Māori Battalion reunion, Wellington, 1947-02-25.

Rights Information
Year
1947
Reference
32513
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1947
Reference
32513
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Duration
01:16:24
Credits
RNZ Collection
Bennett, Charles Moihi Te Arawaka (b.1913, d.1998)
Dittmer, George, 1893-1979
Awarua, W. T.
HANSON, Bull
THOMAS, Sandy
WETERE, J. H.
Baker, Frederick
YOUNG, R. A.
New Zealand. Army. Expeditionary Force, 2nd. Battalion, 28

D SERIES - Māori Battalion reunion, Wellington 25 February 1947.
Part 1: First annual reunion from 28th Battalion and other Māori soldiers, unknown Sergeant Major speaks mentioning various commanders.
Part 2: Commander. G. Dittmer, the original 28th commander introduces guests, call roll of various tribes.
Part 3: Dittmer contd, Captain W. T. Awarua talks of absent friends, Colonel Fairbrother acknowledges kindred services including mercantile marines, and proposes a toast,
Part 4: Col. T.J. Bennett on behalf of the Navy, Sub Lt. Wetere on behalf of Air force "The BrylCream Boys stay lords of the air", Col. Sandy Thomas ex 23rd Battalion, crowd sing Māori Battalion Song, W, Brigadier Hanson proposes toast .
Part 5: Hanson contd tells story of the smuggling a pig in a stretcher, and close association of Engineers (sappers) with the 28th Battalion,
Part 6: Hanson contd. campaign up Africa and to Italy, the break out from Alamein 4/5 Nov 1942, at Cassino America praise for Māori covering party, proposes toast,
Part 7: Lt. Baker replies mentioning the assistance of the sappers, contd. pays tribute to Col. Thomas, at Alamein Maoris shoot captured Italian 70mm cannon,
Part 8: Lt Col R.Young reminiscences and continues more amusing stories about fowls and pigs, two Maoris riding horses with 20 German Prisoners between them, pays tribute to Sappers and Brig. Hanson, unknown soloist sings "My Beekeeper"
Conclusions: Col. Bennett sends greeting Capt Scott, Sonny of B Company sends greeting, Greeting from Rangi Ropata of D Company.