www.army.mil.nz
ISSUE 362
armynews
5 september 2006
A WORLD CLASS ARMY THAT HAS MANA
proud
KAIRANGA
INSIDE
PTI GRADUATION
06
LINTON KAPAHAKA
07
BATTLE OF THE SOMME 08/09
07
THREE SERVICES AS ONE FORCE, BEING THE BEST IN EVERYTHING WE DO
cmyk
SERVING NEW ZEALAND LOYALLY AND HONOURABLY
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Braving the windy and dust-laden roads, a small group currently serving in East
Timor visited some of the NZBATT’s old deployment areas, and paid their respects
to the New Zealand Army personnel who died serving in the Cova Lima district
between 1999 and 2002.
A small service was held at the memorial sites of WO2 Tony Walser, SSGT Billy
White and PTE Leonard Manning.
The group was drawn from personnel
who served in BATT1 or BATT2, with the
services being conducted by friends of
those being honoured.
Major
Eugene
Whakahoehoe
conducted the service for WO2 Walser at
the memorial site just south of Tilomar.
CPL Daniel Wilson, a very good friend of
PTE Manning, conducted his service at
the former company lines in Tilomar. SGT
Houia, who was injured in the accident
that took SSGT White’s life, conducted
the service near the accident site.
WO1 Dave Armstrong read the “Ode to
the Fallen” at each of the services.
The New Zealand Ambassador to East
Timor, Mrs Ruth Nuttall, had visited the
memorials a month earlier to lay wreaths
PTE Leonard Manning’s memorial
and pay her respects.
Laying a wreath on WO2 Tony Walser's memorial
www.army.mil.nz
armynews
The Army News is published fortnightly for the Regular and Territorial Force and
civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.
Editor: Lorraine Brown, phone 04-496-0225 or DTelN 349-7225, fax 04-496- 0290,
email [email protected]
Asst Editor: Anna Norman, phone 04-496-0224 or DTelN 349-7224,
email [email protected]
Website: www.army.mil.nz
Printing: Hawke’s Bay Newspapers, Hastings.
design: Duncan Allan, DPRU
Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed. They may be sent direct to the Army News and
do not need to be forwarded through normal command channels. Submit them to The Editor, Army
News, DPRU, HQ NZDF, Private Bag 39994, Wellington, or by email with a hard copy signed with the
writer’s name, rank and unit. Hard-copy submissions should be typed, double-spaced and printed
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Nothing in the Army News should be taken as overriding any NZDF regulation. Readers should
refer to the relevant service publication before acting on any information given in this newspaper.
ISSN 1170-4411
Established 10 August 1959
New Zealand Ambassador to East Timor Ruth Nuttall with SSGT
Bill Tongia in the background
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MAJ Eugene Whakahoehoe (L) OC Delta Coy and CPL Daniel Wilson pay their respects
at PTE Leonard Mannings memorial
As the NZDF contingent in East Timor begins to downsize,
New Zealand’s ambassador to the region says the key to the
NZDF contingent’s success was their cooperation with the New
Zealand Police deployed there.
“The New Zealand Defence Force have gone out of their way
to cooperate with and assist the Police, with the Army paving
the way for the Police to take over routine security operations”,
says Ms Ruth Nuttall, Ambassador to East Timor.
The New Zealand Defence Force, Police and the ambassador
hold a daily meeting to discuss security issues and ensure the
organisations cooperate fully.
The acting senior national officer for the New Zealand Police
in East Timor, Superintendent John Spence, says he has been
impressed by the professionalism of Defence Force personnel.
“When we arrived we were picked up by the Army and they
really looked after us. They gave us security briefs and introduced us to the area we would be operating in. At the ground
level we have nothing but admiration for the way the Army
has acted. The work they did in Becora before we arrived
set the scene for us and made our job a lot easier”, said
Superintendent Spence.
Ms Nuttall also praised the NZDF troops, thanking them for
providing “peace of mind”. “It was a big relief not to have to
worry about security; we could sleep through the night without
worrying at each noise or gun shot, and even during the day
they brought us peace of mind.
“All comments I have heard on the New Zealand force are
extremely positive. From what I can see the job they have been
doing is highly professional; they have been well received by
the local communities.”
However, she also says there are still enormous challenges
ahead for the country, and finding lasting peace will not
be easy.
“This is a country with a very difficult history and recent
events have added another layer of difficulty. East Timor has
a history of being very poor, and although some money is now
coming in from oil and gas it will not be easy for them to find a
way forward. All the help they get, they will need.”
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Admiration for NZ Army
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02news
Remembering
(L-R) CPL Rob Burt, CPL Ryan Nelson, CPL Malae Iakopo, CPL Virgina Koster, CPL Brian Voice, LT Tristian Anson, SSGT Bill Tongia,
CPL Shannon Sinclair
BRIGADIER
IAN HAMILTON BURROWS
OBE MC 1930 – 2006
Brigadier Ian Hamilton (Buzz)
Burrows OBE MC, retired Land Force
Commander, died in Auckland on 22
July 2006.
BRIG Burrows was born in 1930. The son of BRIG JT
(Gentleman Jim) Burrows DSO, he was educated at Waitaki
Boys High School. He entered the Royal Military College,
Duntroon, in January 1950, and in 1953 he graduated into the
Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
BRIG Burrows served as an instructor with Compulsory
Military Trainees at Burnham until 1955 when he was
selected for service with the New Zealand Special Air Service
Squadron. The SAS Squadron was deployed to Malaya as
part of the newly formed 22 SAS Regiment, with BRIG Burrows
commanding 3 Troop.
During his tour of Malaya, BRIG Burrows was awarded the
Military Cross and the Negri Sembilan Conspicuous Gallantry
medal. He was also instrumental in the fatal ambushing of
communist terrorist leader Li Hak Chi.
BRIG Burrows returned to New Zealand in 1957 and became
an instructor at the School of Infantry at Waiouru. Following
this he served as Aide de Camp to the Governor General, Lord
Cobham. He then served for two years as the Adjutant of the
Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment.
In 1963 BRIG Burrows deployed to Malaya and Borneo, as
a Company Commander during the Indonesian confrontation.
Returning from operations in 1965, BRIG Burrows commanded
the NZSAS Squadron at Papakura Military Camp. During this
period he also attended and graduated from the Royal New
Zealand Air Force Command and Staff College at Whenuapai.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he served in staff
appointments in Wellington including the completion of an
initial reconnaissance for the deployment of combat troops to
the Republic of Vietnam. In 1970 BRIG Burrows assumed the
position of Defence Liaison Officer in Kuala Lumpur.
Upon returning to New Zealand in 1973, BRIG Burrows was
appointed Commandant of The Army Schools in Waiouru. He
held this position for two years before attending the Joint
Services Staff College in Canberra. In 1975 BRIG Burrows
became Director Army Training.
BRIG Burrows was promoted to Colonel in 1977 and
assumed command of the 3rd Task Force Region in Burnham
and was awarded the OBE in 1979. In 1981 he was promoted
to Brigadier as the Commander Land Forces, then based
in Auckland.
In 1983 BRIG Burrows was posted to Singapore as the
Commander New Zealand Forces South East Asia. He was
posted back to New Zealand as the Commander Land Forces
once again in 1985, then retired from military service. In 1987
BRIG Burrows was appointed the Colonel Commandant of
the New Zealand Special Air Service, a position he held for
10 years.
In 1987 BRIG Burrows replaced Colonel (Rtd) Frank Rennie
CBE MC, as chairman of the Rothmans Sports Foundation,
remaining in this position until the foundation ceased. Also,
in 1987 he was elected to the council of the Outward Bound
Trust. In 1989 he was elected Vice President of the Trust and
later became 1st Vice President and then President (1990
and 1991 respectively). He remained a Councillor of the Trust
until 1998.
BRIG Burrow's interest in sports and outdoor education
followed him throughout his life. At school he had been in both
the Rugby first 15 and Cricket first 11 and had been a junior
tennis champion and a boxer. He continued to play rugby at
times during his military career and also took up golf.
BRIG Burrows was also a fine painter of portraits. He was
largely self-taught, not undertaking any formal art training
until his release from the military. He has exhibited his
paintings on occasion and has completed over 100 portraits.
BRIG Burrows was a well liked Colonel Commandant of the
New Zealand Special Air Service, popular with both officers
and soldiers he was a real gentleman, like his father before
him. His nickname “Buzz” is alleged to have derived from his
short fuzzy hair during his early days.
Brigadier Ian Burrows is survived by his wife Judy, their two
sons and daughters, and their families.
news03
issue 362 5 September 2006
Our new
Governor General
off well-polished buttons, medals and swords as the new
Commander-in-Chief quickly inspected his 24-person Guard
of Honour.
Prime Minister Helen Clark described Mr Anand’s ethnic
Indian background as a symbol of New Zealand’s cultural
diversity. Mr Anand’s grandparents moved to Fiji from India at
the turn of the 20th century. His family moved to New Zealand
in the 1930s and he was born and educated in Auckland. Mr
Anand has worked as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman, and
he has been involved in legal reform.
Mr Anand described taking up the role of governor general
as a great honour, and said he was pleased to see the
gathering of young and old at Parliament for such a state
occasion. He compared contemporary New Zealand society
to a rope woven from different strands to make it stronger.
Following the ceremony, the new governor general lay
a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of New
Zealand’s war dead.
WORLD-CLASS OPERATIONALLY
FOCUSED LAND FORCES
OH 06-0441-56
OH 06-0441-07
Hon Mr Anand Satyanand, CDF LT GEN Mateparae, CN RADM Ledson, VCDF AVM Bamfield, CA MAJ GEN Gardiner, CAF AVM Lintott,
COM JFHQ RADM Steer
Guard of Honour
CDF LT GEN Mateparae, VCDF AVM Bamfield, CA MAJ GEN Gardiner,
CAF AVM Lintott, COM JFHQ RADM Steer
Tena koutou katoa
Ko tenei te mihi kia koutou
E tautoko ana tenei kaupapa
Na reira, kia ora mai tatou katoa
It is coincidental that I have been
given the opportunity to write this
column now that I have formulated
my intent for the Land Component.
During my first four months as the
LCC I have visited all the formations,
a number of units, force troops and
some of our personnel deployed
overseas, with the LCSM WO1 Tony
Harding. On each of these visits we
have both been impressed with the
commitment and comradeship that
has been demonstrated by most
officers and soldiers. These visits
have also provided the information
that allows me to confirm my outline
intent for the Land Component for the
next two years. My intent is based on
four key themes.
We must strive for excellence
in everything we do, whether on
operations or in training in New
Zealand. If we do this, we enhance
our readiness, realise excellence and
achieve the NZ Army vision of being
a world-class army that has mana.
Additionally, to achieve excellence
we need to live by our ethos and
values, and commit fully to everything
we do – especially those of us in
leadership positions.
It is my intent to adopt the concept
of managed readiness, defined as
“designating particular units or subunits as lead forces for potential
deployment”. This means a more
effective and efficient method of
ensuring that the right units are
appropriately resourced, and an
achievable response time for any
tasks that may be allocated. This
concept will be introduced into the
Land Component through a number
of different mechanisms; including,
most recently, the release of a steady
state rotation plan for operations for
the next 18 months. This will allow for
managed training, accurate personnel
allocation and the appropriate
equipment distribution.
Managing the tempo within
the formations and units must be
better understood. We must have
the courage and integrity to limit
self–imposed tempo. Leaders at all
levels must continuously address
this issue and make decisions to limit
the introduction of ideas that are not
robustly staffed. It is unacceptable to
fill an imposed operational or training
pause with an activity that contributes
little to our mission or vision.
Leaders at every level must ensure
that training synchronisation is
achieved within the Land Component
and with ATG. To accomplish this, we
must continually discuss and resolve
the competition for personnel and
equipment with a view to resolving it
for the benefit of the NZ Army.
By
striving
for
excellence,
establishing appropriate readiness
measures, managing our tempo,
and ensuring our activities are
synchronised we will be able to
consistently provide world-class
operationally focused land forces.
Further, this approach will create the
conditions for a steady state in all
units, including providing excellent
leadership, maintaining operational
commitments, meeting compliance
requirements, and all our officers
and soldiers being enthusiastic and
satisfied with their unique role as
members of the NZ Army.
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OH 06-0441-57
It was a day of celebration in Wellington when the
Honourable Mr Anand Satyanand, PCNZM, was sworn in as
the 19th Governor General of New Zealand on Wednesday 23
August. Even Wellington’s fickle winter weather came to the
fore with blue skies and blazing sunshine.
Mr Anand and his wife Susan were greeted at the gate by
a brief Indian blessing ceremony that included showering
them with flowers and a salute from service chiefs. This was
followed by the now-traditional Maori powhiri and haka from
members of local iwi, Te Ataiwa.
A fanfare of trumpets and a 21-gun salute by the New
Zealand Defence Force marked the end of the official
swearing in, which was conducted in English and Maori.
The new Commander-in-Chief, Mr Anand, accompanied by
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae,
inspected a 100-strong Royal Tri-Service Guard of Honour.
Personnel were drawn from the Royal New Zealand Navy,
NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force. The sun reflected
BRIGADIER PHIL GIBBONS
LAND COMPONENT COMMANDER
Psychological impact
A Directorate of Psychology has been established to support the
New Zealand Defence Force’s psychology services and conduct wider
human resource-related material.
The unit, headed by Air Force psychologist Wing Commander Emma
Davis, is based in Wellington.
“The directorate has a number of aims, but the primary one is to
increase the Defence Force’s research capability in support of the single
services in the area of psychology, and also wider human resources
issues”, says WGCDR Davis. The research will be primarily within the
NZDF, but also relates to external trends and benchmarking.
The NZDF has 22 industrial organisational psychologists across
the three services. They support operational deployments, and also
work in the areas of recruitment, selection, training and performance
management to ensure the Defence Force effectively manages
its people.
Prior to operational deployments, psychologists brief personnel
about the impact the mission may have on themselves and their
families, and what to expect while on deployment. They ensure
personnel are well-prepared about the impact of being away from their
family. Once deployment finishes, personnel are debriefed, to enable
them to fit back easily into their life at work and home. Psychologists
are also on hand to provide advice should there be a critical incident,
such as a death or major trauma, during a deployment.
WGCDR Davis says she is looking forward to her role as director. “The
involvement of psychologists in our military is one of our strengths,
in that we have a strong foundation of research that underpins our
practices. We use research as the basis of designing and delivering
psychological services to the organisation.”
One of the priorities for the directorate will be ongoing research
looking at the recruiting tests all non-commissioned ranks sit when
applying to join the services. “Those tests are very important and must
be good predictors of success in training, particularly when we want
to attract high quality, and a sufficient quantity, of recruits. As [our]
society and the external environment changes, we need to ensure the
tests are up-to-date and relevant.”
New Zealand has strong links with the militaries of the United
Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States, and uses overseas
research as well as its own, says WGCDR Davis. “We also have links
with universities and other external agencies to ensure we have access
to up-to-date research in the broad range of areas we work in.”
Research officer Sarah Overdale, psychologists LTCDR Pip Gibbons and
WGCDR Emma Davis
NZDF psychologists are based at all its camps, bases and training
establishments to support personnel through their training, and
help with any difficulties which they may encounter. Psychologists
also help enhance individual and organisational performance, and
provide continuous education into areas such as stress management,
leadership development and managing personnel issues.
The NZDF has previously had a Defence Psychology Unit, but it
was disestablished in 1991, with psychological services devolving to
the single services. WGCDR Davis said the demand for psychological
services within the Defence Force over the past 15 years had grown, as
psychologists contribute to all aspects of military activities.
Reported by Judith Martin
cmyk
04news
DAME TE ATA
FAREWELL DAME TE ATA
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE
FORCE MOURNS
THE DEMANDS
OF MANA
Dame Te Atairangikaahu was the patron of the frigate Te Mana. She
launched the ship in 1997 and was guest of honour at its commissioning in
Tauranga. The words she spoke at the commissioning of Te Mana were framed
and mounted in the frigate’s main passageway:
“At the launching I reflected on the awesomeness of your name, Te Mana:
throughout Polynesia there is none greater, and I reminded you of the
demands of mana. Not only is it a name of power but one that must be borne
with humility. No word of boastfulness should ever be uttered by you or for
you. No matter how great your victories may be, mana requires, every day and
in every way, a modest quiet performance of that which is right.
“Mana is not really all about power at all, but about duty and justice and
moral rightness. You are a ship built for war and yet what is the purpose of
war? It is, and must always be, about peace. Many of your duties will be in
peacetime operations, of rescue, of taking help to the afflicted, the suffering,
of carrying our national honour, of ceremonial display and pride, at home
and around the world. Your name pre-ordains that you will do these things
well. In the end your purpose is peace; war is just a necessity of events in the
way people have structured our world. One day we will have wisdom and skill
enough to do without it.
“We call our ocean Moana-nui-a-Kiwa after our famous explorer and
navigator who opened it for us so that we could remain at peace with the gods.
When Europeans came they called it the Pacific, for so it must have seemed
after the wild seas of the southern ocean. Remember then, peace is the name
of our home seas and peace the purpose for which you are commissioned.”
Navy kaumatua Bert McLean used the analogy of kotuku rerenga tahi – the
flight of the heron – in the eulogy in te reo maori he delivered on behalf of the New
Zealand Defence Force to farewell Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.
Mr McLean said later that his korero included the analogy as it referred to a
special person who had arrived, landed, and flown away again. “In Maoridom we
rarely use the story of the flight of the heron. It is reserved for very special people,
and Dame Te Ata was one of those”, said Mr McLean.
The Maori Queen’s tangi was attended by a large party of Defence officials,
including Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae; Chief of Navy,
Rear Admiral David Ledson; Chief of Army, Major General Lou Gardiner; Chief of Air,
Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott; and Commander, NZ Joint Forces, Rear Admiral
Jack Steer.
In his korero Mr McLean spoke of how the party had brought with it the sympathy,
sorrow and aroha of the Defence Force. “I also mentioned how we brought with us
the mate or memories of those in the NZDF who had also passed away. I acknowledge
the contribution Dame Te Ata had made to the New Zealand Defence Force, and how
she had always been responsive and interested in our activities and needs.”
A former Navy warrant officer, and school principal, and now a minister and
lecturer in Maori Studies, Mr McLean said he felt honoured to deliver the korero.
Rear Admiral Ledson acknowledges Dame Te Ata was special to many within the
Defence Force. “There has always been a great affinity between Maoridom and the
Defence Force. We have a lot of Maori personnel, and I think Dame Te Ata recognised
that, but she cared just as much about all our personnel.”
As well as launching the frigate Te Mana, and taking a keen interest in the ship
and ship’s company, Dame Te Ata had opened the wharenui on the Navy’s marae
at Devonport.
waikato times
waikato times
Above : Dame Te Ata on the waka for
her trip down the Waikato River to
Taupiri, her final resting place
Above middle: Dame Te Ata
Above left: Warrior pall bearers
carry their Queen’s casket from the
waka to burial on Taupiri Mountain
Centre: Defence officials at Dame Te
Ata's tangi
Bottom: NZDF personnel help feed
the mourners at Dame Te Ata’s
tangi
waikato times
waikato times
COURAGE, COMMITMENT, COMRADESHIP AND INTEGRITY
SUPPORT TO THE TANGI
Hundreds of thousands of mourners attended
Dame Te Ata’s tangi, and the task of feeding them
fell mainly to the New Zealand Defence Force. It
was a joint effort, led by the Navy and involving
all three services.
Sergeant Major of the Army, WO1 Bo Ngata,
said that as soon as news of Dame Te Ata’s death
became public he dispatched Staff Sergeant
Tama Andrews from Waiouru to find out what
was needed.
The Navy then took over, and an advance
party of 20 Navy and Air Force personnel from
Whenuapai Air Base and the Devonport Naval
Base arrived on site at Turangawaewae Marae.
They met up with the 31 Army personnel from
2 LFG in Linton. They set up two mobile field
kitchens, and provided other logistical support
such as a freezer, catering equipment, water
tanker, generators, pumps, forklift and transport.
A team of workshop, support and transport
personnel also assisted.
WO1 Ngata said food is an important aspect
of a tangi, and the deceased’s family needed to
know mourners are fed well.
The personnel involved in the tangi worked in
shifts to keep everyone fed.
“They did a great job too, but it was also a good
experience for them. They all knew how special
and significant Dame Te Ata was, especially to the
Defence Force.”
The 2 LFG contingent left the marae after an
evening meal, tired but pleased they had made a
difference by assisting with cooking for the many
thousands who entered the marae.
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issue 362 5 september 2006
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Clean shaven Navy
Spot the difference: CAPT Ross Smith, POSEA John Burridge, LT Tim Gore and LT Warren Dohnt before and after shaving
Navy personnel of NZPRT in Afghanistan
cause. Within two nights of trading at the
decided to do their bit to support the recent
canteen the amount was raised.
New Zealand annual Cancer Appeal. Senior
LT Warren Dohnt was one of the first to
National Officer, CAPT Ross Smith (RNZN) put
contribute, he said, “So long as LT Gore
his beard on the line, not easy for someone
looses his, I’m in. Put me down for 10
who has worn a beard since 1984. LT Tim
bucks, that thing needs to go!”
Gore, who oversees the logistic members
This was also supported by CAPT
of the NZPRT, received little sympathy from
Smith who stated, “I was very happy to
his mostly Army personnel who were keen
support the Cancer Appeal by losing the
LCPL Karen White shaving CAPT
to see the beard go. But how much money Ross Smith
beard and I was very impressed with the
needed to be raised to remove their beards?
quick accumulation of funds, indicating
After a heated debate, mostly from LT Gore who had grown the generosity of the contingent. My only concern was that
quite fond of his beard, the amount was set at US$200. This someone else was nominated to do the shaving, however, on
seemed a large amount but the personnel of the NZPRT, the day LCPL Karen White did an excellent job with the razor.
especially workshops, were eager to support such a worthy No blood was spilt”.
New Zealand contingent due to arrive at Christchurch International. Jorja Sinclair waits
for her brother PTE Chris Sinclair at arrivals
Last week 42 NZ Army and two
Navy personnel returned home from a
successful tour of duty in East Timor.
International police forces, including
a contingent from New Zealand,
have now assumed responsibility for
enforcing law and order in Dili, and
a platoon of military police, cooks
and infantry soldiers returned to New
Zealand.
“The security situation has now
stabilised and the Police have assumed
the majority of the patrolling work”,
said Defence Minister Phil Goff.
Around 160 NZDF personnel will
remain in Dili to provide support and
backup to police when required.
A company-sized group from
3 LFG deployed to Dili in late May.
The presence of the coalition force
on the streets has made a significant
contribution to stability in the region,
says Commander Joint Forces New
Zealand, Rear Admiral Jack Steer.
“I am very confident the NZDF
elements remaining in Dili will continue
the good work that has already made
Dili a more stable and secure place for
its people”, RA Steer said.
Mr Goff spoke highly of the NZDF
personnel’s service in East Timor. “The
personnel deployed into a volatile and
dangerous environment where they
performed their duties with integrity
and professionalism. They are a credit
to New Zealand.”
No decision has been made on when
the remainder of the troops will return
to New Zealand. “We will maintain a
presence in Timor Leste until stability
and security is at the point where the
presence of international security
forces is no longer necessary”, said Mr
Goff.
Getting
reacquainted
“It is with pleasure that I renew my links with the New Zealand Army”, said
Major General Chris Wilson, the Deputy Commanding General of the Combined
Forces Command – Afghanistan, during his whaikorero (reply) to the NZPRT
personnel in Afghanistan.
He told the personnel that he had wanted to come to Bamian and reacquaint
himself with the New Zealand Defence Force before the Stage Four expansion
of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Command, which will soon
incorporate Bamian.
The best kept secret of his visit was the fact that he had spent a year in New
Zealand during the late-70s with 161 Battery in Papakura, where he was employed
as a gun position officer. He especially enjoyed the powhiri, as during his time
in New Zealand he lived on a marae for a week. Sadly, during his stay the tribal
chief passed away; however, he was honoured to be allowed to guard him before
his funeral.
Following the welcome to Kiwi Base, he took the time to chat with the members
of the NZPRT. Many soldiers commented on how “Kiwi- like” he was.
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The
New
Zealand
Zealand team and six
contingent cleaned up
Australian teams. The New
at a recent skill-at-arms
Zealand team comprised
competition held in East
soldiers from the RNZSigs
Timor.
and RNZALR. The team
Competing for a trophy
acquitted themselves well
presented
by
Land
and came a close third.
Component Commander,
The
infantry-based
Brigadier Phil Gibbons,
sections
were
in
teams from New Zealand,
competition for the trophy,
Australia and Malaysia
with each country entering
completed the course at
one team of nine. The
Taci Tolu range, which is
New Zealanders were far
located about 10 minutes
superior in this section,
west of Dili.
The winning group: Front L-R: PTE Ray Meki, PTE Richard Spivey, PTE taking an easy win over
The course consisted Chris Dwyer, PTE Rajesh Patel. Middle: BRIG Mick Slater Australian Army Malaysia, with Australia
of an 800m run in Kevlar (Commander Joint Task Force) presenting trophy to LCPL William Wat- bringing up the rear. The
helmets and body armour, ters. Back: PTE Nathan Johnston, PTE Alex Niederer, PTE Stuart Watson official scores showed the
followed by a shooting
New Zealand team had
challenge where participants were judged on their accuracy achieved twice the score of their Australian counterparts – a
firing at water bottles and hexamine tablets placed on the definite point of pride for the team who took part.
range.
The trophy was presented to the winning section by
The competition was run in three sections: the first was a
the Task Force Commander, Brigadier Mick Slater of the
challenge between the COs and RSMs of the three national Australian Defence Force. During his address he said, “This
contingents. On the day, it was announced that the RSM team trophy reflects the strong values that we, as soldiers, carry
had won, but a formal protest by the Task Force Commander
throughout the world. New Zealand has served well, not
sparked a count-back and it was discovered that the COs just in this competition but throughout the operations here
actually won their section by one point.
in Timor Leste. For what you have done since arriving here, I
The non-infantry section was represented by one New express my utmost appreciation”
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Comings and goings
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NZ soldiers
“have served well”
deployment05
MAJ GEN Wilson with LT COL Rankin, accepts a challenge by PTE Louis Brell
cmyk
06our people
Once upon
a PTI
and recreation management. This theory has been
translated into practical outcomes: classtaking,
testing fitness, running recreational events and
delivery of training programmes.
While some PTIs were surprised by how much
theory was involved in the course, SSGT Mildon
says it is important that PTIs understand the body,
in order to train it – otherwise you are dealing with
a loaded weapon. “That’s the value of the PTIs,
because the more knowledge and understanding
we have about the body and training concepts, the
safer and more effective the training will be. A lot of
the people have the misconception that we’re going
out there and running people ragged, but it’s not
like that at all – it’s about smart training.”
He says he is pleased with this year’s graduates,
who have displayed a very professional, mature
approach to the training, and are the type of
energetic, motivated people the Physical Training
Corps are after.
“A lot of people think we are after the racing
snakes – the guys and girls who can run all day;
who are just out there training for themselves. But
we’re after intelligent people; people who can show
initiative, innovation, responsibility and leadership,
so they can be trusted with a group of soldiers
without having to be micromanaged.”
WO1 Fowler says they want level-headed soldiers
who can relate to personnel of all ranks, to school
groups, elderly, disabled, and elite sportspeople
– and who don’t let the “power” of being a PTI go
to their head.
Although the new PTIs seemed to fit the bill
perfectly, LCPL Maraku couldn’t resist joking that
he was looking forward to starting his new role
at Burnham Camp because “I can’t wait to start
dishing out the punishment!”
SSGT Keno accepts Old School vs New School award on
behalf of the "old" PTIs
TOP PTIs
Top Student:
Top Practical:
Top Theoretical:
Top Sportsman:
Most Improved:
Take what you have
learned
In an impressive ceremony at Burnham
Military Camp recently, 32 Junior
Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs)
paraded and marched out in style, after
graduating on the All Arms Junior NonCommissioned Officers Course.
The Reviewing Officer Lieutenant
Colonel Howard Duffy, presented three
awards. The Peers Award was awarded
to Lance Corporal Corey Almond of the
LCPL Michael McEntee, RNZIR receiving the Regimental Sergeant Majors Award from
Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
WO1 Malcolm Dean
(RNZIR). The Leadership and Top Student
Award was awarded to Lance Corporal
exercising leadership was critical, as soldiering was a
P Cheater of New Zealand Special Air Services (NZSAS). The
serious business”. He also said “as leaders, you need to do
Regimental Sergeant Majors Award was awarded to Lance
everything in your power to provide for the needs and well
Corporal Michael McEntee, RNZIR and was presented to him
being of those under your command”.
by WO1 Malcolm Dean.
LT COL Duffy concluded his remarks by acknowledging
In his remarks, LT COL Duffy stated that this was his first
the support of the course staff, families and friends and
March-Out Parade he had reviewed and was impressed
reminded the graduates that the course had given them
by the high standard of the parade. He also spoke of
the tools to exercise leadership. “Take what you have learnt
the responsibility the graduates would soon have for
back into the wider Army and be a positive role model for
troops under their command, stating “planning tasks and
those around you.”
Four weeks’ leave for all
The Holidays Act 2003 introduces a minimum of four
weeks’ annual leave from 1 April 2007. Although not
bound by the Act, NZDF intends to comply with the spirit
of the Act.
With effect from 1 October 2006, all RF service members
with less than five years service will be moved to the 21-
Mr Fairhurst and Mr Rendall present LCPL Maraku with
"Top Practical"
WN 06-0018-70
wanted to make it.”
For many, graduation day was as much
a relief as a celebration of their success in
making it through the demanding course.
However, their journey to becoming a PTI
started earlier. “It’s an 18-month cycle until they can
put their berets on, so when they do it’s a special
moment”, says Army’s Senior PTI, WO1 Marcus
Fowler.
For LCPL Maraku, the journey was even longer.
“It’s been a long path for me, three years in the
making. On the first selection course I was pulled off
because I got sick, then on the last one I was lucky
enough to get through.” Others, like LCPL Woodroff,
joined the Army several years ago with the intention
of becoming a PTI.
CPL Doreen Drylie, a former Army chef, decided
to become a PTI after reaching a level in catering
where she was no longer on the floor. “I love
catering”, she says, “but my second love is fitness.
Doing this course you get that feeling that you want
to take people and make them fitter – I love getting
the best out of people.”
CPL Drylie, who was one of two females graduating
(the other was CPL Debbie Giddens, Air Force), was
excited about returning to Waiouru where she wants
to “grab [people] and change them”. Inspired by the
change in her sister, Brenda Drylie, who is the nonpublic funds accounts officer at ATG, she says she
particularly wants to “grab the housewives”, and
those who might feel intimidated by the prospect
of going to the gym. “I want to reach that housewife
who has let her physical fitness go by the way side; I
want her to be able to get fit and enjoy life better by
being fit.” Housewives of Waiouru: you are warned.
The Army graduates are now being dispersed
around the camps for 18 months, where they will
build on the foundation skills learnt during the
primary course, before returning to Woodbourne for
the five-month Advanced course.
The JE PT & RT School's Senior Instructor, SSGT
Greg Mildon, says that in the last seven months
the graduate PTIs have completed theoretical study
into anatomy, physiology, fitness testing and sport
day leave scale. Military personnel will also keep their
current entitlement to two days’ armed forces holidays.
This decision means junior personnel will have the same
entitlement as service members with five or more years of
service, and keeps military scales consistent with those of
NZDF civilian staff.
LCSS Chris Treacher (Navy)
LCPL Brett Maraku (Army)
LCSS Chris Treacher (Navy)
LCPL Dauwie Morgan (Army)
SGT Rana Stevens (Army)
BRIG Gibbons presents SGT Nathan Blackler the "Spirit
of Life" award (see page 7)
who is where?
WN 06-0019-12
“Once
a PTI; always
a PTI.” A cliché,
yes, but heard from
the lips of Mr John Fairhurst, the words were thick
with meaning.
The former Army physical training instructor, PTI
senior instructor (1974-77), and now chief executive
of the YMCA, told the 2006 graduates of the
Physical Training Instructor Primary Course how the
friendships and camaraderie formed on their course
will last them a lifetime. His have.
In 1965, Mr Fairhurst was a 19-year-old corporal
fresh out of Waiouru when he became one of the
first students on the primary course at the newly
established Joint Services Physical Education and
Training School, then based in Hobsonville.
Now 41 years old and based in Woodbourne, the
school continues to produce PTIs who go on to make
a significant difference in the health and fitness of
New Zealand’s soldiers, airmen and women, sailors,
and police officers. This year there were 10 Army,
five Air Force and two Navy personnel graduating
from the bi-yearly, seven-month course.
“I have over 800 staff in my role and I would hire
you all up in an instant, you are so well trained”,
said Mr Fairhurst. “Your training is the best in the
country.”
“Well, I should hope so”, many recent graduates
would be forgiven for thinking, having made it
through a course described as “trying” (CPL Matt
Williams), “challenging” (LCPL Luke Woodroff), a
“rollercoaster” (SGT Rana Stevens), and “intense,
good, long – but worth it in the end” (LCPL Brett
Marakau).
BDR Jonathon Pritchard described the course as
“full on”. “On the last day we had an exam, so they
kept the pressure on right up until the last minute.
But it was an awesome experience, and we all really
SERVING NEW ZEALAND LOYALLY AND HONOURABLY
NAME
overseas training Programme
nz personnel overseas
UNIT
COURSE
CAPT DOUGAL
BARKER
Log Exec
2LT JEREMY
WHITE
16 Fd Regt ROBC Intelligence
Cavalry Leaders Course
LOCATION
Fort Knox, Kentucky,
USA
DINTTC, Canungra,
Australia
LCPL GEOFFREY
1 RNZIR
BURROWS
Combat Trackers Course
Pulada, Malaysia
PTE ROCHE
HARRISON
Combat Trackers Course
Pulada, Malaysia
2/1 RNZIR
NAME
COUNTRY
Mutual Assistance Programme
overseas army personnel in NZ
COURSE
LOCATION
AB SAMUELA NAULU
TIKOMAIMALEYA
Fiji
Basic Electrical
Fitters
SSGT JALESI
RADRODRO
Fiji
All Corps Transport Trade Training School,
Managers Course Trentham
LCPL MELIANO
ULUENGA AFU
Tonga
RF Junior NCO
Course
2nd Regional Training
Wing, Linton
LCPL SIMIONE
FAKA’ILOA TONGA
HASIATA
Tonga
RF Junior NCO
Course
2nd Regional Training
Wing, Linton
LCPL MOSESE
RASAQA
Fiji
RF Junior NCO
Course
3rd Regional Training
Wing, Burnham
LCPL VENISONI
KOROLALA
ROKOBARA
Fiji
RF Junior NCO
Course
3rd Regional Training
Wing, Burnham
SSGT PENIONI METI
DRIKIBAU
Fiji
All Arms Warrant
Officer’s Course
The Army Depot,
Waiouru
WO2 JAMES AKA
PNG
All Arms Warrant
Officer’s Course
The Army Depot,
Waiouru
Trade Training School,
Trentham
our people07
issue 362 5 september 2006
Feeling the fear,
but I'm okay
WN 06-0018-67
Dizzy heights of Linton
Kapahaka
WN 06-0018-69
Sylvia Pene, Kim Harris, Cinadell Pitman and PTE Makere Lee
SSGT Brent Pene, Sylvia Pene, Kim Harris and Cinadell Pitman
Draped in hessian, camouflage paint and cam
nets, the Linton Military Camp Kapahaka Roopu
“Kairanga” reached a new level of performance
when they performed in the Rangitane Regional
Competition in Palmerston North recently.
Against stiff competition from other
competing Roopu (from Otaki, Shannon, two
groups from Palmerston North, and Carterton),
Kairanga received a rapturous applause from
the audience as they departed the stage. “The
smiles that came from the performers face at the
end of the bracket confirmed that the group felt
they had performed superbly”, said Sergeant
Mike Te Hau.
Standout performers for Kairanga were SSGT
Brent Pene and his wife Sylvia Pene. Both were
recognised for their outstanding performance by
being placed 2nd in the male and female (kaitataki
tane and wahine) leadership category.
This was the first time Kairanga had performed
in a regionally based competition. “A lot of hard
work went into preparing for this [event] over the
last four months and we certainly made everyone
know who Kairanga was”, said SSGT Pene.
Despite not being recognised for awards in the
major categories, Kairanga received a 2nd place
award for their rousing performance of the Army
haka. “The group can be justifiably proud of
their performance and the experience certainly
provides a springboard for the future”, said LT
COL Oiroa Kaihau.
The competition was won by Te Au ki te Tonga
from Shannon and the runners up were Te
Whanau o te Kura from Palmerston North. Both
groups will represent Rangitane in the Te Matatini
National Competition to be held in February 2007
in Palmerston North.
Contributed by LT COL Kaihau
CPL Aaron Tregoweth
On Saturday 29 July 2006 at
Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt, I was
packing down, as prop, for the first
scrum of the day. The referee called
“engage” and we hit but instead of
having a usual scrum, I was pulled
straight down and heard a loud crunch,
and numbness shot down both legs
and arms, which soon turned into pins
and needles.
I couldn’t really move so I just stayed
still while the coach and physio came
over and held my head so I couldn’t
move it. I tried to move my legs and
hands, which I could do slowly. I didn’t
think anything was too wrong because
I could move my legs and hands, so I
told the boys I’d be back for a beer that
night and to watch the test.
After a slow ride in the ambulance
to Lower Hutt Hospital, I had to wait
four hours to be seen by a doctor. After
getting a CAT scan and x-rays, he then
told me that I had dislocated my C5/
C6 vertebrae and that I was looking at
being off work for around 6 months. He
also said I was lucky not to be facing
life in an electric wheelchair, paralysed
from the neck down.
From there they took me into
surgery, gave me a crap haircut and
screwed Frankenstein bolts into my
head and fitted a halo, then hung 10kg
off the end of the bed in the hope that
my neck would dislocate itself back
into place. It was then back to the ward
where I got to catch the last 20 minutes
of the rugby on the Prime replay and
then off to sleep for what remained of
the night.
The next day I was transferred to
Christchurch hospital, where I was met
by my parents. Monday I had surgery
to fix my neck, which once they put me
under anaesthetic, dislocated itself
into place. They then fixed it in place
with a steel plate and a
bone graft.
The following day I was transferred
WN 06-0018-77
Surprising
those
gathered
be presented with the award,
to celebrate the newly badged
which was “totally unexpected”.
members of the Physical Training
Although pleased to see that many
Corps, the LCC, Brigadier Phil
“big names” had signed off on the
Gibbons, announced he was in
award, including the president of
Woodbourne to present the “Spirit of
New Zealand Fitness, Child Cancer
Life Achievement Award” to its firstFoundation, and SFRIDO (Sport,
ever recipient, SGT Nathan Blackler
Fitness and Recreation Industry
(pictured left).
Training Organisation) and the Chief
In a moving speech, BRIG Gibbons
of Army, SGT Blackler says receiving
said the physical training instructor
the award from his peers counted
exemplifies all the qualities that PTIs
most heavily.
aspire to, including inspiring others,
He replied to the LCC’s speech
SGT Nathan Blackler starts walk with his support
helping others, and taking a positive, crew and wife, Sally.
with some words of wisdom for the
enthusiastic
and
courageous
new PTIs, garnered during his six
approach to life, even in the face of adversity.
years in the corps. He told them they have joined a family
“When I heard that the award was being presented to
of PTIs with a proud history, and reminded them their main
Nathan, I couldn’t not turn up”, BRIG Gibbons told the
role was not just taking people and making them fit, but also
crowd. In September 2004, BRIG Gibbons was the formation
educating them about health and fitness.
commander at Linton Military Camp when SGT Blackler
SGT Blackler says being in optimal fitness has helped
completed a 1,014-kilometre pack walk from Auckland
his body in its fight against cancer. “I honestly think, my
to Burnham – walking 34 kilometres a day – to raise
fitness has been huge[-ly beneficial] in how well my body
awareness and money (a huge $55,000) for the Child Cancer
has coped with the chemos and [bone marrow] transplants
Foundation.
and radiation. The doctors are all really blown away by how
At the time, SGT Blackler was in remission from Hodgkins
my body has held up to it. They all agree I have been through
Lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in 2000. He
more treatment than the average cancer patient goes
decided to complete the walk to raise money to ease the
through; I have basically had everything you can get, at least
difficulties of child cancer sufferers and their families; to
twice – and not many people have two transplants.”
thank those who had supported him through his illness, and
However, this didn’t stop the medical staff from trying to
to demonstrate the benefits of health and fitness.
confiscate his fitness equipment. “The doctors are used to
Sadly, SGT Blackler’s cancer has returned for the third
a lot of sedentary patients, I suppose, and they’ve always
time. “Here is a man who took on cancer, twice, and now he’s
been wary of how much I do, but at the end of the day they
back battling it again, and I think if anyone can beat it he
let me do it because it’s for my mental wellbeing as well
can”, said BRIG Gibbons. “He is a fantastic role model for the
as physical.”
physical training instructors, and an inspiration to us all.”
A well deserved award SGT Blackler; you are an inspiration
SGT Blackler said he was “absolutely blown away” to
to us all
WN 06-0018-87
Hodgkins – courage in adversity
Carl Hayman and Tony Woodcock with the
signed jersey
to Burwood Spinal Unit for rehab and
physio. Over the next few days I was
able to walk/shuffle, albeit very slowly
and only about 20 metres.
Since the operation I have seen
small improvements every day and the
only side effect so far has been reduced
movement in my left arm, which I have
been told will return in time. Since then
I have returned home and I am on sick
leave until the doctors think I’m ready
to return to work.
While resting at home I received a
surprise gift from SSGT Bishop who
organised an All Blacks training jersey
signed by Tony Woodcock and Karl
Hayman. I would like to thank him for
this as it cheered me up heaps and
really made my day.
The whole episode has been a huge
eye opener on how lucky I have been
and not to take anything for granted.
I’d like to thank the caterers at JSCS, 2
Log Bn, 3 Log Bn, and TRSB for all their
help and support and help they have
given to my parents, and Liezel and I.
To LT COL Tarsau, CO TRSB; WO2
Russell Cat, WO TRSB; SSGT Stewart;
SSGT Nisbet; Ms Veronica Sawers and
everyone that came to visit while I was
in hospital, and since I have been
home: a big THANK YOU for all your
support and help over the past weeks.
CPL Aaron Tregoweth
stepping up
Congratulations to the following personnel
on their recent promotion:
DATE
SERVICE NO
RANK NAME
17-Jul-06
10-Aug-06
24-Aug-06
18-Aug-06
22-Aug-06
R994282
Q999203
E1013338
K1010606
Q1010680
LCPL
SGT
LCPL
CPL
BDR
GW
DA
JM
PP
JW
MACKEY
BEKER
LEMMENS
MUDGWAY
RIPPINGALE
cmyk
08our people
COURAGE, COMMITMENT, COMRADESHIP AND INTEGRITY
Battle of the Somme
Near the end of 2004, a coffin
carrying an unknown warrior
travelled half way around the
world, from the Somme region
of France to New Zealand.
Although we do not know the
name, rank, regiment, religion
or ethnicity of the New Zealand
soldier inside, we do know
that he is one of 1,560 New
Zealand soldiers killed and
5,488 wounded 90 years ago,
during 23 days on the Somme.
This month marks
the 90th anniversary
of New Zealand’s
participation
in
the Battle of the
Somme – and New
Zealand’s bloodiest
month in history.
During
September
1916, Major-General
Andrew
Russell’s
New Zealand Division
suffered over 50 per
cent casualties for a
mere eight kilometres
of ground.
The 7,048 New
Zealand
casualties
were part of a total of over a million soldiers
wounded or killed during one of the most
significant campaigns of World War I, when
the allied forces attempted to break through
the German front line in northern France.
For the million lives lost, the General, Field
Marshall Douglas Haig, was able to advance,
at most, 15 kilometres.
Battle of the Somme begins
On 1 July, 1916, the British planned to strike
a decisive blow against Germany on a 24kilometre front between Seere, north of the
Ancre, and Curlu, north of the Somme. The
aim was to relieve the pressure on the French
Army at Verdun. However, the Germans had
clear warning of the attack and were heavily
fortified. Although a few units reached
German trenches, they could not exploit
their gains and were driven back. By the end
of the day, the British had lost 20,000 men,
including 60 per cent of all officers involved.
The next few months were a stalemate. The
allies gained little ground, and the battle was
costly – after 90 attacks of battalion strength
or more, they received 82,000 casualties
for just 1,000 yards. Accepting that all had
not gone as planned – the decisive victory
had become a decisive failure – General
Sir Douglas Haig decided to concentrate on
just the southern sector. On 15 September,
he renewed the offensive. He had high
hopes that the British Army’s secret weapon
– the tank – would break the deadlock of the
trenches.
New Zealanders go over the top
The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, on 15
September, was the first time that the New
Zealanders were sent over the top on the
Western Front. It was also the first time New
Zealand had deployed an infantry division on
operations overseas. The 15–16,000-strong
New Zealand Division was made up of three
large infantry brigades (12 infantry battalions
plus support personnel), and was part of the
British XV Corps, which was at the centre of
the attack and responsible for the capture of
Flers.
The attack was successful. The New
Zealand Division managed to capture part of
the Switch Line west of Flers, while the 41st
Division advanced 3,500 yards in the centre
at Flers. On the left flank, the Canadian 2nd
Division captured the village of Courcelette,
and the British finally (after two months
trying) captured all of High Wood.
The division spent the next 23 days on the
Somme – “a very long period of time … one of
the longest times of any divisions that were
there on the Western Front”, says Glyn Harper,
Associate Professor at Massey University’s
Centre for Defence Studies. Battling on in
terrible conditions, including a four-day
downpour that turned the battlefield into
a mud bath, the New Zealanders persisted.
They took part in major attacks on 25
September (Factory Corner-Goose Alley), 27
September (Gird Line) and 1 October (Circus
Trench), where they achieved their objectives
but not the breakthrough they were after.
They were relieved on 4 October. The New
Zealand gunners were finally withdrawn on
25 October – having fired 500,000 shells at
the Germans.
Success – at a price
Although its contribution was hailed as a
success by newspapers at home, the New
Remembering in France
On Friday, 15 September, at the
site of the New Zealand Memorial
in Longueval, Somme, France, New
Zealand’s involvement in the Battle of
the Somme will be commemorated.
At 2.15pm Brigadier Paul Southwell, Head
of New Zealand Defence Staff (UK, Germany,
France, Belgium, Italy and Ireland),
will walk visitors through the territory
captured at such great cost by members
of the New Zealand Division in 1916.
At 4.00pm, a ceremony of commemoration
will be held at the New Zealand Memorial,
just outside the town of Longueval.
Zealand Division’s role in the Battle of the
Somme was a bittersweet “victory”. They had
achieved their objectives, but their threekilometre advance and the capture of eight
kilometres of ground had cost the hefty price
of 7,048 casualties.
“It did take all its objectives so it performed
reasonably well, but its casualties were
extremely heavy”, said Mr Harper. “Some
of the lead units that were in it, like 1st
Canterbury Battalion, suffered casualty rates
of about 90%; they went in with 230 people
per company and came out with something
like 30…”
The debut of the tank
The New Zealand Division had been
allocated several tanks, but this “secret
weapon” did not meet the high expectations
for it. This very early model was highly
vulnerable to artillery, slow (a top speed of
3.2km/h), and unreliable – of the 49 tanks
available on 15 September, less than half
(21) made it into action and others became
bogged down in the trenches of the churned
battlefield. The tactics of tank warfare were
also in their infancy.
Remembering them
The Battle of the Somme was the first time
a New Zealander was awarded a Victoria
Cross in France. Lieutenant-General Sir
Bernard Freyberg, while serving in the British
Army, was awarded his first VC for bravery
in an assault on the village of Beaucourt sur
l’Ancre, during the first phase of the Battle of
the Somme.
Another famous New Zealand soldier,
Major-General Sir Howard Kippenberger, was
also sent to the Western Front. Barely 19 years
old, the then Private Kippenberger, went over
the top three times during September 1916.
09
issue 362 5 september 2006
A month in dinkum Hell
S
ergeant Robert "Bert" Holland Taylor
deployed to Egypt in August, 1915,
and was sent to France in March
1916. In September that year, the then
21-year-old corporal and New Zealand
Mounted Rifles soldier was part of the
New Zealand Division who went over the
top for the first time in the Battle of the
Somme. This is his account.
At 8.30pm on 14 September 1916,
we arrived at the assembly trenches (to
the right of High Wood and to the left of the
famous Trone Wood), to await the dawn of
the 15th, where we were to advance on Fritz’s
trenches.
During the night we were almost frozen,
as we had no overcoats and no dug outs in
the lines.
At 6.00am on 15th, it seemed as hell had
broken loose as the bombardment had
commenced in real earnest and shells were
screaming overhead like the wind.
At 6.45am, the order was given to advance
and we hopped over, all smoking from
then. We started to lose men as Fritz had his
machine guns playing on us. The Second
Brigade NZR were to take the first line of
trenches and this they did at 7.00am, after
crossing 700 yards of open country.
We, the 3rd NZRB, lead by the 4th
Battalion, were to take the next three lines.
The first was to be taken by the 4th and the
remaining two lines by the 3rd Battalion.
During this time men were falling pretty fast
and the line was getting thinner but every
man was bent on reaching Flers trenches
and we carried on.
At 7.30am the 4th Battalion charged their
trenches and the 3rds carried on. By this time
our line was so thin that one thought he was
on his own but two more trenches remained
to be captured and we went forward.
Soon after passing over the 4th Battalion’s
trenches, we encountered terrible machine
gun fire and could not advance, so we lay
down to wait for supports. All this time, we
were suffering very heavily and making no
head way. Just at this time, the much talked
about tank – better known as the caterpillar
– arrived, and Fritz took to his heels and ran
for his dear life. However, few lived to tell the
tale as they fell before the withering fire from
the 2nd Brigade and 4th Battalion machine
guns, now in position, with the caterpillar
doing her share.
We charged the trench and killed what
Fritzs remained, only leaving those who
jumped out of the trench on our side to
escape. We still had one line to take and
pushed forward the ever thinning line
marching on to face odds of 30 to one, as
only 57 of us from A Company remained.
At 8.15am the first of our two lines was
taken and we pushed towards the second
and last trench known as the Flers supports.
At 8.45am we charged the trench and
plenty of Fritzs fell before our bayonets.
After clearing up all Fritz’s dugouts, we
commenced to make the trench fit for
holding and we worked like blazes, loosing
men every minute.
By 10 o’clock we had consolidated and were
waiting for the counter attack. During this
time we had a chance to take our bearings and
found out that the divisions on either flanks
had failed to get up and both flanks were
open to Fritz’s attacks, so we had to dig flank
trenches to protect us. During this operation
we lost 12 men from Fritz’s snipers. All day
and night we waited for the counter attack
and for 48 hours, after no food except what
we carried with us and little water. At the end
of 48 hours we were relieved and went to the
rear trenches. Since then we have not had a
wash or shave and are not too fit.
Sept 16: Still here and a few more besides,
though only a few – my section is now eight
strong and my platoon 10 strong. Still waiting
for Fritz to counter attack, and praying to be
relieved.
Sept 17: Still hanging on, and water and
food very scarce as no-one has been able
to get up to us, owing to shell fire. Relief to
come tonight.
Sept 18: Relieved last night and in trenches
in rear. Heaven after Hell. Starting to rain.
Sept 19: Mud up to the knees, cold and wet.
Going back to the frontline tonight. A sorry
looking crowd we are; no wash or shave since
the 14th.
Sept 20: In the line and mud is everywhere.
Heavy shell fire all day and no chance of
being relieved.
Sept 21: Not in the best of health. Still
being shelled by Fritz, and losing men at
every turn. Lieutenant Gray sent me out as I
am ill. Arrived at Fricourt, the camp.
Sept 22. Had my first sleep for nine days,
and first wash and shave for eight days.
Having a rest and not at all acceptable.
Sept 23–27: Still in the camp.
Sept 27: Received orders to move up to the
front. Moved up heavy fire all night. Digging
dugouts and on sentry.
Sept 28: Heavy shell fire all day. Two killed
and two wounded.
6.00pm: Hell let loose as Tommys are
attacking on the right and Fritz countering
attacking on right.
Sept 29: In support trenches behind Flers
village, taken on 15th by 2nd Battalion NZRB
and London Rifles and 45 Division. Plenty of
shell fire but it was not near enough to do
any damage. One shell landed in a trench
10 yards away, killing two and wounding two
more.
Sept 30: Things are a little quieter than usual.
Lovely day and expect to be relieved tonight
but are often doomed to disappointment in
this life. But still hope for the best.
Sept 30: Relieved but not to go out up in
front line again sent to report as runner
to BHQ. Heavy shell fire all day, running
gauntlet of fire.
Oct 1: Attack by 2nd Brigade and 3rd
Battalion NZRB, B and C Companies, attack
A and D Coys in reserve. Attack successful;
a lot of casualties in C Coy and B. A and D
clean sheets. Commencing to rain mud
everywhere.
Oct 2: Still raining, mud up to the knee,
having a hell of a time. Shelled day and
night. Three killed and two wounded; no
chance of relief.
Oct 3: Rain stopped. Mud very sticky. To
be relieved tonight without fail; East Surreys
to relieve 3rd Batt. Acting as guide – rotten
job.
Oct 4: Out at last – first time since 15
September. Raining, spent last night roaming
about guiding those who were lost to safety.
Mud here too plenty.
Oct 7: Still out, been down for Bath today
moving tomorrow for somewhere in France
as usual. Thank God, have had enough of
the Somme.
Robert Holland Taylor and his six-month-old son,
Charles Orton Knight Taylor, in August 1915, before
Robert left for war
Robert Holland Taylor went on to serve
in the 1917 Battle of Messines and the
Battle of Paschendaele, where he was
severely wounded in the shoulder. After
a long period in hospital, he returned to
New Zealand in November 1918. He was
an electrical engineer and died in 1972,
aged 79.
...no wash or shave for a week hows
that? beards as long as the hair on ones
head & dirty as the Devil every Blasted
thing mud absolutely caked in it from top
to toe. Sept 22nd sent out from trenches
for a spell had a wash & shave first for
9 days.
Diary while on the Somme.
September 9th. Arrived at Fricourt the
village taken on the 1st of July during
the British offensive and camped there
sleeping in the open air. Guns firing all
round.
Sept 10th. Getting ready to move up
into the trenches to have a look at the
place we have to take. Moved up at 7 pm
& went into trenches near the famous
Trone wood...
cmyk
10MUSEUM
SERVING NEW ZEALAND LOYALLY AND HONOURABLY
Preserving our history
Are you a current or ex-serving soldier and/or have
you served overseas? Have you ever considered how the
Museum is able to display what it displays, and tell the
stories it tells?
We are very fortunate that many people have donated
their own or their relatives memorabilia, with origins/
background information. This is not only important if you
are considering donating memorabilia to the museum
but also for your own and your families personal
records.
The stories/information that accompanies the material
is important, eg, examples of uniform, including unissued items. What makes them interesting is that they
were worn by … When he/she served in Bosnia, East
Timor, Bougainville, Cambodia, or Afghanistan, etc, the
dates, in the role of peacekeeper, doing mine clearance,
medical, support, and infantry. The more information we
have, the better.
Remember, while information and memories are fresh
in the mind it is a good idea to note where the souvenir
came from, when you picked it up and under what
circumstances, also any other relevant information.
Even if you don’t plan to donate it to the museum, future
The Silver War Badge
Grandad’s Medals
Part Four
During World War One, the British
and dominion governments produced
a Silver War Badge to help overcome
some of the problems associated with
men being discharged from service
through injury.
In the early parts of WWI, with
many men seriously wounded in
action or suffering from disease,
large numbers were sent back to
their homes in the United Kingdom,
Australia, Canada, New Zealand and
South Africa, to recover, via various
military hospitals and hospital ships.
Some recovered, enabling them to
continue their military careers as
instructors in their own countries, or
were sent back to the various theatres
of war as reinforcements. Others
were discharged, unfit for further
military service.
At this time, when the soldiers
changed from wearing a military
uniform to civilian clothes, trouble
started for some of them, especially
those men with less-visible physical
wounds.
This was not as much of a problem in
the rural areas, as a man’s past service
with the military and subsequent
discharge would be reasonably
well known. However, in the larger,
more anonymous towns and cities,
a number of discharged returning
servicemen received the “white
feather”. These came from women
who considered that a seemingly fit
young man was shirking his duty by
not volunteering for military service
and should therefore be labelled as
a coward.
Naturally, being given a white
feather by an unknown woman in the
street after serving in the military and
suffering wounds, and or sickness and
disease, caused much resentment.
To combat this reaction by overzealous civilians, the British and
dominion governments produced a
Silver War Badge issued to those men
leaving the services as unfit, or to
officers
who
had
resigned
their commissions.
The badge was made of die-struck
silver metal in the form of a circular,
pinned lapel badge. In the centre,
the Royal cipher of King George V
surmounted by a St Edward’s crown,
and around the edge the words “for
King and Empire”, “services rendered”
were displayed. Each badge was
numbered to an assigned individual
and a register was collated by each
country’s defence headquarters.
Contributed by Ian Topham
generations of your family may be interested in this
information when you are no longer around to tell them
about it.
Diaries, letters, postcards, photographs (preferably
captioned), weapons (eg, firearms, knives, swords),
souvenirs (eg, local craft), equipment used (eg, cookers,
webbing), uniforms, clothing, and flags – used by
New Zealanders, their allies and enemies – have been
donated to the Army Museum.
In this age of electronic correspondence and digital
photographs, it is important to consider how the
material is to be kept. Do your family and friends keep
your emails, electronically or in hard copy? If they keep
neither, we will have gaps in our “history”. Today we
look at WWI diaries and letters to get a “feel” for the
experiences of that time; will emails be available to
researchers of the future?
If you wish to retain items yourself, keep them stored
in a secure place, somewhere not too hot or too cold,
and separated by material eg, paper, metals, textiles, or
plastic bags (freezer bags are good).
The museum’s collection is split into: technology
(eg, vehicles, communication equipment), textiles (eg,
uniforms, flags, souvenirs), weapons and ammunition,
and accoutrements/social history (eg, webbing and
personal equipment, souvenirs, rations and cigarettes).
Our staff will store, care, and protect the artefacts
within their collection area, and provide accurate data
recording, advice and guidance to both the public and
exhibition staff.
The museum is always looking for new donations of
artefacts, photographs, diaries – not only from Grandma
and Grandad’s day, but also more recent material, such
as UN missions. It is much easier to collect it now than
to try and track back over many years.
Help preserve our history.
Contributed by Laeonie Gallahar
The division that wasn’t
Following the “Lee Hill: photographer and soldier” article
(Army News #360), his Army record noted he was in 32
Battalion. 32 Battalion? Yes, a made-up unit, part of a plan to
fool the Axis forces into thinking that there were more Allied
troops than there actually were.
The brainchild of LT COL Dudley
Clarke, head of “A” Force (the Middle
East GHQ deception unit), Operation
Cascade achieved its purpose. Captured
documents
showed
the
enemy
overestimated the Allied forces arrayed
against them by about one-third. Clarke
has been called the “master of psyops”
for his imaginative schemes, and soon
became the co-ordinator of strategic
deception in the Mediterranean.
Operation
Cascade
was
a
comprehensive order-of-battle deception
scheme covering the whole Med theatre. Under Cascade,
base units and sub-areas were re-named and re-numbered.
It was a stunningly simple and successful plan. The units did
already exist but not in the form they were now “advertised”,
through fake messages, radio transmissions, and formation
signs on vehicles etc. Seven bogus infantry divisions, one
bogus armoured division and a bogus corps were created.
The civilian sources in Egypt that the Axis relied on for
intelligence were mostly double-agents run by none other
than, you guessed it, “A” Force, who further added weight to
the existence of the units created.
In late May 1941, 2 NZEF was asked to
participate in Cascade. This was agreed to
and Maadi Camp became 6 NZ Division.
The infantry training depot became 9 NZ
Infantry Brigade composed of 31, 32 and
33 Battalions. The camp works section
(NZE) became 25 NZ Field Company; the
camp hospital 23 NZ Field Ambulance etc.
The sign of the imaginary 6 Division was
a Kiwi.
Also, to assist the Cascade plan, the real
NZ Division in Middle East adopted the
title Second (2) NZ Division (by which title
it was already known in the Order of Battle at NZ Army HQ).
This change was effective from 29 June, 1941.
Lee Hills arrived at Maadi on 24 March, 1941 and is listed
as “Marched out from 32 Battalion” 27 June. The deception
scheme had come into effect during his training.
Contributed by Jeffrey Russell
Remembering the fallen
The “The Last Post – Remembering the Fallen” display at the Army
Museum highlights New Zealand’s tragic losses during times of conflict
and war.
One of the young men featured in the display is: 25935 Captain Kereti
Pau Mariu of the 28 (Maori) Battalion.
Kereti Mariu, husband of Arapera, was working as a civil servant in
Wellington before enlisting at the outbreak of World War II.
After a period of training in the UK and Egypt, Kereti saw action in
Greece, Crete and the Western Desert and then moved with the battalion
to Italy on 17 October 1943.
The battalion fought their first action at Orsogna in December 1943
and early in January 1944, Captain Mariu was the signals officer for the
Battalion HQ.
In a letter to Kereti’s wife Arapera, Lieutenant Colonel Young (CO 28
Battalion), wrote, “On the night of 9 January he was on a visit to an
outpost when he was caught by enemy machine gun fire. We were less
than a mile from the Italian town of Orsogna, on the 8th Army front. At
least you can be assured that death must have been instantaneous and
that he suffered no last-minute agonies… Please accept, on behalf of
the whole Maori Battalion, and of myself, our heartfelt condolences at
your loss. No man could have died better, nor for a better cause.”
Kereti Pau Mariu died aged 27 and is buried in the Sangro River War
Cemetery (Italy), Grave IX. E. 27. His medals and Memorial Cross are
currently on display at the Army Museum.
issue 362 5 september 2006
In support
of Daffodil Day
Matt Kissick, winner of medicine ball section with a time of 2:29 minutes. CPL Davey Forbes on stopwatch, SSGT Takimoana keeps
an eye on technique
the same day in our respective time
zones”, Jacqui explained.
Taking up the shears was the
family’s longtime friend Polly Kareko,
a hairdresser for 10 years before
joining 2 Workshop Coy as a civilian
administration
assistant.
(Her
husband is WO2 Evan Kareko, of 163
Battery. CPL Houia is Godfather to one
of their daughters).
Surrounded by a large group
of supporters, the head shaving
was ceremoniously carried out at
MUSAC (Massey University School
Administration by Computer), where
Jacqui
is
a
software
help
desk assistant.
“The support I got was incredible”,
she said. “I went for sponsorships
from the campus, camp and to
a lesser extent Wanganui. I was
aiming for about $500 but ended up
with $1,955.”
She said her three children were
highly supportive as well. “Except
Jessica (12) – she was horrified.”
Contributed by Gary Parkes
WN 06-0018-76
WN 06-0018-74
timed walk with a couple of full jerry cans of water. The winner
was arts student Nick Gislason.
Pleased the NZ Army could help out, and with an eye to
the current graduate recruitment programme, Army recruiter
CAPT Sara Harrison says the Army was keen to see whether or
not the young men had what it take to be leaders, on a full- or
part-time basis.
A similar exercise was conducted earlier this month during
the Students Women’s week.
Otago University Students Association representative and
contest organiser Michael Baker says, that over a three-day
period, the Mr University also tackled a fashion parade and
a mental quiz. He hopes to make the three-day event an
annual fixture.
The eventual winner of the “Mr University” title and a $100
prize was Kris Allen, who is studying for a double major in
commerce and science.
There was something different
about a Linton soldier having his
head shaved to support his wife,
who was sacrificing her hair for the
annual Daffodil Day appeal. They
are thousands of kilometers apart –
Jacqui Houia is carrying on her job and
looking after the family in Palmerston
North while her husband, Corporal
Jason Houia, of 2 Workshop Coy, 2
Logistics Battalion, is on deployment
in Afghanistan.
Inciting Jacqui to take a personal
stand for the cause was the loss of
both parents to cancer. “My mother
had a brain tumor when I was five. She
recovered, but sadly died a year or two
later”, she recalls. “And my father died
of cancer about 10 years ago.” Then a
grandmother died in April this year
following a sudden cancer attack.
Hearing of Jacqui’s commitment
to the cause, CPL Houia decided he
would support her, drumming up
enthusiasm from his comrades on
deployment, and also having his head
shaved. “We decided we would both
have our hair cut off at 1230 hours
WN 06-0019-15
WN 06-0018-75
Heroes and Winners
– Mr University
Proving there’s more to being an Otago student than
drinking Speight’s and burning couches, the Army descended
on Otago University recently to put a select group of scarfies
through their paces.
Christchurch-based recruiter, Captain Shane Ruane,
Dunedin recruiter Staff Sergeant Jodie Takimoana and Linton
PTI Corporal Davey Forbes ran the strength and endurance
section of the Otago University Students Association’s Mr
University competition.
With the theme of “heroes and winners”, the Mr University
competition aims to provide positive role models to students.
The competition ran as part of Otago University’s inaugural
Men’s Week.
The 10 students spent around two hours competing in
a variety of tasks, from crawling around under a cam net,
sprinting for rugby balls, participating in an all-in wrestling
match, to squats with a medicine ball held outstretched and a
news11
Polly Kareko cuts off the last lock from the head of friend Jacqui Houia
Inventory Management Team expands
Winner Mr University Kris
Allen carries the can
The winner of the Strength and Endurance section of Mr University, Nick Gislason, flanked from (L–R)
CAPT Shane Ruane, CPL Davey Forbes, OUSA’s Michael Baker, SSGT Jodie Takimoana
planner), whose skills complement the
knowledge and experience of Tracey
Karena (senior national logistic item
controller).
This team will implement the IPO
Project initiatives working alongside
fleet managers, MRP controllers, NLICs
and purchasers, over the next few
weeks.
Your enquiries and suggestions
on how to improve the way inventory
is managed are welcomed. Please
address them to MAJ Terry Read on
[email protected]
Contributed by Geoffrey Lee
WN 06-0018-90
Following an Anzac Day address to Whangarei Boys’
High School, old boy Colonel (Rtd) Grant Crowley arranged
for a full set of miniature medals, the King’s Citation and
photo of Lloyd Trigg, VC, DFC, to be presented to the
school. Pictured with him is Mr Trigg’s son, John Trigg.
The original medals were sold in the 1960s. Mr Trigg
is only one of two Northlanders to receive the VC and the
only holder to have been awarded the VC on the testimony of the enemy: the submarine captain which Mr
Trigg and his crew attacked and sunk. Mr Trigg and the
crew lost their lives in the attack.
A large group of ex-servicemen, school pupils
and staff attended the presentation ceremony at the
school, which was followed by a function hosted by the
Whangarei RSA.
WN 06-0018-86
Northlander remembered
The sixth in a series of articles to keep
you informed about a DSI initiative that
optimises the number of spare parts and
equipment supplies carried by Army
MAJ Terry Read, senior inventory
manager, leads a team of three that
manage the materials procurement,
requirements planning and material
management functions for Army.
Collectively, they form Army’s Inventory
Management “Centre of Excellence”.
The team has recently welcomed
two new members, Dean Hodgson
(procurement officer) and Ian Barrows
(senior
materials
requirements
Grant Crowley with Lloyd Trigg’s son, John Trigg, and the miniature
medals, the King’s Citation and photo of Lloyd Trigg
The Inventory Management Team. L-R: Mr Dean Hodgson, Mr Ian Barrows, MAJ Terry
Read, Mrs Tracey Karena
cmyk
12NEWS
COURAGE, COMMITMENT, COMRADESHIP AND INTEGRITY
Book Reviews
Possums & Bird Dogs
By Peter Nolan
Published by Allen & Unwin
RRP $39.99
Escape!
Kiwi POWs on the run in World War II
Edited by Matthew Wright
Published by Random House
RRP $39.99
Reviewed by COL (Rtd) Ray Seymour
Reviewed by Howard Chamberlain
Possums & Bird Dogs looked appealing. Here is a book
– supported by a good collection of relevant photographs,
listing a long line-up of personal interviews, and supported by
an impressive bibliography – that presented an expectation
that this historical account would be yet another vital piece
in the tapestry of the ANZAC involvement in the war in
South Vietnam. The account is easily read, and has been
structured in a chronological sequence, commencing with
the introduction of four aircraft from the 161 Reconnaissance
Flight into Bien Hoa in 1965 until the renamed unit – 161
(Independent) Recce Flight – withdrew from South Vietnam
in 1972. Of interest to readers will be the fact that during the
seven-year operational deployment of this very successful
Army aviation element, numerous Kiwi pilots were posted to
the unit and they performed with distinction.
Right from the outset, this book appealed to me because
it provided answers that had previously eluded me. I now
know, for example, that the term “Possum”, part of our
military language for such a long time, was created on the
arrival of the first 161 aircraft into Vietnam. American air
traffic controllers demanded a callsign starting with the letter
“P”. “Platypus” was not acceptable as it had already been
allocated to 1 RAR, and so the alternative “Possum” was
offered up. The term remains today.
The author relates that the unit and New Zealand’s Victor
Company (there was only one Victor Company!) had a very
good relationship. To recognise the close bond the two units
had, when V Company departed South Vietnam in November
1967 a loudspeaker aircraft circled the company and played
“The Green, Green Grass of Home”. And, yes, the song is
firmly etched on all of our minds to this day.
The book provides an account of a number of Kiwi Army
pilots who flew with the unit. There was the story of Ted
Brooker and his involvement in a particular technique that saw
the helicopter flying at treetop level, seeking out information
whilst being given top cover from a fixed wing aircraft above.
Another story gave an
account of Ted being
shot down whilst on
a mission. And then
there was Reg Ellwood
and Bill Flanagan and
finally Grant Steel. Grant
was a superb chopper
pilot having completed
his apprenticeship as
an
infantry
platoon
commander
in
W1
Company some years prior to his flying stint. And he was not
an ordnance officer as suggested by the book! Grant also
found himself being shot out of the sky, and like Bill, was
awarded with a well-deserved DFC.
Possums & Bird Dogs has to receive some bricks to go with
the bouquets. Well-researched books like this will provide
readers with a good insight of the seven-year history of the
unit, and an understanding of the TTPs that were adopted
by this element. But it could have done more. Having done
the research necessary to have gone this far, I think more indepth knowledge of the “how, where and why” of many of the
activities would have put the icing on the cake. Personally, I
couldn’t have cared less how material was stolen to erect the
best bar in the Nui Dat base and to be told how much welldeserved beer was drunk from it. Rather, I would have gained
so much more had I read about the techniques used by Ted,
Reg, Bill and Grant in seeking out and gaining information,
and the like.
For those of you who are keen to enhance your knowledge
of the ANZAC involvement in the Vietnam War, this book is a
must. Just don’t expect to get the full story. That will need to
be told by someone else.
Tiger Force
– The shocking true story
of American soldiers out of
control in Vietnam
By Michael Sallah & Mitch Weiss
Published by Hachette Livre NZ
RRP $39.99
Reviewed by COL (Rtd) Ray Seymour
HALT!
Don’t read this book if:
• You don’t have enough time to read
it from cover to cover in a very short
period of time. It is such a gripping story
that one can’t leave it to lie upon the
table for too long.
• You have high blood pressure. This
story will make it go even higher.
• You suffer from insomnia. This story
will keep you awake for a long time.
• You are prone to bouts of anger.
This book will make you very angry.
READ this book if:
• You want to learn about an event
during the Vietnam War that is more
shocking than the My Lai incident, which
saw LT William Calley imprisoned for his
war crime.
• You want to learn how a so-called
professional military team, comprising
approximately 40 soldiers, were
permitted to run amok and kill anybody
they saw in their sights.
• You want to see why leadership,
at all levels, from the generals to the
corporals, can influence the performance
of soldiers.
• And so much more.
This is an account of a platoon,
known as “Tiger Force”, of American
infantryman, from the 327th Infantry
Battalion, who were permitted to operate
with few rules. In general, these rules
were: KILL! KILL! KILL! And kill they did.
On one operation their commanding
officer demanded that as they belonged
to the 327th Infantry Battalion, he wanted
them to achieve 327 dead bodies. They
stopped killing when they got to 327.
The 327 they killed were men, woman
and children – but no enemy soldiers.
And if that wasn’t enough, this maniac
group of murderers were hell-bent on
body mutilations. They all seemed to
wear necklaces of human ears they had
cut from the bodies. Beheading babies
was yet another ghastly deed they were
proud of, not forgetting rape (followed
by murder), torture, looting and wanton
destruction. Mix in alcohol and drugs
along with a complete lack of leadership,
and all the ingredients are present for
this time bomb to continually go off. You
just have to read this disgusting account
to realise just how sick men can get. And
to make matters worse, the reader will
also learn just how ineffective the entire
command chain of the US establishment,
both military and political, have been to
date to keep this story buried.
If there is any good news from this
book, the jury is still out on what to do
next. I only hope that the few remaining
survivors left (and sadly, many of Tiger
Force have passed away at such young
ages) are brought before a war crimes
court and allow that jurisdiction to
determine their fate.
The moral of this shocking episode
is found in the second to last page
of the book. It reads, “Whether the
military should press for a hearing
nearly four decades later is open to
debate, a question better answered by
legal scholars and military historians.
Perhaps the more critical question, with
far greater consequences, is whether
the Army has learned anything from the
rampage so many years ago. Whether
the Army acknowledges the longest
series of atrocities by a US fighting unit
in the Vietnam War or continues to bury
its past. To do the latter would come at
an enormous price. Part of the culture
of any military institution is what it has
learned and failed to learn from prior
mistakes, providing an institutional
memory with clear-cut rules and
guidance. Covering up war-crime cases
such as those of Tiger Force may save the
institution from being embarrassed but
does little to prevent such cases in the
future”… and the final few lines of the
book concludes with … “the reporters
… hoped the Army would assume
responsibility for what happened in
the Central Highlands in 1967 so that
someday some other newspaper …
didn’t turn up hidden records from some
other series of atrocities committed in
Iraq, Afghanistan, or another country.
Until the military does so, the dangers
of another Tiger Force will always be
there.”
You just have to read this book but
you do so at your own risk!
Compiled from extracts drawn from the
published experiences of former POWs
and escapers, Escape is an amalgam
of abbreviated stories. On first reading,
one is tempted to liken this book to a
Readers Digest condensed book of POWs
life stories. Fortunately, the sources and
bibliography at the end will be useful to
the reader who wants to delve more fully
into the experiences of Kiwis on the run in
World War II.
It may have been useful, in a book of
this nature, to have more clearly explained
why and how it came to be compiled and
the basis on which material was selected. There is surprising detail missing from
some of the stories, and other fascinating tales missing from its pages altogether.
An example is Francis S Jones’ account of PTE Roy Natusch’s escapes while assuming
various Dutch officer identities as he travelled from Germany across Hungary, while
attempting to reach the Yugoslav partisans, in the book The Double Dutchman.
However, the book does attempt to highlight that, irrespective of whether Kiwis
were prisoners of the Germans, Italians, or Japanese, they all suffered cold, privations
of hunger, malnutrition and sickness, with little medical assistance to help their
recovery. The lack of letters from home and boredom were part of all POWs lives
behind barbed wire. But when the spark of interest in escaping arose, arrangements
for food, changes of clothing, maps, ID cards, work permits and other papers, were
all undertaken with skill and daring.
Watching and noting guard routines, making plans, digging tunnels, sometimes
taking an unguarded opportunity to get away kept both the prisoners and their guards
on the alert. Stealing from their captors, creating ruses, and swapping identities
became part of life for the dedicated few who chose this most dangerous challenge.
Unfortunately not all escapers got home and some lost their lives in the attempt.
For those who succeeded, once past the wire the euphoria of being outside the
immediate control of the prison camp guards was soon replaced by another need:
to be ever vigilant, wary of the unknown and possible re-capture. Tiredness and lack
of food, coupled with the lack of exercise while behind the wire, had its effect on the
escapees. Travelling through unknown country, most often without knowledge of the
language, made life very difficult. Some of the stories related in Escape highlight the
great challenge of remaining on the outside. Reliance on unknown people was always
with the threat of betrayal such as when Alan Yeoman, along with his companions,
was betrayed by one of those in whose hands he had placed his life.
Escape is really just an introduction to the records of Kiwi POWs who became
escapers. Hopefully it whets the appetite of the reader to seek a greater
understanding of the difficulties these men faced, with skill and daring, by reading
their full stories.
Keeping the records straight
On Monday 4 September the Business Classification Schema (BCS), the new
registry filing system, was released to NZDF for consultative review. The draft BCS
has been produced following consultation workshops in HQ NZDF incorporating
single services, HQ JFNZ, camps and bases. The review process will run for three
weeks from 4 September to 22 September.
The purpose of the BCS is to produce an updated filing system to replace the
Standard Defence Filing System (SDFS) which has been in place for over 20 years.
The revised system will assist consistent categorisation of records across NZDF,
as well as helping to ensure NZDF is in a state of readiness for migration to an
electronic record keeping system.
The BCS is a sub project of the Information Management and Exploitation (IMX)
project. For NZDF, Information Management means developing an environment
which helps manage explicit knowledge to be shared and used to the benefit of
the whole of NZDF.
The review process provides an opportunity for interested people to make
comment on the draft so it best meets the needs of NZDF for the next 25 years.
For further information see Frequently Asked Questions list on the KM website:
http://projects/nzdf-km/default.aspx
news13
issue 362 5 september 2006
The dance of
time
SEEKING A NEW DIRECTION?
If you are looking for a change in your career, these are just
some of the options available to you within Army. Most are
permanent; others are short-term.
Who dares wins!
Life in the NZSAS is insurmountable in training and
operations. An NZSAS soldier’s life is packed full of adventure
and challenge. 1 NZSAS Gp is a multi-role, multi environment
unit that works at a military strategic level. NZSAS troopers are
soldiers that master a broad range of skills to a high standard.
To become an NZSAS soldier you need to be physically and
mentally robust with individual and team skills, stamina, selfconfidence, and of course good regimental and soldier skills.
Also, consider the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group
(CTTAG). CTTAG is part of 1 NZSAS Gp and exists to plan and
conduct counter-terrorist operations. If you are fit, intelligent,
able to demonstrate both professional and personal discipline,
and you are motivated, then it is worth you having a go to
become an operator with CTTAG.
Do you have an investigative mind?
The Military Police are responsible for the maintenance
of law and order within Army. Military police tasks include
enforcement of the New Zealand law, including military law,
investigative work, battlefield circulation and control, liaison
between military and civilian authorities, and assistance with
military disciplinary proceedings. You need to have a minimum
of two years' service in the Army and be ready for promotion
to lance corporal. Military Police personnel need a good
analytical ability, communication skills, confidence and an
ability to think on their feet in stressful situations.
Push it – give me 110%!
Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) are, in effect, the
soldiers’ and officers’ personal trainers. Being responsible
for the fitness of our Army personnel, PTIs have a thorough
understanding of the make-up and workings of the human
body. To become a PTI you must display endurance, strength,
co-ordination, communication skills, teamwork and leadership
and the ability to conduct PT sessions. PTIs provide specialist
WN 06-0019-13
In 1963 Major Dance, NZCF, enlisted appointment in the New Zealand
into the New Zealand Army as a Army, that of Supply Warrant Officer
Regular Force Cadet. On completion Direct Service Support (DSS) Papakura
of basic training the then LCPL Dance Camp. He held this appointment until
(Rifleman), was posted to Army Schools his release in 1984 after completing 21
Waiouru as an Instructor. During years and four months service.
that time MAJ Dance
MAJ Dance began
progressed thought the
assisting with the City
ranks to make SSGT and
of Papakura Cadet
in 1969 he was posted to
Unit in OCT 1987 and
First Battalion.
in July 1988 applied
In 1969 MAJ Dance was
to become an officer.
posted to 5th Wellington
On 2 August 1988 he
West Coast Taranaki (5
was commission to
WWCT) as a Cadre Non
Lieutenant NZCC and
Commissioned Officer till
at the end of 1994
1972. From 1972–1976
was appointed Unit
MAJ Dance was deployed
Commander for the
to Vietnam and posted
City of Papakura Cadet
to 2 NZATTV instructing MAJ M Dance
Unit. In early 1995
US Special Forces and
the then Lieutenant
Cambodian troops. During this time he Dance completed the Bushcraft
did a two year posting to Singapore.
and Management course and was
After serving 12 years as an promoted to A/Captain. Mid 1995
instructor MAJ Dance changed his A/Captain Dance was given full rank
service and trade from Royal New of Captain.
Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR)
MAJ Dance was promoted to his
Rifleman to Royal New Zealand Army present rank on 06 April 2000 and
Ordnance Corp (RNZAOC) Clerk and continues to provide both the New
a year later to Storeman. During this Zealand Cadet Forces, the members
time MAJ Dance was promoted to of the City of Papakura Cadet Unit and
Warrant Officer Class Two.
the wider community of Papakura, an
From 1976–1984 MAJ Dance held excellent youth training environment
various appointments, until his final and role model.
advice and rehabilitation training, and can also become part of
AATC, concentrating on adventure sport.
So, you like to know what’s going on?
The intelligence corps has been in existence since 1987 and
has today developed into a body of highly trained specialists.
Our intelligence operators are trained to understand and apply
the intelligence cycle, which includes collecting, collating and
analysing information to provide an intelligence product which
describes a threat to tactical level operations. As your career
develops and progresses you will gain specialist skills from
signals support through to field intelligence. Whether you are
an officer or soldier, there is a career in the NZIC which will see
you working at the leading edge of events in both New Zealand,
and on deployments around the world. There is a challenge at
every step of your career – make the change!
Decisions to make?
Then come along to the Central Regional Recruiting Internal
Trades Recruiting day.
All displays will have specialists in those trades available to
talk to you. Hear first hand what they do on a daily basis, and
talk to the people who can give you the information you need
to make an informed decision.
Whatever you do, don’t consider leaving the service until
you’ve looked at the opportunities readily available for
soldiers to trade change. It’s your right to put in an application
and have it go through the correct chain of command. There
may be a trade in the Army that you don’t know enough about,
so have never considered. So come along and have a look at
what’s available.
For additional information on the Internal Trades Open
Day, contact SSGT Johnny Rogers, CRR, 06 357 2936 or 027
280 2145.
When:
Where:
Time:
20 September 2006
Linton Military Camp
Conference Centre
1000 – 1600 hours.
What’s on display:
WN 06-0018-84
MAJ Peter Gray
the high cost of hiring a conference
facility in the city.
MAJ Gray says the Wellington
Property Management project team,
led by Colin Barnden, put a lot of effort
into “getting the IT right, right from the
start”. “The rooms are appropriately
enabled for conferencing and all the
services that we need. In the past it
has often been a retro-fit, but we are
a network-enabled army and we need
to have the infrastructure that enables
that philosophy to be played out.”
Downstairs, the former dining area
has been converted into office space,
now inhabited by Log Exec personnel.
The same fate awaits the commercial
kitchen, also downstairs. The 24 new
work spaces are likely to take some of
the overflow of personnel from Army
General Staff.
“The future footprint of the centre
of mass of Army General Staff is going
to be out here somewhere, so these
renovation works are very useful”,
says MAJ Gray.
Recruiting
MP
GIS Op
Steward
Admin
Int Op
PTI
Firefighter
Ed Asst
Sup Q
Ammo Tech
Medic
TF
Dental Assist
Moving off the hill
WN 06-0018-83
Unused building space at Trentham
has been reincarnated as a modern
conference facility for the Wellington
region.
The new facility has been created
on the top floor of a “recreation block”
in Logistics Executive. The space
upstairs has been halved, and the
newly created space now provides a
conference area and breakout rooms
for small to large groups.
The Army has owned the building
since 1989, when it was bought from
the Post Office, but it fully utilises the
area only once or twice a year, and the
large commercial kitchen downstairs
– with facilities capable of catering
for a couple of hundred people – had
remained largely unused.
The new facility is ideal for Officer
Selection Boards, says Major
Peter Gray S02 Works. Previously,
Officer Selection Boards were held
in Trentham Camp, where they
swallowed the Clock Tower complex
and some of Trade Training School’s
space. “It was quite a burden on
the camp and the school”, he says,
explaining
why
the
facility
was created.
With sound insulation and a full
IT fit out, the large, versatile facility
– conveniently located on the trainline from Wellington City – is already
proving popular among the services.
MAJ Gray says the two-month-old
space has already been “heavily
utilised”.
“The new building offers a real
saving for Defence”, he says, as, by
using the facility, organisers avoid
WN 06-0018-65
New life for
old space
SAS
4th Otago and Southland Battalion Group
personnel have been helping Dunedin’s Montecillo
Veterans Home and Hospital with the logistics of
moving into new premises across town.
Montecillo is a veterans’ aged care facility, which
provides care for medical conditions attributable to
military service. The facility had been in an historic
but aging homestead on a hill in Mornington since
1918, where poor access, a lack of bus services,
and new elderly care requirements presented
problems.
In 2005, the facility was sold and the money put
towards
the purpose-built facilities.
Moving crew with Montecillo staff…L-R PTE G.Garthwaite SGT G. Baxter,
Personnel
from 4 O South Bn Gp helped move
PTE D. Lamond. MAJ Nicholas, Pat Daniel (reception) Christine Cameron
(house manager) Peter Martin (health and safety) LCPL Spackman, SGT equipment and personal effects to purpose-built
Hill, PTE Clarke. Front: SIG Gee, PTE Moses, PTE O’Connor, PTE Baxter, facilities on flat land in south Dunedin. As well as
lugging furniture and person effects, soldiers were
PTE Mountain, PTE Gilmour, PTE Jopson, PTE O’Neil
involved in the regimental side of the operation.
Montecillo manager Fred Daniel says that after the last of the 44 residents left
the Mornington facility on 25 August, it was important the officially gazetted flag
station was closed down in proper military style.
As the sun went down, a barrack guard from the 4 O South presented arms, a
bugler played the last post, and the flag, after 88 years, was slowly lowered for
the last time. A prayer was conducted by Territorial Force chaplain, Captain Tony
Harrison.
On September 1, the barrack guard gathered outside the new facility to raise
the flag. The new facility is adjacent to the United Services Club, which caters for
ex-service personnel across all three services.
The welfare wing of the RSA has been operating out of Kensington Army Hall
in recent months, after their office was knocked down to make way for a new car
park. But they will now occupy an office on the top storey of the new Montecillo
facility.
Trust chairperson Dame Dorothy Fraser says it’s been a rollercoaster time, from
selling the old homestead to getting a low interest loan from the Government. She
LCPL Ahokovi Tukia lowers the flag for the says the hard work and services supplied at little or no cost demonstrates the
last time after 88 years
esteem in which Montecillo is held in the local community.
cmyk
14entertainment
seeing
While things may seem a little
uncertain, it is just a time that
people you know are working out
how to best tap into your talents.
And produce a risk management
system for you. After that, all will
seem clear.
PISCES
Feb 20 to Mar 20
Crikey, I’d rather have a barbie
in me stomach than a ‘ray barb
in me chest.
ARIES
Mar 21 to April 20
Boredom will cause you to do
some stupid things. So at least
you have an excuse this time.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Do what you can to help
others but don’t let friends or
family take undue advantage of
you. Or undie advantage, which
is even worse. Though also a
little childish.
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
Set up a budget and you
should be able to get out of
debt by the end of the year. Not
particularly sure which one ....
probably something that starts
with a 2.
★
CANCER
LIBRA
Don’t let someone close to
you anger you with his or her
lack of support or inability to
understand what you are trying
to do. Their tiny minds can never
fully appreciate the mighty plans
you are about to unleash upon
the face of the earth.
Some Virgo will come around
and spill all your chips. And they
won’t even try to clean up after
themselves. I think a Super
Wedgie is in order.
June 22 to July 23
LEO
July 24 to Aug 23
Just when you least expect
it you will be given a great deal
more responsibility. Welcome
the challenge and show them
what you can do. Unless it is one
of those 100 per cent failure
projects that everyone else has
duck-shoved down the chain
of command till it got to you. I
advise procrastination until it is
forgotten about or someone else
with even less clout comes on
the scene.
VIRGO
Aug 24 to Sept 23
There is no need to cover up
something from your past. Come
clean and let the chips fall where
they will.
Sept 24 to Oct 23
SCORPIO
Oct 24 to Nov 22
You may be a little stressed if
you have been playing emotional
games. Particularly the ones
that don’t have get out of jail
free cards.t.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 23 to Dec 20
Money matters are looking
very positive for a change and
a surprise gift will be very nice.
Pity about the pimple on your
forehead that makes you look
like a unicorn.
CAPRICORN
Dec 21 to Jan 20
Don’t believe everything you
read or hear. Only some of it all
will be true. And sometimes not
for the reasons that you’d think.
★★ ★
★
★
★
HUBBARD
CARTOON
★
★
ACROSS:
1 Device to conceal military
operation
7 Rebound (of a projectile)
8 Complete one's training as a
cadet
9 Wound with a knife
11 Sea creatures
13 M of MBT
14 Vapour
15 Assistant
16 HizbollahÕs branch of the Muslim
faith
18 Capture
20 Charged particles
21 One who repairs weapons
22 Bringing forces back into
effective action
5 Native tree
6 Weapon directed by remote control
or automatically
10 Funeral (Maori)
12 Continuous band around tank
wheels
13 M of MIA
14 Angered (anag)
17 Centre target on dartboard
18 ----- Tiger, rebel fighter in Sri Lanka
19 Seize by the neck
22 Repetitive strain injury (abbr)
DOWN:
1 Country backing Hizbollah in
Lebanon
2 Officer in Charge (abbr)
3 Form of address for European men
in India
4 Fixed daily allowance of food
THE
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
smoko quiz
#026
What was the strategic aim of the Gallipoli campaign?
How powerful is the NZLAV engine?
How many allied troops fought at Gallipoli?
Is the Pinzgauer LOV taller, wider or longer than the V8
Bernard
Freyberg commanded 2 NZ Div in WWII. With
Land Rover?
which British unit did he serve at Gallipoli?
How many fully equipped troops can the NH90 carry?
How many New Zealand troops landed on 25 April, 1915.
2000,
or 5000?
Which 3000
company
built the RNZAF’s Canberra bombers?
5. 5.
Who
commanded
including
During
which yearsthe
didBritish
HMNZSforces,
Blackpool
servethe
in the
ANZACs,
RNZN? on Gallipoli?
6. 6.
How
campaign
last?
Whatlong
was did
thethe
motto
of the RNZEME?
7. 7.
Soldiers
from
whichbeen
countries
foughttoatmake
Gallipoli?
Plans have
recently
announced
a film on
the life of which NZ war hero?
How many New Zealanders were serving at Gallipoli?
How many buttons on the “battledress” type greatcoat,
What
were
New
Zealand’s
casualties?
including
belt
and
epaulettes?
8.
9.
8.
10.9.
In terms
troop what
losses,
country suffered the
militaryofterms
is awhich
Redan?
most at Gallipoli?
10. What weapons constitute side arms?
1. 260kw (around 300hp) 2. All three i.e. 2.045mm – 1.99m; 1.8m
Jan 21 to Feb 19
ANSWERS
AQUARIUS
stars CROSSWORD
#055
BY MIKE DUNCAN
–ANSWERS
1.68m; 5.308m – 4.445m 3. 16 4. English Electric 5. 1966-71 6.
1.The ET
elimination
Turkey
war as a
ally 2.Approximately
480,000
ARTE
MARTE of
(By
skillfrom
andthe
fighting)
7.German
CAPT Charles
Hazlett Upham,
3. and
The Hood
Battalion
of the on
Royal
Division
4.3000
5. General
Sirtwo
Ian Hamilton
VC
Bar 8.
12 – eight
theNaval
front,
one per
epaulette
and
on the
until9.
15AOctober,
1915,fort
thenor
Sirearthwork
Charles Monro
6. Near
enoughoftothe
eight
April
belt
V-shaped
with
the point
V months:
towards25the
– 20 December,
1915, although
the lastuse
British
troops
left Helles
on 9 January,
enemy
10. Weapons
for personal
often
carried
on belts
to hang1916
at 7.
the
wearer’s
sideNZ, Australia, France, Great Britain and India. 8. 8556 9. 7473; 2721
Turkey,
Germany,
died and 4752 were wounded but many men returned again and again after recovering
from wounds or disease 10. Turkey, with an estimated 250,000 casualties
★
SERVING NEW ZEALAND LOYALLY AND HONOURABLY
issue 362 5 september 2006
sport15
AK 06-0363-22
A hard fought battle
AK 06-0363-48
Old rivals and fresh faces came
outstanding for NZDF.
together when the NZDF basketball
Pushed all the way by Waitakere
teams converged on RNZAF Base
A, the NZDF Women’s team came up
Hobsonville in late August, to
against their toughest competition
prepare for the 3rd Division Regional
to date. However, they managed to
Basketball qualifying tournament.
maintain their unbeaten form and
During the three days, coaches
won in overtime by just five points.
covered the tactics and plays
On the final day, the NZDF Men
required to be a successful team.
played North Harbour in the semiThe training camp also enabled both
final. In another epic encounter,
teams to bond, on- and off-court.
the lead changed hands numerous
Before the tournament, the
times until the NZDF fell just short
teams were addressed by the chair
of victory. Despite the 69-77 loss,
of the NZDF Sports Committee, COL
the team showed great courage and
Russell, who presented the new
determination.
caps with their NZDF badges and ties
The NZDF Women then faced
or scarves.
off against Auckland Blue who,
The competition kicked off with
like them, had come through the
the NZDF Men’s team battling hard
tournament unbeaten. Although
in their two games, losing narrowly LCPL Sarah Cosgrove looking for a pass
the women’s draw was a round
by two points to an Auckland
robin, this game was to decide who
side fielding two junior Tall Blacks and three points to a
would take top honours. The NZDF women fought fiercely
Waitakere side comprised of capable former first and second before succumbing to the eventual winners of the women’s
division players.
competition.
The NZDF Women’s team, on the other hand, issued a
With the afternoon game proving to be confirmation for
stern warning to their opponents with an explosive 106-37
second place and a coveted invitation to the National 3rd
win first up, and a convincing win in the afternoon against Division Championship, the NZDF Women got off to a flyer
Whangarei.
and were securely in charge by half time, never looking back.
Day two saw the NZDF Men show up hungry for a win. In
They won 52-20, which secured them a well-deserved place at
true NZDF fashion, they showed a great indomitable spirit, the 3rd Division Champs.
winning against Whangarei. OMT Adam Harford had a great
NZDF personnel named in the tournament team were Mr
game, contributing 15 points and 13 rebounds. The men then Simon Morris and ODR Tim Doyle (Men’s), and SSGT Sue
went down fighting, losing by two points scored in the last Koopu and SSGT Sharon Wichman (Women’s).
second by North Harbour who fielded two accomplished,
naturalised Americans. ODR Tim Doyle, scoring 37 points, was
Contributed by LAC Jones
RESULTS:
25 August
Women:
NZDF 106 (won) v Eastern Bays 37
NZDF 71 (won) v Whangarei 30
Men:
NZDF 76 (lost) v Auckland 78
NZDF 79 (lost) v Waitakere 82
26 August
Women:
NZDF 50 (won) v Waitakere A 45
NZDF 68 (won) v Waitakere B 38
Men:
NZDF 77 (won) v Whangarei 65
NZDF 85 (lost) v North Harbour 87
27 August
WN 06-0018-72
Standout
performances at Trentham
WN 06-0018-71
Relay competition is tough!
Trentham Military Camp held their annual
swimming event recently, producing some
interesting races, and standout performances.
FLTLT Dan Abel dominated the events he
entered. He won the 50m backstroke final
by more than 10sec, the 50m freestyle in
26.19sec and the 100m individual medley in
a time of 1:10.75 – what a winner!
Veteran men’s 50m breaststroke was a
timed final; the winner of the heats was LT
COL McGregor (HQ JFNZ) in 47.44sec and MAJ
Taylor (HQ JFNZ) in 47.06sec being the event
winner.
TRSB CO LT COL Kate Tarsau was a standout
competitor, competing in the maximum entitlement of three individual events and the
relays for TRSB.
Contributed by MAJ Lynne Smith
LT Sheree Holmes
LCPL Ronan Tua going for a block
WN 06-0018-73
Women:
NZDF 35 (lost) v Auckland Blue 57
NZDF 52 (won) v Auckland White 20
Men:
NZDF 69 (lost) v North Harbour 77
Lyndah Pascoe, Eddie Kohlhase (Black Sox head coach), CHAPCL3 Ra Koia, Sue
Harrison, WO2 Doon Groves and Dion Nukunuku (Junior Black Sox asst coach)
Growing softball
Four Army softball personnel recently attended the inaugural Softball NZ
coaching convention in Wellington.
Approximately 57 coaches from all over New Zealand attended the convention, which aims to grow softball from the grass roots to the advanced level. The
convention involved learning new coaching strategies, group discussions on
offensive and defensive tactics, and networking.
Don Tricker, SPARC’s senior advisor, high performance coaching, told coaches
they must avoid “coaching creativity out of kids…. we need athletes who can
think”. He suggested the use of three key principles: raise awareness, create
responsibility and create self-belief.
Black Sox head coach Eddie Kohlhase gave interesting presentations on
“making a difference” and “team culture”, which looked at leadership, culture,
mission, vision and values within the Black Sox team. Former Black Sox player
Mark Sorenson, regarded by many as the best player to have ever played softball,
shared some of his trade secrets on catching, a position that he mastered over
the years.
Chaplain Ra Koia (HQ 2 LFG), WO2 Doon Groves (Log Exec), Mrs Lyndah Pascoe
(HQ 3 LFG) and Mrs Sue Harrison (3 Sup Coy) attended on behalf of NZ Army. Code
Chairman WO1 Grant McCarroll said the information gained from the convention
would be invaluable to NZDF and Army softball, and to the local “ball clubs” our
service softballers are involved with.
Contributed by WO1 Grant McCarroll
ISSUE 362
cmyk
sport
A WORLD CLASS ARMY THAT HAS MANA
AK 06-0363-93
5 september 2006
www.army.mil.nz
A
FORCE
TO
RECKON
WITH