HAURAKI NEWS

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE 6 BATTALION (HAURAKI) REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

POBOX 2217JAURANGA NEWSLETTER NO-14

EDITORS HUGH HARRISON LYNN ARCHER TREVOR ARCHER PHONE (07)5764476 (07)5766186 (025 ) 928794

February 1999

COMMITTEE 1

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Bob Maajkelow IIII AHeii Caster Gordon

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT

As we move into the second century of the Haurala's life we accept the challenges and opportunities as they arise. The Hauraki's have been given a new role, being the reconnaissance group for the Army. An inspiring challenge, and taken up in the truly Hauraki manner as I witnessed at a recent training weekend at Rotorua. We were met by the Officer Commanding, who gave a quick briefing, then jumped onto his horse and galloped up to where the troops were preparing for the live firing ambush. On the way to the site, the CO. was convincing a visiting Australian Officer, with Armoured Regimental background to join the Hauraki's, and the NZ Army did have more modern means of transport than he had currently witnessed.

The ambush was initiated by claymores, with cut off routes covered by LSW's GPMG and Styers supplied the killing zone. A impressive display, with good command and control by the SNCO's and clear and concise drill's by the NCO's and soldiers. Those who were not involved in the demo were clearly impressed and were excited, as they were all to be involved in the night ambush. Unfortunately I was not invited to stay the night.

The Association also has its challenges and initiatives in the future. Together with the Hauraki Regiment, is the more substantial establishment of a Hauraki Museum . The Association must now build on the successful centennial celebrations, by expanding its membership and hold more varied social events, particularly in area's away from Tauranga. The challenge is open to all those rifle companies, who were the back bone of the Battalion. The HQ and Support Company, were able to plan a Christmas Social and at short notice, in which over 40 attended. What can you do?? Your Committee will give you all the support you need

As an Association let us secure the past, so the new generation of Hauraki's can build the future.

Kia Ora Des

S I C K LIST REUNION R.F. CADETS

John Willis recently had a new hip fitted at the Tauranga Hospital October 5 1998 and told me it is great and gives no pain., unlike his new knee which had to be done twice. Well John we all wish you a speedy recovery.

Another new hip has also been fitted at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Rotorua, this time to our Patron Colonel A.Balzer. I f any body else needs a new hip it may pay to get in quick as there seems to be a run on them. We all wish you well Aubrey and hope all stays well for you.

In true Hauraki spirit both members hoped to make our Xmas Social held last December.

Another of our members, Hugh Harrison has also been in Hospital, but this time for an operation on his leg. Hugh has been a scribe for the Hauraki News as well as being assistant editor. All the best Hugh. Maybe we should start up an Old Crocks Club.

LAST POST

I am pleased to say we have none.

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Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you, but when you take him in a car, he sticks his head out the window.

(Borrowed from the RNZAF News)

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On the weekend of the 7th — 8th November I attended a 50 year Reunion of the R.F.Cadets. It was also the 50th year of the original group (Miles Coy) of which I was a member.

The format was; Social get together on Friday night

Class photo session and visit Trentham Camp on Saturday.

Beating the retreat Saturday evening followed by a Cabaret at night.

Street march, or hobble in some cases on the Sunday morning, followed by a Church Service.

The N.Z. Army Band was in attendance for the whole weekend, and supplied most of the entertainment. Great they were too.

I wore my Hauraki Blazer with some pride. It created some interest from other ex Cadets who had had connections with the Hau's at some stage of their Army service.

Another thought. The street march was lead by Jack Kearny who was the C.S.M. of Miles Coy. His age is now about 76 but it did not show as he marched at the head of the about 300 strong group.

Sent in by R.N.Ruscoe Balclutha. Ex Hauraki (M.M.G.) Many thanks Noel for your article.

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Laziness: The habit of resting before you get tired.

SECOND MARINE DIV

Recently A. Redding (Redeye to most,) received a letter from the Past Present of the US Second Marine Division Association, in which Redeye served during a portion of WW2. During early 1998 the US Marines staged a reunion in NZ and Redeye was there by right. In NZ there appears to be some doubt as to weather or not his American Medals should be worn, so he gave them back. Here is an extract of a letter sent to Redeye and signed by Carl Wiegel the Past President Second Marine Division.

Hi Reddi,

Going through some of my memento's from our recent visit to NZ, I came across the medals you had given me. Since it has been confirmed that you did participate with the Division on Guadacanal, I think you should have these medals back, so here they are, now wear them with pride as a Marine. The letter continues in a private vane.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I thought I would just add this piece. In my opinion i f a Soldier has earned the right to wear his medal, he should be allowed to regardless of the country of origin.

( Opinion of the Secretary.)

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FROM T H E ARCHIVES 1976

Mortar Platoon

Hi fellow specialists The platoon is at present the Best sub unit of Support Coy ( a certain other sub unit disputes this rather weakly )

and this is evidenced by attendance, morale and the technical expertise of it's members.

Over recent months an enthusiastic core of of platoon personnel has built up and been consolidated through training and exercises and the platoon is confident of providing the Battalion with 2 fire units at Annual Camp.

R.F. Mortar Exercise saw 6 Hau providing one section complete with numerous key personnel and this exercise was very satisfying and rewarding with live shots during various phases of war.

The platoon welcomes (well I hope they do because I am writing the article) 2Lt Paul Couch, Pte's Mohi -Higham—Reed—Latimer—Morrison who returned to this unit from Wellington. Scribe for this Archive unknown. (Sec)

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MEMBERSHIP F E E S 1998/99

When the newsletter mentions that Subs are due it means that a new Financial Year started last July and it is to advise members that subs are due.

Sub Fees Renewal $15 New Members $20 As some members have paid twice for some reason, the second sub will automaticaly pay the year 1999 / 2000. I f in doubt, check with the Secretary

Subs are a little slower coming in this year, and funds a little tighter so as you must have worked out, without the unpaid subs we are unable to have a newsletter. Accounts should now have been received.

XMAS FUNCTION

6 D E C E M B E R 1998

The Association Xmas dinner held at the Tauranga RSA was a great success. It was a lovely warm day with 44 members and partners being present. Members came from Whakatane, Hamilton, Te Aroha and Rotorua.

The reducing of the dinner price from $20 to $15-50 went down very well, thanks to the special committee who arranged this!!

Being a visitor, I found the atmosphere very warm and friendly and enjoyed it very much.

To those Hauraki's who couldn't make it, remember next Xmas, as this was an occasion not to be missed. The Chef did us proud with the delicious menu he served.

To those Members who were sick or otherwise unable to attend, we hope you are well on the way to a speedy recovery and hope to see you all at our Xmas dinner 1999.

Well done "Hauraki's"

Contributed by Eileen Eagleson.

KIWI NEWSPAPER WW 11

Recently one of our Members, A. I . Still, gave me a bundle of Kiwi Newspaper issues covering the period from March 1943 when they were first published until his collection finished in June 1944. Each of our Newsletters in future

will contain some material solely from this source.

Contributed by H.Harrison

KIWI NEWS Wed March 10 1943

It gives me great pleasure to send a message of congratulation and good wishes for the first issue of the Kiwi Force newspaper.

The experience of the Armed Forces of the other democratic countries has been that some form of educational and welfare service has proved of great value in maintaining morale, in giving the men an intelligent appreciation of what they are fighting for, and in preventing stagnation. A newspaper is an excellent medium for these purposes.

It also provides a two-way news service between the men overseas and the home country they are fighting for, and which must be always in their thoughts.

You will all appreciate increasingly, in the days that lay ahead, the vision of the National Patriotic Fund Board, acting for the open-hearted people of N.Z. in providing the printing plant, and the initiative of the Army Education and Welfare Service in organising the publication of the paper.

May Kiwi and the Kiwi Force both prove sharp-billed fighting birds: may they enjoy the best of luck, good hunting and a speedy and triumphant return.

E Kiwi, Kia Ora Katoa

Signed. Hon .F .Jones Minister of Defence

HAURAKI'S IN THE 6 HAU ASSOCIATION MAKING

T H E MANAWAHE HOME GUARD

Although the grim duty of the Home Guard was to defend the country in case of enemy attack, there were also lighter moments. This was almost inevitable when a bunch of cowcockies and saw millers had to be knocked into shape to conform to military discipline.

One night drill was held in the hall (Manawahe) under the command of a military gentleman who became more and more exasperated as the evening wore on. He may have rubbed them up the wrong way, for that night they seemed to be particularly stupid.

At one stage the Commander gave the order to march. This order had to be changed frequently for the hall was rather a confined space for marching in. He got so flustered that he forgot to change orders and the men, coming to the end of the wall and deciding that an order was an order, in true "Dad's Army" style, shot out through the window. The Commanders comments were not, and probably could not be, recorded here.

Article courtesy of "Manawahe" From Bush To Farm" written by Mrs P.J.Rendall.

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W E L C O M E S NEW ADJUTANT

On January 25 1999 Captain Mike Sturmey took over the position as Adjutant of the 6th Hauraki Regiment, replacing the previous Adjutant Captain Brad Gallop.

Captain Mike Sturmey R.N.Z.I.R. was commissioned in 1984 from Portsea, Australia and served in the 2/1 R.N.Z.I.R. from 1985 - 86 leaving the Army in 1987.

Moving on Captain Mike served in the British Army, (Parachute Regiment) where his tours of duty included Belfast and Norway.

He rejoined the 1 R.N.Z.I.R in 1996 -1998 and took over as Adjutant of 6 R.N.Z.I.R. in January 1999.

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F A R E W E L L TO L T . C O L McCAW

On the 5th December 1998 Lt.Col. Allistair McCaw completed his 3 year Tour of Duty as CO. of the 6 Hauraki.

His contribution to the Centennial Celebrations was greatly appreciated by the Association

The Acting CO. is Major Chaz Charlton

"Still there, Fred?"

Taken from the Rogues Gallery Waiouru. One could suppose thai the 3 in uniform are being instructed on how to correctly hold a wine glass by a certain civilian instructor disguised as Redeye.

Photo of course is o f Alan Redding Gary Parker-Peter Croucher Bob Mankelow

CAPTION REQUIRED • FjLEASB

Annual Camp 1976 Col Stu Foster is in deep discussion somewhere in Waiouru. (Is he lost?) Question is, what do you think he is saying. Your reply would be appreciated before the next newsletter.

Start off with :

Col. Foster is saying

Post your Caption to Secretary P.O.Box 2217 Tauranga