Cenotaph Stories

View by topic:

New Zealand's post-WWII conflicts in South East Asia
Matthew Nickless
Collection Technician - Research Support
In the period between World War II and the Vietnam War, New Zealand was involved in a number of engagements in South East Asia that are often forgotten. This blog is a short explainer of those conflicts.
Read more
Tough Love: Kayforce Engagement with the Korean People
COLONEL (RETIRED) RICHARD HALL OBE, MNZM
Pou Maumahara Volunteer
In the Korean War, New Zealand's Kayforce built meaningful connections with Koreans, transcending initial barriers of mistrust and language. Their involvement in humanitarian efforts and the formation of bonds highlighted a remarkable story of camaraderie and compassion, showcasing the positive impacts of their presence amidst the complexities of war.
Read more
The Korean War: A Multinational Affair
Colonel (Retired) Richard Hall OBE, MNZM
Pou Maumahara Volunteer
Nobody will ever know what was going through Dennis Fielden’s mind as he trudged up the steep slope to join A Company, 3 Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) on Hill 504, near Kap’Yong, on the 23rd April 1951. No doubt he would have been mentally and physically tired. The previous 24 hours had been particularly hectic for 16 Field Regiment (Fd Regt)...
Read more
Pamela Todd in Singapore
Victoria Passau, Online Cenotaph & Enquiry Service Manager
The New Zealand Army had a long-term presence in South East Asia. Including the 1st Battalion (1RNZIR) base in Singapore post-Vietnam up until 1974. Online Cenotaph has very few records for this period of service and so we jumped at the chance to interview nurse Pamela (Pam) Todd who had served in South East Asia in 1972.
Read more
Vietnam through the lens of Lance Corporal Heremaia
Nelson Bennett, Collection Technician Research Support
Lance Corporal Te Hira Wati Heremaia served with both the New Zealand Special Air Service and as part of the New Zealand Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion. During his tours in Vietnam he took many photos, preserving his wartime experience. Our thanks to Te Hira’s granddaughter, Taylen Heremaia, who got in contact and made the generous offer to share her grandfather’s slides.
Read more
Bobby Newson
Madison Pine
Collection Technician, Research Support
Robert Newson, known as Bobby is a beloved member of the Tāmaki Paenga Hira whanau. We sat down with Bobby earlier this year, to chat about his experiences with the New Zealand Army. We share his story in commemoration of Armistice Day, where we come together to remember the service of New Zealanders in war and peacekeeping operations.
Read more
Peter Gallacher: Documentarian of D Company
Victoria Passau
Collection Manager Online Cenotaph
We recently interviewed Malayan Emergency Veteran Private Peter Gallacher who served in 10 Platoon D Company 2 New Zealand Regiment. The avid photographer has kindly shared his collection of images taken throughout his Malayan service.
Read more
Murray Watene
By Madison Pine
Collection Technician, Research Support
"I wasn't a good scholar, but I was a good rugby player" recalls Murray Watene, playing rugby led him to joining and touring with the New Zealand Police rugby team and eventually to joining the New Zealand Defence Force for service in Malaya, Vietnam and Antarctica.
Read more
Sani Lakatani
Madison Pine
Collection Technician, Research Support
In June 2020, Madison sat down with the Malaya and Vietnam Veteran Sani Lakatani, to discuss his two major colourful careers with the New Zealand Army and in Niuean Politics.
Read more
70th Anniversary of the Korean War
By Daniel Millar and Madison Pine
Collection Technician, Online Cenotaph
The 25th of June 2020 marks the 70th Anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War. Collection Technician Dan Millar looks at the contribution New Zealand service personnel made during Korea, a conflict of fire and ice.
Read more