27 July 2007
The New Zealand Army’s longest serving regular infantry battalion will mark 50 years of service on Saturday 4 August at Linton Military Camp.
Since 1957 around 10,000 New Zealanders have served their country in the 1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Battalion (1RNZIR). During that time 1RNZIR has served in diverse environments such as Malaya, Borneo, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Somalia, the Middle East, Bosnia and Timor-Leste.
The Linton-based battalion currently has soldiers serving in Afghanistan, Sinai and Lebanon.
1RNZIR’s predecessor battalion was formed in 1957 at the height of the Malayan Emergency. It was immediately sent to Malaya and remained in South East Asia, based mainly in Malaya/Malaysia and Singapore, until it returned to New Zealand in 1989.
Since then it has been based at Wellington Lines, Linton Military Camp.
The unit has a rich history. Since its inception numerous bravery awards have been awarded to its members including the Military Cross (M.C) nine times. Several other members have received official honours.
Two of its members, Lt Gen (Rtd) Sir John Mace, and current Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, have gone on to lead the NZDF. Among its historical milestones members of 1RNZIR began the New Zealand Army marae, originally based in Terendak, Malaysia, and now based at Waiouru Army Camp.
Around 1500 past and present members of 1RNZIR will gather at Linton Military Camp on the weekend of August 4/5 to mark the anniversary (event schedule below).
ENDS
Media are invited to attend the reunion at Linton Military Camp on August 4.
A mix of stories will be on offer.
Past and present soldiers will be available for interviews, as will te reo speakers for Maori media.
Those wanting to attend need to register their interest with Dave Courtney, Army Public Relations, (04) 496 0296 or (021) 487 980.
On the day a short briefing will be available to media on the history of the unit.
The day’s events consist of:
1000 Powhiri
1030 Capability demonstration. A mock battle, involving soldiers, LAV and helicopters, will be used to demonstrate 1RNZIR’s current capabilities.
1030 – 1400 Open day
1645 Ceremonial Beat The Retreat and parade for all past and present members.
For further information on the history of 1RNZIR please visit the New Zealand Army website www.army.mil.nz.