A Northland roopu which is remembering the sacrifices of New Zealand forces in Italy has moved on to Crete, which today is marking the anniversary of the invasion in 1941 spearheaded by German paratroopers.
Pita Tipene says the 25-strong group from the Leadership Academy of A Company in Whangarei was part of a New Zealand group of about 100 who marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Cassino at the weekend.
He says it was an emotional time for all, especially those with connections to 28 Maori Battalion.
“Troops from both A and B companies charged the railway station. About 140 of them were casualties of that attack. When you are standing there on the railway station knowing this was the very place … yeah. The Germans had months to prepare for the attack so our fathers and uncles were absolutely slaughtered. Nonetheless their courage is remembered,” Mr Tipene says.
The ceremony at Cassino also included Sir Robert Bom Gillies, at 99 years old the last member of the Maori Battalion, some of his Ngāti Whakaue and Kahungunu relatives, New Zealand Defence Force members and Defence Minister Judith Collins whose father also fought in the battle.
