Haurakl News "Whaka tangata kia feaha"
Official Newsletter of the 6 Battalion (Hauraki) Regimental Association
PO Box 2217 Tauranga
Tel: 07 5766186 Fax: 07 5766029
_ - nnni Email: [email protected] Issue No:22 February 2001 Editor Lynn Archer
Mid Year Soeial Luncheon Get Together 5th May 2001
See Inside for Je t alls
HAZARDS OF THE WAYSIDE. No. 4.
News from the Regiment ROMS Hauraki Regiment
Nga mihi nui kia koutou katoa.
N50428 WOl Willy Epiha posted to the position of RQMS Hauraki Regiment with effect 13 December 2000. I enlisted into the Army 15 October 1979 in the RNZAOC. With the disbandment of the Corps I changed with the introduction of RNZALR in December 1996.
I have completed 21 years service having just finished a 3 year posting to HQ NZDF (NZ Cadet Forces) as the Staff Officer Admin. I have had 2 postings overseas (Sinai in 1984 as a Corporal and to Somalia as a W02 in 1993) and 6 postings in NZ (Ngaruawahia, Papakura (x3) Waiouru and Trentham.
My wife Tania (nee Bidois) works with WINZ Te Puke Office. She is from Te Puna Tauranga and our intention is to build and settle here on completion of my posting. We have enrolled our 2 boys David (16 years) and Bronson (12 years) at Otumoetai College/Intermediate respectively.
Our sports and hobbies we seek as a family, they include Rugby, Rugby League, Net Ball and Kapa Haka.
I have worked with TF in the early eighties with 1 Fd Sup Coy and look forward to working with the soldier's o f Hauraki Regiment over the next 3 Years.
Kiakaha
W.D.Epiha WOl RQMS Hauraki Regiment
Trophy presented 26 years late.
On 24 t h January, Col Bob Burt was finally given his 25 - year bayonet Trophy.
Colonel Abbott, from Army General Staff Resource Branch, made the presentation in front of approximately 20 friends family and guests. Colonel Abbott said that Major General Dodson mentioned (tongue in cheek) "after waiting so long maybe he should have received 2 bayonets."
In reply Bob Burt mentioned that he had always wanted to have a trophy like the one he received, and often thought about how he could organise one and stay honest.
There was no doubt he was absolutely thrilled to receive it and has already lined up a spot on the wall for it with Mrs Burt's blessings.
An excellent afternoon tea was provided by the Hauraki Regiment.
* * * * * * * * * * Customs of the Service
Stripes
Stripes were introduced in the British Army in 1803. Before that badges o f rank for NCOs consisted of shoulder epaulettes and shoulder knots. The chevron by which the rank of LCpl to SSgt as indicated was introduced by a Horse Guard circular dated July 14 1803. This old circular laid down Sgt Majors and QM Sgts, four stripes all other Sgts three stripes and Cpl's two stripes. In 1881 one chevron was abolished from the Sgt. Major's insignia and the crown substituted.
(Taken from an old news letter dated 1969)
COMMITTEE 2000 / 61 Patron: . . . . Col(rtd.) A.Balzer ED President: Des Anderson, tel: 07:5754286 h Vice President Gordon Eagleson tel 07-8846675
; fex 07-8846075 Secretary/Treasurer Trevor Archer, t e l : 07:5766186
fex: 07-5766029 e-mail [email protected]
Welfare Officer Hugh Harrison tel; 07-8658203
Committee: BobMankelow Shirley Keno Kei Merito Tony Fraser Ted Dean Hugh Harrison Bob Mack A R E A R E P S :
Auckland: Bob Mack telephone:
Thames:
09:4453242
Russell Skeet 07:8687955
Tanranga: See Corhmittee
Matamata
DougMcGlashen 07:8886314
Whakatane Vacant
Hamilton: Stu Foster
telephone: 07:8436121
Te Aroha: Gordon Eagleson telephone: 07:8846675
Te Awamutu: Vacant •
Presidents Report
Thanks to the efforts of Bob Mankelow and Tony Fraser, the Hauraki Museum is progressing. The Garrison area has been stripped and redecorated with a new coat of paint. Wall cabinets have been installed and stocked with the appropriate memorabilia. The team has also stripped and repined the lecture room, and are currently installing security bars on all the windows. The cost for materials to date, approx $1500 has been paid by the Hauraki UPF. Some of the cabinets have been donated or purchased by the Association. Labour has been donated via working bees. Bob and Tony would appreciate more members' assistance with this project. Give them a call.
The Museum's major cost will be the wall mounted glass security cabinets estimated at $4-5000 each, (awaiting quotes). While the Association has some monies put aside and it is expected the Hauraki UPF will help with funding, it has been suggested, members may also wish to donate towards a "Museum Fund". Possibly suitable sponsors could be found.
Our end of year lunch at Waihi Beach RSA was so well received by the 27 personnel who attended, your committee has arranged another luncheon in May. There are many points of interest in and around Waihi/ Waihi Beach Make it a day out, centred around the luncheon get together!! Try the walk around the rocks at Waihi Beach or Bowentown. The train ride from Waihi to Waikino, the free tour of the Waihi Gold Mine, just to mention a few. The RSA has gaming machines, snooker tables and a wonderful bar with a marvelous view for those less adventurous. I hear the shopping around the area is good for those who like to buy crafts and that type of item.
The Association is still running the Garrison every Friday night, and your hosts Bob and "Pops" have even set up seating for us more "reclining" members. See you there. Kia Kaha Des Anderson President
3
Hughes Welfare Corner
Last Post
It is with regret that Donald (Don) McDonald WOl passed away in January 2001 after a short illness.
Don's Tangi was held, on Thursday 25 t h January 2001 at Pungaru near Hokianga, and a Representative from the Hauraki Regiment and the Hauraki Association was in attendance.
He was the RSM of the Hauraki Regiment from 1974 - 77
* * * * * * * *
After a long illness Peter Fox/ Te Puke lost his battle with cancer on 13-02-01.
******** Sickness
Peter Fowler/Te Puke has recently had the first of his two new hips replaced at Tauranga Hospital, and is recovering well. After 2.5 months in hospital Eric Bullen/Auckland is slowly recovering from a hip replacement & teeth removal.
Secretary's note
Ashes to ashes Just to ^ s t
I f the others won t c[o i t ,
secretary must. Last year Subs were not pushed, this year we need them so prompt pajment would be very much appreciated.
Renewals are still only $15.00 And are well due NOW!!!
Association Christmas c^tt Together
On Sunday 26 t h November 2000 our Christmas get together was held at the Gunner's View Restaurant in the Waihi Beach Memorial RSA. 27 members and families/ friends were in attendance and a great time was had by all. I t was decided by the Executive, that all names of attending persons be put in a hat and the first name drawn out would have his/hers lunch money refunded. Bob Mankelow had his name drawn out and was declared the winner. Well done Bob. (It was going to be a rat pack but no member had one to spare.)
For the members that couldn't attend The Menu was Cream of Chicken Soup Roast Pork and Apple Sauce or French Grilled Fish Baked Potatoes Hot Vegetables or Salads of the Day Pavlova, Fruit Salad and Cream or Cheesecake with Cream
Over all it was a great success.
Photos
For the Members that attended the get together, photos taken on the day are available from Trev the secretary at $1-50 each.
A librarian is needed on a voluntary basis to catalogue and generally keep an eye on the museum books we have acquired. I f interested contact Trev the Secretary or Tony Fraser or Bob Mankelowr our Museum curators. Phone numbers are shown on the newsletter inside cover.
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Letters to the Editor Cadets
Dear Trev,
I was interested to read in the Hauraki News about R.H. Gordon Coates reviewing the Motor Cycle Platoon -Gordon Coates helped my late wounded Father F.K.W Seymour out of Passchendaele 12 t h October 1917. My late Mother's brother C.F.Harding was killed on the same date - he has no known grave.
Sent in by
J.Seymour #31 Paraparaumu
Editorial Policy
1) - Contributions are accepted from all sources, and should be about 300 words. 2) - Contributions will be printed when space allows: longer articles that don't date in value are held in reserve until space is available.
Did you know ? Life in the 1500s
Houses had thatched roofs with thick straw piled high and no wood underneath. It was the only place for small animals (mice, dogs, rats, and cats) to keep warm. Sometimes when it got wet the animals would slip off the roof, hence the term, "it's raining cats and dogs".
Thank you Air Force News.
T H E R E A R E S T I L L A F E W SUBS OUTSTANDING I F Y O U H A V E
NOT PAID P L E A S E DO A.S.A.P.
Hauraki Cadet Unit, (Thames, Waihi, Paeroa, Ngatea and Te Aroha. This Unit is ticking along nicely. Weekend Parade nights on Monday, numbers fluctuate. We are planning several weekend camps starting in March.
We have been invited to help with a Clay Bird shoot with the Thames Valley Deer Stalkers Association, on their shooting range at Morrison Road Paeroa on March 4 t h . This will involve 12 Cadets and 2 officers.
Our Unit has just taken part in the Paeroa Highland Tattoo along with Western Bay army Cadet Unit, Air Cadet Unit Paeroa and the T.S. Rangiriri Sea Cadets Unit Hamilton. A very enjoyable, successful and rewarding day.
The Cadets, Officers and helpers stayed over the weekend at our training facilities at Miller Avenue School at Paeroa.
Our sincere thanks to all visiting Units and helpers for their input into this memorable occasion.
Capt. Gordon Eagleson Unit Commander Hauraki Cadet Unit.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Vhaterer's the matter with your ear? It'll not get better if you keep poking it'
Book Review by RB Skeet E D. for 6th Battalion (Hauraki) Regimental Assn Inc magazine
Mates and Mayhem World War II: Frontline Kiwis Remember Written by Lawrence Watt (1996) Published by Harper Collins ISBN 1 86950 204 3
Mates and Mayhem is a collection of oral histories that relate individual stories of World War Two frontline experiences. Seven men and one women share their perspectives on infantry, Maori Battalion, air, sea, and nursing life. Simple, honest stories that reveal much about the ordinary service man and woman and their work in adversity. The book will be of interest to Hauraki Regimental Assn members because of chapter 6, "The Hard Slog", contributed by Alf Voss M.C., D C M . , M.B.E.
Watt introduces each individual and finishes each story with an epilogue so that the reader gets a balanced picture of the story-teller. The book takes you through the major events in the North African, Italian, European and Pacific theatres. Each story is told in a way that reflects the character of each story-teller, and so the reader glimpses at first hand the diversity of the New Zealand service person. The book merits a read because it puts a human face to the Official Histories and other technical reference books-it humanises the conflict. The reader will also distill from the narratives the essence of the service person; the character and attributes that contributed to the success of our Forces.
The Conclusion chapter is especially poignant. I will quote comments Watt includes by John Mulgan that sums up the Kiwi soldier.
"... New Zealanders' excellence as soldiers arose from their make up. "They were mature men, these New Zealanders of the desert, quiet and shrewd and skeptical. They had none of the tired patience of the Englishman, nor the automatic discipline that never questioned orders to see if they made sense. Moving in a body, detached from their homeland, they remained quiet and aloof and self contained They had confidence in themselves, such as New Zealanders rarely have, knowing themselves as good as the best the world could bri?ig against them, like a football team in a more deadly game, coherent, practical, successful "It seemed to me, meeting them again, friends grown a little older, more self-assured, hearing again those soft inflected voices, the repetitions of slow drawling slang, that perhaps to have produced these men for this one time would be New Zealands destiny. Everything that was good from that small, remote country had gone into them -sunshine and strength, good sense, patience, the versatility of practical men. And they marched into history."
It is these things that are reflected in each of the stories presented. The book is a good read for those interested in the people that make up our military history. Given our current involvement in Timor and the debacle in Fiji, it is timely perhaps, to reflect on the nature of the New Zealander today. This book may prompt this reflection in the reader.
On The March with men of Hauraki
as written by Dave Blanc hard BOP Times
It must give tremendous satisfaction to complete a 24 kilometre route march - if your feet can stand it. Last weekend mine were not quite up to the distance during a trek with Support Company of 6
Hauraki Battalion from the Lower Kaimais to Tauranga. The unit had been transported out to a farm near McLaren Falls the previous night and occupied a
simulated defensive position in a paddock. Clouds drifted back to leave a beautiful, still, starlit night and after getting established most people
turned in to get what sleep they could under the Army-issue blankets on the hard ground. No trouble waking up a dawn - the temperature, heavy dew and stiff joints see to that. Cook stew and coffee from a ration pack, then tow everything into the pack for the march home. Tauranga, just visible, suddenly looks a long way off. I am lucky! I have my own pack with a comfortable frame and am not required to carry any of the radio, mortar and anti-tank equipment like most of the others over the first four kilometres. The long snake of soldiers is off, five-pace intervals in patrol formation and prepared to go into action at a moments notice.
The first stage is all downhill out to State Highway II, then down to the Ruahihi Stream bridge where the "heavy carry" ends and the larger pieces of equipment are loaded onto trucks. The off we go. March for 50 minutes and rest for 10, covering about five kilometres an hour. The Sun is shining and the air is cool and fresh. This is not to bad! The pack is comfortable and I am not having any difficulty keeping up with the leading bunch from the Reconnaissance Platoon - though those fellows jogging out in front carrying a general purpose machine gun and a radio in addition to their other kit look a bit too keen for me.
The next stop is just short of Belks Road. The sun is a bit hotter now. Getting going again after this rest is not quite so simple. It takes a few minutes to settle down into a steady pace. A notice saying that cool beer is available for travellers only 7.9 miles ahead in Tauranga. What a lovely thought. I put my head down and follow the pair of boots ahead of me up the long hill before Tauriko. Funny, you don't realise just how big and sharp the sealing chips are on the highway as you drive along at 80kph. It makes you wonder how tyres last so long.
A glance behind shows that the column is still closed up well and nobody has succumbed to the temptation to climb aboard the Landrover tailing the procession. But a blister is making its presence felt on my heel, and the road feels awfully hot through my boots. The boots jar on the road at every step and I wish we were walking through the bush which was soft underfoot. Along with a few others I move to the grass verge and walk on that. Much better! I am able to grin when some hitchhikers sitting waiting for a lift the other way get some cheek as we pass them.
At last the third halt comes outside Tauriko School. The water in the canteen is warm. But Tauranga is just around the corner. Perhaps I'll make it yet. Only one more real hill, then the flat going along Cameron Road. Those fellow with the machine-gun and radio are still able to get up a jog, so I should be able to walk.
The hill up to Barkes Corner finished me! The reconnaissance boys stepped up the pace to get it over with, and the pair of boots I was following drew out of sight. I'm not in the Army. Why kill myself? Then a girl walks past me. If she can still smile, so can I. I plod on. But that blister has been joined by several others and there is not one comfortable place on my feet to take the weight of each step. The jeep has acquired a load of passengers, packs and rifles, and several people have a lighter step.
We get to the Greerton shopping centre, and I think about the long limp down Cameron Road. I fell back and pile my pack on the vehicle too. A few yards later I join it with the idea of just a few minutes rest. But the stop is a mistake. When I get out again it is like trying to walk on hot coals. Yes it must be satisfying to complete a 24 kilometre route march - most of the 57 who started did. Perhaps I'll make it next year.
7
Alan's Anguish
This is my story, and it is true you know, When I put my foot down, can my car go, I did not want to go into that shop, But when my foot slipped, I could not stop.
My sudden entrance caused some surprise, In fact they looked at me, with wide open eyes, Why on earth, didn't he come in the door, And when they saw the mess, I bet they swore.
But all is well, I am glad to say, No one was hurt, in my sudden affray, But my professional pride, now has a big dent, When I have a look, at just where I went.
Now my nickname is Redeye, I know not why, But when I look at my car, it brings a tear to my eye, It looked so good, at the start of the day, Now it needs quite a bit, of panel and spray.
I must buy some shoes, I ' l l be walking a while, So i f you see me, don't laugh, just smile, I am off to Smiths Sports Shoe store, To get some new shoes, so I can walk the floor.
Now like all good Haurakis, it's efficiency to the fore, I had my insurance Office, right next door, That saves time, in paper work and talk. And it's not far, for a young chap like me to walk.
Sent in by F.M.Parker. (Thanks Mick a fine effort.)
Unfortunate for Some
On a fine day in the middle of January several pedestrians had a narrow miss after a car crashed into a shop front in Tauranga City. Staff at Smith's Sports Shop were left shaken but unhurt when the car driven by Alan (Redeye) Redding made a spectacular entrance into the Grey Street store about 1000.
Redeye said his foot slipped off the brake and on to the accelerator of his automatic car as he was negotiating the round - about. It all happened so quickly he only had time to avoid hitting a parked car. His driver's windowr was down and a piece of steel from the shop
window was left poking about 30cm into the car. He was unharmed, apart from shock.
The car careered down Grey Street, mounting a traffic island, taking out a row of chained bollards and narrowly missing several pedestrians. - including a woman pushing a child in a pram - before corning to rest in the window of Smith's Sport Shoes.
Store Manager Murray Yeates said "Nothing was damaged bar the window and door.The staff are a little shocked, but the good thing is that no-one was hurt."
The accident happened beside Redeye's insurance office and he was able to do some of the paperwork on the spot.
In true Redeye fashion, he mentioned that " I am an old war pensioner and I have had more shocks than hot dinners.'"
A photograph of the accident, courtesy of BOP Times, is shown on the Scrapbook Page.
Redeye, stop scaring your mates.
Kiwi News March 1943
In order to replace grade 1 men in the farming industry by grade 2 and 3 men, lists are being prepared by the national Service department for the information of the Armed Forces Appeal Boards.
The No 1 Armed forces Appeal Board is reviewing appeals for, or by, grade 1 men. It is expected that when the lists of suitable grade 2 and 3 men have been completed, grade 1 farmers whose appeals have been adjourned will be transferred to the army. The compiling of the necessary lists will take some time.
According to a report from Christ-church, consideration is also to be given to releasing young men of 20 years and under, to enable them to continue their civil training and education. The Ministry of Defence said the proposal would be subject to the war position not deteriorating.
"It is not true that boys under 20 years are being sent to the islands," he declared when discussing garrison duty in the Pacific. "We are not sending anybody under 20. We have taken them from 15 for training for the Navy and from 18 for the Air Force. It is true that for garrison duty in the Pacific -they are not going into the danger zone - a certain number of grade 2 men are being despatched, and young men between 20 and 21, who are grade 1, may volunteer, subject to the written consent of their parents or guardians.
Amenities for Pacific Troops N.Z. Soldiers in the Pacific, will benefit from the decision of the N.P.F.B. to procure for troops in the Pacific an ice cream plant similar to that sent to the Middle East.
2001 MicJ Year Social Get Together
The Committee have organised another Get Together for you back at the Gunner's View Restaurant which is situated at the Waihi Beach Memorial RSA..
Gather at 1100 for mix and mingle and 4 rinks. 1200 move into restaurant for food- This is open for any member and friends.
The menu is similar t o the one shown for the Christmas Social and the price will be $12 per head paid on the day with free coffee or tea. On payment you will receive a meal ticket showing your choice o f meal. No ticket - no meal!
As we require numbers, please advise Trev the Secretary no later than 28 April 2001. We would like t o see at least 30 persons on the day. Please try and make it, it's a great place.
The Garrison Telly
On the scrounge here guys. The association would like a TV servicemen, who lives pretty local, loves the Haurakis and the Garrison Club, to do the odd job on the telly at the club-hopefully buck shee or cheaper. This is not a requirement however. I f someone you know7 may fit the bill, you know the drill, notify Trev the Secretary. My address etc is on the front page.
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H A U R A K I SCRAPBOOK
.Article and photo sent in by Tim Edwards. Time frame poss 1977. I : was taken just down the hill from Tauriko walking towards Barkes Corner. Dave Blanchard is 2" from right and Ted Dean (1.0 is 3 r d from right. About 2 3rds o f the way down is a large figure. Mike (VShea and 2 behind him is Maj.Jim Taia. Cpl John Dick (with beret) is just in front o f Mike O'Shea.
