5 Jun 2024

Recognising WWII veteran's long service

From Afternoons, 1:35 pm on 5 June 2024

This year marks 80 years since some of the Second World War's most famous battles - including D-Day, the Battle of Berlin, and the Battle of Cassino.

The Battle of Cassino took place in early 1944 in Italy and was one of the New Zealand forces' most costly.  

Troops were in action alongside the Allies, with the objective of pushing back German forces and advancing towards Rome.

102-year-old Brigadier Les Wright MBE was there and went on to have a 36-year career in the New Zealand army before retiring in 1977.

He has recently been awarded a long-service medal after his eligibility was discovered - well after the fact.

Snow Coleman (left) and crew waiting near Cassino, probably at Mignano Photo: