RSA Review Autumn 2015

AUTUMN 2015

SPECIAL RIDE FOR WAR HORSES

More than 10,000 horses left New Zealand for WW1. Only four returned. A tribute to our military horses – page 12 News

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Photo: Helen McLeod

WW1 connections

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Remembering

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RSA Life

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Trees source of a ‘living memorial’

The Kiwi nurse who went to war

Polish pilot defies all Centenarian: It has the odds taken a while

A Forest of Memories is being planted on the Coromandel to honour the New Zealanders killed during WW1.

Hilda Steele – the Kiwi nurse in the TV series Anzac Girls – was one of ‘The Chosen Twelve’ and later ‘Lady Bountiful’.

Jan Adamczyk escaped the horror of Nazi-occupied Poland to fly dangerous night-bombing missions over Europe.

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.RSA.ORG.NZ

“My knees are a lot slower – it makes it harder to catch the blondes,” says World War 2 veteran Hastings Bullock.

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

News The official publication of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Volume 91 No.1 Autumn 2015 Published March 21, 2015

TREES A ‘LIVING’ MEMORIAL Dion Crooks

OFFICE / ACCOUNTS: Helen Bourne, Jill Holland Ph (03) 983 5500 helen@waterfordpress.co.nz

A massive, 10-year living and growing memorial project on the Coromandel has grown from discussion about sustainable tourism for the area.

Anzac Day will mark the start of the planting of 18,166 trees on the Coromandel to honour all New Zealand soldiers who died in World War 1.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council had endorsed the New Zealand World War One Memorial Forests project, and underwritten the estimated $452,000 cost. Costs will be recouped from grants from external agencies and the sale of the trees to the public.

Once the first plantings have been made on the project – also known as the Te Wao Whakamaumaharatanga , the Forest of Memories – on Anzac Day, a push for more intensive planting with schools and volunteers groups will follow.

Thames-Coromandel mayor Glenn Leach says one of the goals is to provide a series of forests that provide environmental education for schoolchildren, a focal point for community involvement, and places of environmental sustainability.

He says the project is part of a move to combine heritage aspects with the Coromandel’s natural attractions.

“A natural forest memorial fits that so well. It is a way of giving these people a little bit of New Zealand again that they can be remembered by.

“It’s also a way of talking to the youth of the country and involving them in our history and in our natural resource. We see it as ongoing process. It will not stop on Anzac Day. We want to provide a means of integrated education that will carry on. Imagine what it will be like in a hundred years.”

He says the feedback, goodwill and co-operation from the Department of Conservation, the Waikato Regional Council, local RSAs, iwi, Forest and Bird, Kauri 2000, and the general community has been fantastic.

An average of 6000 trees will need to be planted each year to complete the project by the Armistice Day 2018 target. Each forest will commemorate a different battle or campaign.

It is proposed to start by planting five forests – one in each community board area. As more sites become available, more forests will be added.

The aim is produce memorial forests that will enhance environmental values and provide a place for people to walk and remember New Zealand history. The trees will be planted in different forests to mark each significant battle.

“In addition to planting and tending the trees, I would like to see schoolchildren involved in things like graphic design for the World War 1, interpretative history signboards, or linking to the curriculum studies that teach about each of the battles,” says Leach.

CUSTOMER SERVICES: Ann-Marie Frentz Sarah McQuilkin Ph: (03) 983 5554 annmarie@waterfordpress.co.nz

Jackson joins new National Association

In this issue 02 News 08 National 10 Letters 12 WW1 Connections 20 Remembering 30 Lost Trails 32 RSA Life 41 What’s New For RSA Review enquiries and subscriptions, contact: RSA Review Anzac House, 181 Willis Street PO Box 27 248, Wellington 6141 Phone 04 384 7994 Fax 04 385 3325 rsareview@rsa.org.nz www.rsa.org.nz Last Post, What’s On and Lost Trails are placed in RSA Review as a free service.

PUBLISHER: James Lynch Ph (03) 983 5500 james@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITOR: Dion Crooks Ph (03) 983 5505 dion@waterfordpress.co.nz ADVERTISING: Paul Crowther Ph (03) 983 5503 paul@waterfordpress.co.nz Dave McKee Ph (03) 983 5518 davem@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION MANAGER Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz DESIGN & LAYOUT: Clare Coe, Samantha Stuart, Jesse Calder, Michael Parker, Liki Udam, Anton Gray Ph (03) 983 5560 art@waterfordpress.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER: Rex Lynch rex@waterfordpress.co.nz

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Views and opinions expressed in the RSA Review are not necessarily those of the RNZRSA, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher.

RNZRSA accepts no responsibility for loss of manuscripts or photos.

Film-maker Sir Peter Jackson (pictured right) is one of the early recruits for the RSA’s new National Association. Along with New Zealand Defence Force chief Lt Gen Timothy Keating, former defence chief Lt Gen (rtd) Rhys Jones, and investment banker Phillip Meyer, he has become a founding member.

The new association is open to anyone, costs $20 a year, helps the RSA champion the “Anzac spirit” values across all generations, helps provide welfare for veterans and their families, and allows you to keep in touch on line.

All Kiwis, born or recently landed, are being invited to join. You don’t need a service history, and you don’t need to join a specific club. More

18,166 trees will be planted on the Coromandel to honour all the New Zealand soldiers who died in World War 1.

‘Powerful, special...and outlasting’ The idea of forest memorial on the Coromandel originated with a former Tourism Coromandel executive director, Chris Adams.

“The idea of a living memorial resonated,” says Adams, now a senior manager with tourism marketing consultancy Miles Media, who produced a concept paper for the ThamesCoromandel District Council.

It’s certainly not an original, he says, quoting the Holocaust Forest in Israel and the Civil War Forest in North Carolina as examples.

“But it’s something unique and special here ... a powerful and special memorial .”

He’s quite taken by the prospect of reviving a traditional Maori tradition of the great kauri and totara trees as the “guardians” of the forest.

“These trees will be living guardians of the 18,166 people who died in World War 1. And 6800 of the New Zealanders have no known grave. Now they will have their own special place in New Zealand through these living trees.

“It’s also quite something to consider that this will be a living memorial with life of 2000plus years. These trees – and the memories

“We need the next generation to understand the past so that we learn about our heritage.”

He says the council has been contacting schools around the district so that students can be involved...from possibly growing trees in nurseries, to ongoing, long-term maintenance.

The council is also giving people around the country the opportunity to buy a tree in the name of a family member who fought in World War 1. It will be looking to sell at least 3000 trees to the public to meet funding targets.

Contractors will be used for site preparation, such as digging the holes and staking, numbering and GPS-plotting, with volunteers involved in the

than 1000 people have joined since the new option was launched on October 3, Jackson says the RSA has a special place in his life. “My dad used to spend every Friday night with his mates at the Pukerua Bay RSA. When I was old enough – well, almost old enough – he would take me along. I got to know veterans of both world wars, and it’s a memory I hold dear.”

Jackson is helping with the preparations for World War 1 centenary commemorations and has designed a museum exhibition in Wellington for Anzac Day as well as a life-sized Western Front battlefield in Waiouru with trenches. He also collects World War 1 airplanes and artefacts, which are on display at Omaka, near Blenheim.

they represent – will outlast not just us, but many, many generations.”

He hopes to see the concept of the trees as symbols of peace taken a step further next year by bringing other countries involved in World War – including enemy nations – into the forest memorial.

The intention is to plant a copse of 100 white, ghost gums to represent Australia to mark the centenary of the first commemoration on Anzac Day next year. Discussions are under way with the Turks to see what tree would be most appropriate.

Adams sees this concept as having ongoing value through providing a connection and focal point for overseas visitors, especially if they have limited time. They could focus on seeing the part of the forest where their country is represented.

The public will also be able to buy a tree to honour a fallen soldier. The $100 cost will cover the plaque that goes with the tree, GPS-plotting and numbering of each tree, maintenance and eventual replacement.

initial planting and maintenance. Contractors will work with volunteer groups to look after each tree in the longer term.

Final decisions on sites of each battle are yet to be made, but it is proposed that Gallipoli (2779 trees) will be honoured on DoC land above Cathedral Cove, the Battle of Passchendaele at the new Whitianga Cemetery, the Battle of Messines Ridge (1300 trees) at the Thames War Memorial, the Palestine campaign at the Pauanui-Hikuai (Tangitarori Lane) walkway, and the Battle of Le Quesnoy at Whangamata.

A separate site at the entrance to Thames will remember the war dead from the town.

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

In brief DIY Commemorations The RSA has launched DIY Commemorations, a free on-line toolkit of resources designed to help Kiwis with their own commemorative events and find out more about how they can honour their family’s military history.

The kit covers topics such as: how to plan a commemorative event; maintaining and wearing medals; finding military service records. It can be downloaded from www. rsa.org.nz/diycommemorations. Derek Nees, who oversaw the kit’s development, says many of the resources are particularly suited to schools, community organisations and workplaces wanting to hold a memorial service or event. RSAs may also be available to support communities and organisations with commemorations, he says.

Campbell Live Anzac Day broadcast TV3’s Campbell Live current affairs show is looking to commemorate past servicemen and servicewomen in a special video tribute to be broadcast around Anzac Day. The aim is to collate wartime photographs and footage of individual service members, then transpose the images on to present-day photographs or footage of veterans’ living relatives. If you are a veteran or part of a veteran’s family, and would like to take part in the project, contact: Mike Wesley-Smith, reporter, mikewesleysmith@mediaworks. co.nz.

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SCHOOLS KITTED TO REMEMBER Jo Bailey More than 2500 New Zealand schools are being encouraged and equipped to establish “fields of remembrance” for the 18,166 New Zealanders who died in World War 1.

The schools are being supplied with kits to set up fields of personalised white crosses to honour those who served and did not return home, and to engage the students in learning about their sacrifice. Each kit contains 30 white crosses, and stickers with the names of 30 of the fallen.

It’s part of an initiative by the Fields of Remembrance Trust, working with the Ministry of Education.

“World War 1 was when New Zealand came of age as a nation, and I believe these commemorations are another right of passage,” says David McGregor, independent chairman of the Fields of Remembrance Trust.

“We are not about glorifying war, but helping students understand the impact the war had on New Zealand and helping them connect to people from a different time and place.”

The trust was formed in November 2012 by three organisations, which serve as its trustees – the Passchendaele Society, the New Zealand RSA and the Auckland RSA. The initial objective was for all communities in New Zealand to create a Field of Remembrance to honour the local people who served.

This grew to include the schools project after the Ministry of Education identified a desire to include World War 1 commemorations as a curriculum project.

“We made contact with Apryll Parata, a senior executive at the ministry responsible for the curriculum programme, and developed the idea for sending the resource kit out to New Zealand schools,” says McGregor.

Dame Trelise Cooper, the first female patron of the Auckland RSA, shares a joke with some of the volunteer helpers who prepared and packaged the Fields of Remembrance kits that have been sent to 2500 schools.

Graham Gibson, vice chair of the Fields of Remembrance Trust and president of the Auckland RSA, was instrumental in gaining sponsorship, which has helped fund more than 80,000 white crosses, 75,000 stickers and 12,500 posters.

The 30 crosses in each individual kit represent

the size of a platoon. Every school will also be given stickers with the names of four Victoria Cross recipients, the youngest New Zealander who died (aged 17), an All Black captain, and local soldiers and nurses from their regions.

To page 6

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

The Anzac Spirit – which the RSA has espoused as its rationale for being – is a noble and positive concept. It is all-inclusive, regardless of culture or generation and no longer just about war. It is about creating a sense of community, celebrating courage and selflessness, and creating a country where we stand together and support one another through good and

bad times. The concept is also central to the RSA (formed in 1916 to support returned soldiers and their families after World War 1) as it moves to broaden its activities and membership base. ELISE DALRYMPLE-KEAST asked a random sample of the public about what they knew and thought about the RSA and the Anzac Spirit.

SPIRIT CONNECTS WITH PUBLIC “What is the RSA?’’ “Is that something to do with the war?”. “Aren’t they the ones who hand out poppies on Anzac Day?” All questions encountered in a survey that asked individuals what they thought of the RSA, and if they would consider joining.

The results were disappointingly underwhelming; not because those interviewed thought that the RSA and the services it provides were unimportant, but simply because of the lack of public knowledge of what the organisation actually is.

Half of those interviewed said they knew nothing about the RSA, 40 per cent knew a little, and only 10% had a comprehensive knowledge of what the organisation is and does. One interviewee even thought the interview was about their perspective on becoming a member of the IRA. Not one person surveyed had heard of the Anzac Spirit in its new context. One person jokingly asked if it was a new type of whisky the RSA was trying to promote. A few had some understanding of the Anzac Spirit in relation to Anzac Day parades and remembering the dead.

But the news is not all bad for the RSA. Most of those interviewed said they would definitely consider joining – particularly after learning

that the RSA is more than just a “pub for elderly, returned soldiers”.

And there was a very positive response among interviewees once they were given some details of what the Anzac Spirit concept means and entails. It seems that the only issue with the

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Anzac Spirit is that it is not widely known.

Many interviewees felt the Anzac Spirit concept made the RSA sound like a “nice community to be a part of”, but they had not heard of it.

Many said they were more encouraged to consider joining after hearing about it – particularly as it shatters the common misconception that to become a member of the RSA, you have to be a returned serviceman.

Lack of knowledge about the RSA, which largely comes down to minimal self-promotion over nearly 100 years, is the root of a lot of the issues that discourage people from RSA membership.

The Generation Zers (born since 1995) questioned all said – once it had been explained what the RSA was – they would consider joining later in life, as they thought the community and services it provides sounded like a really good idea; but right now, they would feel a bit “awkward and out of place,” if they were the youngest by a large margin.

They said they would be much more inclined to join if there were a large amount of other young people involved, if the RSA offered scholarships, ran fun events such as social karaoke nights, and offered deals on drinks and meals for student members.

It was pretty apparent that if the RSA wishes to attract members of high school and university age, then there need to be opportunities of this nature. Otherwise, as multiple individuals of this age bracket said, “There is not much appeal for younger people.”

For the Generation Yers (born 1977-94), the problem was more the feeling of inclusion. Many of those interviewed had either been a member or had older relations who had been members, yet they knew little about the organisation and believed they would feel out of place because they had never been to war or did not feel welcome.

One individual had been in a member of the Air Training Corps and her children were now

in the ATC, but she had never joined the RSA as she “had never been asked”. The lesson for the RSA is for current members to make a real effort to reach out to those who are, or have served, and them feel welcome.

The other prevalent issue amongst this age bracket was the fact that many of them simply “did not go out enough,” because of commitments with children and other life factors. For them, the answer could be something as simple as a ‘parents’ day’ at the RSA clubrooms with separate fun activities for children, maybe educating them about New Zealand’s military involvement and history in them, whilst the parents have a chance to socialise over a drink or meal. Involving children at an early age could encourage them to become members later.

It was clear, in the minds of those in this age bracket particularly, that the RSA need not alter its principles and values to attract more members, but needed to find new and practical ways to promote these values and draw in the community.

Accessibility was an issue across all generations.

Many said they “they would be interested in joining”, but did not know where the RSAs were, or felt they were too far away. This was particularly an issue for those unable to drive themselves, for whom, getting to an RSA was physically impossible, and for whom, taxiing would be “just too bloody expensive”. Courtesy vehicles and website listings of the best bus routes were mentioned as handy aids.

Cost was a frequent issue for the older generation. Many said “there was not a lot to spare” living on a pension, and they could either not afford RSA membership fees or were unsure how much it would cost.

An elderly woman said she believed the work that the RSA did was very important, and the organisation must continue to preserve the history so that “retired people, when they have a lot more time on their hands, would be inclined to join as long as membership is not too expensive and not too demanding”.

Perhaps, membership fees and conditions need to be made more apparent. There is little mentions of them on RSA websites.

There was a clear message among interviewees that people still very much value the work the RSA does, and the opportunity it provides for a supportive community.

They wanted the RSA to continue, whether that means choosing to make small changes to appeal to one or all age-brackets, or simply, as one individual said, “simply amalgamating with another group and continuing to do their charity work”.

• RSA national president BJ Clark discusses

the organisation’s moves on rejuvenation, membership, profile and commercial partnerships: page 5.

Most of those interviewed said they would definitely consider joining – particularly after learning that the RSA is more than just a “pub for elderly, returned soldiers”.

News

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

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SIGNS RIGHT, SAYS NEW PRESIDENT Dion Crooks BJ Clark is big on the R words. RSA – well, you’d expect that from the man elected national RSA president in November. But in Clark’s thinking, the RSA is all about remembrance and respect.

Remembrance. That is what the RSA represents.

No RSA, no remembrance.

Remembrance – of those who have given their lives in service for their country, and of those who have given their service - is the RSA’s point of difference, he says.

It is enshrined in the organisation. Without the RSA, the nation could let this remembrance ebb and eventually slip away.

Respect. By RSA members and the public for the contribution of all ex-servicepeople. No matter where it was and or in what capacity.

Clark sees the growing public involvement, especially amongst younger people, in Anzac Day as an encouraging sign. He would like to see us reach the point where we show our respect for service more overtly...”where we see a guy in uniform and say ‘Thanks for your service’.”

He also recalls hearing how some World War 1 blokes did not readily accept those returning from World War 2, instead greeting with comments such as “You jokers don’t know know what a real war was”. So it was with those from Korea, Malaya, Vietnam and so forth.

The truth is, he says, young vets are just as relevant as the old guys.

Nor should we judge their particular role.

“You’ve got to look at all the elements that make up the services...infantry, engineers, administration, pay clerk, cook and so on. They’re all part of the big picture. You need them all to make the machine work. It’s like a jigsaw – it’s no good if even if the smallest piece is missing.”

There all also ex-servicemen who never served

RSA national president, BJ Clark (right) joins RSA business development manager Grant Marris for a preview taste of the new range of RSA Anzac biscuits. The RSA and New Zealand company AFM Group have produced

a limited edition of World War I commemorative Anzac biscuit tins — a very recent example of how the RSA is looking towards commercial partnerships..

Each RSA-branded commemorative tin sold earns a donation to the RSA’s support services.

The tins are available in seven designs, with photographic scenes of New Zealanders during World War 1. Clark believes it’s fitting that proceeds from the biscuit sales will directly contribute to the well-being of New Zealand’s service and ex-service community.

The commemorative tins are available from Countdown, New World, PAK’nSAVE, The Warehouse and Nosh.

overseas simply because their careers did not coincide with an opportunity to do so. That does not lessen their contribution.

He is thrilled to see recognition through medals for those who did Compulsory Military Training (CMT) in the 1950s and National Service through the 1960s and early ‘70s.

“They may not have seen active service, but they were trained and prepared to go if necessary.”

Clark’s thoughts are exemplary examples of putting the Anzac spirit – courage, camaraderie, compassion and commitment – into practice. But so they need a practical framework if they are to help in solving the RSA’s immediate issues.

Yes, he says, a year or two ago, the RSA body had got to the point where it needed some surgery, even a few transplants...a more modern image, younger blood amongst the leadership, innovative ideas to arrest the decline in membership, a

more commercially-oriented approach, a more business-like way of running the show, a budget that balanced.

Fortunately, the RSA leadership recognised the issues and acted – quickly and decisively before the cause was irrevocably lost.

Membership had been declining as the hard core of veterans dwindled. But, says Clark, that corner has been turned and membership is well and truly on the way up again.

“We hadn’t opened the door wide enough, we were probably too protective. We had an ageing membership, we had membership restrictions.”

A more relaxed approach to membership has been headed by the new national membership category. You join for $20, you do not belong to a specific club but have the right to go to any New Zealand RSA or Australian RSL, and you have access to all RSA benefits and offers.

Sign-ups to national membership, introduced early in October, have topped 1000. Almost 400 others who enquired about national membership joined a local RSA once they discovered there was one in their local area.

There is also a drive to recruit young vets as a members, to get the message through that the RSA has plenty to offer you “once you’re out” – continuing contact; a place to catch up with your mates and make new ones; the capability of looking after your interests if and when needed.

The ideal, of course, is a healthy mix of young and old, both in age and in military experience BJ Clark sees rejuvenation in the RSA’s leadership ranks. At 60 he counts himself as a “young president”. Two women (the first) and a civilian (non-military background) were elected to the national council in November.

Four or five RSAs have women as presidents.

The signs are right, he says.

“Not that long ago, this would never have happened.”

At a commercial level, the RSA has established a number of partnerships with businesses – some for specific purposes, others offering members buying advantages on products and services, with a cut for the RSA finances.

On the front beyond the military and the veteran, the RSA is campaigning for members and support from those who like the organisation’s values, would like to espouse them, and help preserve them.

“We are working to be welcoming and out there. We have to be realise we need to make changes if we want to attract younger people, young veterans, and associates to join us.

We have to offer good-quality food and good facilities.

“We see ourselves as offering safety, security and warmth.”

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6 News

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

FINISH LINE IN SIGHT FOR MEMORIAL PARK Paul Riley can finally see the end in sight to the enormous building project that is Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, in Wellington – and he can’t wait.

The curator of the National War Memorial in Wellington and his staff have been working alongside an army of workers, builders and specialists for four years to get the park ready for Anzac Day 2015 and the centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli landings.

“I must admit we’re all getting a little impatient, but we’re at a point where we can see the end,” he says. “Getting back to normal will be great.”

The largest publicly funded commemoration project for the World War 1 centenary has involved building an underground tunnel for traffic so that the park can be developed above. The Arras tunnel, named after the famous New Zealand tunnelling company, opened in September, and work then emerged above ground.

Pukeahu commemorates the more than 300,000 New Zealanders who have served their country and the 30,000 who have died. It includes a hall of memories, a carillon, and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior; the area also encompasses the Dominion Museum, which will soon be home to filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson’s Great War exhibition.

The park is intended to be a national place where New Zealanders can remember and reflect on their country’s experience of war, military conflict and peacekeeping, and how that experience shapes our ideals and sense of national identity.

Its design allows for the construction of memorials, particularly from countries with a shared military heritage. The first of these is an Australian memorial that will be dedicated during Anzac Week. A New Zealand memorial

Military sites Keith Gell, Auckland conservation services manager for the Department of Conservation, is keen to keep historic military sites alive “by adding the people element” He says lots of batteries, bunkers, tunnels and pill boxes are located across the Auckland region, with concentrated sites at North Head, Motutapu, Rangitoto, and Motuihe islands and Fort Takapuna. “How we bring these sites alive is something I am keen to do, especially with families who served on these sites.” He wants to engage with interested groups with which DoC could partner to help preserve this history. He says he very willing to sit down and discuss the issue, or lead a hikoi through

An artists impression of the Pukehau National War Memorial Park in Wellington (far left) and Paul Riley (left), curator of the National War Memorial

minister, John Key, in a public ceremony at 11am on April 18.

The ceremony will include a re-dedication of the Hall of Memories and the Roll of Honour, plus a creative performance.

Paul Riley admits it will be emotional for him: “I might even shed a little tear. It will be a great occasion.”

is already sited on Anzac Parade in Canberra.

The concept of Pukeahu is that it should be about – and for – the people of New Zealand.

And for Paul Riley, managing the National War Memorial is a privilege.

“I love the place, it’s a beautiful building. I also like the variety – each day rolls into the next, but you never quite know who’s about to walk in the door.”

In the 20 years he has been there, he has seen many high-profile visitors from around the world, but he says it’s the veterans and families

who come to pay their respects and the school visits he really enjoys.

When the Unknown Warrior was interred in a specially built tomb in front of the National War Memorial 10 years ago, thousands came to pay their respect in the first week – mirroring the crowds that turned up to the dedication of the carillon in 1932. Riley is hopeful the park opening on will attract similar interest.

The Pukeahu National War Memorial Park will be officially opened by the governor-general, Lt Gen Sir Jerry Mateparae, and the prime

• Wellington’s Anzac week programme will also include: a Son et Lumiere light-show performance to celebrate Pukeahu (nightly at 7pm; the dedication of the Australian Memorial at Pukeahu at 10am on April 20; a street parade from Parliament to Pukeahu at 12.30pm, and an Anzac vigil service at Wellington Cathedral, Molesworth St at 6pm on April 24; and on April 25, the dawn service (5.30am) at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, a citizens’ wreath-laying service at the Wellington Cenotaph, the National Anzac service (11am) at Pukeahu, the Ataturk service (2pm) at Strathmore, a live screening of the Gallipoli dawn service (2.30pm) at Pukeahu, and the Beat Retreat and Last Post (6pm).

some sites. Contact: Keith Gell, 027 4127068, kgell@doc.govt.nz.

Wanaka Warbirds appointment Naomi Lindsay has been appointed general manager of Wanaka-based Warbirds and Wheels, which, as well as running the museum, hosts meetings, conferences and events. She brings a background in tourism, sales, marketing and public relations to the business, which opened three years ago with a collection of Warbirds planes and more than 30 classic cars. The car collection includes the only 1934 Duesenberg Model J in the southern hemisphere – it was owned by actress Carol Lombard, who was married to Clark Gable.

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Kitsets to produce fields of remembrance tributes (such as this) are being sent to 2500 New Zealand schools.

Schools kitted for remembrance From page 3 Another of the crosses will commemorate the Unknown Soldier with the label, “known unto God”.

The kit also contains poppies, plaques, commemoration posters a guidebook of instructions on how to assemble the field, and background information about the commemorations and ways in which schools might like to be involved.

“A large team of people put in a huge effort to package up the kits over the holiday period,” says Gibson. “ We are also grateful for the support of Dame Trelise Cooper, who is the first female patron of Auckland RSA.” Many schools have already shared their ideas for commemorations, he says. These include: learning about the lives and experiences of those who died; choosing one soldier to investigate and report on; discovering if any of their own ancestors fought in World War 1; exploring the

past through mapwork, writing, reading and music; cooking Anzac biscuits.

David McGregor says it is entirely up to the schools how they participate, but he would be happy if they took the opportunity to engage with the RSA and New Zealand Defence Forces as part of the project.

“Every NZDF establishment is assembling a field of remembrance. It would be great to see schools invite local servicemen and women to their commemorations, or work with RSA members and veterans to assist with creating fields or holding services.”

He is proud of the “marvellous effort” by the Fields of Remembrance Trust project team.

“It has been hard work putting it all together.

However the results will be well worth it when we see fields being assembled around the country, and our young people honouring the sacrifice of the people, many not much older than them, who never made it home.”

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8

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

National

OPENING NEW RUATORIA RSA ‘AN HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE’ BJ Clark, RSA national president

Having now been in the role as national president for four months, I am starting to settle into understanding the workload involved. I must acknowledge the National Office staff, who are a source of incredible support and keep me on track.

The application process for the new RNZRSA board has closed and the interview panel (me, Robin Klitscher and Simon Arcus, from the Institute of Directors) are completing the short-listing process. We thank all the applicants for offering their services. Their high calibre will ensure we get a quality board.

Another side of the president’s role is the privilege and honour of visiting RSAs and meeting individual members.

I received an invitation to open the new RSA at Ruatoria on Saturday, February 7. My wife, Wendy, and I travelled from Wellington to Gisborne where we stayed overnight and were able to enjoy a beer at the Gisborne RSA. My thanks to the team at Gisborne for making us feel very welcome.

On the Saturday morning we travelled to Ruatoria for the 10am official opening. We were met by Ruatoria RSA president Eru Paenga and secretary Alex Reedy, who explained the powhiri process.

The powhiri was a wonderfully warm welcome, and we learned that some 60 years ago, the Ruatoria RSA story started with the purchase of an old blacksmith’s shop on the present site.

Over time, with a lot of hard work and fundraising, the first part of the RSA was constructed.

The second part was built by a team of army engineers, with the Ruatoria RSA providing the materials.

As Eru so proudly stated: “We don’t owe anyone a bloody cent,” (or words to that effect).

During the powhiri I was reminded that Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu VC, my class patron when I joined the Regular Force Cadets in 1970, was a son of Ruatoria.

I was honoured to formally open the RSA with Eru’s granddaughter. When you entered the RSA, you could feel the spirit of those who

had gone before, and see the care and attention that had gone into the project.

I then had the immense pleasure of meeting one of the last few remaining 28 Maori Battalion members, C Company veteran Nolan Raihania, national president of 28 Maori Battalion Association.

Nolan lied about his age to join the army as a 16-year-old. He is still a very mobile, modest, approachable man, and a great taonga (treasure) of the Ruatoria RSA. He emanates an aura of service and honour.

My next privilege came about as we sat down for lunch. I was introduced to two fine women, Peg Heeney and Kate Walker, sisters of MoanaNui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu VC. They informed me there was another sister, Mihihara Ngata, who was resting in hospital after working too hard mowing her lawns – not bad for a women who, I believe, is 92 years young.

Having lunch with Peg and Kate capped off a wonderful visit to Ruatoria. They were very kind and answered a barrage of questions

regarding their family history. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet them.

I congratulate all those who had a part in the Ruatoria RSA project. You can be justifiably proud of what you have achieved through hard work and through being dedicated to achieving your dream.

Anzac Day is rapidly approaching, which, of course, means a busy time for all RSAs. Because this is the centennial anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, it is more than likely that the crowds attending our Anzac services this year will exceed all expectations.

Commemorate and celebrate this historic day, and do not pass up the opportunity to share in the traditional after-service hospitality of your local RSA. Our doors will be open and we will be ready with a warm welcome.

A thought: “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” – George Bernard Shaw.

‘CLEAR AND COMPELLING VISION’ SECRET TO RSA MAKING THE RICH LIST David Moger, RSA chief executive I always keep an eye out for when Forbes issues its latest global Rich List, which shows the ranking and overall estimated assets of the wealthiest people on the planet.

The highest ranking New Zealander in the most recent list is Graeme Hart, with an estimated net wealth of $NZ9.3 billion.

At the top of the list, Bill Gates added $US3.2 billion to his net wealth over the past year, bringing his total to $US79.2 billion. Number three on the list, Warren Buffett, had the biggest increase – $US14.5 billion – despite giving $US2.8 billion to charity over the past year.

It is wonderful to see the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett giving so generously to charity. I usually take a few minutes when the Rich

List comes out to wonder what sort of impact I could have, the people I could help, and the difference I could make if I had just a fraction of that type of wealth.

However, I spend more time wondering how these billionaires made their money and what we can learn from their success.

I enjoy reading their autobiographies and comparing the different ways in which they have been successful. In many ways, their stories are all different, from the circumstances they grew up in and the opportunities they made the most of, to the risks they took and the mistakes they made.

However, there are a small number of very common traits that come through.

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One is commitment. These people have been completely committed. Hours of hard work and sacrifice, knock-backs and mishaps, changing markets and new competitors, have been faced and dealt with. There can be no doubt the commitment of these individuals has played a major role in their success.

At the RSA, we have commitment as one of our four Anzac values. As we commemorate the service and sacrifice of our Defence personnel over the years, we can clearly see how vital that value is.

But what is it that we are committed to?

Looking over the stories of every successful person I can find, from the financially successful ones on the Rich List, to our sporting heroes, from ground breaking scientists to those who devoted themselves to caring for others, it is clear to me that they are all committed to something.

It is that something that motivates them to succeed, that inspires them when they are set back, and enables them to rally others to their cause.

That something is vision.

A clear and compelling vision gives direction, purpose and energy. It sets out what we want to achieve and what we’re aiming for. It enables us to make decisions. We can decide to do the things that take us another step towards our vision, and we can decide not to do things that would take us away from it.

Conversely, lack of vision means that, at best, we just tread water. We’re not sure where we are going or what we need to do to get there, because there is no set destination in our minds.

There is an ancient saying: “Without vision, the people perish.”

The vision needs to be a big, otherwise we’d be setting a new one every five minutes.

For an organisation like the RSA, it needs to be inspiring and rallying, something to which every New Zealander can say “YES”.

We are continuing the quiet revolution the RSA movement is going through, looking to the next 100 years, and working on the vision for the RSA. We’ve found that the RSA’s vision is actually a vision for the whole of New Zealand – it’s that big.

We strive for a nation with a heartfelt connection to the Anzac Spirit, which is expressed through the values of Courage, Commitment, Compassion and Comradeship. How could it be anything else when it has been said that somewhere between the landings at Gallipoli and the battles of the Western Front, New Zealand became a nation?

Our heritage lies in the Anzac Spirit. Our success as a nation to this point lies in that Anzac Spirit. The future of our nation lies in every single one of us having a heartfelt connection to that Anzac Spirit.

Everyone I’ve talked to about the RSA vision has said a very strong “YES”. It is inspiring, rallying and it is certainly big. It drives our plans and actions and inspires us to personify it.

Our vision for a nation with a genuine connection to the Anzac Spirit is a vision we need to repeatedly share, so that more and more New Zealanders catch it, hold on to it, and live it.

I invite everyone to do so. We might not make it to the top of the Rich List as a result, but we will be successful – as an RSA movement and as a nation – far beyond any mere financial measure.

10

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

Your say RSA WITH A VIEW: Alistair Kerr

ADAPT OR DIE: THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE I have been reflecting, with some sadness, and, it is fair to say, some wonder, on the recent closure of some RSA clubs – long-established clubs – in what were reasonably affluent areas.

Of course, each one of these closures has had its own set of circumstances and reasons and this is not the place in which to examine them.

But I do believe that these closures do provide each RSA club with a salutary reminder about its own present and future.

We, as a national institution, are the only organisation which exists – and holds as a core value – the preservation of the memory of all those people who gave their lives to preserve our freedom.

But if we are to continue to do that, then it follows that our clubs must continue to survive if they are to be able to carry out that function.

And, it further follows, that to stay alive, each club must be run in a business-like manner which attracts and holds its membership.

A few years ago our national executive launched a campaign to re-brand our movement away from the traditional image of “a club old blokes disappear into”, to that of “a hub for all the community”.

Of course all this requires change and change can be challenging ... but if we are to survive and prosper then we must abandon the mind-set that confines us to doing what we have always done.

It’s difficult to assess yet just how nationally successful that has been, but there is reassurance in the many articles in the RSA Review giveing examples of how well some clubs have managed to go well down the road to achieving this aim.

It is even more reassuring to know that this development has been rewarded by an increase in membership numbers and participation.

So, I ask you, each reader, to examine what your club is doing to ensure its continued existence and prosperity.

Here are some questions I’d like to think every

RSA member is asking.

• How well do you attract and nurture the membership and involvement of your associate members? You must do this, for they are the very life-blood of your continuing survival.

• Do you identify the age-group which will ensure your club’s growth and plan to make it attractive to their needs and interests?

• How well is your club building its ‘brand’ and making its presence felt in the community?

Is it getting involved in community events? For example, the centennial Anzac Day this year

will be a great time to lift a club’s public profile.

• What developments are happening or planned to attract new members? A high-standard restaurant that encourages public patronage would be one way of doing that. Another would be to introduce child-friendly areas with space for kids to play. Bring in the families and they will stay.

We live in an era of social change with a rapidly growing, increasingly multicultural population.

If we are to survive, we need to bring about big changes in the ways in which we manage our clubs to make sure we make them desirable, safe, family-oriented venues of choice.

Of course, all this requires change and change can be challenging.

The RSA is, by nature, still rather a conservative body. After all, it was founded by men whose battlefield experiences meant they were taught to be cautious.

But, if we are to survive and prosper, we must abandon the mind-set that confines us to doing what we have always done.

We must move forward or, like those less fortunate clubs that have closed, perish.

In other words, “Adapt or Die”.

YOUR LETTERS

Fight for the flag Shame on the Prime Minister for promoting a change of flag – especially during the centenary commemorations of World War 1. For some, it is perhaps in bad taste. He apparently disregards the honour, sacrifice and memory of those fallen New Zealanders in their military duty to New Zealand under this flag, which has been the official New Zealand ensign since 1869. Since 1902 it has represented New Zealand Aotearoa as the `national flag’ on land, through all conflicts involving New Zealand since World War 1 to Afghanistan today.

There is certainly no strong public lobby to change the flag; this was glaringly evident in a previous referendum. Therefore, why put taxpayers to substantial expense (an excessive $26 million) for another two referenda on whether or not to replace this most honoured and fought-for – almost sacred – New Zealand flag.

The Prime Minister’s claim it is too much like the Australian flag needs to be put into historical context. New Zealand had its Southern Cross starry-designed flag long before Australia, so if there should be change on that basis, New Zealand has precedence.

The New Zealand-designed ensign has been in use since 1869 on ships in New Zealand waters and came into official use on land on March 24, 1902. It was seen in use during the South African War, evidenced on postcards and in Premier Seddon’s recorded comments.

Australia’s flag was designed on September 3, 1901, then changed to its present design. It was not approved until 1908.

Eighteen and a half thousand New Zealand service personnel were killed in 1NZEF during World War 1 and a further 31,633 making the supreme sacrifice in 2NZEF during World War 2 while serving under the current New Zealand flag, not to mention losses in subsequent conflicts in the defence of New Zealand.

Thus, it might appear to many to be perhaps a little flippant at this particular time to advocate a change. The issue might have more to do with the ego of a prime minister keen to make his

mark on New Zealand’s history, The stance of the RNZRSA – that we should retain our much honoured, current New Zealand flag – is to be highly commended and fully supported.

Vexillologist (flag expert) John Vaughan, of Australia, formed the Australian National Flag Association in opposition to the Aust government’s proposal in the 1980s to change their flag. He and his Vexillographic Association won the day.

Mark Parke, 79495, of Taupo – a good friend and a fellow New Zealand veteran (RNZAF) and RSA member, and also a vexillologist and published world flag authority – and I believe it would be opportune to do the same here in New Zealand.

Colin J Andrews P38492, NZ Army (Takapuna, Auckland)

Medal recognition The decision in June last year by the Medallic Recognition Joint Working Group for service in

South-East Asia was a huge disappointment to all service veterans who served in that theatre.

The JWG called for submissions over three and half years ago, and took all that time to give a negative decision.

As a naval veteran, I served in HMNZS Royalist and made submission on the commissions of Royalist for 1959, 1961 and 1963. My submission was for recognition for a South-East Asia Medal, ie, the General Service Medal with Clasp South East Asia.

The decision given was for the Operations Service Medal, which has a different criteria and is not what I applied for. The Operations Service Medal does not give you a Clasp, so does not say what operational area it was awarded for. We served under the Royal Navy Command with the Far East Strategic Command, which was an operation area until 1966.

I know that army veterans who served in Singapore, Malaya and South-East Asia and never received medal recognition are, like us naval veterans, extremely upset. The General Service Medal has been awarded for far lesser conflicts. I would have thought that, at least, the lesser of the two General Service Medals, Bronze Peacekeeping, would have been appropriate for the award.

I wrote to the RSA, which was represented on the JWG, asking if it would consider approaching the Medallic Recognition Committee to reconsider and look at the possibility of issuing the non-warlike Bronze General Service Medal.

I received a reply from the then national president, Don McIver, and it was a bitter blow to all those services which served in that area, especially in the 1960s where I served in the RNZN. Me McIver said: “The (JWG) report is very comprehensive in its treatment of deployments by all services into South East Asia and especially in its review of the transits of all RNZN ships during the period under review...

You ask about the option of awarding the New Zealand General Service Medal (non-operational) for this type of service. The JWG canvassed all options before reaching its conclusion that the NZ Defence Service Medal best fits the

recognition criteria for non-operational service in South East Asia.

“The Royal New Zealand RSA was a member of the JWG which presented its unanimous decision to the Minister. On that basis, I would not be prepared to approach NZ Defence to relitigate the issue unless this was sought by the RSA movement as a whole”.

We (veterans) think the RNZRSA would have put up a better fight on their behalf of the veterans it represents rather than bowing down to the decision made by the Joint Working Group in Wellington – which would not accept all the submissions service personnel made, and which took three years to make a decision which went against the veterans.

It’s a sad blow to all veterans who served overseas, but got no recognition from our government.

Allan Birtwistle NZ15267 RNZN (Rotorua)

Who is fit to fight?

In Fit To Fight: Compulsory Military Training and National Service in New Zealand 1949-1972, by Peter Cooke, the statement is made that those undergoing Compulsory Military Training were not permitted to volunteer for service in the Korean conflict.

The first intake entered Linton Military Camp on May 9, 1950 (training ended August 9, 1950).

Most of this intake were 19-year-olds. The Korean conflict was announced near the end of this intake’s training.

My questions are: • Where did the government of the day get the right to dictate who could take part in the Korean conflict?

• What was the point of Compulsory Military Training?

Perhaps we should all have followed in the footsteps of a well known Wellington businessman who argued he didn’t like being shouted at. Thus, no CMT for him – but yes, he got a knighthood.

Harry Newhouse (Taupo)

12

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

WW1 Connections

HUNDREDS HONOUR MILITARY HORSES Jo Bailey Three hundred horses, of virtually every shape, size and colour, gathered at a remote North Canterbury cemetery on February 15 to honour the New Zealand military horses of World War 1. They were accompanied at Birch Hill Station, near Okuku, by close to 800 spectators.

Following two memorial rides, a service was held where wreaths were laid, anthems were sung, blessings were made, and tears were shed.

RSA national president BJ Clark, who was MC, describes the event as “a wonderful tribute to the horses and extremely moving”.

The organisers “did a great job”, he says. They worked closely with the RSA to ensure correct procedure and protocol was followed, and the event was handled respectfully.

He found the Birch Hill cemetery – which has a large, curved, stone monument with plaques honouring the 10 men from the station who went to World War 1 and the New Zealand military horses – “absolutely stunning and a must-visit”.

LtCol Edward Bowler (EB) Millton, who owned the station during the war, commissioned the monument, which was officially opened to the public in 1937. An inscription on one plaque reads: ‘In memory of the horses of the 8th Regiment NZMR that died in the Great War 1914-1918’.

Of the 10,000 horses that left New Zealand for the war, only four ‘officers’ horses’ are said to have been repatriated. The others were either killed in the war, sold to Egyptians, or pooled with the British Army. Many Kiwi soldiers shot their horses rather leave them behind in Egypt to endure horrific, slave-like conditions.

Thereza Rosanowksi, who lives at Okuku, came up with the idea of a memorial event after spotting a story in a local paper about the original plaque at Birch Hill Station. The plaque was thought to be one of only two of its kind in the South Island (the other was found at the Timaru RSA last year and relocated in August to the Phar Lap Raceway at Washdyke).

“After a sleepless night thinking about the potential to organise a memorial ride locally, I visited a nearby friend and long-time resident, Ian Summerfield, who helped plan the trails as he knew the area very well.”

They went for a drive to look at possible routes and, within an hour and a half, had positive feedback from every farmer whose land would be traversed. One was Derrick Millton, a descendent of EB Millton and trustee of the EB Millton Charitable Trust. The station has been trimmed and is now farmed to raise funds for youth.

“It was quite uncanny and all seemed meant to be,” she says.

PHOTOS– Left: Some of the 300 horses and 800 spectators gather for the event at Birch Hill Station. Below: Alexander Coleman leads Tallyho Hobo as Derrick Millton, a descendent of LtCol Edward Bowler (EB) Millton – who owned Birch Hill Station during World War 1 – carries a wreath to honour the 10 soldiers from Birch Hill who went to war.

Photos: Helen McLeod.

Most of the participants rode or walked one of two trails (six or 10 kilometres) before the memorial service. Purple poppies and ribbons, indicating valour, were worn throughout the weekend, and a wreath of rosemary was laid around a tree in remembrance for Kakahu, EB Millton’s favourite horse, which was buried there.

A group of locals spent six months organising the event, garnering support from many businesses and organisations. These included the Rangiora RSA, St John, the New Zealand Pony Club Association, the Canterbury Clydesdale Club and the Canterbury branch of Antique Historical Arms Association.

A function in Rangiora the night before the ride included Derrick Millton talking about the history of Birch Hill Station, Paul Sanderson presenting his World War 1 military horse documentary (All the King’s Horses), author and historian Carolyn Mincham, poet Mike Boyd and Rachel Ensor, a supporter of the Brooke Hospital.

One of the spot prizes was won by a 97-yearold woman who remembered going to a lunch with EB Millton at Birch Hill when she was 13.

Sarah Flint, one of the organisers, delved into the history of the 10 soldiers listed on the Birch Hill Station cemetery monument. Six descendants were cross-bearers at the event.

“The event was full of emotion and moving tributes, and provided a real connection to the past,” says Rosanowski. “The World War 1 horses didn’t receive the Dickin Medal for animal bravery or the acknowledgment they deserved.

To be able to commemorate their efforts and teach our young people about their plight and sacrifice means they will not be forgotten.”

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WW1 Connections 13

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

WW1 military leader to be unveiled A bronze sculpture of Hawke’s Bay-born World War 1 military leader Maj Gen Sir Andrew Russell will be unveiled during Anzac Day services in Hastings’ Civic Square.

An information board alongside the sculpture will provide the context.

Russell (1868–1960) was a prominent New Zealand military figure. He led the New Zealand forces at Gallipoli and was then commander of the New Zealand division in France.

On his return from military service, he farmed Tuna Nui Station at Sherenden, at the foot of the Kaweka Ranges in the Hastings district. He was an influential figure during the RSA’s early years.

A sculpture of Russell is being cast through a $60,000 grant from the Lottery Grants Board.

A further $9950 grant from the Lottery Fund will go towards this year’s Anzac Day services at Civic Square, which will recognise the 100th anniversary of the landing of New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during World War 1.

Riders aim for Peaks Photo Auckland War Memorial Museum – Online Cenotaph, courtesy Waetford family.

This photo of servicemen doing officer training at Queen’s College, Cambridge in 1918 has been chosen for Te Papa’s Tongarewa Gallipoli exhibition opening in Wellington on Anzac Day. Three members of the Native Contingent (later known as the Maori Pioneer Battalion) were part of the A Company No. 2 OCB January-May 1918 Officer Training School. All three are in the middle row: Albert Victor Waetford, from Whanganui (sixth from right, looking to his left); R.Pakura, from Opotiki (fourth from left); and Rikihana Carkeek, from Otaki (fifth fom left).

Albert Waetford was the koro (grandfather) of Flora Falanaki (Auckland), who now owns the photo. Before she visited Cambridge two years

ago, RSA Review ran the photo in Lost Trails in an effort to identify which college was involved.

She has spoken to Rikihana Carkeek’s daughter, Nellie Carkeek (from Otaki), whose nephew, Te Waari Carkeek, works at Te Papa. Weta Workshop is doing a profile on Rikihana Carkeek and is bussing the family to the opening in Wellington.

Falanaki also has photographs of pages from the souvenir magazine, Annals of “A”, which was shown to her by Jonathan Holmes, the keeper of the records at Queens’ College.

It contains a description of each soldier. Of the three New Zealanders, it says: Waetford A.V.: “Away from, the Coy for some time, but still smiling when he returned.

– Wanganiri (sic). NZ Maori P Batt”.

Pakura R: “An authority on practical guard duties and a meritorious life-saver. Rawkokora, Opoiki, Bay of Plenty. NZ Maori B Batt”.

Carkeek R: “Rather wild “Bunnie” but knows how to play rugger. Has spent some time in hospital, unluckily, owing to a broken ankle.

Otaki, NZ Maori Pioneer Batt”.

Te Papa is working with Weta Workshop on the large-scale exhibition, described as an “immersive, highly emotional experience inspired by the real words of real people”. It aims to tell the story of “ordinary New Zealanders who struggled, survived and died in extraordinary circumstances at Gallipoli”.

North Canterbury riders in WWI1 costumes are practising for an Anzac 100 Years 100 Horses event to commemorate the Canterbury Mounted Rifles and their horses.

The Anzac weekend evet will include an overnight camp at The Peaks Hall where riders and support crew will prepare “military style” for the dawn service on Anzac Day. After the service 100 riders in uniform or period civilian dress will ride 20 kilometres through Hawarden to Waikari.

A pipe band, Red Cross and soldiers on foot will join the contingent as they march in procession on to the Waikari Village Green where another service will be held. This will be followed by a roll call for servicemen at the Cenotaph, and the placement of Fields of Remembrance Trust crosses bearing the names of fallen soldiers.

14 WW1 Connections

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

Hilda Steele is the New Zealand nurse featured in the television series, Anzac Girls, shown on Prime TV. She was one of 12 New Zealand nurses chosen to join the Australian Army Nursing Service in 1915. She served until 1919, first helping set up military hospitals in Egypt, and then in France where she followed the Great Advance on the Western Front.

BARBARA GALLAGHER, RSA associate member 7904 and Hilda’s eldest grand-daughter, has recorded much of her grandmother’s history, most in Hilda’s own words.

Barbara has vivid memories of Hilda sharing her experiences and recalls how they stayed with her throughout her life. But Hilda’s story did not end with World War 1 – there were many barriers for her to overcome yet she constantly strove to help others and battled with bureaucracy.

“She was a woman whose kindness and generosity to the sick and needy knew no boundaries and she was known in the district as ‘Lady Bountiful’,” says Barbara Gallagher in this tribute and account of Hilda Steele’s life.

PHOTOS: Courtesy Barbara Gallagher Collection

`LADY BOUNTIFUL’: THE REMARKABLE NURSE

‘The Chosen Twelve’: The 12 New Zealand nurses before their departure from New Zealand for Australia.

Hilda Mary Mulcock (nee Steele) was destined to have an exceptional life, given the fascinating background she was born into. The fifth of nine children, she was born on May 28,1887 at Wairoa to Thomas James and Malvina Florence (nee Llewelyn) Steele at Cricklewood, her father’s Hawke’s Bay sheep station.

Her father was a lawyer from London and her mother had been born in India, but raised in Australia. The family moved to Devonport and later Remuera, Auckland She had begun her nursing training at Auckland Hospital in 1909, qualified in January 1913, and began private nursing at Mt Pleasant Hospital in Wakefield St, Auckland. In 1914 she volunteered and joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Services.

She obtained a temporary appointment as charge nurse at New Plymouth Hospital and was invited to accompany the medical superintendent

(Dr Cole) to England to care for his sick child en route. They had just reached Sydney when war broke out and they returned to New Plymouth.

Five of the nine Steele children went to World War 1, with Hilda the second to enlist.

In March 1915 a call was put out by Hester McLean, who was acting under orders of the New Zealand government to arrange for the loan of 12 nurses to the Australian government.

They were to join the Australian Army Nurses and be the first to sail to Egypt to set up military hospitals, readying for the onslaught of wounded soldiers from Gallipoli.

Over time these New Zealand nurses have been referred to as “The Chosen Twelve”, or, as Hilda’s daughter, Berys, would say, ‘The Forgotten Twelve’. Berys tried valiantly over her lifetime to gain recognition for these women, but it was not to be. Their names have since become part of New Zealand history.

On April 1, 1915, these nurses sailed to Sydney on the Ulimaroa. Following two weeks of intense preparations, the young women sailed for the Suez Canal on April 15, 1915 on the troop ship, Kyarra. They disembarked at Alexandria on May 28 and travelled to Cairo by train that day (also Hilda’s 27th birthday).

She and the other 11 nurses were the first New Zealanders to arrive in Egypt. They were posted to Pont de Kubeh Hospital. Hilda and two other New Zealanders, Sisters Winifred Scott and Elsie Cooke (all Auckland-trained), subsequently volunteered to open an Infectious Hospital and live apart from the other nurses.

They began at Sultan’s Casino overlooking the Heliopolis Sporting Pavilion; when this soon became too small, they relocated and became the original sisters to open the large Infectious Military Hospital at Choubra on the outskirts of Cairo.

Hilda remained here until March 1916 when she embarked for France from Alexandria. The sailing was fraught with danger. In a letter, she writes of how they were not allowed to move around the ship without their lifebelts, and describes how on one pitch-black night in midocean, a ship quite near to them was torpedoed.

She saw duty at Rouen where she was advised before her posting, the worst casualties were sent.

The conditions were extremely difficult and the winters were challenging. As well as wearing as many clothes as possible, Hilda carried a hot water bottle on her rounds.

She later became very ill, suffering from the effects of the gas gangrene cases she had treated. She was sent to England to recover, but the effects were long-lasting as she had been stricken by pyorrhoea of the gums. It was to be three years before treatment was available after the war. Her illness was directly traceable to her

WW1 Connections 15

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

WHO WENT TO WAR

PHOTOS – Top: A tent hospital. Above left: Hilda Steele and her brother, Montagu, taken in Cairo in 1915. Above right: The nurses arrive at Alexandria on May 28, 1915, before embarking to Cairo. It was Hilda’s 27th birthday. She and the other 11 nurses were the first New Zealanders to arrive in Egypt.

active service and caused through conditions beyond her control.

On her return she was posted to duty at No. 3 Australian General Hospital, Abbeville. Here, she writes, the hospitals were bombed every moonlit night and she describes this vividly in her recollections. I recall her telling me the Germans targeted the hospitals with their red cross-emblazoned tents as they believed that was where the ammunition was hidden.

Further postings saw her at Blendecques, St Omer, from where she followed the last Great Advance and was stationed at Armentieres, St Venant, Estaires, Tournai and Ath (Belgium).

In March 1919, Hilda was promoted to acting matron until demobilsation from France. She writes that these were very busy and trying times, and the acts of war haunted her until the end of her life.

After demobilisation she was accepted to study at the London School of Massage – the forerunner of what was to be known as physiotherapy. She became unwell, developed an appendicle abscess and had an urgent operation in Gravesend Hospital where she remained for two months. She convalesced at her Aunt Minnie’s house in Essex where she “spent lovely holidays from France during the 1st World War.” Once Hilda had regained her strength, she was invalided back to Australia on the SS Orsova, disembarking on October 6, 1919 and arriving in Sydney on November 7. She was discharged from the Australian Army Nursing Service with a pension of 10 shillings a week for one year, and returned to New Zealand.

Hilda had no time or voice for reflection upon her return to New Zealand. She suppressed it all, stiffened her backbone, and tried to adjust back into society.She could not speak of the tragedy of it all .

Her eldest brother, Oliver, a captain in the Royal Berkshire Regiment, was an early casualty, killed in action on October 25, 1914 in the 1st Battle of

Ypres. Two younger brothers suffered severe injuries – Montagu was twice wounded and Robert was invalided back to New Zealand on the Tahiti and later died as a direct result of his wounds from Gallipoli. An elder sister, Camilla, also served overseas with the New Zealand Army Nursing Service, finishing her active service as assistant matron on the hospital ship, Maheno.

Hilda never forgot and never gave up waiting for the time when she could tell her story. She was a loyal member of the RSA and marched proudly on Anzac Day in remembrance of her colleagues and fallen soldiers, the living and the dead. I remember only too well marching with her, full of love and pride for this grandmother who went to war.

With the war over Hilda continued with nursing. On April 19, 1920 she was instructed

by Hester McLean to report for duty before noon to the Narrow Neck Military Hospital where she was to nurse for six months while waiting for the Evelyn Firth Soldiers’ Home to open. Her assimilation back into New Zealand society had begun.

As a woman before her time in New Zealand with the experiences of World War 1 behind her, she faced many barriers and there was much to conform to. People did not want to listen; they, too, had had their war. With true grit, Hilda displayed the strength and courage within her, and her compassion for the disabled and wounded soldiers rose above all else.

Later in 1920 she resigned from the army and, with Sisters Winifred Scott and Elsie Cooke, opened Aotea Private Hospital in Otahuhu, Auckland.

In 1923 Hilda became engaged to Cyril Mulcock and they were married on February 26, 1924 in St Mary’s Cathedral, Parnell by Canon George MacMurray, the archdeacon of Auckland. On June 7, 1925 their only child, Berys Mary (my mother), was born. But Hilda’s marriage was not successful and she was to raise Berys on her

own. Hilda sought positions where she could keep Berys close to her and in 1927 was acting matron at Nelson College.

In 1929 Hilda was appointed sister-in-charge of the Tuberculin Dispensary by the Auckland Hospital Board, firstly under Dr McKelvie and from 1931 under Dr Chisholm McDowell. At the time of Hilda’s appointment, many invalided soldiers suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis were housed in huts behind the hospital. She worked at the clinic during the morning and in the afternoon visited tuberculosis homes and military pensioners over the Auckland area, from Silverdale in the north to Papakura in the south. This was the forerunner of district nursing in the Auckland area.

I recall Hilda talking of the housing slums of those days in greater Auckland. She spoke of the over-crowding, the poverty, the lack of fresh air and food. She formed a committee of women who raised funds to provide food and clothing and it was well known that she often generously provided out of her own pocket and refused any reimbursement.

She resigned in 1938 to open a convalescent home for recuperating tuberculosis patients along the lines of the Papworth Colony in London.

However, she was hindered and discouraged by bureaucratic wrangling and government regulations, and despite many attempts, was unsuccessful.

But she did not give up easily and, eventually, in 1940 she opened her own private convalescent home in Titirangi. She named it Greenacres.

Hilda was 53 years old.

The house was well sited with commanding views over and beyond the Waitamata Harbour.

The large property – there was an orchard of fruit trees, a large vegetable garden and a chook run – allowed Hilda to be as self-sufficient as possible. But she often needed to supplement her income and placed advertisements in the New Zealand Herald seeking paying guests, describing

Greenacres as “sunny and bracing; bus stops at gate”. In later years she sold off sections of the property to improve her financial position.

Fewer people now remembered the 12 nurses.

A 1950 query to the Australian Defence Force about Hilda in 1950 drew a “present whereabouts unknown” response. She continued to battle bureaucracy. I have a letter dated August, 23 1967 from the War Pensions branch of the Social Security Department stating that they need to investigate her claim for a war pension. She was 80 years old at that time.

It was at Greenacres that my memories of Hilda begin. It was no longer the convalescent home as Hilda had grown old, but it retained the warmth and graciousness of former days.

She was a loving and generous grandmother and wanted only the best for her grandchildren.

We would go to concerts and recitals, always wearing a beret (she taught us how to wear it).

She would never leave the house without one perched jauntily on the side of her head.

I am forever grateful to Berys for entrusting Hilda to be such a guiding and loving influence in my life. I enjoyed many holidays with her and I remember well her vivid recollections of her experiences, standing in front of her fireplace as if on a stage, her eyes dark with the horror of recalling the tragic times she had witnessed.

She carried these with her always; the war had shaped her life forever.

Hilda’s kindness and generosity to the sick and needy knew no boundaries, and she was known in the district as “Lady Bountiful”. I knew her simply as Gran and she was exactly the kind of grandmother I could ever have wished for. My father would often say I was stubborn, just like her.

When Hilda Steele died in 1972, the RSA draped her coffin with the Union Jack and her service was held in the Titirangi Soldiers Memorial Church. A fitting tribute to a woman who lived her life for others.

16

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

17

18 WW1 connections

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

POPPIES BRING PERSONAL TOUCH TO CENTRE A special poppy wallhanging, gifted by the National Army Museum in Waiouru, will bring a very personal touch to the new Rannerdale World War 1 Commemorative Centre in Christchurch.

The hanging has been made from some of the knitted poppies collected from around the country to create a display of 18,166 cascading poppies in the museum’s Roimata Pounamu – Tears on Greenstone memorial area.

The Patriotic Call to Yarn project commemorates the 18,166 New Zealanders who died in service during the war, and has donated some of its poppies to Rannerdale.

“We were overwhelmed when we received this special parcel from Waiouru,” says Rannerdale general manager Steve Shamy. “Each knitted poppy has such significance, and for them to share these with us for our centre – it’s very meaningful.”

Karen Shepherd, from Takahe Marketing and Design Solutions, says the Rannerdale centre is being created to engage and educate the community and schools about World War I, Rannerdale’s role in caring for veterans, and the impact the war had on the community. It began with the need to protect historical material, then developed into something to highlight the importance of learning from the past – a small museum, library and research centre with a focus on Rannerdale and Canterbury World War 1 veterans, stories, archives, and research facilities.

The aims is to develop “a place where people can come in and learn about veterans and where they can receive support in an environment with a military connection”. The centre will incorporate objects, sound and film archives, publications (including 100-year-old archival publications) for education groups and public to access, a timeline, interpretation on a “museum wall”, contemporary books and a research desk.

Education resources link in with the school curriculum, and there has been interest from primary and secondary-school teachers..

A history and resource room is open to the public, and phase two of the project is in motion – the creation of a community support service for ex-military personal, veterans and their families. This aims to provide a space where community welfare groups can provide services to groups or individuals.

The Army Museum also sent Rannerdale harakeke crosses from the Dolores Cross Project – which involves volunteers around the world in placing a handmade cross on the graves of New Zealand soldiers, and photographing them.

The project now has a database of thousands of New Zealand graves with the harakeke cross.

“It’s such a positive feeling when we can work alongside other organisations on such a worthwhile project” says Shamy. “There’s a strong link between the National Army Museum and Rannerdale – the World War 1 stories and experiences featured at Waiouru would have been very familiar to the first veteran residents of Rannerdale in the 1920s”.

• Rannerdale is looking for photos or stories of men who stayed at Rannerdale between 1921 and 1940 to include on the photo wall of World War I residents.

• If you would like to make a poppy for the Patriotic Call to Yarn project, email project cooordinator Alison Jones (armymuseum@nzdf.mil. nz) for a knitting pattern and information, or call Rannerdale Veterans’ Care (03 3487128) to have one sent to you. Poppies can be knitted, crocheted, sewn or handcrafted, and several patterns are available for all abilities. Finished poppies can be dropped off at Rannerdale Veterans’ Care, 159 Hansons Lane, Riccarton, Christchurch for delivery to the National Army Museum.

PHOTO: Steve Shamy, general manager of Rannerdale Veterans Care, and Karen Shepard, project manager for the Rannerdale World War 1 Commemorative Centre, with the Patriotic Call to Yarn poppies donated by the National Army Museum.

Rannerdale one of only two remaining facilities The Rannerdale Veterans’ Care residential facility in Christchurch was founded in 1921 to care for severely disabled men returning from the horrors of World War 1.

All the original residents at Rannerdale were young or middle aged men permanently disabled by injuries sustained on active service. They came to live at Rannerdale to receive specialist care for their disabilities and providing their families with respite while they came to terms with their changed lives.

The men returned to a changed Canterbury after the war, but the Canterbury community embraced Rannerdale and rallied around those

who lived there. Annual fundraising fetes were held in the grounds, country houses offered accommodation, and seaside holidays to Sumner provided a change of scene.

As more troops arrived home, it became evident that specialist care and support was needed for many of the men. The Patriotic Fund (now the RSA), the Lady Liverpool Fund, and local charities provided the initial funds to develop Rannerdale, which was staffed at first by the Red Cross.

A number of homes were established around New Zealand, but just two remain – Montecello in Dunedin, and Rannerdale in Christchurch.

Local schoolchildren wear the medals of the 10 Russell men killed in action in World War 1. Peter Roberts (left), president of the Russell RSA, and Aubrey Bairstow (middle), of NZ Medals, are at the back of the group, which is flanked by the 10 palm trees.

School base for Russell commemoration Armistice Day for the Russell RSA was a little different last year. The observance was not held at the cenotaph but at the local primary school where 10 palms were planted in 1935 by the then school headmaster Victor Lindeaur, a World War 1 veteran, in memory of the 10 men who enlisted in Russell and were killed in action.

At the base of each tree, a commemorative plaque, set in concrete, carries the details of each man.

Barbara Roberts, from the Russell RSA, says the

school is always involved in the commemorations.

Last year, 10 children wore a set of replica medals appropriate to each soldier. As the names were read out, each child laid a poppy on the respective plaque.

The medals were donated to the Russell RSA

by Aubrey Bairstow of New Zealand Medals, who also laid a wreath on the association’s behalf.

It is planned to use the same format on Anzac Day when Russell’s 11 World War 2 casualties will also be included.

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RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Remembering

FIJI PATROL RECALLS THE FLYING-BOAT DAYS A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion has flown the first maritime surveillance patrol in Fiji since defence ties were suspended in 2006. The flight was part of a series of activities in Fiji over the last weekend of January to commemorate the 50th anniversary of No 5 Squadron’s withdrawal from Laucala Bay in Fiji.

During its time at Laucala Bay, No 5 Sqn flew Catalina and Sunderland flying boats from 1941 to 1965 and carried out long-range maritime reconnaissance, transport and air-sea rescue missions.

The squadron is still remembered for its assistance to local civilian communities.

The commemorations, an initiative from defence minister Gerry Brownlee’s visit to Fiji

Members of the Republic of Fiji Navy and Ministry of Fisheries with the chief of air force, Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley, and some crew in front of the Orion.

in December, form part of New Zealand’s initial defence engagement with Fiji.

Flying from Suva on patrol of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Orion flew west to co-ordinate with a Fijian Navy patrol vessel

undertaking maritime surveillance. Working on board with the air crew were three Fijian Navy personnel and one offshore-fisheries officer from the Fijian Ministry of Fisheries and Forests.

The Chief of Air Force, AVM Mike Yardley, says

the Air Force regularly patrols New Zealand’s EEZ and those of its South Pacific neighbours.

He says the P-3K2 aircraft carries a range of airborne surveillance equipment, making it the perfect choice for this type of tasking. The plane is flown by 5Sqn. The New Zealand and RNZAF contingent also went to a photographic exhibition recognising the 50th anniversary of the RNZAF’s withdrawal from Laucala Bay. A dozen images from the RNZAF museum were on display at the New Zealand high commissioner’s residence in Suva.

The photos, which showed various elements of Laucala Bay and the people who served there, are being gifted to the Fiji Museum.

Kiwi workhorse drops out of NZ skies New Zealand’s Iroqouis helicopters, famous for the familiar whop-whop-whop sound of their rotors, will be withdrawn from service in May after a final fly-through of parts of the country.

Thirty veterans of the Vietnam war – where the helicopters became famous – were given a special trip down memory lane during a series of flights from Ohakea air base in late January.

The veterans included former RNZAF Air Vice Marshal Robin Klitscher who flew a helicopter gunship in Vietnam on secondment with the Australian Air Force and Don McIver, who served in the NZ infantry. Both are past national presidents of the RSA Chris Turver, the first New Zealand war correspondent

with the 161 artillery battery in Vietnam and now president of the Paraparaumu RSA, says it was an emotional experience for veterans to remember the reliance they placed on the Iroquois for support.

“It was like having a lifeline that could be called up almost anytime,” he says.

The New Zealand Iroquois helicopters entered service with the RNZAF in 1966. They were not sent to Vietnam, but instead became famous in New Zealand in many support roles, notably search-and-rescue.

Eight remain at Ohakea; at least two are destined for display in air museums in New Zealand and others will be sold. They have been replaced by nine French-built NH90s, also based at Ohakea.

Chris Turver takes a last look at at RNZAF Iroquouis helicopter.

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24 Remembering

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

KOREAN FATALITY MOTIVATES VOLUNTEERS June 25, 1950: North and South Korea were at war, and Cyril Hill celebrated his 17th birthday as a farm cadet at Flock House. Korea was almost unknown to him. He does have a June 1950 photo, though, of a uniformed unit of just over a dozen Flock House cadets. The trainees paraded each Saturday morning, and the officer commanding sought to teach them how to handle a rifle, aim and shoot accurately January 3, 1952: Cyril Hill is in the 4th CMT intake and posted to 10th Coast Regt, Fort Dorset, Wellington for corps training on four-inch coastal guns. The instructors were Sgt Norm Coe and L/Bdr Peter Berry.

Peter Berry, a Regular Force serviceman, later volunteered to serve in Korea and was posted to the 16th Field Regt in late 1952. On February 17, 1953 he was killed in action as a member of the gun crew of Easy 1, 163 Bty. At 10th Coast Regt’s next Territorial camp in 1953, the commanding officer, Capt Baigent, told the troops about him.

“He was a very popular guy and not much older than us,” says Cyril Hill. “We all got on very well with him. When on duty, he was a strict, no-nonsense Charlie with us lowly CMT types; off duty, he was a good mate.

“After being told of Peter’s service, his duties in Korea and how he was involved, the cause of his accident etc, we were given a full understanding of New Zealand’s role with the United Nations and the reasons for being in Korea.”

Peter Berry’s death motivated four of the group to volunteer – Malcolm Phillips, Brian McKnight, Ron Maynard and Cyril Hill. Three were from four-inch coastal guns and one from workshops. They were drafted into the 15th intake, arrived in Korea in July 1954 and dispersed to various locations.

Cyril Hill was motivated to want to return

Photos: Top – Malcolm Phillips, Brian McKnight, Ron Maynard and Cyril Hill. Right – L/Bdr Peter Berry’s grave.

to Korea to visit Busan and pay his respects to Peter Berry and others at the UN Memorial Cemetery. In November 2010 he was given the opportunity, along with five other veterans, to return to Korea as part of the Korean revisit programme.

Towards the end of the trip, he was able to visit the cemetery and had the privilege, with Col Harry Cockburn, of laying the New Zealand commemoration wreath. He was also able to find Peter Berry, his mentor and motivator, and spend some time with him.

When Hill wrote of his experiences in the New Zealand Korea Veterans Association magazine, K Force Despatches, in November 2013, he received a response from Barry Buchanan – a fellow ex-Flock House cadet (1944) and a fellow Korea veteran (1952-54) – who was working to record the names of ex-Flock House cadets who served in Korea.

He was a very popular guy and not much older than us.

We all got on very well with him.

Buchanan has located four others – Peter Burston, Dave Pattie, Bob Phyn and Morris Semmens – and has had a plaque made with the six names on it. This is now on display at

the Bulls Museum, along with an honours board with the names of the 22 ex-Flock House cadets who lost their lives in World War 2.

Buchanan and Hill have both donated Flock House material to the museum, and it forms part of the current Flock House Training Institute Display at the museum until June 30.

The display covers Flock House history from its foundation in 1924 to closure in 1989. It includes a register, stories and photos of trainees and staff, and memorabilia.

Meanwhile, Cyril Hill is wondering about the possibility of members Peter Berry’s family, and Malcolm Phillips, Brian McKnight, Ron Maynard and him (or family members) getting together, or at least finding out what has happened to one another . The the four volunteers from 1953 lost contact with one another in 1956.

OBITUARY: Harry Spencer New Zealand has lost a great character, gentleman and World War 2 soldier with the death of Harry Spencer, 21981 (right), in Napier, aged 98.

As part of the 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry (DivCav light armoured regiment), he was at the sharp end of some the war’s fiercest fighting.

He helped protect England’s south-east coast during the Battle of Britain, fought in Greece, Crete and Egypt; faced serious action in the Middle East and North Africa, and braved the harsh winter campaign in Italy.

By 2012, he was thought to be the only living man to have been part of all these battles.

Harry Spencer left for war in 1940, a practical young man from a Marlborough farm who was rejected because of medical reasons, but managed to fudge his way into the second echelon of New Zealand troops.

He was part of the first unit of the second division to engage the enemy in northern Greece, and, until his return home in 1944, was involved in almost relentless action, including the Pink Hill and 42nd Street battles in Crete, where the New Zealanders showed incredible bravery; and the two Battles of El Alamein, which ultimately turned the tide of the war in the Allies favour.

He was part of Gen Freyberg’s protective troop of Stuart tanks during the Desert Campaign. He was also proud to have served under Col Ian Bonnifant, who ended the war as a brigadier.

The two kept in touch.

After the war Harry married Madge. They couldn’t have children, but didn’t let this setback get in the way of them giving to countless other children and becoming surrogate parents to many. He worked as a cabinetmaker, he and Madge ran a small grocery store, and later went farming.

The couple shared an adventurous spirit and loved to travel, visiting many countries including several where he had fought.

They both did a lot of charitable and voluntary work for organisations. Harry was still delivering

Meals on Wheels when he was much older than many of the recipients.

He joined the Hastings RSA and was particularly active in the heritage section that looked after the welfare of families of soldiers killed in the war. His involvement continued until he was in his mid-90s, although there were “no customers” then.

In his 80s, Harry learned to use a computer and wrote down many of his wartime memories and exploits. He remembered the happy, tragic, sad and sometimes very funny events of his four years of service.

Around this time he also became an enthusiastic e-mailer, corresponding with people from around the world. He played golf for more than 50 years and was still playing off a 40 handicap into his early 90s, getting around the course on a Suzuki step-through motorbike with a special attachment for his clubs.

At 96 he was the oldest in a party of New To page 25

Remembering 25

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

UNDERSTANDING DAWNS AS ELDERS RESPOND TO WHANAU QUESTIONS

OBITUARY:

Neva McKenna-Clarke Doubtless Bay (Northland) war veteran, historian and identity Neva Clarke-McKenna (right) died at the age of 94 died on January 15 in Cambridge, where she moved to in 2009 to be close to family.

However, her heart remained in the Far North and her ashes were scattered in Doubtless Bay, near her former home at Coopers Beach.

She was one of the first New Zealand women to serve overseas in World War 2. In an interview with the Northern Advocate in 2007, she described the war as “terrible, terrible years” interspersed with great happiness.

Her first fiance joined the air force, and was killed in 1942. Next day, she signed up in Gisborne, where she helped with clerical work and medical examinations. She soon reached the rank of sergeant and was posted to Egypt and Italy.

Her second fiance was killed just three weeks before the end of the war. Once back in New Zealand she took to writing fiction and, after moving to Doubtless Bay in 1973, spent decades researching and writing the area’s history. Her records are now held by the Far North Museum at Kaitaia.

She featured in a 1995 documentary by

Photo: Courtesy Northern Advocate

film-maker Gaylene Preston telling women’s stories of love and loss in World War 2. In 2010 Mangonui’s new boardwalk, which incorporates the town’s war memorial, was named after her.

Neva Clarke-McKenna was widely admired for her positivity and quirky sense of humour.

She had known much adversity in her life, but delighted in her blessings.

She is survived by her son, satirist/comedian John Clarke, who lives in Melbourne, her daughter, Anna Carter, in Hamilton, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Harry Spencer – never forgot his mates From page 24 Zealanders to travel to Egypt to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein, the last of many overseas battle commemorations he attended.

Harry Spencer lived independently until 2014 when he moved into a Napier rest-home following a stroke and other health issues. At the time of his death, he was the patron of DivCav, a regiment of which he remained incredibly proud.

Last October Harry and I had our last chats

about his life and the war. He talked about how lives could be lost or saved by a mere whisker, and the value of true camaraderie. He wondered how he could have made it through the war with just one minor wound when so many others, including his closest friends, were lost or maimed. Emotion would rise to the surface as he reflected on the brave young men he had stood alongside in battle who never had the chance to return home and live the full, rich lives they deserved. He never forgot them.

— Jo Bailey

JEANETTE CLARKE, a member of the Te Awamutu RSA, reports on a reunion of four generations of the Ormsby/Tautari whanau at the Punekireki marae at Pirongia, Waikato on Christmas Eve. In the wharenui, Edith Dockery (nee Ormsby) – aunt, great aunt or great, great aunt – of those present, spoke of her father, Joseph Ormsby, who left New Zealand shores to fight for King and Country in World War 1. She explained why a Maori should fight a war overseas when so much of Maori land had been lost through confiscation in New Zealand.

Research by her and her nephew, Tom Roa, told of how World War 1 had affected those families and subsequent generations. Joseph Ormsby, although part of a Maori whanau, had Irish roots, hence the need and obligation to go to war for the Mother Country. He left New Zealand in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and returned as a soldier in the Hokowhitu Atu Pioneers.

Ten-year-old Hei who carries his great-grandfather’s name)asked his Great, Great Aunt Edith: “What did grandpa Joe do at the war?”

Several of Hei’s cousins and whanau also asked questions, which she answered in a way they could understand.

Sharon Paewai (nee Taitari/Ormsby) spoke about the significance of her father Hei Tautari’s World War 2 medals (he was in the 28th Maori Battalion) and of a greenstone taonga her granddad (Joseph Ormsby) had taken with him to World War 1 – and returned with it. They were blessed with a karakia and waiata.

She also discussed what was involved in being a kaitiaki (guardian) of memories, stories, medals and taonga for all have gone before us and for the generations to come.

Several of the Tautari/Ormsby whanau never came home. They rest on foreign shores. They were remembered with aroha.

Eric Ormsby (Edith’s brother and Sharon’s uncle) served with the New Zealand Army in Malaya. His obituary was the RSA Review last year, and his children and grandchildren were there on Christmas Eve. Two DVDs were blessed. They record of memories Hei and Ata (nee Ormsby) Tautari – his stories and memories of his times with the 28th Maori Battalion; hers of what it was like at home on the farm with two young children in a rural community, and how they were treated on his return home from World War 2.

They recorded this on video when in their 80s, and not long before they died, and it was transferred DVD. The big message for us that night was to ask questions and talk to our elders while we can.

Their thoughts and memories are precious us and for generations to come.

Want to be able to see or hear the action on your TV? Captions and audio description are available for you.

Captions are a transcript of the programme’s audio, including sound effects, and are designed for the Deaf and hard of hearing, plus for use in noisy environments.

Audio description is a voice narrative of the on-screen action that plays in the gaps of the programme audio and is designed for the blind and vision-impaired.

Well, Picton’s obviously always been an incredibly beautiful spot, but it used to be just a working port.

Visit www.able.co.nz for easy instructions to access captions and audio description on your TV.

Engage with us Email: hello@able.co.nz Call: 09 950 5172 Fax: 09 973 2941 Facebook: AbleNZ Twitter: @able_NZ

26 Remembering

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

FLYING ON A WING AND A PRAYER: Jan Adamczyk managed to escape the hell that was Nazioccupied Poland. Miraculously he managed to find his way to England where he joined the RAF, piloting bombers on some of the most dangerous nightflying missions over Germany.

Having survived the war he emigrated to Australia, then made New Zealand his home.

He recently celebrated his 100th birthday. NEIL GRANT has the story of a remarkable centenarian.

The Wellington bomber limped back across the North Sea. It had been caught in the pyramid of searchlights over Essen in the Ruhr Valley.

Anti-aircraft fire hit the right-wing engine and blew out the petrol tank. The pilot’s fingers were frost-bitten and later turned black. No sooner had the plane, with only one engine still working, crossed the English coast than the pilot was confronted by red lights indicating the fuel had run out.

“I said the Hail Mary, and down we went with the Wellington. The faithful Wellington burst into flames on impact with the ground like a child bursting into tears. And we were all still inside it.”

Ignacy Jan Adamczyk, now known as Jan or John, was that pilot. He has lived in New Zealand since 1952. On January 16 this year he had his 100th birthday. His is a story of hardship, courage, adventure and adversity. It is also a love story: love of family, love of country, love of freedom. Love of life.

Jan was born in Suchedniow, a small rural town in Poland. He had three brothers and one sister. His father, an agricultural worker died when Jan was two, leaving his mother to raise five children in a country at war with Russia.

His oldest brother, Stanislaw, was shot by an unknown assailant while on sentry duty. His second-oldest brother, Henryk, was captured by the Germans at the start of World War 2, tortured and died. Sister Maria was brutally beaten by an unknown man and left for dead; but she lived, later married, and had two sons and a daughter.

Her husband was captured by the Gestapo and murdered. Jan’s third brother, Marian, could not serve in the armed forces because of poor eyesight. He married, had two children, and was part of the Polish underground. He, too, was captured by the Gestapo and murdered.

During the Depression, the teenaged Jan got work in a sawmill and learnt carpentry skills. He had learnt to help his family survive by growing vegetables and foraging in the woods for berries

I said the Hail Mary and down we went with the Wellington. and mushrooms in summer. In the winter he would gather as much firewood as his young shoulders could manage to try to heat the home.

All his life he has regretted that the hardships he faced limited his education and hindered his possibilities.

Leaving the sawmill, Jan got work with a blacksmith. There was no pay, but he was fed and housed, and completed his apprenticeship.

“What I physically did and mentally learned in both the sawmill and the blacksmith workshop made me tough enough to face anything coming my way,” he says. “To this day my hands can demonstrate what physical labour can do to your body parts.”

Poland, freed from Russian, German and Austrian domination at the end of World War 1, became industrialised. In the late 1930s, Jan Adamczyk, looking for adventure rather than manual labour, joined the Polish Air Force. He quickly learned to “see all, hear all, say nothing.” He also met Jan Czarnota, who became a lifelong friend.

In the air force, Jan had many tasks ranging from sweeping a one-hectare hangar to servicing aircraft. He says Poland’s air force was superior to those of France and England at that stage, but not as advanced as Germany’s.

On September 1, 1939, their base, along with many other parts of Poland, was bombed by the Luftwaffe. War was declared between Poland and Germany.

He likens war to an earthquake: “The world is dormant and waiting for something to happen.

The war, like an earthquake, is an experience that

PHOTOS – Above left: Jan Adamczyk celebrates his 100th birthday in Dunedin in January with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and partners. Above right: Jan with his younger daughter, Ingrid (left), son Christof, and elder daughter Adela. Right: Jan and Patricia’s wedding in Canberra. Far right: Jan and Olive’s wedding in Blenheim.

shakes everyone awake. Realisation is another matter. Many of us did not realise where things come from. Most of us take things for granted.”

All personnel had to be evacuated to another base, then another, as fifth columnists reported their movements to the Germans. On September 27, Jan and the others crossed the border into Rumania. Poland had fallen.

Everyone was rounded up by the Rumanians, disarmed, had their heads shaven, and put behind barbed wire. They were moved to a military camp. Jan was with a group who escaped. After three days, with only grapes to eat, he suffered badly from diarrhoea. The whole group then marched back into the camp and got away with the escapade.

A few weeks later, hearing that they were all to be moved to another, even worse, camp, he and two others took off again. Sadly, his friend, Jan Czarnota,, had malaria and he had to leave him behind. The trio were separated during a police raid. Jan hid in an alley and, next morning, had the good fortune to be befriended by a baker who fed him and put him on a train for Bucharest.

There he met others who, like him, were trying to get to the Middle East, assisted by the Polish underground. Eventually about 150 ex-Polish Air Force men grouped at the Black Sea, and were billeted with local people, paid for by the Polish government in exile. Jan remembers fondly the kindly Turkish Muslim family and other hospitable Rumanian people.

Three hundred Poles were ferried in dinghies to a small Greek boat totally unsuited for its journey. They all had to climb on board by rope ladder. They were given raw meat but nothing to cook it with, a false passport, and needed to

Vickers Wellington bomber designed by Dambuster Barnes Wallis The Vickers Wellington (right) – a twin-engined, long-range medium bomber – came into service in 1936. It had a crew of six, maximum speed of 378km/hr and a range of 4106 kilometres.

Its frame was a geodesic design devised by Barnes Wallis, of Dambusters fame. This gave it outstanding strength even when damaged.

The outer skin was linen treated with dope.

The only way in or out of the plane was through a hatch in the belly. This was flaw if it crash-landed without the undercarriage.

A New Zealand co-pilot, James Ward, was awarded the Victoria Cross when he clambered out on a wing and kicked holes in the skin to smother a fire after an attack by a German night fighter. The plane landed safely in England,

pretend to be mentally or physically disabled to get through customs. Three days later, after a horror voyage, the ship reached Beirut.

Lebanon was a French colony. The troops were issued with French uniforms, and had the opportunity to shower and rid themselves of lice.

The Poles were expecting to join the French armed forces. There was no air force there, so Jan joined the army. The result? Regular meals, wine with dinner, chocolate and cigarettes. He rather liked Beirut.

In January 1940, they set sail for France.

It was a rough trip, and nearly everyone was desperately seasick for six days. The Marseilles base was cold and draughty, and surrounded by snow. The next base was even worse, as were the lice and rats.

In March they were sent to an air base at Le Bourget where conditions were much better.

Jan signed up to join the Royal Air Force, and was headed for England.

After arriving in Dover, the recruits went to RAF Sheerness. Here they got hot showers, were disinfected to rid them of lice and received uniforms and underwear – both were luxuries.

The spotless camp, comfortable beds and fine meals were a revelation. Renouncing Polish citizenship and taking the oath to King George VI could have been depressing, but “I remembered all the discomfort, the hunger, the dysentery, the cold, the lice and living without direction as to where I was going. This time my decision to volunteer proved to be the best decision I have ever made.”

More Poles arrived, and learning English became a priority. Being paid was a novel experience, and Jan was able to buy the first watch he had ever owned.

Germany invaded France in May. From Sheerness in the south of England, the Poles could see some of the battles, and especially those associated with the withdrawal from Dunkirk.

“Those men who survived the evacuation will never forget their experience. As for Winston Churchill, he was the best strategist the world had ever known. He kept the morale not only amongst the British but also the Allies.”

As the Germans approached the English Channel, the Polish airmen were transferred to Blackpool to an even more luxurious base. Jan fell ill here as a result of the privation he had suffered on his journey from Poland.

The fall of France came as no surprise to him.

He felt the Poles had been better equipped than France, yet had been unable to resist the German onslaught; he held little hope for the French.

In June 1940, he began learning about British aircraft. Transferred in September to Henlow,

Remembering 27

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

POLISH PILOT BEAT THE ODDS

near Luton, he got further training on fighters such as Hurricanes. He also met his old friend, Jan Czarnota, again.

“Wherever there were drinks, girls or fights, we were sure to be there.”

Eventually, Jan Czarnota transferred to the Polish Navy, and Jan Adamczyk returned to Blackpool to begin flying training. Trainees were lodged in boarding houses. Mostly these arrangements worked well, and some airmen married daughters of their landlady or landlord.

Jan found this time very social, but transferring in October 1941 for Bramcote meant leaving behind a young woman he had become very fond of.

Bramcote was where he became experienced at flying Wellington bombers, especially night flying. Finally, he was posted to 301 Sqn at Hemswell. His first mission was to Le Havre, the next to Cherbourg, where the anti-aircraft defences and night fighters were more active.

Missions extended deeper into Germany, to Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Essen and Kiel.

“All these lovely targets were the pulse of Germany’s factories in which they produced the deadly weapons to destroy the peace and lives of innocent people. We loved every minute of it because we could now deliver to them what they had given to us in September 1939.”

He found much of this exhilarating. The different-coloured tracers looked like a big meadow of beautiful flowers. But the crews hated the searchlights, especially the blue ones synchronised to the radar.

Some nights, 30 bombers would set out, and only eight would return. This was demoralising, but new crew members would arrive and be mixed in with the experienced crews.

Missions over Kiel were the most dangerous Jan experienced. This had a naval base with U-boats, destroyers and battleships, and was very heavily defended. The route was across the North Sea, watching out for night fighters, then past barrage balloons and searchlights to find the target. Pathfinder aircraft dropped flares to pick out the target and the bombers unloaded their cargo while the crew prayed to the Holy Mother.

Being caught in the pyramid of searchlights blinded the pilots. Trying to get out of that glare was a desperate business to avoid being hammered by the anti-aircraft guns. On February 14, 1942, Jan and his crew flew over Essen, home to the vital Krupp factory. This area was heavily defended. Jan’s plane was hit, he was wounded in the head and arm, and the right wing received that direct hit.

He managed to nurse the plane back to England and crash-landed just after passing over the coast. The plane burst into flames on impact.

Wellingtons had just one exit – at the bottom of the fuselage. Fortunately, the crash ripped one side out of the plane, so Jan and the other crew managed to get out, even though carrying injuries. The only fatalities were the two pigeons the planes carried so that messages could be sent home if disaster occurred.

As the plane burned, oxygen bottles exploded and the machine-gun ammunition fired to the last round. A local policeman and farmer arrived on the scene, and were initially suspicious that the crew were Germans because of their accents.

After a spell in hospital to fix his wounds, Jan was posted to 138 Sqn at Tempsford, handpicked with others for special assignments. Here he was flying Halifaxes, four-engined planes modified for often very dangerous missions that involved dropping agents and equipment inside occupied territory. He flew missions to nearly all European countries, including his homeland, Poland, Norway to the north, Gibraltar and Malta, plus Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia, Missions over Norway were very strenuous.

Weather could be atrocious, enemy forces were always on the look-out, and men and equipment had to be delivered with great accuracy.

Pinpoint navigation was essential. The crew and the agents they dropped were all issued with self-destruction tablets and pistols to use if they were captured. Some agents were forced to use them.

On one trip to Poland, the target was Gestapo headquarters in Warsaw. Jan knew the area well because he had biked it often when going to see his girlfriend. But the agents on the ground did not set up required signals and the mission was aborted. With a pair of 2000-pound bombs going spare, “...we flew instead over my old base

to deliver the cookie on Okencie hangars. We made sure that the bombs would not be wasted.”

Towards the end of the war, Jan was posted to various bases. He realised that life for Poles was going to be difficult after the war, and began to reflect on what he might do. He had become very fond of England.

At the end of the war, he wrote to his family members in Poland, hoping someone might still be alive. A tear-stained letter came back from his mother telling her only remaining son of the disasters that had befallen his siblings. News from home about the state of Poland under Russian domination made him determined to stay in England until something he liked came up.

A visit from a recruiter for the Tasmanian State Hydro Commission led to him accepting a job, and, in 1947 he set sail for the other side of the world.

On board the SS Asturias, he met an ex-Wren, Patricia Healy, at a dance. A few days later he proposed and, to his surprise and delight, she accepted. Jan headed to Tasmania, Patricia to Canberra. He took a few days out to go and see her. With connivance and a few whiskies from a Catholic monsignor, they were quickly married. After three days of honeymooning, Jan left for Tasmania.

He was in charge of the housing project for the hydro development, so he and his new wife soon had a house. In 1949, their first child, Adela, was born. Patricia’s parents were both dead, but Jan was able to write to tell his mother that she was a grandmother.

The family moved to Fremantle in 1950.

Accommodation was limited, and they lived in boarding houses while Jan worked on a power-station construction. Patricia became ill and, as both parent and income-earner, life was difficult for Jan. Patricia came home from hospital, but continued to be unwell. Eventually, they decided to shift to a cooler climate, packed up their belongings, and shifted to New Zealand.

They arrived in a cold, rainy Wellington on Labour Day, 1952.

“In desperation the three of us disembarked the liner, found our luggage and stood on the wharf wondering which way to go. I will never forget that experience.”

They took the ferry to Lyttelton, and stayed with a Polish friend in Christchurch before travelling to Lake Waitaki where Jan was to work.

Housing was available, but Patricia became ill again and was admitted to hospital. Once again, childcare was a problem. Fortunately, a Polish woman in the village looked after Adela during the day until another friend could care for her full-time until Patricia recovered. Two more children, sons Mark and Christof, followed.

When work on the hydro project dried up in 1954, Jan got building work on the Waitaki River bridge. This lasted until 1957 when the family moved to Seddon where he was bridge foreman for the Awatere County Council. Here, they built their own house with a vegetable garden, fruit trees and “chooks”, and daughter Ingrid was born.

Being caught in the py ra m id of sea rchlights blinded the pilots.

Trying to get out of that glare was a desperate business to avoid being hammered by the antiaircraft guns.

In 1967, Patricia became very ill and was admitted to hospital. Just over two months later she died.

Jan was naturally depressed and concerned for his family’s future. He was now both mother and father to his children, and worried about what might happen to them if his war injuries became a problem.

He had promised Patricia he would be sure the children would never be hungry or cold or neglected, and would be educated to the best of their ability. It is a source of great pride to him that he kept that promise.

He took a job at the Grassmere salt works was offered in 1968 and stayed there until 1979.

The work was less pleasant but the pay was good, and he had a mortgage on a new house in Blenheim to deal with.

He remarried in 1979, but a month later news came that son Mark had died in Australia after a short illness, aged 24.

In 1982, Jan and Olive went to Europe so that he could show her where he had spent his war years. And he was reunited with his old friend, Jan Czarnota – they had not seen each other for 40 years.

Ignacy Jan Adamczyk has fought for all of his 100 years. He has been awarded many distinguished medals from Poland and Britain, including Virtuti Militari, Poland’s highest military decoration “for heroism and courage in the face of the enemy at war”. A long-time member of the RSA in Blenheim and a former president of the Seddon RSA, he has been a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. He now lives in Dunedin near his daughter, Ingrid.

Jan received many messages of good wishes and congratulations on his 1ooth birthday celebrations. Among the well-wishers were Queen Elizabeth II, New Zealand’s governor general, prime minister and other cabinet ministers, the Polish ambassador, the mayor of Suchedniow (in Poland), and the president of the Marlborough RSA.

• Quotes in Neil Grant’s story are from ‘From Poland to Australia and New Zealand. My Journey’, which Jan Adamczyk wrote, when aged 87, as a memoir for his children.

Harvey Page Halifax considered inferior to Lancaster The Handley Page Halifax four-engined heavy bomber (right) came into service in 1940. It had a crew of seven, a maximum speed of 454km/hr and a range of 3000 kilometres.

It was considered inferior to the later Lancaster by the head of Bomber Command, Air Chief Marshall Harris, because it could not be adapted to the larger “cookie” bombs he favoured.

Nevertheless, it was good enough to be manufactured and to serve throughout the war in many variants and for many purposes, including as a glider tug and for maritime reconnaissance. It was used by the Polish Air Force in exile as a bomber and in the Polish Special Duties squadron.

28

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

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ADDIS NW 688981 Korea 26/11/2014 Mt Maunganui ALLEN AG 45461 WWII, NZ Army, 25Bn 27/11/2014 Rangiora ANDERSON LW 247364 WWII, 14Bn 24/12/2014 Foxton ARMSTRONG G 626285 WWII, 26Bn 20/11/2014 Richmond ASHTON CK 74941 RNZAF 11/01/2015 Waimate ASHTON J LFX838017 RN 26/11/2014 Hastings ASHTON EGM 647026 WWII, NZ Army, 27Bn 20/10/2014 Christchurch ATKINS PK 3771 WWII 09/01/2015 Mt Maunganui B

BAILLIE JS N60840 WWII, 14 NZ LAA Regt 28/08/2014 Hamilton BAIN GL 441209 WWII, NZ Army 5 28/10/2014 Carterton BAIRD W 68905 WWII, 29Bn, 2NZEF 01/12/2014 Balclutha BALLANTYNE RJ NZ9724 WWII, RNZN 09/12/2014 Hastings BARNES BW 783646 CMT, RNZASC 31/01/2015 Nelson BATCHELOR MS 75212 RNZAF 12/10/2014 Blenheim BEZZANT ZJ 180054 WWII, WAAC 07/01/2015 Australia BLACKIE L 456783 WWII, 23Bn 11/01/2015 Mosgiel BLUMHARDT DM W5794 WWII 14/12/2014 Tauranga BOND MR 513 NZ Police 17/11/2014 Tauranga BOOT LM 439283/4216544/20018 WWII, RNZAF, 15Bn 06/12/2014 Stoke BRAXTON AN 14816 RNZN 14/11/2014 Oamaru BREITMEYER RW 3123 WWII, RNZN 02/10/2014 Christchurch BRICE F 8705 WWII, RNZN 22/12/2014 Blenheim BRIGGS J 48202 WWII, 28Bn 10/09/2014 Kawhia BRODIE PAS 437263 WWII, RNZAF 08/12/2014 Kaikoura BROMLEY LF 443480 WWII, NZ Army 30/09/2014 Christchurch BROWN DWJ U029125 NZ Army 23/01/2015 Blenheim BUCKFIELD FM R254027 WWII, MN 31/10/2014 Tauranga BURGESS DG 211038 Korea, NZ Army 04/10/2014 Levin BURNETT GF 238960 WWII, 21BN, 2NZEF 30/10/2014 Christchurch C

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ILES CW 926042 CMT, NZ Army 02/01/2015 Mosgiel ISGROVE RA 16636 RNZN 10/11/2014 Howick J

JARDEN RP 688264 TF 26/12/2014 Hastings JENSEN BH 690358 03/10/2014 Papamoa JOHNSON NA 676003 TF 01/01/2015 Tauranga JONES CGJ 568546 NZ Army 16/11/2014 Taradale JOYCE EE 809352 WWII, RNZWAAC 41938 Dargaville JULL RP 337626 06/12/2014 Putaruru K

KAY D 465867 CMT, NZ Army 27/07/2014 Morrinsville KAYE L 408520 WWII 13/01/2015 Tauranga KENNEDY R 275755 WWII, 23Bn, 2Cant Regt 24/10/2014 Christchurch KERMEEN JAI 34745 NZ Army 13/11/2014 Blenheim KING P 16764 Malaya, Singapore, Borneo, RNZN 19/10/2014 Waitara KING RC 440605 NZ Army 02/10/2014 Papatoetoe KIRBY AJ 432807 WWII, RNZAF 03/12/2014 Waimate KNOX LL 369441 NZ Army 20/10/2014 Whangaparaoa KOHI ER 568405 Korea, Malaya 15/12/2014 Oamaru KUTIA R A86319 Singapore, RNZAF 41988 Blenheim L

LAUDER TW 515456 ASC 21/12/2014 Tauranga LAURENCE JW NZ5261 WWII 07/07/2013 Hamilton LAWSON KA 332339 TF 27/01/2015 Whangaparaoa LEES TL 595248 RNZAF 10/12/2014 Red Beach LEIGHTON JS 72063 WWII, 3GH 30/12/2014 Tauranga LEMBERG F 3486 WWII, RN 03/02/2015 Nelson LEWIS AHD 416725 WWII, RNZAF 01/09/2014 Hamilton LODGE MM N415179 WWII, 26Bn 28/11/2014 Christchurch LOGAN JM 449530 WWII, 6Fd Regt 2NZEF 24/01/2015 Dunedin LOVELL P 879311 WWII, REME 01/11/2014 Taradale LOWENSTEIN AA 43374 WWII, 6Fd Ambulance 22/12/2014 Lower Hutt M

MACDONALD MC 668521 WWII 23/08/2014 Papamoa MACKIE JO WWII, Pacific & NZ 29/06/2014 Tawa MACKINTOSH J 425555 WWII, 2NZEF 20/01/2015 Hastings MACLEAN B 415545 WWII, 6 Flying Boat Sqn 22/06/2014 Te Awamutu MAGINN WCT 832846 RN 01/10/2014 Invercargill MANN PA 30798 R SIGNALS 05/10/2014 Wellington MARSHALL GF 2766 WWII, Korea, RNZN 30/08/2014 Devonport MARTIN RJ 82137 WWII 28/09/2014 Hamilton MATHEWS K 815264 WWII, Maori 28Bn 09/11/2014 Greytown MAU BR 2/400794 Korean 18/11/2014 Auckland MAUNSELL MW T39370 Vietnam, 161Bty 15/01/2015 Hamilton MAY RG 172963 WWII, ARMY 27/12/2014 Orewa MCCABE EC NZ403281 WWII, RNZAF 22/01/2015 Paraparaumu MCCORMICK WG 461318/72044 WWII, RNZAF 09/08/2014 Hamilton MCDONALD NW 813391 WAAC 16/01/2015 Tauranga MCEWING JR 443847 WWII 13/11/2014 Dargaville MCFADYEN DA 803266 NZ Army 18/12/2014 Blenheim MCFARLAND DP E39334 Malaya/Borneo, RNZIR 13/10/2014 Bethlehem MCGILL MJ N43091 Vietnam, 161Bty 41998 Whangaparoa MCKAY KN 2468 NZ Police 27/11/2014 Red Beach MCKINLAY PC 415339 WWII 15/01/2015 Cromwell MCLACHLAN AR 817677 NZ Army, NZ Scots 13/12/2014 Christchurch MCLENNAN R 80796 WWII, Middle East, Italy, 24/01/2015 Blenheim MCLEOD RK 628297 17/12/2014 Tindalls Beach MCLEVIE HI 443050 WWII, JForce 31/10/2014 Balclutha MELLON J R258409 WWII 21/10/2014 Turangi MELROSE G 8095 WWII 11/11/2014 Ashburton MERRILEES JS 618628 WWII, JForce 28/01/2015 Dunedin METCALFE RN 650883 CMT 07/11/2014 Shannon MILLAR JE NZ5821 WWII, RNZN 12/08/2014 Hamilton MILLAR LJ 450359 WWII, 2NZEF 07/01/2015 Dunedin MOGFORD AW 568358 NZ Army 29/09/2014 Taradale MOORE LFG AT Corps 06/10/2014 Matamata MORRIS T 444423 WWII, Pacific, RNZAF 24/01/2015 Orewa MORSE GA 459572 24/12/2014 Mt Maunganui MORTON G 8817 WWII 16/11/2014 Dunedin MOWAT KH 3/13/891 5287 207834 WWII, KForce, 16Fd 02/02/2015 Mosgiel MURRAY F 628277 WWII, NZ Army 07/08/2014 Manaia N

NEILSON RJ NZ9386 WWII, Submarines RN 14/10/2014 Nelson NELSON J 800872 WWII, Div Cav 01/12/2014 Te Awamutu NETTLETON D 14495934 WWII, Seaforth Highlanders 19/01/2015 Nelson NEVIN A 4561 RNZN 03/11/2014 Dunedin NEWPORT RJ W72401 RNZAF 10/10/2014 Blenheim NICOL LJ 818461 Korea, Malaya, NZ Army 27/10/2014 Christchurch NOON FL 2374830 RAF Police 14/11/2014 Dunedin NOONAN TJ 204316 Korea, R SIGNALS 15/12/2014 Christchurch NORRIS J 204756 Korea, KForce 14/11/2014 Orewa NORTON H 821068 WWII, Maori 28Bn 24/11/2014 Christchurch NURSE G 16252 WWII, NZ Army DivCav 20/10/2014 Leeston NYSSEN HJ 291031069 CMT 25/08/2014 Manaia O

O’BRIEN TEC Y484057 MDM Bty, RNZA 31/07/2014 Hamilton OOSTENDORP PC 25123099 WWII, 3Bty Indonesia 09/08/2014 Invercargill O’REGAN L NZ431940 WWII, RNZAF LAC 08/11/2014 Hamilton ORR SC NZHG WWII 11/12/2014 Nelson ORTON JS 811790 WWII, NZWAAC 07/10/2014 Hastings OSBORNE ER NZ7522 WWII, RNZN 15/12/2014

29

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

THE LAST POST WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Blenheim P

PAULING DR 432141 WWII, RNZAF 17/11/2014 Auckland PAULSEN VR 443843 JForce, RNZAF 28/01/2015 Nelson PAYNE TW 71253 24/11/2014 Tauranga PHELPS J 569470 11/12/2014 Tauranga PHILLIPS JT 443014 WWII, J Force 22/10/2014 Dunedin PIOTRKOWSKI W 30040368 WWII, Polish Army 01/02/2015 Lower Hutt POHE RJC 619473 WWII, 2NZ Div Cav Regt 11/10/2014 Whangarei POINTON H WA2335 WWII, WRAN 25/07/2014 Tawa POWELL OS 4217149 WWII, NZ Army/RNZAF 03/11/2014 Tauranga PRIEST RS 428148 WWII 06/01/2015 Mt Maunganui PURVIS RG 824226 CMT 24/12/2014 Rangiora R

RADICH JA 4313886/811856 WWII, RNZAF/ NZ Army 24/11/2014 Papatoetoe RANDALL P 641724 WWII, Home Service 07/10/2014 Green Island RAWSTRON RE 1908 WWII, RNZAF 02/11/2014 Christchurch REEKIE RD 43883 WWII 26/09/2014 Tauranga REID G 926775 CMT 18/12/2014 Mosgiel REWI TW NZ42909 WWII 29/10/2014 Masterton RICH DA 818651 Malaya, NZ Army 03/10/2014 Christchurch RICHMOND M 1143 RNZN 19/01/2015 Te Awamutu RIDDLE NA NZ437339 RNZAF 04/12/2014 Blenheim RIDLEY K PKX894196 RNZN 14/11/2014 Taradale RIMMER JM 46767 RNZAF 20/12/2014 Waihi Beach RITCHIE JA RNZN WWII, RNZNVR 29/09/2014 Christchurch ROACH MJ 3/770143 23/01/2015 Mt Maunganui

ROBERTS MJ 616160 WWII, NZ Army 07/11/2014 Hastings ROBERTS MJ 427974 WWII, 2NZEF 13/08/2014 Hamilton ROBERTSON P 819401 WWII, 2NZEF 13/10/2014 Tauranga ROBERTSON SL 938755 2NZ Scotts 25/10/2014 Dunedin ROKER LE P/JX711270 WWII 07/11/2014 Dunedin ROLLITT K NZ6385 WWII, RNZN 14/07/2014 Rangiora RONALDSON EB 423929 RNZAF 30/01/2015 Te Kuiti ROPER AF 446616 WWII, 2NZEF 10/10/2014 Oxford ROSE GB 204336 Korea, NZ Army 24/11/2014 Tauranga ROSE A 69937 27/12/2014 Papamoa RUMBLE RF 16921 WWII, 1Ammunition Coy 13/05/2014 Invercargill RYAN TP 436230 WWII, Gunner 4Fd Regt 30/10/2014 Lower Hutt S SAINSBURY RNL 923157 WWII, RAF 13/10/2014 Orewa SALAS J 7281 WWII, Egypt, Greece 22/09/2014 Wellington SALMON R LFX881127 RNZN 23/12/2014 Tauranga SAUNDERS DW 451279 RNZAF 27/06/2014 Tokoroa SAUNDERS AM 1329 WWII, LRDG, Div Cav 27/01/2015 Nelson SCHUMACHER MC 818314 29/07/2014 Rotorua SCOBIE GF 391296 WWII, RNZAF 26/10/2014 Blenheim SCOTT DB 626866 JForce, NZ Army 24/01/2015 Whangarei SHALLCRASS J 6264 Pacific/Atlantic, RNZN 13/08/2014 Wellington SHATTKY E NZ402794 WWII, RNZAF 13/10/2014 Hastings SIMMONS DA 776325 NZ Army 21/01/2015 Blenheim SLATTERY OW NZD2406 WWII, Royal Navy Netherlands

17/12/2014 Albany SMALL AJ 122559 WWII, NZ Army 27/09/2014 Wellington SMALL RJ 618672 WWII, MG Bn 2NZEF 15/08/2014 Invercargill SMITH FJ K5206 WWII, NZ Army/Paratroops 04/10/2014 Orewa SMITH R 153534 WWII 07/01/2015 Turangi SMITH SA 76658 WWII, RNZAF 06/10/2014 Christchurch SMITH WK 533316 Japan, JForce 23/12/2014 Hamilton SPENCE MG 435383 WWII 21/11/2014 Dunedin STAGG TC 20/01/2015 Blenheim STEART G R45009 RAN 02/11/2014 Christchurch STEPHEN D PJX889563 RNZN 04/12/2014 Hamilton STICHBURY LB 42311 WWII, RNZAF 75Sqn 19/08/2014 Tawa SWINKLES J 26.08.16.143 28/01/2015 Auckland T

TAMEPO RL 551071 WWII, 1st Hawkes Bay Regt 13/01/2015 Turangi TAYLOR FC 22171839 WWII, No1 Laundry Coy 30/11/2014 Tauranga TEAL JW 45025 WWII, NZ Army 25Bn 02/10/2014 Whangarei THOMAS I 1771173 WW11, LAC 12/12/2014 Mosgiel THORBURN JA 433380 WW11, 16 Sqn, 25 Sqn 29/10/2014 Waipukurau TREVETHICK N 815758 2NZEF, JForce 01/10/2014 Australia TUCKER RL 4215714 WWII, RNZAF 03/09/2014 Carterton TWADDLE AA NZ4211702 WWII, RNZAF 09/12/2014 Tauranga TWINN JE 1443931 WWII, RAF 23/01/2015 Lower Hutt V

VINK JJJ 270420002 WWII, Dutch Army 15/08/2014 Hamilton W

WADDELL J 991481 NZ Army 23/10/2014 Papatoetoe

Along came Red Cross Over the years, Red Cross has been there when Frank Hardy has needed it most.

Seventy years ago, Frank was a prisoner of war, detained by the German Army.

For the four years Frank was held as a prisoner, his unenviable situation became more bearable, thanks to Red Cross.

Frank will always remember that first Red Cross parcel in 1942. It not only brought much needed supplies, it also brought the light at the end of a long and dark tunnel - hope for him and his fellow prisoners of war.

“Never have I forgotten the arrival of the first parcel and subsequent weekly issue.

They turned despair into tolerance.”

Frank reminisces about how sometimes along with tea, sugar and milk powder

there would be surreptitious little notes of encouragement from whoever packed the parcel.

With so much thanks in his heart to Red Cross, Frank had no idea that seven decades later he would again call on the services of the organisation that provided a much-needed lifeline many years ago.

After the Christchurch Earthquakes, Red Cross came along again with two earthquake grants, meaning Frank and his wife Ann were able to get some respite by staying with their daughter in Whangarei for a month.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time,”

says Frank, whose wife had mild dementia and at the time was almost immobile.

“At very critical points of my life, the Red Cross has cropped up.”

And now after losing his wife Red Cross is there again. This time with meals on wheels since at his age Frank needs a little bit of extra help each day.

Frank wrote to Red Cross to say thank you.

“God bless the Red Cross and everyone involved in furthering your work in meeting the demands of the world, long may it continue. Our appreciation is unbounded. Thank you.”

Leave a legacy of hope For 100 years we have been helping people like Frank at critical points in their lives. You can ensure we can continue to help for years to come by including New Zealand Red Cross in your Will.

To find out more about the difference you can make by leaving a gift in your Will, call Secretary General Tony Paine on 0800 697 277.

WADDELL KJ NZ13632 Korea, Malaya, RNZN & RAN 10/01/2015 Orewa WAETFORD DT 40380 Malaya, NZ Army 20/10/2014 Whananaki WAKEMAN IC SN16754 RNZN 18/10/2014 Tutukaka WALKER ICS NZ439281 WWII, RNZAF 24/01/2015 Tauranga WARWICK JE 2028727 WWII, RNZAF 02/02/2015 Blenheim WATKINS RG 435587 WWII, 16Rein 29/11/2014 Geraldine WEBB GB 488199 RAF 03/10/2014 Blenheim WHITE DK 4214453 WWII, RNZAF 31/01/2015 Tirau WHITE RW NZ443142 WWII 01/02/2015 Mt Maunganui WHITESIDE GR 784777 Malaya, 1Bn NZ Regt 27/10/2014 Taradale WILLCOCKS AH 22002 WWII, 7Fd Engs 27/10/2014 Nelson WILLIAMS RW 251263 WWII, NZ Army 05/12/2014 Waimate WILLIAMS RD 0462 09/10/2014 Wainuiomata WILLIAMS HF 539092 WWII, RNZAF 12/06/2014 Waimate WILLIAMS MT 50892 RNZEME 06/02/2015 Dunedin WILLIAMS IP 64900 WWII , Army 10/11/2014 Matamata WILMHURST EH 26199 WII, 7 Antitank Regt 20/10/2014 Waitara WIN PW NZ432712 WWII, RNZAF & MN 26/10/2014 Nelson WOOD A 927721 CMT 23rd Intake 17/01/2015 Mosgiel WOODS NC 69396 WWII, 2NZ Div Arty 03/01/2015 Point Chev WOTHERSPOON BJ 4213964 WWII, Pacific, RNZAF 26/09/2014 Gisborne WRIGHT DC 414022 WWII, RNZAF 10/01/2015 Taihape WYLIE PB 412961 WWII, RNZAF 18/11/2014 Howick Y

YOUNG KG 436022 WWII, RNZAF 30/10/2014 Christchurch

30

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Lost Trails with the 27th Reinforcements, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, from Wellington on June 12, 1917. Contact: Mrs M.L..A.Alach, 33 Feary Cres, Takaka 7110,

Flying boat crew

Robert Walter Mathews (known as Wally or Bob) served with the RNZAF at Lauthala Bay, Fiji, with a crew servicing flying boats during World War 2. His daughter, Jeanne Bell, has some photos of working groups in Fiji, and some with Fijian boys (no names).

She is not sure of the name of the unit. She has her father’s Air Force record from World War 2, but the documents are still in storage from a recent move. However, if anyone wants to look for someone, she is happy to scan and send photos – and to receive photos and information. Contact: Jeanne Bell, jeannebell@outlook.com.

Chris Chenier has found the war medal of Cpl John Edward Sullivan, who is buried in the Timaru cemetery. Chris would like to pass it on to relatives.

Cpl John Edward Sullivan

Can you help track down family of Cpl John Edward Sullivan 25/1822 (also known as John Edwin Sullivan), who died, aged 69, in 1951 and is buried in the Timaru Cemetery? A labourer, he embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 2nd Reinforcements to 3rd Battalion, G Company, New Zealand Expeditionary Force on April 1, 1916. He became a farmer after the war and is buried in the Pleasant Point cemetery. His brother, Thomas Francis Sullivan, also served in World War 1. They are believed to be the only two children of John Edward and Bridget (nee Houlihan) Sullivan, of Pleasant Point. The parents moved to Christchurch and are buried there. The two boys also lived in Christchurch after returning from the war. Chris Chenier has found his war medal and would like to pass it on to relatives. Contact: Chris nzpoohbear40@ hotmail.com.

Alexander Morrison

Information sought on Alexander Graham Morrison, a World War 1 soldier who belonged to the Wellington Mounted Rifles. He died, aged about 30, after sickness contracted while in Egypt. We have his diaries and horse kit, but are wondering whether anyone may know who his army mates were at the time. We would like to learn a bit more about his military life at the time. Contact: enquires@rsa.org.nz.

Pte James McIntosh

Relatives and information sought for 6/2444 Pte James McIntosh, son of Mr and Mrs Allan McIntosh of Shag Point, Otago. He was in the Canterbury Regiment, NZEF. He died from wounds aboard the HMHS Maheno on November 14, 1915 and is commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial in the Lone Pine Cemetery at Gallipoli, in Turkey. This search is part of the Royal British Legion’s “Every Man Remembered” campaign to keep alive the memory of those killed. Contact: Terry Sherwood, Terry.Sherwood@plan-international.org.

Military training

Plt Off John Gilmer, an RNZAF airman of 51Sqd, crashed an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley aircraft near Lancashire in 1940. The organisers of a memorial stone (above) want to contact his relatives.

John Gilmer RNZAF

Plt Off John Martin Gilmer aged 23, an RNZAF airman during World War 2,was honoured in an act of remembrance in Lancashire, United Kingdom on November 29 last year. He crashed on May 2, 1940 flying an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley aircraft of 51Sqd. A memorial stone (photo above) was placed in the area of the crash.

The organisers would like to contact relatives of P/O Gilmer, who was the son of Hugh and Margaret Gilmer, of Tokora. Contact: Clifford Ball, cliffball@btconnect.com.

Telegraphist R.H. Newman RNZN

Does anyone know anything about Telegraphist R.H. Newman RNZN, who was part of the crew of one of the motor launches involved in the famous raid on St Nazaire in 1942. Frank Walker, an Australian journalist and author in Sydney, is researching a book on the raids behind enemy lines. He says Newman is listed in a book on the raid as being in the crew of ML306. Patrick Landy, a sub-lieutenant on the same vessel, was RANVR. They were captured after the raid and became prisoners of war at Marlag und Milag Nord camp with other ratings. The book gives

only initials, and Walker would like to find out Newman’s full name, his age at the time of the raid, and where he was from. A group photo of the men in the camp suggests he was not young at the time. Contact: Frank Walker, frank.walker@optusnet.com.au, 061 417 090346, www.frankwalker.com.au.

Donald Moore

Does anyone know anything of Donald R.Moore, who was a lance corporal in New Zealand Army catering corps in Singapore and Papakura Camp in the 1980s? After leaving the army, he went to Australia. R.Farrell was best man at his wedding in Rockhampton, Queensland, but has lost contact with him. He does know that Donald Moore has a son, Steven. Contact: R.Farrell, farrellr28@yahoo.com, 021 02666294.

French quiz

“Where should I look?” is Mrs M.L.A.Alach’s question in her quest to find out where her father, Pte Phillip May Parcell 51431, was wounded in France in 1918. She says he was very reluctant to answer questions. He lost an eye and she thinks he was hit by shrapnel or a spent bullet.

Pte Parcell was a coal merchant who embarked

If you’re prepared to talk about military training for World War 2, Mark Webster would love to hear from you. He has almost completed a three-book history of the New Zealand Red Cross in World War 2 (specifically, the prisonerof-war, food-parcel scheme). It takes the form of a history, a historian’s compendium and a student’s drawn version, and he is now looking for other information sources. He says his interviews and the very many accounts he has seen of New Zealand Army training for World War 2 tend to glance over the training, unlike United States accounts, which dwell on the training aspect. Contact: Mark Webster, markwebster@vodafone.co.nz.

Charles Irvine/ Darcy Baker

Information or contact with families sought on FltLt Charles Alexander Irvine NZ411409 and W/O Darcy Walker Baker NZ404044, both in the RNZAF in the Middle East during World War 2. John Rich (from Australia) is trying to find out what happened to his uncle (FgOff John Rich, 454Sq, RAAF)) in an ill-fated bombing raid over Crete on July 23, 1943. The raid involved two formations of four Baltimore bombers flying at low level during daytime.

FltLt Irvine and W/O Baker were two of just three survivors from the second formation; they were taken prisoner. FltLt Irvine was born in Dargaville in 1920 and served in the RNZAF from 1941-46. W/O Baker was born in Masterton in 1922, served with the RNZAF from 1940-45, and died in Auckland in 1946 from an illness contracted while on active service. Contact: John Rich 61 7 33784635, john.rich.ja@gmail.com.

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31

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Health & Well-Being

‘SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS’ FOR VETS IN LAST 13 YEARS Margaret Snow, RSA national support services adviser

I am sorry to tell you that this will be my last entry in the RSA Review. I am retiring from RSA at the end of April having spent nearly 13 years with the association and, I hope, helping many veterans and their families obtain their entitlements from Veterans Affairs New Zealand or from the Ministry of Social Development.

I have met many hundreds of veterans and their nearest and dearest at hearings of the War Pensions Appeal Board and many more whilst visiting RSAs. There have been some significant moments for veterans during my time here.

The Parliamentary Select Committee hearings on Vietnam veterans led to the setting-up of the Joint Working Group. The subsequent Memorandum of Understanding in December 2006 assisted not only Vietnam veterans and their families, but all New Zealand veterans and their families.

This included the setting up of the Presumptive Lists of health concerns that have been linked to particular periods of service, which have helped many veterans obtain disablement pensions more easily.

Then there was the Hikaka case where the High Court judge’s decision meant all Royal New Zealand Navy service during the Malayan

Emergency, the Thai/Malay Border and the Indonesian Confrontation became recognised wars or emergencies for the provision of War Disablement Pensions (now Disablement Pensions). The RSA and its lawyer helped Mr Hikaka take this case over the veteran’s pension to the High Court.

However, the most significant set of events has been due to another item that came out of the Memorandum of Understanding. These were the Law Commission’s investigations and report on the War Pensions Act 1954 and the resultant introduction of new legislation into Parliament, which became the Veterans’ Support Act 2014.

Each of those has provided huge steps forward in the way that New Zealand veterans are considered and cared for by Veterans’ Affairs.

I have been told that my columns have helped persuade veterans to apply for entitlements, and that many have been successful.

One man told me he had not bothered with applying for the disabilities caused by injuries sustained during his service, but did so because of an article I wrote. He rapidly went from no War Disablement Pension to 80% and found it made a large difference to his quality of life, in part because he was able to buy better food and heat his home properly. I sincerely hope there

are other similar stories out there. Disablement pensions can make a difference to the lives of veterans and their nearest and dearest; veterans can obtain appropriate treatment gratis, and their partners can be reassured that help is available.

Veterans’ Support Act People are getting used to working under the new act and its regulations. Many of you will have already changed to the Disablement Pension from the War Disablement Pension.

Some because you wanted to change immediately, others because you have put in for an increase in an accepted disability or claimed for a new disability.

You will also have to change if you ask for assistance such as home help or to get your windows cleaned. These services now come under ‘social rehabilitation’ – which is designed to help restore a veteran’s independence to the maximum extent possible’. Thus, nothing to fear, but an opportunity to obtain the help you need to make life easier for you.

One thing about changing to the new Disablement Pension that those with hearing loss need to be aware of: when each accepted disability is looked at under the whole-person rules, the percentage of the pension for that

particular disability will reduce quite a lot.

This will not affect the amount of money you receive each fortnight, and you will receive the same concessions and allowances as previously.

However, it could affect whether your spouse or partner has an entitlement to the Surviving Spouse Pension after you die.

The qualifying threshold of Disablement Pension that will allow your spouse or partner to receive the Surviving Spouse Pension automatically is 52 per cent under the Veterans’ Support Act. But all is not doom and gloom. If you, as the veteran, have not reached the 52%, your spouse’s or partner’s claim will be considered in relation to the causes of your death, along with whether they could be linked back to your service in New Zealand’s forces.

Financial Assistance through the RSA RSAs collect money on Poppy Day to help those who have served and their dependants if they have a physical and financial need. This could be dental work, spectacles, a tank-full of water due in a drought, extra help with winter-heating costs, or transport to get to the doctor or hospital.

To page 32

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32 RSA Life

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

RSA Life

RSA-STYLE VETERANS ARMS ‘THE HUB OF ANZAC SPIRIT’ Home plans white cross project for WW1 remembrance

Residents and staff at the Levin Home for War Veterans have set up their own RSA-style club, the Veterans Arms.

The idea arose last year when residents were looking through some of the home’s memorabilia.

“Our veterans tell us that if you live through war, the experience never leaves you,” says manager Joanna Thomson.

“They also tell us that there is comfort in the camaraderie of fellow veterans and the support of their family and friends. The Veterans Arms is their own hub of Anzac spirit.”

The clubroom is decorated with RSA and war memorabilia and has music, a pool table, dartboards, card tables and areas to eat and drink.

The home’s latest Trumpeter fundraising appeal is raising funds to keep the club going.

For the World War 1 100-year commemorations, the home is inviting residents, their friends and families, and the local community to attend a 9am service. World War I soldiers who have lived

Paraparaumu sees need for chaplain The Paraparaumu RSA & Community Club has appointed it first chaplain – and his first task was to lead the re-dedication of the Memorial Gates on February 14.

RSA president Chris Turver says it became clear as planning for the four years of commemoration of World War 1 began to unfold that the RSA needed its own chaplain.

David Bahler is a former military serviceman, an ordained Anglican minister, and the owner of the Robert Harris coffee shop in Coastlands.

He was in the Royal New Zealand Artillery Regiment for seven years, at one point becoming the youngest sergeant in the New Zealand Army, then spent 11 years as a police constable.

From there he went into management positions, including general manager of Titahi Bay RSA and general manager of Petone WMC. He was ordained seven years ago, regularly takes services at Te Horo Church, and is the official padre to the Wellington branch of the Royal New Zealand Artillery Association.

Residents at the Levin Home for War Veterans have set up their own clubroom in the RSA image.

at the home will be honoured through the Fields of Remembrance New Zealand lapel project.

“We will erect a hand-made white cross for each World War I veteran who has lived at our

home, which is expected to be in the hundreds,” says Thomson.

“We will continue to use the crosses to honour these soldiers each year.”

The Levin home – one of just a handful of rest-homes catering specifically for returned service men and women – is run by Presbyterian Support Central’s Enliven division.

It has supported hundreds of veterans since it opened in 1959.

While the home supports people from all walks of life, it is proud of its unique history and humbled to be supporting men and women who have served the country, says Thomson.

• Information about Levin Home for War Veterans, donations to its Trumpeter appeal or remembrance project: 06 3660052, wvh@psc. org.nz, www.enlivencentral.org.nz.

David Bahler...started with memorial gates.

Hard work recognised at Wellsford Shirley Blakemore (right) was made a life member of the Wellsford Memorial RSA on December 6.

She has been highly involved in the club since joining in 1998 – she is the current treasurer and manager, and runs the kitche, and has previously been assistant treasurer,assistant secretary, secretary, and vice president.

She also has a job outside the RSA.

‘Significant moments’ for vets in last 13 years From page 31 If you do need help, please contact your local RSA. If the RSA is not able to provide all the help you need, it may complete an application form for your request for help to come to the RSA Trustees.

If you served in the British or a Commonwealth country’s forces, you may be entitled to help

through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League. Again, your first port of call is your local RSA, which should be able to help you complete the paperwork and obtain quotes.

Please don’t be shy, just ask and see what help you can receive. Our support advisers are taught to respect your privacy, so your needs should never go beyond them or the trustees.

I wish you all the best.

ADVERTISEMENT

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Larger dimensions have resulted in useful increases in boot space, front and rear seat legroom and, in particular, headroom. Boot space has increased to a best in class 245 litres, with a low-opening height for improved practicality.

With a tight turning circle of 4.7 metres, the Celerio is also one of the most maneuverable cars in its class, perfect for handling around town.

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5.8 litres/100 km in the urban cycle.

Motoring journalist Donn Anderson, who is involved in record-breaking long distance economy drives in Britain and New

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During his recent independent fuel economy test in a manual 5-speed

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Despite its economy price tag, the Celerio is well equipped with six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, electric power steering, air conditioning, driver’s seat height adjustment, a USB connection, CD tuner, steering wheel controls for Bluetooth connectivity, rev counter, remote central door locking, bottle holders, electric door mirror control and front and rear electrically operated windows.

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Plus all new Suzuki models come with a comprehensive 3 year / 100,000km factory warranty, 5 year / 100,000km powertrain warranty, and 5 years roadside assistance.

34

RSA REVIEW • Autumn 2015

What’s On REGULAR MEETINGS 2ND NEW ZEALAND DIVISIONAL CAVALRY (WAIKATO BRANCH) 26 March, 11.30am, Morrinsville RSA, luncheon; 25 June, 11.30am, Hamilton Combined Returned Services Club, luncheon and annual meeting; 27 August, 11.30am, Te Awamutu RSA, luncheon; 26 November, 11.30am, Hamilton Combined Returned Services Club, Christmas luncheon.

Contact: Molly Varley 07 8565317.

JULY 161 BATTERY, 16 FIELD REGIMENT, ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY, VIETNAM 14-16 Jul, Palmerston North. 50th anniversary of deployment to Vietnam. Open to all who served with the battery in Vietnam. Contact: John Barrett 07 5494829; 027 2807915; jonlynbar@yahoo.com

AUCKLAND BRANCH, CMT/NS ASSOCIATION INC Meets monthly on third Tuesday, 1100 hours, New Lynn RSA. Keen to welcome new members to enjoy friendship and camaraderie, fun and laughter, and perhaps stay for a light lunch.Guest speakers, outings, bus trips with wives, partners and girlfriends. Most members attend Anzac Day parades; group also parades as a unit at the Auckland Naval Base, HMNZS Philomel, for the annual Armistice Day memorial service to pay tribute and lay a wreath at the memorial wall. Contact: Mark Sinclair, president, 09 534 8138; Malcolm Baird, vice-president 09 2676557; Brian Caltaux, secretary, 09 4209794.

VETERANS – WARNING ORDER 18 Jul, Papanui RSA. Get-together to celebrate 50 years since 161Bty arrived in Vietnam; infantry followed in 1967. Contact: Eddie Bassett 03 9201581 or Wendy, Papanui RSA 03 3521185; papanui.rsa@xtra.co.nz.

CMT/NS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who took part in Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome. Meets at Papanui RSA. Variety of activities monthly. Contact: Alison Smith, secretary, 21 Kearneys Rd, Bromley, Christchurch 8062; 03 9817623, legles@ paradise.net.nz.

OCTOBER

SOUTHLAND CMT GROUP Ex-CMT and National Servicemen welcome. Meets monthly, third Thursday. Gore RSA or nominated venue. Usually lunch, visit to place of interest, or speaker. Contact: John Turner. 03 2016084, ardlussa@ farmside.co.nz.

ITALY STAR ASSOCIATION (CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH) 2015 meetings: 18 April, June 27, August 29, October 31, November 28 (Christmas luncheon). 1.30pm, Papanui RSA, 55 Bellvue Ave, Christchurch. Contact: Peter Scott, 27 Kenwyn Ave, St Albans, Christchurch 8052; 03 3556732; peter.judy@actrix.co.nz.

2015 MARCH HMNZS OTAGO ASSOCIATION 55TH REUNION , 27-29 March, Whangarei RSA. All members and all other ships’ matelots and partners invited. Registration form will be included with the December 2014 Claymore and posted on website. Information: website, www.hmnzsotago. org; Claymore editor/vice-president Terry Whimp, whimps@vodafone.co.nz; 09 4738854 (office hours).

41 SQUADRON RNZAF ASSOCIATION BIENNIAL REUNION 27-29 March, Wellington. Friday evening: Meet’n’greet. Saturday: Leisure activities, dinner.

Sunday: Short, commemorative service. Details: Reunion website www.41sqnreunion2015.org.nz.

APRIL

SEPTEMBER 2 NZ REGIMENT(1959-61) NATIONAL REUNION 14-16 September, Tauranga. Contact: Evan Torrance, reunion co-ordinator, 58 Rongopai St, Roslyn, Palmerston North 4414; 06 3549914; evan.zilla@xtra.co.nz

RNZRSA NATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT October, Rangiora ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY REUNION 9-11 Oct, Ngata Ringa Sports Complex, Birkenhead RSA, North Shore. Contact: Chief Steward D.Kingi, Stewards’ Reunion treasurer, HMS Philomel, Private Bag 32901, Devonport, North Shore City 0744; 09 4455999; stewardsreunion@hotmail.com; Facebook, Royal New Zealand Navy Stewards Reunion. Application forms can be downloaded.

NEW ZEALAND KOREA VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION NATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 17-18 Oct, Napier RSA. Contact: Ray Perry, president, 06 8726105; John Campbell, secretary, 06 8586010.

RNZRSA NATIONAL DARTS TOURNAMENT 24-26 Oct (Labour weekend). Manurewa.

RNZRSA NATIONAL SNOOKER SINGLES TOURNAMENT 24-26 Oct (Labour weekend). Whangamata.

NOVEMBER RNZN ENGINE ROOM BRANCH REUNION FridaySunday, 6-8 November, Napier. Registration forms available from February 1. Cl;osing date with fees: September 15. Expressions of interest/information: Dennis Zachan, 12 Norrie Place,Tamatea, Napier 4112; 06 8442201; 021 673242; exstokers@gmail.com.

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY ASSOCCIATION (RNZAA) ANNUAL MEETING/REUNION 13-15 Nov, activities based at the “new” Christchurch Memorial RSA, Armagh St,Christchurch. Note: Friday, November 13 is Canterbury Anniversary Day. Information: RNZAA website – http://www.rnzaa.org.nz). Contact: Skin Frances, skin_frances@outlook.com; 03 3832967; 021 2168109.

RNZRSA INTERDOMINION DARTS TOURNAMENT 3-6 Apr (Good Friday-Easter Monday). Hosted by Merrylands RSL, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Contact: (+61 2 88687777; enquiries@merrylandsrsl.com.au.

2016

RE-ENACTMENT OF CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES DEPARTURE FROM NEW ZEALAND FOR WORLD WAR 1914 24-25 April, Starts at The Peaks Hall, Apr 24; main ride Apr 25 finishing at Waikari Hall. Minimum age 16; horses must be fit. Contact” North Canterbury – Terry, Terry@amuri.net; Tina, tmlongman@hotmail.co.nz; Rest of South Island – Jackie, johnjackiemac@xtra.co.nz.

23 INTAKE RNZAF AIRMAN CADET SCHOOL/5 CET 5OTH ANNIVERSARY 19-21 February. Contact: Dave Bryant, davebryant@telus.net; https://sites. google.com/site/23intakeairmancadetschoolrnzaf/ home.

RNZRSA NATIONAL SNOOKER PAIRS TOURNAMENT 30 May-1 Jun (Queen’s Birthday weekend). Hosted

by Manurewa RSA. Contact: 09 2668673; manurewa. rsa@xtra.co.nz.

RNZRSA VICTORY CLUB DARTS TOURNAMENT 30 May-1 Jun (Queen’s Birthday weekend). Hosted by Swanson RSA. Contact: 09 833 9013; theswansonrsa@ xtra.co.nz.

JUNE

FEBRUARY

MAY HMNZS BLACKPOOL F77 - 50th ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONING Those interested in a reunion of HMNZS Blackpool crews in May 2016 to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning are invited to register their interest to Graeme Lowe: newplymouthrsa@xtra.co.nz by June 30, 2015. This is to gauge interest before going ahead with a reunion.

JUNE RNZRSA VICTORY CLUB DARTS TOURNAMENT 4-6 Jun (Queen’s Birthday weekend). Napier.

RNZRSA NATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE & ANNUAL MEETING 22-23 June, Tauranga RSA. Contact: Deidre Rich 09 8343998; richfamily@xtra.co.nz.

AUGUST

RNZRSA NATIONAL INDOOR BOWLS TOURNAMENT 27-28 Jun. Hosted by Morrinsville RSA. Contact: 07 8897014; morrinsvillersa@clear.net.nz.

OCTOBER

RNZRSA NATIONAL POOL PAIRS TOURNAMENT Aug. Venue to be announced.

RNZRSA NATIONAL DARTS TOURNAMENT 22-24 Oct

(Labour weekend). Tauranga.

Stew Couchman, blongami@xtra.co.nz; 06 3258593.

RNZRSA NATIONAL SNOOKER SINGLES TOURNAMENT 22-24 Oct (Labour weekend). Venue to be announced.

NEW ZEALAND BATTLE OF CRETE ASSOCIATION Contact: Deirdre Hauschild, c/- Mount Maunganui RSA, P.O.Box 4011, Mount Maunganui South 3116; 07 5764362; dee.hauschild@gmail.com.

RNZRSA NATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Oct. Venue to be announced.

CALLS TO JOIN BRITISH AIRBORNE FORCES (NZ) INC Are (or were) you para-Trained? Would you like to meet other ex-(or even current) paras, from the Parachute Regiment, SAS, or from the supporting arms - engineers, signals, medics, artillery etc? Would you like to help maintain the Airborne spirit around the world, and particularly in New Zealand? We meet regularly in Northern (Auckland to Taupo), Central (Taupo to Wellington) and Southern (South Island). Full membership - all ranks of Parachute Regiment, SAS, supporting arms, and those with special service to British Airborne Forces; associate membership - immediate family; affiliate membership - those in airborne units of other countries. Contact: Frank Clark, president, 04 2336123. Roy Tilley, secretary, 04 5660850, rmt@xtra. co.nz. Website, www.britishairbornenz.tripod.com.

CMT ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH INC Anyone who took part in Compulsory Military Training or National Service welcome to meet at the Papanui RSA. Variety of activities monthly. Contact: Alison Smith, secretary, 21 Kearneys Rd, Bromley, Christchurch 8062, 03 9817623, legles@paradise.net.nz

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH, ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION Meets two-monthly, 2pm, Pt Chevalier RSA, Auckland. Full membership to serving or former RM, RMR and RN, HM Forces RM units, family members, Royal Marines Cadets. Contact: Peter Collins, 634 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Ardmore R.D.2, Papakura 2582; 09 2967648; 021 1417119; peter-collins@xtra.co.nz; www. royalmarinesassociation.org/nz/rma_nz_home.html.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATION Includes HQ FAR EAST AIRFORCE, seeks NZ members ex RAF or RNZAF, who served at RAF Changi 1946-71. Contact: B W Lloyd, 32 Redwood, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JN, UK.

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

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

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

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.

J FORCE ASSOCIATION, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH Meets third Wednesday of month at Mt Maunganui RSA. Warm welcome to visitors and keen to hear about other branches. Membership: 19 veterans, 22 wives and widows. Activities: Christmas dinner, quarterly 8 balcompetition, short trips. Contact: President, Ron Browne, 07 5758916; ronaldbrowne@ xtra.co.nz.

MOUNTED TROOPERS ASSOCIATION North IIsland branch of Royal NZ Armoured Corps Association. The $25 annual subscription fee includes membership of both the MTA and the RNZAC. Anyone who is serving or has served in RNZAC units in any way is eligible join - the only criteria is that you must have worn the ‘Black Beret’. Spouses of deceased eligible personnel are welcome. The MTA aims to bring former comrades together again through national reunions, members’ birthdays, funerals, unveilings, and regimental occasions to which the association is invited. Managed by a six-person trust board - Chris Cooper (chairman), Bob Williams (secretary), Christine Campbell (treasurer), Doug Morrow, Geoff Kreegher and Colin Campbell.

Prospective members in New Zealand should contact nearest troop co-ordinator; if you’re overseas, contact the MTA secretary. Contacts: Secretary, Bob Williams, P.O. Box 384, Thames 3540, New Zealand; +64 7 8686506; bw.crescent@xtra.co.nz. Troop coordinators, Auckland: Moa Larkins, P.O.Box 300014, Albany, Auckland 752; manofaction@slingshot.co.nz.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty:Chris Cooper, cooppen@xtra. co.nz; 07 5444917. Hawke’s Bay: Willie Walker, 19 Pania Place, Parklands Estate, Napier; willieanddenise@ hotmail.co.nz. Taranaki: Lenny Robinson, LENR@xtra. co.nz; 06 7638594. Central/Soputhern North Island:

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

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

Monthly meetings, regular social get-togethers, ship visits, four newsletters a year. Contact: Miles McIlraith (ex-RNZN), treasurer, 4987 State Highway 75, R.D., Little River 7591; 03 3251937; 03 3251936 (fax).

SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY VETERANS OF AUSTRALASIA (SAMVOA) All who served in uniform in South Africa and now live in New Zealand are invited to join. SAMVOA is intended to preserve memories, and commemorate those who were injured, and fell in action. Remembrance Day and Anzac Day parades, and regular meetings. Information and application form: Chris Pattison, 021 2316612; ytrose@vodafone.co.nz.

THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Seeking members to rekindle activity. 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 the training ship – are invited to join the association’s Lower North Island branch. Write: Arthur Woolard, 21 Pohutukawa Drive, R.D.1, Levin 5571.

RSA Life 35

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

WHANGAREI UNVEILING CLOSE The young woman carved in marble who has pointed to Heaven and held a wreath for Whangarei’s World War I dead for 90 years has been moved. She and the cenotaph plinth on which she stands have shifted to a new war memorial in the city’s Laurie Hall Park.

The Whangarei RSA and the Whangarei District Council plan an unveiling ceremony on March 28 and the new memorial will be the centre of this year’s district Anzac Day commemorations.

The new memorial will include a large central area set into a slope, semi-enclosed by three granite memorial walls. The central wall will carry the names of Whangarei service men and women who died in active service during the wars in which New Zealand participated.

The names of 600 of Whangarei’s war dead on the memorial have been inscribed – 470 on the black granite panels painted with silver, and the 130 on the cenotaph painted with gold-leaf.

Whangarei RSA Trust chairman Archie Dixon says members are looking forward to having the extended families of the war dead join them for the unveiling.

A serviceman for 27 years in territorial and regular forces, he describes seeing the memorial come to fruition as a “humbling experience”.

“These war-dead names are people who were somebody’s loved ones in the Whangarei district, so this a dream coming true to have their names in a public place. These names belong to all of us. It brings significant satisfaction to the war veterans who returned and are still alive that those who were killed alongside them are at last getting recognition.”

The RSA is seeking funding from businesses and individuals to help cover additional costs.

This is a dream coming true to have their names in a public place.

Rallying call sounds for ’Nam gunners Fifty years ago the first of 800 New Zealand gunners flew to war in Vietnam. From 1965 to 1971, 161 Battery, 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery fought in support of American, Australian and New Zealand troops.

Organisers of a big battery reunion are now working hard to track down the survivors for 50th-anniversary reunion at Palmerston North between over the July 14-16 weekend.

So far 380 have been located in New Zealand and 96 overseas; 254 (30 per cent) have died since coming home; the whereabouts of 93 are unknown.

Vietnam veteran John Barrett, who is one of the organisers, says the reunion is a “once-in-alifetime chance to remember the part we played in a significant historical event, to honour those who fought, and to remember those who didn’t come home or have died since.”

“Best of all, it’s a chance to meet up with those who became lifelong mates, so we want to make sure everybody knows the reunion is coming up.”

The first 120 gunners and five 105mm howitzers were airlifted to Vietnam in successive flights of what were then the RNZAF’s brand-new Hercules transport aircraft.

The planes are still flying.

The first shot was fired on July 15,1965 and the last of almost 232,000 rounds fired during the war was on May 1, 1971.

The battery was awarded the United States Meritorious Unit Commendation in recognition of its service with the US 173rd Airborne Brigade and the South Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation of the Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf.

• Contact: John Barrett, 07 5494829; 027 5831338; Jonlynbar&yahoo.com.

PHOTOS: Top: Whangarei RSA president Archie Dixon ( left) and World War 2 naval veteran Bruce McMillan (right ) cast a final eye over the cenotaph. Photo: Courtesy John Stone, Northern Advocate. Above: The marble young woman settles into her new home.

Leaders in aged care

Harder to catch blondes – centenarian “It has taken me a while to get here,” World War 2 veteran Hastings Bullock said as RichmondWaimea RSA president Terry Richardson presented him with a certificate to mark his 100th birthday (right).

The centenarian, who fought in the Royal New Zealand Navy, left New Zealand in 1940. He remembers the attitudes of people in London.

“We went underground in 1941 with mothers and children, and one thing that did impress me was how they behaved while they were being bombed. They had really positive attitudes, they made us (the New Zealand Navy) feel very welcome.”

He was born in Christchurch and worked there as an accountant for most of his life. He met his eventual wife, Patricia, in 1958. His proudest achievement was marrying her, he says. They raised two daughters and a son, and he “dare not say anything against the Crusaders – my daughters love them”.

The Bullocks moved to Nelson when he retired in 1988, and he loves living in the area because of the friendly people.

Photo: Courtesy Martin de Ruyter, Nelson Mail

He has been involved in the New Zealand RSA for many years and enjoys meeting his friends at the gatherings.

“You feel very involved with them because they have been through exactly what you have been through. I don’t think any of the people I joined the navy with are alive today, but I think I’m just lucky.”

He has just one complaint about getting older: “My knees are a lot slower now, it makes it harder to catch the blondes.”

We have 20 locations nationwide from the Bay of Islands to Dunedin.

New Zealand owned and operated, we pride ourselves on bringing good old-fashioned kiwi values back into aged care.

Our staff are qualified and experienced to help you with any concerns or questions you may have.

DEMENTIA CARE

This panel titled Saluting the Service has been mounted on to a seat outside the Whakatane RSA. The panel was sponsored by the Eastern Bay of Plenty branch of the New Zealand Malayan Veterans’ Association, and designed and created by Bazz Porter and Chanelle James, of Diverse Graphics Whakatane.

Call 0800 737 2273 or visit www.radiuscare.net.nz

36

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Local RSAs Kaikohe & District Memorial RSA (Inc)

NORTHLAND

Northern Wairoa RSA Club

Hokianga Rd Dargaville Ph: 09 439 8164

ALL VISITORS MOST WELCOME

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

KAITAIA FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA CLUB

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

Billiards - Snooker - Pool - Bowls - Darts

Pleasant lounge and excellent bar facilities

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

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

11am - 11.30pm Sun 1pm - 9pm

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

Visitors always welcome ANY CHANGES TO CLUB ADVERTS OR CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PLEASE CONTACT DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 Email:davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

AUCKLAND

HOBSONVILLE

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

28 Neville St Warkworth Ph 09 425 8568 Opening Hours 11am Mon - Sat 3pm Sun Gunners' Restaurant

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

Live Entertainment & Dancing every Friday evening.

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

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

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

Ph 09 407 8585 37 Cobham Road

KERIKERI

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

Open Seven Days

MEALS Our spacious Restaurant allows us to cater for up to 200 people at any one time Lunch open from Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 2pm Dinners Wednesday - Saturday 5 - 8.30pm Sunday Buffet 5 - 7.30pm We have large outdoor garden area, Big Screen for major games, Sky T.V., pool, bowls, darts, cards, fishing, golf, quiz.

663 SWANSON RD - PH 833 9013

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

SILVERDALE

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 Snooker - Pool - Darts - Warriors Supporters Section

We have excellent facilities for reunions and other functions NEW RETURNED AND SERVICE MEMBERS WELCOME. Inquiries to Sec/Manager 09 636 6644 PO Box 13016, Onehunga

Glen Eden RSA

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

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

Open: 11am Mon-Sat. Noon on Sun

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

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

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

RSA

A warm welcome is assured to all members and visitors.

Special welcome to local and out of town visitors.

Open Tues - Thurs from 2pm. Fri - Sun from Midday.

• Restaurant open Fri - Sun lunch, Wed - Sun Dinner.

Excellent meals at reasonable prices.

• Live entertainment last Friday of each month.

• Quiz Nights 7pm 3rd Thursday of every month.

Car Boot Sale last Sunday of every month 8am, sellers $8 • Excellent Bar staff & service • Large car park. Easy bus turnnig • Coach Tours welcome - advance booking essential • Facilities available for function hire • Other facilities include darts, pool, indoor bowls & fishing club

THE SMALL RSA WITH THE BIG HEART

Bus trips catered for by request.

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

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

Ph 09 846 8673 1136 Great North Rd

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

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

ORAKEI RSA

Ph: 09 528 6245 & 09 521 2710

(Members)

Hours: Mon : 12-7.30pm. Tues:11am-8pm

Wed: 11-9pm. Thurs & Fri: 11-11pm. Sat: 11-9pm. Sun: 2-7pm.

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

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

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

BIRKENHEAD RSA

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS RSA Inc

MEMORIAL RSA

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

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

Family Restaurant - Meals Wed Thurs Friday and by arrangement.

SWANSON

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

CLUBROOMS OPEN SAT - MON 11AM TUES - FRI 9 AM BAR OPEN 7 DAYS from 11am DON STOTT MEMORIAL RESTAURANT

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Wed: 1.30-4pm. Fri & Sat: from 7.00pm POOL * DARTS * I/D BOWLS * TAB LARGE SCREEN SKY * GAMING MACHINES TEA/COFFEE & LIGHT MEALS ANYTIME

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

WAIHEKE RSA

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

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

HENDERSON RSA

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

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

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

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

Mt Wellington Panmure RSA 163 Queens Rd, Panmure

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

Live Entertainment every 2nd Friday

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

NEW LYNN

Memorial RSA (Inc)

2 Veronica St Ph: 09 827 3411 Where a friendly welcome is assured. A must stopover when visiting Auckland BAR & TAB FACILITIES Open 7days Gaming Facilities FREYBERG RESTAURANT Lunches: Tues-Sun 12-2pm, Dinner: Wed-Sat 5.30pm open

Band Friday Nights

PAPATOETOE DISTRICT RSA (Inc)

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

(Hours may vary without prior notice) Social Nights with live bands: Thurs Family Nights - have entertainment on the second Friday of the month and starting in mid-July on Friday nights and Housie

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

EAST COAST BAYS RSA (Inc)

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

When heading north, staying or visiting the North Shore, stop at East Coast Bays RSA Lunches Tues-Sat 12-2pm.Dinner Wed Carvery 6-8pm Thurs-Sat 6-8.30pm Sun from 5.30pm VISIT OUR CLUBROOMS Open: Mon-Sat from 11am Sun 2-8pm

DANCING FRI & SAT 7.30PM

Coach tours welcome by arrangement Gaming Machine * Darts * Pool * Snooker Housie I/d Bowls * Dinning & Dancing * TAB * Raffles

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS

AVONDALE RSA Overlooking the Racecourse

Come & visit your mates. A friendly Welcome Assured

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

MEALS Lunch: Mon to Fri Dinner: Everynight Entertainment: Thursday, Friday and Sunday Evenings

The Best in the West

If you are in town give us a call. Ph: 09 828 5000

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

37

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Local RSAs MANUREWA

OTOROHANGA MEMORIAL

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

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

RSA (Inc)

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

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

ALL NEW MEMBERS MOST WEL COME

WAIKATO / KING COUNTRY / BAY OF PLENTY

TE AROHA MEMORIAL RSA (Inc) Rewi Street

Ph 07 884 8124

Club open from Mon 3pm- Tues - Sat 2pm, Meals Available Thurs, Fri, Sat from 6pm A warm, friendly welcome awaits you

VISITORS CORDIALLY WELCOME

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

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

NGARUAWAHIA RSA (Inc)

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

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

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

MT MAUNGANUI

RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui THE NEW GENERATION RSA

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

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

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

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

27 Studholme Street Morrinsville Ph: 07 889-7014

RSA (Inc)

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

Hours: Tues - Fri: 3pm - 10pm, Sat 11am - Late, 3rd Sunday each month: 3pm - 8pm

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

Retreat Restaurant: Thurs - Sat 5pm - 8pm Lunch every 2nd Tuesday 11am - 1pm

AMPLE PARKING (FREE) FOR BUSES AND CARS

Family Lounge: Regular entertainment, 12 gaming machines with $1000 jackpot, Sky TV on the big screens, pool & snooker tables, indoor & outdoor bowls, fishing and darts.

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

Poppyfields Restaurant:

Open for bus tours & private functions by arrangement

TOKAANU-TURANGI & Districts Memorial RSA

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

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

OPEN SEVEN DAYS

www.morrinsvillersa.org.nz

“The Centre Of it All” * Gaming Machines * Sky Tv * Snooker * 8 Ball * Indoor Bowls

Rendezvous Restaurant

WHAKATANE RSA (Inc)

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

Open 7 Days ---- Bar Hours

Wed, Thur, Fri Lunch 12 - 2pm Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat Dinner 5 - 8 Closed Tuesday and Sunday

Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm.Fri & Sat 10am till late. Sun 2pm-8pm

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

Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sat Bar Snacks Available

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

TE TE PUKE PUKE

MEMORIAL MEMORIAL RSA RSA A (Inc) (Inc)

Restaurant Hours

Gaming Machines - Big Screens - 8 Ball - Snooker Darts - Indoor Bowls - Line Dancing - Karaoke Thursday evenings

Live Entertainment Friday Nights Close to motels in the heart of town

16 Oxford Street Ph: 07 573 7922

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

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

Taumarunui & District RSA

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

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

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

Entertainment Centre of Taumarunui

TE AWAMUTU

District Memorial RSA (Inc) 381 ALEXANDER STREET P. 07 8713707 E. tarsa@xtra.co.nz

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

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

Sun: 1- 8pm

Restaurant Hours

Mon 12 noon to 1pm, 5pm to 7pm.

Wed & Thurs 5pm-7pm, Fri & Sat 5pm to 8.30pm Sun Smorgasboard 5pm to 7pm Groups catered for during week on request

A Friendly Welcome in Warm Whakatane

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

Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula

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

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

Visitors Most Welcome

ROTORUA RSA (Inc)

Haupapa St, Rotorua

We offer a warm welcome to our thermally heated club.

Bar open 7 days.

Restaurant Lunch 12-2pm Mon-Sat, Dinner 6-9pm Seven days.

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

Registered Military Museum

Rotorua RSA

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

‘ROSE of the WAIKATO’

HAMILTON Combined Returned Services Club

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

OPEN 7 DAYS Club Restaurant Lunches Tues-Fri Dinner Tues-Sun from 5.30pm.

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

GALLIPOLI RESTAURANT

Ph: 06 876 4739

VISITORS WELCOME

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

When visiting Hutt Valley call at our comfortable clubrooms.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU

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

ENJOY OUR COMPANY AND MAKE THE STOP

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

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

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

SOUTH TARANAKI RSA (Inc) Bar Hours: Mon, Tues 3-7pm Wed 3-9pm, Thurs 3-7pm.

Fri, Sat 3-9pm Clubrooms open some mornings Bistro Meals: Fri. 5-7pm

Princess Street Hawera When in our area you are cordially invited to visit our Clubrooms & enjoy our hospitality. A friendly welcome is assured to all.

WANGANUI Great Entertainment...

S

BER MEM ME W NE ELCO W

Live Bands 18 Gaming Machines TAB Terminal Big Screen TVs' 8 Ball * Darts * Bowls Euchre * Housie Raffles * Members' Jackpots

Gallipoli Restaurant

Lunch Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am Dinner Monday & Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm Tuesday Pension Day Special - Lunches Whiteboard Dinner Specials

… MEMBERS AND BONA FIDE GUESTS WELCOME ...

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

Courtesy Bus 027 345 5750

Come and visit our friendly Club the

MATAMATA

HASTINGS RSA

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

TAUPO

Sat: 11-10pm

EAST COAST - HAWKES BAY WAIRARAPA - TARANAKI MANAWATU - WELLINGTON

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

RSA TAURANGA 1237 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga

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

Lower Hutt Memorial www.lowerhuttrsa.org.nz

Big Screen TV’s, Snooker, Pool, Darts, Indoor Bowl, Cards, 18 Gaming Machines, Live Bands Bar Hours - Open 7 Days - From 11.00am

Oaktree Restaurant

Open 7 Days from Breakfast - 7.00am - Lunch - 12.00 noon Dinner - 5.00pm “When in the Bay stay with us” Motor Inn accommodation available Excellent Rates “Visitors Welcome Anytime”

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

38

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Local RSAs NAPIER RSA 34 Vautier Street, Napier

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

A warm, sunshine welcome is extended to all visitors to our modern, comfortable clubrooms

MARLBOROUGH - NELSON WEST COAST CANTERBURY OTAGO - SOUTHLAND

OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK Restaurant Open:Lunch: Mon- Sat. Dinner:Mon-Sun

Milton Bruce RSA

Top meals at reasonable prices

• Live entertainment Fri & Sat nights • Parking • Conference room • Taxi chits available for discounted fares

31 Union Street, Milton Ph: 03 417 8927

Membership still open. Affiliated members Welcome

Conveniently located to Marine Parade, motels and city centre

Open daily from 5.00pm *All Welcome*

THERE ARE NO STRANGERS AMONG US, ONLY FRIENDS WE HAVE NOT MET.

PAPANUI RSA 1 Easton Street, Ph: 06 3637670 Fax: 06 3636838 Email: foxtonrsa@xtra.co.nz www.foxtonrsa.co.nz Friendly & safe environment (children welcomed)

Open:

Mon. & Tues.

Wednesday Thursday Fri. & Sat. Sunday First & last Sun of the month

11am - 7pm 11am - 9pm 11am - 10pm 11am - 12pm 2pm - 7pm 12pm - 7pm

Reasonably priced quality meals available: Lunch – Thurs., Fri., Sat. 12pm to 1.30pm Sun (first and last of the month) Dinner –Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 6pm to 8.00pm SKY TV, big screen, pool, darts, pokies, juke box Campervans welcomed (two sites are powered) Venue available for hire for special events and functions

TAWA RSA 89 Oxford St. Ph: 232 5788

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA & Char tered Club visitors We are open: POOL Wed to Sun from 4pm DARTS Meals Friday 6.00 - 8.00pm Sunday Roast the last Sunday of SKY TV each month 6.00pm-8pm

PORIRUA RSA (Inc) 5 -7 McKillop St, Tel: 04 237 7695 Fax 04 238 2343 OPEN SEVEN DAYS

Ph: 03 352 9770 55 Bellvue Ave Papanui Rd & 1 Harewood Rd

Access also from

Visiting Christchurch Try our hospitality in the heart of Papanui. Adjacent to major civic amenities incl. shopping mall,motels & hotels Club Hours

Mon -Tues: 11am -9pm. Wed-Thurs: 11am-10pm. Fri- Sat: 11am- 11pm. Sun: 11am- 8pm

Bistro Meals

Lunch: 7 days 12 - 2 pm Dinner: 7 days 5pm onwards

Facilities

Eftpos, Sky TV, Snooker Billiards, Pool, Bowls, Cards, Darts, Gaming Machines, Library, Live Entertainment, Off Street Parking.

Power Point for Campervans

Welcome

RESTAURANT HOURS Thurs, Fri & Sat. Dinners 5.30 - 9.30pm

NEW, RETURNED & SERVICE MEMBERS MOST WELCOME

BULLS

SH1 Bulls Ph 06 322 0875

Hours Mon, Tues & Sun:11am -8pm Wed -Sat:11am -10pm When passing through Bulls call at our clubrooms, enjoy our hospitality and have a friendly chat.

156 Gloucester Street Ph/Fax 06 844 4808

ashburton rsa [inc]

12 Cox Street

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

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

Wheelchair available

ashburton Where the North meets the South

GREYMOUTH RSA CLUB 181 Tainui Street Facilities include a family bar, pool table, dart boards & gaming machines. Housie is played every Monday at 7.30pm. Raffles Tuesday & Friday.

We extend to all members a cordial invitation to visit our clubrooms situated on the main highway 5 minutes from the town centre and motels.

HOURS: Mon - Sun open from 12pm. Lunch time Courtesy Coach Available Fridays

Call and make some West Coast friends

38 Kirk Rd, Templeton

CLUB BAR HOURS

Wed 1pm - 7pm, Thurs 4pm - 7pm, Fri 4pm till late, Sat 4pm til late

MEALS

Last Thurs of month Fri from 5.30pm, Sat from 5.30pm

Enjoy Southern Hospitality Tue-Sat 3-6pm & Fri 3-9pm

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

NEW BRIGHTON RSA 21 Mafeking Street, New Brighton, Christchurch Ph: 03 388 9059 Open daily from 3.30pm Sunday 11.30am Meals available Thurs, Fri & Sat “All Welcome”

RANGIORA RSA CLUB (Inc) 82 Victoria Street Ph: 03 313 7123 Restaurant: Lunch Wed, Thurs, Fri. Dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. Courtesy Van Available Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights

A warm welcome is extended to all RSA members, families and friends

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

NELSON RSA (Inc)

168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson. Phone 03 548 6815.

Open from 11.00 am Monday – Saturday; 11.30 am Sunday Tribute: 6.00 pm Wednesdays Lunch 11.00 am – 2.00 pm; Dinner 5.30 – 8.30 pm

ALL VISITORS WELCOME

motueka

Marlborough RSA 42 Alfred Street Blenheim (In Clubs Marlborough Complex)

We extend a cordial invitation to all visiting members to visit our Clubrooms Open 7 Days from 9.00, Restaurant meals - 7 Days.

Gaming, Pool, Snooker, Sky TV.

memorial rsa (inc) 49 High Street

Look us up on Facebook

Open 7 Days Mon-Thur 2.30pm Fri-Sun 11.00am Restaurant open 7 days

Dinner 5.30-8:30pm Lunch Fri-Sun 11:30am-1:30pm rsa - clubs nz members most welcome

Travel New Zealand RUSSELL. F/furn 2 bdrm apartment. Sleeps 4 available all year. 2 adults $400 p week or $80 p night, $15 pn extra person.

Ph: 0 9 4 2 6 9 7 4 7 Email: donandmyra@xtra.co.nz

Special Package Deal* Offer includes: Accommodation plus Breakfast & Dinner Buffet

Ph: 07 578 9654 Single: $130 Double $165

WANGANUI. Bignell St Motel, Quiet Warm Friendly, Comfortable, Pets by arrangement $65 single + $15pp extra. Phone Now 0800 244 635 WHAKATANE Bay Hotel Units 90 McAllister Street. Very handy to RSA. Discount for RSA members. Friendly service, courtesy pickup, Pets very welcome. Your hosts Betty & Willy Arends.

Ph 07 308 6788 Fax 07 308 6749

CHARTERED CLUB

Alexandra Clyde RSA

Meals Available 7 days - Lunch & Dinner

Bar Hours Mon-Sat: 11am-Late Sun: 4.30 9pm Bistro Hours Thurs: 6.30-8.30pm. Fri: 6-9pm Sun: 6-8pm Snack Bar open all hours

All Visitors Assured of a Warm & Sincere Welcome

Paparua Templeton RSA

35 Centennial Ave. Alexandra

PO Box 10 Ph: 03 448 8090 Fax: 03 448 8023

When in Napier or Hastings visit us, we are only 8 minutes from either city. Motel accommodation next door with discounts available

141 Palmerston Street Riverton 9822 Phone: (03) 2348737

Scan for more info >>

Clubrooms Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am Sat-Sun 10.30 am

RIVERTON & DISTRICTS

Memorial RSA Inc

12 Civic Ave Ph: 03 208 6218 Fax: 03 208 6220 Email: GoreRSA@xtra.co.nz Clubrooms Open 10.30 am 7 days a week Bar Hours Mon - Fri 10.30 am - 11 pm Sat 10.30 am - 1 am Sun 10.30 am - 9.30 pm Family Bar The Gore RSA Bistro Wed - Fri 12-2 pm.

Tues - Sun from 5.30 pm Private functions by arrangement * 5 F/size Snooker Tables * 18 Gaming Machines * Big Screen Sky TV * TAB Live entertainment each month. Tea coffee in our smoke free lounge. Off street parking for visitors.

Raffles: Thurs & Fri. Flag 500 Wed 7 pm during winter

P.0. Box 3034 Richmond 7050.

Visitors Made Welcome

INC TARADALE &RSADISTRICTS

154 Esk Street, Invercargill Ph. 03 218 8693 Fax 03 218 3011 e-mail office@iwmc.co.nz Hours Mon - Wed. 11.00am - 10.00pm Thurs. 11.00am - 11.00pm Fri. 11.00am - 12 midnight Sat. 10.00am - 1.30am Sun. 12.00noon - 9.00pm Bottle Store Corinthian Restaurant open for lunch Mon - Fri 12noon - 1.30pm Dinner Thurs. - Sun. from 6.00pm Corinthian Convention Centre available for meetings, conferences or functions, large or small 24 Gaming machines - 5 snooker tables Sky TV 5 pool tables Raffles Mon. - Sat. Band on Sat. nights Off-street parking

Gore District

RICHMOND/WAIMEA R.S.A. INC.

* Sky Tv * TAB * Gaming Room * Pool * Darts * Indoor Bowls * EFTPOS * Wine Club * Kapa Haka BAR HOURS Mon 11am - 7pm. Tues 11am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 8pm. Thurs 11am - 11pm. Fri 11am - 12pm. Sat 10am - 12pm. Sun 10am - 9pm

INVERCARGILL WORKINGMEN’S CLUB INC. Incorporating the INVERCARGILL R.S.A.

CATERING A SPECIALTY Gaming Machines, Sky Tv,Snooker, Pool Darts,Bowls

Visitors Welcome

1237 Cameron Rd,Greerton, Tauranga Email: admin@tgarsa.co.nz www.greertonmotorinn.co.nz/rr NAPIER. Colonial Lodge Motel. Next door to Taradale RSA. 17 g/f fully s/c units serviced daily. Sky digital, heated swimming & private spa pools,games room,bbq,large garden grounds. Qualmark 4 Star Plus.Tariff $110 - $150 for 1-2 persons. RSA member discount. Reservations 0800 68 44 77. Ph/Fax 06 844 7788. Your hosts Sarah & Mark Johnson. stay@colonialmotel.co.nz www.colonialmotel.co.nz

MANGONUI. Mill Bay fully s/c 2 bdrm unit.

1 Queen, 2 Sgle. $80 p.n., $15 pp extra. Min stay 2 nights. Linen provided. Sunny & private, near water. Walk to village. Not suitable children.

Ph: 021 893 635 Email: find.marie@gmail.com

Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts PLEASE CONTACT: DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

39

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Travel Australia SAILPORT

P. +617 5449 0222 www.noosatropicana.com.au

M O O LO O L A B A A PA R T M E N T S

Our Sunshine Coast Holiday Accommodation is located at Noosa Sound, within easy reach of the famous Noosa Hastings St and Noosa Main beach at Noosa Heads and Noosaville's Gympie Terrace on the sandy foreshores of the stunning Noosa River.

Overlooking Mooloolaba Wharf and Marina.

100 metres to Surf Club and safe patrolled Beach.

Great rates, modern 4 star luxury 1,2 & 3 bedrooms. Spacious, fully self contained & air conditioned.

Central to all the Sunshine Coast attractions.

Special - Stay 7 Pay 5 Feb, May - July, November

Telephone: 00617 5444 1844 email: reception@sailport.com.au.

Cnr River Esplanade & Hancock St, Mooloolaba, Queensland Australia.

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|

07 5444 1844

Stay 7 and pay 5 applies to 2 bed standard apartment ONLY 1st May 2015 to 26th June 2015

w w w.burleighsur f.com.au

Anyone for f a Gold Coast Getaway??

Getaway??

Welcome to Palazzo Colonnades boutique, high-rise holiday accommodation apartments in Surfers Paradise....

• Fully self contained, air conditioned one bedroom and two bedroom apartments • Under cover, fully secured free parking

HOT DEAL! Stay 5 Pay 4 from AUS $608.00*

• Flat screen televisions and AUSTAR cable television free of charge • In room wireless internet broadband service • Extensive choice of restaurants within minutes walking distance • 1.5km from Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre • 150 metres to the beach and 6-8 minutes leisurely stroll to Cavill Avenue

B e a c hf ro n t A p a r t m e n t s

Sandpiper Apartments is a 12 storey resort complex located on the beach. Every apartment faces the ocean and includes a private balcony. Spectacular views.

Call or email for specials.

• Heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and BBQ facilities

Immerse yourself

Our Noosa Holiday Apartments allow visitors to enjoy a Noosa shopping experience, the Noosa restaurants and the vibrant atmosphere of this beach-side township and then retire to a setting of peace and comfort. Our spacious Noosa holiday accommodation comprises of one, two and three bedroom Noosa holiday apartments and one, two and three bedroom Rooftop apartments, set amongst lush tropical gardens encasing a lagoon style heated pool complete with poolside daybed and BBQ’s. Everything you need to sit back and enjoy Noosa.

• Heated swimming pool and spa • BBQ area • Close to local restaurants • Short walk to Jupiters Casino • 50 Metres to the famous Broadbeach Oasis Mall

1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom sub-penthouses. All fully self-contained apartments with private spa baths.

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238 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Ph. 00 617 5535 8866

Our Noosa Holiday Accommodation is set within stunning tropical gardens, providing an atmosphere of lush tranquility and the opportunity to completely relax and rejuvenate.

TO BOOK PHONE +61 7 5538 4555

Address: 2988 - 2994 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise. 4217 Telephone: +61 7 5538 4555 Email: info@palazzocolonnades.com.au

FOR THE BEST RATES BOOK DIRECT AT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.palazzocolonnades.com.au * Valid for sale 1/3/15 – 31/3/15 and 20/4/15 – 18/9/15. Block out dates apply.

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Surfers Paradise Fully self contained boutique apartments - 4 star self rating, all with lift access, airconditioning & ocean views. Direct access to beach 50 meters. Heated pool and spa, BBQ area. Transport arranged from Brisbane or Coolangatta Airports. Easy walk to heart of Surfers or Broadbeach

Book direct and get great deals from friendly kiwis, Ph: 00617 5526 7588, Or email: info@emeraldsands.com.au Or visit: www.emeraldsands.com.au

Windward Passage Apartments offers luxurious and comfortable apartments with an absolute beachfront location yet close to shops, cafe’s, restaurants, playgrounds. Enjoy our excellent facilities including a heated pool all year round, large undercover BBQ area, full cable foxtel and wireless broadband internet available.

31 Landsborough Pde Golden Beach Colundra, Queensland P: 00617 5492 3666 holiday@windwardpassage.com.au www.windwardpassage.com.au

FREE High Speed 271 Elizabeth Street, Sydney + 61 2 9264 6001

DIRECT BOOKING ONLINE NOW AVAILABLE Visit: www.hydeparkinn.com.au

The Hyde Park Inn offers friendly, personalised service and spectacular views across Hyde Park. Central CBD location, just minutes to shopping, theatres, Central Station, The Opera House, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross.

Our features include: • Self catering facilities • Complimentary continental breakfast • Air-conditioning • Balcony to Deluxe Rooms • Large family rooms and apartments • Free car parking • Free in-house movie channels • Guest laundry • DVD players to all rooms • Flat Screen LCD televisions

Owned by RSL NSW Branch • Special rates for RSA Members • Special long term rates available Eligible RSA members can join a NSW RSL Sub Branch for even better rates.

MALIBU MOOLOOLABA

• Ocean Views from all Apartments • 2 Bedroom / 2 bathroom air conditioned • Heated lap pool & spa • Lift access to all 10 floors • Secure U/C Parking • Central to cafes, restaurants, shops, bars & clubs • TV / DVD FREE Austar • 2 Rooftop apartments (Private BBQ) - One with spa 81 The Esplanade Mooloolaba 4557 Ph: 00617 5444 1133 Fax: 00617 5444 1280 E: info@mailibu.com.au www.malibu.com.au

Riviere on Golden Beach, Caloundra, Queensland

Email: info@riviere.com.au web: www.riviere.com.au

Phone: 0061 75492 3200

Check out our winter and spring specials

40

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

Travel Australia www.pandanusmooloolaba.com.au

Medals Ian Martyn (Founder) Brian Ramsay BEM (mil) l

021 0234 3312

Largest holiday apartments in the area.

Opened in 2005, across from main car park to the beach.

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• Complete cooking & laundry facilities • Fully air conditioned • Full gymnasium • Free foxtel TV • Heated pool & spa • 200sq metre 3 bedroom, flexible layout, can be let as 1, 2 and 3 bedroom.

• 2 Carparks

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

Tel: +61 7 5457 8989 Free call: 1300 787 668 15 – 21 Smith St, Mooloolaba QLD 4557

MEDAL MOUNTING COURT STYLE

SWING STYLE

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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 aubreyb@clear.net.nz

Call now to make your winter booking 4 Star Boutique self-contained apartments • Walk to Broadbeach & Surfers Paradise • Heated Pool & Spa

93 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach Phone 0061 7 55 610 444

www.sanmateo.com.au info@sanmateo.com.au

Tranquil Shores Holiday Apartments Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

• Stay 7 nights and pay for 5 • Make yourself at home in our spacious 1-4 bedroom apartments or studios • Three heated pools including a lap pool • Tropical award winning gardens • Business lounge and free WiFi • Fully compliant disabled apartment • Free secure underground parking & lift access to all floors • Book your getaway and enjoy your winter break in sunny Queensland.

Telephone 61 7 5455 7200 info@coolumseaside.com www.coolumseaside.com

www.nzmedals.com

MEDAL MOUNTING Court or Swing Style, Full Size & Miniature medals,Ribbon Bars, Extra sets of medals for family, Framed Family Groups. Supplier of replica WW2 wings and brevet.

28 Years Experience. Contact: Tony Prowse, 6 Chilton Dr, Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast Ph. 04 2973232. Email: tsprowse@xtra.co.nz NZ Defence Force Approved Mounter

50m to Beach, Cafes & Restaurants. Large fully s/c 2 brm apartments. Heated pool, spa, BBQ, Austar TV. Free door-to-door pickup to RSL & Bowling Club.

Discounts for RSA members.

Contact your hosts: Donna & Rhys Livingstone

MEDAL MOUNTING, MILITARY HISTORY & GENEALOGY RESEARCH. Orders, decorations & medals (full size & miniatures) court mounted for day, evening wear, and for family history displays. Medals mounted with respect for over 44 years with no modifications to medals or clasps. Contact Medal Mounting Wellington, H.E. Chamberlain, Ph: 04 293 3504. 470 Te Moana Rd. Waikanae. Email: clas.chamberlain@xtra.co.nz.

MEDALS MOUNTED Court or Swing style.

Professional quality guaranteed work. Reasonable prices. Medals also framed for family history displays, museum quality work. Medals & military souvenirs purchased for my own collection especially gallantry awards eg. DFC, MC, MM etc.

German & Allied hats, helmets uniforms, RNZAF RAF pilots wings & boots also sought. Ph: Ian Hamilton 09 266 5783

Ph 0061 7 5491 8509

Fax 0061 7 5491 5363 Email info@tranquilshores.com Web www.tranquilshores.com

Accommodation on the Gold Coast - Mermaid Beach Holiday Apartments.

Mermaid Beach Park View is a beautifully maintained boutique self catering apartment complex, ideal for couples of all ages, families or small groups. And considering the range of facilities on offer, Park View is excellent value-for-money.

Being completely self-contained, each air-conditioned apartment offers all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen and laundry and satellite television (with 2 Movie channels and 3 Sports channels amongst others). Also, for peace of mind, each apartment has its own secure internal car park space. Only 50m to Mermaid Beach Surf Lifesaving Club through the park.

Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts PLEASE CONTACT: DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

Wireless broadband is also available throughout the complex. 10% Discount with this advertisement.

40 -44 Ventura Road, Mermaid Beach, QLD 4218, Australia PH +61 7 5575 6100 FAX +61 7 5575 6199 EMAIL info@mermaidparkview.com.au www.mermaidparkview.com.au

English Tie & Medal Co *Replica medals and Miniatures supplied and mounted. *Full sized and Mini medal groups for other family members. *Framed Medal Displays and Copy displays. *Regimental Ties & Blazer pocket badges.

We do not deal or trade original medals

P. 09 838 4828 F. 09 838 4850 W. www.medals.co.nz 6 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610

41

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

What’s New

ARTIST PLANS WW1 PROJECTS Jo Bailey

Paul Sanderson is planning a World War 1 art exhibition at his Waikuku gallery.

North Canterbury artist, documentary maker and author Paul Sanderson is planning several projects to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of World War 1.

He has almost gathered enough “rusty, recycled metal” to cut, form and rivet together into a life-sized metal sculpture based on a famous photograph of silhouetted World War 1 soldiers walking in line.

He hopes to finish the piece by winter, when he also plans to launch a World War 1 art exhibition at the ID Gallery in Waikuku (he and his wife, Jeni, own the gallery).

“The idea is to exhibit a range of high quality, framed prints of known and recognised art from the period, including paintings of battle scenes, and reproductions of mappings from France and the Gallipoli campaign,” he says.

The idea is to exhibit a range of high quality framed prints from the period...

Sanderson is scouring galleries around the world for available works and is painting some original contemporary artworks depicting World War I scenes.

He welcomes artists or sculptors working on World War 1-themed projects to get in touch if they are interested in their work being included.

His documentary, All the King’s Horses, which honours the once-forgotten 10,000 military horses that left New Zealand for World War 1.

The previously untold story follows Kiwi mounted riflemen and their horses from New Zealand, through the Egyptian desert into the hills of Palestine.

At the end of the campaign the troopers were heartbroken to learn their horses could not be sent home because of cost and quarantine.

Many chose to shoot their horses rather than see them in slavery at stone quarries in Egypt.

Also due to be released in the next few months is a fictional book Sanderson has written about a “reluctant World War 1 horseman’s quest to save his horse from the perils of war”.

The Sanderson family has strong military connections. Both of Paul’s grandfathers served in World War 1 and his father in World War 2.

He has just retired after a long stint with the Territorials, and he and Jeni’s son, Oliver, is an officer with the New Zealand Army Infantry, 2-1st Battalion.

Heard the one about the Armenian, Tibetan, Inuit, Congolese and Australian?

Dion Crooks Len Wicks is married, has three children, holds dual New Zealand Australian citizenship, and works as an administrator in air traffic management as part of a United Nations specialised agency in Thailand. He has travelled extensively, particularly in Russia, Ukraine and Caucasas where he met his Armenian wife, Armine.

He’s keen on sport (coached netball for many years) and claims a special interest in children’s education.

Writing a novel was certainly not part of his life plan. But the story came to him after a trip to Armenia. His driving urge was his feeling that the world should know more about events such as the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Turks just before the Kiwis landed in Gallipoli in World War 1.

That broadened into a story he hopes will help people appreciate and learn from other cultures, and treat one another more kindly. This thought runs in tandem with his theme that ordinary people can influence world events if they work smart and work together – co-operation based on understanding.

The novel was a writing style completely unfamiliar to him. But he was so determined he wrote every day for 21 months. The result was Origins: Discovery, and it’s well worth reading.

Yes, there are some rough edges In Wicks’s writing and the plot relies heavily on regular and incredible coincidences. But it has sustained

Tours

pace and no flat patches, it’s very readable and holds interest, and it generally doesn’t labour its lessons .

The story starts in an Armenian village in Soviet Communist times and moves through to the 1950s.

The five central characters are: Taguhi Amatuni, a 17-year-old budding archaeologist from Armenia, who goes to study in Russia; Jeevan Devi, a 35-year-old Buddhist monk in Tibet, who gets into politics; Jack Thompson, an Australian sailor in his early 20s who becomes an influential naval officer; Peter Qappik, an Inuit and an anthropologist, who heads into the bigger world at the age of 25; Ndaya Musasa,who

leaves the Congo for the United States where she becomes a pharmacist and plant researcher.

Obviously the centrepiece is World War 2, but not as we will recall it. Instead Germany invades and takes control of all of Western Europe through to England and Scotland. The British government moves to the United States.

Japan takes over Siberia, then turns its attention south. Japanese troops are closing on Sydney and attempt a landing on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. But the Kiwis, forewarned by their intelligence sources, are ready with guerrilla tactics that annihilate the invaders.

The counter-punch comes from a coalition of lesser nations, particularly India, Nepal,

Tibet, China , Burma and Soviet republics. It is led by the Buddhist monk, and has United States backing in term of finance, arms and eventually soldiers.

You may have problems accepting this re-arrangement of history. You’re inclined to counter with “but that’s not right, that’s not how it happened”. But do not give up. Accept the story for what it is, let adjustment take its course, and you’ll become engrossed in where the revised war is taking you.

• Origins: Discovery can be downloaded or bought in a print-on-demand version paperback.

Details: www.originsdiscovery.com.

The White Mouse heads commemorative sculpture trail in Rotorua Four sculptures around the theme of The Returning Soldier form the evolving Sulphur Lake sculpture trail in Rotorua’s Government Gardens.

Part of the Rotorua Lakes District Council’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, the exhibition will run for two years; the sculptures will become part of the council’s permanent collection.

The White Mouse, a sculpture by Anna Korver depicting New Zealand war hero Nancy Wake, as selected after it was judged the winning artwork at the Sulphur Lake sculpture symposium in Rotorua late last year.

Seventeen sculptors, including a guest artist from Russia, produced work on the theme of The Returning Solider.

Rory McDougall’s The Ghost Soldier – described by the council’s community arts adviser, Marc Spijkerbosch, as perhaps the most poignant piece – has also been acquired by the council.

The Rotorua Electricity Charitable Trust has also bought two pieces for the city – Forever Remembered and Tank Trap by locals Paul Bottomley and Jamie Pickerell.

, Rotorua Lakes Council community arts adviser Marc Spijkerbosch with The White Mouse

FULLY ESCORTED TOURS FOR SENIORS Our 2015 tours include: NZ: South of the South 11-24 Apr; Hawke's Bay Historic Homes 13-17 Apr; Waiheke Island 20-23 Apr; Great Barrier Island 19-22 May; High Country Spectacular 25 Sep-6 Oct; Wonders of Westland 12-20 Oct; Taranaki Rhodo Festival 30 Oct-12 Nov; Chatham Islands 7-12 Nov. AUSTRALIA: Melbourne, Adelaide & the Murray River 21 May-3 Jun; Australia's Red Centre 7-24 Jul; South Australia Explorer 27 Jul-9 Aug; Sydney, Canberra & Outback 12-26 Aug; Cape York Discoverer 30 Aug-9 Sep. PACIFIC: Vanuatu 3-10 May; Tahiti 7-15 Jun; Norfolk Island 22-29 Nov.

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Leaving for the Front A Masterton boy’s story of a march to

Any changes to Club Adverts or Classified Adverts

PLEASE CONTACT

DAVE McKEE Ph: 03 983 5518 | Fax: 03 983 5552 E: davem@waterfordpress.co.nz

an understanding of the challenges and emotions facing families as their

By Michelle O’Connell

Price: $17.95 (plus p&p) ORDER YOUR COPY Contact BMS Books Tel: (07) 349 4107; Email: ms@bms.co.nz Order online: www.tinyurl.com/4bmsbooks

42 What’s New

RSA REVIEW • AUTUMN 2015

OSWALD MAKES A LAST TRIUMPHAL RIDE Dion Crooks It has taken two generations and close to 100 years, but Oswald Davis would surely have led a round of applause for the publication of the diary in which he describes his time as a despatch rider with the Anzacs in World War 1.

Triumph on the Western Front: Diary of a Despatch Rider with the Anzacs 1915-1919 – due to be launched at the New Lynn RSA on March 28 – is itself a triumph for the great niece and three great nephews who have contributed towards its publication. Their great uncle, who died in 1962, would have been proud of them.

You’d go a long way to find something as well written (remember, Oswald was a published poet and novelist) as this account of life as a despatch rider (a role largely ignored by history) on the Western Front from 1915 to 1919.

Davis, an Englishman, had the advantage of

bringing a motorbike-enthusiast background, particularly with Triumphs, to the role, plus a well practised talent for impromptu repair that often allowed him to get to places when others had turned back.

Add in his wonderful powers of observation for detail, his ability to adapt to what confronted him, his humanitarianism, his humour, wit and turn of phrase (at times acerbic), and you have a rollicking good yarn.

But he goes deeper than that. A corporal with no ambition for promotion, he brings a sensitive understanding of what life on the front was like for the ordinary soldier. He offers a detailed insight into the daily routine, or chaos as it often turned out, of the despatch rider.

It’s a mine of information and learning for students, historians and researchers. Imagine them poring over the detail he gives on the pigeon service, which he helped reorganise in the field.

And, along the way, engaging titbits:

Digitised personnel files make life easier for researchers

More than 130,000 records of the personnel files of those who served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force have been digitised by Archives New Zealand. Files are now accessible through Archives NZ’s on-line catalogue ,Archway (www.archway.archives.govt.nz).

Personnel files can answer many questions about individual s. Other Archives NZ records can provide additional context and information.

War diaries, which provide a day-by-day account of events in the field, were created by battalions and specialist companies, and typically cover a single month. There are diaries for all NZEF units.

It was normal practice to identify only officers by name with enlisted men referred to as O/R (ordinary ranks). People researching those in the ranks may find it helpful to make reference to the service record – matching the dates recorded in a personnel file with the events of the diary can help identify an individual and tell researchers more about a person.

The whole collection of war diaries has been added to Archway. Searching the name of the unit on Archway will produce results. Checking on the ‘series’ level gives an overview of the diaries Archives NZ holds from a unit.

Digital copies of a sample of the diaries can be viewed on line;original documents can be viewed in the reading room at Archives NZ’s Wellington office. Researchers can request copies of war diaries be sent by post or e-mail (copying charges apply) by e-mailing: research.archives@ dia.govt.nz. If you are having difficulties finding

Medal winner: Thomas Templeton Murray received the Military Medal as a sergeant and later the equialent of the Military Cross as a second lieutenant.

diaries, send an enquiry to: research.archives@ dia.govt.nz. A search will be done at no charge.

Archives NZ made more World War 1 records available last year with the listing and digitisation of more than 1100 photographs of medal winners in collection [Archives Reference: AALZ 25044].

These portrait photographs, originally part of an exhibition by the National Museum, can be found by searching the name of the serviceman in Archway.

Content from Archives NZ has also been featured on the Discovering ANZACS website http://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au, with more New Zealand content to be added.

Archives New Zealand Keeps you in touch with our nation’s military history Go online at: www.archives.govt.nz/world-war-one To view our online resources for World War One, including our extensive range of military personnel files and the War Art Collection.

To explore the rest of our holdings or to view our other online exhibitions and researcher resources visit our website home page at; Archives New Zealand Ref.PC4_17_00_8

www.archives.govt.nz

Philosophy – “It’s horrible to fight to destroy. One wouldn’t mind fighting to create – yet people never offered to help with their lives to construct fine social conditions. Strange they should be so finely willing to sacrifice their lives for a destructive code ” “For three mortal hours I wrestled with the thing, until the dawn began to bloom in the east.

Lovely scents arose from the earth and the birds began to strike up, and despite my weariness and annoyance, I could not help marvelling over the recurrent beauty of dawn and the untireable earth. She is so impassive and independent of us, going on her with loveliness as if that is the only thing that mattered. This did me good, but it didn’t undo my carburettor.”

The army – “Promotions were announced on orders...

Bradley was the best all-round of the bunch, yet he was not promoted. That’s how merit,

real and technical, are rewarded in the Army.”

“Our own humble Tommies were treated as often as not with the most disgusting disdain and humiliating brusqueness by officers with the manners of a railway porter and the brains of a toy dog.”

Quoting an old sweat: “They can do anything in the army with yer, bar put you in the family way.”

One thing’s for sure. Oswald Davis would certainly have cracked a little smile over the delightful, multi-level ‘Triumph’ pun in his diary title.

• Triumph on the Western Front: Diary of a Despatch Rider with the Anzacs 1915-1919 by 148768 Cpl O H Davis. Compiled by Philip Holdway-Davis. Enquiries: Insurance Professional Ltd (Publishing), PO Box 6925, Wellesley St, Auckland City, Auckland 1141. Ph 027 3800127.

Email philipholdway@hotmail.com.

More funds sought for WW1 history project Two of the proposed 13 volumes of The Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War remain unfunded. No progress on these will be possible without substantial funding, says the project administrator, Tessa Lyons.

The New Zealand Medical Services in the War volume is the more significant, she says. The War Against the Ottoman Turks volume also has a funding shortfall.

Four partnering organisations —Massey University, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the New Zealand Defence Force and the RSA — have undertaken to produce the series. Lyons says the ministry, Massey and the NZDF have invested significant resources into the series.

RSA members are now being asked to consider making a donation.

Two volumes — a general illustrated history

(New Zealand and the First World War ( Damien Fenton) and The White Ships: New Zealand’s World War 1 Hospital Ships (Gavin McLean) – were published in 2013. Two volumes – New Zealand’s World War 1 Heritage Sites (Imelda Bargas and Tim Shoebridge), and The Soldier’s Experience (Glyn Harper) – will be published this year. Seven volumes are being written – The New Zealand Expeditionary Force (John Crawford), The Western Front (Ian McGibbon), The Maori Experience (Monty Soutar), New Zealand’s War at Sea (Gavin McLean), New Zealand and the Air War (Adam Claasen), The Home Front (James Watson) and New Zealanders Serving in Other Forces – have been confirmed.

• To make a donation or information: Centenary History programme: Massey University Foundation, 06 3505159, massey.foundation@massey.ac.nz.

PUBLIC TRUST REMEMBERS WORLD WAR I War & Wills

Talk to public Trust about your Will or Enduring Powers of Attorney. They offer a discount for RSA members.

Make sure your special things go to special people.

Call 0800 371 471 or visit publictrust.co.nz

Get a Will.