“They went to primary schools they might have been standard five or six, and they went off to war, some of them never came home and some came home at the age of 19 after four years of horrendous war and they were still two years off their 21st birthday” – Sir Wira Gardiner
A book detailing the story of B Company of the 28th Māori Battalion was launched at Te Papaiouru marae in Rotorua on the 6th of April.
Ake Ake Kia Kaha E Forever Brave, B Company of the 28th Māori Battalion captures the history of the young men who were young teenagers who headed off on an ‘adventure’ overseas. Robert Gillies is the last remaining member of B Company.
The book launch held earlier this month was attended by the descendants of the soldiers. Te Ahi Kaa features coverage of the event held at Te Papaiouru marae, Rotorua. Keynote speakers include Chairman of the B Company history trust Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Graham Vercoe, Dr Monty Soutar and Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick.
Tamatekapua meeting house will filled with the descendants of the soldiers of B Company some who had travelled some distance to attend the event, the pupils of Te Kura o Whangaparaoa sang an italian waiata following his kōrero.
Sir Wira Gardiner, Te Papaiouru marae 2019. Photo: RNZ/Justine Murray
