Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item
Captain Charles Bennett introduces a series of talks about the Māori Battalion's efforts during the Libyan campaign. The majority of the recorded talks are in Māori as the series was primarily directed to the Battalion's own people back in New Zealand. Captain Bennett introduces the first speaker acting commander Lt Colonel H. G. Dyer who replaced Colonel Dittmer DSO MC. Colonel Dittmer was wounded in action at Sallum on 23 November 1941 and Major Love took command until the arrival of Colonel Dyer.
Colonel Dyer congratulates the Māori Battalion for their efforts during the Libyan campaign and notes that the Māori name had become terrible to the enemy. Following Colonel Dyer's talk most of the remaining talks are presented in Māori.
The battalion's Padre, Captain Chaplain K. T. Harawira, introduced as quite a veteran, talks to the Māori people back in New Zealand.