March 23, 2015
Maori Battalion 39er Arthur Midwood dies
Te Arawa is mourning the last of the thirty niners.
Arthur Wihiri Midwood was the last survivor of those who joined the 28 Maori Battalion in the first intake in 1939 .
He died yesterday in Taupo Hospital at the age of 96, surrounded by family.
Mr Midwood fought with B Company in Crete and in North Africa, including at Takrouna Ridge.
In a korero to the Maori Battalion website project, he talked about being shot in the chest in Crete and having to walk across the mountains to the evacuation beach where he was again injured in the aerial attacks by Stuka fighters.
He also survived when a grenade was thrown into his trench in North Africa, killing the two men on either side of him.
Saturday’s Opera in the Pa at Whakarewarewa was dedicated to Mr Midwood, who event chair says was humble, lovely man.
The tangi is being at Tunohopu Marae in Ohinemutu, with the funeral service on Wednesday at 11am.
http://www.whakaue.org/2015/03/22/4528/
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