Nga Toa - New Zealand Veterans

[Kyt]

Nga Toa meaning "Many Warriors" in the Maori language is a project dedicated to preserving the oral histories of New Zealand’s last remaining World War II veterans. To date, over 150 interviews have been compiled in the Nga Toa video archive by Patrick Bronte a young man who, paralyzed from the shoulders down, has been working hard to preserve the experiences of his nations World War II veterans.

http://www.ngatoa.com/news.php

[David Layne]

All I have to say is....................

[Kyt]

david, do youi know who wrote that and/or what it says? Ever had it translated?

With my very poor attempt at using the Maori disctionary, I thinks says something along the lines of The struggle and fight that maintained (but could also mean possessed) us. Forever (timeless)

[David Layne]

Originally Posted by Kyt

david, do youi know who wrote that and/or what it says? Ever had it translated?

With my very poor attempt at using the Maori disctionary, I thinks says something along the lines of The struggle and fight that maintained (but could also mean possessed) us. Forever (timeless)

Spidge nailed this one on the other forum, he wrote.


This was said by Hauraki Tonganui in the Maori wars against the British in 1864 at the seige of Orakau.


(“Friend, I shall fight against you for ever, for ever!

[Kyt]

I saw that too but missed the line completely.

http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/A/akeA...sedAtOrakau/en

Oh well, my Maori has a long way to go!

Thanks for posting it David

[morse1001]

Very Interesting, it is time that the Maori peoples contribution to WW2 be recognised and recorded.

[Kyt]

Two Maori pilots that I know of:

Sergeant Porokoru Patapu Pohe. ‘Johnny’ Pohe, of Whanganui and Ngati Tuwharetoa descent, became the first Maori pilot to arrive in England after gaining his wings in 1941. He flew bombers over Germany before being shot down in September 1943. Imprisoned at Stalag Luft III, he was one of 76 Allied prisoners who took part in what became known as ‘the Great Escape’ in March 1944. Pohe was recaptured a few days later and executed by the Gestapo. Another New Zealander, Flight Lieutenant A. G. Christiansen, was also murdered.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=2194372
http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=6311

SGT. BERT SAMUEL WIPITI 3 victories RNZAF 243 & 453 Squadron
January 21, 1942 Ki-43
January 22, 1942 "Navy 96" Bomber
Later transferred over to 453 Squadron, served in the UK. Promoted to WO. Served in 458 Squadron flying Spifires. He would claim two more shared kills in this unit:
September 16, 1943 sh. ME-109
October 3, 1943 sh. FW-190

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_...sualty=1531922

Franks' Fighter Command Losses states he was in Spitfire JK769, and bailed out over French soil during a Ramrod mission. However, Franks claims that he evaded capture and returned to UK 11 months later - not true. He died on that day.

[51highland]

My Father was always impressed with the Maoris of 2nd NZ Div (brave buggers, in dads words) especially when he witnessed them taking the hill of Takrouna in North Africa, in broad daylight.

[morse1001]

Here is an interesting website.

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/maor...cond-world-war

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by Kyt

SGT. BERT SAMUEL WIPITI 3 victories RNZAF 243 & 453 Squadron
January 21, 1942 Ki-43
January 22, 1942 "Navy 96" Bomber
Later transferred over to 453 Squadron, served in the UK. Promoted to WO. Served in 458 Squadron flying Spifires. He would claim two more shared kills in this unit:
September 16, 1943 sh. ME-109
October 3, 1943 sh. FW-190

Just discovered the New Zealand Roll of Honour database and it is very good.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database


Full Name Warrant Officer Class II Bert Sam Wipiti
Rank Last Held Warrant Officer Class II
Forename(s) Bert Sam
Surname Wipiti
War World War II, 1939-1945
Serial No. 41388
Other Units Royal New Zealand Air Force
Campaigns Europe
Military Awards Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Last Unit Served 485 (NZ) Squadron
Place of Death Europe
Date of Death 3 October 1943
Age at Death 21
Year of Death 1943
Grave Reference Panel 198.
Memorial Name Runnymede Memorial
Biographical Notes Spitfire LF.IX JK769 took off from Biggin Hill, Kent at 1335. The squadron engaged enemy aircraft over Cayeux-sur-Mer. He was shot down after a success of his own.

Really good to finally put a face to a name