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Forever brave! B Company 28 (Maori) Battalion 1939-1945 B Company 28 (Maori) Battalion 1939-1945
488 pages
illustrations (some colour), maps, portraits.
Contents: Before the war -- For God for King and for country -- In defence of 'Mother England' -- Greece, 1941 -- The battle for Crete -- The home front -- North Africa -- Syria and Minqar Qaim -- El Mreir and Munassib -- El Alamein -- Medenine and Tebaga Gap -- Takrouna - a soldier's battle -- The Italian campaign -- Cassino -- Onwards to Florence -- The Rimini battles -- Faenza -- The river battles -- Aftermath and return home -- Rehabilitation -- Last man standing -- Roll of honour -- Maps of key battles -- Soldiers of B Company.
Summary: A truly unique insight into the impact the Second World War had on the iwi of the central North Island and Bay of Plenty districts (including Te Arawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tuhoe, Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati Maru and Ngati Paoa) focusing on the region's war effort not only overseas, but also at home and in government. Through personal recollections, eyewitness accounts, numerous anecdotes and highly illustrated throughout, the book tells the fascinating story of the B Company's war, capturing the special `spirit' of the Maori Battalion. Features over 200 images, many not seen in print before, plus hundreds of portraits of the men of B Company (650+ our of approx 900 who served) generously provided by whanau. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Harawira "Wira" Tiri Gardiner, KNZM, is a former professional soldier, senior public servant and writer. He was contracted to write B Company's history in 2015. His tribal affiliations are Ngati Awa, Ngati Pikiao, Whakatohea and Te Whanua-a-Apanui. (Books in Print)