusual – but “not the most unusual thing” Hamilton industrial designer Mike Williams has built.

The torches were commissioned by the NZDF to shine a light on the issue of domestic violence across the country.

There were a couple of tricky tests involved in making the torches, says Williams. Such as fitting it to the brief – “making it rugged enough to cope with the men and women of the Defence Force jumping out of aeroplanes, or whatever they are going to do, and yet light enough that they are not going to struggle with it”.

“It also has to reflect the anti-violence-againstwomen message. So, just balancing all that out has been the challenge.”

The NZDF has become heavily involved in the campaign since its chief, LtGen Tim Keating, became a White Ribbon ambassador in October 2015.

The kowhaiwhai is on the walls in foyers at NZDF headquarters (currently vacated because of earthquake risk), on all PAYD machines in NZDF messes, and has been used on NZDF publications and documents.

In late November the torches journeyed to Wellington from the furtherest ends of the North and South islands to raise awareness of the campaign and to let victims of violence

in Anzac alliance

I feel quite privileged to have been asked to make the torches. We volunteered our design team because it was such a worthy cause.

Hamilton Industrial designer Mike Williams at work on one of the NZDF torches.

know of available support. The plan was for one to sit in the foyer of NZDF headquarters in Wellington, with the other to be passed to the New Zealand Police as a symbol of the NZDF

challenging other public-sector organisations to tackle domestic violence.

Mike Williams says he had no hesitation in agreeing to take on the project because he has a close affinity with the White Ribbon message.

“I had a couple of incidences in my life where women close to me have had some hard times from men, so it is a cause that we always support. I feel quite privileged to have been asked to make the torches. We volunteered our design time for it because it is such a worthy cause.”

The main body of the torches feature the White Ribbon symbol and the kowhaiwhai pattern designed and gifted to the NZDF by Air Force Turangawaewae.

A new Anzac alliance has been formed in the Middle East, with two C-130 Hercules detachments integrating under one task group.

The New Zealand Defence Force C-130 task unit has joined the Royal Australian Air Force C-130J task unit to fly people and equipment in operational support in the Middle East.

The two detachments were under the control of the Air Mobility Task Group commander when the New Zealand detachment arrived in the region in early June with their C-130.

The NZDF task unit commander, SqnLdr Rhys Evans, says his 32-person unit is working hard to support New Zealanders and Australians on the ground.

Australia’s C-130J detachment is commanded

by SqnLdr Scott Harris and is made up of 33 personnel from No. 37 Squadron operating on a rotational basis. The New Zealanders are predominantly from No. 40 Sqn. “We have brought with us people who can deploy and operate independently,” says Evans.

“As of mid-August, we’ve flown 28 missions and 200 flight hours. We’ve also achieved a near 100 per cent aircraft serviceability rate, which is nearly unheard of for the H model C-130.”

He says it is great to see a mission achieved using an older aircraft.

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10

Defence Matters

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

FRONT-LINE IDEAS EXPLORED NZ Defence Force medics joined their Australian counterparts in a field exercise requiring participants to provide treatment under hostile fire.

NZDF medic training as ‘realistic as possible’ Liz Baguioro, Public affairs manager – Joint Forces New Zealand Newly designed health training is preparing New Zealand Defence Force medical personnel for their deployment to Iraq by testing their ability to treat battlefield injuries.

LtCol Jason Hutchings, from the NZDF’s joint operational health group, says the nine-week programme includes two weeks at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department, three weeks of joint training with Australian Defence Force’s medics, and a field exercise requiring participants to provide treatment under hostile fire.

“We’ve designed the training to be as realistic as possible and to international standards,” he says.

A NZDF doctor, previously with the Anzac training force in Iraq’s Camp Taji, says the medical training tests and assesses both individual and collective skills to provide resuscitation and emergency care to what might be lifethreatening injuries.

One training scenario requires medical care to multiple casualties while under fire from paint-filled pellets used to simulate bullets.

“All the participants were able to provide advanced trauma care without becoming casualties themselves to the simulated munitions being fired at them,” says the doctor, who cannot be named because of the protected identity policy for troops serving in Iraq.

“All our medical personnel have the required foundation skills. Through this training, we challenge them to put those skills into practice using simulated scenarios. What we are testing is their ability to provide life-saving care in the front line as well as their ability to work together.”

He says the insights of previous contingents in Iraq and the decade of experience in Afghanistan have helped tailor the training.

NZDF medics are rostered on 10 shifts over two weeks at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department, exposing them to various workloads and patients. They also have lectures on resuscitation, trauma care and dealing with clinically complicated cases, and do a one-week simulation that tests their clinical skills as well as their ability to work together.

“Communication and non-technical skills are equally important as clinical skills,” says Paul Quigley, an emergency medicine specialist at Wellington Hospital.

“By using a mix of mannequin and live-patient simulations, participants can learn some new tools and skills for working together more effectively. This is crucial as they will be working in a high-pressure environment.”

Task Group Taji, which comprises 106 New Zealand soldiers and around 300 Australian Defence Force personnel, began its mission to train Iraqi soldiers in May 2015. Military personnel staff a medical facility which has a trauma ward, operating theatre and a two-bed intensive care unit, inside Camp Taji.

The New Zealand Army is collaborating with Massey University’s School of Engineering and Advanced Technology to explore research ideas submitted by soldiers through the Army Innovation intranet site.

LtCol Terry McDonald, from the army’s directorate of strategy development, says numerous great ideas have been suggested through the site.

“This project was started in order for the army to take ideas beyond concepts to see if we could implement them practically. We were keen to see if we could share resources to investigate the ideas in a reasonable time frame.

“Both Massey and the army saw an opportunity for students to take on a selection of the best ideas to investigate the viability of design and prototyping.”

Two fourth-year students will investigate two of the ideas as research projects.

Samuel Trotter, supervised by Liqiong Tang, is leading research into developing a mechanical solution to sorting spent ammunition.

The process is currently done by hand to ensure all spent ammunition is free of explosive before scrapping. It is hoped to find a method that reduces safety risks and soldiers’ time commitment.

Salem Al Sallal, a fourth-year Massey student from Kuwait, and his supervisors, Ebubekir Avci and Mark Tunnicliffe, are working to develop a test to assess the functionality of soft armour.

There is no reliable, low-cost and internationally recognised way of testing soft armour in a non-destructive way to see if it is still functioning

Massey student and researcher Salem Al Sallal tests the functionality of soft armour in the laboratory.

as expected. Soft armour has an arbitrary shelf life of around five years based on manufacturers’ recommendations. It is then disposed of – even if it is unused and in perfect working order.”

The students have with New Zealand Defence

Force experts to provide advice and guidance.

“These projects represent the first of many collaborations between the army and Massey as we look to continue to use the many great ideas that come from our soldiers,” says McDonald.

Army chefs Pte Hayden Henry and LCpl Kiwi Chambers with some of the tasty items on the menu.

Catering for masses brings special rewards for chefs They’re the people who provide you with kai as the Waiouru snow bites, icy winds whistle around you, and you’re tired and hungry. They’re there in summer too, sweating over a karcher in a sun-baked spot in the middle of nowhere.

They are the Army chefs – more formally known as Catering Platoon, 21 Supply Company, 2 CCSB. And with more than 90 members, they’re the largest platoon in the New Zealand Army.

Apart from normal garrison duties, the chefs support field exercises here and overseas, official functions, and national huis of significance, as well as mastering basic soldier skills and fitness tests.

It’s hard work, but it brings with it special experiences you’d get in very few other places, as Cpl Makere Lee knows only too well.

The award-winning chef was part of a group from Linton tasked with supporting the tangihanga of kapa haka expert Ngapo Wehi. The group consisted of six chefs, two drivers and GE personnel.

“We arrived in Gisborne at Parihimanihi Marae and there were hundreds of people from around the country coming to show their support, gratitude and love for this well-known man,” says Lee. “The haukainga (locals) were so generous and welcoming during our entire stay and also very grateful for the support we provided, catering for hundreds of people every day.”

He says his unit’s main support role was helping cope with the amount of food required. The army chefs dealt with the overflow of cooking

in their Karcher mobile, modular field kitchen.

“We cooked food like boil-ups, stews, brawn, parengo (sea lettuce), terotero (sheep intestines), fish heads and vegetables.”

He says most of the food was a new experience for some of our chefs.

“Even though we were there to support the hui, in return we all learnt new cooking techniques, new foods, and had an amazing and beautiful cultural experience.”

Makere Lee says the highlight for him came on the last day, after the clean-up.

“The local community, which consisted of the top national kapa haka performers, sang a waiata and performed a haka to us. Their performance to us greatly signified their gratitude and aroha for our support.”

11

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Remembering

AARON PUTS PLAN INTO ACTION Kim Newth When 16-year-old Aaron Mulligan approached his school principal with the idea of an Armistice Day commemoration at Rangitikei College in Marton. the initial reaction was surprise.

“I don’t think he was expecting someone to talk to him about an Armistice parade, especially as I was in Year 11,” says Aaron. “I think he was thinking I was just suggesting the idea. But then I told him I wanted to plan it as well.”

He had just a week to organise the parade – at the same he was studying for exams. But he was already a dab hand – he had organised the school’s Anzac Day service the year before to commemorate the World War 1 centenary.

And, as a sergeant in the New Zealand Cadet Forces 32 Squadron Air Training Corps (he has played an active part for three years), he had the right contacts to put a parade together quickly.

“Being in the ATC you get a better understanding of and respect for what the soldiers did. It’s important to honour what they stood for,” says Aaron.

The service was held around the school flagpole (he is one of the school’s flag monitors responsible for raising and lowering the New Zealand flag each day). Guests included Sgt Terry Munroe, an ex-Rangitikei College pupil from the New Zealand Army, and an ATC officer, SqnLdr Tammy Hart.

The service included an address by principal Tony Booker, an opening prayer and an introductory speech by Aaron, the poem In

PHOTOS Aaron Mulligan’s plan for an Armistice Day commemoration takes shape at Rangitikei College.

Flanders Fields recited by the head boy, and Sgt Munroe reading Laurence Binyon’s Ode to the Fallen. The school sang the national anthem, wreaths were laid against the flagpole, and a two-minute silence was followed by the Reveille and a closing prayer.

“I had a feeling some of the students didn’t know what Armistice Day was,” says Aaron.

“Everyone was really quiet and stood in respect as they realised the importance of the event.

Afterwards some of them thanked me for teaching

them about Armistice Day. Some also thanked me for getting them out of class.” he laughs.

“The best part though was the principal coming up and saying ‘You realise you’ve started a tradition’. Knowing it will be carried on after I’ve left school is definitely a good feeling.”

He says he got interested in the military and joining the ATC when members visited his school and brought “so old” wooden rifles with them; the students were fascinated.

“I’d always been eager to join something like

air cadets because I love planes. You get a really cool feeling when you’re up in the air and can see everything.”

Aaron says his ATC experience covers a lot of things (at a recent weekend camp, cadets had to put up a 14-metre x 28m tent) and encompasses four main values (discipline, respect, integrity and loyalty).

ATC is a natural precursor to joining the air force – a goal for Aaron when he finishes school.

His sister, Trudie, is a flight sergeant in the ATC.

12

Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

VETS RECEIVE LEGION OF HONOUR Kim Newth

World War 2 veterans John ‘Jack’ Moore and Reg Dear, who served on D-Day more than 70 years ago, were presented with French Legion of Honour medals at the Christchurch Memorial RSA in October.

The honorary French consul, Martine MarshallDurieux, praised the men for their outstanding bravery and commitment to service in the face of unknown dangers: “You each embody the strong values that the Légion d’honneur represents,” she said in bestowing the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur.

The award, the highest French order for military and civil merits, was established by Napoléon Bonaparte. To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy, French president François Hollande launched a campaign of recognition for veterans who had fought to facilitate the liberation of France.

More than 20 New Zealand-born veterans have received Legion of Honour decorations in recognition of their contribution. British-born veterans Jack, 91 and Reg, 93, were recognised for their part in the Battle of Normandy.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Jack Moore was among thousands of Allied troops taking part in the Normandy landings. Serving with the Kings Liverpool Regiment, he landed at Juno Beach at dusk on D-Day. He was just 19, and remembers being frightened and seasick as he approached the beach in a landing craft assault vehicle in rough seas.

The German defences at Juno had been largely cleared by then and Jack remained unscathed as he made his way up to a bridgehead that had been established in the dunes.

One of his friends was not so lucky. On a different landing craft, he had been dropped short of the beach and – weighed down by his heavy backpack – drowned.

Jack did not find out what had happened after reaching Bayeaux (taken without fighting on June 7). Troops’ backpacks weighed around 56 pounds (25 kilograms) and contained hand grenades, a rifle, trowels and other equipment.

These essential items would have been a deadly encumbrance in deep water.

There was a two-day rest in Bayeaux before preparations began for the Battle of Caen. Jack was involved in several skirmishes before he and his company were sent to attack a fortified line of German Tiger tanks.

“The tanks were dug in and I got hit in the arm as we were going forward and then, on the way back, we were being shelled and I got another one in the leg.”

This was the end of his war: “I was run back to a field camp hospital and flown back to England and was in hospital for nine months (for treatment of compound fracture wounds).”

In the skies above Normandy, the RAF had its own objective: to bomb lines of communication, railways and roads in the area in support of the invasion.

London-born Reg Dear had started his active service as a pilot officer in No 61 Squadron only a few months earlier in April 1944. On D-Day he and his Lancaster crew were over Argentan, hoping that their bombs would do their job and help destroy the town’s railway infrastructure.

Reg counts himself lucky to have survived his time in the RAF. He had joined Bomber Command shortly after it had sustained heavy losses in a raid on Nuremburg in late March.

“I was a replacement after Nuremburg. There was nearly a 50 per cent chop rate in air crew at the time. If you finished your tour, they gave you a DFC. I did finish my tour and got my DFC. Back then, I didn’t think about the dangers – I was only 20.”

Over a four-month period, he and his crew flew 35 trips, mostly over Germany with target destinations that included Brunswick, Munich and Schweinfurt.

“Apart from a few flak holes in the fuselage,

World War 2 veterans John ‘Jack’ Moore (seated) and Reg Dear (right) with their Legion of Honour medals awarded by the honorary French consul, Martine Marshall-Durieux (left).

Reg Dear with his Lancaster crew: Back (from left) – Jim Johnson (rear gunner), Fred Charlton (engineer), Fred Reeve (navigator) and Reg Dear (pilot); front (from left) – Jack Anderson (radio operator) and Chas Aird (mid upper gunner). Photo taken by Bill Wray (bomb aimer).

we had a fairly good tour. We were never attacked by fighters.” On one occasion, his Lancaster was hit by another and lost part of its tail, but was able to carry on flying.

Reg recalls that by June, the focus switched firmly to the imminent Normandy landings: “The effort then went on to France, bombing all the railways, crossings and stations and V1 sites

to protect the army when they went ashore.”

Despite his war injuries, Jack Moore re-enlisted after the war. He had not only recovered, but was very physically fit by then and wound up serving as a physical-training instructor in Egypt for several years before transferring to Bordon, in East Hampshire, where he was in charge of physical training.

He moved to New Zealand in 1954, and worked as a stevedore at the Port of Lyttelton. He and his wife, Margaret, had two children, Sean and Gabrielle.

After his tour, Reg was an instructor on Wellington bombers before being posted to a Halifax squadron, which practised transportsupport manoeuvres that involved dropping jeeps by parachute and towing gliders. He was a flight lieutenant by the time he was demobbed.

In 1947, Reg moved to New Zealand with his family and went on to a long career in aviation, including aerial topdressing for James Aviation in the early 1950s before flying for the National Airways Corporation (NAC) based out of Christchurch.

After retiring from NAC, he worked for the Islander service flying passengers across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island.

He has flown everything from Tiger Moths to 737s, and has a stack log books that record his varied journeys. He married Avery in October 1951 and they have two children, Tom and Sarah.

Memories of D-Day and the war remain strong for both men.

The French Legion of Honour came as a welcome surprise for Reg: “It’s a great honour.

My only regret is that I may have killed some Frenchmen (as a member of a bombing crew).

It was an unavoidable consequence).”

Jack returned to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of D-Day in June 1994 and also to the United Kingdom for the 70th anniversary commemoration.

• FOOTNOTE: Jack Moore died before this issue of RSA Review went to print.

Remembering 13

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

ANIMATED SHORT FILM WINS GRANT An animated short film has won an 18-year-old Taupo schoolgirl $2000 and a trip to Belgium.

Mina Baxley , from Tauhara College, produced Passchendaele on a Personal Scale to win the 2016 Battle of Passchendaele multi-media competition.

She has been rewarded with an education grant and will be part of New Zealand’s youth ambassador delegation to the centenary commemorations of the battle in Belgium next year.

The runner-up, Nina Richardson, from Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Wellington, will also be part of that delegation.

“Mina’s moving entry illustrates the personal nature of remembrance,” says veterans’ affairs minister Craig Foss. “It also captures the very essence of the competition — ensuring New Zealand’s sacrifice on the Western Front is not forgotten.”

Nina Richardson’s second-placed poem, The Things They Did, The Things They Didn’t, was described by Foss as “sophisticated and poignant”.

“I was extremely impressed by the sincerity and thoughtfulness of both Mina and Nina’s art,” he says.

Entries could take the form of: artistic representation, essay, diary or letters, music, poetry, short film or web feature.

The Battle of Passchendaele was one of New Zealand’s most deadly conflicts during World War I. On just one day — October 12, 1917 — nearly 960 Kiwi men were killed and more than 2700 wounded.

The awards were presented at the Auckland War Memorial Museum the morning after a ceremony marking the 99th anniversary of the battle.

The judges were: Elaine Myers-Davies, head of veterans’ affairs; Richard Terrill, RSA support services project officer; Ion Brown, a Napierbased artist; Glyn Harper, professor of history, Massey University; FlLt Simon Brew, director of music (Air Force), New Zealand Defence Force; Sarah Burgess, World War 1 researcher, Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

Unfortunately, we cannot show you Mina Baxley’s winning film, but we do have the poem written by runner-up Nina Richardson.

It is titled: ‘The things they did, the things they didn’t’.

so much has been said so many words have tried to wrap themselves around this horror thing this beast of blood and mud thing in the aftermath of screaming grey of cracks, echoes (an ash cloud that will never quite dissipate) it’s easy for things to slip between the cracks for a spark of courage to drift, forgotten for names to blur into the mud to disappear in rain, under boot stamp Passchendaele– the ground there heavier, somehow thickened by hot blood and shot-down dreams hopes pinned to the ground by barbed wire uncut (few things weigh more than never coming home again) boy targets still milk-young, all tooth and strong arm they wilt into pages of text with no beating heart 0525 preliminary artillery barrage 12/10 quagmire craters gunfire fire shells 845 front and flank and flame casualty is a cold word (all stretchers and hospital halls and missing things) no room for the crumbs of anzac from home, for freckles for the songs they sang, the last face they saw when they closed their eyes this village meant so little, in the end a shivering emptiness in the spires, the streets but these men, with their rushing humanity their bravery fire-hot, footstep after footstep shot after shell after shot after hell these men meant so much they mean our seas, blue and endless our rolling hills, straining with life our trees, the songs in them our skies, full, our hearts a country living and growing with fervour with fern and green and good they mean each free breath we weep for what they never got to do we live for what they did

Kaiapoi RSA member Adrienne Smith with the certificate for being the millionth visitor to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum.

Passchendaele visit one in a million Kaiapoi RSA member Adrienne Smith chanced her way into history when she was clocked as the millionth visitor to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 in Zonnebeke, Blegium.

She and her husband, who were in Belgium on holiday, have always wanted to visit the battlefield. However, they were not expecting the reception they got – “lots and lots” of photographers and journalists, the presentation of a certificate at a civic reception, and a special visit to an original British World War I dugout near the museum.

“It was very wet. They provided us with

gumboots to wear. They made me very special on the day,” says Adrienne.

David Ayers, the mayor of the Waimakariri district, which has twinned with the municipality of Zonnebeke), was there for occasion.

He asked the audience to reflect on how the young New Zealanders would have felt: “They were experienced soldiers, they knew what was coming. And still they went.”

Ceremonies closed with The Last Post, Reveille and a prayer by Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve chaplain Rob Thompson, of HMNZS Pegasus.

An artist’s impression of the New Zealand garden in Zonnebeke which will honour the dead of the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele.

Kiwi landscaper designs garden A Kiwi landscape architech, Cathy Challinor, has tabled plans for a memorial garden at Passchendaele in Belgium.

The garden, which is being constructed in New Zealand, will be completed in time for the centenary of Passchendaele next year. It will be shipped to Belgium and laid out in the shape of a poppy alongside similar gardens installed by the other nations that lost men in the Passchendaele battles.

Ninety-nine years ago New Zealand suffered an agonising military defeat. In the space of a few hours, on a sodden Belgium battlefield, hundreds of young New Zealand soldiers died on what remains the worst day in the nation’s military history.

The New Zealanders were tasked with taking the village of Passchendale, but previous attacks and artillery barrages had failed to soften up German resistance.

German troops holding the higher ground were able to sweep the lines with machine-gun fire as the hopelessly exposed units became isolated in no man’s land. Wire entanglements protecting fortified enemy pillboxes remained intact, stopping the advance in its tracks. A further charge was cancelled in the afternoon

and a full retreat was called. After six days of fighting, the New Zealanders were relieved by Canadian troops.

When the guns drew quiet, nearly 960 soldiers lay dead or mortally wounded. It took two and a half days to clear the morass of casualties as the Germans held their fire on recovery parties.

It was ghastly work. Hundreds of badly wounded men lay cold and scared in the waterlogged sludge. The enormous loss of life in a single Flanders day cast a pall over New Zealand.

In the weeks that followed, the Western Front campaign seemed futile – a sacrifice of human life out of all proportion.

Passchendaele was eventually taken in November, but by then no longer represented any significant gain.

Passchendaele does not yet occupy the same solemn place as Gallipoli and Anzac Day in the nation’s collective memory. But over the last 10 years the New Zealand and Flemish Governments have taken a number of initiatives under the Ypres.

Agreement to honour the war dead, to educate younger generations about the tragedy, and give the sorrowful events an appropriate place in ew Zealand’s commemorative calendar.

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14

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

A

AGNEW JI 819054 WAACS, WWII 22/09/2016 Nelson ALEXANDER J M77199 RNZAF 24/05/2016 Orewa ALLAN CJ 593107 NZ Army, Korea 30/04/2016 Tokoroa AMAI W 459691 NZ Army 03/08/2016 ARLIDGE A 2537 RN 09/09/2016 Waikanae ASHTON DW 341332 RAF J21 Auckland B

BALDWIN F 2154624 WAAF 08/08/2016 Taradale BEARE BS RMBX2234 Royal Marine, Malaya Orewa BENFELL EA 19790 RNZN 20/09/2016 Whanganui BEST MW 528156 NZ Army, CMT 05/07/2016 Tauranga BIGNALL L 936114 Dunedin BIGWOOD CE 27502 WRNS 10/09/2016 Taradale BILLING RS 438961 NZ Military Forces, WWII 30/07/2016 Dargaville BILLINGTON DE (TUI) 436930 26 Bn, WWII 10/11/2016 Rangiora BLACK CB NZ4213145 WO1 9 Sqn, RAF, WWII 07/05/2016 BLACKBURN R 204549 K Force, WWII 17/02/2016 Ashburton BLAIN AR 888257 1st Canterbury 29/09/2015 Kaiapoi BOAST RA FX107642 RNZN, WWII BODEN K 2744908 NZ Military Forces, National Guard 09/11/2015 Auckland BRENT GS 442929 NZ Army, WWII 22/03/2016 Auckland BRUCE JJ 22387447 British Army 05/11/2016 Tauranga BUCK NS 5573 NZ Police 13/09/2016 Taradale BURDEN E R167560 MN, WWII 30/10/2015 Auckland BURGOYNE PW 13977 RNZN 06/08/2016 Glen Eden BUTLER CH 206990 16th Fld K Force 26/10/2016 Opunake C

CADWALLADER DO 679305 12/09/2016 Carterton CAIRNS-WHITE AD 821992 RNZEME, 161 Bty, Vietnam 28/10/2016 Auckland.

CARLIN G 204053 03/10/2016 Mt Maunganui CARROLL L 22995863 British Army, Middle East 27/05/2016 Howick COBURN W 617321 NZ Army,WII 22/09/2016 Lower Hutt CORBOY JD 629325 2NZEF 16th Reinf Pvt, WWII 08/10/2016 Richmond Tasman COUGHLAN M 4797 NZ Army, WWII 25/09/2016 Morrinsville COUTTS P 590006 CMT 03/11/2015 Auckland COVERDALE J 23666351 24/09/2016 Mt Maunganui COWMAN CT 783448 RNZAF 1NMWC Sgt, WWII 08/09/2016 Australia CROOKE SE 3086752 RAF 08/07/2016 Napier CUMBERLAND D 1864743 Airforce, WWII 04/10/2016 Hamilton CURE LJ A18262 RNZN, Malaya-Borneo 11/04/2016 Tokoroa D

DAHREN CR X770130 Territorials 13/12/2015 Thames DANIEL PH 646376 NZ Army 1 HB Regt 31/07/2016 Napier DAVIS RW R340183 RMS, WWII 06/10/2015 Auckland DEAN DD 2596385 British Army, WWII 16/08/2016 Auckland DEERY DE 432195 RNZAF, WWII 12/06/2016 Glen Eden DODD S 204426 K Force 28/06/2016 Morrinsville DONNELLY WH 717996 RNZASC, Vietnam 30/08/2016 Papakura DOWSETT NP 132217 J Force 06/01/2016 Auckland DUCKER LH 3113 1st NZ Exp Force (Prisoner of war, Crete) 14/04/2016 Auckland DUNN BP BD2706 NZ Police 07/10/2016 Paeroa E

EADE GM 34659 2NZEF 03/09/2016 Invercargill EARL F 90130 British Army, WWII 11/09/2016 Nelson EDMONSTONE W 4310878 RNZAF Pacific, WWII 10/04/2016 Ashburton EKETONE D 4444 CMT 05/09/2016 Hamilton ELVIDGE RG 451691 18/08/2016 Paeroa EWINGS GH 14150384 British Army 07/10/2016 Papatoetoe

F

FARROW ADR 916737 RNZAF, WWII 14/11/2016 Mt Maunganui FECK LN 206875 K Force , 10 Coy RNZASC 23/07/2016 Dannevirke FILLBROOK D 02/11/2016 Blenheim FISK TA 654084 10 Transport 19/09/2016 Whanganui FLANAGAN TM 73196 2NZEF, WWII 19/11/2016 Hamilton FRANCOMBE D 927260 NZ Army 30/04/2015 Auckland FRASER DA 439874 RNZAF VARIOS, WWII 29/09/2016 Stoke, Nelson FREE JS 453435 RNZN, WWII 07/08/2016 FREEMAN ER NZ9001 Fleet Air Arm, WWII 16/10/2016 Nelson FROGER W 251123007 Netherlands Army 01/09/2016 Auckland G

GAINFORD HN 459501 NZ Army, CMT Morrinsville GANLEY JE 18452 RNZN 07/08/2016 Mangawhai GARRETT BA J38395 NZ Army 05/10/2016 Porirua GILLARD ES 421223 RNZAF, WWII 24/11/2016 Titirangi GLADWIN HR RN55760 RNZN, WWII 09/09/2016 Auckland GLASSEY LD NZ11089 HMNZS Royalist, Korea 04/09/2016 Taradale GOODWIN RN 341137 07/11/2016 Mt Maunganui GRAHAM GF 10033 RNZN, WWII 08/03/2016 Auckland GRAY HT 444354 RNZAF, WWII 25/09/2016 Dunedin GREENHALGH RD 71913 NZ Army, WWII 08/09/2016 Kaiaua GRIFFEN RW 335477 Reserve 11/04/2016 Kelston GRIFFIN NG 435367 33 Heavy Regt Pacific, 17 Fld Regt Egypt, WWII Whangarei GULLERY JW 646706 NZ Army 30/09/2016 Bulls H

HALE CE 300570 NZ Army, WWII 14/09/2015 Auckland HARRIS IC 34582 07/10/2016 Morrinsville HARRIS L 5025422 RAF 30/10/2016 Napier HART EJC 596484 NZ Army, CMT 21/11/2016 Tauranga HART M 342959 NZ Army 09/10/2016 Auckland HAWKE HW 428295 NZ Army Cadet Corps 20/08/2016 Richmond, Tasman HAYNES R 463007 CMT 01/09/2016 Blenheim HAYSOM BV 442265 NZEF, WWII 23/04/2015 Auckland HERRICK NF 646202 NZ Army 31/12/2015 Auckland HEYWOOD T 2302497 WWII, ME 13/05/2016 Whangaparaoa HIGGINS PF 14170089 NZ Army 06/09/2016 Orewa HIGHNAM RJ 211325 NZ Army National Service 14/02/2016 Auckland HODGE GF NZ9220 RNZN, Solomon Islands 18/11/2016 Blenheim HOLMES AK 451588 2NZEF, WWII 10/05/2015 Auckland HORSEFIELD P 354255 NZ Army Terr Sapper 14/04/2016 Auckland HOWSE NW 335963 23/03/2016 Thames HUGHES S 140201034 1st Bn, WWII 27/09/2016 Invercargill HULL FW 651517 J Force, 2NZEF, WWII 16/10/2016 Matamata HUNTER WJ R241126 Royal Navy MN, WWII 03/11/2016 Papatoetoe J

JACKSON JH NZ14312 RNZN P/O Malaya 04/09/2016 Auckland JACOBS RF 623116 RNZAF 01/06/2016 Orewa JACOBS R 622312 NZ Army NZEF, WWII 27/10/2016 Putaruru JAMIESON JL 265470 NZ Army, WWII 09/10/2016 Paeroa JARRETT ED 438250 RNZAF, WWII 02/09/2016 Hamilton JENSEN HC 618408 22 Batt 14 LAA, WWII 05/08/2016 Dannevirke JOHNSTON F NZ12534 RNZN, K Force Carterton JOHNSTON D 23882922 NZ Army 06/11/2016 Whangarei JONES (ALDRIDGE) BE W5492 RNZAF, WWII 13/05/2016 Te Kuiti JONES R 22665325 23/08/2016 Tauranga K

KENNEDY PJ X569708 REngs 13/04/2016 Tokoroa KEVEN EC 4455 MN, WWII 19/10/2016 Mt Maunganui KIDD JW 814245 3rd Arm 01/10/2016 Rangiora KINDELL CM A78292 RNZAF, Malaya 25/11/2016 Blenheim L

LANGDON RT 516184 1RNZIR, Malaya-Borneo 11/10/2015 Tokoroa

LANGRIDGE AA NZ47424 RAF, RNZAF, Malaya 10/10/2016 Nelson LAWRY TA 457176 NZ Army 29/08/2016 Tauranga LAWSON WJ 675885 CMT 21/06/2016 Woodville LECKIE DM 448095 2NZEF, WWII 07/10/2016 Invercargill LEITCH JJ 451752 2NZEF - 22 Bn 01/09/2016 Napier LINDSAY MC 834717 CMT 09/03/2016 Auckland LOCKE T 818814 K Force 31/05/2014 Kaiapoi LORD A 5174 British Parachute Regt, 8&9 Bn, 3rd Bde, 6th Airborne Div Parachute Regt 15/10/2016 Wairoa M

MCIVER DS (DON) K35383 NZ Army, Malaya, Vietnam 22/08/2016 Lower Hutt MCKENTY R 444037 RNZAF, WWII 24/06/2016 Tokoroa MCKERROW N 2813774 RAF Egypt 03/03/2016 Kaiapoi MCLEAN LN 344570 Army 03/08/2016 Papatoetoe MCLEAY BW 465966 20/09/2016 Mt Maunganui MCLEOD NV WRNZNS50 WWII 17/09/2016 Mt Maunganui MCNAB TG 18706 23 Btn 2 NZEF, WWII 17/09/2016 Oamaru MCRAE DEJ 661839 NZEF, WWII 01/08/2016 Te Kuiti MCWATTERS JP 617444 NZEF, WWII 02/04/2016 Paeroa MARSH KE 648124 2nd NZ Div Cav, WWII Whangarei MARTIN EA P/JX643165 RNZN 17/10/2015 Auckland MAVRITIS KA (CHARLIE) 2551758 Palestine Command Signal Regt, WWII 28/09/2016 Lower Hutt MEYERS LW 637172 NZ Military Forces, WWII 17/07/2016 Dargaville MOFFATT PD 646006 NZ Army 01/11/2016 Tauranga MORONEY NK 859288 CMT 06/08/2016 MORRIS GE 220357 British Army 18/10/2016 Taradale MORTRUM JD H74573 RNZAF 19/05/2016 Tokoroa MURLAND G 4213176 WWII Apiti MURFITT TE 338620 Army 15/10/2016 Orewa MURRAY HC 376711 NZ Army 03/06/2016 Taradale N

NEALE LH 47829 6th Field Amb. WWII 20/04/2014 Kaiapoi NEILSON DR 551860 NZ Army - EME 04/07/2016 Taradale NEWEY R 22561655 Royal Pioneer Corps, WWII 14/07/2016 Glen Eden NOBLE RH 34751 RF 13/06/2016 Opunake O

O’CARROL J 14673 RNZN LEM, Korea, Near East 12/05/2016 O’CONNOR DP 353702 Private 01/09/2016 Auckland OSBORNE WAA 22474351 NZ Army 11/11/2016 Whangaparaoa OZANNE RW 14681 RNZN, J Force, K Force 28/09/2016 Whangarei P

PAGE P 2059168 01/08/2016 PALMER IR 626465 2nd Division J Force WWII Opotiki PARK JR 1343540 RNZAF WWII 20/11/2016 Blenheim PARKER KJ 44715 RNZN, Korea, Malaya 26/09/2016 Australia PATERSON IR 641677 NZ Army 26/04/2016 Waihi PEDERSEN SH 453908 19 Armoured Regt, WWII 22/07/2015 Morrinsville PETERSON LC 969214 K Force 20/07/2016 Invercargill PHILLIPS BR B701294 RF 27/06/2016 Opunake PHILP RJ 347270 NZ Army 10/09/2016 Tauranga PIPI J 14502 13/04/2016 Paeroa POWER PK 815867 1st Canterbury Inf, Malaya 24/07/2016 Kaiapoi PRESTON HHJ 60671 NZ Fld Regt Arty, WWII 01/05/2016 Auckland PRIDDLE B 775149 NZ Army 26/11/2016 Blenheim PUDDLE JA 619781 2NZEF 22 Btn, Sgt, WWII 06/10/2016 Lower Hutt R

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ZACHAN DA RNZN Malaya 20/08/2016 Napier

Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

15

WW2 VET A MAN OF DEEDS AND FEW WORDS John Creagh’s World War 2 experiences read like a film script, with tales of escape, clandestine operations and survival against the odds.

His war took him from a cave hide-out in the mountains of Crete, blowing up bridges and dodging capture by the Nazis, to two and a half years in the notorious Stalag VIIIb POW camp in Poland.

Like many World War 2 veterans, he didn’t like speaking about war and insisted it did not define his life. He hated war and did not want to glorify it with tales of escape and hi-jinx. It was only when he was in his 70s that he talked about his time as a soldier with his son John was born in Melbourne, where his father was a design electrical engineer. The family returned to New Zealand when his father took up a post in Wellington as a designer for New Zealand’s burgeoning hydro-electric schemes.

John went to The Terrace School and Wellington Technical School (now Wellington High School). On leaving school he worked as a trainee draughtsman with architecture firm Crichton, McKay & Haughton, Bulleyment Fortune Architects.

As a member of the Territorial Army, he was keen to enlist for World War 2. After basic training in 1940 he travelled to Egypt and then Greece.

As an engineer he was involved in preparing defence works against the Axis assault. In the retreat across Greece his job was to strengthen local bridges so that Allied tanks could cross and then promptly blow them up to delay the chasing enemy.

In Crete, he was again involved in constructing defences. As the Allies retreated south across Crete his unit destroyed bridges and roads so that the German advance was slowed enough to allow troops to be evacuated from the southern beaches.

When he and his fellow engineers reached the beach, the last Royal Navy destroyer was heading over the horizon. A British major informed them they had orders to surrender. The Kiwis ignored the orders and headed into the hills with a considerable amount of high explosives.

They were hidden by local Cretans by day, and at night tried to create havoc, blowing

Moore-Jones book completes project The launch of the book The Line of Fire has completed a three-stage heritage project by Hamilton’s TOTI Trust for Anzac soldier and artist Horace MooreJones to be publicly recognised and honoured in New Zealand.

A central Hamilton street was named after him – Marlborough Place became Sapper Moore-Jones Place, which is where he died saving people in the Hamilton Hotel fire of 1922. Then, last year, a bronze statue atop a chunk of Gallipoli stone was installed.

The book, which is strongly photographic and archival, covers Moore-Jones’s life and TOTI’s efforts to have him recognised. The artist, is best known for his Gallipoli painting, The Man and the Donkey, considered among the most important pieces of Australasian war art.

The book was launched on June 13, 99 years after his an illustrated lecture on the Gallipoli campaign in Hamilton. He made lecture tours, bringing the truth to the public and using his Gallipoli paintings to illustrate conditions.

• The Line of Fire is available from TOTI Trust: Kate McArthur – 021 02418030; info@toti.co.nz; www.toti.co.nz;www.facebook.com/TOTItrust.

Price, $30.00 (includes courier post in New

Wellington architect John Creagh was involved in constructing defences in Greece and Crete as the Allies retreated.

up tanks and petrol-supply dumps. However, German reprisals against local civilians became sufficiently awful for the Cretans to ask the Kiwis to stop their trouble-making.

John Creagh, by this stage a sergeant, and his fellow engineers were hidden in caves by the Cretans while they planned their escape. They found an anchored fishing boat, and planned to steal it and sail to Malta. But as they were swimming out to the boat, they were spotted by a patrolling Stuka bomber which then bombed the boat out of the water. Creagh was captured the next day.

He and his comrades we re transported to Stalag VIIIb, a prisoner-of-war camp in Lamsdorf, Silesia (now Lambinowice, Poland). More than 40,000 prisoners would die at the camp by the

end of the war. Initially the German guards were World War 1 veterans who treated prisoners fairly. This regime changed when these old soldiers were sent to the eastern front to fight the Soviet Union.

The new guards were young Nazis and punishments became the norm.

Allied prisoners were separated from Polish and Soviet prisoners who they thought were very poorly treated and virtually starved.

John Creagh recalled that instead of attempting escape, Allied prisoners would break into the Polish section, smuggle an equal number of Poles and Soviets back into the Allied section, feed them up for a few days and then smuggle them back. After two and a half years as a POW, Creagh, who was severely deafened in the Battle

for Crete, was deemed to be of no use as a soldier and was repatriated by the Red Cross through Barcelona, Spain.

Back in New Zealand he continued his architectural studies at Auckland University where he met his wife to be, Vivienne (Viv) Fenton.

Although technically still in the army, he went to lectures in civvies until one day, while he was walking with Viv, a woman crossed the road to give him a white feather. A furious Viv chased the woman up the road to return the feather and gave her a stern lecture on her fiance’s service record.

After qualifying as an architect John rejoined his old employer. He was involved in many large institutional projects and eventually became a partner in the firm.

He was regarded as careful and thorough rather than flamboyant, and the construction of his designs, seldom ran over time or over budget.

On retiring in 1982, he indulged his love of tramping, boating, and horse riding. He rode most weeks until well into his 80s, but gave up jumping at 80. He was still walking several kilometres most days in his 90s.

Although he was not a yachtsman, his son’s interest in sailing led him to join the Titahi Bay Boating Club, where he designed the clubhouse and supervised its building, and became club commodore. He was also a RSA committee member.

On one visit to his son in Britain, he added a side trip to Crete. On the eve of the visit, he was found counting out thousands of US dollars. Quizzed as to what he was doing, he said he had a little job to do.

When he was hiding in the hills and caves in Crete, he and his comrades were regularly smuggled food by a young Cretan woman who flirted her way past the German patrols.

She and some members of the group had kept in touch, and, knowing she had been ill and fallen on hard times, they had raised some money to help her out.

• John Creagh – born January 4, 1918; died September 2016.

SOLDIER, CARPENTER, SHEARER, SINGER, ORATOR Italian campaign veteran Nolan Tariho (“Noel’’) Raihania, who died in October, aged 89, was only 16 when he enlisted. He served with C Company in Italy as part of the 12th Reinforcements.

While at Te Aute College in the early 1940s, he heard stories of the war and decided he wanted to enlist in the army. He went to Gisborne to enlist, claiming he was 22. “We were all under age,’’ he recalled in a later interview.

This led him to join the Home Guard in 1943, then enlisting in the army. He trained at Linton before heading to Italy.

Nolan, who was of Ngai Tamanuhiri, Rongomaiwahine and Ngati Porou descent, was born in Muriwai on November 16, 1926.

He was raised by his grandmother, Arawhita Merania Pohatu, in their family home known as “The Palace”. He was educated at Te Muriwai Native School before heading to Te Aute College in 1940.

On his return from the war in 1946, he worked as a carpenter. He met his wife, Ana Hine I Ahuarangi Te Ata Iti Te Oparani Rangiriri Raihania (known as Gin) and they were married in 1949. They had nine children– Hine, Iritana, Kumeroa,Wirihana, Te Ihi (Pip), Herewini, Nolan, Na, and Keriana.

In 1956 Nolan headed south to work in the shearing sheds, and, in 1958, the family moved to Mataura. He worked as a shearer for 30 years at Mataura and his growing family became his shearing gang During that time he led and tutored the Mataura Maori Club, which helped raise funds for the Maori Education Foundation and competed in many national kapa-haka competitions.

He also formed a Maori quartet (The Four

Noel Raihana served with C Company in Italy. In 2011 he was made an officer of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to Maori.

Notes), which was popular around the South Island.

From 1968 to 1978 he was on the Mataura Borough Council, and was then appointed a justice of the peace.

In 1984 he established the Mataura Marae, Te Hono o Te Ika a Maui ki Ngai Tahu, where Ngoi Pewhairangi taught and aired for the first time her famous waiata E tu tautoko noa In his 60s Nolan and Gin moved back to Tokomaru Bay with the idea of retiring. However, retirement proved elusive.

He had qualified as a builder after the war, and his first job on returning to Tokomaru Bay was to roof the marae, Te Hono Ki Rarotonga.

He then planned and built the dining room at Waiparapara Marae, which was destroyed by Cyclone Bola. He helped rebuild the marae and became a trustee for Te Runanga o Ngati Porou.

All of this work was done for free.

He and Gin also ended up having to fight a land case to win back her land. They were successful, and then managed the land, creating the first organic corn and pumpkin maize on the East Coast.

He was an eloquent speaker in both Maori and English, and sang Italian songs in a tenor voice. He belonged to the United Sports Club in Tokomaru Bay and the Gisborne RSA, and in 2008 became the national president of the 28th Maori Battalion. Many still considered him president even after the association was officially ended in 2012.

In 2011 Nolan was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Maori and in 2014 met Pope Francis and Prince Harry at the Battle of Cassino commemorations in Italy.

• Nolan (Noel) Raihani – born November 16, 1926; died October 21, 2016.

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Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

WATTIE’S WAR: A SENSE OF DUTY, ADVENTUR Wattie Thomas might be getting on a bit – he turned 100 in October – and the old body might not be as co-operative and supple as it used to be. But when it comes to recalling his fighting days, the World War 2 veteran is hard to beat – he has no trouble quoting dates, people, events. RUSSELL FREDRIC caught up with Wattie not long after he reached his century, and discovered he’s still very much into enjoying life.

Age has wearied him a little and he has undeniably grown old having lived 100 years, but veteran Wattie Thomas still well remembers his part in some of the major North African campaigns during World War 2.

Now a resident of Invercargill’s Rowena Jackson Retirement Village, Wattie was employed

by Dunedin engineering firm John Chambers & Son as assistant accountant when war was declared on September 3 1939, a Sunday night.

His sense of duty coupled with a penchant for adventure and an assumption it would be a short war led him to volunteer for service the next day: “I was in the territorials and I felt it was my duty to offer my services. There was a steady flow; I was about third or fourth (to volunteer) on the Monday morning. I didn’t think it was going to last that long. I thought it would be a good way of seeing the world.”

LCpl Walter William Thomas completed his military training at Burnham, and admits his first week was a bit of a shock: “Your living and eating is just different altogether, but you soon get used to it. The decisions are all made for you.”

He embarked on a near new British ocean

gain combat experience.

After being pushed back in the Western Desert, his’ division was relocated to Aleppo in northern Syria: “I was stationed in Aleppo for three months and then I was doing patrol work on the Turkish border.”

This period followed in the aftermath of Operation Crusader in February 1942 where Rommel smashed the British armour and inflicted heavy losses on the infantry in front of Tobruk. With nearly 900 New Zealanders killed and 1700 wounded, the New Zealand government insisted they be moved to Syria to recover.

In Syria, the New Zealanders spent much of the time training and improving defences.

Allied strategists were also concerned the Germans could attack from the north through Turkey and threaten the British position in Egypt.

Wattie Thomas says he made some good friends in Syria, one of them an interpreter: “I’ve been writing to him. He died there recently. He was a young chap, much younger than I was. He was in Aleppo. He used to take us out and show us the town.”

He finds rhe present destruction in Aleppo heart-breaking: “It’s such a beautiful place.”

Following his posting in Syria, he was recalled with the New Zealand Division to Minqar Qaim in Egypt. This was the scene of a famous battle where the New Zealanders were encircled by a superior force, the German 21st Panzer Division in June 1942. Wattie says it was the fiercest combat he experienced during the war.

Rapidly advancing German forces had cut the New Zealanders off from Allied forces to the east and the only chance of saving the division lay in a night-time breakout through the ring of German forces. Early on June 28, 1942, the PHOTOS: Above, Wattie Thomas with a framed display of his World War New Zealand Division 2 service medals and a photograph of his late wife and war bride, Ito (nee engaged in a ferocious, Eames), who died 14 years ago,. Left: LCpl Wattie Thomas at Alexandria, close-quarter combat Egypt, April 12, 1941. Below: The certificate confirming Wattie’s promotion to break-out which warrant officer first class, signed by LtGen Bernard Freyberg on March 3, 1944. caught the German forces by surprise as the Kiwis bayoneted and shot their way through.

Wattie was also involved in the second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942.

Part of coping with stress during the war was a degree of acceptance of the prospect of being killed, he says: “You are living an army life all the time and there’s always that liner, the RMS Orcades, which had been commandeered as a troop ship, destined for Egypt via Fremantle, Australia, still with the mental picture of seeing a different country and having a look at the world rather than going to war.

The journey was uneventful. But the Orcades did not fare so well two years later and sank after being torpedoed by a German submarine off South Africa in 1942.

In Egypt, Wattie Thomas served in the New Zealand Ordnance Corps attached to the 5th Infantry Brigade, initially commanded by Brig James Hargest. After training at Maadi he was posted to the Western Desert.

During the early years of the war he was promoted to sergeant and to warrant officer first class in March 1944 for distinguished service in the field. He also received a personal congratulatory certificate from the commander of the New Zealand forces, LtGen Bernard Freyberg.

His first significant engagement was against Rommel’s Axis forces in the Western Desert during the first battle of El Alamein when he was attached to the 11th Hussars, a cavalry regiment of the British army, for four months to

chance you might get popped off. I had a few near misses.”

He recalls one of those instances: “We were well down the desert, about 60 or 70 miles to Cairo. Dennis Blundell (later a New Zealand governor general) was in the same unit as I was. We were standing on a slight hill and you could see the Germans moving around in the distance.

I said ‘Look at these things popping up in the sand.’ They were bullets just out of reach. They were firing at us.”

He did not usually find it difficult to sleep at night, when fighting usually ceased. While on the move the soldiers rolled out their sleeping bags and slept head first under trucks. “ There were a few night attacks, but not very many.”

Although the Germans were the enemy and the death of his comrades angered him, he had respect for some Germans he met. One, a major who was captured in Egypt, was a doctor before the war.

“I was having a yarn with him. He wondered where I came from, and said ‘I’ve been there’.

He’d been in Christchurch.”

MajGen Howard Kippenberger, who commanded the 5th Infantry Brigade during 1942 -43, planned an attack using intelligence provided by this German major. Wattie recalls the major marking it out in the sand. When he finished, the two of them shook hands, they piled him on to the truck and away down to the POW camp. “That was the last we ever saw of him.”

Towards the latter part of the war, Wattie and his fellow soldiers had no inkling of how it was progressing and he was philosophical about his fate: “I never thought I’d see New Zealand again. There was so much (combat ) going on all the time.”

His only injury, from shrapnel, was relatively minor.

He won a ballot to return home on furlough March 1944 and was supposed to return to Egypt, but was retained in New Zealand as a trainer, then discharged from the army in July the same year.

Before the war he was suitor to a Dunedin woman, Ito Eames, but would not marry her in case he was killed. Adjusting to civilian life

Some wars are necessary, but most are not.

World War 2 was a just war because of the evil Britain, its Allies and the United States were fighting against.

Remembering 17

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

RE, A CHANCE TO SEE THE WORLD

Wattie Thomas celebrates his century with sons (from left) Neil, Trevor and Roy.

post-war was “no trouble at all”, particularly with a bride-to-be waiting in the wings; the couple married just four weeks after his return.

He returned to his original work position, which had been held for him at John Chambers & Son, and subsequently transferred to Invercargill where he eventually took on another job as company secretary of Southland Farmers Co-op Association, a position he held until his retirement.

Wattie has a special relationship with John Welsh, a fellow resident at Rowena Jackson.

John’s brother, Carson Welsh, was a close friend of Wattie and was killed in action.

“I went into Burnham camp with him. When I got to Cairo he was there. He got killed at Cassino.”

Wattie Thomas estimates that 60 per cent of the soldiers in his unit were killed in action or died as a result of wounds or sickness. While he felt very angry about the deaths of his comrades

during active service, he is more philosophical today, acknowledging that his war-time enemies were also acting under orders.

He says the welfare role of the RSA for returned servicemen following the war was very important.

Support provided to the Thomases included items such as a pram for their first baby, and a washing machine.

After joining the RSA in 1945, Wattie progressed through its committees to become club treasurer

Sources: • Wattie Thomas, New Zealand Army 13352 Warrant Officer Ist Class (rtd) • NZ History Website https://nzhistory.govt.nz/ war/the-north-african-campaign/el-alamein, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage).

• Wikipedia and president for two or three terms. He is a RSA life member and a Gold Star holder for exceptional service. He is also a life member of the Invercargill RSA Bowling Club, and He was a justice of the peace from 1968 to 2014.

He returned to Cairo about 1992 – and found it exactly as he remembered it, except that the names of streets and had changed. “You knew exactly where you were.”

Some wars are necessary, but most are not, he says. However, he believes World War 2 was a “just” war because of the evil Britain, its Allies and the United States were fighting against.

Despite his seamless adjustment to normal life after returning from service overseas, one thing still comes back to haunt him. He vividly recalls the terror of being under air attack by the Luftwaffe, especially by Stuka dive bombers with their screaming sirens – it’s something he still has occasional nightmares about.

“Heinkels and Stukas came straight down on us. As they came down, they always let their bombs go. If you weren’t in the track of the bombs, you were quite safe; but you didn’t know whether they were coming your way. It was a bit scary... terrifying.”

Today, a different sound draws emotion from him – the Last Post remains a poignant reminder of his war service. Wattie guardedly says that every time he hears its haunting tune, “it comes back” – memories of his fallen friends, “chaps that should be here”, those he will never forget, that shall never grow old or weary, and that the years do not condemn.

Independent Living • Assisted Living • On-site Hospital

267 Glengarry Rd, Oratia, Auckland Phone (09) 818 3800 www.greenviewpark.co.nz • enquiries@greenviewpark.co.nz

18

Remembering

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

NAVY MAN AT JAPANESE SURRENDER Rob Saunders I became friends with Stanley Spencer after moving to Christchurch in late 2006. He was already a well-known local identity in Spreydon and Sydenham, often seen out walking with his black Labrador cross, Shadow.

He ate breakfast at McDonalds in Sydenham so regularly they put his photo on the wall. If I happened to be outside when he passed by Stanley would always call out “Hello!” in a cheery voice and stop to chat. Occasionally he would tell me about his experiences in World War 2, which, on the occasion of his 91st birthday, has prompted me to write a short biography.

Born in Britannia, Lancashire, Stanley Spencer left school at 13 and got a job in the Olive Mill shoe factory. Then war broke out. He was in the Boys Brigade and joined the National Fire Service and the Air Training Corps when he was 14.

Not satisfied with sitting on the sidelines, he enlisted in the Merchant Navy at 15 but was told there was a waiting list to get a ship because of the numbers being sunk by u-boats.

A chance meeting with two school friends who were going to enlist in the Royal Navy resulted in Stanley joining them on the train to Portsmouth.

After completing basic training the three friends celebrated their posting to a ship by going to a pub to celebrate. There they met some Land Army”= girls and proceeded to get very drunk on cider.

On leaving the pub they climbed a local hill and Stanley fell over and rolled to the bottom – injuring his arm and shoulder in the process.

He went to hospital and missed sailing with his friends. This may have been fortunate as he thinks their ship was later sunk.

When fit again for active service he sailed to New York on the French liner Pasteur. He describes it as being “like a holiday”. The Pasteur was carrying gold to the United States to pay for the Lend-Lease ships. Stanley recalls seeing a tanker in the convoy torpedoed by a u-boat and watching in horror as its sailors jumped

Able Seaman Stanley Spencer saw action on aircraft carrier HMS Ruler supporting the Allied attack on Truk.

Ruler also took part in the assault on Okinawa and Stanley was on board the carrier when she entered Tokyo Bay in August 1945 for the signing of the Japanese surrender on the USS Missouri.

overboard to escape the inferno.

On arrival in New York he travelled to Vancouver to pick up the newly commissioned escort aircraft carrier HMS Ruler.

Originally built for the US Navy, she was one of 25 Ruler-class carriers supplied under

Lend-Lease to the British Navy. After completing sea trials and crew familiarisation, the Ruler sailed to Norfolk, Virginia, via the Panama Canal, to load stores, supplies, Hellcats and Corsairs for England. She completed several supply runs between the US and England before being sent

to join the British Pacific Fleet in March 1945.

The Ruler saw action supporting the Allied attack on Truk in June 1945 – losing most of her aircraft. Stanley was kept busy keeping the Bofors and Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns supplied with ammunition.The ship also took part in the assault on Okinawa.

Ruler entered Tokyo Bay in August 1945 for the signing of the Japanese surrender on the USS Missouri. Stanley was given the task of attaching the Ruler’s mooring line to a bouy in the harbour.

After the surrender the ship loaded passengers liberated from Japanese POW camps and sailed for Sydney where she was given an enormous welcome. Finally returning to England in late 1945, Stanley left the Navy and went home.

The Ruler was returned to the US in early 1946, decommissioned and scrapped.

Stanley also served on two RN destroyers – HMS Hesperus and HMS Bradford.

He went back to his old job at the shoe factory in Lancashire but found life in England after the war difficult. He knew the British Army was looking for ex-servicemen for Palestine and applied to go there.

He also saw a magazine advertisement for immigrants for Australia and New Zealand, and sent in applications. He received an invitation from the New Zealand government and sailed to Wellington on the SS Atlantis in January 1948 aged 22 . He arrived in Christchurch not long after the Ballantynes fire, and got a job at the Duckworth & Turner Footwear factory where he worked for 20 years.

During this time he got married, but the marriage broke down and he was left to bring up three children on his own. Life for the family was very difficult. His job did not pay well and it was a struggle just to put food on the table.

Stanley says he also worked for other Christchurch-based footwear factories – Norfolk Shoes for 19 years, Vinells Shoes, and Sucklings.

He now lives at the Maples Retirement Village in Riccarton, Christchurch. He describes himself as: D/JX 564657 Able Seaman Stanley Spencer, RN (ret.) b. 1926; d. ‘not yet!’

Lone New Zealander’s Sth African grave first Anzac memorial?

Christopher McQuellin

Some 6500 men left New Zealand for a war in South Africa between 1899 and 1902.

Some never returned home.

This is story about a lone New Zealand soldier’s war grave.

For some years a protracted search has been under way for a war grave of an Australian (Albury, New South Wales) soldier killed during the South Africa War. Gunner Bernard Gowing (Royal Australian Artillery) was the only local soldier killed during the war, and a research project was initiated to locate and identify his grave and the military action leading to his death. The information gathered was in part for the records of the Returned Services League.

The investigation eventually identified a possible grave in Vryburg (North West Province) in South Africa. There was a need to physically explore the two cemeteries in Vryburg. Emile Coetzee (lecturer in history at the North-West University Mafikeng), volunteered to drive the 300 kilometres to Vryburg; he identified a mass grave that contains 116 British and Colonial soldiers.

Another project volunteer, Vryburg resident Eddie Cilliers, re-photographed the South African

The war memorial in Vryburg, South Africa marks the mass grave where 116 British and colonial soldiers are buried, including a New Zealand soldier, trooper Dugald Cameron, from Otago.

War Memorial in the Vryburg General Cemetery, and a memorial list of British and Colonial soldiers has been compiled from his photographs.

One of the soldiers identified was Gowing – the soldier who was the catalyst for the search.

However, a New Zealander soldier, Trooper D. A. Cameron, was also identified.

This South African burial place may be the first true Anzac grave site where Australian and New Zealand soldiers have been buried together – years before the Anzac acronym became part of the joint identities of Australia and New Zealand.

So, just who was this New Zealander buried almost 1000 kilometres north-east of Cape Town in South Africa’s North West Province, known at the time of the war as Bechuanaland.

5898 Dugald Archibald Cameron was a 25-yearold former farmhand serving in the New Zealand Mounted Infantry. He was born at Waitahuna, in Otago, in 1876 and his records show he served for two years in the Tuapeka Mounted Rifles before going to South Africa.

He was in the South Island Regiment, part of G Squadron in the Eighth New Zealand Contingent sent to South Africa. The South Island component of the contingent sailed from Lyttelton for South Africa on February 8, 1902 on the Federal Steam Navigation Company’s troopship, SS Cornwall.

The Eighth New Zealand Contingent arrived in Durban via a stop in Albany Western Australia on March 15, 1902. The Cornwall was carrying eight officers and 192 men. The bulk of the troops from the North Island division arrived in Durban the same day on the troopship SS Surrey.

Dugald Cameron was part of The New Zealand Mounted Infantry that saw service around Vryburg

by May 11, 1902. In the 1907 book The Colonials in South Africa 1899-1902, author John Sterling,

of the Royal Scots, quotes Lord Kitchener in referring to a great drive (military advance) under Gen Sir Ian Hamilton from Klerksdorp to the Kimberley-Mafeking railway line.

“On May 11 the whole force closed in on the Vryburg railway, when it was found our captures included 367 prisoners of war, 326 horses, 95 mules, 175 wagons, 66 Cape carts, 3620 cattle, 106 trek oxen, and 7000 rounds of ammunition.

This loss to the enemy constituting a blow to his resources such as he had not previously experienced in the Western Transvaal.”

Kitchener also made special mention of the “spadework done by the Commonwealth regiments, the 3rd New South Wales Bushmen, and the 8th New Zealand Regiment”.

It was at Vryburg that Tpr Cameron succumbed to a bout of enteric fever (typhoid) on May 28, 1902 – just days before the war ended. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in Pretoria three days later on Saturday May 31, 1902.

Deaths from enteric were common: of the 230 New Zealand fatalities during the war; the majority (133) were due to disease, mostly contaminated water.

In New Zealand a published record of his death was printed in The Press newspaper on Saturday May. 31. Cameron’s passing was disclosed in a small article, under the headline – ‘Death of a New Zealander’.

The deaths of Tpr Cameron and Gr Gowing are recorded together and they are buried together in the cemetery in Vryburg. It is perhaps a first memorial for all the Anzacs yet to come.

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RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Lost Trails Maurice Gee details

Grahame Gee is trying to piece together and confirm background to one of the few stories he has of his father’s combat experience. The story is that Pte Maurice Gee 7831 was buried with an officer after some a bombardment. They were together for a number of hours and my father got through the ordeal by talking to him; however, the officer did not survive. He thinks the officer’s surname was Brown. In the official history of the 27th MG Bn, the only officer mentioned in the honour roll with the surname of Brown is Lt Russell Seaward Brown, 9317, who was killed around Takrouna on April 20, 1943 and is buried in the Enfidaville War Cemetery. According to the war diary, he was in a slit trench hit by artillery fire on an otherwise relatively quiet day. The diary made no mention of Maurice Gee, but mentioned that Pte McGanfey (most likely Pte James J. McGanfey) was reported wounded during the bombardment and evacuated for treatment via the ADS. Anyone aware of other details or corrections?

Contact: Grahame Gee – geeforce@paradise. net.nz.

HMS Neptune

Ex-CERA Mike Newton, from England, who lost his father on HMS Neptune, would like contact with other families who lost a relative in that tragedy.

He served alongside RNZN personnel during the Malaysian Confrontation and would welcome the chance for contactwith crews of RNZN ships based in Singapore at that time. He visited New Zealand on HMS Albion in 1959 and served on HMS Tilford with the Minesweeper Squadron from 1965-67 alongside HMNZS Hickleton and

HMNZS Santon. He and his wife hosted members of the engineering team of HMNZS Blackpool in their home at that time.

Contact: Mike Newton, michaelnewton38@gmail. com – copy to ericandednablown@gmail.com.

Forenville Military Cemetary

Most of the men (including my grandfather) buried in the Forenville Military Cemetery were United Kingdom soldiers of World War 1.

Most were killed in action on October 8, 1918.

However, two New Zealanders – Thomas Burt and Victor Dawson – were killed in action on October 9 and are buried there. I am in the early stages of organising a small centenary event at Forenville on October 8, 2018. We hope family of the two Kiwis may be able to attend.

Contact: David – info989@btinternet.com.

Family of Fred Watson

Pte Fred Watson 30750 was in the 22nd Wgtn Battlion B Coy 2nd NZEF Middle East forces. A letter written by him when he was in the Western Desert or Cairo was posted to Margaret Fitness’s mother, who was living in Whanganui at the time. Margaret would like to make contact with Fred’s family.

Contact: Margaret – 03 3125858l mv.fitness@ xtra.co.nz.

Battle for the Kaimais

Information wanted about the final exercise in New Zealand of the 3rd Division – with 2 Brigade Groups in the Kaimais in the last week of October 1942 – before they shipped to New

Caledonia at the end of 1942. Large number of photographs in hand and have researched newspaper reports of the exercise and battalion histories published just after the war. Would like to hear from anyone with similar information or oral family stories from members of the Division who took part in that exercise.

relatives who died or survived. Family histories or memories of what happened appreciated.

The article will run in a New Zealand magazine next year.

Contact: Ralph Dearlove – 3/212 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna, Auckland 0622; 09 4896498; ralph.d@xtra.co.nz

James Robert Precey medals

Contact: Ben Stanley – bensamuelstaney@ gmail.com.

Contact sought with or about John Millard, a Kiwi sergeant in the Vietnam war. He lived in Burwood, Sydney for a few years in the 1970s and worked in duct air-conditioning.

Search for lost medals of grandfather James Robert Precey 202638 MAA (Master-at-arms).

Joined Royal Navy January 14, 1899, discharged ashore from New Zealand Division Royal Navy September 30, 1923. Awarded British War and Victory medals August 11, 1922, Naval LongService & Good-Conduct Medal August 21, 1921. Died 1969. Disposal of medals after death unknown.

Contact: Geraldine O’’Connor – 0403 661529; rasilioconnor@gmail.com

Contact: Christopher Precey (ex CPO, RNZN) – precey@paradise.net.nz

486 Sqn interviews

Medals returned

Sgt John Millward

Members of RNZAF 486 Sqn sought for interview for a book on New Zealand history.

Contact: Todd Nicholls – 03 5504862; 021 2065104; ToddRNicholls@Hotmail.com.

Torpedoing of MV Nino Bixio

Ben Stanley is a journalist researching an article on the torpedoing of the Italian POW ship, MV Nino Bixio, just off Greece in August 1942. The sinking claimed the lives of 118 New Zealanders, including his great uncle, Douglas Earl Stanley.

He understands that no survivors are alive, but hopes for contact with families who may have had

Do you have medal you’d like returned? Medals Reunited New Zealand© (MRNZ) is a voluntary, free service dedicated to returning war and service medals of mainly New Zealand veterans, to their families or a traceable descendant. Typically, medals and associated ephemera that have been found (or pre-owned) are sent to MRNZ for research and return once the recipient or surviving descendant kin has been located.

Contact: Ian D.Martyn, Nelson – medalsreunitednz@gmail.com; 027 9404495; 03 5467728; www.medalsreunitednz.co.nz.

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20

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Support & Well-Being

DONATIONS ‘REALLY ADD LIFE TO LIFE’ The Levin Home for War Veterans is rallying community support for its annual ‘Trumpeter’ appeal to raise funds for resident-driven projects.

Donations to Trumpeter’ will go towards supporting the residents’ recreation programme, special events (including Anzac Day commemorations), sight-seeing trips and new developments around the home.

“Trumpeter funds have helped us to create outdoor garden spaces, boost resources for our Anzac services, preserve war memorabilia, upgrade the Veteran’s Arms, purchase a computer and e-reader for residents, and even develop a spa and salon,” says manager Jenny Hodgen.

None of these things is covered by government funding, she says.

“Aged care funding covers things like food and medicine, but not the things that really add life to life. That’s why we need the support of the public when it comes to our Trumpeter appeal.”

The home, which opened in the 1950s specifically for returned servicemen, is part of the not-for-profit Presbyterian Support Central.

“We have a philosophy of care here that focuses on more than just clinical care. We want to make sure our residents have companionship, variety and spontaneity, meaningful activity and purpose in their lives.

“We put the decision-making authority into the hands of our residents; we want to ensure they have choice and control in their lives and are supported to continue doing the things they enjoy.”

She says the home is serious about providing

“We have a philosophy of care here that focuses on more than just clinical care.”

The Levin Home for War Veterans is holding its annual Trumpeter appeal. Donations have helped create outdoor gardens, purchase computers and develop a spa and salon for its residents.

care that aims to eliminate loneliness, helplessness and boredom amongst elders.

“We provide care where people’s clinical needs are taken care of, but they’re not treated as ‘patients’. They are assisted to live each and every day to the fullest.”

The Eden principles touch on ideas such as variety and spontaneity, companionship, contact with children and animals, continuing hobbies, and meaningful activity.

“It’s about thinking about the way we support people in residential care. At our rest homes we support people to continue to do the things they’ve always done. It’s important they feel as though they still have a purpose.

“When someone moves into a rest home, they haven’t changed. It’s just their address that’s changed, so we want to make sure our place is as much like their home as possible.”

The Levin Home for War Veterans is on the corner of Prouse and Matai streets in Levin.

much more than the average aged-care facility.

The Levin home is one of just a handful of rest homes in New Zealand to hold full Eden

•Information: www.enlivencentral.org.nz.

Donations: 0508 TO HELP.

Alternative certification. Known as Eden, this certification means the home is actively practising the 10 principles of the elder-directed model of

Lost Trails

Recognise this yacht?

This boat (pictured below) was built by L.A.Morry Potter RNZAF and others. The photo was taken on May 28, 1944. Morry was previously a civilian cabinetmaker, who also built Z-class yachts at Whenuapai. The Potter family believes this boat was flown to the Pacific Islands.

The photo was supposedly taken at Whenuapai, but Jack Potter says all of his RNZAF friends reckon it’s Hobsonville. No one was able to recognise the size or design of the boat.

If anyone has any information or thoughts on anything to do with the boat, Jack Potter is keen to hear from you.

Contact: Jack Potter, 263D Meola Rd, Pt Chevalier, Auckland; 09 8493755; jackpotter@xtra.co.nz.l

NZ Engineers Ken Baker is trying to identify the people in this photo.

His quest is part of of research related to a person from Trans-Jordan who met the New Zealand engineers during World War 2, and never forgot them.

The photo (from the National Archives) was taken in April 1942.

It is titled “Group portrait of 21 NZ Mechanical Equipment Company, NZ Engineers, which is engaged in road making in Trans Jordan during World War 2. Photograph taken at Akaba (Aqaba) on 16 April 1942”.

Contact: Dr Kenneth M.Baker, Rue du Grand Veneur 6. 1170 Brussels, Belgium; ken.baker@ worldagforum.com

Support & Well-Being 21

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

NEW FACES ON ADVISORY PANEL F0ur new appointments have been announced to the Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel. The Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel is a statutory body that advises the minister of veterans’ affairs on veterans’ health issues and regulations. It also makes decisions on the allocation of funds from the Veterans’ Medical Research Trust Fund.

The panel’s job is to allocate funds from the Veterans’ Medical Research Trust Fund, and advise the minister of veterans affairs on matters that include: • veterans’ health (monitoring and impacts of service) • qualifying service and impairment (relationship between these for purposes of entitlement) • deterioration of injuries and illnesses after service (when these shouldn’t be considered service-related) • statements of principles and paired organs The new members are: • WgCdr Paul Nealis, Veterans’ Affairs’ exofficio nominee; is the chief medical officer of the New Zealand Defence Force. He specialises in aerospace medicine, military management of severe trauma and large-scale medical treatment in difficult environments, including conflict/ peacekeeping situations and disaster relief. NZDF representative on New Zealand Resuscitation Council. Operational deployments to Afghanistan, and on disaster relief (including the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Sumatra).

• Te Kani Kingi has a research career, with a specialist interest in Maori and mental health.

Manager of strategic projects at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and Maori lead on the research programme, Growing Up in New Zealand — a 21-year longitudinal study of New Zealand children.

• Clive Banks is a senior clinical psychologist

who has worked with New Zealand Defence Force personnel and veterans. Currently working at Ora Toa Mauriora (a Porirua health service provider).

His expertise lies in health research, including Maori mental health, with clinical experience in most mental disorders, including the effects of trauma symptoms and trans-cultural psychology.

• Daniel Patrick is executive director of Nga Pae o te Maramatanga (New Zealand’s Maori Centre of Research Excellence). Co-founded the Centre of Methods and Policy Applications in Social Sciences at Auckland University, founder and manager of New Zealand Social Statistics Network. Developed and established New Zealand’s Social Science Data Service.

They join: Cathy O’Malley (chair): general manager strategy, primary and community of the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board. Previously (2012 to mid-2016) deputy director general sector capability and implementation with Ministry of Health.

Anne Campbell: Veterans’ Affairs ex-officio nominee). Medical adviser, Veterans’ Affairs – supports case managers. Medical practitioner with New Zealand Defence Force for 35 years, director general defence health services.

SdnLr Andy Campbell: chief of NZDF exofficio nominee. Senior medical officer, RNZAF:

occupation and aviation medicine specialist (officer commanding aviation medicine unit at RNZAF Base, Auckland).

Col Karyn Thompson: Veterans’ Advisory Board ex-officio nominee. Army officer, NZDF. Experience includes human resources, programme management, governance, communications, training and education.

Marie Bismark: member and former chair.

Public health physician and health lawyer.

Member of former Ministerial Advisory Panel on Veterans’ Health.

Ian Civil, member: Trauma surgeon, specialist in vascular surgery; clinical lead of the Major Trauma National Clinical Network.

Mary Daly, member: Nurse practitioner, Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service, Hutt Valley District Health Board. Experience in palliative care, primary health care, in-patient settings, and gerontology A.D. (Sandy) Macleod, member: Psychiatrist and palliative medicine physician, consultationliaison psychiatrist in Christchurch since 1985, ongoing work in dementia care.

David McBride, member: Occupational and environmental physician.

Peter Thorne, member: Deputy director of science and strategic development, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland).

Curtain falls on Howick facility Tenders were due to close on December 8 for an Auckland returned servicemen’s accommodation village for possible redevelopment as a boutique aged-care facility with healthcare services.

The Stevenson Village opened in Howick in 1975 as a charitable joint venture between the Howick RSAssociation and Sir William and Lady Stevenson. The 36-unit complex was built to provide low-cost accommodation to qualifying residents – including returned and former armed services personnel, and those with social housing needs. Management and operations have been overseen by the not-for-profit Stevenson Village Charitable Trust.

The village occupies 6186 square metres of land and consists of 1520 sq n of buildings - 24 studio units, 11 one-bedroom dwellings, a one-bedroom office manager’s residence, and a combined communal hall/social amenity.

Stevenson Village Charitable Trust board chairman John Russell says the sale proceeds will be distributed to New Zealand registered charities applying for grants. The trust has been finding it increasingly difficult to meet its obligations under the charities legislation, he says..

“As a social housing provider, the primary focus of Stevenson Village has been meeting the needs of those who have served their country and may otherwise not be able to afford a roof over their heads. Accordingly, rents have been well below market levels as the focus,” he says.

The proposed sale settlement date, June 30, 2017, will allow village residents time to find alternative accommodation, he says. The longest-residing occupant has been a tenant for more than 30 years. None of the original residents from 1975 are still in residence. Only three of the current tenants in the units have connections to returned servicemen.

RSA 09/12/16

RSA

22

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

RSA Life

MERIT AWARD FOR MAUREEN Liz Rayner, Daily Monitor

Waikouaiti RSA president Ian Taylor (left) and vice-president Warren MacLeod prepare for RSA centennial celebrations at the weekend. Photo: Christine O’Connor.

Waikouaiti celebration Sixty people celebrated the New Zealand RSA’s centenary at a dinner attended by national president B J Clark, at one of the New Zealand’s smaller RSAs in October. The Waikouaiti club is one of the country’s smaller RSA clubs, but still has more than 70 members.

Founded around 1945, the club has more than 70 members and continues to provide support within the wider community. President Ian Taylor says the club has “changed a lot” over the years; one “huge thing” has been expansion of membership to include as associate members people who had never been in the New Zealand services.

Some changes were “painful” at the time, but associate members now make up 80 per cent of the club’s members.

A book of remembrance, containing 97 names, was developed this year to honour those from the area who had died in the South African War, World War 1 and World War 2.

About 50 Hunterville RSA members gathered for a special luncheon and award ceremony to honour Maureen Fenton and other club stalwarts.

The guest speaker – the then RSA chief executive, David Moger – described some of the work being done by the RSA at national level.

He said very few organisation can claim to be 100 years old. There are 183 RSAs in New Zealand.

It was founded by Cpt Donald Simpson who saw the need when the first troop ship arrived back in New Zealand from Gallipoli.

“A century later, RSA is still looking after those who have served or are serving the country, exactly as it did 100 years ago. It’s a heritage we hold tightly.

There are 31,000 post-Vietnam vets in New Zeaand and personnel have been deployed on 41 operations since then. The needs of those people are changing.

“We have become very good at caring for a more mature group. Now we have to take care of a younger group who fight in different kinds of battles. Mental trauma is creating a lot of issues.”

Post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) is better understood as an injury and there are a lot of injuries from toxins, he said.

Moger said people ask what is the relevance of RSA and say it’s dying off.

“It’s simply not true. A hundred years after it was formed, there still exists an equally compelling reason for its existence – to serve those who put themselves on the line for our country.

“In rural areas the RSA is a powerful community force. You have more impact on your

The Hunterville live-up: Maureen Fenton (second from left) with her merit certificate, one of the RSA’s highest awards, and Hunterville RSA life membership. Former club president Don Evans (left) and Pauline and Ted Wilce (far right) hold their service awards. In the middle are then RSA chief executive David Moger and Hunterville RSA president David Cole.

community than big-city RSA organisations. The numbers of people with links to RSA is huge.”

He thanked the Hunterville RSA for all that it did and applauded the four members recognised at the lunch.

David Moger presented Maureen Fenton with her special RSA merit certificate and life membership of the Hunterville RSA. He also presented former Hunterville RSA president

Don Evans, and Ted and Pauling Wilce with certificates recognising their service. The Wilces are leaving the district.

Maureen Fenton has been an RSA member for 20 years; she was president for six years and has served in various other capacities. She is currently treasurer and welfare officer.

“It has been a pleasure to do all that I have done for the RSA,” she says.

Vietnam vets remembered at Feilding commemorative parade Feilding has officially remembered its Vietnam veterans for the first time. The Feilding RSA hosted a commemorative parade in August in remembrance of all those who served and died in the Vietnam War. The small gathering included Feilding RSA members and visitors from Palmerston North and Marton, one of them a 7RAR veteran who lives in Marton. The parade was followed by refreshments in the Rangitikei Club and then a meal in the restaurant with speeches, further refreshments, remembrance and camaraderie on the menu.

RSA president Barrie Law, a surviving soldier, says it was great to hear the banter from individuals and groups: “You could tell all are true comrades...comradeship built on shared experiences and hardships. “ After the Vietnam veterans’ luncheon, the group moved to Anzac Cove in the Rangitikei Club where a short blessing and speeches were exchanged as the area was re-dedicated by RSA padre Ross Downes. After a quick photo session, he reminded people to never forget the sacrifices made by their forbears in all conflicts.

Barrie Law says the RSA lacked a presence

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within the Rangitikei Club, so the committee approached the club requesting permission to move Anzac Cove to within the main bar area.

This was approved and members have been busy painting and placing memorabilia for display and remembrance.

“We acknowledge the kind donations and loan of items,” he says. “These items mean so much to so many people, and for some, it is their family link to service and sacrifice. Displaying these artefacts is something we feel strongly about.

“We thank the Rangitikei Club for allowing the RSA the space to set up the Anzac Cove, to allow us to have a home and to raise our profile within the club. We now have a place where we can come together for comradeship and to remember. The Anzac Cove is not just for RSA members , but for all to enjoy.”

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Feilding RSA members in front of Anzac Cove, which is in the Rangitikei Club’s main bar area.

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STAYING SAFE A refresher workshop for senior road users

Have fun and brush up on ways to maintain your mobility and independence Staying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop designed for all senior road users aged 70 and over.

The aim of this workshop is to: • help you to maintain and improve your safe driving practices • give you information about other transport options available when driving is no longer possible.

For more information about courses, please contact the NZ Transport Agency on 0800 822 422.

You can take a self-assessment quiz, watch safety videos and read about how to improve your safety on the road at road-users.

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2

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

What’s On REGULAR MEETINGS AUCKLAND CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Meets monthly on third Tuesday, 1100 hours, New Lynn RSA. New members welcome for friendship and camaraderie, fun and laughter, perhaps light lunch. Guest speakers, outings, bus trips.

Anzac Day parades; unit parades at Auckland Naval Base HMNZS Philomel for Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and lay a wreath.

Contact: Mark Sinclair, president – 09 534 8138; Brian Caltaux, secretary– 09 4209794.

CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who did Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome. Meets monthly, Papanui RSA. Variety of activities, Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 3583099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) Meetings - 25 Feb, 29 Apr, 30 Sep, 26 Nov (Christmas luncheon), 2pm Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave, Christchurch. New members (veterans, family members, historians). Lots of fun, talks by veterans,historians and people who have been to reunions in Italy, military displays, DVD shows. Contact: Peter Scott – 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION, PAPANUI CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH Meets first Tuesday of month, 5.30pm, Papanui RSA. Regular social events. All who served in RNZN or Commonwealth navies, and partners welcome..

Contact: Gavin James, president, 9811538; Dennis Moffat, secretary/treasurer 3236317.

SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, third Thursday. Gore RSA or nominated venue. Usually lunch, on-site visit, or speaker. Contact: John Turner – 03 20084, ardlussa@farmside.co.nz.

REUNIONS/EVENTS/MEETINGS FEBRUARY 2017 SAPPERS ASSOCIATION NORTHERN BRANCH 5pm, 11 Feb, Taupo RSA. Get-together for all engineers in area, Whakatane RSA. Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

SAPPERS ASSOCIATION 5pm, 25 Feb, Taupo RSA. Decade 1985-1994 ‘do’, 5pm, 7 Dec, Taupo RSA. For all army engineers who joined up between 1985 and 1994. Sappers from outside this era welcome.

Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

TERRITORIAL FORCE VOLUNTEERS 6OTH100TH INTAKE WHO WERE IN ROYAL NEW NZ ENGINEERS Sappers Association invites you to Decade 1985-94 ‘do’,. 5pm, 25 Feb, Taupo RSA. Contact: Vail ‘Hub’ Hubner – 027 4978651.

MARCH

NATIONAL RSA BOWLS TOURANMENT 13 Mar, hosted bt Matamata Memorial RSA. 41 SQUADRON RNZAF REUNION 17-19 Mar, Tauranga. Reunion commemorating 40 years since withdrawal and disbanding 1977-2017. All personnel who served with the squadron invited. Registration forms will be enclosed for 41Sqn Association members with September Prop Wash. Forms for non-members available from October 1, 2016: Association secretary – alanchung42@gmail.com.

HMNZS OTAGO ASSOCIATION REUNION 17-19 Mar, Petone WMC All association members, present and past serving (all ships) members of Royal New Zealand Navy, and partners invited.

Contact: www.hmnzsotago.org. Full programme

in Otago Association newsletter Claymore and on website.

VICTOR 3 COY VIETNAM 1967-68 50-year reunion 17-19 Mar, Clubs of Marlborough, Blenheim.

Fifty years since company landed in Vietnam. All who served with Victor 3 Coy and their dependants encouraged to attend. Contact: John Capill – johncapill@xtra.co.nz; http://premierstrategics. con/victor3/V3reunion2017.html.

No 17 (CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH) SQUADRON AIR TRAINING 75th anniversary 24-25 Mar, old Wigram Air Force Base and Air Force Museum, Christchurch. Friday evening – meet and greet; Saturday – lunch and combined wing parade, dine and dance in evening. Total cost: $100 per person. Register your interest – www.17squadronatc.com/?=reunion; ww.facebook..com/events/1744533662434248.

MAY

NELSON BAYS TF.CMT.NS Reunion 12-14 May. Contact: Lindsay J.Jukes – 20 Hebberd Place, Richmond, Nelson 7020; ljukes@vodafone.net.nz.

VICTOR 1 COMPANY (v1) VIETNAM 1967 50th reunion 12-14 May, Waiouru Military Camp (where it all began). All members, wives, partners and family members welcome. Brother veterans from V Coy and W Coy also welcome.

Exciting programme being planned, details will be mailed this year. If you think we do not have your postal or email address, and enquiries: Brian Wilson – 09 4782300; b.wil@xtra.co.nz.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REUNION 20 Mar, 50th anniversary..

Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full membership – all ranks of Parachute Regiment, SAS, support arms (engineers, signals, medics, artillery etc) and those with special service to British Airborne Forces; associate membership to immediate family; afflilate membership to airborne units of other countries. Contact: Frank Clark, president – 04 2336123. Roy Tilley, secretary – 04 5660850, rmt@xtra.co.nz. Website, www.britishairbornenz.tripod.com.

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.

CMT/NATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Contact: Colin Rae – 28 Cranbrook Ave, Christchurch 8053; 03 3583099; colandglen@hotmail.co.nz.

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

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

JUNE

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.

RNZRSA NATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Annual meeting/conference 12-13 Jun, Swanson RSA. Contact: Angel Erstich, Erstich, president, RSA National Women’s Association – P O Box 8, Awanui, Far North 0451; 09 4067195.

J FORCE ASSOCIATION, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH Meets third Wednesday of month at Mt Maunganui RSA. Welcomes visitors.

Membership: 19 veterans, 22 wives and widows.

Activities: Christmas dinner, quarterly 8 ball competition, short trips. Contact: President, Ron Browne – 07 5758916; ronaldbrowne@xtra.co.nz.

VICTORY CLUB DARTS TOURNAMENT 5 Jun. Hosted by Manurewa RSA.

NATIONAL RSA INDOOR BOWLS TOURANMENT 25 Jun, hosted by Tokoroa RSA.

NOVEMBER

VICTOR 2 COY VIETNAM 1967-68 50-year reunion 10-12 Nov, Tauranga RSA. Fifty years since company landed in Vietnam. All who served with Victor 2 Coy and their dependants encouraged to attend. Contact: Bukit Hill – 13 Bledisloe St, Masterton; 06 3772979; 027 6590679; bukithill@xtra.co.nz.

WHISKEY COY (ORIGINALS) VIETNAM 196768 50-year reunion 25-26 Nov, Taradale RSA. Fifty years since company landed in Vietnam.

All who served with Whiskey Coy and their dependants encouraged to attend. Contact: Mike Perreau – 5/14 Avondale Rd, Taradale, Napier; 06 2610098; 027 2438085; mjperreau@ gmail.com; www.wcoy.net.

NOVEMBER 2018

RNZN ENGINEERING BRANCH REUNION 10-12 Nov, Rangiora RSA. Information: Graeme Matheson, – Rangiora RSA. 82 Victoria St, Rangiora 7400, or Bill Lochrie – New Brighton RSA,21 Mafeking St,New Brighton, Christchurch.

ASSOCIATION CONTACTS BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Are (or were) you para-trained and like to meet other ex-(or current) paras? Regular meetings of

MOUNTED TROOPERS’ ASSOCIATION (MTA) North Island branch of the Royal NZ Armoured Corps Association (RNZAC). If you are serving or have served, in an armoured unit in any way, you are eligible to join. Family members of deceased personnel welcome. The aim is to bring comrades together through national reunions, member’s birthdays, funerals, unveilings and regimental occasions to which the association is invited, and to provide collegial support to members. The MTA is managed by a six-person trust board: Stew Couchman (chair), Doug Walker (secretary), Zac Hunter (treasurer), Morris Meha and Jim Taylor.

Membership enquires, application form: Zac Hunter – 027 343 2017, ikehunter@xtra.co.nz; Stew Couchman – 06 3258593, BLongami@xtra. co.nz; Doug Walker – 027 4950473, walkd@tpk. govt.nz. Annual subscription of $25 includes membership of both the MTA and RNZAC. NEW ZEALAND ARMY BAND ASSOCIATION For ex-members of NZ Army Band nd 1 RNZIR/NZ Regt bands. To promote and forward interests and welfare of members, and foster relationship between the association and the NZ Army Band.

Committee meets quarterly at the Papanui RSA, Christchurch; all members welcome.

Contact: Wayne Shears – 03 9428636; wayneshears@outlook.co.nz.

NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION Contacts: Paul London, president, 06 3782388; Bev Cousins, secretary/treasurer, 09 2382499; bevcuz@xtra.co.nz.

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES

ASSOCIATION Meets two-monthly, 2pm, Pt Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets.

Contact: Peter Collins – peter-collins@xtra. co.nz; www.royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/ rma_nz_home.html.

NEW ZEALAND 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.

NEW ZEALAND MALAYAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION INC Welcomes new members who served with Commonwealth forces or police in Malaya/Malaysia/Borneo or Singapore. Contact: Paul Anderson – PO Box 8112, Cherrywood, Tauranga 3145; 07 5767757; 027 4771984.

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

REGULAR FORCE CADET ASSOCIATION (INC) Provides contact between ex-cadets and enables them to re-establish contacts. Membership: $10 a year (1 Jul-30 Jun. Contact: Secretary – RF Cadet Association, P.O.Box 715, Paraparaumu 5032; www.rfcadet,org.nz.

RNZAF COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE GRADUATES New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College has formed an alumni association. Records of previous associations’ members misplaced during move from Whenuapai to Trentham in 2004. If you wish to join, would like information, or wish to re-connect with former colleagues and course members, contact: Alumni secretary NZDF CSC – Trentham Military Camp, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt 5140; 04 5271008; 04 5271009 (fax); csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz.

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. Also in Australia.

Aims to preserve memories, and commemorate those who were injured or fell in action. Attends Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades; regular meetings. Information: Chris Pattison – 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz.

THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeks members to rekindle their activity with the association. Regular meetings at Papanui RSA, Christchurch. Send rank, name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Frank Newsome – Unit 19, 53 Condell Ave, Papanui, Christchurch 8053; 03 3525471; frankandaudrey@clear.net.nz.

TS VINDICATRIX ASSOCIATION Ex-Vindicatrix boys – those who served on training ship TS Vindicatrix are invited to join Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard – 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.

West Coast turns on warm welcome

RSA Women’s Section national president Angel Erstich was welcomed to the annual luncheon of the West Coast sections in September. Members from tghe Westport, Reefton, Greymouth and Hokitika womern’s sections gathered for lunch and entertainment at the Greymouth RSA. Angel, who was impressed by the turnout and the fine weather, spoke about the value of the Women’s Section in the RSA and the women’s movement itself.

RSA Life 2

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

GREEN LIGHT FOR TAWA WAR MEMORIAL There have been years of delays and a much larger price-tag than expected, but Tawa will finally be getting a war memorial.

It is expected to take six weeks to build and the project proponents see an unveiling just before Anzac Day as ideal.

When the $170,000 project was mooted by the Tawa Historical Society more than eight years ago, the cost was between $70,000 and $90,000. But the global financial crisis, incorrect advice about grant applications, and delays that meant some money had to be returned to Mana Community Grants Foundation, led to the project going on the back-burner.

To get an $82,000 grant from the Lotteries’ Environment and Heritage Fund was a massive relief, says society chairman Bruce Murray.

“I’m ecstatic. You’re never sure when you

apply for these grants, but to be told the memorial fits the bill perfectly was just great news.”

Plans for the memorial, to be built at the northern end of Oxford St, adjacent to Grasslees Reserve, have been drawn up by architectural firm McKenzie Higham. They show an enclosing wall, seating, extensive paving and landscaping, and spaces to recognise the 13 Tawa men who died serving their country.

Bruce Murray says it is hoped to recognise the service of others from Tawa, and there is plenty of room to add names.

He hopes the memorial will be looked after by local residents and schoolchildren.

Along with the Lotteries money, grants have come from the RSA’s Poppy Fund, Lions and the Linden Tennis Club. A former soldier, who does not want to be named, has also given money.

Tawa will finally get its war memorial after a $82,000 grant from the Lotteries’ Environment and Heritage Fund.

The memorial will take six weeks to build.

Covers off ‘absolutely brilliant’ Thames war memorial The towering war memorial overlooking Thames and the Firth was uncovered late in October after two months of repairs to its plaster surface. The work was partly funded by a Lotteries grant of $59,990.

Cracking in the upper sections of the structure has been repaired, a new coating of plaster applied in the damaged areas and repairs to the top cap carried out to help protect the face of the structure. Additional work inside and around the base was also carried and the job was completed by Armistice Day. “In late 2015 some cracking was noticed on the upper sections of the structure,” says the Thames-Coromandel District Council’s parks and reserves manager, Derek Thompson. “The plaster on the memorial appeared not to have had a protective coating applied when it was first built, and over time this led to a deterioration.

“Coupled with this, there was never a dripline designed or installed on the overhang at the top. We’ve had 90 years of rainwater sheeting across the face, more than would normally be

Restoration work under way on the Thames War Memorial. Drone photograph by Kester Bradwell.

anticipated, slowly eroding the plaster which has eroded to form a crack.” .

As much of the work is restorative, there will not be a dramatic difference to the look of the

RSA involved in Whangarei park project The redesign of Whangarei’s Laurie Hall Park, aimed at making it a focus for recreation, will continue over summer. The Whangarei RSA has been involved in the redevelopment, which began when a Field of Remembrance was installed and Anzac Day commemorations were held there. The district’s new war memorial has been unveiled on the northern side of the park.

The project is the culmination of years of work by the Whangarei District Council and the RSA. It has included restoring and relocating the original World War 1 memorial.

The current work is to open the park up to public view, make it more accessible, and

modernise and improve the landscaping.

“We want to make the most of many of the mature trees in the park, including puriris, pohutukawas and other plantings,” says council landscape architect Tracey Moore. “We will be removing several trees that are part of the old design of the park and restrict views into the park.

“This will allow for new, wider paths, ensure people felt safe because of clear sight-lines into and out of the park, and allow for new planting.

We will also create a more open and inviting pedestrian entrance using materials that will connect the entrance with the new war memorial.

Path lighting will be upgraded and replaced.”

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structure, he says. “The restoration will allow it to stand against time and weather for many more years to come.”

A Lotteries World War 1 Commemorations, Environment and Heritage Fund grant allowed the council to commission a conservation management plan for the memorial. .

The monument was originally unveiled on Anzac Day in 1925 to commemorate those from the Thames area who were killed in World War 1. About 200 names are listed on plaques at the base of the monument.

RSA secretary Jim McDonald says the restoration is “absolutely brilliant”.

“We wanted it to look as much as possible like it did in 1925 and that’s what’s happened. A lot of people are interested in it. “Now I’m hoping that people, when they come into Thames, can see the monument lit up at night.”

RSA work recognised Bevan Hefferen (right), from the Masterton RSA, receives his merit badge and certificate from RSA national president BJ Clark. The award recognises the immense amount of work Bevan has done for the RSA over many years.

26

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Local RSAs NORTHLAND Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road

KERIKERI

AVONDALE RSA O v erl o o k ing the R aceco urse

RSA (Inc) Visitors and Guests Most Welcome

KAITAIA FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA CLUB

M atth ew s A v en u e, K ai tai a When visiting the Far North you are welcomed to visit our Clubrooms where comfort and friendship is assured.

Billiards - Snooker - Pool - Bowls - Darts

Pleasant lounge and excellent bar facilities

Hours 11am-10pm, M on to S at. N oon -6pm S u n Family Restaurant - M eal s W ed T h u rs F ri day an d b y arran g emen t.

Courtesy Coach Available Please phone (09) 408 0423

WHANGAREI THE HUB OF THE CITY

Warmly welcomes visitors to our Clubrooms at 7 Rust Ave Bar Service 7 days Snooker, Pool, Darts, Gaming Courtesy Coach Bistro Wed to Fri 12-2 & 5-8p.m.

Saturday 6-8p.m.

PH 09 438 3792 admin@whangareirsa.co.nz

www.whangareirsa.co.nz

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc 28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568

Opening Hours Mon-Tues from 12.30pm, Wed-Sat 11am, Sun 3pm Gunner Restaurant: Wed $10 Roast, Thu & Fri Lunch & Dinner 14 Gaming Machines - 4 Large Pool Tables 4 Dart Boards Live band every Friday evening - TAB - Sky TV

RUSSELL RSA 1 Chapel St Russell 0202 Ph: 09 403 7773 Fax: 09 403 7885Email: russellrsa@xtra.co.nz www.russellrsa.org.nz OPEN EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAY FROM 11:30AM TILL CLOSE Diggers Restaurant open 6 days Lunch & Dinner Bar snacks available Pool, Darts, Gaming Machines Huge outdoor courtyard

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

Restaurant W ed -Sun 5 .3 0 - 8 .3 0 p m

Bar Open Seven Days From 3.30pm

AUCKLAND

We are open everyday from 11am Meals Daily from 11am till 9pm Great quality food at affordable prices All visitors are most welcome to enjoy our club facilities • • • • • •

Sky TV TAB Pod Gaming Machines Pool Tables Courtesy Van Available Facilities available for function hire

Visitors always welcome

Restaurant, Family Karaoke Sundays from 1pm Functions venue available email admin@ptchevrsa.co.nz

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

A w a r m w e l co m e i s a s s u r e d t o a l l m e m b e r s a nd v i s i t o r s .

Sp e ci a l w e l co m e t o l o ca l a nd o u t o f t o w n v i s i t o r s .

O p e n T u e s - T hu r s f r om 2 p m. F r i - S u n f r om M i dday .

• Re s t au r an t op e n F r i - S u n l u n c h, W e d - S u n D i n n e r .

E x c e l l e n t me al s at r e as on abl e p r i c e s .

• L i v e e n t e r t ai n me n t l as t F r i day of e ac h mon t h.

• Q u i z N i g ht s 7p m 3r d T hu r s day of e v e r y mon t h.

Car B oot S al e l as t S u n day of e v e r y mon t h 8am, s e l l e r s $ 8 • E x c e l l e n t B ar s t af f & s e r v i c e • L ar g e c ar p ar k . E as y bu s t u r n n i g • Coac h T ou r s w e l c ome - adv an c e book i n g e s s e n t i al • F ac i l i t i e s av ai l abl e f or f u n c t i on hi r e • O t he r f ac i l i t i e s i n c l u de dar t s , p ool , i n door bow l s & f i s hi n g c l u b

THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART

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

The Orpheus Restaurant Open Thurs - Sat lunch 12 - 2 pm, dinner 5.30 - 8pm Bus Trip Lunches phone Rona Major Games on Big Screen or Weekend Entertainment

BIRKENHEAD RSA Recreation Dr, Birkenhead, North Shore Ph: 09 418 2424 Fax: 09 418 3054 Email: secman@birkenheadrsa.com www.birkenheadrsa.com

Snooker - Pool - Darts - Warriors Supporters Section

W e hav e ex cel l ent f acil ities f o r reunio ns and o ther f unctio ns NEW RETURNED AND SERVICE MEMBERS WELCOME. Inquiries to Sec/Manager 09 636 6644 PO Box 13016, Onehunga

We welcome all RSA members & their guests to enjoy thefriendly 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

P h : 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710

ORAKEI RSA

( M emb ers)

Hours: M on : 1 2 - 7 .3 0 pm. T ues: 1 1 am- 8 pm

Wed: 1 1 - 9 pm. T hurs & F ri: 1 1 - 1 1 pm. S at: 1 1 - 9 pm. S un: 2 - 7 pm.

B i stro Lu n c h T u es-F ri 12-2pm. E v en i n g T h u rs-F ri 6-8pm F u n c ti on room b ook i n g s f or c ateri n g .

S ports sec ti on s, g ami n g mac h i n es ,S k y T V , b i g sc reen T V H an dy to c i ty c en tre, E l l ersl i e R ac e C ou rse, K el l y T arl ton U n derw ater W orl d, E astern su b u rb s, M i ssi on B ay , S t H el l i ers, R emu era etc .

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Mt Wellington Panmure RSA 163 Queens Rd, Panmure

Ph: 09 570 5913 Fax: 09 570 5903 Email secrsa@vodafone.co.nz Bar Menu Seven Days. Bus loads by arrangement.

Li v e En t e r t a i n m e n t e v e r y 2 n d F r i d a y

D a r t s - P o o l - Sn o o k e r - Ga m i n g Ma c h i n e s - C o u r t e s y c o a c h a v a ila b le fo r lo c a l p ic k -u p s / d r o p -o ffs Wh e n i n Au c k l a n d V i s i t o u r F r i e n d l y C l u b .

NEW LYNN

Memorial RSA (Inc)

2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland B A R & TA B F A C I L I TI E S Op e n 7 d a y s G am ing F acilities F RE Y B E RG RE STA U RA N T Lunches: Tues-Sun 1 2 -2 p m, Dinner: W ed -Sat 5 .3 0 p m o p en

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

SWANSON MEMORIAL RSA 11am - 11.30pm S u n 1pm - 9 pm

158 Broadway, Kaikohe Ph 09 401 2368 kaikohersa@xtra.co.nz “Look us up on Facebook”

Affiliated Members and Guests Most Welcome

RSA

H O U R S M on toT h u rs 11am - 11pm. F ri & S at

“Friendliest Club in The North”

Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd

HOBSONVILLE

114 Hobsonville Road • Ph: 09 416 7227 Restaurant Ph: 09 416 9239 • E: hobbyrsa@xtra.co.nz

The Best in the West

Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc)

Come & spend times in a friendly environment with your friends.

Bar Hours: Tues - Thurs: 2pm - 11.30pm, Fri: 12 Noon - 11.30pm Sat: 11am - 11.30pm, Sun: 12 Noon - 9.30pm New faces very welcome. Memberships available.

Entertainment: Fri, Sat & Sundays Restaurant Open: Fri, Sat & Sun: 5.30pm - 8.30pm

M E A LS O u r spac i ou s R estau ran t al l ow s u s to c ater f or u p to 200 peopl e at an y on e ti me Lu n c h open f rom W edn esday - S u n day 12 - 2pm D i n n ers W edn esday - S atu rday 5 - 8.30pm S u n day B u f f et 5 - 7.30pm W e h av e l arg e ou tdoor g arden area, B i g S c reen f or maj or g ames, Sky T.V., pool, bowls, darts, cards, fishing, golf, quiz.

WAIHEKE RSA

RSA

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

Service with a smile, and bar prices better than most.

18 gaming machines, self service TAB, Housie every Thursday, live entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings, 4 snooker tables, 3 pool tables and 8 competition dart boards. 5 big screen TV’s.

Whatever you’re interested in we’ve got it covered, visit us today!

EAST COAST BAYS RSA (Inc)

15 Bute Road Browns Bay Ph: 09 478 8033 North of the Harbour Bridge ecbrsa@xtra.co.nz

INC

29 Belgium Street, Ostend

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

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

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

HENDERSON

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

PAPATOETOE & DISTRICTS RSA (Inc)

22 Wallace Rd Ph: 09 278 6372 Email: manager@papatoetoersa.org.nz Bar Hours: Mon. 2pm - 7pm, Tues - Wed. 2pm - 10pm Thurs. 11am - 10.30pm Fri. 11am - 10pm Sat. 11am - 10.30pm Sun. 12pm - 7pm BISTRO Lunch: Thurs - Fri. 12pm - 2pm (Last orders 1.45pm) Dinner: Thurs - Sat. 6pm - 8.30pm (Last orders 8.15)

(All times and days may vary without notice).

Social Nights with live bands: Thurs Family Nights - Entertainment on the second Friday of the month Housie Tuesday & Friday nights

Snooker Gaming Machines 8 Ball I/D Bowls Darts Sky Tv

Whether you are going to or from the Airport or just passing through pop in & spend a relaxing & friendly time with us.

We Are Your Airport Club

http://papatoetoersa.wix.com/rsa-papatoetoe

When heading north, staying or visiting the North Shore, stop at East Coast Bays RSA Lunches T ues- S at 1 2 - 2 pm.Dinner Wed C arv ery 6 - 8 pm T hurs- S at 6 - 8 .3 0 pm S un from 5 .3 0 pm VISIT OUR CLUBROOMS O pen: M on- S at from 1 1 am S un 2 - 8 pm

DANCING FRI & SAT 7.30P M

C oac h tou rs w el c ome b y arran g emen t Gaming Machine * Darts * Pool * Snooker Housie I/d Bowls * Dinning & Dancing * TAB * Raffles

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS

WAIKATO / KING COUNTRY / BAY OF PLENTY

TE AROHA MEMORIAL RSA (Inc) R ew i Street

P h0 7 8 8 4 8 1 2 4

Club open from M o n 3 p m- Tues - Sat 2 p m, Meals Available Thurs, Fri, Sat f ro m 6 p m A w arm, f riend l y w el co me aw aits y o u

VISITORS CORDIALLY WELCOME

OPOTIKI COUNTY RSA INC When passing through Opotiki call in and enjoy our hospitality.

We are the Gateway to East Cape

Glen Eden RSA

663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013

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

A WARM INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO RSA MEMBERS & GUESTS TO THE FRIENDLIEST RSA IN THE WEST

Entertainment: Fri & Sat.

Meals Lunch: Tues - Fri. Dinner: Thurs - Sun.

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

Club Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm till late Sun 2pm till late Meals + Bar Snacks 7 days Membership draw nights Wed, Fri, Sat. Snooker - Pool - Indoor Bowls - Darts St John Street, OPOTIKI. Phone (07) 315 6174

27

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Local RSAs MT MAUNGANUI

RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

RSA TAURANGA

27 Studholme Street Morrinsville Ph: 07 889-7014

1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

Ph 07 578 9654 Fax 07 577 0715 E: admin@tgarsa.co.nz | www.tgarsa.co.nz

THE NEW GENERATION RSA

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

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

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

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

Hours: Tues - Fri: 3pm - 10pm, Sat 3pm - Late, 3rd Sunday each month: 3pm - 8pm Moorish Restaurant: Thurs - Sat 5pm - 8pm Lunch every 2nd Tuesday 11am - 1pm

Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am

Family Lounge: Regular entertainment, 10 gaming machines with $1000 jackpot, Sky TV on the big screens, pool & snooker tables, indoor & outdoor bowls, fishing and darts.

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

www.morrinsvillersa.org.nz

Affiliated Members, Guests and Potential Members Welcome

NGARUAWAHIA RSA (Inc)

4 Market St, P: 07 824 8905, E: ngaruawahiarsa@gmail.com

Friendly social atmosphere. Entertainment including live music, raffles, quizzes. Children welcome till 8:30pm.

Pool,Darts, Gaming Machines, Sky TV, Courtesy Van

Open 7 days, Poppies Restaurant available at RSA Visit us on Facebook

MATAMATA

MEMORIAL R.S.A. (Inc.) N g ai o S t r e e t Ph: 07 888 71 90 O p e n f r om M on - S at 3p m, S u n 4p m.

Poppyfields Restaurant:

O p e n f or bu s t ou r s & p r i v at e f u n c t i on s by ar r an g e me n t

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

TE AWAMUTU

District Memorial RSA (Inc) 381 A LE X A N D E R S T R E E T P. 07 8713707 E. tarsa@xtra.co.nz

Turn into the main street at the traffic filter and look f or ou r R ose G arden at th e en d of th e mai n sh oppi n g area.

Bar Hours - M on -T h u rs: 11am- 9 pm F ri : 11-11pm S at: 11-10pm S u n : 1- 8pm

Restaurant Hours

S u n , M on , W ed, T h u rs 5: 30 to 7: 30pm F ri & S at 5: 30 to 8: 30pm Lu n c h T h u rsday 12pm n oon Groups catered for during week on request

Come and visit our friendly Club the

‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’

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

EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON

Feilding RSA

A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms OP EN

7 D AY S P ER W EEK

Re s t a u r a n t O p e n : Lu n c h : M o n- Sat. D i n n e r : M o n-Sun

Top meals at reasonable prices

Oaktree Restaurant

NAPIER RSA

34 V au t i e r S t r e e t , N ap i e r F

based in the Rangitikei Club, 10-12 Bowen St, Feilding Open Tues - Sat from 11am - Dining Room Thu-Sat (Members gather in the ANZAC Cove for the Ode 6pm Friday night) All welcome - visitors please sign the visitors book

WANGANUI

• Live entertainment Fri & Sat nights • Parking • Conference room • Taxi chits available for discounted fares

M e mbe r s hi p s t i l l op e n .

W

Conveniently located to Marine Parade, motels and city centre T H E RE A RE N O S T RA N G E RS A M O N G U S , O N L Y F RI E N D S W E H A V E N O T M E T .

Otaki & District Memorial RSA 9 Raukawa Street Ph: 06 36 46221 Open 7 Days Restaurant – Tues, Fri, Sat & Sun roast lunch TAB - Sky - Snooker - Darts - Gaming Machines Regular entertainment Affiliated Members and Guests most welcome

SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc) Bar Hours: M on, T ues 3 - 7 pm W ed 3 - 9 pm, T hurs 3 - 7 pm.

F ri, Sat 3 - 9 pm C l u b room s op en s om e m orn i n g s Bistro Meals: F ri. 5 - 7 pm

P rincess Street H aw era W hen i n ou r area y ou are c ordi al l y i n v i ted to v i s i t ou r C l u b room s & en j oy ou r hos p i tal i ty . A f ri en dl y w el c om e i s as s u red to al l .

G r e a t Ent e r t a i nm e nt . . .

CITIZENS CITIZENS RSA RSA

1 79 - 1 85 J e l l i c oe S t TE TE PUKE PUKE Ph: 07 573 8555

Open from 11am Seven days a week All RSA members & Visitors are most welcome to our warm & friendly, air conditioned club

TAUPO “The Centre Of it All” * G ami n g M ac h i n es * S k y T v * S n ook er * 8 B al l

HAMILTON

Combined Returned Services Club

R ostrev or S treet, P o B ox 9 028 P h 07 8380131 F ax 07 8340170 Email: hamcrsc@clear.net.nz. Web: www.hamcrsc.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS Club Restaurant Lu n c h es T u es-F ri D i n n er T u es-S u n f rom 5.30pm.

F U N C T IO N B O O K IN G S B Y A R R A N G E M E N T 18 Gaming Machines * Sky Big Screen * ATM *Eft Pos * 8 Ball * Snooker * Euchre * 500 * Darts * I/D Bowls

Poppies Restaurant Open Tues – Fri for lunch, 12pm-2pm Open Mon – Sat for dinner, 5pm-8pm Closed Sunday

Club Hours Mon- Sat: 10.30am - Late.

Sun: 2 - 8pm Horomatangi Street Phone: 07 378 7476 P lease v isit our wesite at: w w w .tau porsa.c o.n z

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

Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula

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

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

WHAKATANE RSA (Inc) A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours Restaurant Hours

& Districts Memorial RSA

P h : 07 386 8717 P O B ox 1 K atopu P l ac e T u ran g i E mai l : trg i rsa@ h otmai l .c om Bar 7 day s f rom 11am Restaurant T h u r - S at ev en i n g s G ami n g M ac h i n es, S n ook er, P ool , D arts, I n door B ow l s, Li b rary , B i g S c reen S k y T V T U R N 3R D R I G H T F R O M R O U N D A B O U T

Liv e Bands 18 Gaming Machines TA B Terminal Big Screen TV s' 8 Ball * D arts * Bow ls Euchre * H ousie Raf f les * Memb ers' J ackpots

Gallipoli Restaurant

L unch T uesday to Saturday from 11.3 0 am D inner M onday & W ednesday to Saturday from 5 .3 0 pm T uesday P ension D ay Special - L unches W hiteb oard D inner Special s

… MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE GUESTS WELCOME ...

170 S t H i l l S treet, W an g an u i Phon e: C l u b room s 345 5 75 0 * Res tau ran t 345 4140 *

Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750

E m ai l : adm i n @ w an g an u i rs a. c o. n z * W eb s i te: w w w . w an g an u i rs a. c o. n z

Waitara RSA North Taranaki 16 Queen St Waitara OPEN 7 DAYS RESTAURANT Lunch Tuesday to Sunday: 11.00am to 2.00pm Dinner Tuesday to Saturday: 5.00pm to 8.30pm BAR FACILITIES TAB – Gaming Machines – Pool & Darts – Large Screen TV’S – Sky Sport – Courtesy Vans available.

Come enjoy some time with our friendly members.

Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz

L u n c h and D i n n e r Tues-Sat B ar S n ac k s A v ai l abl e G aming M achines - B ig Screens - 8 B al l - Sno o k er Darts - I nd o o r B o w l s - Line Dancing - K ar aok e T hu r s day e v e n i n g s

Live Entertainment Friday Nights Close to motels in the heart of town

Ri c har ds on S t Ph: 07 307 0343 E : admi n @ w hak at an e r s a. c o. n z

1 E as t on S t r e e t , Ph: 06 36 376 70 F ax : 06 36 36 838 E mai l : f ox t on r s a@ x t r a. c o. n z w w w . f ox t on r s a. c o. n z Friendly & safe environment ( c hi l dr e n w e l c ome d)

O p e n :

M on . & T u e s .

W e dn e s day T hu r s day F r i . & S at .

S u n day F i r s t & l as t S u n of t he mon t h

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

am am am am 2 p m1 2 p m-

7p m 9p m 1 0p m 1 2 p m 7p m 7p m

Reasonably priced q u al i t y meals available: L u n c h – T hu r s . , F r i . , S at . 1 2 p m t o 1 . 30p m S u n ( f i r s t an d l as t of t he mon t h) D i n n e r – T hu r s . , F r i . & S at . 6 p m t o 8. 00p m S K Y T V , bi g s c r e e n , p ool , dar t s , p ok i e s , j u k e box Campervans welcomed ( t w o s i t e s ar e p ow e r e d) Venue available for hire for special events and functions

PORIRUA RSA (Inc) 5 - 7 M c K i l l op S t , T e l : 04 2 37 76 95 F ax 04 2 38 2 343 OPEN SEVEN DAYS * Sk y Tv * TA B * G aming R o o m * P o o l * Darts * I nd o o r B o w l s * EFTP O S * W ine C l ub * K ap a H ak a BAR HOURS M o n 1 1 am - 7 p m. Tues 1 1 am - 7 p m. W ed 1 1 am - 8 p m. Thurs 1 1 am - 1 1 p m. Fri 1 1 am - 1 2 p m. Sat 1 0 am - 1 2 p m. Sun 1 0 am - 9 p m

RESTAURANT HOURS Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5 .3 0 - 9 .3 0 p m

Visitors Most Welcome

M o n-Thurs 1 0 am-1 0 p m.Fri & Sat 1 0 am til l l ate. Sun 1 2 no o n-6 p m

TOKAANU-TURANGI

S

BER MEM ME W NE ELCO W

NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME CLUB night every FRIDAY 4.30 - 6.30pm in the ANZAC Lounge

Kensington Restaurant Open Upstairs Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm Bistro Open 7 Days A Week Lunch 11.30 - 2.00pm Dinner 5:00 - 9.00pm Live Band Friday and Saturday 8.00pm and Sundays 3.00pm 3 Bars, Garden Bar, Large TV Screens, Sky Sport, TAB, Internet, Library, Gaming Room, Conference Facilities.

47 Udy Street, Petone. Ph 568 5404 Members, Guests and Affiliated members welcome

TAWA RSA

89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Char tered Club visitors W e are open : POOL W ed to S u n f rom 4pm DARTS M eal s F ri day 6.00 - 8.00pm S u n day R oast th e l ast S u n day of SKY TV eac h mon th 6.00pm-8pm

Paraparaumu Memorial RSA Inc A Club Vista Partner 32 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach Club open 7 days from 11am 04 298 4031 | www.clubvista.co.nz Facilities: Amazing views · 24 Gaming machines · 3 Snooker Tables · 2 Pool Tables · TAB self service terminal · Entertainment Every weekend

BULLS SH1 Bulls Ph 06 322 0875

H ou rs M on , T u es & S u n : 11am -8pm W ed -S at: 11am -10pm When passing through Bulls call at our clubrooms, enjoy our hospitality and have a friendly chat.

Visitors Made Welcome

28

Health & Well-Being

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Local RSAs REGULARS

RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC. P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.

NELSON RSA (Inc) 168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson. Phone 03 548 6815.

TARADALE

& DISTRICTS RSA INC

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

CHARTERED CLUB 35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra

Alexandra Clyde RSA 156 Gloucester Street

Ph/Fax 06 844 4808

Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am Sat-Sun 10.30 am

Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner

PO

When in Napier or Hastings visit us, we are only 8 minutes from either city. Motel accommodation next door with discounts available

CATERING A SPECIALTY G aming M ac hines , Sk y T v , Snook er, Pool D arts , B ow l s

All Visitors Assured of a Warm & Sincere Welcome

Visitors Welcome

MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLAND

ashburton rsa [inc]

12 Cox Street

Hours M on - T u es : 1 1 am- 7p m. W ed T hu rs F ri: 1 1 am- 1 0p m. Sat: 1 1 am- 1 2 p m. Su n: 1 1 am- 5 p m

ALL VISITORS WELCOME

B ox 1 0 Ph: 03 448 809 0 F ax : 03 448 802 3

Bar Hours M on- Sat: 1 1 am- L ate Sun: 4 . 3 0 9 p m Bistro Hours T h urs: 6 . 3 0 - 8 . 3 0 p m. F ri: 6 - 9 p m Sun: 6 - 8 p m Snack Bar op en al l hou rs

Gore District Memorial RSA Inc

1 2 Ci v i c A v e Ph: 03 2 08 6 2 1 8 F ax : 03 2 08 6 2 2 0 E mai l : G or e RS A @ x t r a. c o. n z Clubrooms Open 1 0 .3 0 am 7 d ay s a w eek Bar Hours M o n - Fri 1 0 .3 0 am - 1 1 p m Sat 1 0 .3 0 am - 1 am Sun 1 0 .3 0 am - 9 .3 0 p m Family Bar The Gore RSA Bistro W ed - Fri 1 2 -2 p m.

Tues - Sun f ro m 5 .3 0 p m Pr i v at e f u n c t i on s by ar r an g e me n t * 5 F/size Snooker Tables * 18 Gaming Machines * Big Screen Sky TV * TAB L i v e e n t e r t ai n me n t e ac h mon t h. T e a c of f e e i n ou r s mok e f r e e l ou n g e . O f f s t r e e t p ar k i n g f or v i s i t or s . af es Thurs & Fri. F l a g 5 0 0 W ed 7 p m d uring w inter

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

motueka

memorial rsa (inc) 49 High Street

Ph. 03 528 9777

Open 7 Days from 4pm.

RSA, Clubs NZ and Motor Caravan members most welcome

RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123 Restaurant: Lunch Wed, Thurs, Fri. Dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun.

GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB 1 81 T ai n u i S t r e e t Phon e 03 76 8 7307 O p e n D ai l y - V i s i t or s W e l c ome

Call and make some West Coast friends

Templeton RSA 38 Kirk Rd, Templeton E: templetonrsa@xtra.co.nz

CLUB BAR HOURS

Courtesy Van Available Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights

Wed, Thurs & Sat: 4pm - 7pm Fri 4pm till late

A warm welcome is ex tend ed to all RSA members, families and friends

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

MEALS

Friday nights from 6:10pm

Travel New Zealand

T u es+ W ed Lunch n oon . Bistro T h u rs, F ri , S at 5.30-8pm

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

Wheelchair available

ashburton Where the North meets the South

RIVERTON & DISTRICTS 141 Palmerston Street Riverton 9822 Phone: (03) 2348737 Enjoy Southern Hospitality Tue-Sat 3-6pm & Fri 3-9pm

PAPANUI RSA A c c es s al s

Ph: 03 35 2 9 770 5 5 B el l v u e A v e o f rom Pap anu i R d & 1 Harew ood R d

Visiting Christchurch T ry ou r hos p ital ity in the heart of Pap anu i. A d j ac ent to maj or c iv ic amenities inc l . s hop p ing mal l , motel s & hotel s Club Hours

M on - T u es : 1 1 am - 9 p m. W ed - T hu rs : 1 1 am- 1 0p m. F ri- Sat: 1 1 am- 1 1 p m. Su n: 1 1 am- 8p m

Marlborough RSA W e ext end a cordial invi tation to all vi siting members to vi sit our C lubrooms Open 7 Days from 9.00, Restaurant meals - 7 Days.

Gaming, Pool, Snooker, Sky TV.

Bistro Meals

L u nc h: 7 d ay s 1 2 - 2 p m D inner: 7 d ay s 5 p m onw ard s

Christchurch Memorial Returned and Services Association Inc.

Facilities E f tp os , Sk y T V , Snook er B il l iard s , Pool , B ow l s , C ard s , D arts , G aming M ac hines , Library, Live Entertainment, Off Street Parking.

Pow er Point f or C amp erv ans

Welcome

Milton Bruce RSA 31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927

Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*

INVERCARGILL WORKINGMEN’S CLUB INC. I n c orporati n g th e INVERCARGILL R.S.A.

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154 E sk S treet, I n v erc arg i l l Ph. 03 218 8693 Fax 03 218 3011 e-mail office@iwmc.co.nz H ou rs M on - W ed. 11.00am - 10.00pm T h u rs. 11.00am - 11.00pm F ri . 11.00am - 12 mi dn i g h t S at. 10.00am - 1.30am S u n . 12.00n oon - 9 .00pm B ottl e S tore C ori n th i an R estau ran t open f or l u n c h M on - F ri 12n oon - 1.30pm D i n n er T h u rs. - S u n . f rom 6.00pm C ori n th i an C on v en ti on C en tre av ai l ab l e f or meeti n g s, c on f eren c es or f u n c ti on s, l arg e or smal l 24 G ami n g mac h i n es - 5 sn ook er tab l es k y T V 5 pool tab l es af f l es M on . - S at. an d on S at. n i g h ts f f -street park i n g

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

42 Alfred Street Blenheim (In Clubs Marlborough Complex)

Facilities: Administration Office Support and Welfare Office Museum • Event/function Centre Trenches Restaurant and Bar (Public License) Poppy Club members’ bar Memorial Plaza and Remembrance Wall Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday 08:00am to Midnight Thursday to Saturday 08:00am to 01:00am Sunday 08:00am to 11:00pm

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner available P: 03-3799724 E: office@christchurchrsa.org.nz www.christchurchrsa.org.nz | www.trenches.co.nz 74 Armagh Street, P.O. Box 354, Christchurch 8140,

Private function bookings are welcome

N EW

B RIG H T ON

RSA

21 Maf eking Street, N ew Brighton, C hristchurch P h: 03 388 9 059 Open daily f rom 3.30pm Sunday 11.30am Meals av ailab le Thurs, F ri & Sat “All Welcome”

Tours SCOTTSDALE TOURS EXCLUSIVE SENIOR TOURS

VIETNAM TOURS. 2 0 D ay s e x A u c k , W g t n , Chc h.

F r om $ 6 795p p s har e t w i n . S p e c i al c on di t i on s ap p l y .

K i w i V i e t n am T ou r s : 305 K ahu t e r aw a Rd, RD 2 Pal me r s t on N or t h. Ph: 06 32 4 8444 i n f o@ k i w i v i e t n amt ou r s . c o. n z | w w w . k i w i v i e t n amt ou r s . c o. n z

Our 2016-17 tours include:

NEW ZEALAND: Hokianga for Christmas 23-27 Dec; Taranaki Festival of Lights 25-27 Jan; Hawke’s Bay Historic Homes 7-11 Feb; Kapiti Island 11-14 Feb; Top of the South 13-24 Feb; Winterless North 21-27 Mar; South of the South 23 Mar-7 Apr; AUSTRALIA: Touring Tasmania 9-20 Jan; Melbourne, Adelaide & Murray River 27 Apr-11 May; PACIFIC & BEYOND: Hawaii 14-24 May; New Caledonia 28 May-4 Jun; Tahiti & Moorea 11-19 Jun; Vietnam 24 Jun-9 Jul; Niue 29 Jul-5 Aug; Our tour costs are all inclusive apart from your own spending money and some lunches.

For a copy of our NEW 2017 colour brochure or to make a booking, phone 0800 66 44 14 or email: info@scottsdaletours.co.nz www.scottsdaletours.co.nz

Phone: 03 983 5500 Fax: 03 983 5552

waterfordpress.co.nz

29

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Travel Australia B ea c hf ron t Ap a r t m en t s

The Hyde Park Inn offers friendly, personalised service and spectacular views across Hyde Park. Central CBD location in walking distance to shops, theatres, Central Station, The Opera House, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross. Our comfortable rooms at the Hyde Park Inn include such features as self catering facilities, Complimentary light continental breakfast, Large family rooms and apartments, Free car parking, Guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi and much more!

Heated swimming pool and spa BBQ area Close to local restaurants Short walk to Jupiters Casino 50 Metres to the famous Broadbeach Oasis Mall

Sandpiper Apartments is a 12 storey resort complex located on the beach. Every apartment faces the ocean and includes a private balcony. Spectacular views.

Book for 7-nights in a 1-Bedroom Ocean view apartment - $910 Book for 7-nights in a 2-Bedroom Ocean view apartment - $1120 (Excludes High season, school holidays and special events)

www.sandpiperapartments.com.au | 155 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach | 07 559 201 44

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT STAY 7 PAY 5 $690 p/w

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Cerulean Apartments provide quality 1, 2 & 3 bedroom self-contained beachfront accommodation in Caloundra, opposite patrolled Bulcock Beach. Suited to couples and families – Cerulean Apartments are an ideal base from which to explore the Sunshine Coast

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Contact RSA National Office to subscribe to the RSA Review and get your copy

Subscriptions cover 4 issues from January – December. If you’re a new subscriber, there are two remaining issues in 2016. You’ll pay

Contact: RSA Review, PO Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Email: rsareview@rsa.org.nz Phone: 04 384 7994

$20.00 a discounted price if paying by direct credit or direct debit

If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll receive a 2017 renewal letter from us before the end of the year.

Fully self contained boutique apartments - 4 star self rating, all with lift access, air-conditioning & ocean views. Direct access to beach 50 meters. Heated pool and spa, BBQ area. Easy walk to heart of Surfers or Broadbeach FREE Wifi and Free Basement Secure Car Parking

$25.00 if paying by cheque or credit card $40.00 for overseas subscribers

Book direct and get great deals from friendly staff Ph: 00617 5526 7588 E. info@emeraldsands.com.au www.emeraldsands.com.au

Phone. +617 5499 6688 For more information please visit www.ceruleanapts.com

email info@ceruleanapts.com

30

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

Medals MEDAL MOUNTING COURT STYLE

SWING STYLE

MEDAL MOUNTING Full Size and Miniature Orders, Decorations and Medals. Court Mounted or Swing Style.

If necessary medals cleaned and new ribbon supplied.

Duplicate groups made up to order.

Damage free professional medal mounting in either court style or swing style $20 per medal with new ribbon (full size & miniature). $8 return courier NZ wide. Replicas of all medals available at just $50 per medal inc mounting. NZ wide mail order service or by appointment.

Turnaround is usually 7 days.

Framing from just $150

A G Bairstow - NZ Medals Ltd PO Box 128 - 134, Remuera, Auckland 1541 Ph: 09 571 2074 E: aubreyb@clear.net.nz

www.nzmedals.com

Registered with New Zealand Defence Force as an Approved Medal Mounter Quality work guaranteed Contact: Russell Barker, P O Box 346, Waikanae 5250 Phone: 04 293 1045 Email: rmbarker@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kiwimedalmounting.com 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 45 years by a long serving soldier. 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.

English Tie & Medal Co 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

Centenary fun at Featherston

*Replica medals and Miniatures supplied and mounted. *Full sized and Mini medal groups for other family members. *Framed Medal Displays and Copy displays. *Regimental Ties & Blazer pocket badges.

We do not sell or trade in original medals

P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610

Featherston celebrated the centenary and community-driven makeover of its historic Anzac Hall with fun and entertainment.

The Anzac Club/Kiwi Hall, built in 1916, is the last building standing from the days when young Kiwi soldiers came to the town’s camp to prepare to go battle in World War 1.

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NOW!

Contact RSA National Office to Subscribe Today RSA National Office | PO Box 27248, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 | rsareview@rsa.org.nz

Subscribe to the RSA Review and support a publication which has been celebrating, entertaining and uniting New Zealand’s ex-service and service community for over 90 years.

A subscription for the Summer and Autumn 2017 issues costs only $12.50 for a New Zealand subscription, or $20 for an overseas subscription. And your issues will be delivered straight to your door.

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1

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

What’s New

RSA REFLECTS ON ITS FIRST CENTURY Dion Crooks “The decor, together with the youthfulness of the members, made the clubs modern and lively places.”

So writes Stephen Clark of the early RSA clubrooms in After The War: The RSA in New Zealand, his recently published history of the RSA in New Zealand.

While sport (particularly cricket, rugby, soccer and hockey) played a large part in the clubs, they were also home to an array of cultural and social activities – debating, concerts, brass bands, orchestras, balls, and, most popular of all, choirs.

You could say that the RSAs have come full circle in the movement’s 100 years.

RSA have fought long and hard – at political, social and personal levels – to help veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve and are entitled to.

The clubs prospered for a good 80 of those years, but massive changes in technology and societal habits have seen many struggle ithis century.

The RSA has responded by seeking to present and promote itself on a much broader front as it seeks younger and a wider spread of members to take over from the World War 2 veterans who

Stephen Clarke blends his professional historian skills with his experience of working for the RSA to produce a very readable history of the organisation.

have provided the hard core for so many years.

To be recognised as a “modern and lively place” with a youthful membership is exactly what today’s RSAs aspire to.

Clark does not ignore this evolution. In fact, he traces the history of the RSA is very much that of an organisation that has proved extraordinarily capable in adapting to and dealing with new challenges, with the unexpected, and with continuing change.

He does have inside knowledge. He first researched the RSA in 1991 for post-graduate study, and then worked for the RSA for 12 years, managing national projects, public commemorations and public relations (2001-08), and then chief executive until 2013.

It’s a blend that has produced a book that’s very readable, and ideal for dipping in and out of.

A national treasure for all New Zealanders to share Created by Sir Peter Jackson and supported by ANZ, The Great War Exhibition tells the story of the First World War in vivid Colour. Having opened in 2015 to coincide with the centenary of Gallipoli, The Great War Exhibition is now recognised as a national treasure for all New Zealanders to share − both among ourselves and with our many international visitors. Entering the Exhibition brings the ordeals of this pivotal time in history into the modern day, allowing the decades to retreat and helping us to understand the hardships endured by those who served and those who stayed behind.

Visitors entering the peaceful 1914 Belgian village at the start of their tour will see that colour plays a crucial role in telling this story of the Great War. The creative talents of Sir Peter’s teams at Wingnut Films and Weta Workshop have been used to extraordinary effect to produce an immersive experience that is truly world class. The numerous artefacts woven into the story range from the massive 10 tonne tank to the tinned food that soldiers survived on in the trenches. Undoubtedly one of the most striking features of the exhibition are the hundreds of painstakingly colourised photos, bringing to life the normally black and white story for the twenty-first century viewer.

Stepping through the war years in chronological order, the Exhibition reveals the experiences of those who were conscripted then shipped off to war, remembering not only the suffering but also the courage, humour and sense of adventure. The story of Gallipoli is the focus of the ANZ Room and includes a 100m2 diorama with over 5,000 tiny hand painted figures depicting the desperate fighting, bravery and leadership that characterised the battle for Chunuk Bair. In November 2016, further exhibits were established in the Eastern Foyer and the Great War Exhibition will continue to evolve with new additions scheduled to open in 2017.

Guided tours provide a greater understanding of the significance of the various displays and really bring the Exhibition to life. The onsite Home Shores Café offers a welcome break after your journey and you’ll find a range of interesting collectibles, WWI themed products and gift ideas inspired by the era.

Soldiers ‘failing some idea of masculinity’ A new short film reveals the story of a gay New Zealand soldier in World War 2 who, after an extraordinary protest, was punished for desertion and spent the rest of his life in a psychiatric institution.

Film-maker Welby Ings discovered the story when given letters the man had sent to his son from the institution. He weaves the story with two from his family in a poetic comment on war.

After his lover and comrade was shot in Egypt – and in disgust at the futility of war – the soldier tore off his uniform and carried his lover’s body into enemy gunfire. Miraculously, he survived, only to be charged with desertion and institutionalised.

Welby says the story was hidden for years because the family, like many in New Zealand at the time, was ashamed: “These men had been torn apart psychologiy, had deserted, attempted

suicide, were gay…issues like that. Because they didn’t form part of the grand narrative of war, the families hid them or replaced them.”

The experience of Ings’ grandfather forms the second strand of the story. When he refused to fight in World War 2, his family was terrified he’d be given a white feather – an emblem of cowardice.

“There was this real fear that if you didn’t conform to the dominant idea, if you question it, then you were failing society. Non-involvement with war was aligned with cowardice, not with critical thinking or values, but with failing some idea of masculinity.”

Welby Ings is also a playwright, designer and a professor of graphic design at the Auckland University of Technology. Two of his short films, Boy and Munted, have won awards in international film festivals.

Waikato War ‘defining conflict in our history’ The first single-volume history of the Waikato War since 1879 claims to “shine a spotlight on a dark period of our collective past and bring it into a modern conversation for the consideration of New Zealand’s future”.

Vincent O’Malley argues that ‘the Waikato War was the most decisive in New Zealand’s history – and the m sost brutal and influential – but has long been overshadowed by bigger wars overseas.

The book traverses 200 years to trace the conflict’s origins in the early nineteenth century and its aftermath through to settlement and apology in the late twentieth century.

O’Malley maintains that the Waikato War, rather than Gallipoli or the Western Front, is the defining conflict in our history.

He lays out how the war set back Maori and Pakeha relations by several generations and allowed the colonial government to begin to assert the kind of control over the country that had eluded it since 1840.

“It is a history that Pakeha have preferred to ignore, while remaining never forgotten,” says O’Malley “It is time that, as a nation, we remember. We must remember.” Tainui and other iwi have carried this history alone for many generations.

32

RSA REVIEW • SUMMER 2016

MEDAL-IN-THE-FIRE MYSTERY SOLVED Richard Howitt was 10 years old and poking around in the ashes of a rubbish fire behind his family property in Matamata when he found a World War 1 service medal.

For more than 50 years he kept it nestled in his coin collection with his father’s World War 2 medals. During this time, the medal survived a fire.

In October he returned it to the family of the soldier to whom it belonged. Thomas James Cummins’s medal is now in the hands of his great-granddaughter, Sarah Scothern, who lived in Whangarei.

Originally from Drury in Auckland, Thomas Cummins left for England on June 13, 1918 on board Athenic as part of the 39th Reinforcements.

He never made it to the war because, during the voyage, he got sick and was returned home.

“It was blackened and hard to read, I thought it was somebody called Cumming,” Richard Howitt recalls that when he found the medal, he couldn’t find anyone by that name, so he put it away in the hope one day he would.

Fast forward to the centenary in 2015 and Richard, who now lives in Christchurch, heard about the Auckland Museum’s on-line cenotaph records.

“I couldn’t find a T.J.Cumming, so I cleaned it some more and saw it was an ‘s’ not a ‘g’. I left a message on the website for a family member to contact me.”

Meanwhile Sarah Scothern’s husband and children had gone to this year’s dawn service in

It is amazing to get it. We’re going to get another ribbon for it and put it with my grandfather’s World War 2 medals. I’m sure my kids would love to wear it at the next Anzac Day.

Mark Cummins, Sarah Scothern and Richard Howitt with the returned medal.

Whangarei. She was browsing through the war memorial records when she found the message, but Richard Howitt’s email address was missing.

A bit of sleuthing revealed contact details and she fired off an email.

In yet one more twist of fate, it turned out that Richard Howitt’s daughter, Amelia Fischer,

has been living in Whangarei for the past year.

On October 14, Sarah Scothern, her father, Mark Cummins, Richard Howitt and Amelia Fischer met for the return of the medal. Together they pieced together its movements.

Thomas Cummins, who later drowned in a boating accident, farmed at Katikati after

returning home. His youngest son, Ian, had the medal and at some point moved to a farm near Matamata.

It was here, says Mark Cummins, that his uncle’s storage shed was burgled: “That’s the only way I can think that the medal got taken.”

Mark and Sarah say they didn’t know there was a medal for her great-grandfather, and it is amazing to get it.

“We’re going to get another ribbon for it and put it with my grandfather’s World War 2 medals, “ says Sarah. “I’m sure my kids would love to wear it at the next Anzac Day.”

‘Hey bro – are these your medals?’

Left: Ann Gregan (front) with her daughter Jenny Garrick (left), and granddaughter, Lani Nesbit, with the medals; above, Ernest Joseph O’Donohue, who was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

TV item leads to return of missing medals New Zealand Defence Force employee Lani Nesbit was watching Seven Sharp on television when she saw an item about some medals that had been found. She recognised the name on them as that of her great great grandfather, Ernest Joseph O’Donohue.

Some excited family phone calls ensued, and the medals were returned to Lani’s grandmother, Ann Gregan. Lani’s aunt, Jenny Garrick, was on hand too.

The Wellington family is delighted to finally

have their relative’s medals – and the handover took place exactly 100 years after he died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

“We were all just so excited and so happy for Nana,” says Lani.

“She had been looking for the medals for ages, and had lots of other memorabilia about her grandfather.”

The only remaining mystery is just where the medals have been since they were awarded so many years ago.

It took a conscientious former sailor only hours on social media to reunite an Afghanistan veteran with his stolen medals.

Three medals were spotted in a charity shop in Auckland by former navy man Kelly Kidd’s wife. She sent him a photo of some very recent medals and he thought, ‘Why would they be in an op shop?’ and told her to buy them and bring them home.

Kidd, who served as an able radar plotter in the Royal New Zealand Navy for six years in the 1980s, bought the medals with the aim of finding their rightful owner. A name and service number was engraved on the medals, he put the details on the Ex-RNZN Facebook page, asking for help, and “it pretty much went nuts from there”.

In a matter of hours he was on the phone to the man the medals were awarded to, former LCpl Paul Chambers, who did two tours of Afghanistan and now lives in Blenheim. The medals had been stolen during a burglary of his parents’ house in Auckland in April.

Keith Kidd says he did it because of the comradeship among service personnel.

Paul Chambers, 28 – who served as a signalman and left the army in 2012 – was working in Australia when the burglary happened. He was alerted to the medals by a call from a man who had done basic training with him saying: “Hey bro, are these your medals? The number is very close to mine.”

He went on line, discovered messages from his army mates who had seen the Facebook post,

Former navy man Kelly Kidd returns the stolen medals to Christine Chambers, mother of Afghanistan veteran Paul Chambers.

and within hours, ended up with Kelly Kidd’s name and phone number. Kelly delivered the medals to Paul’s mother in Auckland.

And in another nice touch, the charity-shop manager refunded the $75 cost of the medals to Kelly Kidd, even though he did not ask for one – “the $75 I paid is irrelevant to what the medals mean to the person who risked their life for their country,” says the man who started it all.