28th Maori Battalion



 

In a historic first, the small South Island town of Reefton commemorated veterans of the 28th Maori Battalion. Local Ngai Tahu hapu were invited to lead commemorations.
We’ve come here to implement the aspirations and desire by the community and be a physical presence, but also at the same time to remember those who died and those who returned,” said Te Rua Mason (Poutini Ngai Tahu).

The ceremony marked the week that the battalion returned home to Wellington in 1946 from the WWII battlegrounds of Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy.
Ex-servicemen marched into the town centre for a powhiri hosted bylocal iwi and community leaders, who are working to keep their history alive.
Tony Groves of the Reef ton RSA considered it an honour to welcome the local iwi Ngati Waiwai into their doors, for the first time. “The 28th Maori Battalion was a significant part of New Zealand history, both military and national history and nothing like this has been done by our area before,” said Groves. “So, from there we decided that we should do a commemoration service for them and if we were going to do it, it has to be done the right way within Maori protocols.”
Although the few surviving servicemen from the battalion could not attend the ceremony, there were still special moments for their families to honour them. “I feel very proud,” said Greg Wood, whose father served as one of the 3,500 men to serve New Zealand over the course of the war.
National RSA kaumatua, Miki Apiti said, I was happy when I heard of this event in commemoration of those who served in the 28th Maori Battalion.”
“In communities and small towns like Reefton, they remember the historical battles fought by our Maori soldiers,” said Lieutenant-Colonel and author, Sir Wira Gardiner.
A local store owner said the commemorations were fantastic.
“And to think that we can be part of this and pass this on to our grandchildren is great.”

 

Image reference: Lieutentant-Colonel James Henare leads the 28th Maori Battalion through the streets of Wellington in January 1946, following their arrival home from Italy on the Dominion Monarch.

Alexander Turnbull Library. Reference: 1/2-C- 016251-F

 

E te iwi, anei he whakaaturanga mo tatou! (0 people, is it a show for us!)
from 28th Maori Battalion website.

 

A book is being written about the 28th Maori Battalion’s Delta Company

Ex-serviceman and historian Harawira Pearless is penning the first book regarding the 28th Battalion’s Delta company. He says the tribal and also geographic differences compared to the other Companies is vast. The sons of Ngai Tahu who fought for each other is the focus of a new book. “These men were mutton bird and pigeon hunters. They lived near the sea. They were strong people from whalers and hunters,” he says.

For the last eight months, Pearless has been recording stories from whanau of soldiers of D Company, documenting their major battles, actions, and engagements during World War II. “They were fearless soldiers. Many of the ancestors from that platoon received medals for bravery, such as Ihaia Weepu from Te Arahura, Haki Tainui from Te Wairewa and Wiremu McCray also from
Te Wairewa. They fought in many battles, including Greece, Crete, Egypt and Italy.”

Another stark difference Pearless highlights are the broad geographic spread of D Company compared to their North Island counterparts.
“The 18th platoon of D Company came from the South Island. Company D is made up of 82 percent of the country’s geographical area.”
D Company was the only company to have Non-Maori soldiers among their ranks.
“Soldiers hailed from Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Niue, Moriori and Tahiti.
There was a Pikau- Shawnee Indian from South America.”

The book is expected to be completed by May next year.

 

The above post was sent to us by Peter Scott, Chairman, Italy Star Association, South Island New Zealand.

8 Comments

  1. Glynn welsh

    Hi,i live in the uk my girlfriend is Maori her grandad served in the 28th Maori Battalion during WW2 in italy.his name is Henry Adams Roberts 800878 was his service number he was a lorry driver taking equipment to and from the frontline,he sreved with the 4th armoured div D-company he was wounded in the right shoulder during the campaign in italy and had to spend two weeks in hosp there he then went straight back on the frontline and resumed his duties of taking vital supplies to those at the front. He survived the campaign and went back to New Zealand after the war where in his later years struggled with the use of his right shoulder due to his injury.he passed away in 1996.

    Reply
  2. Geoff Te iti

    actually Frank, if you look up 800878 Prvt Roberts, Harry Adams. DID service with the 28th (Maori)Battalion, as a driver for ‘D Coy

    Reply
  3. Geoff Ruston

    Kia ora. I am 56 years of age and only two years ago discovered my true grandfather was John Michael BROUGH killed in action at Sangro River on 8 December 1943. I believe he was D Company but cannot confirm that. I can’t begin to describe how proud myself and my sister are of this young man and the sacrifice he and his brave friends made. We know absolutely zero about his war service and reading the battalion diary for 7 and 8 December 1943 does not help in that regard (although a fantastic read). If anyone has any information they could give me I would so greatly appreciate it. My sister and I are trying to learn as much as we can about our grandfather. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Thea Cutts

    Gentlemen,
    I’m the granddaughter of Lt Col aerial Te Whitti Love born in London 1961 where my mother Myra Aroha Memory Love. The last of four daughters, born to grandfather and Chief Ariki Tikau Love! My grandfather is buried in Alamagn- Egypt. He never returned! I had planned to bring back my mother’s ashes to Wellington- Lower Hutt ( to my IWi graveyard) and to Tapu Tapu Atea- Avarua Cook Islands in 2019 but Covid happened? And because England’s stupid Government mis handled management of the virus!! I had to cancel my journey!! My mother’s request was to have 1/2 ashes to Petonè 1/2 to Raro and I’m to visit my grandfather’s grave in Alamagn Egypt! She never made it!
    My heart is broken! She hardly saw her father she was 5. When he was shot by a sniper because he was physically fighting on the frontline leading his men!!! Not hidden miles away! In safety, in huts like the Pakea commanders I’m devastated that my mother didn’t make the trip to her fathers grave. We had planned to go together! It never came to be! Apologies for my long response, this time of the year is very difficult for me! My mother died on the 25 th October 2017 and her birthday is the 8th Nov. Sadly my 24 yr old Cook Island nephew committed suicide last November! I find comfort in the fact I come from an honourable man and our ancestors signed the Waitangi treaty!
    Kind regards gentleman and keep safe
    Aroha
    Thea

    Reply
  5. Doreen Gordon

    Hi Thea , i am upset by your referral to Pakeha hiding in their huts miles away from battle. I find that racsist. I lost a Great Uncle who was a Commander with the 28th Maori Battalion not a Maori, along with 2 Uncles who gave their lives for their men. Do not tar every Pakeha with the same brush

    Reply

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