May 19, 2019
Houpapa mokopuna carries Battalion banner at Cassino
The banner of the 28 Māori Battalion has flown again over an Italian battle field at Cassino.
The banner was part of a commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the Battles of Cassino.
It was carried by New Zealand Army Lieutenant Zarra Houpapa, whose grandfather Tako Henare Houpapa survived the battle, including an attempt to seize the town’s railway station in which 150 battalion members were killed, wounded or captured.
She says his service with the Battalion was a huge part of his life, and influenced her decision to enlist.
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