By Danielle Coe
The largest New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent to visit London left New Zealand on Sunday 5 November to take part in ceremony commemorating our enduring bonds with the United Kingdom. The New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park was dedicated by Her Majesty the Queen on November 11 2006. Thirty-two veterans from various campaigns, and over 250 Service personnel attended this important and moving event.
A daily diary from London is being posted by Danielle Coe, an NZDF staff member travelling with the contingent.
Additional images, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Hyde Park Memorial can also be found at the MInistry for Culture and Heritage website www.londonmemorial.govt.nz.
Monday November 13
Once again, another early start. We’ve become quite familiar with those! Buses picked everyone up from their various locations at the crack of dawn to get us to the aircraft in time for the 9am take off. At Brize Norton (an RAF Base) there were a large number of English troops shipping out on deployment – it was quite apt that we should meet them on our last day in the UK.
We’ve now arrived in Canada after just six hours in the air. In fact the flight went very quickly – the flight crew were quick to feed us and Maori TV aired for us some of the stories they’ve put together over the past few days. It was good to see some of the footage that’s been sent back home. Like London, Halifax is cold and grey, but that’s not going to stop every one from having a look around. Most people are checking in to their rooms, freshening up and then heading out to see what’s on offer!
Sunday November 12
After a day to reflect, it's dawned on me how cool it was to be involved in yesterday’s dedication ceremony. Like most Kiwi’s all of us at the ceremony tried to keep a stiff upper lip, but really it was an emotional service. I looked around at the people sitting next to me as Dave Dobbyn sang ‘Welcome Home’ and everyone had tears in their eyes.
Getting to know the group of veterans who travelled over with us made the service all that more memorable, as the bugler played the ‘Last Post’ I couldn’t help but think of what they went through in years gone by and all the comrades they lost. I hope the younger members of the Defence contingent felt the same.
Speaking of the Defence contingent, didn’t they do a great job? They practiced for hours in the bitter London cold but it was well worth it. Last night after the ceremony they went to the Wellington Barracks, not far from Buckingham Palace. It was the first chance they have had to really relax since getting together two weeks ago. Dave Dobbyn picked up his guitar and sang to the troops, who also took much delight in watching the All Blacks trounce France!
We’ll be up at 0-dark hundred tomorrow morning to get buses to Brize Norton where we’ll once again get onboard the two RNZAF Boeings bound for home. First stop …Halifax.
Saturday November 11
Wow .... What a day!
I have never felt more proud or patriotic. The day started off with the veterans meeting the Prime Minister, before everyone moved down to Hyde Park Corner. The ceremony was attended by many of the Royals - Charles, William, Andrew, and the Queen were there. British Prime Minister Tony Blair also attended.
The whole thing was distinctly 'Kiwi'. Dave Dobbyn sang 'Welcome Home' - and there wasn't a dry eye in the park. The words were very fitting. The NZDF contingent, along with the veterans marched into the park. Their drill was perfect! I found the most moving part of the dedication was during the karakia, and then as the Last Post was played. Over the past week I've got to know some of the veterans well - and it called to mind everything they went through just so we could have a future. They are an amazing group of men.
Thursday November 9th
It’s been a long day in London. After practicing until after dark last night, today the contingent travelled on a bus convoy to London to practice some more. Today’s rehearsal at the site at Hyde Park Corner was a chance for everyone involved in tomorrow’s event to run through the dress rehearsal. The day was bitterly cold and I’m not sure how the group managed to stand at attention – there was not an inch of movement despite the chilly wind. On the stage Dave Dobbyn and Hayley Westernra completed sound checks, while the media got a chance to look at the memorial and talk to the VIPs. Prime Minister Helen Clark even called in to the site for a sneak peak at the day’s activities! It was also the only opportunity this weekend to have a close up look at the 16 bronze standards that make up the New Zealand memorial. The veterans continued with their London education … today’s sightseeing trip took them to the Imperial War Museum. Everyone is tired but looking forward to getting out on to the famous park just down the road from Buckingham Palace and doing their stuff!!
Wednesday November 8th
The NZDF contingent has spent the day on the parade ground at RAF Halton. As the sun does down on what has been a stunning autumn day, the Royal Guard, Tri-Service Band, Maori Culture Group and Catafalque Party continue to rehearse for the big day, November 11. Halton is the oldest of the RAF stations and is a training base for recruits joining the Royal Air Force. It’s vital that the drill is perfect for when the group parades in front of the Queen, so the Sergeant Major has been working the party hard. A number of UK media were also out at the base today talking to a range of personnel, some of them will even feature on the BBC later on tonight. Today, new stars have been born!!
In London the veterans have been continuing their tour of the city. This morning they visited Winston Churchill’s war rooms. The visit took them through the underground bunker not far from Downing St, where the former Prime Minister and his advisors ran their WWII campaign.
Tuesday November 7th
After a bit of sleep we awoke to another cold morning, winter having finally settled on England. A double-decker bus tour was the order of the day. The contingent is made up of many young Service people and, for many of them, Operation Union Jack is their first trip overseas. The bus tour was a chance for them to get some fresh air and take in the many sights around this famous city. Buckingham Palace, St Peter’s Cathedral, Fleet St, the Tower of London and the street where Madonna lives, were all on the agenda. Our first day in London came to a close with a Powhiri at New Zealand House, where we the New Zealand Defence Force and in particular our Maori Culture group were welcomed to London by Ngati Ranana. The haka were resounding and the melody sweet – the perfect way to start our London journey.
Monday November 6th
After travelling over land and sea we have finally arrived in London! The trip was long, but worthwhile. The flight from Bahrain took us over Crete, the place where the oldest veteran of the contingent served 65 years ago. Closer to our destination Dave Dobbyn went to the front of the plane with his guitar and sung 'Loyal'. The line ‘history’s here and now’ never rung so true. The remains of a grey, cloudy day greeted us at Brize Norton, an RAF Station just out of London, where we gathered up our luggage before making our way to what will be our homes for the next few days.
Sunday November 5th
Go the All Blacks! The contingent was all a buzz this morning with news the ABs started their tour on a high note. Speaking of high notes, some of the group ended up on stage and in front of the microphone at the hotel in Penang! The veterans showed off a few of their moves on the dance floor after trying out some of the local cuisine just a few metres down the road from the hotel.
We have now arrived in Bahrain – and our body clocks have taken a bit of a hammering - this is our third time zone in as many days. A lot of us in the contingent have never been to Bahrain, so the plan is to relax for a while, as the heat of the midday sun is to hot to handle, and then go exploring.
Saturday November 4th
Tonight, for the first time, the entire contingent got together. Sitting around a few tables at the Palmerston North RSA provided a great opportunity for the serving personnel to talk with the 32 veterans travelling to London with us.
The Maori Cultural Group performed an impromptu waiata, which was followed by a song from Dave Dobbyn, who is travelling as part of the official contingent.
Before singing ‘Welcome Home’ Dave told the group that his feelings were deep and that for him this is a special trip to pay tribute to those who have served in the past – and also to those who still do. It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the contingent. This is a once in a lifetime journey – everyone is looking forward to getting on the two planes tomorrow bound for the United Kingdom. It’s going to be a very special trip.