Nga Toa - New Zealand Veterans

Discussion in 'Veterans' Histories/Stories' started by Kyt, Oct 28, 2007.

  1. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    Nga Toa meaning "Many Warriors" in the Maori language is a project dedicated to preserving the oral histories of New Zealand’s last remaining World War II veterans. To date, over 150 interviews have been compiled in the Nga Toa video archive by Patrick Bronte a young man who, paralyzed from the shoulders down, has been working hard to preserve the experiences of his nations World War II veterans.

    http://www.ngatoa.com/news.php
     
  2. David Layne

    David Layne Active Member

    All I have to say is....................
     
  3. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    david, do youi know who wrote that and/or what it says? Ever had it translated?

    With my very poor attempt at using the Maori disctionary, I thinks says something along the lines of The struggle and fight that maintained (but could also mean possessed) us. Forever (timeless)
     
  4. David Layne

    David Layne Active Member




    Spidge nailed this one on the other forum, he wrote.


    This was said by Hauraki Tonganui in the Maori wars against the British in 1864 at the seige of Orakau.


    (“Friend, I shall fight against you for ever, for ever!
     
  5. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

  6. morse1001

    morse1001 Guest

    Very Interesting, it is time that the Maori peoples contribution to WW2 be recognised and recorded.
     
  7. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    Two Maori pilots that I know of:

    Sergeant Porokoru Patapu Pohe. ‘Johnny’ Pohe, of Whanganui and Ngati Tuwharetoa descent, became the first Maori pilot to arrive in England after gaining his wings in 1941. He flew bombers over Germany before being shot down in September 1943. Imprisoned at Stalag Luft III, he was one of 76 Allied prisoners who took part in what became known as ‘the Great Escape’ in March 1944. Pohe was recaptured a few days later and executed by the Gestapo. Another New Zealander, Flight Lieutenant A. G. Christiansen, was also murdered.

    http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2194372
    http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=6311

    SGT. BERT SAMUEL WIPITI 3 victories RNZAF 243 & 453 Squadron
    January 21, 1942 Ki-43
    January 22, 1942 "Navy 96" Bomber
    Later transferred over to 453 Squadron, served in the UK. Promoted to WO. Served in 458 Squadron flying Spifires. He would claim two more shared kills in this unit:
    September 16, 1943 sh. ME-109
    October 3, 1943 sh. FW-190

    http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1531922

    Franks' Fighter Command Losses states he was in Spitfire JK769, and bailed out over French soil during a Ramrod mission. However, Franks claims that he evaded capture and returned to UK 11 months later - not true. He died on that day.
     
  8. 51highland

    51highland Member

    My Father was always impressed with the Maoris of 2nd NZ Div (brave buggers, in dads words) especially when he witnessed them taking the hill of Takrouna in North Africa, in broad daylight.
     
  9. morse1001

    morse1001 Guest

  10. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    Just discovered the New Zealand Roll of Honour database and it is very good.

    Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database


    Full Name Warrant Officer Class II Bert Sam Wipiti
    Rank Last Held Warrant Officer Class II
    Forename(s) Bert Sam
    Surname Wipiti
    War World War II, 1939-1945
    Serial No. 41388
    Other Units Royal New Zealand Air Force
    Campaigns Europe
    Military Awards Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
    Last Unit Served 485 (NZ) Squadron
    Place of Death Europe
    Date of Death 3 October 1943
    Age at Death 21
    Year of Death 1943
    Grave Reference Panel 198.
    Memorial Name Runnymede Memorial
    Biographical Notes Spitfire LF.IX JK769 took off from Biggin Hill, Kent at 1335. The squadron engaged enemy aircraft over Cayeux-sur-Mer. He was shot down after a success of his own.

    Really good to finally put a face to a name

    [​IMG]
     
  11. Antipodean Andy

    Antipodean Andy New Member

    Good looking young bloke.

    Thanks for the thread, Kyt, I wish I could find/make the time to do something along the lines of Patrick Bronte. Well done that man!
     
  12. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    'Cowboys' fought Nazis and prejudice - 22 Mar 2008 - Easter news - NZ Herald

     

Share This Page